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Manmohan got a big hug from Obama Details on page 6

US trade mission eyes $1 trillion infra projects

VOL 17, No. 916

April 6, 2012

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Periodical Postage

BRICS NATIONS TO REPLACE $ TRADE

Assemblyman Chivukula to run for US Congress Details on page 7

NY Consulate to outsource passport services Details on page 10

Details on page 6

South Asian New Yorkers feel like IInd class citizens

Gupta's phone call can be played in trial

Details on page 35

Details on page 8

No hike in H-1B visa fee for next year, says US Details on page 35 Sachin Kukke with Ambassador Nirupama Rao

YouTube Space Lab India winner meets Rao Details on page 7

Science & spirituality tour in 10 US cities Details on page 9

UNITED WE STAND: Heads of the BRICS countries (L to R) President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil, Russian President Dimitry Medvedev, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chinese President Hu Jintao and President Jacob Zuma of South Africa pose prior to the BRICS summit in New Delhi on March 29

NEW DELHI: Taking note of uncertainty in global political and economic situation, India, China, Russia, Brazil and South Africa on March 29 took the first step towards mutual trade in local currency and voiced strong opposition to any military action or rhetoric with regard to Syria and Iran. At their Summit meeting here, Indian Prime Minister

survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

BRICS mutual trade won’t affect US? Last week’s result

Dharun Ravi case: Is it bias against South Asians? YES 76%

NO 24%

Details on page 5

Details on page 7

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25 Classifieds ------------------------- 47

Indian IT industry created 107,000 US jobs India Post News Service

INDIA POST SURVEY

Manmohan Singh, Chinese President Hu Jintao, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and South African President Jacob Zuma pitched for close coordination among the five leading economies to meet the challenges being witnessed in the global scenario.

US launches delegation to DEFEXPO India

dia, was released March 22, in the presence of Ambassador Nirupama Rao and Som Mittal, President, NASSCOM. Jobs created in the US While the overall unemployment in the US has been growing, the report states that the direct workforce employed in the US by the Indian IT sector has almost doubled in the last five years to 107,000 and estimates that industry supports more than 280,000 jobs in the US, growing even in a weak economic environment. Most of these indirect jobs span across various sectors and at every level in the US economy. Details on page 19

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Community Post -------------- 10-18 Date Book -------------------------- 46 Edit Page --------------------------- 49 HealthScience Post --------- 40-43 Horoscope ------------------------- 39 Immigration Post ------------- 35-38 India ------------------------------ 44-45 Life Style ----------------------- 26-27 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 22-23 TechBiz Post ------------------- 19-21 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-32

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April 6, 2012

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April 6, 2012

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found this old blog post on a website called Blackinformat.com, in which the author writes of Black Americans whining about race relations in this country. He concludes by saying: The truth is: good news as it relates to race relations is BORING! Living in the times that we do, I am not sure if it would be politically correct for me to agree or disagree with him. But honestly, I do not know what to understand of American society anymore. Sometimes it feels like we have come ages ahead since the days of segregation and discrimination; and sometimes it feels like we haven't moved a day beyond the 1950s. It appalls me to think that in contemporary American society with all the education, awareness, opportunities, television, internet, connectivity, role models, celebrities, and a generally expanding world view, we are still debating race relations in this country. It's not just against the Blacks, but hate related crimes are increasing exponentially against Hispanics, Jews, Asians, Arabs, Sikhs, LGBT community, women and even juveniles. Just check out these headlines as recently as last month: "Trayvon Martin's shooting death strengthens hate crime debate"; "Dharun Ravi spycam case sparks fierce hate crime debate"; "Savage killing of Iraqi woman, a mother of five, sparks hate crime debate"; "Baltimore transgender woman's beating raises hate crime debate". It seems to be a never ending debate because if we have made any progress at all in this regard, it is by adding to the roster of victim groups. Jewish synagogues are routines fire bombed or defaced and of late, so are Hindu and Sikh temples. Profiling, stereotyping, violent crime against minority and socially vulnerable groups is more prevalent today than ever before. The whole country today is in a tizzy over the shooting death of an African American Florida teen Trayvon Martin by a self-appointed Caucasian neighborhood watcher. In the raucous rants and debates I see on television and newspaper headlines about this case, I haven't felt even once that this could be the one unifying incident that will bring society together. No, we are still debating…

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Turned off After making a successful career out of comedy films, Riteish Deshmukh says he does not like watching comic capers.

Cover Story: BRICS Summit India, China, Russia, Brazil and South Africa on March 29 took the first step towards mutual trade in local currency.

Community: Passport services The Indian Consulate in New York will be outsourcing its passport services to VFS Global, beginning April 16.

India: Village development Indian minister says the Government spends a stupendous Rs 90,000 crores for development of villages.

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Life Style: Shabana honored Shabana Azmi is honored by the New York Governor's Office for Motion Picture and Television Development.

Techbiz: Indian IT The Indian IT industry employs 107,000 people in the United States and has paid more than $15 billion in taxes.

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Travel: Kodaikanal Tucked away among the Palani Hills in Tamilnadu, and jealously guarded like a prized jewel by the forests, is Kodaikanal.

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BRICS nations to replace $ trade NEW DELHI: Taking note of uncertainty in global political and economic situation, India, China, Russia, Brazil and South Africa on March 29 took the first step towards mutual trade in local currency and voiced strong opposition to any military action or rhetoric with regard to Syria and Iran. At their Summit meeting here, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chinese President Hu Jintao, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Brazilian President

tries' Exim/Development Banks. The agreements mark the initial steps for intra-BRICS trade in local currency. The two agreements are being perceived as a step towards replacing the dollar as the main unit of trade between them. Such intra-BRICS initiatives, according to officials, will not only contribute to enhanced trade and investments among the nations but would also facilitate economic growth in difficult eco-

After the Summit during which the BRICS Action Plan was unveiled, Singh said the leaders discussed the turmoil in West Asia and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;agreed to work together for a peaceful resolution of the crisis Dilma Rousseff and South African President Jacob Zuma pitched for close coordination among the five leading economies to meet the challenges being witnessed in the global scenario. After the Brazil-Russia-IndiaChina-South Africa (BRICS) Summit, an agreement was signed under which credits would be extended in local currencies under the BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism. Another pact signed was the Multilateral Letter of Credit Confirmation Facility Agreement between BRICS coun-

nomic times. Singh said the agreements would boost trade among the BRICS countries. At the same time, he pressed for easing of business visas to facilitate increase in intra-grouping trade and investment. A suggestion was made to set up a BRICS Development Bank, the Prime Minister said, adding the leaders directed finance ministers to examine the proposal and report back at the next Summit. Summing up the sense of the meeting, Singh said all the five

countries were affected by the global economic slowdown, volatility in food and energy prices, political uncertainty in West Asia and the rise of terrorism and extremism. After the Summit during which the BRICS Action Plan was unveiled, Singh said the leaders discussed the turmoil in West Asia and "agreed to work together for a peaceful resolution of the crisis. We must avoid political disruptions that create volatilities in global energy markets and affect trade flows." Noting that the global situation today presented "a mixed picture", the Prime Minister said that emerging market economies were growing at a healthy pace and increasing their share in global trade and output. Talking about the challenges in the shape of global economic crisis, political uncertainty in West Asia and rise in terrorism and extremism, he said, "Our responses to these challenges may be different, but there is much common interest that binds us together." Singh underlined the need for BRICS countries, which have 25 per cent share in the world GDP, to work together to address deficiencies in global governance. "Institutions of global political and economic governance created more than six decades ago have not kept pace with the changing world. While some progress has been made in inter-

Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Textiles, Anand Sharma joins hands with Minister of Economic Development of Russian Federation, E. Nabiullina (2nd L), Minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade of Brazil Fernando Pimentel (L), Minister of Commerce of China, Chen Deming (2nd R) and Minister for Trade and Industry, South Africa, Rob Davies (R) during BRICS Business Forum 2012 in New Delhi

national financial institutions, there is lack of movement on the political side," he said. BRICS should speak with one voice on important issues such as the reform of the UN Security Council, he said. India, Brazil and South Africa

rights. "Global interests would best be served by dealing with the crisis through peaceful means that encourage broad national dialogues that reflect legitimate aspirations of all sections," the declaration said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh speaks during plenary session of the 4th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on March 29

are aspirants for permanent membership of the UNSC. While Russia categorically has expressed its support for India's bid, China is yet to come out with clear support, only saying that it backs its aspiration to play a greater role in the UN. The Chinese President said the world was going through major development changes with regional and international "hotspot" issues affecting world peace and the economic situation being unstable. A Joint Delhi Declaration said the meeting took place "against the backdrop of developments and changes of contemporary global and regional importance" and, in that regard cited the examples of "faltering global recovery made complex by the situation in the Eurozone" and "developing political scenario in the Middle East and North Africa that we view with increasing concern". Expressing deep concern over the situation in Syria, the leaders called for an immediate end to all violence and violations of human

The Russian President underlined that there should be no foreign intervention in Syrian affairs and the perception that the issue could be addressed militarily only is "doomed to fail". Brazil's President Rouseff also opposed any unilateral military action against Syria. On Iran, the BRICS leaders voiced concern over the situation emerging around its nuclear program and said it cannot be allowed to "escalate into conflict" as it could have "disastrous consequences" which will be in no one's interest. "We recognize Iran's right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy consistent with its international obligations, and support resolution of issues involved through political and diplomatic means and dialogue between parties concerned," it said. In an apparent reference to the US which has been threatening military action against Iran, Rouseff stressed the need for giving up "rhetoric" that could lead to violence. -PTI

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US trade mission eyes $1 trillion infrastructure projects India Post News Service

NEW YORK: US Commerce Secretary John Bryson is on a five-day trade mission in India focusing on opportunities for US companies to partner with Indian firms on its $1 trillion infrastructure development projects over the next five years. Secretary Bryson, joined by representatives from 16 US companies, is on his first official trade mission to India March 26-30, to promote partnerships between the

and tourism from India, and total spending by Indians traveling to the U.S. was nearly $4.6 billion, up 15 percent from 2010. Sec. Bryson met with his Indian counterpart, Minister of Commerce Anand Sharma, and later with Minister of Urban Development Kamal Nath to advocate US export opportunities in India's rapidly expanding infrastructure sector and promote investment opportunities in America - both key priorities of the Obama Administration.

Union Minister of Commerce, Industry & Textiles Anand Sharma shakes hands with US Secretary of Commerce John Bryson during a bilateral meeting in New Delhi

US and Indian businesses during meetings with several Indian government officials and industry representatives in New Delhi. "It's clear that if American and Indian businesses work together, we can build India's infrastructure in a way that brings inclusive growth, greater prosperity, and job creation in both countries," Bryson said. "US companies stand ready to help meet India's infrastructure development objectives, provided our firms have market access for both goods and services." India, one of the world's fastest-growing economies, is a priority market under the SelectUSA initiative, the first coordinated federal effort to promote and facilitate business investment in the US. In 2010, the total stock of investment directly from India in the US was $3.3 billion, and when Indian investment that transferred through other countries is included, the total stock jumps to $7.1 billion. In addition, the mission will promote a new national tourism strategy focused on creating American jobs by becoming even more welcoming to visitors from around the world. In 2011, the US had a $2.2 billion surplus in travel

During the meeting with Minister Sharma, the two leaders noted with satisfaction that bilateral trade in goods and services now exceeds $100 billion, making US the largest trading partner for India, and India one of the fastest growing markets for the United States. They welcomed the launch of a $2 billion Infrastructure Debt

The GEMS initiative embraces the notion that export-driven growth will result from small and mediumsized enterprises working with their counterparts in fastgrowing "next-tier" cities in emerging markets like India Fund in India in March 2012, with the participation of Indian and US financial institutions. Minister Sharma and Secretary Bryson commended the contribu-

tion of the bilateral institutional mechanisms, especially the IndiaUS Commercial Dialogue, in the admirable growth in bilateral economic ties in recent years. They attached particular importance to the opportunity that the Commercial Dialogue and other bilateral mechanisms provide for exchange of views with the private sector. In his remarks at a breakfast sponsored by the American Chamber of Commerce and USIndia Business Council, Sec. Bryson reaffirmed the US commitment to working with the Indian government to level the playing field for US firms, thereby helping to pave the way for more commercial collaborations. Following the breakfast, Sec. Bryson met with a number of highlevel government officials, including Minister of Power Sushil Kumar Shinde and Minister of Civil Aviation Ajit Singh. During the meetings, Bryson highlighted US industry's interest in participating in India's infrastructure development and spotlighted investment opportunities in Growth in Emerging Metropolitan Sectors (GEMS) cities involved in the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project. GEMS Roundtable Bryson and the delegation participated in a GEMS/infrastructure-focused roundtable hosted by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce. The discussion focused on infrastructure procurement and investment opportunities in states and GEMS cities involved in the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project. He said one of his most important goals this week is to gain a better understanding of the full commercial potential of India's many regions. Bryson traveled to the airport on the new Metro Airport Express Line - an example of New Delhi's growing infrastructure sector - to fly to Jaipur, where he will see DMIC projects first hand. The GEMS initiative embraces the notion that export-driven growth will result from small and medium-sized enterprises working with their counterparts in fastgrowing "next-tier" cities in emerging markets like India. The DMIC is a corridor expected to be built between the cities of Mumbai and Delhi with the massive budget of $90 billion. Sec. Bryson met with Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Aluwalia to discuss ways to strengthen the U.S.-India commercial relationship. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 8

Manmohan got a big hug from Obama

US President Barack Obama shakes hands with India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh before the start of the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit working dinner at the Coex Center in Seoul on March 26

SEOUL: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh got a big hug from US President Barack Obama, who greeted him with 'Nice to meet you prime minister', at a dinner here for the world leaders attending the Nuclear Safety Summit. Manmohan Singh also shook hands with his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani. Speaking of the Obama-

Manmohan meeting, an Indian government source said: "There was no pull-aside; there was a pull-in. Obama gave the prime minister a big hug and said 'Nice to meet you prime minister'." Manmohan Singh "did meet and greet the Pakistani prime minister. He did so with a large number of leaders," the source added.

'Nuke security won't hamper right to peaceful use of N-power' SEOUL: Seeking strong national measures and global cooperation against nuclear terrorism, world leaders have underlined the central role of IAEA in strengthening the atomic security framework and insisted that the rights of States to peaceful use of nuclear energy will not be hampered. "We stress the fundamental responsibility of States, consistent with their respective national and international obligations, to maintain effective security of all nuclear materials, which includes nuclear

materials used in nuclear weapons and nuclear facilities under their control," the Seoul Communique said at the end of the two-day Nuclear Security Summit. The communique, adopted by 53 world leaders and five multilateral organizations, also highlighted the fundamental responsibility of the States to prevent non-state actors from acquiring such materials and from obtaining information or technology required to use them for malicious purposes.-PTI

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar at the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul

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Assemblyman Chivukula to run for US Congress SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Assembly Deputy Speaker and tenth-term Assemblyman in New Jersey Legislature Upendra Chivukula (DSomerset/Franklin) has announced his candidacy for the US Congress from New Jersey 7th district. India born Chivukula, the only Indian American representative in the NJ Assembly, geared himself up to knock on "tens of thousands of doors" in an aggressive campaign when he filed his papers March 26, as the Democratic Party's candidate to run against two-term Republican incumbent, Congressman Leonard Lance in the 7th Congressional district. Chivukula, who has been biding his time for the right opportunity to run for Congress, told India Post that he felt the time was right for him to make his Congressional bid as "it is a very good year for Democrats." "It is the year of the Presidential elections and President Obama's ratings in the polls are rising," he said. Chivukula described his potential opponent Rep. Lance as one who was elected as a centrist, but has since been leaning right. The Republican Congressman however faces a primary against a Tea Party businessman David

Larsen, while Chivukula is the only Democratic candidate nominated to run from 7th district. Chivukula said his work over the past decade in the legislature and his initiatives that helped create jobs in the state will stand him in good stead with the voters. He said it would be a privilege for him

Chivukula, who has been biding his time for the right opportunity to run for Congress, told India Post that he felt the time was right for him to make his Congressional bid as ‘it is a very good year for Democrats’ to represent the South Asian community in Congress. Chivukula, who has served in the Assembly for 10 years and previously as mayor (2000-2001), deputy mayor (1998-2000) and councilman (1997 to 2005) of Franklin Township, had been mulling the possibility of a run, after being approached about two weeks ago by Somerset County Chair Peg Schaffer to challenge

Rep. Lance. "I am thrilled that a man with Assemblyman Chivukula's talent, intellect and experience, is willing to run on the Democratic ticket against Leonard Lance. I know Upendra to be one of the smartest people in the Legislature and an exceptional public servant, who has served Somerset County well. He is a technocrat whose expertise is needed in Washington. He will be a formidable adversary in the 7th who could help take back the House seat for Democrats," Schaffer said. An electric engineer by profession, Chivukula chairs the Assembly Telecom and Utilities Committee, is vice chair of the Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee and a member of the Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee. He also serves as Deputy Speaker. One of the few scientists in the 120-member New Jersey Legislature, he has emerged as the Legislature's go-to lawmaker on complex technical issues. His training as an engineer and extensive work experience in utilities and telecom prior to being elected to the General Assembly in 2001, have empowered him with valuable insights and expertise. "It has been my privilege to work collaboratively with stake-

holders on a bipartisan basis to steward legislation that has helped catapult New Jersey to a national leader in clean energy which has generated thousands of clean jobs. I believe my track record as a problem solver, and a scientific and innovative approach, will help me advance po-

He is also the only South Asian lawmaker in the 120member New Jersey Legislature and has been a strong advocate for issues and concerns of Asian-Americans, the state's fastestgrowing group lices that improve our national economy," Chivukula said. "I will do my best to be a worthy representative for the people of New Jersey. With the support of the Democratic Party, I look forward to earning the trust and confidence of constituents in the 7th District in the upcoming months," he added. Measures Chivukula sponsored have helped construct the

state's clean energy infrastructure and incentivize the use and development of renewable sources like wind and solar among industrial, business and residential ratepayers. He has sponsored legislation to fund clean energy technologies, incentivize energy efficiency, and reduce the production of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas which is the main cause of global warming pollution. These include the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the Solar Energy Advancement and Fair Competition Act and the Offshore Wind and Economic Development Act. A longtime resident of Franklin, Chivukula has the distinction of being the first Township resident to be elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in more than 100 years. He is also the only South Asian lawmaker in the 120-member New Jersey Legislature and has been a strong advocate for issues and concerns of Asian-Americans, the state's fastest-growing group which accounts for 8.3 percent of New Jersey's nearly nine million population. If elected, Chivukula will become the first Asian-American representative in the US Congress from New Jersey and the first-ever South Asian federal lawmaker in history.

US launches landmark delegation to DEFEXPO India India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The US-India Business Council (USIBC) launched its 11th landmark Executive Defense Mission to DEFEXPO India 2012 on March 26, signaling the deepened defense and security partnership between the United States and India. The Executive Mission, led by

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is the host and organizer for DEFEXPO 2012 in New Delhi, and is USIBC's partner on the ground. General Kern and Vice Admiral Cosgriff expressed optimism for this growing strategic partnership, and noted the active collaboration across virtually every realm in meeting India's complex and

‘There is a tremendous opportunity for the United States to meet India's defense and homeland security needs - as exhibited by recent big-ticket procurements such as the Boeing C-17 heavy lift transport aircraft, VVIP aircraft for the PM, Lockheed Martin C-130J General Paul J. Kern (Ret.), Senior Counselor, The Cohen Group and Vice Admiral (Ret.) Kevin J. Cosgriff, Senior Vice President, International Business & Government, Textron Systems, brings the largest industry delegation to DEFEXPO 2012, and is comprised of America's premier aerospace and defense companies.

growing defense and internal security needs. "We are here once again to reaffirm our commitment to a long-term partnership with India by offering the best capabilities that are mission-ready and operationally proven, robust industrial partnership, and state-ofthe art technologies offered at the best value when measured over

the lifetime of the product," the mission leaders said. Senior executives representing America's top defense companies, including ATK, BAE Systems Inc, The Boeing Company, The Cohen Group, DuPont, General Dynamics, Harris, Honeywell, ITT Exelis, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Navistar Defense, Northrop Grumman, Oshkosh, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, PwC, Raytheon, Rockwell Collins, SAS, Sikorsky, Telephonics Corporation, Textron Systems, Tyco, and many others, will be present at DEFEXPO 2012. The United States has once again brought the single largest industry delegation to the show. US industry will showcase advanced capabilities geared towards India's land, naval and internal security systems needs. On display will be current offerings such as Textron Systems' ground based smart weapons and Naval Common Unmanned Surface Vessel, BAE Systems' M777 155mm lightweight howitzer, and other best-in-class offerings from US industry, such as armored security and light combat vehicles, tac-

tical communications equipment, integrated weapons systems, thermal imaging technologies, and network munitions systems. "There is a tremendous opportunity for the United States to meet India's defense and homeland security needs - as exhibited by recent big-ticket procurements such as the Boeing C-17 heavy lift transport aircraft, VVIP aircraft for the PM, Lockheed Martin C130J, Textron Sensor Fused Weapon- all of which indicate a high level of trust and cooperation between the United States and India," said USIBC President Ron Somers.

Referring to the trust built between the United States and India, Somers also said, "The US is keen to offer India the best-inclass capabilities in all defense and security dimensions, broadening the areas in which our two governments, militaries, and industries cooperate." Defense sales, which have risen from just over $200 million in 2001, have increased to over $12 billion today. "This remarkable growth in defense sales also translates to thousands of high-skill jobs being created both in India and the United States, making it a win-win for both countries."

YouTube Space Lab India winner meets Ambassador Rao India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Bangalore student Sachin Kukke, winner of the Asia-Pacific region of the YouTube Space Lab 2012, met with Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao in Washington D.C. on March 23.

One of six global winners of this competition, Kukke is a student of mechanical engineering at the BMS College for Engineering in Bangalore (India). He called on Ambassador Rao and shared his experience of conceptualizing and carrying out innovative scientific experiments. Cont’d on page 9

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Gupta's phone call to Rajaratnam can be played in trial: Judge NEW YORK: In a blow to former Goldman Sachs director Rajat Gupta in insider trading case, a US court has rejected his bid and motion to suppress wiretap evidence at his trial and dismiss some criminal counts. In a ruling on various pre-trial motions, US District Judge Jed Rakoff said secretly recorded telephone calls between Gupta and hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam can be played during his trial, scheduled to begin from May 21. 63-year-old Gupta, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, had sought to suppress the wiretap intercepts and the evidence derived from it from being introduced at his criminal trial. Rakoff said the telephone conversations that would be played at Gupta's trial are the same that were used during last year's trial of Rajaratnam, who is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence after being convicted of insider trading charges. Rajaratnam too had challenged the use of wiretaps evidence at his trial but the judge overseeing his case had struck down his bid

to suppress the wiretaps. "Gupta offers no arguments different from the arguments considered in the Rajaratnam case. Gupta argues that insider trading is not an offense as to which wire-

of a crime," Rakoff ruled. . "The simple truth is that, in both this and numerous other cases, insider trading cannot often be detected, let alone successfully prosecuted, without the aid of wire-

In a separate ruling, Rakoff said federal prosecutors should hand over to Gupta's lawyers any material from the notes that the Securities and Exchange Commission took during its investigation Raj Rajaratnam

Rajat Gupta

tapping is authorized. "So long as the Government acts in good faith with respect to informing the Court of the crimes it is investigating and learning of in connection with the wiretaps. the government is free to use evidence obtained from an authorized wiretap in the prosecution

taps," Rakoff added. The judge also denied a bid by Gupta to dismiss or consolidate several criminal counts in the indictment against him. Gupta had sought dismissal of some securities fraud charges in his superseding indictment saying that they were "unconstitu-

US trade mission eyes $1 trillion infrastructure projects Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 6

He also spoke at an infrastructure roundtable discussion sponsored by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). India is planning to invest $1 trillion in infrastructure development over the next five years, and U.S. companies are in a unique position to offer their skills and expertise in partnership with Indian firms. "India has identified critical infrastructure needs," said Bryson. "The companies that are traveling with me are well-equipped to help India meet these needs by providing world-class products and services in project management, engineering services, transportation and energy. We look forward to continuing to build on our strong and balanced trade and investment relationship with India by facilitating and supporting these important infrastructure needs." Sec. Bryson also witnessed the signing of two US Trade and Development Agency grants supporting US business investments in India's energy infrastructure development.

tionally vague", and had asked that some charges in the indictment be consolidated as they were "multiplicitous." Rakoff also ruled that Gupta's lawyers could depose Goldman

The first grant will support a feasibility study for Azure Power, a private sector solar power developer based in India. The second grant will finance a feasibility study for CESC Limited for the implementation of smart grid technologies across their electricity distribution networks in Kolkata, India. FICCI address During his address at a luncheon hosted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI), Sec. Bryson announced that the US Department of Commerce and India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry have taken steps to renew the U.S.-India Commercial Dialogue for an additional two-year term, until March 2014. The Commercial Dialogue is a key component of the bilateral commercial relationship and provides a forum for both the US and Indian governments and private sectors to collaborate on issues of mutual interest, ensuring that the trade relationship is "win-win" for both countries. The agenda has been expanded to cover new areas of engagement on topics such as standards - including smart grids,

intelligent transportation systems - and sustainable manufacturing. "The Commercial Dialogue is a great example of how a publicprivate partnership can play an important role in promoting greater commercial ties between our two countries," said Bryson. "We look forward to increasing our collaboration under the Commercial Dialogue to share information and best practices with India regarding standards and sustainable manufacturing." Earlier in the week, upon arrival on Sunday, Secretary Bryson visited Lodi Gardens, an expansive park in Delhi where both tourists and locals can learn about the history of Delhi. Secretary Bryson also paid his respects at Gandhi Smriti, also known as the Gandhi Remembrance Museum. There he saw exhibits outlining the life and death of Mahatma Ghandi, including the martyr pillar which has been placed on the spot where Ghandi was assassinated. Finally, the Secretary stopped by the Red Fort, a 17th century military establishment that has both beautiful architecture and a fascinating past.

Sachs chief executive Lloyd Blankfein and ask him "any and all" questions concerning his predeposition meetings with attorneys from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the US Attorney's Office (USAO). Blankfein was already expected to be called as a government witness at Gupta's trial. Blankfein's earlier deposition in February had lasted seven hours and Rakoff said Gupta's lawyers can question him again for an additional two hours. During the February deposi-

tion, Blankfein had been asked by Gupta's lawyers if he had met with anyone other than his attorneys in connection with preparing for the deposition. Blankfein had answered that he had met with attorneys from the Securities and Exchange Commission, prosecutors from the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York and an agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Gupta's attorney asked Blankfein what the SEC and USAO attorneys asked him at these meetings and what documents were showed to him, to which the SEC attorneys objected and directed Blankfein not to answer the questions. In a joint telephone conference with the court held on February 28, Gupta moved to compel Blankfein to answer the questions. The Court directed Blankfein to answer any questions that Gupta's lawyers may have about his deposition preparation meetings. In a separate ruling, Rakoff said federal prosecutors should hand over to Gupta's lawyers any material from the notes that the Securities and Exchange Commission took during its investigation of a separate civil fraud case against Gupta that could include evidence which might prove Gupta's innocence.-PTI

Gupta cultivated friendship with Rajaratnam: Prosecutors NEW YORK: US Federal prosecutors have alleged that former Goldman Sachs director Rajat Gupta "furthered" his friendship with Sri Lankan hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam to gain benefit in "tangible and intangible ways". US Attorney Preet Bharara has submitted a 'Bill of Particulars' with US District Judge Jed Rakoff as well as with Gupta's lawyers that details tips Gupta passed on to the one-time billionaire Rajaratnam during 20072009, the period of the insidertrading conspiracy he is charged with. The document also contains details about the additional benefits, direct or indirect, that Gupta is alleged to have accrued from the insider trading scheme. Prosecutors allege that the benefits to Gupta of tipping Rajaratnam included that the

former McKinsey head "furthered his friendship with Rajaratnam" during much of the period of the charged conspiracy. "The benefits, direct and indirect, to Gupta of tipping Rajaratnam (and their known and unknown co-conspirators) included that Gupta cultivated and attempted to cultivate a personal and business relationship with Rajaratnam. Gupta perceived Rajaratnam to be a billionaire and the head of a multi-billionaire dollar highly successful hedge fund with significant connections around the world. "As a result, Gupta anticipated that a strong personal and business relationship with Rajaratnam would benefit Gupta in tangible and intangible ways," the prosecutors said in the bill of particulars.-PTI

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Science & spirituality tour in 10 US cities ‘Veda, Consciousness, The Ramayana, and the Self’ India Post News Service

NEW YORK: A team of leading scientists, artists and business leaders will tour 10 North American cities this spring, delivering a series of cutting-edge presentations entitled "A New Paradigm: Veda, Consciousness, The Ramayana, and the Self". The tour includes visits to San Diego; San Francisco; Vancouver; Fairfield, Iowa; Chicago; Toronto; Montreal; Boston; New York; and Washington, DC. The event will explore the meeting point of science and spirituality by presenting pioneering research that reveals the Veda and the Ramayana as blueprints of our body and the entire universe. Extensive research on these breakthrough discoveries has also documented collective benefits for society, including the potential for creating world peace. The event will feature a video presentation of a 1,000 Vedic

Pandits in Maharishi Vedic City, Iowa, chanting the Veda. The speakers at this event come from diverse backgrounds. Tony Nader, M.D., Ph.D., neuroscientist and researcher, will headline the event as the keynote

The event will explore the meeting point of science and spirituality by presenting pioneering research that reveals the Veda and the Ramayana as blueprints of our body and the universe speaker with his presentation, "Embodying Totality". Dr. Nader received his Ph.D. in the area of Brain and Cognitive Science from

the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and completed post-doctoral work at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Nader's desire to gain a deeper understanding of the human mind and body - of consciousness and physiology - led him to the study of Vedic Science under the guidance of the Vedic sage Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of the worldwide Transcendental Meditation (TM) movement. His discoveries have inspired medical doctors and scientists throughout the world by demonstrating the effectiveness of Vedic sound to heal mind, body and society. John Hagelin, Ph.D., is a worldrenowned Harvard-trained quantum physicist, educator, public policy expert, and leading proponent of peace. Winner of the prestigious Kilby Award, Dr. Hagelin was recognized for his achievements as a scientist in the tradition of Einstein, Jeans, Bohr and

Eddington. He is Chairman of the Physics Department at Maharishi University of Management and will speak on "Consciousness and the Unified Field." Ramani Ayer was the first IndoAmerican CEO of a Fortune 100

Dr. Nader will also offer an ‘Introductory Seminar on the Ramayan in Human Physiology" at each of the locations for those who desire a more in-depth treatment more in-depth treatment of the correlations company. He was Chairman of the Board and CEO of Hartford Financial Services Group for 13 years, retiring in 2009. Ayer will speak

on "Enlightened Leadership and World Peace." Joining these speakers via videoconference will be special guests, Hollywood director, David Lynch, and the Sagar family, of Ramayana (a television series) fame, from Mumbai. David Lynch is acclaimed as one of the most creative minds in film, art, and music today. In addition to the 'New Paradigm' presentations, Dr. Nader will also offer an "Introductory Seminar on the Ramayan in Human Physiology" at each of the locations for those who desire a more in-depth treatment of the correlations between the eternal story of the Ramayana and the structure and function of the human physiology. Oprah Winfrey of the OWN network recently visited the Maharishi Vedic City in Fairfield, Iowa, which was televised on her show 'Oprah's Next Chapter' recently. Winfrey and her crew were the first ones allowed in to film the Vedic Pandits chanting.

HAF protests Angana Chatterji's deposition before US Congress India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Despite protests from across the nation, a controversial professor well-known for her virulently anti-Hindu and antiIndia positions, delivered testimony at a hearing hosted by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC) on March 21. The TLHRC called upon Angana Chatterji to speak at a hearing on the persecution of religious minorities in South Asia an invitation which was met by

Chatterji, who was recently fired from her academic post at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) and also known for her close relationship with Fai, would dampen the impact of the hearings and the reputation of the TLHRC. "Chatterji is not a credible witness due to her connections to organizations that run counter to American foreign interests," said Samir Kalra, Esq., HAF's California based Director and Senior Human Rights Fellow. "The efforts of the TLHRC are too important to risk the

‘Chatterji is not a credible witness due to her connections to organizations that run counter to American foreign interests,’ said Samir Kalra, Esq., HAF's California based Director. ‘The efforts of the TLHRC are too important to risk the credibility of the hearings strong criticism from the Hindu American community. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) contacted congressional co-chairs of TLHRC and its staff members last week detailing what it viewed as clear indications of Dr. Chatterji's personal links to Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, a Kashmiri separatist operating in the United States. Fai was arrested by the FBI and convicted late last year for illegally lobbying on behalf of Pakistan's Inter-Intelligence Services (ISI). HAF leaders were very concerned that the inclusion of

credibility of the hearings. And while we are very disappointed that Chatterji's testimony was heard despite widespread opposition, we will continue to engage the Commission to ensure a balanced perspective at future hearings." Public records indicate that Chatterji was dismissed from her post at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) for lack of professionalism and student complaints. Media reports and FBI transcripts also show clearly that Chatterji enjoyed a close relationship with Fai, was possibly intro-

duced to Fai's high level contacts in the Pakistan's ISI, and spoke at conferences organized by Fai on topics dictated directly by the ISI. The hearing did include discussions on the status of Hindus in Bangladesh as detailed in HAF's 2011 annual Hindu human rights report released earlier this month. Dr. Sachi Dastidar of the State University of New York spoke on the lagging reforms in Bangladesh and the failure of that government to compensate Bangladesh's Hindus for losses suffered due to the now defunct Enemy Property Act. No witness at the hearing spoke of the recent case of Rinkel Kumari, a young Hindu female in Pakistan that was recently kidnapped and forced to convert to Islam, or the other estimated 20-25 Hindu women who suffer similar turmoil every month in Pakistan. This surprising omission came despite a recent letter by Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), a member of TLHRC, to Pakistan's President, Asif Ali Zardari, demanding an intervention to bring Kumari's abductors to justice. "The legacy of the late Congressman Tom Lantos, a Holocaust survivor and human rights champion, is one that promotes awareness of the plight of all persecuted communities," said Jay Kansara, HAF's D.C. based Associate Director. "It is our hope that the Commission will continue its critically important work by

giving a forum to human rights advocates and academics that are untainted and not profoundly

compromised by their association to violent, anti-American agendas as manifested by Pakistan's ISI."

YouTube Space Lab India winner meets Ambassador Rao Cont’d from page 7

At the meeting, Kukke was accompanied by Lee Hunter, head of brand marketing for YouTube, and Claudio Lilienfeld, senior policy manager for Asia Pacific at Google. Warmly congratulating Sachin on his highly commendable achievement, Ambassador Rao remarked that in India - a country engaged in rapid economic development - "students like Sachin symbolize the hopes and the potential of a dynamic, resurgent India and it's young population". She encouraged Kukke to pursue his goals and interests in the specialized area of aerospace engineering and wished him the very best for the years ahead. Kukke's experiment explores transfer of heat in ferrofluid - a special liquid that gets magnetized when subjected to a magnetic field. The study can benefit development of advanced cooling and heat transfer systems. YouTube and Lenovo, in cooperation with Space Adventures, NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) had announced a worldwide chal-

lenge "YouTube Space Lab" in October last year, asking students of 14-18 year age group to design a new scientific experiment that can be performed in outer space. Nearly 40% of the total number of entries from all over the world came from India alone - an indicator of the skills and level of interest in the field of exploration of outer space among the youth in India. The six regional winners, whose names were announced sometime in February, hail from Egypt, India, New Zealand, Spain, and the US. The six regional winning teams were in Washington DC this past week for a series of activities and events to honor their achievements, including a ZEROG Flight, a Lenovo IdeaPad U300s Ultrabook, a special tour and dinner at the Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Museum at Dulles, and an awards ceremony at the Newseum on March 22. Amir Mohamed, an 18-year-old student from Alexandria, Egypt, and two 16-year-olds from Troy, Michigan, Dorothy Chen and Sara Ma, won the final contest.

Desi News Ridgestone Bank forging ahead with many firsts RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

Bill Clinton to speak at Peace Laureates' summit SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: The Chicago World Summit Host Committee has announced that President Bill Clinton will take part in the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Chicago this April 23-25. President Clinton, a long-time champion of human rights initiatives and a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, will keynote the opening night dinner on Monday, April 23 at The Field Museum in Chicago. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Honorary Co-Chair of the 12th World Summit, and Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Co-Chair of the 12th World Summit, will also address the crowd of approximately 700 guests. Details on page 14

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Paul Fisher's innovation in fashion industry Details on page 17

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NY Consulate to outsource passport services Initiates 'Open Day' to assist Indian nationals SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Indian Consulate in New York will be outsourcing its passport services to VFS Global, beginning April 16. At a press briefing on March 28, Consul General of India in New York Ambassador Prabhu Dayal announced to reporters significant new steps being taken in consular services for the benefit of Indian nationals (NRIs) living in the US. Passport services at the other Indian Consulates across the US will be outsourced in stages, Dayal said. VFS Global is a New York City based visa and passport services outsourcing firm, and handles this work in a number countries including India. Indian nationals requiring passport services would be required to submit their passports to VFS Global, which collects and sends them to the Consulate for processing. The processed passports are then collected from the Consulate by VFS Global for delivery to respective applicants. Passports can be submitted to VFS Global by mail or in person. This move was considered necessary mainly due to space con-

Consul General of India in New York, Ambassador Prabhu Dayal

straints at the Consulate premises, Dayal said. The Indian Consulates in the

Travisa expires in September this year and there would be a fresh tendering process for a new con-

Other Indian Consulates in the US as also those across the globe would be introducing their own 'Open Days' in keeping with the Ministry's initiative, Dayal added US have already been outsourcing their visa services through Travisa since September 2007 and their OCI/PIO Card services since February 2011. The contract with

tract as per Government of India guidelines, Dayal informed. Open Day The other major initiative the Consul General announced was,

beginning first week of April the Consulate in New York will have an "Open Day" whereby Indian nationals living here can approach the Consulate for redressing any issues they might have. Dayal said that the Open Day - which will be held every Thursday between 2 and 4 pm - is specifically for the benefit of Non-Resident Indians (Indian passport holders) and not Indian Americans (naturalized American citizens). A designated officer (Vice Consul, Consular Services) will be assigned to man a particular counter on the Open Day, to meet people on a one-on-one basis. The Open Day is primarily the initiative of India's External Affairs Minister, in furtherance of the 'Passport Adalats' that have been introduced in India, Dayal said. "It is part of the Consulate's public relations outreach and endeavor to assist Indian nationals abroad. We hope this step will have the desired effect of encouraging people to come over and talk to us with any issues." Other Indian Consulates in the US as also those across the globe would be introducing their own 'Open Days' in keeping with the Ministry's initiative, Dayal added. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 11

Desi cartoonist Thommy wins Kerala State award

Award winning cartoon "Indian Rupee gets a Symbol" India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Colorado-based Indian-American cartoonist Dr. Thomas A. Kodenkandath known as

"Thommy" has won the Kerala Government's Lalithakala Academy's prize for his cartoon "Indian Rupee gets a Symbol" for the year 2011. He is now the cartoonist for The Indian

Thommy deputed his sister to receive the Award.

Express North American edition. The award was presented on March 26 by Kerala Minister for Culture KC Joseph in absentia in the presence of a large number of

authors, writers and artists. This is the first time that an overseas cartoonist is being honored with the state award by the Academy. Also, his cartoon "Kings of

Dr. Thomas A. Kodenkandath

Piravom" won the third prize in the Janayugam's Cartoon competition on the recently held by-election in Kerala. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 11

April 6, 2012

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Desi cartoonist Thommy wins Kerala State award Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 10

"I am happy especially as this is the first time I am earning this honor from Kerala Government sponsored State awards and exhibition." Thommy who could not be present announced at the function had announced that he would be donating his award cash prize of Rs.5, 000 for the late Missy cartoon theft case. The Kerala Cartoon Academy

the KCA cartoonists in his relentless fight against social evils. The litigation is expected to be sensational like some of its predecessors on cartooning fought in the Kerala High Court. KCA fully appreciates the sentiment expressed by Thommy in this regard, a press release from the Academy said. Thommy is a material science scientist by profession and believes that cartooning keeps him creative in his pursuit of excellence

In 2010 Thommy's poster on "Chemistry is Life & Everything" was one of the winners of the international contest conducted by European Chemical Society (EuCS) has decided to litigate the cartoon theft perpetrated by a Kottayam based publisher, whereby a big collection of the late Missy's public interest cartoons were used by him without knowledge let alone consent of the bereaved family of the late cartoonist. Missy remained till his death an unsung singular institution among

science and technology. He earned his Ph.D. from IIT-Madras and he is the recipient of the UNESCO's Fellowship for Promising Young Scientists and of Imperial College, London, UK. He has authored over 75 scientific publications and hold 12 patents. Thommy is involved in the R&D of renewable energy and

NY Consulate to outsource passport services Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 10

Typically, the Open Day forum would be helpful in addressing passport related issues and more significantly for Indian nationals in distress situations abroad. This facility will encourage Indian nationals to alert the Consulate to any kind of distress situation they might be in (such as run ins with the law enforcement agencies) so that the Consulate can contact the US authorities for necessary action, Dayal explained. Dayal clarified that issues and problems of individuals other than NRIs would be dealt with routinely as they come, but not on the designated Open Day which is only for Indian nationals. Responding to a question asking for comments on a recent 'survey' conducted by the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) among Indian Americans where majority of those surveyed expressed dissatisfaction with services of the Indian Consulates in the US, Ambassador Dayal said he was "dismayed" to read reports about the survey in the Indian media. Doubting the credibility of the survey, Dayal said it was not true that there are no facilities and amenities like water coolers and vending machines at Consulate offices as alleged in the survey report. As for criticism of consular

staff and Travisa's handling of its services, Dayal said, "We are continually in touch with Travisa for encouraging them to be accessible and receptive to needs of Indian Americans. Also, sometimes new staff at the counters might be at fault, but sometimes the members of the public are also at fault." Dayal said that often it was the members of the public who are of-

Dayal said that often it was the members of the public who are offensively rude and sometimes even abusive to the consular staff at the counters fensively rude and sometimes even abusive to the consular staff at the counters. "Fact is we are a public services rendering institution and we are bound to be under flak and criticized. But I can assure you my staff especially those at the counters are not rude." "Our inability to render a particular service does not mean our unwillingness to do it," he added. "If we cannot do something it is because of rules and regulations."

storage technologies. He is a founding member of Kerala Cartoonist Academy (KCA) and a member of Association of American Editorial Cartoonists (AAEC). He has won several awards for cartooning including the Caricature Award of KCA, Rote-Fete Award of Rotary Club International, Kalakrithi Award of Anna University, and Mardi-Gras Prize of IIT-M. In 2003 Kerala Center in New York honored him with their annual award for his "Extraordinary

combination of talents as an Outstanding Scientist and Gifted Cartoonist". In 2008, his cartoon on "Political influence in Science" was one of the winners of competition conducted by Union of Concerned Scientists in the US. In 2010 Thommy's poster on "Chemistry is Life & Everything" was one of the winners of the international contest conducted by European Chemical Society (EuCS) to celebrate the International Year of Chemistry and sponsored by UNESCO.

While at IIT, he met world-renowned cartoonist R.K. Laxman who encouraged Thommy to do both science and cartooning. He has been playing that delicate balance since then. Over 1000 of his cartoons have appeared in several publications and websites all around the world that included The Week, The Onlooker, India-New England (Boston), Malayalam Patram (NY), The Indian Express (NY) and Malayalam News (UAE). His cartoons have also appeared on CNN-TV.

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April 6, 2012

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Ridgestone Bank forging ahead with many firsts RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Ridgestone Bank, a privately held bank founded in 1995, had a change in management with a group of investors headed by banker Bruce Lammers taking it over in 2006. This change at the helm also signaled a big swing in the Bank's fortunes for good as it notched many a first to its credit and also branched out to Schaumburg, a north side Chicago suburb. The bank is ranked number one SBA lender in Illinois and among the largest SBA 7(a) lenders in the United States. It was first in the nation for USDA loans in 2009 and was recognized as a valued partner by the Wisconsin office of the USDA for its commitment to small businesses. In a talk to this paper, Bruce W Lammers, Chairman of the Board and CEO, said that the Bank has been focusing on providing custom tailored solutions for each customer, and given that focus, the customer gets assured of a different approach to banking. "Our solutions won't always be the standard "yes" or "no" that one would normally expect from a bank. With our new approach to banking at Ridgestone as we would strive to show to our customers how we can succeed together through innovative thinking and tailored solutions," he said Besides, being a front ranker in small business and government assisted lending, the Bank also provides retail banking services, including checking, money markets, CDs, Home Equity Loans and other convenience services. "We are committed to supporting our business customers through access to adequate capital, restructuring longterm debt and creative financial solutions. Our experienced team of commercial lending specialists is ready to assist all prospective small and big borrowers," Lammers said The bank had recently funded a SBA term loan to a long-standing Midwest special events company for the amount of $1.75 million. This company was in business for more than 25 years with a solid client base and exceptional industry expertise. This loan helped it become even more successful with an improvement in its cash flow, increase in the amortization of existing debt and infused

Chairman Bruce Lammers (second from left) at the AAHOA regional show with Raj Badri (left), a new loan officer

liquidity into the business by paying down accounts payable, observed Mike Adams, Commercial Loan Officer at the Bank. Relatively speaking Ridgestone Bank did not have a good client base among hotel - motel industry groups. This in a way turned out to be blessing in disguise as hospitality has been one of the worst re-

and had talks with a number of franchise and non franchise hotel motel owners as well as other scores of vendors. Chandrkant Patel, a former AAHOA office bearer, was one of the keynote speakers at the meet and he was guardedly optimistic about the turn in fortune for the hospitality industry in coming years. AAHOA

Ridgestone bank has notched sizeable expansion in its assets and can also claim to have an enviable job creation record. It had less than 20 people working for it half a decade ago and now its staff numbers close to 90! cession hit industries. But things are slowly changing for the better now and the bank has begun entertaining viable investment proposals from this industry. The indication to this effect is provided with the recent entry of Raj Badri, one of the versatile loan officers in the banking field. Raj was with Lammers at the Regional AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) meet that was held in Schaumburg last month. Both went around

has huge membership base running close to 10,000 and Asians and Asian Indians have close to 60 per cent stake in the industry. Many could look forward to Ridgestone bank for helping them out to get over the resources crunch. "We would like to help a unit like the one in Midwest that was recently funded. It had good client base and possessed a good track record. We would be selective but still helpful," said Raj Badri Ridgestone bank has notched sizeable

Bruce W Lammers, Chairman and CEO

expansion in its assets and can also claim to have an enviable job creation record. It had less than 20 people working for it half a decade ago and now its staff numbers close to 90! Its presence in Chicagoland is well received and many feel that it is rather a Chicagoland based bank now. The bank offers finance for : Working Capital either as a permanent term loan or a line of credit, Equipment loan for machinery or technology, Real Estate loan purchases, construction or refinancing of commercial, industrial, office, retail and mixeduse properties, Commercial Transportation loan for owner operators or small trucking companies, new or used tractor trailer financing, Business Acquisition accommodation for expansion of existing operations through strategic acquisitions or individuals seeking to become business owners and Government Guaranteed Loans when a business needs longer repayment terms or lower down payments, The Bank has the facility for remote deposit banking. There is no need to drive to the bank anymore. It can scan checks for deposit right at one's desk and have them immediately credited to the accounts.

Air India announces special fares for senior citizens India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Indian national carrier, Air India announced its new "Senior Citizen Companion Fare," which offers two travelers 62+ years of age who fly together a savings of at least $1,300 each off published roundtrip Executive Class fares to Delhi or Mumbai. The special roundtrip fare of $3,423 per person is available from JFK or Newark Airports, and includes all taxes, airport and security fees and fuel surcharges. In addition, the Senior Citizen Companion Fare is available from Chicago's O'Hare Airport to Delhi

at $3,573 per person, inclusive of all taxes and fees. The fare is good for travel

The special roundtrip fare of $3,423 per person is available from JFK or Newark Airports, and includes all taxes, airport and security fees Monday through Thursday in both directions, with departures

from the US through October 15, 2012. Tickets must be purchased by September 30. The minimum stay in India is 21 days and the

maximum stay is six months, and both passengers must travel together on the same outbound and return flights.

For traveling companions whose final destination is beyond Delhi or Mumbai, Air India is also offering special add-on fares to over 50 other major cities throughout India, with one free stopover permitted in Delhi or Mumbai. Senior Citizen Companion Fares are subject to the following "blackout" periods: eastbound from June 1 to August 12, 2012; westbound from August 1 to September 12, 2012 and from December 20, 2012 to January 30, 2013. All of Air India's flights to India from JFK and Newark Airports are non-stop, and operated with spacious Boeing 777's.

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David Pimm honored by Indian community Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: David Pimm, the president and funeral director of Bohemian National Cemetery (BNC) at North Pulaski Road in Chicago, was honored on Sunday March 18 by a group of Indian activists at Swaminarayan Temple in Wheeling for his meritorious service to society at large and the Indian community in particular. Pimm had contributed to getting a digni-

logistics of the funeral and cremation. This has to be done promptly while family is still grieving and under great stress. Certain funeral directors take undue advantage of this emotional state of grief stricken family and charge excessive amount of money to perform the customary cremation services. To prevent such exploitation, ICC members after mentoring and guidance from David Pimm, were successful in negotiat-

ICC members after mentoring and guidance from David Pimm, were successful in negotiating and obtaining prearranged fixed priced for comprehensive cremation package. Besides David Pimm's Bohemian National Cemetery, funeral directors of thirteen other crematoria joined in the project David Pimm doing Arati wih devotees and Indian Cremation Society members

fied professional funeral/cremation service done at a very reasonable price. Elucidating the reason for the reward, Chairman and one of the founding members of Indian Cremation, Dr. Chandrakant Modi, and President Suresh Bodiwala, observed that at the time of the death of a loved one, the grieving family has the stress of choosing a place for cremation as well as dealing with the

ing and obtaining prearranged fixed priced for comprehensive cremation package. Besides David Pimm's Bohemian National Cemetery, funeral directors of thirteen other crematoria located at different geographic locations in Chicago land area also joined in the project. Among these fourteen cremation places, David agreed to charge the total price of

only about $ 1851, which is most economical compared to all other participating cremation places. There is a sizeable amount of saving that can be used in the memory of the deceased person, said Dr C M Modi. Dr. Modi on behalf of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, including Swamiji, and President Rajani Patel honored and awarded the recognition plaque, with a ci-

tation to Davi Pimm. In accepting the award Pimm said that he has a great love and respect for Indian religions. He thanked the Swaminarayan Temple Swamiji, President Rajani Patel and the entire organization of the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir of Wheeling for such an overwhelming tribute. After time-honored prayer and Arti, simple and delicious dinner followed.

Gujarati Samaj celebrates spring festival ASHWIN PATEL

ST LOUIS: The Gujarati Samaj of St. Louis, MO., set up in 1984 with the aim of preserving Gujarati culture in the community, celebrated the Spring Festival with great bonhomie at the Mahatma Gandhi Center on March 24. The program started with light Gujarati food provided by board members and the Youth Club members. More than 400 people attended the celebration. The cultural program started with the singing of American and Indian national anthems. It was followed by a prayer. Rakesh Bhakta, president of Gujarati Samaj, welcomed the gathering. The four-hour program consisted of 25 different items per-

Two artists

Still from play

formed by members, children, juniors and seniors, who dressed up in different costumes pertaining to

spring. They represented the culture of all parts of Gujarat. The program was filled with folk dances,

Gujarati Raas, Bollywood songs, classical songs, Bollywood remix songs, comic skits and drama. The purpose of the program was to encourage large participation, celebrate the spring festival and to provide a platform for Gujaratis to

Members saying goodbye

community. It will host an India kite festival on June 2 at Sport Port Park, Maryland Heights and a picnic on July 21 at McDonald Park. The 2011 Board of Directors are - President: Rakesh Bhakta, Vice President: Sanjay Patel, Secretary:

The four-hour program consisted of 25 different items performed by members, children, juniors and seniors, who dressed up in different costumes pertaining to spring

Gujarati dance during cultural program

mingle with each other and also with those from other ethnic communities. Gujarati Samaj is a leading organization in St. Louis for the Indian

Mahendra R. Patel, Treasurer: Jitendra Prabhu, Members: Manhar Bhakta, Mahendra Z. Patel, Jayesh Desai, Ricky Patel, Tejas Bhakta, Nimesh Bhakta and Jayesh Daya.

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April 6, 2012

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Zakir Hussain returns to Symphony Center

Bill Clinton to speak at Peace Laureates' summit

HARISH RAO

SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: The Symphony Center is presenting a series of outstanding world music concerts that would also bring Indian classical tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain and his Masters of Percussion ensemble to Chicago on Saturday, April 14. Building on the success of his wildly popular performance at Symphony Center in 2010, Hussain has assembled a group of master musicians from around the globe, including tabla and kanjira player Fazal Qureshi, bansuri player Rakesh Chaurasia, ghatam player T.H.V. Umashankar, sarangi player Sabir Khan, Navin Sharma on dholak, doyra player Abbos Kosimov and a performer from the dancing-drumming performance troupe Meitei Pung Cholom. The Masters of Percussion venture is an outgrowth of Hussain's memorable tours with his father, the legendary Ustad Allarakha, and has enjoyed successful tours in the West since 1996.Their traditional repertoire includes melodies and rhythms of North and South Indian drumming in solo and duet settings as well as excursions exploring the frontier between traditional and con-

temporary, folk and classical styles. Zakir Hussain is today appreciated both in the field of percussion and as an international phenomenon. His contribution to world music has been unique, with many historic collaborations and recordings and performances with artists as diverse as George Harrison, Yo-

The Masters of Percussion venture is an outgrowth of Hussain's memorable tours with his father, the legendary Ustad Allarakha Yo Ma, Joe Henderson, Van Morrison and the Kodo drummers among many others. Most recently, the National Symphony Orchestra with Christoph Eschenbach commissioned and premiered Hussain's Concerto for Four Soloists at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, which was met with great acclaim.

MKCA to celebrate Easter India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Malabar Konkani Christian Association of Chicago has scheduled Easter celebration on Holy Saturday, April

7 at 6 pm at Courtland Square, 8909 David's Place, Des Plaines, a north side suburb of Chicago. Fr. Richie Vas SVD will be the main celebrant of Easter Vigil and Holy Mass.

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CHICAGO: The Chicago World ence and webcast around the Summit Host Committee has an- world, providing a rare opportunounced that President Bill nity for audience members to obClinton will take part in the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in The World Summit, Chicago this April 23-25. President Clinton, a themed "Speak Up, long-time champion of Speak Out for Freehuman rights initiatives and a Nobel Peace Prize dom and Rights," nominee, will keynote the will feature moderopening night dinner on Monday, April 23 at The ated discussions Field Museum in Chi- with Nobel Peace cago. Laureates in front of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Honorary Co- a live audience Chair of the 12th World and webcast Summit, and Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Co-Chair around the world of the 12th World Summit, will also address the crowd of approximately 700 serve and engage the world's most guests. notable figures in a discussion on The World Summit, themed global peace and human rights. "Speak Up, Speak Out for Freedom The World Summit of Nobel and Rights," will feature moder- Peace Laureates is internationally ated discussions with Nobel Peace recognized as among the most imLaureates in front of a live audi- portant annual events in the field

of peacemaking, attracting Nobel Peace Laureates and high-profile leaders and organizations from

around the globe. The World Summit is chaired by the former Soviet President and Nobel Peace Laureate Mikhail Gorbachev. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel will serve as the Summit's Honorary Co-Chair.

Hindi-translated ballot in Illinois Primary R RADHAKRISHNAN

CHICAGO: The March 20 Illinois Primary was an important one for the Asian American community as it included a prominent local race featuring Asian Americans, and the first ever Hinditranslated ballot in the city of Chicago and suburban Cook County as required by Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act. As a core part of its pan-Asian mission the Asian American Institute fielded a team of 23 people to monitor polls in South Asiandense precincts including the 50th Ward in Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Des Plaines, Skokie and Morton Grove. AAI found that while some precincts were prepared, several didn't provide the required translated signs and ballots at the start of voting, effectively limiting people's ability to vote. "Because of the early morning monitoring provided by AAI staff and volunteers, the Cook County Clerk's Office was informed and AAI was able to confirm by the evening that sites corrected the issue before polls closed," noted staff attorney Andy Kang. In addition to poll monitoring, AAI also fielded 25 volunteers to

conduct exit polling across 16 precincts in the city and suburbs to gain insight into the Asian American voting population. Over 150 questionnaires were completed by voters, and the data was mined in conjunction with the South Asian American Policy and Research Institute (SAAPRI). The surveys revealed a diverse portrait of the Asian American

date choice were the economy, jobs and candidates who understand and support Asian Americans and South Asian Americans. SAAPRI executive director Ami Gandhi noted, "This initial data reflects that although South Asian Americans are diverse in terms of language and other factors, they are influenced by similar issues when choosing a candidate. Ad-

In addition to poll monitoring, AAI also fielded 25 volunteers to conduct exit polling across 16 precincts in the city and suburbs to gain insight into the Asian American voting population community with over eight different native languages reported including Gujarati, Hindi and Urdu. Almost a quarter of Asian American respondents cited using bilingual assistance at the polls, and even more voters reported needing assistance in a different language or format, clearly indicating the importance of Section 203. Among the issues Asian American voters consistently cited as influencing their candi-

ditional exit polling during the general election will reveal even more insights about local South Asian Americans, and we can all use this information to work towards improvements for our community." AAI will continue to work with the Cook County Clerk's Office and the Chicago Board of Elections making recommendations on how to improve their language assistance services throughout Cook County.

Community Across America

April 6, 2012

India Post 15

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St Louis Bal Vihar celebrates Holi ASHWIN PATEL

ST LOUIS: With a large population of Indians settled here, Holi is celebrated with gaiety and fanfare in the US. More than 300 students and parents of the Center of Indian Cultural Education, Bal Vihar of St. Louis celebrated Holi, the festival of colors, at Mahatma Gandhi Center on Manchester Road in Ballwin, MO on March 10. Holi helps to bring the society together and strengthen the secular fabric of the community. It was a very beautiful sight to watch kids of all ages and parents sprinkling colors on one another. Many people who were visiting the temple could not walk away without stopping to notice the joyful atmosphere out in the very heart of the Hindu temple.

Holi celebrations by adults and young

Cecelia Nadal, President of Gitana Production Inc, a not for the profit arts and education organization of St. Louis, was amazed at the event and its significance and wanted non-Hindus to join such an event also as a day of joy and celebration

of winning over evil without regard to cast creed, color, race and sex. 'Holi' comes from the word 'hola', meaning to offer oblation or prayer to the Almighty as Thanksgiving for good harvest. Holi is celebrated every year to

remind people that those who love God shall be saved and they who torture the devotee of God shall be reduced to ashes a la the mythical character Holika. Center of Indian Cultural Education, Bal Vihar of St. Louis, a premier educational institution of

MO, fosters Asian Indian cultural values in children. Founded in 1992, this organization is preparing the future citizens, achievers of America to understand and apply Asian Indian culture, its heritage and values for the best in the community.

Dr. Rohatgi honored with TMS Fellowship India Post News Service

ORLANDO, FL: The Minerals Materials and Metals Society (TMS) has named Pradeep Rohatgi, a Distinguished Professor of materials engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), a Fellow of their organization. He was one of the four fellows named by TMS in 2012. This award is given annually to only a few individuals, and is the

contributions to education, technology development, institution building, and materials policy. Rohatgi is internationally recognized as a world leader on solidification synthesis of metal matrix composites, and promotion of advanced materials research. He has made fundamental contributions on the interaction between solidifying interfaced and particles, nucleation and growth, and micro segregation in solidifying alloys in the presence of reinforce-

Dr. Pradeep Rohatgi

He is currently a University of Wisconsin as well as the State of Wisconsin Distinguished Professor in the Materials Department of the College of Engineering & Applied Science at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM)

highest honor conferred by TMS. TMS awards this fellowship to no more than 100 living fellows at any time, and to those who "attain the highest professional distinction through career achievement in the practice of metallurgy and materials science." Rohatgi received this award for his internationally recognized leadership in research on the solidification processing of metal matrix composites, and his outstanding

ments; He also established the mechanisms of solid lubrication by incorporating solid lubricant particles, leading to self lubricating metal matrix composites. In addition, he demonstrated the superior strength and wear characteristics of Al-SiC composites and developed theories for solidification structure formation in these alloys. He followed this basic research with synthesis of several new metal matrix composites,

conducting technology and product development that resulted in widespread use of these composites in the transportation sector, electromechanical machinery, and thermal management applications. He is currently a University of Wisconsin as well as the State of Wisconsin Distinguished Professor in the Materials Department of the College of Engineering & Applied Science at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). He also serves as the founding Director of the UWM Center for Composites, and the new Center for Advanced Materials Manufacture. He has also served as Ford/ Briggs and Stratton Professor at UW-Milwaukee. Through his exemplary leadership he has made a significant impact on his profession and the larger society. Dr. Rohatgi received his bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering in 1961 from Banaras Hindu University and received the degree of Doctor of Science in Metallurgy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1964. He worked as a research scientist at the Merica Research Lab of the International Nickel Company (1964-68) where he first synthesized metal matrix composites, and then at the Bethlehem Steel Research Laboratory (1969-72). He was a full professor for a period of five years at the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore and visiting faculty at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, prior to joining CSIR, India, where he served as the Founder Director of two stand alone national labora-

Dr. Pradeep Rohatgi receiving the TMS Fellowship Award from Professor Gary Warren (TMS 2011 President, University of Alabama) at the TMS conference in Orlando Florida, on March 13.

tories; the National Institute of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (Trivandrum) and the Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (Bhopal). He has served on numerous committees of government

of India and the US Government and promotes collaboration between industries and organizations in India and US. He has been a consultant to the World Bank and the United Nations on materials policy.

Community Across America

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April 6, 2012

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Holi celebrated by Bhartiya Seniors JAYANTI OZA

Indian found guilty of supporting Hizballah India Post News Service

Senior members performing Holi dance.

CHICAGO: Over 300 members of Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago celebrated Holi and Members' birthdays at Shrinathji Temple in Addison, a north side suburb of Chicago, on March 19. The program started with chanting of prayer which was followed by observance of two minutes silence in memory of a Senior member who passed away in India.

Dr. Hemaliben Shah gave information about the organization. Popular Singer Shaila Khedkar sang Bollywood songs and Gujarati Garbas

Manshukhbhsi Patel, a founder member of BSC and Haribhai Patel, President BSC, welcomed invited guests and event's president Dr. Hamaliben Shah who happens to be the President of Home Health Care Services. Chairperson of BSC's Batukbhai Shukla welcomed Praful Rami, President of Trinity Insurance Group. Dr. Hemaliben Shah gave information about the organization. Popular Singer Shaila Khedkar sang Bollywood songs and Gujarati Garbas. Senior members performed Holi Garba dance. Dr. Pratimaben Shah and Committee members worked hard to put this program together. Senior members whose birthday fell in March were presented with flowers by Bhailal Patel. Delicious dinner was served at the end of the program.

NEW YORK: Patrick Nayyar, a citizen of India who had been residing illegally in the United States, was found guilty March 28 in Manhattan federal court of five counts of attempting to provide material support to Hizballah, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Nayyar, 48, a used car dealer in Queens, New York, was convicted after a seven-day jury trial before US District Judge Robert W. Sweet. According to the superseding indictment filed in Manhattan federal court and the evidence presented at trial, between July 2009 and September 2009, Nayyar and his co-conspirator, Conrad Stanisclaus Mulholland, agreed to provide weapons, ammunition, and vehicles to Hizballah, a US designated foreign terrorist organization based in Lebanon. During a series of meetings with a confidential informant working with the FBI, who represented himself as able to deliver materials to Hizballah, Nayyar and Mulholland agreed to sell guns, ammunition, vehicles, bulletproof vests, and night vision goggles to the confidential informant. During these meetings, Nayyar and Mulholland provided the confidential informant with a handgun, a box of ammunition, and a pick-up truck, believing that he would deliver the items to Hizballah in Lebanon. Nayyar was charged in the Southern District of New York in October 2009, following his arrest

in the Eastern District of New York at his residence in Queens, in September 2009 on a separate charge. Each of the counts he has been convicted on, Nayyar faces maximum sentence of 5 to 20 years, totaling a maximum sentence of 75 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Sweet on September 25.

During a series of meetings with a confidential informant working with the FBI, who represented himself as able to deliver materials to Hizballah, Nayyar and Mulholland agreed to sell guns, ammunition, vehicles, bulletproof vests, and night vision goggles Mulholland, 45, who is not a citizen of the US, resides abroad, having left the US before charges were filed and remains at large. The charges against Mulholland are pending. Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, who announced the conviction, praised the investigative work of the FBI and the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force.

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April 6, 2012

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Paul Fisher's innovation in fashion industry NEELAM SAHOTA

Paul Fisher with aspiring young models

LOS ANGELES: Paul Fisher is the star of the hit CW show Remodeled, which gives viewers an inside look at the perils of the modeling industry. This agent extraordinaire has represented superstars like Naomi Campbell, Carla Bruni, Kimora Lee Simmons and Carrie Otis, just to name a few. After years of having a front row seat to the cutthroat world of glitz and glamour, Paul was left jaded by the ravages of the industry. A

long hiatus was the remedy, and now Paul Fisher is back with an unwavering commitment to health and wellness, which is part and parcel of his metamorphosis from a notorious agent to a humbled ambassador of change. Under the auspices of a new company, The Network, Paul has started a ground-breaking movement to empower small agencies and the models who sustain them. Remodeled follows Paul on a

Paul Fisher in his Los Angeles office

weekly mission to find the next big star whilst resuscitating downand-out agencies across America. By tapping his treasure trove of resources, Paul shares both unconventional wisdom and tried and tested ways to maximize profits in the global market. His holistic approach offers bust agencies a comprehensive "how-to" manual on becoming a booming international company. It's a piecemeal process that has become Paul Fisher's signature recipe for success. Paul is leveraging The Network's success to usher in an

Using Remodeled as a platform to expedite the process, Paul has shifted the focus from skinny to healthy so that models will spend less time being consumed by this dog-eat-dog industry and more time being role models. Super agent Paul is empowering young models through his healthy living mantra

The Stars of Remodeled: Joseph, Paul and Olga

era wherein the health and wellness of our youth has primacy over profits. It's no secret that aspiring young models face a daily onslaught of criticism and rejection, which has serious implications for fashion insiders and outsiders. Paul Fisher understands how this relentless scrutiny adversely affects not only the models but also the young kids who

look to them for their fashion and lifestyle cues. In response, Paul offers healthy living as the perfect antidote. Using Remodeled as a platform to expedite the process, Paul has shifted the focus from skinny to healthy so that models will spend less time being consumed by this dog-eat-dog industry and more time being role models. Super agent Paul is empowering young models through his healthy living

to their respective communities. As this is Paul's road map to longlasting success, he relentlessly imparts a message of "giving back till it hurts!" Paul Fisher is now at the helm of the largest community of modeling agencies in the world. Thanks to the success of The Network, his vision of total transformation is coming to fruition one agency at a time. It's quite a feat on the proverbial "road less trav-

Paul Fisher in Remodeled on The CW

mantra, which is the cornerstone of his bustling website, The Network Talent Community. This online community provides a myriad of resources to help up-and-coming models navigate the often treacherous terrain of the fashion industry. With all kinds of health and wellness experts at their fingertips, models can make a smooth transition. Education is equally integral to self-empowerment in Paul's books, so models are required to stay in school. They are also expected to practice gratitude by giving back

eled," but there's no room for complacency for a man on a mission, forging ahead to the beat of his own drum. With an eye on expansion and a palate for chickpea curry, this trailblazer has his sights set on India, looking not only to have Network agencies in epicenters like Mumbai and Delhi but also to discover the next Indian supermodel. And judging from the trajectory of Paul Fisher's extraordinary career, he'll be beaming himself to the "land of a billion opportunities" in no time!

18 India Post

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April 6, 2012

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Tony Mendoza honors Woman of the Year India Post News Service

SACRAMENTO: Assemblymember Tony Mendoza (DArtesia) celebrated the accomplishments of Aparna Hande, the 56th Assembly District Woman of the Year, in a ceremony held on the floor of the California State Assembly. Aparna Hande was chosen due to her strong ties with the IndoAmerican community and her commitment to the promotion of health and wellness through nursing. As a Registered Nurse, Hande came from an underserved community to receive her Master's Degree in Health Care Administration and worked in nursing management. She was awarded the National Association of Indian

Nurses of America's Nurse Excellence of the Year Award in 2008. She is also the Co-Founder of the Indian Nurses Association of Southern California, the CoFounder of the Indo-American Universal Senior Association and the Co- Founder of the IndoAmerican Optimist Club. She worked with abused Indian women and is President of the Federation of Indo-American Associations of Southern California. "I am proud to honor such an accomplished woman," Assemblymember Mendoza said. "Her work is an inspiration to me and she is a role model for all women in the 56th Assembly District and throughout the state. Our community is blessed to have someone like Aparna Hande serving it."

Asm Tony Mendoza escorts Woman of the Year Aparna Hande to the front of the Assembly Chambers.

The ceremony honored Hande, along with 79 other women from the remainder of the state's Assembly districts.

Assemblymember Mendoza, a public school teacher, serves the communities of Artesia, Buena Park, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens,

Supreme Court can end discrimination in admissions

ndian American students (as well as other Asian students) have been sys-tematically discriminated by top universities in admissions. It is much harder for them to get admission in top schools in spite of their better academic preparation and performance. But there is good news: The Supreme Court is going to hear the case of Fisher vs University of Texas. It is challenging racial preferences used in university admissions. In effect, the Supreme Court will decide in a few months whether to continue the current racial preference to some minorities (which has proven most disadvantageous to Indian/ Asian American students) or to stop racial preferences in univer-

sity admissions and adopt a raceneutral merit-based college admission policy. National Asian American Education Foundation (NAAEF), a nonprofit 501-C-3 organization, (trade name 80-20 EF) has decided to file an Amicus Curie (friend of the court) letter with the Supreme Court in this case. We advocate "a race-neutral and merit-based" college admission policy. By merit-based we mean based on the academic achievement and the evaluated future potential of the applicant. To make our case strong, we have started a survey that asks not only Indian/South Asian but all Asian American students, parents and professionals:

Do you support National Asian American Education Foundation's race-neutral and merit-based college admission policy? Please vote 'for' or 'against' our position at this Survey site: http:/ /admin.80-20nj.info/cgi/80/e?l=8/ 11e/f&w=no We have already gotten more than 45,000 votes, with a ratio of 31 to 1 in favor of a "race-neutral and merit-based college admission policy." So we have a very strong case to present to the Supreme Court. Officially, all Asian Americans are treated as one ethnic group in all US government branches. All laws and court decisions (for example regarding college admissions, equal opportunity and justice) apply equally to all Asian

Americans. Asian Americans include ALL people who (or their ancestors) migrated to US from any of the Asian countries and became naturalized citizens (or US born citizens of Asian parents). They include: South Asians: from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Afghanistan. East Asians: from China, Japan, Korea South-east Asians: from Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia Central Asians: from Mongolia and Pacific Islanders: from Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan Thus, all Asian Americans will equally benefit (or be hurt) by the Supreme Court decision. South Asian community being the largest compo-

Negligence and wrong treatment in Odisha hospital

am a professor at California State University, Long Beach. I would like to draw your attention to the death of 18year old Nishant Patnaik at Kalinga Hospital, a so-called super-specialty hospital in Bhubaneswar, capital of Odisha, India, on February 25 early morning. Nishant met a minor accident at 8.30am on Feb 21 and reached Kalinga hospital around 10.30 am by the ambulance of the Kar clinic which conducted an X-ray first. A Doppler test was conducted in Kalinga hospital and a blood clot in the left calf muscle was spotted. The family requested Dr. Chandra Bhanu Parija, the doctor in charge, to perform the surgery within six hours as suggested by the physician at the Kar clinic. However, the doctor assured the family not

to worry as there was no injury to major body parts. The boy was taken to the OT around 4.00pm and was taken out not long after. Dr. Parija told the family that they are very lucky as there was no damage to leg arteries/veins and he had removed the blood clot. Nishant would take normal diet, juice etc. that night. Even after an hour, Nishant did not feel any sensations in his left foot and toes. When inquired, the doctor informed them that the brain had not registered the blood flow yet and it would take about 3 to 4 hours for the boy to feel sensations again. That night the boy felt severe pain in his thigh. The doctor was called from his home and operated the boy in the cabin room and removed a lot of blood from his thigh despite request by the family members to take him to

the OT with the fear of infection in a non-sterilized cabin. On March 22, the doctors performed a by-pass surgery in his leg and then on 23rd they amputated the leg below the knee. They assured the family that the boy's life was saved because of the amputation. However, the boy suffered from a serious cardiac arrest on Feb 24 and died early morning of Feb 25. The family filed an FIR against the hospital immediately. For over 25 days, the family did not receive the postmortem report from the government hospital where the postmortem was conducted. Questions on police apathy and the health minister's inaction were raised in the state assembly in mid March. The health minister has now required (from April 1) that hospitals must submit postmortem reports to the police station within 72 hours after performing the postmortem.

The family now hears horrific accounts of negligence from some other families (including Odiyas in the US) who also have lost their family members and relatives in this hospital. This hospital is described by these families as a 'killing hospital,' 'slaughter house' and 'death trap.' Of course, the family will not get Nishant back. However, their goal is to bring awareness among the people of Odisha and even tourists and visitors to Odisha on this issue. Most of the newspapers in Odisha (including Samaj and Sambad) have been covering this case. The Times of India also published the news after interviewing Nishant's family and the hospital authority immediately after Nishant's death. Jyotsna Pattnaik Professor, California State University, Long Beach

Disclaimer :- India Post does not endorse opinions expressed in the letters.

Lakewood, Los Nietos, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, South Whittier and Whittier, which make up the 56th Assembly District.

Readers Write... www.indiapost.com nent of the Asian American population in USA, can help greatly in this cause by doubling the survey count within the next few weeks. Our organization has close to 4000 dues paying members and we are one of the biggest cyber space organizations in USA with more than 600,000 email addresses who get our mass emails every week. As a result we have gotten 45,000 votes on our survey within a couple of weeks. But we are requesting all Asian American organizations to spread the word about the survey through their organizational email lists. This way we can present the united view of ALL Asian American ethnic communities on this issue to the Supreme Court. Our Education Foundation is seeking a law firm to write an amicus curie (friend of the court) letter providing results of our survey (number of those in favor of National Asian American Education Foundation's position i.e. merit based policy vs those against it) and citing independent research to show the bias all Asian Am (including Indian/South Asian) students face in admissions to top universities with the current admission policies. Ved P. Chaudhary, Ph.D. Coordinator, Collective Leadership of (80-20) National Asian American PAC for Equality & Justice; President, Educators' Society for the Heritage of India (ESHI); Former Assistant Commissioner, NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection; Former Member, Board of Trustees, Rutgers the State University, NJ.

Tech News India's N-plants produce 32,000 mn units of power CHENNAI: India has achieved a milestone in nuclear power generation, touching 32,000 million units, a target that nuclear operator Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) had set for this fiscal. "We had our annual target of electricity production, which we have met. We have achieved 32,000 million units. So as a company, we have met our annual target," Shiv Abhilash Bhardwaj, Director (Technical), NPCIL told reporters here.-PTI

TechBiz 19 India Post

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NEW DELHI: The Indian shipyards saw its global market share slump down from 1.23 per cent in 2007 to 0.14 per cent in 2010 due to global economic slowdown and other factors, the government has said. "As per estimates of Shipping Ministry, the share of Indian shipyards in new order for ship-building slumped from a high of 1.23 per cent in 2007 to 0.14 per cent of world order in 2010," Defense Minister A K Antony, in a written reply to Rajya Sabha, said. He said the Shipping Ministry has attributed the main reasons for this slowdown to inability of Indian shipyards to compete with their foreign counterparts due to incidence of taxation and withdrawal of subsidy, besides global economic downturn.-PTI

Akhilesh pushes for promotion of IT sector LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has directed officials concerned to prepare a new policy for promotion of IT and electronic industries in the state. At a review meeting of the IT and electronics department here, Yadav said employment opportunities were ample in these sectors and a new policy in this regard should be made for their promotion. He also directed the department to prepare an IT education policy so that youths can be trained in the sector and jobs provided to them. The Chief Minister also directed the opening of more E-Suvidha centers on public-private partnership (PPP) basis to provide better facilities to common man. -PTI

P has announced the launch of the ENVY 14 Spectre, a premium consumer Ultrabook that commands your attention with its glass body and unique design. The HP ENVY 14 Spectre uses lightweight, scratch-resistant glass on the lid, display, palmrest and HP ImagePad makes this feature an industry first. With new advances in display engineering and chassis design to reduce the bezel thickness, the notebook fits a full 14inch diagonal screen inside a 13.3-inch diagonal body.

April 6, 2012

Indian IT industry created 107,000 US jobs, paid $15 b in taxes India Post News Service

Indian shipyardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; global market share falls

HP Envy 14 Spectre Ultrabook comes to India

NEW YORK: A significant report released recently in the capital shows the Indian IT industry employs 107,000 people in the United States and that it has paid more than $15 billion in taxes to the US Treasury in the last five years. The contribution review report "India's Tech Industry in the US", prepared by the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), a notfor-profit industry association for IT-BPO Sector in India, was released March 22, in the presence of Ambassador Nirupama Rao and Som Mittal, President, NASSCOM. Jobs created in the US While the overall unemployment in the US has been growing, the report states that the direct workforce employed in the US by the Indian IT sector has almost doubled in the last five years to 107,000 and estimates that industry supports more than 280,000 jobs in the US, growing even in a weak economic environment.

Most of these indirect jobs span across various sectors and at every level in the US economy. Leading Indian companies have increased their campus recruitment efforts in the recent years and plan to increase the number of offers made by up to four times in the next two years. These compa-

The Indian technology industry has paid more than USD 15 billion in taxes to the US Treasury in the last five years thereby aiding economic recovery in the US. The Indian technology companies have invested more than USD 5 billion through 128 acquisitions saving and sustaining thousands

While the overall unemployment in the US has been growing, the report states that the direct workforce employed in the US by the Indian IT sector has almost doubled in the last five years to 107,000 and estimates that industry supports more than 280,000 jobs in the US nies have increased their investments in the US local centers by increasing the number of seats by nearly 10 times in the last five years. The total seats are expected to grow by 50 percent in the next five years. California, Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, Michigan and New York account for 50 percent of the direct employment supported by the industry. Contribution to US economy

of jobs in the USA. Growth in acquisitions by the Indian companies in the US increased to 54 percent in FY2010 from 41 percent in FY2009. The industry has also made commitments to the innovation economy of the US by setting up innovation centers to drive next generation technology development. Also, innovative solutions from Indian companies are help-

ing US citizens, viz. reducing cost of public services availed by citizens, improving healthcare systems and introducing new affordable products for daily use. Creating value for American society The Indian IT industry has made significant investments to develop deep roots in the American society by making valuable contributions by partnering with local communities. It is estimated that Industry has invested thousands of hours in community service that have touched half-a-million American lives. Most of these efforts have been to strengthen the local healthcare, employability of the locals by building capacities, garnering support for the local causes and working towards the betterment of the less privileged segment. The companies remain committed to play role of good corporate citizens in the future, targeting to touch more than 10 times more lives through these sustained efforts. These efforts have been across the spectrum of US society. ContĂd on page 20

Remittance Transfer Rule: A personal perspective NICK RATHOD

s a child of South Asian immigrants, I recall my parents frequently sending money back to our family and friends in India. Because so much depended on its receipt, my parents were uneasy about the transaction until they knew the money was in the right hands. Their unease was not unwarranted. My parents had no control over how the money got there. When my parents used a service to send money, they never fully understood the process, were charged numerous, unexplained fees, and felt powerless if any errors were made. At times they resorted to sending cash by mail, an option that was not especially secure. Unfortunately, other immi-

grant families and other consumers who must send remittance transfers have had similar experiences; which is why advocates have been calling for greater protections around these transfers of

will go into effect in February 2013. These rules will generally make the costs of remittances clear and hold remittance transfer providers accountable for certain errors. Here's how:

Consumers will generally receive these disclosures in English and sometimes in other languages. The CFPB thinks the clarity provided by these disclosures will help inform consumer decisions and instill confidence money, or remittance transfers. Now, with direction from Congress through the Dodd-Frank Act, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has changed that. The CFPB adopted new rules that

Better Disclosures: Under this rule, remittance transfer providers must generally disclose the exchange rate, any fees related to the remittance, the amount of money that will be delivered

abroad, and the date the money will be available. Certain disclosures must be provided both before and after the consumer pays for a remittance transfer. Consumers will generally receive these disclosures in English and sometimes in other languages. The CFPB thinks the clarity provided by these disclosures will help inform consumer decisions and instill confidence. Option to Cancel: Typically, consumers will have at least 30 minutes after payment to cancel a remittance. If they cancel within the 30 minute window, they will get their money back, whether they make a mistake, change their minds, or feel something isn't right. ContĂd on page 20

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April 6, 2012

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Fortune names Narayana Murthy among greatest entrepreneurs NEW YORK: Infosys cofounder N R Narayana Murthy is among the 12 "greatest entrepreneurs of our time" according to a Fortune magazine list that is topped by Apple's late chief Steve Jobs. It includes Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg for turning "concepts into companies" and changing the "face of business". The US publication said as the "visionary founder" of Infosys, Murthy has built "one of the largest companies in India, helping to transform that economy and put it on the world stage". Murthy, 65, proved that "India could compete with the world by taking on the software development work that had long been the province of the West. "As one of six co-founders of Infosys and the CEO for 21 years, Murthy helped spark the outsourcing revolution that has brought billions of dollars in wealth into the Indian economy and transformed his country into the world's back office," it said. Fortune cited his lesson that an organization starting from scratch must coalesce around a team of people with an enduring value system. "It is all about sacrifice today, fulfillment tomorrow," it quotes Murthy, who is ranked 10th, as saying. "It is all about sacrifice, hard work, lots of frustration, being away from your family, in the hope that someday you will get adequate returns from that." The list is topped by Jobs, whom Fortune calls "our generation's quintessential entrepreneur. Visionary. Inspiring. Brilliant. Mercurial." Fortune said the most aston-

ishing fact about Jobs was his view that market research and focus groups only limited a person's ability to innovate. Jobs

N R Narayana Murthy

used his own intuition, which was not merely a gut call, "radar-like" feel for emerging technologies and how they could be brought together to create "insanely great" products, Fortune said. "It is a safe bet to assume that none of Apple's blockbuster products, from the Macintosh to the iPod and iTunes, from the iPhone to the iPad, would have come about if Jobs had relied heavily on consumer research," it added. Fortune related an incident when a reporter had called Jobs on the day he launched the Macintosh, asking him what type of studies Apple had conducted to ensure there was a market for the computer. "In a nearly offended tone, Jobs retorted, 'Did Alexander Graham Bell do any market research before he invented the telephone?'", according to the publication.

Remittance Transfer Rule: A personal perspective Contíd from page 19

Correction of Errors: With this rule, remittance transfer providers will generally be held accountable for errors. If a remittance sender reports a problem with a transfer within 180 days, the provider must generally investigate and correct errors. Companies that provide remittance transfers may also be responsible for mistakes made by their agents. The CFPB believes this will encourage remittance transfer providers to use reliable agents and partners in the U.S. and abroad, helping to weed out the

bad actors. As a lifelong advocate for immigrant communities, I am very proud that the first final rulemaking adopted by the CFPB addresses this issue and brings new protections to many consumers who, like my family, continue to send money to family members, loved ones, and others abroad. (Nick Rathod is Assistant Director for Intergovernmental and International Affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The article was posted on March 26, on the White House blog.)

Coming next is Gates, who Fortune says is one of the very few extraordinary entrepreneurs who have had the opportunity to change the world twice in one lifetime. "First, as the world's most influential geek, he helped usher in the personal computer revolution. "Now he is tackling the stubbornly difficult challenges of global health and public education as the world's most generous philanthropist," Fortune added. Fortune said the similarity between how Gates led Microsoft and the way he is leading the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as its co-chair is the focus on hiring very smart people and putting them to work in small teams to solve big issues. "There is no way of getting around that," it quotes Gates as saying.-PTI

US nominee for WB presidency to travel to India WASHINGTON: In an effort to solicit global support for his bid for the World Bank presidency, US President Barack Obama's nominee Jim Young Kim is undertaking a two-week "listening" tour of India, China and five other countries from this week to seek ideas and views about the future of the institution. Obama had declared Jim as his country's nominee to the World Bank presidency, a post which has traditionally remained with the United States. According to a Treasury Department announcement, Jim would travel to Ethiopia, China, Japan, South Korea, India Brazil and Mexico from March 27 to April 9, during which he will meet the heads of state, Finance Ministers and other stakeholders to solicit their priorities for the World Bank over the coming years. The trip is the initial phase of Kim's "listening tour," as he begins to solicit ideas and views from

around the world about the future of the institution. Kim will meet many of the World Bank's shareholder and client countries in order to assess how the Bank can best promote growth, combat poverty and create jobs in developing nations, the Treasury said. A physician and anthropologist, Kim co-founded Partners In Health, which provides community-based healthcare to break the cycles of disease and poverty in nations around the world. As Director of the World Health Organization's Department of HIV/ AIDS, Kim launched the "3 by 5" initiative, which sought to treat 3 million patients living with HIV. He was the Chair of the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and, for the last three years, has led one of the world's great knowledge institutions, serving as the President of Dartmouth College. -PTI

Indian IT industry created 107,000 US jobs, paid $15 b in taxes Contíd from page 19

Intended to offset the prevalent campaign rhetoric against outsourcing and job losses in the US, the NASSCOM report reveals trends on the significant contributions and investments that India based IT and BPO firms are making in the US. The report highlights the general and specific contributions by the Indian technology industry in the US economy by job creation aiding economic recovery and developing deep roots at the local community level. It reiterates the fact that the Indian IT industry believes in building long-term partnerships with the United States, through mutually beneficial valuebased commercial ties while integration with the local economy in the United States. Speaking on the occasion of the report's release, Amb. Rao said, "The trade engagement between India and the United States has been a long standing relationship. The enhanced partnership between the Indian IT Industry and its US counterparts has definitely opened newer avenues, paving way for the industry becoming an important partner to businesses in the US. I would like to congratulate NASSCOM for coming out with such an insightful report that highlights the commendable laudable

effort that Indian IT industry has made in building a long-term partnerships with the United States, including through mutually beneficial value-based commercial ties expressed through job creation and integration with the local economy in the United States. I am confident that this engagement will continue

‘The trade engagement between India and the United States has been a long standing relationship. The enhanced partnership between the Indian IT Industry and its US counterparts has definitely opened newer avenues, paving way for the industry becoming an important partner to businesses in the US’ to flourish and achieve greater heights in the future" Amb. Rao observed that the Indian IT industry is one of the key constituents and stakeholders in the rapidly growing India-US relationship. She said that as the In-

dia-US Strategic Partnership has grown, so has the willingness of the Indian IT firms to populate it with concrete commercial underpinnings, both in the broader field of knowledge economy and the specific area of IT and a range of IT enabled services. She also stated that Indian IT companies are competitive and top end and only seek a level playing field in growing their business engagement with the United States. "Indian technology firms are deeply committed to the US marketplace," said Mittal. "Both they and their employees are important contributors in their local communities as well as the country as a whole. The report that we have released is our endeavor to quantify the trends and benefits behind the significant investments Indiabased IT and BPO firms are making in the US." Mittal further added, "The next phase of this partnership will see a continuation and vast expansion of the investments both nations are making in the other. We look forward to a greater engagement in the future, working closely with the US companies to build their growth" The report specifically focuses on key prime areas - Jobs created in the US by the Indian IT industry, contribution to the US economy, and creating value for the American society.

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April 6, 2012

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I-T to prosecute HSBC for black money cases NEW DELHI: The Income Tax department is said to be mulling prosecution against the HSBC bank for allegedly being the conduit for Indians in stashing money abroad. The department, which had received more than 700 names in a list of black money account holders in HSBC bank in Geneva reportedly provided by the French government, has approached the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in this regard, sources said. The I-T department is believed to have recommended that action may be initiated against the bank under the provisions of Income Tax Act relating to abetment of false income tax returns, concealment of income to thwart tax recovery, sources said. The department, which is set to begin prosecution of cases against a certain number of account holders on this list, has sent a communication in this regard to the CBDT. When contacted, HSBC officials refused to comment. The CBDT, the sources said,

has now asked for an opinion from both the Law and External Affairs Ministry pertaining to the possible action against the bank. Various investigation and en-

‘Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has earlier said that the government has received information from France about the overseas bank accounts of Indians. "In 69 cases, the taxpayers have admitted to unaccounted income of Rs 397.17 crore’ forcement units of the I-T across the country, where these names were sent for verification and realization of unpaid taxes, have come together to state that the

deposits in the HSBC Geneva accounts were allegedly made through the bank branches in India and this was hidden from the tax authorities. The I-T department is of the view that the onus of declaring overseas accounts is not just on the account holder but also on the banks. The department feels that the banks, including foreign ones, have an obligation under financial laws to submit Cash Transaction Reports (CTRs) and Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) to the Financial Intelligence Unit, and the HSBC Geneva deposits and withdrawals were not reported under this arrangement. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has earlier said that the government has received information from France about the overseas bank accounts of Indians. "In 69 cases, the taxpayers have admitted to unaccounted income of Rs 397.17 crore. Taxes of Rs 30.07 crore have also been paid," he had said.-PTI

Hinduja group forms power sector JV with Germany's STEAG MUMBAI: As part of its plans to become a major player in power sector, diversified conglomerate Hinduja group has said it has joined hands with German energy giant STEAG to form a joint venture for operations and maintenance of various power projects in India. As per the agreement, Hinduja group's power sector holding company Hinduja Energy India Ltd will set up the JV with STEAG Energy Services (India) Pvt Ltd, Indian subsidiary of the German major. Besides, STEAG has also acquired five per cent stake in Hinduja National Power Corporation Ltd (HNPCL) through its subsidiary STEAG Energy Services GmbH and would have the option to invest in future power projects of the group. The joint venture will operate the Visakhapatnam plant of HNPCL and would also carry out operations and maintenance activities of new power projects in India. HNPCL's 1,040 MW coal-based thermal power plant is currently in advanced stages of construction for commissioning in 2013.

Hinduja group has previously announced plans to set up 10,000 megawatts of power generation capacity over the next 7-8 years with an estimated investment of about Rs 12-14 billion. The group said in a statement that the new JV would back its plans to become a major power sector player in India.

‘The technical expertise and experience of STEAG and their coming on board well ahead of commissioning will greatly benefit the operations of the project’ Commenting on the new joint venture, HNPCL Chairman Ashok P Hinduja said that the groups sees power sector as a key driver to India's economic growth and he anticipates a successful partnership with STEAG. STEAG's Executive Board

Chairman Joachim Rumstadt said that the group was expanding its commitment to international power plant business through its cooperation with its Indian partner in the JV. Hinduja group said that STEAG would be an important technology partner for it and could be a preferred partner in new power projects on the anvil. "The technical expertise and experience of STEAG and their coming on board well ahead of commissioning will greatly benefit the operations of the project," HNPCL's Managing Director A K Puri said. Founded in 1914, the group has presence across a number of sectors such as financial services, automobile, media and entertainment, infrastructure, oil and gas and power across 35 countries, including India. The group has identified power as one of its focus areas of business. STEAG GmbH, the fifth largest electricity producer in Germany with annual sales of about 2.8 billion euro, has been active in power generation business for more than 70 years.-PTI

Olive trees successfully cultivated in the Valley SRINAGAR: In a breakthrough, scientists have claimed successful cultivation of olive trees, a prized Mediterranean produce for the first time in the Valley, owing to favorable weather conditions here. Scientists and researchers at Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH) have grown olive trees, in its farms, where the project to study the behavior of olive trees in the climatic conditions of Valley was underway since 2008. "Out of nearly 60 varieties of olive trees brought in from United States, Egypt and Italy, six Italian

varieties are performing very good under Kashmir's climate," said Shiv Lal, the scientist in-charge of the olive project at CITH. "Earlier flowering and fruits were not there, but since the climate of Kashmir has changed summers have become hotter and winters are no longer colder, the olive trees are producing flowers and fruits," Lal said. The first fruits borne by the dozen-odd olive trees last summer were displayed to the participants of first group meeting on outreach of technologies for temperate fruit crops.-PTI

Â&#x201E;

Realty Tidbits

Real estate needs international best practices

Real Estate

t has been strangely character istic for the real estate and construction industry in India to remain unregulated and unrecognized, even though it is one of the largest employers and contributors to national growth. Real estate professional services have not quite matched the expectations of clients, as projects continue to remain plagued by several uncertainties and suffer on account of economic cycles, inflation and increased input costs, contractual bottlenecks and archaic laws and policies.

Â&#x201E; South Asian Real Estate launches Petioles

ARE Homes (South Asian Real Estate), recently launched Petioles privacy apartments with Gurgaon's first luxury private Sky Deck in Sector 92. Developed on a 48-acre integrated township, Petioles consists of 4 BHK and 4 BHK + servant room apartments in 2,040 - 2,226 sq. ft area. As per SARE spokesperson each floor will have just three apartments designed with a view to offer maximum privacy. The apartment buyers will also have access to Gurgaon's first luxury private 'Sky Deck' consisting of a viewing deck, yoga and meditation zone, viewing deck, water wall and putting green.

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LUCKNOW: New houses and plots offered by the UP Housing and Development Board (UPHDB) in Ghaziabad and Loni may cost nearly 20% more with the state government agency planning to jack up prices in the new financial year. An internal committee of the board has recommended a raise of 5%-25% in the land cost in various schemes across Uttar Pradesh. This will lead to an increase of 10%-16% in case of a majority of housing board properties. But for areas around Delhi, the rise could be more, sources said.

Mumbai, Delhi home prices won't fall NEW DELHI: According to the latest reports, real estate prices around Delhi and Mumbai are not likely to witness a downtrend anytime soon. With higher rates of service tax and excise duties being announced in the Union Budget 2012, it is being slated that your dream home may now cost more. A latest report from CRISIL Research states that new home prices in Mumbai are unlikely to decline in 2012. CRISIL states that notwithstanding a 40 per cent dip in sales of new homes since mid-2011, a sharp rise in construction and funding costs, in addition to amendments to the Development Control Regulations (DCR), will increase costs for builders and prevent a reduction in home prices. CRISIL Research expects a 7-9 per cent increase in costs of key inputs in 2012, following a 25 per cent increase in these costs the year before. Recent amendments in the DCR will increase costs for builders further by 15 per cent, on an average. DCR norms govern land development in Mumbai. The modified

rules, which came into effect from January 2012, have revised the

balconies, flowerbeds, terraces and niches are now included in the

It has been reported that new houses and plots offered by the UP Housing and Development Board (UPHDB) in Ghaziabad and Loni may cost nearly 20% more method of calculating the floor space index (FSI). Unlike the earlier practice, spaces allotted for

Faridabad Metro link gets the nod NEW DELHI: The Delhi Metro's extensions into the national capital region got a shot in the arm with the Haryana government signing an MoU with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for the extension of the Central Secretariat-Badarpur line. The 13.8km corridor, which is part of the Phase III of the Delhi Metro network, will have nine stations and will terminate at YMCA Chowk. Work on the extension has already started, with DMRC awarding the tender for the construction in February this year. The fully-elevated corridor, the longest Metro line in the NCR, will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 2,494 crore and is expected to be commissioned by 2014, said a DMRC spokesperson. According to the detailed project report (DPR), the daily ridership of the 13.875 km metro corridor is expected to be 2.14 lakhs in 2014 after commissioning of the corridor. The corridor will be a standard gauge corridor, that is of 1435 mm. The stations on the corridor

April 6, 2012

UP housing board to raise property rates

are Sarai, NHPC Chowk, Mewala Maharajpur, Sector 27 A, Badkal Mor, Old Faridabad, Ajronda, Faridabad New Town and YMCA Chowk. Added the DMRC spokesperson, "The funding pattern of the

while DMRC will put in Rs 400 crore in the form of rolling stock." The required land for the construction of the project is being provided free of cost by the Haryana government to DMRC on lease basis, the official added.

corridor is such that the Haryana government will give Rs 1,472.4 crore, which is excluding the cost of land. The government of India will pitch in with Rs 536.6 crore

A train maintenance depot will also be constructed near Sector 20 A in Faridabad and will be called Ajronda Depot. The work has commenced for the boundary wall, added the Delhi Metro spokesperson. The corridor will cover a distance of approximately 43.40km from Kashmere Gate to YMCA Chowk in Faridabad.

FSI calculation. These spaces typically comprise one-third of the built-up area - even more for high-

end apartments. This revision will impact the total area available for sale and, in turn, the revenues of builders. While new home prices will remain steady, across Mumbai, the southern and central parts of the city will stand out as exceptions. Prices are likely to decline by 6-7 per cent in South Mumbai (Nepean Sea Road, Tardeo, Opera House, Peddar Road), and 8-10 per cent in Central Mumbai (Worli, Prabhadevi, Lower Parel). Similarly it has been reported that new houses and plots offered by the UP Housing and Development Board (UPHDB) in Ghaziabad and Loni may cost nearly 20% more with the state government agency planning to jack up prices in the new financial year. An internal committee of the board has recommended a raise of 5%-25% in the land cost in various schemes across Uttar Pradesh. This will lead to an increase of 10%-16% in case of a majority of housing board properties. But for areas around Delhi, the rise could be more, sources said.

Consultants look to launch realty funds

S-based property consultants CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) and Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) could soon follow international property consultant Knight Frank in launching a thirdparty realty fund in the country. The Indian arm of CBRE is looking at raising Rs 250 crore for its maiden third-party property fund in India, said a source. CBRE is looking at tapping some large high net worth individuals (HNIs) for the domestic fund, which will have a Rs 500-crore corpus, he said. "Most offshore investors are not interested in investing in Indian real estate and domestic funds have lesser restrictions. That may be prompting CBRE to look at domestic funds," the source said. "Fund management is not a new area for CBRE." However, when asked, Anshuman Magazine, chairman and managing director of CBRE (South Asia), denied the firm was

launching a fund of its own. "We are in the business of advising funds. We are strengthening our capital markets team and looking at advising more and more funds," he said. Internationally, CBRE Global Investors is one of the largest realty investment managers, with $ 94.1 billion in assets under management. Jones Lang LaSalle, CBRE's rival globally, has also planned a domestic fund launch of Rs 250-300 crore by year-end, said another source. According to him, the consultant is in the process of obtaining approvals and finalizing the nitty-gritty. Globally, LaSalle Investment Management, the realty investment manager of JLL, manages $47.7 bn of assets under management. In 2010, the UK's Knight Frank, along with Anand Rathi Financial Services, raised Rs 220 crore for a rental yield fund.

Real Estate Post

April 6, 2012

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Ring road around Delhi project delayed

carcity of funds has brought construction of the ambitious 135-km Western Peripheral Expressway (WPE), known as Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) project to a halt. The project is part of a Ring Road around Delhi to divert nearly 2 lakh commercial vehicles bypassing the Capital every day. The main contractor for the project, DSC Limited has been accused of not paying its subcontractors and this is considered to be one of the major reasons for the delay. Delhi PWD Raj Kumar Chauhan had earlier received similar complaints against the DS Constructions during the construction of Barapullah elevated road project for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. However, DSC denied all such allegations and said that a

2012. The company also held the delay in getting clearances for crossing IOC pipelines, relocation of High Tension (HT) overhead transmission lines, land acquisition issues, which caused delays and creation of additional structures beyond the original scope of work, responsible for the its slow progress. Though both the stretches will be built or are being built in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, the Delhi Government had already paid 50% of the total land acquisition cost. The Delhi Government is also worried due to increasing cost of land acquisition for the two expressways which has increased from Rs 844 crore in 2005 to Rs 2,905.2 crore in 2011. The Delhi Government now wants some cap on the cost of the project. Due to

The 20km Kundli-Manesar stretch is also incomplete. Only 80% works of the single carriageway between Palwal and Manesar was completed while works on second carriageway was incomplete. The work on service lane was incomplete. Even, contractors working on this stretch say that this stretch may not be completed by April shortage of funds is delaying the project. At least 30% work was still left between Palwal and Manesar on the ongoing Western Peripheral Expressway project. The 20km Kundli-Manesar stretch is also incomplete. Only 80% works of the single carriageway between Palwal and Manesar was completed while works on second carriageway was incomplete. The work on service lane was incomplete. Even, contractors working on this stretch say that this stretch may not be completed by April. "The PalwalManesar stretch is likely to be completed by May-June," said one of the contractors. The delay has also increased the Expressway's cost from Rs 3,551 crore to Rs 4,700 crore. DSC officials, however, claim that the project will be completed by April,

increasing cost of the project, the Sheila Dikshit Government is asking the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to fund the cost of land acquisition for the EPE. The venture was first approved in 2007 by the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPAC). The 135.6 km long KundliManesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway is being built on Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis project with an estimated cost of Rs 1915 crores (excluding land acquisition cost). Conceived as the second Outer Ring Road to the National Capital Territory, it connects four of India's busiest National Highways viz. NH-1 near Kundli (Sonepat), NH-10 near Bahadurgarh, NH-8 at Manesar (Gurgaon) and NH-2 near Palwal (Faridabad). The expressway will act as a

Delhi bypass for traffic coming from north of Delhi on NH1 and going to south of Delhi on NH2 and to the west along NH-8. The Western Peripheral Expressway crosses seven State Highways, four major

district roads, 104 village and panchayat roads, four railway over bridges and 18 irrigation canals, distributaries and other seasonal streams. There are around 64 villages in the 500 meter vicinity of the Expressway.

Budget impact - a house may now cost more

our dream house will now cost more. Reasons: Nothing has been done in the Budget on that front. Instead, the real estate industry will have to grapple with even higher rates of service tax and excise duties. All these will result in an increase in cost of construction by nearly Rs 50-100 per sq ft, which will ultimately be passed on to customers. A cross-section of developers and builders believe that this may lead to a slump in the real estate market, which will have a cascading effect on every sphere of the economy. Anil Sharma, the chairman and managing director of Amrapali Group, says that the proposed relief in indirect tax to infrastructure sector is the only ray of hope in the Budget and it is to be seen

whether real estate industry benefits from it or not when the proposals become law. But, the steep increase in taxes and duties will

We were expecting major announcements to help the housing industry; however, all our several representations have fallen on deaf ears have negative effect on all the sectors of industry and real estate, he

says. Sanjeev Srivastava, the managing director of Assotech Limited, says: "The Union Budget 2012-13 is more or less status quoist for this industry. We were expecting major announcements to help the housing industry; however, all our several representations have fallen on deaf ears. "Though the government has tried to focus on affordable housing by allowing External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) for low-cost housing and extending the interest subvention for one more year for loans up to Rs 15 lakh on property costing up to Rs 25 lakh, the Budget has not taken substantial measures to help increase supply and boost demand. The realty sector anticipated a fiscal incentive supported by favorable regulatory environment, which is missing in

the Budget." Ravinder Taneja, the vice chairman of TDI Infrastructure Ltd, says: "The Union Budget has done very little for the beleaguered real estate industry, which is caught in an eddy of collateral debt obligation and high interest

burden. The industry was in dire need of oxygen in the form of bold measures, both on the fiscal and the macroeconomic sides. The increased burden of 2% service tax and 2% excise duty would push up cost of real estate projects, thus dampening demand for housing."

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

India Post

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April 6, 2012

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

fter having made a successful acting career out of comedy films like `Masti`, `Malamaal Weekly`, `Hey Baby` and `Housefull` among oth ers, Riteish Deshmukh says he does not like watching comic capers. "I don`t watch my own films... whenever I see my films I change the channel. I don`t know why so, I like to see other film works," he said. The 32-year-old, who is known for his comic timing, says he interacts and watches other people to play a funny character. "I watch other people, there are so many people in real life who are funny. If I had to name four funny people I met, then it would be Sajid Nadiadwala, Sajid Khan, Farah Khan and Karan Johar... they are extremely funny, have great sense of humor and it is great to interact with them." "I don`t write the scenes. I feel if you understand the scene well then everything falls in place," Riteish said.

fter Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Bipasha Basu`s Hollywood outing, its now model-turned-actress Jacqueline Fernandez who is all set to make a splash in a Canadian-British venture. The 26-year-old has been approached for `Definition of Fear`, a project that marks the directorial debut of producer James Simpson. "I have been approached for that. Talks are on, nothing has been finalized yet," Jacqueline told reporters. Born in Sri Lanka, the former beauty

queen made her acting debut in 2009 with `Aladin` alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Ritesh Deshmukh, and then once again appeared alongside Deshmukh in the romantic-comedy `Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai`. Both the films were box office duds. However, her last outing opposite Emraan Hashmi in `Murder 2`, was one of the highest grossing films of 2011. Jacqueline has also been signed up for `Pravegaya`, her maiden outing in Sri Lankan film industry.

Hollywood

BOUND

KHAN &CHAN S

outh filmmaker Aascar Ravichandran is planning a full action packed film with Jackie Chan and Salman Khan. He revealed that he plans to come out with a sequel to the Jackie Chan superhit, 'Armour of God'. The most interesting part of his plan is including Salman Khan in the film. He is also likely to add a young south superstar to the star cast and most probably, it will be Surya. The film will be made on a huge budget of Rs. 400 crore. If true, it would be the most expensive film to be produced in India ever. Ravichandran confirmed the news that he is currently in talks with Salman Khan for the project.

Bollywood

April 6, 2012

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WHO IS

In this competitive world, you have to be No 1 - whether in school or anywhere else. That doesn't mean you stamp on people's faces

NO. 1? P

riyanka Chopra says it is very important to be on the top but at the same time, feels it is difficult to say who is No.1 or No.2. "It is very important to be No 1. Since school days one wants to be No 1. In this competitive world, you have to be No 1 whether in school or anywhere else. That doesn't mean you stamp on people's faces," said Priyanka, the brand ambassador of Nikon, during the unveiling of a new camera range. "But it is impossible to decide who is No.1 or No.2. Nobody can decide who is No 1. An actress tends to do three to four films a year and all that films cannot be a hit. We make so many films in a year," added the former Miss World. Asked who according to her is very photogenic, the 29year-old said: "You have to be photogenic if you want to be an actress. I am photogenic. Rekhaji is very photogenic. Dharmendarji with the kind of features he has, he is always smiling. Among my contemporaries, Katrina Kaif, Aishwarya Rai and Deepika Padukone are very photogenic."

LADY DIRECTOR

akistani-American actress Nargis Fakhri rubbishes rumors of a romantic linkup with Shahid Kapoor and says she is still single. "That was pretty interesting because I woke up in the morning and didn't even know that I had moved into somebody's house... Everything is a rumor. I am still single, unfortunately because I would love to meet someone lovely," the 32year-old said. Nargis attended Shahid's birthday celebrations in Goa, supposedly sparking off the rumors. "Yeah, there were a lot many people that I know who went as well. So, I don't know why I was not dating all of those people," said the actress who made her debut in Indian films with "Rockstar" opposite Ranbir Kapoor. Her performance in her debut film met with mixed reactions and the actress currently has no project in hand.

aran Johar's Dharma Productions has taken quite a number of risks but yet managed to leap through. Over the 14 years that Karan has been with the house, a list of nine newbie directors has been given work. From Nikhil Advani of 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' to Shakun Batra of 'Ekk Main aur ekk tu', Karan has always helped newcomers take their first step in B-town! And once again he has taken the lead. With Women's Day just passing by and knowing the kind of respect Karan shares for women, he has announced an untitled film, with a first time woman director. Sonam Nair, the bubbly girl is overwhelmed by Karan's gesture. In an entirely male dominated industry, Karan is one of the few film makers who not only gives an opportunity to aspiring film makers but demolishes the ills of male chauvinism that the industry is enveloped with. History has it that whoever has made a movie with Dharma Productions, has gone on to have an incredible career graph from there on. For Sonam, it would be no different, it seems.

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Pak banning 'Agent Vinod' a shame: Saif

from the New York State Governor's Office for Motion Picture and Television Development. The proclamation commending her commitment to the arts and contributions to New York City's film industry was presented to Azmi by Pat Kaufman, Executive Director of the Office for Motion Picture and Television Development. "Shabana Azmi's talent has garnered international acclaim, helping to shape the Indian film industry and build awareness

April 6, 2012 Annual New York Indian Film Festival in lower Manhattan this spring." Hosted by the Indo-American Arts Council, the event kicked off the 12th annual New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF), which will be held from May 23 to 27 at Tribeca Cinemas in Manhattan. Azmi, who is an advisory board member of the festival, said, "We have proven ourselves as a legitimate and successful festival year after year, and the fact that we

The proclamation commending her commitment to the arts and contributions to New York City's film industry was presented to Azmi by Pat Kaufman, Executive Director of the Office for Motion Picture and Television Development

HONOR FOR

Details on page 28

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: At an event to kick-off the 12th annual New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF), Indian actor and activist Shabana Azmi was honored with a proclamation

SHABANA AZMI of Indian cinema in North America," said Kaufman. "We applaud the NYIFF for honoring Azmi's achievements, both on and off screen, and are pleased to celebrate her success, especially as we prepare to host the Indo-American Arts Council's 12th

are still struggling to find sustained funding is surprising." "Shabana has been a friend and Advisory Board member of the IAAC since its inception, using her talent, activism, and energy to help NYIFF stay the course of

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Zee TV, the South Asian entertainment network, has announced that the 2012 Zee Cine Awards (ZCA) achieved record-breaking ratings this year. According to Rentrak TV Essentials, ZEE Cine Awards delivered the highest rating for any South Asian program in over a year's time (since Feb 11). ZCA received a viewership share of almost 75% during its broadcast on Friday March 16 from 9:30 to 12:30 pm! On the monetizing front, the network saw a 40% increase in revenues from last year's awards show. The announcement was made by Zee TV America's Business Head, Sameer Targe. He said "Despite cut throat competition we always find ways to reinvent, than to discount. As a market leader we have no one to follow

true, Independent and Diaspora cinema," said Indo-American Arts Council Founder and Executive Director Aroon Shivdasani. "We are thrilled to toast her Padma Bhushan from India and applaud her Proclamation from the State of New York!"

Zee Cine Awards beats other shows

hence the challenge is to always focus on expanding the pie. This year we were able to bring well known mainstream brands like Omega, Verizon and MetLife as

sponsors of the show. The idea was to sell the inventory at a premium value, keep the breaks short which eventually resulted in highest viewership."

April 6, 2012

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Life in the Indian Army - a riveting memoir in the Sixth Battalion of the Indian Armed Forces and introduces fascinating characters, dangerous missions and the hardships of military life. And then Jaskaran goes missing, believed killed after a skirmish with enemy militants. The daughter in law has to battle her own traumatic problems while Surinder Singh has to make a crucial decision as head of the family.

Colonel Chadha served in one of the finest battalions of the world which distinguished itself in World War 1 by winning two of the first Victoria Crosses in the War. He himself served for 34 years in the Army PREM KISHORE

olonel Mahip Chadha has written "Soljer, Soljer" published by AuthorHouse, an absorbing fictionalized account of an infantry battalion of The Third Gorkha Rifles. The book is crammed with stories of the 800 men, their lives, codes of honor, bravery, fortitude, national integration and more importantly the invaluable contribution of the Armed Forces to the country. The Indian Army to many is an abstract image of soldiers in their glittering finery on Republic Day strutting down the roads of New Delhi or a vague stirring of loyalty when the soldiers are involved in skirmishes on the borders of India. There are no big wars at the moment but we are jolted out of our complacency by this compelling page turner of a book. In effective detail Colonel Chadha writes with personal insightful detail of men who train rigorously with determination, intelligence, drawing deeply on physical and mental strengths and filled with an unswerving devotion to tradition, values, brotherhood, family and country. They are profiled in this engrossing book that blends reality and fiction. It is the story of a father Surinder Singh Sahni and his son Jaskaran serving together

Within the parameters of the plot, the author captures the rigorous discipline of smart drill practice, marching at 140 paces per minute, and chronicles in interesting detail of bugle calls, boxing matches, celebratory bottles of rum , pampering Army wives, evenings of song and dance, marriage life in a cantonment, boisterous pranks on one another, bawdy jokes, and brotherhood. And then there is the clarion call to duty.

Hail, sleet, bitter winds, scorching heat and flies, the ravages of hunger, tasteless food. The book is fast paced story telling with vivid descriptions providing insights and often genuinely funny. Admiring portraits of soldiers and the breezy prose sets the tone for capturing the experience of the Indian Army. Colonel Chadha served in one of the finest battalions of the world which distinguished itself in World War 1 by winning two of the first Victoria Crosses in the War.

He himself served for 34 years in the Army and then worked in civilian jobs till he retired as the President of Helios Aviation, New Delhi. He is also the author of Grits, Guts and Gallantry a book that motivates young people to consider a career in the Army. The book has a compelling Foreword by Lt Gen Mohan Bhandari of the Garhwal Rifles who commandeers our attention by stating there are a definite lack of awareness about matters military and the sacrifices of the Armed Forces for the country.

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Bridal Show from India House RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: India House restaurant in Schaumburg kept up its tradition of hosting annual Bridal Expo by organizing one here last week with 20 plus vendors participating and hundreds of Chicagoans paying visit to get a first hand feel of the products and services that they would need for wedding. There were vendors marketing jewelry - real and artificial Mandap decorators, video and still photographers, wedding planners, bakers, Mehndi creations, travel and tour operators. Capping them all was live lilting music from local artists that kept on entertaining scores of visitors strolling around from stalls to stall. India

Raj Sharma of Shama Travel

Jewelry items on display

One of the oldest travel and tour operators in Chicago land, Shama Travel headed by Raj Sharma, was there to guide those interested in post-wedding holidays or honeymooners

Some of the visitors at a vendor stall

House kept up its tradition of offerings its varieties of mouth watering dishes, including some from Bombay Chopsticks, free. Not to mention that admission to the show was free. The stalls that attracted a good number of visitors were those marketing sarees, dress material and jewelry. Some of the visitors

with relatively low budget too were enchanted by Bollywood Saree Rentals and Borrow it Bindas that offered everything rentals - from expensive wedding dresses to jewelry at affordable rates. One of the oldest travel and tour operators in Chicago land, Shama Travel headed by Raj

Sharma, was there to guide those interested in post-wedding holidays or honeymooners. Mira Shan marketed costumes while Bombay Styles had dress materials, designer sarees and jewelry. Gandhis and Modis with over three decades of experience in photography were seen convincing prospective buyers of their products and services. Poonam Creations and Yogendra Thakkar of Bandhan Rentals and Decorations were there with

Ravi Rawat, one of the main organizers, seen with Vandana Walia and photographer Jinesh Modi

their Mandap and decoration products while Amita offered her expertise in waxing, threading and Mehndis. Nita Patel was concerned with event planning. Vandana Walia of Vchillis was in the center helping those keen for detailed wedding planning. Overall speaking, it was not that big of a show but as Ravi

Rawat, one the main organizers explained one has to take into consideration the recession hit economy and plethora of such shows coming up one after another. "We are happy at the response from our vendors and hundreds of people coming to attend our presentation," he beamed with pride.

Pak banning 'Agent Vinod' a shame: Saif

hy is the film Agent Vinod banned in Paki stan? Because it contains references to the ISI that are likely to hurt the sentiments of Pakistani people. "It is a shame that the movie is banned, with no offence to anyone, as the idea is to have open films between the two coun-

tries. I was proud that this film was to release there," Saif said at an event. "In fact the heroine in our film is a Pakistani girl. We were hoping that they would appreciate that," he added. Saif plays RAW agent in the film alongside girlfriend Kareena Kapoor. "Agent Vinod" has

drawn references from the reallife tension between Pakistan and India. "This is a realistic kind of a thriller. We have shown that there are some negative elements in Pakistan towards India and their Censors have a problem showing that. "We have shown a few most-wanted criminals, those that

are harbored in Pakistan, which is a known fact. May be they have taken offense to that. But ultimately we want a RAW agent to win and baddies to lose. "If they are uncomfortable with that then they should publicize that fact that they are banning Agent Vinod in Pakistan," said Saif. "Pakistan forms a large por-

tion of our audience. The minute you put a censorship or ban, people will make sure they watch it. And we want them to see the film. In fact we wanted them to see the mujra performed by Kareena. "It is a shame that they could not see the film in the best way possible. But we tried our best," said Saif.

29 India post

In this quaint, unspoilt little hill station, the air is intoxicating, the scenery breathtakingly beautiful, and serenity seldom found in other hill stations

ucked away among the Palani Hills in Tamilnadu, in South India, and jealously guarded like a prized jewel by the dark forests, is Kodaikanal. In fact, the name itself means 'gift of the forest' in Tamil. A more appropriate and evocative name could not have been imagined for this quaint, unspoilt little hill station, where the air is intoxicating, the scenery breathtakingly beautiful, and serenity seldom found in other hill stations. Cradled in the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills, in the Western Ghats, 120 km from

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Madurai, Kodaikanal is located 2133 m above sea level. Founded by American missionaries in 1845, Kodaikanal is steeped in history. Relics and artifacts of the Paliyans who once lived in these hills can still be seen in the Shenbaganur Museum. Even today, a few Paliyans can be seen near Kukal Cave. In the early days, there were no roadspeople had to travel by bullockcart and palanquin, braving the dangers of the forests. Slowly Kodaikanal developed, missionaries established church properties, many of the then ruling princes built summer holiday-homes, clubs were opened, school and hotels

April 6, 2012

were built, and civic amenities were introduced. Dramatic experience: Driving into Kodaikanal from Palani is a dramatic experience, reminiscent in parts of the drive up the Ghat road from Kallar to Ooty. It is a relief to leave the hot, dusty plains behind and drive up into the cool hills. The vegetation changes gradually from palm-fringed paddy fields to wild brush with flaming blossoms to plantations interspersed with stately silver oaks. The view of the Amaravathi Dam, a shimmering sapphire sheet of water is an unforgettable sight. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 32

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Tourists flocking to tropical paradise of Sri Lanka LANKA RANASINGHE

he PATA Southern California Chapter (SoCal PATA) hosted a presentation on tourism in Sri Lanka on March 1. Executive Director and PR/Publicity for PATA, Klaus Billep, who is also President of Universal Travel System, introduced the presenter for the night, Lakshman Ratnapala, former Director of Tourism for Sri Lanka. Ratnapala is also the CEO of PATA, as well as Chairman and CEO of Enelar International, a San Francisco based global tourism management and marketing consultancy. The event took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at LAX, and the new Consul General of Sri Lanka, Dr. Hector Weerasinghe, and his wife were in attendance for the dinner presentation. The guest list included Varina De Silva, President of Ceylon Express International; Ronald S. Miracky, the Marketing Director for Production Travel Tours and M. Puni, the President of Adore Travel. Ratnapala disclosed that the total arrivals in Sri Lanka in 2011 were 855,957 -which is an increase of 30.8% from 2010. The outlook for 2012 is that Sri Lanka will receive 1 million tourists. Why are there so many people flocking to this tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean? There are five main reasons: 1) The cost of food, hotel expenses, and travel within the country is incredibly inexpensive. Whether you are an experienced veteran or a novice to outdoor recreational activities, and you need a break from the hum-drum life of the office, Sri Lanka offers world renowned white water rafting and surfing, exciting canoeing and kayaking, spectacular hiking and trekking, mountain biking, camping, as well as diving and snorkeling the waters of the Indian Ocean. Less strenuous but just as equally exhilarating activities include: hot air ballooning, jeep safaris, and whale watching.

2) As Sri Lanka is an island; it is a compact biodiversity hotspot for flora and fauna and a treasure trove for bird watchers, whale watchers, and enthusiasts of exotic wildlife. Throughout your trip, be it on the busy roads, lounging by the seaside, or on your way to

3) The local cuisine is full of flavor and while you're there you can stock up on fresh spices. Sri Lankan cuisine is palatable for a variety of diets and ways of life; meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans alike can savor the scrumptious bursts of flavor that

of coconut. 4) The opportunity to experience Ayurveda, a holistic approach to healing. Western medicine is widely practiced in Sri Lanka; however Ayurveda is also practiced for since ancient times. It is said that by 2025, a little more

Sri Lanka offers world renowned white water rafting and surfing, exciting canoeing and kayaking, spectacular hiking and trekking, mountain biking the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala, you will see endemic species that are only found in Sri Lanka. It is a biologist's, botanists, and zoologist's dream, but you don't have to be a specialist to appreciate the true beauty of nature.

is Sri Lankan food. If you are a fan of salty, spicy, sweet, or sour, your taste buds will thank you after your first bite. While Sri Lankan is closest to the Maldives and India, the cuisine is closer to that of Indonesian food due to the creative use

than a decade, Sri Lanka is estimated to have the third oldest population in Asia, which leads one to conclude that the Ayurvedic method of healing does indeed work. 5) Finally, you will get to see six man made and two natural

UNESCO World Heritage Sites just by visiting one country. The island is roughly 25,332 square miles which is slightly larger than West Virginia or one-sixth of California, and is packed with places that you must see during your stay. Due to its compact size, you will be able to visit all the historic sites on your list. By now you are probably booking your ticket to Asia. The best season to visit is during the winter months as the weather is at its best in Sri Lanka. If you have enough time, consider making a short 45 minute plane ride to Kerala, South India so you can hit two countries in one trip. Novices and experienced travelers alike looking to save money on airfare and visit during the summer months are highly encouraged to make it to the Kandy 'Esala' Perahera Festival. Kandy is a province in the middle of the island, and this year the Festival takes place July 27th. You will experience a spectacular parade of beautifully adorned elephants, talented dancers and drummers, and torch bearers who light up the night until the hilly land of Kandy is alight with performers and throngs of spectators. Once you've been to Sri Lanka, you can call yourself a seasoned globe trekker.

Delhi Tourism sets up kiosks in metro stations NEW DELHI: Tourists who take the highspeed Airport Express Corridor will now have easy access to details about tourist attractions in the capital with Delhi Tourism setting up kiosks New Delhi and Shivaji Stadium stations. The kiosks would provide detailed tourist information and arrange site-seeing in Delhi for airport metro commuters and tourists. The two stations already provide check-in facilities for international and domestic fliers. "Now commuters, tourists and back-packers will not have to face trouble from unauthorized touts as they can get all informa-

The kiosks would provide detailed tourist information and arrange siteseeing in Delhi for airport metro commuters and tourists

tion related to various tourist destinations at the Reliance metro stations itself," a Reliance Infrastructure spokesman said. A dedicated bus service organized by Delhi tourism will also be there to facilitate travelers and guide them to tourist destinations and various heritage sites of Delhi. The spokesperson said tourists can also book their 'Dilli Darshan' trips at both the metro stations. Tourists who wish to travel out of Delhi, to places like Agra, Jaipur, Chandigarh and Manali, can also plan their tour and book their tickets at the Delhi tourism's inter-state travel service available at the two metro stations. -PTI

April 6, 2012

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1,747 mn travelers to India likely by 2021 MUMBAI: Going by the double-digit growth of the travel industry, India is expected to have around 1,747 million travelers by 2021, which would require 1,88,500 additional hotel rooms, according to a recent study. "Considering the way in which travel industry has grown in the past and factoring in the government's unassuming efforts towards growth in the sector, there will be around 1,747 million travelers and an additional requirement of 1,88,500 rooms," says a whitepaper on 'Hotel Room Supply, Capital Investment and Manpower Requirement by 2021' by HVS and The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), India. HVS is a global consulting and services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries; WTTC is a forum for business leaders in the Travel & Tourism industry. It predicts that by 2021, global travel industry would see 1,362 billion travelers, of which India is

expected to account for 0.8 per cent. The domestic travelers will grow at 8 per cent annually to 1,735 million by 2021. About room requirement, the report said India would need a total of 3,51,540 rooms by 2021. Budget hotels will be the driving force because they usually

ies. Capital investment and the manpower are two other critical aspects. The additional investment in hospitality in the country would be around Rs 1,27,600 crore by 2021, it said. Over the past decade, the country has witnessed a host of global brands entering the market, while

The country has witnessed a host of global brands entering the market, while the domestic brands have also considerably grown. ‘This shift...is reflective of the maturing of the Indian hotel industry’ have more rooms per hotel than a first-class or luxury hotel, can be built faster and cheaper in multiple micro-markets as well as in most tier I, tier II and tier III cities, it said. The existing stock of hotel inventory is 1,63,038 rooms, it said, adding that the Indian average room inventory is less than 15 per cent of the average inventory of Asia Pacific and other global cit-

the domestic brands have also considerably grown, it said. "This shift...is reflective of the maturing of the Indian hotel industry and highlights the fact that the country is a prominent market," the white-paper said. With the proposed expansion of branded hotels, the demand for skilled manpower will grow to 2,84,386 by 2021, it said. -PTI

New tourism destinations being explored JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir government has taken several steps for exploration of new tourism destinations and conservation of the cultural heritage for the growth of tourism in the state. "Government has taken several steps for exploration of new tourism destinations and conservation the cultural heritage for the growth of tourism in the state", Minister for Tourism and culture Nawang Rigzin Jora said at the concluding function of the 3-day Chenab Challenge-River Rafting Championship, organized by Tourism Department, in Reasi district.

He said the main motive to organize such water rafting events

Unemployed youth of the state should opt for tourism sector as a career prospect in the area is to attract maximum number of pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishnodevi and Shiv Khori

Russian tourists pip the British in Goa PANAJI: In a first, Russian tourists arriving in Goa have outnumbered British holidayers, visiting this famous beach destination in 2011-12. As per Goa Economic Survey tabled during the ongoing state legislative assembly session, a total of 1,33,683 Russians arrived in the coastal state as against 1,17,683 British tourists during 2011-12. The figures further shows that the number of Russians have increased while that of Britishers has

decreased compared to the year earlier and this has happened for the first time in the history of Goa. The Russians have nearly doubled in number from 57,623 last year while there was slowdown in tourist arrival from the UK and the numbers went down from 1.54 lakh to 1.17 lakh. Germany was the third country with arrivals of 30,234 last year. The Finnish and French ranked fourth and fifth on the list. Goa annually attracts 24 lakh tourists, of which four lakhs are international guests. -PTI

shrines to this area which would help to uplift and strengthen the tourism infrastructure in the region for socio-economic improvement of the district. Jora said tourism is one of the fast-growing sectors in the country and people must come forward, particularly unemployed youth of the state, to avail benefits of various schemes and opt for tourism sector as a career prospect. For this, the minister, said the tourism department is going to organize camps in order to train the locals and acquaint them about various tourism-related activities. -PTI

ECs may withdraw negative travel advisories JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said European countries were considering withdrawal of negative travel advisories to its citizens following an improvement in the situation in the state. "The conducive atmosphere in the state has made European countries considering withdrawal of negative travel advisories issued earlier. "Germany has already withdrawn the travel advisory," Tourism and Culture minister Nawang Rigzin Jora said in the Legislative Assembly. -PTI

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Kodaikanal: Prized jewel guarded by dark forests Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

Driving higher, banana trees give way to tall eucalyptus trees, and the whole countryside is dotted with wildflowers in jeweled colors, magenta and purple predominating. There is a marked nip in the air, as one reaches for one's cardigan, or shawl. At a bend in the road, the shimmer and roar of the Silver Cascade waterfall welcomes the tourist. A travel map of Kodaikanal is a must carry for the tourists. It can also be used for the detailed location information of various landmarks. For distance calculations too map of Kodaikanal may be used. Arriving in Kodai town, one is greeted by orchards of pear trees with their graceful branches silhouetted in artistic curves against the evening sky like stark Zen etchings. Buildings with gabled roof dot the skyline. Broken fragments of light from the setting sun are caught and kindled in the wind-rippled water appearing like a myriad lamp floating on the lake. Soon, as though on cue, lights start twinkling all over the hillside, and even the stars pick up the message, and heaven and earth are a riot of light, as though beaming messages of goodwill to each other. Tourist attractions: The Kodai Club gives the impression of stepping back into colonial India. The lounge with its period fireplace, the piano, the Leigh Hunt prints, the library stocked with books by Evelyn Waugh, Anthony Trollope, and the bar with stuffed heads of bison, tigers, deer-horns, and a picture of the Laughing Cavalier by Franz Hals, the restaurant with old English plates, a glowing hearth-fire, and landscape prints, are all British legacies. Cinnereras and primulus add to the English atmosphere, and again one is struck by the predominance of the lilac-purple theme. The dinner consisting of steaming mulligatawny soup, roast chicken and potatoes, and apple pie, is a further British legacy. As one relaxes in the comfortable chamber of the Kodaikanal Club, a cheerful log fire dances a tableau of flame and shadow on the hearth, keeping out the chill of the night. One wakes up with an air of expectancy refreshed after a good night's sleep. The tree-fringed lake greets one in the crisp early morning. One realizes that the lake is the cool heart of Kodaikanal. It is the legacy of the then Collector, Sir Vere Livinge, who formed it by damming the valley where three streams flowed. It spreads over an area of 60 acres and is skirted by a

three-mile tarred road. There is a Boat Club and a public ferry. Just across the Kodaikanal Club is the Kodaikanal School - an imposing campus of verdant manicured lawns, dignified trees and solid stone buildings. This coeducational, English medium boarding school offering a pre-university curriculum in 12 grades, prepares students for entrance to Indian and worldwide colleges and universities through the Kodaikanal School Diploma. Selected students are prepared to write the external exams of the International Baccalaureate, based in Geneva. More than 30 nation-

Kodaikanal are very evocative: 'Loch End' and 'Mansarovar' these two houses by the lakeside bridge the time span from colonial times to the present. Hillbrook, Furzbank, Wood-cote, Whispering Pines and Rock Cottage all conjure up the beauty and spirit of their natural ambience. Jacaranda trees burst out in purple profusion, as though singing hosannas to the skies. Magnolia trees guard their 'escaping' fragrance, while cherry trees sweep in graceful pink arcs. On the east side of the lake is Bryant's Park, named after the forest officer who planned its layout

Driving along the cool green darkness with the trees making a canopy overhead, one reaches Green Valley View. Gnarled cypress roots make a natural crazy path to the sheer drop of 1,000 feet that overlooks the Vaigai Dam. Clouds are banked like snow, and violet haze envelopes the distant hills. Here too, the mist rises from the valley, imparting a solemn, out-of-this-world beauty to the scene. The exclusive Kodai Golf Club is very near Green Valley View. Past the Golf Club is the 114acre Golf Links, another colonial legacy - an undulating green velvet carpet. Thick woods line the

Dolphin's Nose, located about eight km from the lake, is a flat projecting rock from where one can have a breathtaking view of the yawning chasm below. The Perumal Peak, about 11 km from Kodaikanal, is a trekker's delight alities are represented in the school community of students and staff. On the wall of the principal's outer office is a plaque emblazoned with an appropriate quotation from the French philosopher Teihard de Chardin: "Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God." Almost cheek by jowl with the Kodaikanal School is the Lutheran Church - a Gothic stone building with stained glass windows and modern paintings and batiks portraying scenes from the life of Christ. Nearby is an even more famous church - Christ the King Church - again, a very Gothic and solemn granite structure with stained glass windows. The names of the buildings in

around the turn of the century. Beautiful pine and eucalyptus trees grow here. There is one ancient eucalyptus tree dating back to 1846, which is 250 feet high and 10 feet wide. The well-laid out gardens contain many annuals and perennials like azaleas, watsonias, dahlias, stock, primulas, fusschias, asters, etc. Many exotic varieties of orchids are housed in the Orchid House. About a kilometer from the lake is Coaker's Walk, named after St. Coaker of the Royal Engineers, offering a fantastic view of the plains and the distant hills. There is a rugged pristine beauty about these vistas, and the mist rising in veils from the valley below, gives the place an unreal quality.

road leading to the Pillar Rocks. These are three vertical pillars standing shoulder to shoulder measuring 112 m. The ground drops sheer below them, creating a dramatic impact and affording a stupendous view of the valley below. Soon mists wrap up the pillars in mystery and one wonders whether they are real, or whether they were a figment of one's imagination. Then the sun melts the mists away and the rocks rise, solemn and majestic, dappled in sun and shadow: the effect is ethereal and awe-inspiring. The abundance of pear orchards is a striking feature of the Kodaikanal landscape. Here and

there, a solitary snowy blossom seems to peep out tentatively to reconnoiter the weather conditions, and one has a hint of the profusion of pear blossoms to follow, when the branches would be heavy with their own blooms, leaving scant room for leaves. A sheer lacy curtain of water, so aptly named 'Fairy Falls,' is nearby. About five and a half km from the lake is the Shenbaganur Museum, maintained by the Sacred Heart College, a Theological Seminary founded in 1895. The stuffed-birds and the butterfly collection are remarkable. The archeological collection is meticulously documented. One can see the implements and the burial urns of the Paliyans here. One of the best orchidariums in the country, with more than 300 species of orchids, is also located on the premises of Sacred Heart College. Places around: There are several excursion spots in and around Kodaikanal. Dolphin's Nose, located about eight km from the lake, is a flat projecting rock from where one can have a breathtaking view of the yawning chasm below. The Perumal Peak, about 11 km from Kodaikanal, is a trekker's delight. Climbers begin their ascent from the Neutral Saddle. Berijam Lake supplies drinking water to Periyakulam town, and is 21 km from Kodaikanal (beyond the Pillar Rocks). It is a popular picnic spot with a beautiful view. Kukal Cave, 40 km from Kodaikanal, is a favorite camping site for trekkers. Reportedly, descendants of the Paliyans still live here. How to reach: Air: The nearest airport is Madurai, 120 km away. It is well connected to other airports. Rail: The nearest railhead is Kodai Road Railway Station, which is 80 km away. Road: Kodaikanal is connected by road with important towns like Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Kumuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore.

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In Brief 50 immigrants detained in Houston raid HOUSTON: Nearly 50 suspected illegal immigrants from Latin America have been detained after Houston police acted on a tip and raided a home. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Greg Palmore says police arrived at the home in southwest Houston about 8:45 a.m. and spotted some people running away. They contacted Homeland Security officials, who arrived soon afterward. Forty-nine people were taken into custody. Thirty-eight of those were adult men. The remaining 11 were children. Palmore says the people came north from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. Authorities haven't determined if any suspected smugglers connected to the home have been detained. -AP

Ga. population of illegals 6th largest ATLANTA: A federal report shows Georgia had the sixth-largest number of illegal immigrants in the country in January 2011, months before lawmakers passed a tough law targeting illegal immigration. The Department of Homeland Security report shows that about 440,000 illegal immigrants lived in Georgia. Only California, Texas, Florida, New York and Illinois had larger illegal immigrant populations. DHS estimates that the total number of illegal immigrants in the country in January 2011 was 11.5 million, roughly the same as the year before. -AP

City responds to immigration violation complaint ATLANTA: The city of Atlanta has asked a newly created state panel, charged with ensuring that public employees and agencies comply with state laws on immigration, to delay action on a complaint filed against the mayor and city council members. The city's legal department sent its response to the Immigration Enforcement Review Board. The complaint was filed last month by anti-illegal immigration activist D.A. King. It said a city ordinance violates state law by allowing applicants for public benefits to present an unacceptable Mexican government ID. -AP

Immigration 35

India Post

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April 6, 2012

South Asian New Yorkers feel like second class citizens: Report India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Institutionalized discrimination has resulted in South Asian American New Yorkers becoming second-class citizens, according to a report on profiling released in New York March 22. Seven South Asian organizations released a report entitled, In Our Own Words: Narratives of South Asian New Yorkers Affected by Racial and Religious Profiling, that documents the experiences and stories of New Yorkers who live in a climate of racial and religious profiling. Through an 18-month collaborative documentation project that included surveys, focus groups, and interviews, the organizations found that New Yorkers of South Asian descent are confronting the impact of profiling by national and local law enforcement agencies, even ten years after 9/11. Among the subset of questionnaire respondents who provided details on interactions with law enforcement, 73% of respondents surveyed were questioned by law enforcement about their national origin; 66% reported being questioned about their religious affiliations; and 85% reported being questioned about their immigra-

tion status. South Asians also reported feeling targeted by various government entities in several arenas including interactions with local law enforcement and the FBI, immigration officials, and airport security. At a community and media briefing March 22, organizational lead-

affiliation for investigations or surveillance over the past decade. This report underscores that profiling has affected virtually every facet of the daily lives of South Asians, including the way they dress, travel, practice their faith, express their identity, and how they interact with family members, neighbors, peers, and the government. Such institutionalized discrimination has resulted in community members becoming second-class citizens and question-

corted out and detained by 12 cops and 3 undercover detectives." - 23year-old Sikh man. *"Yeah, I've been asked [by NYPD] about where I'm from, and my religious beliefs. I guess you can say that they didn't look down on me, but they weren't so happy about who I was or who I am." 18-year-old Buddhist Bangladeshi student. *"I took off my kara [religious steel bangle worn by Sikhs] to avoid a secondary check. It's not

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I took off my kara [religious steel bangle worn by Sikhs] to avoid a secondary check. It's not something I like doing but, to avoid being profiled, it's something I doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

ers and affected community members noted that while reports of profiling by the NYPD are in the news these days, it is important to remember that the NYPD is but one of many law enforcement entities that have been engaging in targeting individuals based on their nationality, ethnic origin or religious

ing their sense of belonging in the United States, the report says. Below are a few narratives from South Asian New Yorkers from the report: *"There was a couple who started calling us names, referring to my turban, like 'Osama bin Laden - I wouldn't want to mess with you. God knows what you be hiding in that...' The staff of that cinema not only noted what he said but contacted the NYPD and said there was a possible terror alert. We were es-

something I like doing but, to avoid being profiled, it's something I do." - 32-year-old male Sikh software manager, JFK Airport. This report is a joint project by the New York City Profiling Collaborative with DRUM - Desis Rising Up and Moving, The Sikh Coalition, United Sikhs, South Asian Youth Action (SAYA!), Coney Island Avenue Project, and Council of Peoples Organization, coordinated by South Asian Americans Leading Together.

No hike in H-1B visa fee for next year, says US WASHINGTON: The US government has clarified that there will be no hike in fee for H-1B work visa for professionals next year. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had in a press release detailed application procedure for H-1B visa for fiscal year 2013 which was wrongly interpreted as hike in visa fee. Subsequently, USCIS as well as Indian IT industry body Nasscom have clarified that there is no hike in the visa fee. The US immigration agency had announced that applications for the most sought after H-1B work visa - used extensively by Indian IT professionals - for the fiscal year 2013 would be accepted from April 2.

The congressionally mandated numerical limitation on H-1B petitions for the fiscal year 2013 is 65,000, as has been in the previ-

the date it takes possession of a properly filed petition with correct fee and not the date on which it was sent. "If the number of applications

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had in a press release detailed application procedure for H-1B visa for fiscal year 2013 which was wrongly interpreted as hike in visa fee ous year. Additionally, the first 20,000 H1B petitions filed on behalf of individuals who have earned a US master's degree or higher are exempt from the fiscal year cap. The USCIS said H-1B applications will be considered accepted on

received exceeds the numerical cap, USCIS will randomly select the number of petitions required to reach the numerical limit from the pool of petitions received on the final receipt date," USCIS said in a statement, adding that it will reject cap-subject petitions that are

not selected, as well as those received after the final receipt date. Petitions for new H-1B employment are exempt from the annual cap if the beneficiaries will work at institutions of higher education or related or affiliated non-profit entities, non-profit research organizations or governmental research organizations, USCIS said. The department also listed out the details of fees to be filed by the applicants for H-1B visas, which starts from a base fee of USD 325 for fiscal year 2013. It is charging USD 750 for employers with 1 to 25 full-time equivalent employees, and USD 1,500 for employers with 26 or more full-time equivalent employees. -PTI

Immigration Post

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April 6, 2012

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US immigrant detention system flawed NEWARK, NJ: The current immigrant detention system in the United States is deeply flawed, and New Jersey's newest detention facility offers proof that federal reforms are falling short, immigration advocates said at a conference on the issue. A report by a coalition of immigration rights groups and New York University's law school focused on conditions at an immigration detention facility in Essex County as emblematic of problems with immigration detention system nationwide. The report finds that despite the emphasis by President Barack Obama's administration on reforming the civil detention system, facilities like the one in Essex County fail to meet several national detention standards for immigrants, issued in 2008 and 2011 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which cover everything from access to attorneys to recreation and health care. ``We feel this is only the tip of the iceberg of what's occurring,'' said Alina Das, co-director of the Immigrant Rights Clinic at NYU's law school, who worked on the report. ``We're very concerned about the conditions in New Jersey.'' In New Jersey, the report's authors said they received more than 200 detainee grievances from the newly expanded detention facility at the Essex County Correctional

Facility and nearby, privately operated Delaney Hall. Arguing that the facilities do not fully comply with ICE standards, the report documents problems with everything from access to legal assistance and worship services to adequate health care, food and other basic services for

Immigrants under mandatory detention are classified as civil and not criminal detainees, and advocates have long argued that the majority are low-risk individuals who do not need to be detained in order to comply with deportation orders or courtrelated obligations detainees. The concern, Das said, is that federal immigration authorities have touted the new agreement between ICE and Essex County to expand detention bed space in the New York metropolitan area, as well as a new facility opened this month

in Karnes City, Texas, as more humane, reform-minded facilities. ``Whatever Delaney Hall is, it's not a model detention facility,'' Das said. ICE Spokesman Harold Ort said the agency has made ``tremendous strides'' toward reforming the immigration detention system, including the hiring of more than 40

lationship with non-governmental groups to improve detainee treatment, as well was efficiency and oversight at detention facilities. Alfaro Ortiz, the director of the Essex County Correctional Facility, disputed the report's findings and said it was part of an ongoing campaign to discredit his facility. The county signed a new agree-

US Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) is pictured in this December 2011 StarLedger file photo. Recently Menendez called for immigration reform in a combative speech at a conference on the treatment of immigrant detainees

detention services managers to increase oversight at detention facilities and conduct inspections and regular visits. The agency has also reduced the overall number of detention facilities from 370 to 255 nationwide, Ort said, and is committed to a closer working re-

ment with ICE in 2011 to increase the number of immigration detainees in the Essex jail and an adjoining privately run facility from about 500 to 1,250. Ortiz insists the Essex facilities provide safe, humane and decent accommodations that provide

closer access for detainees to family members and immigration lawyers. The jail is accredited by the National Commission for Correctional Health Care and has earned a 100 percent rating from the New Jersey Department of Corrections for the past four years, Ortiz added. ``We look forward to working with ICE to provide the detainees with the best service possible,'' Ortiz said. The conference on immigration detention, held at the Newark campus of Rutgers University, focused on eliminating mandatory detention altogether. Immigrants under mandatory detention are classified as civil and not criminal detainees, and advocates have long argued that the majority are low-risk individuals who do not need to be detained in order to comply with deportation orders or court-related obligations. Judy Rabinovitz, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union Immigrants' Rights Project who spoke at the conference, said much of the huge expansion in immigrant detention facilities was largely unnecessary, as the majority of immigrant detainees pose neither a danger nor a flight risk. ``A fundamental shift is needed in how we look at detention, and to see detention as a last resort,'' she said. -AP

Banning illegal immigrant renters pricey, divisive FARMERS BRANCH, Texas: A Dallas suburb has spent five years and nearly $5 million trying to ban illegal immigrants from renting apartments within city limits, but court challenges have kept the law from taking effect. Still, city officials say they're likely to press on. The fight has pushed Farmers Branch, a quiet collection of bedroom communities and office parks, into the national debate about illegal immigration. Local Latinos say it also has made U.S. citizens and legal immigrants feel unwelcome in the city, where the Latino population has fallen in recent years. City officials and law backers argue that illegal immigrants strain local schools and police resources. They also note that local voters supported an early version of the law five years ago by a 2-to-1 margin. ``We're trying to solve a problem that people perceive to have,'' Mayor Jack Glancy told The Associated Press. ``If the (federal) government would do what it's supposed to do, we wouldn't be in the middle of this thing.'' The city council must now decide whether to appeal to the U.S.

Supreme Court or push for a hearing before the full 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, where a threejudge panel upheld a lower court's ruling blocking the law. Farmers Branch's city council, which has never included a Latino, has in recent years declared English to be the city's official language and resisted efforts to shift voting from an at-large system, which Latinos complain dilutes their voice. The council first passed a renters' ban in 2006, but replaced it two years later on the advice of its attorneys. The new law would require all renters to obtain a city license and the city's building inspector to check the status of any applicant who wasn't a U.S. citizen. Illegal immigrants would be denied a renters' permit, and landlords who knowingly allowed them to stay could have their renters' license barred. A federal judge put that law on hold after landlords and renters sued the city, and courts have continued to block it. Similar bans pushed in other cities, most notably Fremont, Neb., and Hazleton, Pa., are in the middle of similar court fights.

A judge recently allowed Fremont to require renters to obtain a permit but stopped the city from revoking the permits if renters were found to be illegal immigrants. Hazleton's law, which would sanction business owners for employing illegal immigrants and property owners for renting to

The new law would require all renters to obtain a city license and the city's building inspector to check the status of any applicant who wasn't a U.S. citizen them, also is on hold. But backers will get a new hearing because the Supreme Court last year, citing its decision in another case, vacated a federal appeals court's ruling against the law. Kris Kobach, a national advocate for tougher immigration laws and Kansas' secretary of state, has

represented Farmers Branch in court and said the city would have a good chance if it continues its case. He noted that much of the legal work has been done, so costs shouldn't grow much. Latino civil rights group MALDEF, which is helping fight the Farmers Branch law, said backers of such laws should give up. ``The federal courts have made clear that cities cannot make their own immigration laws and target residents for expulsion simply because of their race or nationality,'' Nina Perales, MALDEF's vice president of litigation, said in a statement. Despite rallies and heated protests at the time, Ben Robinson, a Farmers Branch councilman, points to the 2007 referendum that showed strong support for the law. ``As far as I know, they still feel that way,'' he said. Glancy emphasized that the city is targeting illegal immigrants, not legal immigrants or U.S. citizens, noting that the city's library hosts English classes. A recent class drew 50 people from all over the world - Cambodia, Germany and several Latin American countries -

who sounded out nouns and verbs with the help of local volunteers. The mayor also said that since the law was first passed, the number of car accidents involving uninsured drivers has declined and fewer students have moved in and out of local schools. Statistics from the CarrolltonFarmers Branch school district, which includes parts of Farmers Branch and surrounding cities, show the percentage of ``mobile'' students has fallen, though district spokeswoman Angela Shelley said the school does not keep track of students' immigration status. A message seeking comment from local police about Glancy's uninsured drivers claim wasn't returned. ``Something needed to be done,'' Glancy said. ``The federal government wasn't doing it. People were frustrated, and we're the ones closest to the people.'' Elizabeth Villafranca sees things differently. Villafranca owns a local Mexican restaurant and moved to Farmers Branch after the push to ban illegal immigrant residents began. She ran and lost for city council. -AP

Immigration Post

April 6, 2012

India Post

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Assault on employment immigration to US -II CYRUS D. MEHTA

(Continued from last week's article) enator Grassley, I ask you to put yourself in the shoes of this H-1B worker who has an approved I-140 immigrant visa petition for the green card, but is still waiting endlessly for it, along with his family, only because of the long waits in the EB-2 or EB-3 for India. If you did not put a hold on the Fairness for High Skilled Immigrants Act, this H-1B worker may have received a green card by now or close to receiving one. He now needs to wait nervously each year for an approval, with the fear that the H-1B may be denied this time around even though it got approved under the same facts the year before and the year before that. If the H-1B gets denied this time under some arbitrarily invented heightened scrutiny standard, he and his family will fall out of status and will have to most likely need to leave the US after working in the US legally for 10 years, paying taxes and otherwise contributing to the productivity of his employer and clients. He will also be forced to yank his brilliant children out of school disrupting their lives and causing great turmoil in their young impressionable minds. If the OIG report becomes USCIS policy, it will kill and stifle a US employer's ability to bring in skilled foreign national workers on H-1B, L-1 and O-1 visas. Despite Senator Grassley placing a hold on the Startup Visa Act, the DHS in August 2011 announced initiatives for entrepreneurs who founded their own startups to be able to have the company file for an H-1B visa on their behalf. This initiative too will get killed because if the government wants to look for fraud for the sake of satisfying certain statistical requirements, it will find it by shifting the goal posts. Look how many times over the past 10 years the USCIS has redefined what it means by the US

equivalent of an Indian bachelor's degree or equivalent education, thus blowing apart I-140 petitions approved after the employer meticulously but unsuccessfully tested the US labor market. Or look how the Neufeld Memo has been aimed against a very successful business model that has served the needs of Fortune 500 US corporations. If we see stricter adjudications, the US will be deprived of the talents and vision of foreign entrepreneurs who have a burning desire to set up startups in the US even in the absence of the Startup Visa Act, which have the potential to do brilliantly well like Google, E-bay or Yahoo.

Look how many times over the past 10 years the USCIS has redefined what it means by the US equivalent of an Indian bachelor's degree or equivalent education, thus blowing apart I-140 petitions At the February 15, 2012 Congressional hearing, the testimony of Bo Cooper, former General Counsel of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, is worth noting. Summaries of other witnesses at this Congressional hearing can be found in our forthcoming March 2012 Immigration Update. Mr. Cooper said that USCIS has released official data since the report came out. He noted that recent analysis shows that the data refute concerns "that USCIS may be institutionally biased toward unjustified approvals and that the agency observes policies that would suppress RFE issuance." The data tell the opposite story, he said: "Particularly with respect to the key nonimmigrant categories for foreign professionals, denial rates

and RFE rates have risen very sharply in recent years." The "most startling example," Mr. Cooper said, appears in the L-1 program, which is used by multinational corporations to transfer managers, executives, and specialists into the United States. Noting that such visas "are an essential component of a huge range of productive economic activity in this country," he said that L-1 visas are critical to attracting foreign investment that supports the creation of jobs for U.S. workers and are critical when U.S. companies acquire companies based oversees and need to have the acquired company's specialists come to the United States to integrate their expertise and processes. L-1 visas are also critical to companies who need to bring specialists from their overseas affiliates into their research centers and operations in the United States, he noted. "Without predictable, reliable access to these visas, employers find themselves having to move jobs and projects to other countries." The data for employees with specialized knowledge in the L-1B program "shows a steep rise in denials and requests for evidence beginning in 2008," he said, noting that the denial rate for L-1B petitions more than tripled in 2008 and is now at nearly quadruple the pre-2008 rate, at 27 percent in 2011. The RFE rate change is even starker, he said. From 2005 to 2011, the rate soared from 9 percent to 63 percent of L-1B cases. He also noted that in the L-1A program for managers and executives being transferred within multinational corporations, the RFE rate rose from 10 percent in 2005 to 51 percent in 2011. Denial rates rose 75 percent over five years, from 8 percent in 2007 to 14 percent in 2011. In the H-1B program for professionals in specialty occupations, the denial rate increased from 11 percent in 2007 to 17 percent in 2011. Over a quarter of all H-1B filings generated an RFE in 2011. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 38

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Bill may prevent services for illegal immigrants ATLANTA: A bill making its way through the Georgia Legislature could prevent illegal immigrants from being able to get a marriage license or access to water and sewage service in the state. The bill sponsored by Sen. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, has gotten a lot of attention because it would also bar illegal immigrants from the state's public colleges, universities and technical schools. But another provision that's generated very little discussion removes foreign passports from a list of identification documents that government agencies can accept for certain transactions. To be acceptable, foreign passports would have to be accompanied by federal immigration documentation proving someone is in the country legally. ``It's very interesting that the reliability of foreign passports is being questioned by the Georgia Legislature when the Transportation and Security Administration has considered the passport to be

a very secure form of ID,'' said Azadeh Shahshahani, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union. ``I think my worry is that perhaps some legislators might not be aware of the implications of this because it seems so innocuous. It doesn't say on its face that undocumented immigrants can't get

committee. If the full House passes it, the Senate would have to approve changes made by the House before the session ends. Under last year's law cracking down on illegal immigration, the state attorney general's office was charged with creating a list of ``secure and verifiable'' documents

It's possible illegal immigrants may not face much of a hurdle if local authorities don't bring their policies in line with the list of accepted documents. In many instances, local authorities still accept documents that aren't on the list water or can't marry.'' Loudermilk said the possibility of preventing illegal immigrants from obtaining marriage licenses and access to water and sewer was not intentional. He added that an amendment was likely that would remedy that. Versions of the bill have cleared the state Senate and a House

that government agencies could accept if they require identification for an official purpose. The list was released last summer and includes a U.S. passport, U.S. military identification card and a U.S. driver's license, among other documents. It also includes foreign passports, the only document on the list that illegal immigrants

would be able to obtain. By removing foreign passports from the list, the new bill would technically prevent illegal immigrants from getting a marriage license in Georgia or from accessing water and sewage service in the many municipalities that require identification to turn on service. That's because illegal immigrants wouldn't have the extra paperwork needed to prove not only that they have a passport, but that they are in the country legally. However, it's possible illegal immigrants may not face much of a hurdle if local authorities don't bring their policies in line with the list of accepted documents. In many instances, local authorities still accept documents that aren't on the list approved by the attorney general. A survey by The Associated Press of the websites or staff of probate courts in Georgia's 25 most populous counties shows at least 21 currently accept a birth certificate or a foreign driver's license as acceptable identification for those seeking a marriage license. Neither of those documents is on

the attorney general's list. Unlike other utilities, which are generally managed by private companies in Georgia, water and sewage services are provided by local government agencies. Calls to water and sewage authorities in some parts of the state found that some currently accept foreign driver's licenses, which is not acceptable under the current law. Technically, an agency could be penalized under the law for accepting documents not on the attorney general's list. But penalties are unlikely, as long as any problems that spark complaints are quickly rectified. The author of last year's illegal immigration crackdown, Rep. Matt Ramsey, said he believes all public agencies should comply with last year's law and should accept only identification documents on the attorney general's list. But the Peachtree City Republican added that he believes a U.S. birth certificate, though not a foreign one, should qualify as a ``secure and verifiable'' document. The attorney general's office has the power to add documents to the list. -AP

Immigration letters allowed Assault on employment at trial over patrols PHOENIX: A judge who will decide a lawsuit that alleges racial profiling by an Arizona sheriff's immigration patrols will allow claims to be heard at trial that the sheriff launched some patrols based on racially charged citizen complaints that involved no actual crimes. U.S. District Judge Murray Snow rejected a request by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's lawyers to prevent the citizen letters and emails from being introduced as evidence at the July 19 trial. He made the ruling at a hearing without offering any explanation. The lawyers who are pushing the lawsuit on behalf of a small number of Latinos had argued the complaints that were kept in the sheriff's own personal immigration file are proof that Arpaio acted improperly in carrying out the patrols. The lawyers also plan to use the complaints to respond to the sheriff's claim that the patrols were based on reports of crime in a given area and had nothing to do with race. The sheriff's attorneys had argued the complaints are irrelevant to the lawsuit's claims while being prejudicial and containing hearsay. Arpaio's lawyer also had called the complaints in question racially insensitive and said opposing lawyers can't show the letters and emails caused the sheriff to launch the patrols with a discriminatory motive.

Lawyers who are pressing the lawsuit said some of the complaints asked for action against darkskinned Hispanics and people speaking Spanish. They said in court documents that Arpaio got one letter from a person who asked for a patrol in north Phoenix and wrote, ``If you have dark skin, then you have dark skin. Unfortunately, that is the look

Illegal immigrants accounted for 57 percent of the 1,500 people arrested in the 20 sweeps conducted by his office since January 2008, according to figures provided by Arpaio's office of the Mexican illegals who are here illegally.'' They also said Arpaio sent the letter to a top manager and instructed him to ``have someone handle this.'' The lawsuit alleges that officers based some traffic stops on the race of Hispanics in vehicles and made the stops so they could inquire about their immigration status. Arpaio denies the racial profil-

ing allegation, saying people pulled over in the sweeps were approached because deputies had probable cause to believe they had committed crimes. During the patrols known as sweeps, deputies flood an area of a city - in some cases, heavily Latino areas - over several days to seek out traffic violators and arrest other offenders. Illegal immigrants accounted for 57 percent of the 1,500 people arrested in the 20 sweeps conducted by his office since January 2008, according to figures provided by Arpaio's office. The Latinos who filed the lawsuit aren't seeking money damages and instead want Arpaio to enact changes to guard against what they said is discriminatory policing at his agency. The case will be decided by the judge, not a jury. Separate from the lawsuit, the U.S. Justice Department has accused Arpaio's office of racially profiling Latinos, basing immigration enforcement on racially charged citizen complaints, and punishing Hispanic jail inmates for speaking Spanish. The sheriff's office said it doesn't discriminate against Latinos and is negotiating to resolve the allegations. But Arpaio has said he's prepared to go to court if the Justice Department chooses that route. -AP

immigration to US -II

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 37

Seen in the light of this data, Mr. Cooper said "there is no basis for the concern expressed in the OIG report that USCIS has an institutional bias in favor of approvals or against RFEs." In fact, he said, the data show the opposite trend. Noting that USCIS said in its response to the OIG report that it is reviewing its RFE policy and aims to issue new RFE guidance this year, Mr. Cooper recommended that the new policy reflect "the needs of today's business environment and the innovation economy," and that it be monitored carefully once put into practice. Finally, the Inspector General's report asks that the standard for adjudicating visa petitions be raised from the "preponderance of evidence standard" to something higher, such as the "clear and convincing evidence" standard or the even higher standard used in criminal proceedings, which is "beyond a reasonable doubt." Under the preponderance of evidence standard, applicants have to demonstrate that the facts in their case are slightly more true than not true. Even though the preponderance of evidence standard requires a lesser degree of proof than the clear and convincing standard, this does not mean that it

provides an invitation for fraud. The preponderance of evidence is the common standard used in civil proceedings, and allows the USCIS examiner to fairly evaluate very nebulous criteria while giving the benefit of doubt to the application, for instance, whether an O-1 visa applicant is extraordinary or not or whether an L-1B worker has specialized knowledge. If the applicant provided patently fraudulent documentation, he or she can be charged with the fraud ground of inadmissibility under INA Â§ 212(a) (c) (6) and there also exist tough criminal sanctions. In any event, it does not seem that the USCIS is faithfully adhering to the preponderance of evidence standard even today, and officially raising the bar will surely serve as an invitation for USCIS officials to arbitrarily deny even more case without fairly weighing the evidence. This would further undermine the ability of US employers to use our employment-based immigration system in an effective and rational manner to benefit them and simultaneously make the US prosper. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Horoscope

April 6, 2012

India Post 39

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

APRIL 6TH - APRIL 12TH (November 23 to December 22)

(March 21 to April 20)

estern medication will not work, only change of diet and relaxing technique will. Mind will be full of bright ideas and you will work on them. You will be associated with some like minded people on new project. Business trips and meetings will be fruitful. You have some real easy money coming during the week.

uck is definitely on your side. Judgement will come in your favor. Value of your stocks and other assets will appreciate. Money wise you will continue to do well. Spouse may get irritated several times for small reasons. You will receive guidance and help from a well known and powerful person.

(April 21 to May 20)

(December 22 to January 19)

t will be an expensive week but money will go towards family and a good cause. You will make friend with an important person who will be very useful in future. Some of you will be traveling in direction East for an important meeting. You may change the business partners you had been working for quite some time.

roblems will come but if you stay focused, you will be able to resolve them not only quickly but to your advantage. You may dispose off some old items and pocket the money. An old friend will make an offer that will be hard to turn down. Some of you will be taking a trip with family to a nice area.

(May 21 to June 20)

(January 20 to February 18)

ou will spend an evening with some important and famous people. Things will get more relaxing at work and you will enjoy company of a new colleague. You will utilize extra time on hands by taking care of old papers gathering dust in the house. You may find something you had been searching for in the past.

elationship may become permanant. You will sign and quickly return the contract. You will be full of energy and work on your plans with full force. Results will amaze every body at home. You will also perform some noble deed or make a serious commitment towrds charity. Physical activities will bring blood pressure down.

(February 19 to March 20)

(June 21 to July 22)

ou will come across a weak opportunity and quickly ignore it. All meetings will go well and you will be assured of help and assistance. Strong Sun will help overcome opponents and will help recover from health issue quickly. Some of you may also pass a very competetive exam with flying colors.

ou will be spending lots of money on children and their needs. You will continue to work on your plans to move to a better location. Very favorable week for people trying to change job or career. You will receive help from an elderly person. Some of you will be travelling long distance to attend an important meeting.

A great year ahead for Anushka Sharma

(July 23 to August 22)

usiness will improve and there will be few interesting changes in career. Dream assignment is within your reach. Money wise you will have to stay very careful. Avoid taking any risks and do not loan money to any one for some time. Energy level will be on peak. You may invite few friends and subordinates for dinner. (August 23 to September 22)

ack of communication may create some confusion with some one close. You will buy some nice items for personal use and may take family out to movies and dinner this week. Time and energy will go on resolving few important issues at work. You may call an old trusted friend to seek guidance and advice. (September 23 to October 22)

ou will benefit from a powerful person. Financially you will continue to well and meet your goals easily. You will hear some good news from overseas. Contract you had been waiting for will finally be in your hands. You may take a short trip with family to meet an old friend. Park your vehicle at proper place.

(October 23 to November 22)

any good things will happen this week. Timing will be perfect and you will make much needed extra money. Stocks and other speculation will pay off. People who made commitment in the past will keep their words. You may invite few colleagues at your place for dinner. Try mild medication for the health issue.

he bubbly and ebullient Anushka Sharma of Band Baaja Baraat fame is all set for even bigger glory this year. Although she's still quite a newbie in Bollywood, Taurean Anushka has made her mark in the tinsel town in a very short span of time. Anushka has firmly kept her head on her shoulders even after catching the fancy of the YRF tent. And going by the list of her upcoming movies, the year ahead in 2012 seems pretty rosy for the lanky lass. Born May 1, 1988, Anushka belongs to the sun sign Taurus with ruling number 1. This number is governed by the Sun and having born under it, she is highly original, active, energetic, motivated, artistic and brilliant. Born on the 1st of the month, the Sun gives her an intellectual bent of mind and she is attracted to mental rather than physical pursuits. She is courageous and brave and never hesitates to tackle the most of difficult of problems. She makes it to the top easily as she is innovative and enterprising. By constantly being active she can tire herself out and

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

may have to deal with stress-related issues. May and June will be lucky months for her. In 2012, she will be seen in another YRF yet-untitled venture opposite her first co-star, Shah Rukh Khan and a Vishal Bharadwaj film, Matru Ki Biwi Ka Mann Dola, with Imran Khan. Anushka, thus, definitely seems to have a great year ahead of her in 2012.

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website: www.parashar.com

Health

Line

NH bill allows health care providers to object CONCORD, N.H.: The House is to vote on a bill that would let New Hampshire health care providers refuse to provide services if they have religious, moral, ethical or philosophical objections to them. The House Judiciary Committee voted 12-5 to recommend the bill's passage. The bill would allow providers to object to participating in health care services including abortion, birth control, artificial insemination, assisted reproduction, euthanasia, sterilization, assisted suicide and stem-cell research. The provider could not be held civilly or criminally liable nor could employers discipline or fire an employee for refusing to provide the service. -AP

Court won't hear appeal on hormone therapy WASHINGTON: The Supreme Court won't consider reinstating a Wisconsin law banning publiclyfunded hormone therapy for inmates who identify as transgender women. The high court refused to hear an appeal from state officials, who have been trying to get the 2005 law reinstated since it was blocked by a federal judge weeks after its passage. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last year that the law violates a constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment because it denies medical treatment. Some of the plaintiffs had been on hormones for years before the law was passed. -AP

NY 'fracking' health impact study dropped ALBANY, NY: A New York State Assembly proposal for an independent health impact study of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas has been dropped during budget negotiations. Numerous physicians and environmental groups have criticized the Department of Environmental Conservation for not including a comprehensive health impact study in its environmental review of gas drilling using high-volume hydraulic fracturing, or ``fracking.'' DEC says health impacts were considered in drafting regulations to prevent adverse effects. -AP

Health Science

Program uses 4-legged therapist to reach kids GREENWOOD, Ind.: The newest therapist at Valle Vista Health System took his usual position on the floor next to his patient. Details on page 42

India Post

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April 6, 2012

Court takes health care case behind closed doors WASHINGTON: The survival of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul rests with a Supreme Court seemingly split over ideology and, more particularly, in the hands of two Republican-appointed justices. Supporters of health care reform rally in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, March 28 on the final day of arguments regarding the health care law signed by President Barack Obama. Susan Clark of Santa Monica, Calif., who opposes health care reform, stands with a red hand painted over her mouth to represent what she said is socialism taking away her choices and rights, in front of the Supreme Court in Washington. Supporters of health care reform stand in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Anthony Kennedy put tough questions to administration lawyers defending the health care law during three days of arguments that suggested they have strong reservations about the individual insurance requirement at the heart of the overhaul and, indeed, whether the rest of the massive law can survive if that linchpin fails.

But Roberts and Kennedy also asked enough pointed questions of the law's challengers to give the overhaul's supporters some hope. In any event, justices' questions at arguments do not always foretell their positions.

larger if the court votes 5-4 with all its Republican-appointed justices prevailing over all the Democratic appointees to strike down the entire law, or several important parts of it. Not since 2000, when the court

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Anthony Kennedy put tough questions to administration lawyers defending the health care law during three days of arguments that suggested they have strong reservations The court's decision, due in June, will affect the way virtually every American receives and pays for health care and surely will reverberate in this year's campaigns for president and Congress. The political effects could be even

resolved the Bush v. Gore dispute over Florida election returns that sealed George W. Bush's election as president, has a Supreme Court case drawn so much attention. The court wrapped up public arguments on the overhaul, which

aims to extend health insurance to most of the 50 million Americans now without it. The first and biggest issue the justices must decide is whether the centerpiece of the law, the requirement that nearly all Americans carry insurance or pay a penalty, is constitutional. Wednesday's morning session was unusual in that it assumed, for purposes of argument, a negative answer to that central question. What should happen to other provisions, the justices and lawyers debated, if the court strikes down the requirement? If the justices are following their normal practice, they had not even met to take a preliminary vote in the case before all argument concluded. Cont’d on page 43

The facts and myths about Obamacare India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Maryland State Legislative Delegate Kumar Barve is one of the 30 state representatives to sign an amicus brief in support of President Obama's healthcare legislation, which has been challenged in the US Supreme Court. In March 2009 President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) into law, which reformed the health insurance industry to expand access to insurance to over 30 million Americans while lowering projected Medicare spending. The Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments on the

PPACA on March 26. In that context, Barve has shared some of the benefits of this landmark legislation, while also "correcting some of the incorrect statements that have been spread."

will be able to purchase affordable coverage, and have the same choices of insurance as Members of Congress. Here in Maryland, we are focusing on getting our Health Benefit Exchange ready for 2014.

'Here in Maryland, we are focusing on getting our Health Benefit Exchange ready for 2014. This open marketplace will help increase coverage while reducing costs for all Americans' "Often referred to as Obamacare, the PPACA will establish new competitive insurance marketplaces," Barve says. "These marketplaces will include state-run health insurance exchanges where millions of Americans and small businesses

This open marketplace will help increase coverage while reducing costs for all Americans." Some of the 'facts' and 'myths' about Obamacare, as put out by Barve: Fact: Closing the Medicare

"donut hole" Under Medicare Part D, patients were responsible for 100% of prescription drug costs up to $310 and 25% of the cost up to $2,800. After that point, you have reached the "donut hole" and are again responsible for 100% of prescription drug costs until reaching the yearly out-ofpocket limit of $4,550. The PPACA will change this. More than 4 million rebate checks have already been mailed to seniors who reached the "donut hole" and certain brand name drugs are available at 50% of their usual cost and by 2020 the "donut hole" will be completely eliminated. Cont’d on page 43

Health Science Post

April 6, 2012

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Study projects Wyoming nursing shortage CASPER, Wyo.: Ashley Woolworth planned to become a teacher. But after moving to Wyoming in 2008, she discovered limited opportunities for a job in education. Woolworth liked helping people, so she changed her focus to nursing. The 23-year-old is now enrolled in Casper College's nursing program. When she graduates, she'll almost certainly find a job. Nearly all students who complete the program find employment in their field, according to figures kept by the college. ``People are always going to get sick,'' Woolworth said as she changed the dressing on a wounded mannequin. ``People are always going to need someone to take care of them. So I knew it was a very secure job.'' Demand for health care workers in Wyoming is expected to increase over the decade as the state's population ages. A first-ofits-kind report by the Department of Workforce Services projects Wyoming will add 5,700 health care jobs by 2020.

Another 22,365 openings will be created as health care workers retire, move or leave their jobs to care for family members, according to the report, which was released earlier this year jobs, like nursing, in the past. The new report, in contrast, takes a look at the entire system, projecting the need for everything from home health aides to dental hygienists. ``We don't need to rely on anecdotes any longer to understand

what the demand for labor is in the health care industry,'' Tom Gallagher, who manages research and planning for the department, tells the Casper Star-Tribune. The report found Wyoming colleges, in many cases, are not producing enough workers to meet the demand for health care jobs. In 2009, for example, 444 people completed a degree to become a registered nurse. But the report projects the state will need to fill an average of 666 RN openings each year this decade. Other shortages are predicted for physical therapists, dental assistants and pharmacy technicians, the data shows. Colleges and employers can use the report to understand demand and address projected needs. The information is critical for the health care industry, since many of its professions require years of education, Gallagher explained. Labor can move rapidly to where it is needed for some industries, like construction. That's not the case with health care, he said. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 43

TIP OF THE WEEK

Chase away joint and headache pain with cherries

atest studies show that at least one in four women is struggling with arthritis, gout or chronic headaches. If you're one of them, a daily bowl of cherries could ease your ache, without the stomach upset so often triggered by today's painkillers, say researchers at East Lansing 's Michigan State University . Their research reveals that anthocyanins, the compounds that give cherries their brilliant red color, are anti-

inflammatories 10 times stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin. "Anthocyanins help shut down the powerful enzymes that kick-start tissue inflammation, so they can prevent, as well as treat, many different kinds of pain," explains Muraleedharan Nair, Ph.D., professor of food science at Michigan State University . His advice: Enjoy 20 cherries (fresh, frozen or dried) daily, then continue until your pain disappears.

Health Science Post

India Post

April 6, 2012

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Program uses 4-legged therapist to reach kids GREENWOOD, Ind.: The newest therapist at Valle Vista Health System took his usual position on the floor next to his patient. Gallagher, a jet-black Labrador retriever, lolled on his side, waiting for someone to pay attention to him. As a therapy dog, his only job is to make patients feel at ease. Connor Rupert used to despise his weekly therapy sessions. With Gallagher around, the 13-year-old has started looking forward to them, rubbing the dog's belly while he talks to his therapist. ``He keeps me calm. I feel very at ease around him. It got easier to talk, to tell her more stuff,'' Rupert said. Gallagher has been added to the therapy team at Valle Vista to help teenagers and children struggling with emotional problems. When they come in to talk to a counselor, he curls up next to their legs, lays his head on their laps or whines for a belly rub. The hospital is one of the few places in central Indiana using therapy dogs to help in the treatment of behavioral and mentalhealth problems. For many patients dealing with depression, addiction or anxiety, the healing process becomes easier by having a canine support system during sessions.

``His main benefit is as a kind of distraction. If we're talking about something hard that's difficult to get through, they can pet him and feel better,'' said Abby Boston, Gallagher's handler. Therapy dogs have emerged as a valuable tool to help in a variety of medical fields. The specially trained dogs help calm patients struggling through physical therapy or help turn off lights or fetch items for people with physical disabilities. Hospitals provide them as companions for lonely patients. Gallagher is the second therapy dog working at Valle Vista; the previous dog retired last year from therapy. Hospital officials were so impressed with the success of the program had that they asked Boston to apply for another dog. ``We've seen it work. We've seen it help problems that kids and adults struggle with and felt it was important to try to keep it going,'' said Zoe Frantz, Valle Vista director of business development. Gallagher was given to Valle Vista free of charge by Canine Companions for Independence, a California-based group that trains therapy dogs. The organization's dogs go to help adults with disabilities per-

form daily tasks or work with the deaf to hear important sounds. Special programs also train certain dogs to work side-by-side with health care professionals as a way to calm patients. That's how Boston has used Gallagher. As an outpatient therapist for teenagers and children, she has found that her patients are

While he pets and rubs the dog, Boston asks him about the goals they set out during their previous meeting: Is he cleaning his room? Is he doing his homework? Does he do his chores without arguing? more receptive to opening up when a dog is in the room. She's seen patients who struggle with severe anxiety begin talking and expressing themselves within seconds of meeting Gallagher. ``It's about relaxation. For me, since I work with kids and teenagers, it really gives us somewhere to

Chocolates loaded with health benefits

xperts from across the world recently reported about the emerging health benefits and other aspects of chocolate - the food that has delighted people for almost 2,000 years. "Chocolate is one of the foods with the greatest appeal to the general population," said Sunil Kochhar, Ph.D., one of the symposium participants at at the 243rd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS). "The luscious aroma, taste and textures of chocolate have delighted the senses of people in many parts of the world for centuries and make it a well-known comfort food." Kochhar, who is with the Nestle Research Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, is noted for landmark research that is helping to establish chocolate's potential health benefits. He described one study, for instance, detailing the biochemical basis for chocolate's reputation as a comfort food. The study, which included 30 healthy adults, found that eating about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate per day reduced levels of stress hormones and other indicators of emotional anxiety in people who felt stressed-out. "The flavonoids and other in-

gredients in chocolate with beneficial health effects originate in cocoa," Kochhar explained. "In making chocolate, cocoa seeds undergo natural fermentation before being processed into key ingredients for making chocolate - namely cocoa fat and cocoa powder." Among other presentations at the symposium, scientists re-

The study, which included 30 healthy adults, found that eating about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate per day reduced levels of stress ported about how the introduction of new varieties of the cacao tree that resist "witch's broom," a fungal disease that has decimated some crops, may affect the taste of cocoa and chocolate. That chocolate may be useful in treating of diseases involving disorders of the trigeminal nerve, including migraine and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The study found evidence that

cocoa contains biologically active ingredients that soothe the nerve's excitability, a probable cause of these disorders. Findings about the biological basis of chocolate's anti-inflammatory effects. Its rich content of polyphenols inhibit secretion of certain enzymes into the small intestine that cause inflammation. How chocolate may be helpful in fighting cardiovascular problems for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Flavonoids in the chocolate strengthen mitochondria, the powerhouse of body cells, which are in a weakened condition in patients with cardiovascular problems. On chocolate and high blood pressure. They found that flavonoids in chocolate lower blood pressure and thus might help in reducing heart disease risks. A cocoa-rich diet may reduce the risk of colon cancer by preventing undesirable changes in the cells or destroying cells that form precancerous lesions. That epicatechin, a beneficial antioxidant especially rich in dark chocolate, strengthens cell membranes and offers protection from some forms of cardiovascular disease.

start, especially kids I don't know very well. It makes them feel like it's not a sterile hospital setting. It's more comfortable,'' Boston said. About 40 patients work with Gallagher at Valle Vista. Each patient chooses whether the dog will sit in on their sessions. Connor came to Valle Vista in October struggling with a series of behavioral issues. He was distracted easily from his schoolwork and would ignore homework assignments. He also wouldn't listen to his mother when she told him to do simple chores, such as cleaning his room. He argued and frequently withdrew from others. Therapists diagnosed him with depression, which affected the way he interacted with people around him. Initial sessions with Boston were difficult to get through, Connor said. He felt self-conscious and had difficulty opening up to her. He didn't make much progress in the first three months of therapy. That changed in February, when Gallagher came to Valle Vista. ``With Connor, he feels better about coming to talk with me. He has something to look forward to,'' Boston said. ``The work we do is hard, so Gallagher makes it not as terrible.''

During their sessions, Connor will come in and immediately go to the big black dog. He has a miniature pinscher at home but said he prefers the laid-back, friendly Gallagher. While he pets and rubs the dog, Boston asks him about the goals they set out during their previous meeting: Is he cleaning his room? Is he doing his homework? Does he do his chores without arguing? ``He seems to click with Abby,'' said Sherri Rupert, Connor's mother. ``She can plant ideas in his mind that I can try for years to do, and it won't do any good. But she has such a way to make it click with him.'' If Connor does well during his discussions with Boston, he's rewarded with some one-on-one time with Gallagher. They go out into one of the common areas, where Connor can throw a tennis ball while Gallagher chases it. ``He loves to play fetch. He really loves that,'' Connor said. But even these playful diversions can be used to teach lessons. Often when they're playing fetch, Gallagher will become enthralled with a strange smell or a new patch of grass and abandon the tennis ball. -AP

Good news on health front brings cheer KATHMANDU: For a country starved of good news, the recent findings of the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2011 brought some cheer to policymakers and common Nepalis. Despite problems, the country had improved on almost all health indicators. One major highlight was the sharp decline in fertility rate among women between 1986 and 2010 from 5.1 children per woman to just 2.6 children. Both urban and rural areas witnessed the drop. Half the women respondents were found practicing various methods of family planning, but choice differed on their place of residence and education level. Use of modern methods of contraception was significantly higher among urban women and while sterilization was the most preferred mode of family planning among illiterate women, educated women chose temporary methods like pills, condoms and IUDs. Deliveries though skilled healthcare workers doubled in the past five years and births in hospitals also saw a 10% increase. But while delivery by health care workers was 73% in urban areas, it was

32% in villages. Mortality in post-neonatal, infant, child and under 5 years of age categories also recorded decline since 2006. Neonatal mortality, however, remained stagnant at 33 deaths per 1,000 live births. Nutritional indicators too showed improvement. But still 41% children under five are short for their age and 16% are stunted. Twenty nine percent of children are underweight and 8% severely underweight. The survey revealed that while most men and women knew about HIV/AIDS and ways to prevent it, in practice most men didn't follow the preventive measures. Only 27% men who had more than one sexual partner during the past year reported using condoms. It showed 34% of women between 15-49 years had experienced physical violence. And rural women are more likely to experience physical violence. Physical violence was highest among women with no education (51%). As women became more educated, their chances of experiencing violence decreased significantly.

April 6, 2012

Health Science Post

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Court takes health care case Study projects Wyoming behind closed doors nursing shortage Cont'd from page 40

Questions at the court showed a strong ideological division between the liberal justices who seem inclined to uphold the law in its entirety and the conservative justices whose skepticism about Congress' power to force people to buy insurance suggests deep trouble for the insurance requirement, and possibly the entire law. The divide on the court reflects a similar split in public opinion about the law, which Congress approved two years ago when Democrats controlled both the House and Senate. Liberal and conservative justices alike appeared to accept the administration's argument that at least two important insurance changes are so closely tied to the musthave-coverage requirement that they could not survive without it: provisions requiring insurers to extend coverage to people with existing medical problems and limiting how much those companies can charge in premiums based on a person's age or health. Less clear was whether the court would conclude that the entire law, with its hundreds of unrelated provisions, would have to be cast aside. The justices also spent part of the day

considering a challenge by 26 states to expansion of the federal-state Medicaid program for low-income Americans - an important feature which alone was expected to extend coverage to 15 million people and which no lower court has rejected. The conservative justices appeared open to the states' argument that the expansion is unconstitutionally coercive. Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr. took a few seconds at the end of the Medicaid argument to make a final plea for the court to uphold the entire law, which he said would "secure the blessings of liberty" for millions of Americans by providing them with affordable health care. Verrilli told the court that Congress had made a policy decision to fight the high cost of medical care through the new law. "I would urge the court to respect that judgment," he said. Paul Clement, the lawyer for the states challenging the law, answered that it would be a strange definition of liberty to make people who may not want it buy health care insurance. And he called Congress' threat to cut all Medicaid funding from states that refuse to expand the program "a direct threat to our federalism."-AP

The facts and myths about Obamacare Cont'd from page 40

Myth: The PPACA will add to our national debt The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which evaluates all Federal legislation, estimated that the PPACA would reduce the deficit by $143 billion over the first ten years and by $1.2 trillion over the ten years after that. Health care costs are the biggest driver of our deficit - with Medicare the single largest cause - and the PPACA bends the cost curve and strengthens our nations fiscal health. Fact: Young adults can now stay on their parents' health insurance plans until the age of 26 A provision of the PPACA that went into effect immediately, young adults are no longer kicked off their parents' health insurance plans at the age of 19. Even if children do not live with their parents, are married or not financially dependent on their parents. This will help make it more affordable for young adults to get health insurance coverage when they may otherwise be forced to go without. Myth: My tax dollars will now fund abortions Federal judges have ruled that the PPACA does not provide for taxpayer funded abortions. As already provided by current law, only in the cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is endangered is there federal funding for abortions. The PPACA does not in any way override or broaden the "Hyde Amendment."

Fact: Expanded coverage for preventive services Important preventive services that can help avoid illness and improve your health are now covered under all insurance plans and may not require any payment. These services include: Blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol tests; Mammograms and colonoscopies; Counseling to quit smoking, lose weight, eat healthfully, treat depression; Flu shots and routine vaccinations such as measles and polio. Myth: The PPACA will raise costs for businesses The CBO states that health insurance costs for businesses will decrease under the PPACA. Small businesses will pay up to 4% less, and large businesses 3% less, for the same insurance plan as they did before the enactment of the PPACA and could save thousands of dollars per employee. Fact: Health care fraud has decreased The PPACA provides new tools and resources to fight against health care fraud. In Fiscal Year 2011, fraud prevention and enforcement efforts recovered more than $4 billion in taxpayer dollars and almost $11 billion over the last three years. Myth: People who currently have health insurance will have to make changes The PPACA does not require any changes on the part of those who are currently insured. If you currently have health insurance you will not be required to make any changes unless you want to.

Cont'd from page 41

`Ìf we are not understanding what is in the pipeline and what the real need is, then we have a serious problem,'' he continued. `Ìt is not like we are missing a bulldozer operator. Because if you can't deliver health care, you have a heck of a time sustaining your community. So the consequences are a little graver.'' The report is meant to prompt a discussion about health care needs, Gallagher said. But predicting trends can be challenging. The move toward preventive care and electronic records, for instance, could influence demand for certain jobs. `Ìt affects how we are going to configure the system,'' he said. ``But we are not exactly sure how it's going to look.'' Even so, the study provides valuable information for college administrators, said Joseph Steiner, dean of the University of Wyoming's College of Health Sciences. While the university wouldn't start a new program based solely on the report, it will help officials plan for the future. `Ìt lets us have a picture of what the state's needs are and what we can do to address those needs,'' he said. The university is currently discussing whether to develop a program for the tech-

nicians who perform laboratory tests. The study predicts the state may need to fill more than 500 such jobs this decade. ``If you look at the workforce report, it shows it is a need that is not being met,'' Steiner said. The paper also shows Wyoming's health care workforce is aging. If Wyoming doesn't recruit enough new workers, it could face

The university is currently discussing whether to develop a program for the technicians who perform laboratory tests. The study predicts the state may need to fill more than 500 such jobs this decade shortages down the road, said Mary Burman, dean of the university's nursing school. The state faces significant challenges when trying to address shortages in nursing. Wyoming has only a limited number of nurses who are qualified to teach. Most of its hospitals lack the size to accommodate large groups of student nurses. -AP

India News 44

Award winners Sunil Harsana & Vinod Khatana

VINOD DHAWAN & ROSY LOHANI

India Post

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April 6, 2012

VoI celebrates achievements of rural youth

Dr. Subhash & Sudha Jolly

India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: India's Minister of State for Rural Development Pradeep Kumar Jain Aditya said here on Sunday March 25 that the Indian Government spends a stupendous Rs 90,000 crores for development of villages. "There are more than 7 lakh villages in India and we have to develop them in terms of providing proper education, food and help build their houses and roads." But, he added, since government functionaries cannot reach every nook and corner he commended the role of NGOs like the Vision of India who are selflessly working to improve the lot of villages and villagers, particularly the youth, by training them and finding jobs for them. Mr Aditya was speaking at a function to recognize the achievements of Vision of India rural youth. He gave away prizes to over 30 rural youth, women workers and some corporations who have inducted these youth in gainful employment.

Bhura Ram, Pharrod Village Rajasthan

Minister of State for Rural Development Pradeep Kumar Jain Aditya lighting the lamp to inaugurate the function. He is flanked by (from left) VoI President Kanwal Malhotra, Chairman Capt Krishan Sharma, Chairperson Global Society for Human Development Veena Bhatti and Bharat Shakti Chairman Harish Narula

The award winners 1. Mr. Abhishek Nangia, Tricolite Electric Company, (Rural Employment) 2. Mr. Raman Anand, Tratec Engineering Private Limited, (Rural Employment) 3. Mr. Taranjit Singh, Sigma India Corporation, (Rural Employment) 4. Mr. Krishan Mittal, Parmanand Hospital, (Providing Rural Health) 5. Dr. Sushil Chaudhary, I-Care Hospital, (Providing Rural Health) 6. Dr. Subhash & Sudha Jolly, Social Workers, (Providing Rural Health) 7. Mr. Rajiv Lal, Headmaster of Mangar Govt. School, (Improving Rural Education) 8. Mr. Firoz Abbasi, Social Worker, (Improving Rural Women's Education) 9. Mr. Sarjeet Khatana, Teacher of Vision of India, (Improving Rural Technical Education) 10. Mr. Ghanshyam Bisht, (IT for Rural Youth) 11. Mr. O. P. Bhatia, Former Executive Director Sports Authority of India and CEO Cooperate Games, (Improving Rural Sports) 12. Mr. Sunil Dutt Sharma, 5th Dan Taekwondo & Sports, (Promoting Martial Art & Yoga) 13. Mr. Chetan Aggarwal, Environmental Activist, (Protecting Rural Environment) 14. Mr. Bhikkan Singh, Former Sarpanch of Damdama Village, (Saving Damdama Lake) 15. Mr Tejpal Singh, former Sarpanch of Abheypur Village, (Best Village Governance) 16. Mrs Seema Raghav, Present Sarpanch of Daula Village, (Best Village Governance for Women) 17. Mr. Bhura Ram, Pharrod Village Rajasthan, (Best Village Governance) 18. Mr. Hushyara Singh, Village Abheypur, (Philanthropy) 19. Mr. Ashok Jain, Handmade Paper, (Promoting Marketing Rural Products) 20. Mr. Vinod Khatana, Abheypur, (Rural Youth Transformation & Self Improvement) 21. Mr. Sunil Harsana, Mangar, (Rural Youth Leadership) 22. Mr Shiv Murti Dyal for Mr. Yogesh Kumar, Jansamarth, (Micro - Hydra Project in Hilly Regions) 23. Mr. Sanjeev Chauhaan, Abheypur, (Village Propagation Social Audit) 24. Mr. Jaisingh, Abheypur, (Best Rural Youth) 25. Mr. Surender Khatana, Abheypur, (Best Rural Entrepreneur) 26. Mr Ishwar, Damdama, (Fighting disability) 27. Mrs Satvati, Abheypur, (Dolls Making) 28. Mrs Laxmi, Abheypur, (Dolls Making) 29. Mrs Meena, Abheypur, (Dolls Making) 30. Mrs Kela, Abheypur, (Weaving) 31. Mr Jai Parkash, Philakwa Village, (Best Master Weaver)

A short video highlighted the progress made by the rural youth and the training program provided by Vision of India which has benefited more than 14,500 villagers in more than 80 villages. It showed the village folk in weaving, dolls making, technical training, and computer training. Handicapped villagers who have transformed themselves into talented earning members spoke up to show their appreciation for the help, guidance and training provided by Vision of India. The highest applause was reserved for

Handicapped villagers who have transformed themselves into talented earning members spoke up to show their appreciation for the help, guidance and training provided by Vision of India Vinod Kumar who, once a criminal, has transformed himself into a Graphic Designer and Sunil Kumar, a shepherd, who now leads the villagers on environment protection, particularly saving the Manger forest. More than 100 villagers from villages Cont'd on page 45

HIGH TEA: An engrossing discussion at High Tea. Minister Aditya flanked by Capt Sharma and Tripti Parule, Head of Cultural Affairs, VoI

India

April 6, 2010

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Impact of Panch Dhatu in relieving human misery (Menakari). Why are these rings made according to zodiac sun sings? Zodiac rings are segregated under the 12 zodiac signs because a person born in a particular month or zodiac sun sign period may have some amount of minerals lacking or excess in his/her body, that's why the same zodiac signs share similar personality traits or characteristics.

DIANA GABRIEL India Post News Service

MUMBAI: Ashit Jalui's grandfather was a very well known astrologer in Kolkata during British rule in early twentieth century. Astrology was however, not a cup of tea for Ashit's father and he shunned it turning his attention to jewelry business. For Ashit it turned out to be Hobson's choice - to go for the age old Shastra of astrology that his grandfather devotedly pursued or pick up the thread of his father's jewelry business. His studies of astrology convinced him that the impact of planetary movements on human life could not be overlooked. He pursued the subject in a scientific manner and found that the negative impact of ominous planetary movements could be reduced by the judicious use of metals and precious stones in the form of rings, bracelets, and bangles. His peep into his father's jewelry business helped him experimenting with the use of Pinch Dhatu (five different elemental metals) in different proportions to suit the personality traits of people born under different signs. His studies of ancient texts also revealed that Lord Krishna had asked Arjuna to wear a Panch Dhatu bracelet to bring out his best potential to achieve final victory. Ashit teamed up with his UK educated son Guatam Jauli and

Ashit Jalui and his son Gautam Jalui

cultivated a huge following based on their modern application of the same principal idea found in epic Mahabharata. In a talk with this correspondent, Ashit explains the relevance of Pancha Dhatus and their practical significance: What is Panchadhatu? Nature consists of five elements i.e., water, fire, earth, air and space. Similar to that our body also consists of several minerals. Zodiac power products are made of Panchadhatu i.e., five metals gold, silver, copper, iron and zinc.

Zodiac power products synchronize a balance between human life and nature. In 'Mahabharata' Krishna had gifted Arjuna a shield made of Panchadhatu. What is the process of making a ring/amour/pendent/ bangle/card? Each zodiac sign ring is made over a period of 15 days cycle. We refer English calendar or Zodiac Sun sign to set the right melting time, temperature and metal combination. Then they are polished and beautifully enameled

PCJ LaFinesse Excellence Award for Sanjana Jon

Zodiac power products synchronize a balance between human life and nature. In 'Mahabharata' Krishna had gifted Arjuna a shield made of Panchadhatu How do these products help us scientifically? The World Health Organization's Geneva 1996 report on 'Trace elements in human nutrition and health' and Mineral Institute Information, USA' states the minerals nutritional value to humans. Therefore it enhances will power, concentration, assertiveness and confidence. Check out whqlibdoc.who.int/ publications/1996/ 9241561734_eng_fulltext.pdf

VoI celebrates achievements of rural youth Cont'd from page 44

India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Sanjana Jon was the recipient of PCJ LaFinesse Excellence Awards 2012, at Florian, New Delhi on March 21 along with Kumkum Roy Choudhary, Krishna Poonia and Alka Lamba. Sanjana Jon started her career working with her brother Anand Jon in New York and they created a jewelry line together which was highly appreciated by Iman David Bowie Barbara Hershey supporting AMFAR. Then they worked on the men's collection which was highlighted by Bruce Springsteen, backstreet Boys The Artist formerly known as Prince, Collective Soul, Matchbox 20 to name a few. Her acclaimed debut was at Cannes for the Film Festival supported by Prince Albert of Monaco, Princess Sorayya, Princess Sara Al Saud, Princess Olivia de Borbon and more this led to the

Sanjana Jon (right) with her award

New York Fashion week debut and Vancouver fashion week where she won International Rising Star award. Fashion with heart has been propagated by her where every show or event supports a charity

or cause and Sanjana Jon has been a socially motivated person since her school and college days with her brother Anand Jon she used to provide food and clothing to the underprivileged kids and read for the blind students.

w w w. m i i . o r g / p e r i o d i c / LifeElement.html Are there any restrictions or rituals attached to these products? No Do we get any authenticity proof? Yes, every zodiac power product comes with a 'Vanity Gold' (our company) logo and a bill. For any reason, if any of our patron or client is not satisfied, he can return our product and within 15 days we return 80% of the bill amount. What do you do with the returned rings? We discard them Why do you have different range of products? We want Panchadhatu to be a part of everyone's life and the person wearing it has to have a choice that suits his or her taste or utility. What is the special way to use ring or other items Ring: To be worn on any hand except the middle finger. Amour: To be kept in offices, shops, cars or homes. Bangle: To be worn on any hand. Card: To be kept in wallet or purse. Pendent: Can be worn with any chain or thread. H3 frame: It is an essential spiritual gift for yourself and person whom you love or admire. For more information contact www.zodiacpowerring.com

in Haryana and Rajasthan participated in the program and lustily cheered the award winners from among themselves. Bhura Ram from the village of Pharrod in Rajasthan related how Vision of India organized employment, health camps, sports and craft development in his village and Chapoli village in Jhunjunu district. NRI Sunil Dutt Sharma from Atlanta, Georgia, described his stint with VoI teaching yoga and martial arts in villages. Rajiv Lal, Headmaster of Mangar Govt School described how teachers were unwilling to work in the village. The Minister congratulated Capt Krishan Sharma, Chairman of Vision of India, for not merely the vision but putting into practice his passion for improving the lot of villages in India. He seconded the sentiment of one

of the speakers that there should be a Capt Sharma in every village of India. Sponsor Harish Nirula (NGO Bharat Shakti) congratulated all those who got the awards and said everyone must do something for the rural villages, "if you want India to wake up". Capt Sharma thanked the minister; awards sponsor Harish Nirula and all those who had contributed to the success of the function. He said the Vision of India goal is not to just donate food or funds but to provide the rural folks with means of self-sufficiency. Among the award winners were Tricolite Electric Company, Tratec Engineering Pvt Ltd and Sigma India Corporation for rural employment, Parmanand Hospital and I-Care Hospital for providing rural health, and social workers Dr Subhash and Sudha Jolly for providing rural health.

Datebook

India Post

April 6, 2012

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NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY

Upcoming

Sat April 7

Sat April 14

• Best of the Best 2012

• Baisakhi Mela

Venue: Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers Street, New York Time: 6:30pm

Venue: Garden State Expo Ctr, 50 Atrium Drive, Somerset, New Jersey Time: 10am Contact: 732-763-0118

Sat April 14 • Jaswinder Singh Live: A Ghazal Concert

Sat April 28

Venue: Hindu Temple Auditorium, NY, 14309 Holly Avenue, NEw York 11355 Time: 7:30pm Contact: 732-798-0056

Venue: Crossroads North Middle School Auditorium, 635 Georges Road, Monmouth Juction New Jersey Time: 3pm Contact: 732-333-3952

• Vishu Festival 2012

Sun April 22 • Pandit Jasraj: Masters of Indian Music

Sun April 21

Venue: Peter Norton Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway@95th street, New York Time: 7pm Contact: 212-545-7536

Venue: NJ Convention & Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Ave, Raritan Center, Edison, NJ Time: 11am Contact: 609-240-2350

• India Fair 2012

ILLINOIS

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Sat April 7

• Rangla Punjab 2012

• Samsmaranam - Co-sponsored event with Guru Shradha/ Abhinaya Dance Copmany

Venue: The Meadows Club, 2950 W.Golf Rd Rolling Meadows, Chicago, IL60008 Time: 7pm Contact: 847-359-5727

Sun April 15

Venue: Sunnyvale Community Center Theater, 550 E. Remington Ave, Sunnyvale, CA Time: 5pm to 7:30pm Contact: 408-871-5955

• Health Fair

Sat April 7

Venue: Shree Jalaram Mandir of Chicago Time: 2pm Contact: 847-490-5252 Highlights: Aurvadic clinic first Sunday of the month No medicine provided only free consulting.

• Celebrate Ram Navmi, Hanuman Jayanti & Hari Jayanti with LNSO Swaminarayan Devotees

Thurs April 26 • Apna Ghar will be holding 4th Annual Taste for life Gala Venue: River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois Street, Chicago, IL Time: 6pm to 10pm Contact: 773-334-0173 X 226 Highlights: A Live Chooking challenge with three Chicago Chefs: Hiran Patel, Martin Cabrera and Suzy Singh.

WASHINGTON DC

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

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

Venue: The Fremont Hindu Temple, 3676 Delaware Drive, Fremont, CA Time: 4pm to 6:30pm Contact: 510-862-8025 Highlights: fourth celebration of the twin appearances of Lord Swaminarayan & Lord Shree Ram and also the appearance of supreme devotee Shree Hanumanji, following which mahaprasad will be served.

Sun April 22 • Vedika Sangha: Open Participation Ayurveda Forum Venue: Vedika Global, Inc. 5950 Doyle St, Studio 2, Emeryville, CA 94608 Time: 2pm to 5pm Contact: 877-708-3342

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

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

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Sun April 8 • Baisakhi Celebration: Kirtan Darbar & Nagar Kirtan Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015 Time: 7:30am to 6pm Contact: 310-570-3558

Fri April 20 • Tadasana Festival Venue: The Tadasana Village 2600 Barnard Way, Santa Monica, CA Time: 8am Contact: 415-533-4052

Sat April 28 • Javed Ali in Concert Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466

Sat April 28 • Kailash Kher Live in Concert Venue: Chabot College performing Art Center, 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward, CA Contact: 510-453-1521 Highlights: Winner to winn Greet and Dinner with Kailash Kher

Sat May 5 • Vaisakhi 2012 Celebration Venue: Birminghuam Charter High School, 17000, Haynes Street, Van Nuys, CA Time: 3pm Contact: 818-835-3374

Sun June 10 • Songs & Dances from Vibrant Gujarat Venue: Palace Theater, Stamford Time: 8pm Contact: 203-322-9862 Highlights: Gujarat, the Land the Legends: Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Vikram Sarabhai, Jamshedji Tata and visionary Dhirubhi Ambani go down in history.

April 6, 2012

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Philosophy

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he great Sage Vishwamitra arrived at the palace of king Dasharatha. In reply to an enquiry of Sage Vishwamitra, Sri Rama observed: "Sir, there is not an iota of bliss in this world. Wealth does not confer bliss. This wealth which the mind covets and which is very ephemeral in its nature is utterly useless like a flowerbud on a creeper growing in a well and encircled by a serpent. "Life is like a drop of rain water dropping from the end of a leaf. I do not rejoice in this life of mine which is like a flash of lightning in the cloud of delusion. I am terrified by the enemy, the harmful Ahamkara (egoism). â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no greater enemy than it. It is impossible to control this mind of ours. This venomous monster that is mind is more terrible than fire itself. I am like a bird caught in a trap, and the fire of desire has scalded me. I am unable to understand the end and the aim of all these births. "All these objects which appear to perish produce only bondage. Even Brahma (the creator) has to die in a Kalpa which is but a moment of time. Therefore, in this dilemma of mine, please point out to me that resplendent and eternal state, devoid of pain, doubt and delusion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How could the great ones manage to avoid the pain in this world? Will someone unlock to me the real mysteries? Is there not

such a state as quiescence? I shall not be able to attain this state of quiescence with my efforts alone, therefore, please enlighten me in this respect." The whole subsequent discourse in Yoga Vasistha is an answer to the various questions and doubts raised by Rama. Sage Viswamitra asks Sage Vasistha to tell Rama about the spiritual knowledge they gained

from the discourse they had of Brahma as Sri Rama is an Adhikari (deserving student) for the spiritual knowledge. Vasistha accordingly starts a discourse about Suka who also had a similar problem. Suka's father sent him to King Janaka for answers to his questions. King Janaka told Suka: "Atman (soul) alone is, all pervading as the all-full Chidakasha everywhere. There is nothing other than that. That knowledge or Gyaan is bound

the mind to get purified and to attain the state of Shanti (peace) which is the pathway for realization. An aspirant for perfection should cultivate such virtues as Santosha (contentment) and should keep the company of sages and saints (Sadhu-sangha)." Concluding the discourse, Vasistha said: "This Jiva (individual soul) has three forms (gross, subtle and Turya), the first two of which are base ones and the last one is Supreme Brahman.

This resolve is practiced in word, thought and deed (body, speech and mind). The second stage is known as Vicharana, a process of enquiry. This stage helps to eliminate pride, envy, Ahamkar (egoism), desires, delusions etc. arising out of Avidya (Nescience or ignorance). One can achieve this stage successfully with the grace of a Guru. Ram Navami, or the birth of Lord Rama, was celebrated on April 1.

their spiritual heights, by succumbing to the surging passions which overwhelm them at times. But some noble souls came to their rescue at such junctures and arrest this downward march and enable them to attain their goal of liberation. In a sense the fighting spirit is essential for a soul in order to at-

the passion that rage incessantly in the human breast. Hence it is wrong to say that the spiritualist lives in a world of dreams, doing nothing and idling away his time. On the other hand, it should be realized that the spiritualist's task is the most strenuous. He has to fight against the established sway of mighty armies, ill-equipped and un-

such a fragile being proceed in his attempt to free himself from the mighty forces that have held sway over him for millions of years? Such a well-nigh impossible task is enough to cow down the mightiest heart. Yet there have been souls of such tough fiber, who now and then braved successfully the storms

he evolution of a soul from the lowest depths of misery to the highest summit of bliss is of the greatest benefit to humanity. The spiritual advancement of a soul is not an easy one. On the other hand it is fraught with the greatest difficulties. There are various obstacles both external and internal in the way of a soul's spiritual progress. The green earth, the charm of nature, the zest of life and the pleasures and temptations of the world are too engrossing in their attraction to be resisted by ordinary humanity. Only now and then, here and there, a few souls by their profound and soul-stirring experiences, become enlightened and commence on their onward march towards spiritual progress. This spiritual awakening it is called right faith by Lord Mahavira - is the most significant step in the soul's spiritual progress. If the spiritual awakening is strong enough, the soul's ultimate progress towards the goal of salvation is assured, in spite of temporary setbacks, impediments and obstacles, which bring down, the soul very low at times in the spiritual scale. We have instances of even great ascetics, who sustain a great fall from

by its own Sankalpa, and with the liberation from that Sankalpa, there is freedom from the bondage." Vasistha tells Rama that this is the path he too should follow. Vasistha said: "O Rama, the extinction of Vasanas alone is Moksha (liberation), the fixation of the mind in material objects through Vasanas (latent tendencies) is bondage. Atma-Vichara (self-inquiry) is very essential for

O Rama, having attained and being absorbed in the Turiya state, do not identify yourself with the first two forms, namely the gross and the subtle, but destroy them once and for all." Sage Vasistha enumerates the stages by which one can reach this ultimate goal. The first stage is the Subhechha which makes one arrive at a firm resolve to study and seek spiritual knowledge.

Yoga Vasistha, the education of Lord Rama

Lord Rama

The extinction of Vasanas alone is Moksha (liberation), the fixation of the mind in material objects through Vasanas (latent tendencies) is bondage. Atma-Vichara (self-inquiry) is very essential for the mind to get purified

Fighting spirit essential for soul to attain goal If the spiritual awakening is strong enough, the soul's ultimate progress towards the goal of salvation is assured, in spite of temporary setbacks, impediments and obstacles tain the supreme goal of everlasting happiness. The greatest conquest is the conquest of one's own self, the subduing of passion, the evil in oneself. The soul's enemies are within, and the soul uses weapons which are pure and cause no hurt to other beings. The passions are mighty forces, and it demands constant vigilance, rare skill and undaunted and never-failing courage to quell

fitted as he is for the mighty struggle. He can find his way only slowly, and assert his strength by slow repeated and patient effort over the mighty forces, that have been at work within him from immemorial times. For long ages he has been an unthinking slave, swayed hither and thither like a dry leaf on the stormy ocean, bereft of discriminating power, equanimity or hope. How cautiously then should

Lord Mahavira

that rage eternally m the world outside as well as within the human breast. Lord Mahavira is one of such rare souls, who have been the beacon lights to floundering humanity. Lord Vardhamana has been fittingly called Mahavira, the great warrior. The 2611th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira is being celebrated on April 5

Facing the unknown takes a lot of personal quiet and divorcement from the world around you. I studied this very carefully. It is the bridge between the inner and outer man. -Jim Burns You are the sole and final authority on what you are looking out of. -Douglas Harding There is one Source of Help that stands beside and abides within us. All that we have to do is to learn how to ask and to receive the help that is offered. -JG Bennett Imagination does not bring realization, but only the fallacious hope of realization. - It is in the failure to master the imagination that human servitude resides. -Hubert Benoit Every argument that I ever heard was caused by someone trying to shape the truth by words, instead of allowing the words to be shaped by truth. -Joseph Sadony The world is not as it appears to the busy, troubled mortal. Behind every appearance overspreading everything - -is a pure and perfect harmony. -William Samuel

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China's political transition: Seize, snap or smoothen? BHAVNA SINGH

tability,' 'political and economic reform' and 'improvement in social justice' remained issues of major concern during the session of China's National Political Council (CNPC) held from 5-14 March 2012. Without these, the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao maintained, China could yet again witness a debacle similar to that of the Cultural Revolution. Yet, proponents of democracy argue that the comments made by Wen Jiabao in the closing session of the NPC are a mere distraction and Chinese leaders show no clear intent towards reforms. Critics lamented that the CCP has set a world record by 'passing all bills tabled in the 63 years of its working session' which shows its complete disregard of the need for political (implicitly democratic) reform. But is democratic reform really on the Chinese agenda? Hardly so. At a time when international criticism is at an all time high pillorying China for not implementing democratic reforms despite lip-service by its leaders, the CCP is hard pressed to maintain the symbolism of a united leadership. The concerns highlighted during the session also suggest that historical precedent remains deeply embedded in the CCP's psyche as they witness transition from one leadership to another. Lin Biao and Liu Shaoqi both failed (and paid with their lives) for trying to succeed Mao; the leadership then being seized by the gang of four. Neither did Hu Yaobang and Zhao Ziyang succeed Deng Xiaoping. The fourth generation leader Hu Jintao was also not chosen by the predecessor Jiang Zemin. The lessons drawn from these instances drive the current attempted smooth transition. In the current leadership struggle two political factions are apparent within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP): a 'populist faction' of the Chinese Communist Youth League headed by Hu Jintao - seeking strong leadership, strong government and redistribution of wealth, and on the other hand - an 'elitist faction' led by former president Jiang Zemin or more famously 'the Shanghai clique' asking for maintenance of Chinese economic power driven by exports and centered around the coast, largely implying control over resources within a small coterie of CCP members. With an almost certain candidature for the President (Xi Jinping,

one of the princelings/tai zi dang or the elitist faction) and Vicepresident (Li Keqiang, though some speculate Wang Qishan as his competitor), the rest of the seven seats on the Politburo Standing Committee (PBSC) have now become matter of heightened speculation and debate. The provincial party chiefs from Guangdong Province, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing and Inner Mongolia will be some likely con-

edented opportunity given to Bo to explain himself before the Party. The current political transition shows a backward momentum of Chinese politics as these are more indicative of feudalization of their structures rather than an advance towards democratization. Though, one could argue that linearity of progress need not necessarily be judged by an endorsement of democracy by any country, but the momentum of Chinese politics

India Post Anna vs MPs

T Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao delivers a government work report during the opening meeting of the Fifth Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5.

tenders. However, the purported smooth transition blueprint seems to be coming under severe strain. The fragility of the CCP's hold on power was exposed during the NPC session where almost 700, 000 security guards were deputed to safeguard the 5000 attendees. The attempted defection by Bo Xilai's (Party Secretary of Chongqing) deputy to the US has

The fragility of the CCP's hold on power was exposed during the NPC session where almost 700, 000 security guards were deputed to safeguard the 5000 attendees raised concerns over conspiracies being hacked by the pro-reform sections of the CCP to oust the other faction. The factionalization within the Party also seems to have been extended to the PLA as reports surfaced suggesting a possible military coup in support of Bo Xilai. Under such circumstances, maintaining the unity within the CCP remains their top most priority which also explains the unprec-

with factionalization of the PLA and the Party does not bode well for a state which strives to posit a unitary political image. With or without reform, many international observers see today's CCP as the "world's most successful failure" (Yang Chengjun); and yet the Party continues to fascinate political leaderships across the world by the mere strength of its delivery, irrespective of its authoritarian nature. Recent political developments suggest that the Chinese state is under significant internal and external pressure to maintain a semblance of unanimity. There is a high likelihood that this will propel it to resort to stricter controls over the population and the use of brute force cannot be ruled out. Internal reports from China suggest that the candidatures are being judged on the basis of their pliability with the US leadership, which points to the fact that SinoUS relations will be accorded toppriority in China's political set up. As for India and its other South Asian neighbors, the internal squabble in China provides a much needed distraction and respite on issues like the South China Sea and the Sino-Indian border, and an opportunity which these countries should utilize, to put it in the Chinese verbiage - 'build capacities,' even though for a short while. The writer is Research Officer, CRP, IPCS

he slanging match between Team Anna and members of Parliament has resumed. MPs belonging to all political parties have taken offence at the new tirade launched against politicians by the Anna Hazare team in its renewed anti-corruption agitation. Anna's core team member Arvind Kejriwal had said at a protest meeting that "rapists and murderers" were sitting in Parliament and demanded that FIRs be lodged against 14 "corrupt" ministers who he named. He also said 162 MPs have criminal cases against them which include 20 cases of attempt to murder. Furious MPs moved a breach of privilege notice against Team Anna in Parliament, demanded stern action and even threatened to sue Arvind Kejriwal for defamation. Anna Hazare in his blog responded by reminding the MPs that people are masters of this country and they have sent their servants to Parliament. When servants don't make laws, then masters have the right to ask why Jan Lokpal Bill was not passed. He said the Bill came to Parliament for passage eight times and it could not clear the hurdles. In the end Parliament mildly reprimanded the activists with Speaker Meira Kumar reading out a statement saying any comment that lowered the dignity of Parliament was "unwarranted and unacceptable". The tepid response indicated a wariness in confronting the Gandhian leader, who despite his last protest in Mumbai fizzling out, enjoys public support. The situation has however changed since the last such public agitation by the team of Anna Hazare. The last time the BJP was courting the Anna team with the perception that it was targeting the Congress and thus it suited the BJP to join the bandwagon. The Anna team had also betrayed by its remarks that it was soft on the BJP. But this time no such allowances have been made for the saffron party and it was attacked for its corruption in Karnataka, Gujarat and Uttarakhand. BJP leader in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj hit back at the Anna team alleging that it had lost focus and "crossed all limits." She advised him to maintain his integrity while earlier her party had sworn by Anna's integrity and sincerity of purpose. She even alleged that the Anna team was in effect inviting dictatorship by creating "disaffection towards Parliament and democratic institutions." The abusive remarks by Team Anna members also reveal that the movement has lost steam and it is trying to attract attention to recover the support it once enjoyed. Earlier it had rejected any association with Baba Ramdev's movement because of the approbation he received for his bungled gathering at Ramlila Grounds from where he tried to escape after a police lathi charge. But now the Anna team has announced that they would campaign together with Baba Ramdev. It wants to cash on the Baba's capacity to gather crowds which it has failed to manage on its own. So in a way Team Anna has also lost its integrity. Once the darling of the media, it has not been able to command headlines this time. The parliamentarians have also learnt to live with the Anna phenomenon. They are aware that people have been awakened to the misuse of powers by many in authority and would think twice before winking at corruption. The Anna team is also not exactly aligned with the people's perception by insisting on the passing of their version of Lokpal bill. Parliament should be allowed to focus on the issue in its own time and devise solutions which attract majority support. The pressure tactics by agitationists are okay as long as they serve the purpose of keeping the MPs on their toes.

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