IndiaPost_04-08-2011 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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April 8, 2011

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Hundreds march against India corruption

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MOHALI MOMENT: Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wave to spectators prior to the start of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup second semi-final between India and Pakistan at The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium in Mohali on March 30

MOHALI: With the high-voltage cricket World Cup semi-final providing the backdrop, India and Pakistan sought to give a push for "genuine normalization" of their ties with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his counterpart Yusuf Raza Gilani agreeing that it could happen

only in an atmosphere free of terror and violence. Singh and Gilani held "wide-ranging conversations" covering all aspects of the bilateral relations as they watched together the thrilling cricket match for about 90 minutes and continued them over dinner. Details on page 5

Indian American renters win discrimination suit Details on page 43

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25

Youngest Indian woman Sarpanch impresses at UN

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India Post News Service

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NEW YORK: Chhavi Rajawat, the youngest Sarpanch of an Indian village - better known in India as the only jeans-clad woman Sarpanch - had the spotlight turned on her once again when she addressed global dignitaries at the 11th Info-Poverty World Conference held at the United Nations in New York.

The two-day panel discussion at the UN held on March 24-25 was to focus how civil society can deploy its actions and discussed at length the society's contribution in winning against poverty and enhancing development. "If India continues to make progress at the same pace as it has for the past 65 years since Independence, it just won't be good enough. Chhavi Rajawat

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Edit Page --------------------------- 49 HealthScience Post --------- 36-39 Horoscope ------------------------- 45 Immigration Post ------------- 42-44 Life Style ----------------------- 26-28 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 40-41 TechBiz Post ------------------- 34-35 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

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veryone's been talking about this and I want to add my two bits to it. When the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan came down to Mohali to watch the World Cup cricket semi-final between the two countries, everyone knew it was going to be an unprecedented affair. Taking cue from Manmohan Singh, the Permanent Mission of India in New York invited Permanent Representatives of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the diplomats from all these missions for a live screening of the match on its premises. Wondering what would have happened if India had lost the match to Pakistan is at best a hypothetical question that needn't be answered. It was unlike in the past where historically an Indo-Pak match would have sparked riots; where ultra nationalists would take umbrage at any Indian Muslim celebrating a Pakistani victory; where even a loss on either side would be considered treason on part of the players in their respective countries. And what was different this time, that where all diplomatic dialogue was suspended in the wake of the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, a top governmental delegation led by Pakistan's Prime Minister himself comes down to India to watch the match at the stadium in the company of India's top political leadership. Despite the overt inimical stance towards each other, at a people-to-people level there's always been an intimate exchange that was not bound by baggage historical or otherwise. But somehow cricket has always stirred up such volatile passions among the dysfunctional neighbors that a match between the two was no less than war. Cynical or not, I am still not convinced it was a great idea for terror-scarred diplomacy to piggy-back on cricket. It did make for great photo-ops, but how much of that bonhomie will translate into lasting peace between the two is anybody's guess. The day the two teams are able to play a similar match in Kashmir would be the day I would happily root for Pakistan. Until then give me a good game of cricket, not cricket diplomacy, please.

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Ash with Casanova For the first time,Abhishek plays a full-blown womanizer in Ladies & Gentleman. And co-starring Aishwarya has no objection.

Cover Story: Fruitful talks Singh and Gilani held "wide-ranging conversations" at Mohali covering all aspects of the Indo-Pak bilateral relations.

Community: Alaigh quits

Dr Poonam Alaigh has resigned from her post as Commissioner of Health and Senior Service due to an illness in the family.

Immigration: Obama promise Obama vows closer cooperation with Central American nations where US policies on immigration have big influence.

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India, Pak agree to re-engage Manmohan's fruitful 'conversation' with Gilani MOHALI: With the high-voltage cricket World Cup semi-final providing the backdrop, India and Pakistan sought to give a push for "genuine normalization" of their ties with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his counterpart Yusuf Raza Gilani agreeing that it could happen only in an atmosphere free of terror and violence. Singh and Gilani held "wideranging conversations" covering all aspects of the bilateral relations as they watched together the thrilling cricket match for about 90 minutes and continued them over dinner. The two leaders sought to give impetus to the bilateral relations, which were hurt by the 26/11 attacks, under the 'Mohali Spirit' that outlined the widening of contacts and "re-engagement" at various levels. The two Prime Ministers held "wide-ranging conversations, not talks," touching upon a number of issues of relevance to the bilateral relations, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters while briefing about the interactions between the two Prime Ministers. She said Singh and Gilani reaffirmed the intention to take the dialogue process forward as they agreed that it was important to "understand each other better, ... resolve outstanding issues and at the core of the dialogue is the goal to normalize relations, pervasive and more permanent normalization process in an uninterrupted manner". To a question, Rao underlined that India had "not set aside or swept under the carpet" the 26/ 11 and that Singh had told Gilani that "genuine normalization" in India-Pakistan ties can take place in an "atmosphere free of terror and violence". Gilani shared the sentiment, she said. She said India wants the evidence provided to Pakistan about those involved in the Mumbai attacks to be used and a "proper closure" should be brought to it. In this context, she noted that during the Home Secretary-level talks held in Delhi earlier, the Indian side had taken up the issue of Mumbai attacks. Talks positive: Gilani Gilani told the accompanying Pakistani media that the talks were "positive" and he discussed with Singh "all the core issues" between the two countries, an euphemism Pakistan employs for referring to Kashmir issue.

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and PakistanĂs Interior Minister Rehman Malik during a dinner hosted in the honor of Gilani at PCA stadium

Rao said the conversations between the two Prime Ministers were held in "extremely positive" environment with the cricket match being the backdrop for which Gilani was invited by Singh. Noting that every such meeting generates "a positive momentum and re-engagement" between India and Pakistan," the Foreign Secretary said the two countries would be seeking solutions in a "cooperative" manner by availing "opportunities before us". She said after the Home Secretary-level meeting, the two countries will have talks between Commerce Secretaries next month in Islamabad, followed by Surveyor Generals, Defense Secretaries, Foreign Secretaries and Foreign Ministers. Rao side-stepped a question

whether Kashmir issue was discussed between the Prime Ministers, saying they "took up a number of issues of relevance" to both the countries. She said the two countries were engaged in efforts for peace, reconstruction and "healing of wounds". "We have begun the year 2011 with a positive agenda, which is a good augury for the future of our relations," Rao said. Talking about people-topeople contacts, she said Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari and Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar have invited their Pakistani counterparts to undertake a visit to India, a step that will help in the engagement between the Parliamentarians. To a question, she said Gilani

had extended an invitation to Singh to visit Pakistan and it would be "discussed and finalized" through diplomatic channels. The Pakistan Prime Minister also wanted Indian cricket team to visit his country to play a series as part of resumption of bilateral sporting ties. "The sporting contacts epitomize people-to-people contacts and contributes great deal in cementing of ties," Rao said. During the conversation, Singh also pointed out to Gilani that one of his forefathers Mian Mir had helped in establishing the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Honest efforts Buoyed by his cricket diplomacy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told reporters that India and Pakistan must "find ways" to re-

Pak to allow Indian team to probe 26/11 terror case NEW DELHI: After dilly dallying for months, Pakistan has agreed to allow an Indian commission to visit the country in connection with 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case probe there, setting a positive backdrop for the Prime Ministerial meeting in Mohali. Pakistan, which had been dragging its feet on allowing Indian investigators on its soil in relation to probing the source of the Mumbai attack, expressed its readiness during a meeting between Home Secretaries of the two countries here.

A joint statement issued at the end of the meeting reiterated the commitment of the two sides to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed the need to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice. "The meeting was extremely positive. It had moved forward in reducing trust deficit (between the two countries) significantly," Home Secretary Gopal K Pillai said after the meeting. The joint-statement listed various areas of cooperation including countering drug and human trafficking, streamlining visa pro-

cedure, fake currency, cyber crimes and maritime cooperation. "Pakistan side provided updates on the ongoing trial and investigation in Pakistan on the Mumbai terror attacks. Pakistan conveyed its readiness, in-principle, based upon the principle of comity and reciprocity, to entertain a Commission from India with respect to Mumbai terror attack investigations," the statement said. Modalities and composition in this connection will be worked out through diplomatic channels, it said.-PTI

solve whatever be the "differences" between the two neighbors. Singh also said that he and his Pakistani counterpart Yusuf Raza Gilani reaffirmed their resolve to make every "honest effort" to overcome difficulties coming in the way of improving bilateral relations. "Whatever be the differences between our two countries, we have to find ways to resolve them," he said. Gilani on his part said that the two countries have the "capacity and ability" to resolve bilateral issues themselves and observed that Singh showed magnanimity by saying he is ready to resolve all issues by "sitting together". Singh also gave the "beautiful game" of cricket credit in being a "uniting factor" to bring the two prime ministers together. "Cricket", Singh said "has been a uniting factor. It has brought our two PMs together and I dare say that's a very good beginning". He said the "message" from Mohali is that the people of the two countries want to live in "peace and amity". At the dinner meeting, Singh said the two countries "should be working together to find cooperative solutions and need permanent reconciliation to live together in dignity and honor". "We should put our ancient animosities behind us to attend to the problems of our nations," he said. In his brief interaction with newsmen, Singh said, "Gilanisahab and I have had extensive discussions on all outstanding issues and we have reaffirmed our resolve that there are difficulties in the way but we will make every honest effort to overcome those difficulties. "And the message from Mohali is that the people of India and Pakistan want to live in peace and amity and that the two PMs have committed their governments to work in that direction," he said. Singh said he was "very grateful" to Gilani for "having accepted my invitation to join me in watching this beautiful game of cricket". Gilani on his part termed his talks with Singh as "positive" and said they discussed all the core issues between the two countries. "Talks were positive. We discussed all the core issues between the two countries," Gilani told the Pakistan media in a brief chat after his dinner meeting.-PTI

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Youngest Indian woman Sarpanch impresses at UN India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Chhavi Rajawat, the youngest Sarpanch of an Indian village - better known in India as the only jeans-clad woman Sarpanch - had the spotlight turned on her once again when

has for the past 65 years since Independence, it just won't be good enough. We will be failing people who dream of having water, electricity, toilets, schools and jobs. I am convinced we can do it differently and do it faster," said Rajawat addressing the confer-

Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri with Chhavi Rajawat, India's youngest Sarpanch, when she met him at his office in New York on March 28. Pic Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

she addressed global dignitaries at the 11th Info-Poverty World Conference held at the United Nations in New York. The two-day panel discussion at the UN held on March 24-25 was to focus how civil society can deploy its actions and discussed at length the society's contribution in winning against poverty and enhancing development. "If India continues to make progress at the same pace as it

ence. "In the past year alone in Soda, the villagers and I have brought about a radical change in the village purely through our own efforts. We have no outside support no NGO help, no public or private sector help," she said. Ironically, the village Soda was earlier known largely for its water bodies as time prolonged the village begun losing them was these water bodies were exhausting.

The first task that Rajawat took on upon becoming Sarpanch was to desilt the old water bodies. The only MBA village head in the country, Rajawat said that it was imperative to re-think plans and policies for adding new technologies like e-services in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in an epoch where resources are shrinking. "I thank United Nations Office for Partnerships (UNOP) which had deputed its senior adviser in India, Babu Lal Jain, to visit Soda and extend support to open the first bank in the village. That made all the difference," she said. "In three years, I will transform my village. I don't want money. I want people and organizations to adopt projects in my village as often projects fail owing to lack of a local connect and that is what I am here to provide a bridge in that gap." Seen as a role model for rural Indian women and as the changing face of Rajasthan, Rajawat etched out the metamorphosis of rural Rajasthan at the august conference. Alumni of Rishi Valley, Bangalore and Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi, Rajawat studied business management in marketing and IT from Pune. She left her corporate job and city life to join politics, becoming the Sarpanch of Soda village, near Jaipur, Rajasthan. Her grandfather Brig Raghubir Singh was the sarpanch of the village, from which she too was elected.

Lakshmi Puri appointed to key UN post India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Indian career diplomat Lakshmi Puri has been appointed as Assistant SecretaryGeneral for Intergovernmental Support and Strategic Partnerships by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, it was announced March 11. Puri and John Hendra of Canada, who has been appointed Assistant Secretary-General for Policy and Program at UN Women, will also serve as the two Deputies to UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet. In this position within UN Women, Puri will be responsible for the leadership and management of the Bureau supporting inter-governmental bodies, UN coordination and external relations. Puri brings a wealth of experience to this position and has

worked in different capacities for gender equality and women's empowerment in the context of development, human rights, and peace and security. Following a distinguished career with the In-

Puri brings a wealth of experience to this position and has worked in different capacities for gender equality and women's empowerment dian Foreign Service for 28 years, where she held various posts in political and economic policy making and bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, including as Ambassador of India to Hungary and concurrently accredited to Bosnia

and Herzegovina from 1999 to 2002. She joined the United Nations in 2002. Puri was the Director of UNCTAD's Division of International Trade in Goods, Services and Commodities from 2002 to 2007. From 2007 to 2009 she served as UNCTAD's Acting Deputy Secretary General providing strategic direction and oversight to the organization. Since 2009 she has been Director at the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States. Puri has a BA Honors from Delhi University and Masters of Arts in Humanities from Punjab University in India. Born in 1952, she is married to India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Hardeep Singh Puri and has two daughters.

Pak media sees political hope despite loss ISLAMABAD: Pakistani news- Cup," 'The News' said. papers saw light on the horizon Most of the headlines on the even in the gloom of defeat. front pages of the newspapers reCricketers have broken the ice, flected the gloom of Pakistani and it is now up to the politicians cricket fans at their team's loss to in the two nations to pick up the India. threads and mend bilateral ties "India hold nerves to defeat and relations, said the media. Pakistan in the mother of all While noting the anger, frus- battles," was the headline in 'The tration and even bursts of joy that Statesman' daily, while 'The Dawn' prevailed during the heart-stop- headlined its report "cricket maper clash, the media called on poli- nia evaporates after anti-climax". ticians to take cue from the way Newspapers carried reports of people united and rooted for the Pakistani team which fought like The Dawn' newspaper said in brave but lost to a bet- its editorial that this cricketing ter side. It said the politicians get together should serve to should work on policies help revive the composite and enthuse the people with the same unity and dialogue rudely shattered by spirit, 'The News' daily the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks said in an editorial. Another daily said that cricketers have proved that anguished fans returning home they are the best and now it is time dejected from parks and stadiums for the politicians and the admin- where authorities had put up giistrators to get their act together ant screens to show yesterday's to provide a secure and condu- epic clash. cive environment in Pakistan for 'The Dawn' newspaper said in world cricketers to come and play its editorial that this cricketing get here. together should serve to help re"This may prove more chal- vive the composite dialogue lenging and difficult in these tir- rudely shattered by the 2008 ing times than winning a World Mumbai terror attacks. -PTI

US congratulates India, Pak for cricket diplomacy NEW DELHI: The US has con- Thimphu on the sidelines of the gratulated India and Pakistan for SAARC Summit. progress made in the peace talks "India and Pakistan will take the and lauded the leadership of the talks forward at their own pace, two countries for initiating ability and character. Continued "cricket diplomacy". dialogue, combined with cricket "We commend the leaders of diplomacy, expanding people-toboth countries for carrying for- people ties and enthusiasm and ward with what the media is call- optimism on both sides, offers ing cricket diplomacy," US Ambassador to India Timothy Roemer In a statement issued here, he said. In a statement issued also applauded the progress here, he also applauded the progress made on a made on a wide range of wide range of issues in issues in the just-concluded the just-concluded Home Secretary level Home Secretary level talks talks. Roemer wished Prime Minister Manmohan Singh promise of a more prosperous and and his Pakistani counterpart peaceful region," Roemer said. Yousuf Raza Gilani for success in Gilani is in Mohali to watch the their endeavors. cricket World Cup semi-final This is Gilani's first visit to In- match between India and Pakidia after becoming Prime Minister stan. of Pakistan in March 2008. The Singh had invited Gilani to two leaders had earlier met in watch the sporting event after it Sharm-el-Shaikh, Washington became clear that India would take and most recently last year in on Pakistan in the semi-final. -PTI

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Hundreds march against Meera Shankar visits California corruption in India

Final Day of Dandi March II in SFO India Post News Service

NEW YORK: While the historic Dandi march was a campaign of nonviolent protest against the British salt monopoly in colonial India, 'Dandi march II', a campaign against corruption in India, took place in 10 states in the US. In the state of California alone marchers covered 45 cities and ended the march at the Gandhi Statue in San Francisco. What started as a 240- mile, 15day march initiated by Jawahar Kambhampati and Srihari Atluri with a handful of volunteers on March 12 emerged as a wild fire, culminating with participants marching on March 26 in 10 dif-

Houston

ferent countries; 40 cities in India; and 10 states in the US. Indians across the globe, as far as from Nagpur to New Jersey and Sydney to Seattle shouted in one voice to enact "Jan Lokpal" bill and ratify United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). The recent scams in India involving unimaginably big amounts of money, such as the Commonwealth Games, Adarsh housing scam of Mumbai, monumental corruption and plunder in the allocation of mining leases, serious allegations leveled against judges and even former chief justices of the Supreme Court , 2G spectrum scam are well

known, the Dandi march organizers say. It is estimated that more than half a trillion dollars are stashed away in foreign havens since 1948, while 80% of Indians earn less than $2 per day and every second child in India is malnourished. While the original Dandi march broke the salt laws, the second Dandi march asked for enactment of "Jan Lokpal" bill that will bring justice to all Indians by combining and strengthening the anti-corruption laws. Slogans from the marchers said, "Corruption ko hatana hiâ&#x20AC;ŚBharat ko bachana hi" (We will end corruption to save India). The marchers also chanted "Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram" Mahatma Gandhi's favorite prayer. While the spirited marchers stopped at traffic lights/junctions shouting 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', onlookers in cars waved and honked to show support. A core team of six marchers - Jawahar Khambampati, Srihari Atluri , Kewal Parnami, Srinivas Nandiwada, Subhash Karri and Sunil Kumar - took time off from work and walked the complete 240 miles over 15 days, unmindful of extreme weather conditions dedicating each day of the walk to one section of society such as teachers, social activists, women, youth, farmers, Armed Forces, freedom fighters and so on. At least 800 people participated

in related events on the concluding, in 14 cities. Some of the major gatherings included San Francisco with 150 participants, Seattle, New Jersey and Houston with 100 members each. Around 200 people participated in 10 other countries. In India, 8000 people in 40 cities participated. An open letter addressed to Prime Minister's Office was released globally at every location that they will not be mute spectators while corruption grows boundless back in India and as such system changes should be brought in. Later Jawahar Kambhampati, who was the initiator of the idea of Dandi March II, symbolically submitted a memorandum to Mahatma Gandhi to save the country from corruption. This effort now has support from the stalwarts in anti-corruption

Governor Jerry Brown and Ambassador Meera India Post News Service

SACRAMENTO: Ambassador Meera Shankar visited California March 23-25 where she met the Governor of California Jerry Brown and Mayor of San Francisco Edwin M. Lee and discussed bilateral trade, economic and cultural cooperation. Ambassador Shankar also met Senator Diane Feinstein, the Chancellor of UC Berkeley Rob-

Mayor Edwin Lee of San Francisco and Ambassador Meera

ert Birgineau and the Deans of the South Asia and South East Asian faculties, former Secretary of State George Shultz and CEO of HP Leo Apotheker. She addressed the Indian Cultural Center at Milpitas and the USIBC at Palo Alto. She met selected Indian CEOs and senior officials of Indian Origin of various companies, in addition to the Editorial Board of San Francisco Chronicle.

Land mafia felling trees in Aravalis Seattle, Washington

movement and other progressive groups in India such as Lok Satta Party (Jaya Prakash Narayan, National Chairman), India Against Corruption (Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal, New Delhi), Save India From Corruption, People For Loksatta (USA), Youth For Better India (Hyderabad), The 5th Pillar (Vijay Anand, Chennai; Shobila Kali USA), Bharat Swabhiman (Baba Ramdev), Shankara Eye Foundation and Saaku (Bangalore).

Bangalore

Towards the end all the supporters of the Walk left with a pledge of not giving or taking a bribe for rest of their life. Many of the marchers including Subhash Karri are planning to continue the movement by joining veteran social activist Anna Hazare's fast in Delhi on Apr 5, for the same cause.

NEW DELHI: Villagers from Manger on the Gurgaon/ Faridababd border have complained to the forest department that men of the land mafia have been felling trees to clear the forest areas. Large patches of forest land were sold to private players in Manger village in Aravalis in Faridabad district. Some villagers have alleged that private contractors have been chopping the Kikar trees in Mang e r , Bandhwadi and Dhauj. In a letter to the Forest department, they said, "We request you to initiate necessary action to stop these unlawful activitiesâ&#x20AC;Ś" An environment activist said there were fresh tyre tracks in remote areas of the hills behind the Manger village and towards Roj ka Gujjar. Villagers are refraining from commenting on the issue. "The authorities must ensure that there is no further clearing of trees. We can make up for the loss as Kikar trees grow fast," said the activist, who did not wish to be named. Forest conservator (south circle) K C Meena has sent a team of officials to verify the reported

felling of trees. Meena said the team will submit a report soon. The Supreme Court has banned all non-forest activities in the restricted Aravali region, including cutting of trees in Gurgaon and Faridabad districts. Locals said the land sharks first fell trees and then start the actual construction. Though decades ago, most of the forest area was a

common land, it was subdivided among all the residents of the village. It was subsequently sold out to private players. However, the village has been protecting the 'sacred groove' by the local communities, largely comprising Gujjars. This small patch of forest is consecrated in the memory of Gudariya Baba, a holy man, and protected by the superstition that anyone who breaks a branch or grazes his goats here will suffer grievous harm.

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Indian American likely to become SUNY President India Post News Service

NEW YORK: SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher announced recently that she has recommended UB Provost Satish K. Tripathi as the next president of the university, according to the UB Reporter. Zimpher has asked the SUNY Board of Trustees to convene a special meeting in April in Buffalo to formally consider Tripathi's appointment as president. She also named Tripathi as UB's officer-incharge, effective immediately, with all of the responsibilities and authority of a campus president. "It is my great pleasure to recommend Dr. Satish Tripathi as the next president of the University at Buffalo," said Chancellor Zimpher. "Dr. Tripathi's international reputation as an accomplished researcher and transformative leader in higher education makes him ideally suited to serve as president of the University at Buffalo. "Major public research universities like UB provide access to high quality, affordable education and engage in research that helps build vibrant communities at home and across the globe. Dr. Tripathi will provide outstanding leadership for UB as it carries out this

important mission." Tripathi said he was honored to be recommended by Zimpher to be UB's next president. "It would be my distinct privilege to lead our remarkable university, which is recognized for its tradition of excellence and has an ex-

A native of India, Tripathi would become the first international-born president in UB's history, a fitting distinction for one of the most international universities in the U.S. traordinary future ahead." A search committee reviewed the credentials of 68 candidates, representing a diverse national and international pool from a wide range of academic disciplines and professional experiences. An internationally recognized computer scientist, Tripathi, 60,

joined UB as provost on July 1, 2004, after serving as dean of the Bourns College of Engineering at the University of California-Riverside. Among his many accomplishments at UB, Tripathi was one of the principal creators of the UB 2020 strategic plan to achieve academic and research excellence. He led the recruitment of many prominent faculty to the university and oversaw a significant increase in the number of faculty hired to develop and enhance strengths in key areas of research and scholarly activity. As a result, the university achieved significant growth in research expenditures and federally awarded research grants, putting UB in league with the top national research universities in the United States. A native of India, Tripathi would become the first international-born president in UB's history, a fitting distinction for one of the most international universities in the U.S. UB is ranked 12th in the percentage of international students enrolled among all U.S. campuses, according to the Institute of International Education. Nearly 5,000 of UB's nearly 29,000 students are international.

Demolition man Alphons joins BJP NEW DELHI: Former bureaucrat tions, he was tipped to get a ticket K J Alphons, who earned a formi- from the CPM but he is learnt to dable reputation as an IAS officer, have declined that. Before forrecently joined the BJP, switching mally joining the party, he resigned over from the Left camp with from the assembly. whose support he had become an Coming from the Christian comIndependent MLA in Kerala. munity of Kerala, Alphons brushed Alphons, who as aside suggestions commissioner of the that he would find Delhi Development himself uncomfortAuthority (DDA) in able to function in a the mid-90s had party that is seen to taken on the land primarily represent mafia in the capital the majority Hindu and razed several ilcommunity. "I am legal buildings, said concerned with only his desire for workone issue and that is ing at the national development. That is level and the BJP's the key word for me. focus on developIndia has wasted too ment agenda had many years in irrelprompted his move. evant things," he K J Alphons "I have worked as said. an MLA in Kerala. I wanted to Welcoming Alphons in his party, move to the national stage. The BJP president Nitin Gadkari said the BJP invited me to take this oppor- former bureaucrat would be made a tunity. I have been impressed with member of the party national executhe development focus of the BJP tive. "Alphons has a clean image and that is why I decided to join," and believes in politics for change. Alphons said. He is a development-oriented leader A Kerala cadre officer, Alphons and his qualities would be an asset had quit the IAS in 2006 to join for the party." politics. He was elected an MLA Alphons said he would not conin Kerala immediately after that test the forthcoming elections in with the support of the Left par- Kerala and would prepare himself ties. In the upcoming state elec- for a larger role at the national level.

India's supremacy in textiles, apparels showcased in NY India Post News Service

cate students and others about influential countries such as India making mark on the global economic stage," said Dr Frank T. Koe, acting dean of Jay and patty Baker School of Business and Technology of the FIT. The third emerging markets

person of Department of International Trade and Marketing of FIT. NEW YORK: India's global suThe panelists include Dr Ajay premacy and unprecedented Gondane, deputy consul general growth in apparels, textiles and of India in New York; Nimet fashion and its role in shaping the Degirmencioglu, co-founder of contours of world economy came Soham Dave; Ashok Varshney, into sharp focus at the heartland president of Vintage Viof world fashion - New sion; Anila Midha, presiYork. dent of Uttam House of The two-day Fabric Designs and Sachin and to Fashion Trade FoBabi Ahluwalia, corum-2011 sponsored founders of Sachin and by New York Fashion Babi for Ankasa. Institute of TechnolThe panelists elaboogy (FIT) and suprated on the trade, develported by the Consuopment, global economic late General of India in challenges, growth poNew York that ended tential and export and imMarch 25, unveiled port opportunities. They the exquisite collecalso discussed on longtion of Indian fashion term prospects, maximizdesigners besides a ing manpower, FDI and panel discussion on IndiaĂs Consul General in New York Prabhu Dayal flanked steps to improve current the triumph of Brand by American models at a glittering fashion event at the Consulate General of India. Pics Prakash M Swamyâ&#x20AC; business environment. India put together by The sessions were the Department of International Trade and Marketing guest lecture series focused on moderated by Prof. Jeffrey India as world's hottest consumer Silberman chairperson and Marof the FIT. "India has become much more market, its textile industry's road garet Bishop, adjust instructor of than a developing world economic to success and the increasing glo- the department. Prof Subash power. FIT is organizing informa- balization of its apparel business, Midha, professor and global strattive sessions with experts to edu- said Christine S. Pomeranz, chair- egy advisor (India) of the depart-

ment of Internanow the world's tional Business leading exporter and Finance of of textiles thanks New York Unito the role of priversity presided vate sector, incenover the sestives and innovasions. tion. India has beA reception come one of the was hosted by most important Ambassador places to source Prabhu Dayal, textiles and garConsul General ments and New of India to New York plays a leadYork at the Coning role in this sulate which was progress. Indian attended by buyfashion designers ers and industry have made a huge representatives impact on the gloin the tri-state Bhavna Toor, a New York based bal scene, he said. area on the previBhavna Toor, fashion designer and a model ous day which fashion designer was followed by a display of In- and a model of New York, said sari, dian collection of textiles and gar- unmatched in its antiquity and a ments and a buyer-seller meet. signature of Indian women, was Dayal said fashion has evolved first mentioned in Rig Veda in 3000 in India time since immemorial and BC. Sari was a dream that was sari was born 5000 years ago. born at the hands of a fanciful Dhotis were worn not only in vil- weaver who dreamt on how to lages but in catwalks and capitals. dress a beautiful woman. Pushpa India once supplied garments to Kumar, vice consul (commerce) of the whole world before the arrival the Indian Consulate, said scores of British. of American companies showed It's regained its position and is interest in the buyer-seller meet.

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Zed honored at Art of Living HQ FRANK FERNANDES India Post News Service

MUMBAI: Rajan Zed was honored at Art of Living international headquarters in Bengaluru (India) on March 29. Art of Living founder and humanitarian-spiritual-peace leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar presented Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, with an orange angavastram during his visit to the ashram. The two religious leaders also discussed various spiritual, religion, interfaith dialogue and related issues during their meeting. Art of Living Foundation, which operates in 151 countries,

seeks to help build a global society that is free of stress, violence, and misery - and full of service, wisdom, and celebration. Rajan Zed is a religious leader who has taken up interfaith, religion, Hinduism, environment, Roma and other causes all over the world. He is panelist for "On Faith", a prestigious interactive conversation on religion produced by The Washington Post. He has been bestowed with "World Interfaith Leader Award", is Director of Interfaith Relations of Nevada Clergy Association and Spiritual Advisor to National Association of Interchurch & Interfaith Families, etc

Rally demands end to nuclearization Rajan Zed with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: More than 200 youth from across the capital city marched to Parliament raising their opposition to nuclearization in India. Accompanied by eminent senior friends from different walks of life - scientists, teachers, art-

cluded at Jantar Mantar where a public meeting was held. Speakers included Ashok Choudhary, Praful Bidwai, Sagari Chabra, Bishnoi, Bhupinder Rawat, Soumya Dutta and others. Praful Bidwai lashed out at India's nuclear power program and weapons program and ac-

ists, activists and trade unionists - the youth demanded the UPA led government of India to stop the nuclear weapons program as well as power projects based on nuclear fission. Students from Delhi University, Jamia Milia Islamia University and JNU also took part in the parliament march. Over 25 organizations had issued the call for the parliament march. The parliament march con-

cused the UPA led regime of conniving with the US administration to go through with the much flawed Indo-US nuclear deal and for pushing India to go the tragic way of Chernobyls and Fukushimas. Soumya Dutta pointed out the destruction the nuclear radiation will cause, even in situations where there is no accident involved. Ashok Choudhary stated that people's movements across

India will continue to oppose not just nuclear, but all anti-people and destructive developmental programmes and paradigm, till the Government of India comes clear with statistics and answers regarding who has benefited from all such projects of the past. He reiterated that the poor and the marginalised who are always losers in the process of development - from land acquisition to impacts of climate change - never benefit from these projects or from the energy etc produced by such projects. 1. A s Japan is struggling and grappling with the aftermath of nuclear radiation on the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster, the parliament march, held on the eve of the anniversary, reiterated people's position against nuclear energy and weaponization. The March and Public Meeting concluded with release of anti-nuclear public statement and submission of a joint memorandum to the Prime Minister, demanding cancellation of the Jaitapur proposed Nuclear Power Plant, signed by more than 73,000 people from across India.

Intellectuals oppose banning controversial book on Gandhi NEW DELHI: Intellectuals and Gandhi kin have come out in the open against the clamor for taking out of shelves a controversial book on Mahatma Gandhi, saying banning is not a "democratic response". Gujarat government has already banned the book "Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle With India" by Pulitzer Prizewinning author Joseph Lelyveld w h i l e Maharashtra is contemplating such an action. Union Law Minister M Veerappa Moily had also hinted at such a possibility earlier. The reviews of the book hit the newspapers in England and US had claimed that the book says Gandhi was a bisexual and had a German-Jewish bodybuilder lover in Hermann Kallenbach. Condemning the ban, Lelyveld said, "In a country (India) that calls itself a democracy, it is shameful to ban a book that no one has read, including the people who are doing the banning.

"They should at least make an effort to see the pages that they think offend them before they take such an extreme step. I find it very discouraging to think that India would so limit discussion," he said. Gandhi's great grandson Tushar Gandhi said it will be a "greater insult" to Bapu than that book or the author might have intended. "If the government o f Maharashtra bans the book, it will be a greater insult to Bapu than that book or the author might have intended. I will challenge the ban," he tweeted. He said he was against the culture of banning books and added "how does it matter if the Mahatma was straight, gay or bisexual? Every time he would still be the man who led India to freedom". Writer K Sachidanandan said the plans to ban the book should be condemned. "Banning a book is not a democratic action," he said.-PTI

Desi News Sikh Environment Day celebrated at gurdwara S.S. GUMTALA

DAYTON : Hundreds of Gurdwaras in Sikh Disapora in the US, Canada, England and other countries celebrated the Gurgaddi Diwas of 7th Guru, Guru Har Rai and Sikh New Year as Sikh Environment Day. Sikh Society of Dayton also took part in this celebration by observing EcoSikh Day at the new Dayton Gurdwara Sahib site during its regular Sunday Divan to share reflections on the Environment and Sikhism with the Sangat. Sangat members including adults, youth and even three year old kids took part in the celebrations. Details on page 13

Dr Manu Vora selected for Ellis Medal SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: A front ranking Indian community activist and top notch quality engineer Dr Manu Vora has added one more feather in his growing cap of achievements. The National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) has selected Dr Manu Vora as a recipient of the 2011 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. The Medal will be presented in a special ceremony on Saturday, May 7, 2011 on the Ellis Island in New York. The Medals are presented on Ellis Island to American citizens of diverse origins for their outstanding contribution to their communities, their nation and the world. Each year since 1986, NECO - whose mission is to honor our diverse Past. Details on page 15

And the award goes to â&#x20AC;ŚBollywood Night! ARPEET PATEL

INDIANAPOLIS: Is Indianapolis all about Indy 500, Colts and Mini marathon? One has to attend an event like the one hosted recently by United Way of Central Indiana's Emerging Leaders at Mural Shrine Temple in Indianapolis - the official Oscar night, to know better. Those who came had the taste of Baigan Bharta, Naan and Samosas, took a twist with Bollywood dancers, dressed up in sarees and tattooed with henna, but most importantly, held the annual fund-raiser for ReadUp - a program to promote reading in elementary schools of Indianapolis Public Schools. Details on page 17

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

SBI California opens 10th US branch in Fremont Details on page 19

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Poonam Alaigh quits as NJ Health Services Commissioner India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Dr. Poonam Alaigh, the only high ranking Indian American in Governor Chris Christie's Administration, has resigned from her post as Commissioner of Health and Senior Service, due to an illness in the family. Following Alaigh's resignation which was effective April 1, Deputy Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, Mary O'Dowd, assumed the duties of Acting Commissioner, and will later be nominated by Governor Christie to be Commissioner of Health. "My time serving as Commissioner of the Department of Health and Senior Services has been an incredible privilege and honor. I am passionate about the work and accomplishments we have been able to deliver for the families of New Jersey during this time of unprecedented budget challenges. So, it is with both pride and difficulty that I today announce my resignation from the Department," said Commissioner Alaigh. "I thank Governor Christie for his faith and confidence in nominating me to lead the Department through this historic time for our State, and for his leadership in our efforts to improve healthcare in the state. I also recognize and thank my colleagues in the Department and the Administration for their support and commitment to doing what is right for all New Jerseyans. "It has been a great privilege to serve Governor Christie and through him the people of New Jersey. Health remains a pressing issue of importance for the Administration. I am confident that under Governor Christie's leadership of the state, and Mary O'Dowd's continued leadership at the Department, there will be great strides made in improving quality healthcare for every New Jersey family," concluded Dr. Alaigh. In accepting her resignation, Governor Christie thanked Commissioner Alaigh for her service at the Department and her dedication to the people of New Jersey. "I want to thank Dr. Poonam Alaigh

Dr. Poonam Alaigh, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services,

for her dedicated service and extraordinary accomplishments as Commissioner of Health," said Governor Christie. "Dr. Alaigh leaves this Administration with a strong record of service to the people of our state, including an increase in funding for hospitals two years in a row, the introduction of continuous and coordinated health care coverage for our seniors, innovations in health care delivery and her principled implementation of a scientificallybased medicinal marijuana program.

nificant and emerging health issues, including: Reforming and increasing resources for Charity Care Hospital Funding to better care for New Jersey's most vulnerable citizens; Driving the rebalancing of long term care and introducing the concept of a continuum of coordinated care for New Jersey's seniors; Establishing the New Jersey Center for Health Innovations to harness creative and innovative methods to transform the health care delivery; and Releasing the

Dr. Alaigh shared with me that her mother-inlaw of 22 years is critically ill and that she and her husband are the primary caregivers: Chivukula Her commitment and passion for the job has been unprecedented and her stewardship of the Department has been world class through a period of economic difficulty and an increased need among our citizens for quality healthcare services. The people of New Jersey are better served today as a result of Dr. Alaigh's service." Dr. Alaigh was nominated by Governor Christie on January 27, 2010 and took leadership of the Department of Health and Senior Services during a time of unprecedented budget difficulties and critical healthcare issues facing the State and people of New Jersey. Under her leadership, the Department made great progress on sig-

"Health of the Newest New Jerseyans" report, the first of its kind in the country. Other policy issues included the development of appropriate rules that establish the hospital practice of anesthesia and CPORT-E hospital licensing for cardiac catheterization procedures. Dr. Alaigh remains a strong voice for health information technology in delivering high quality, patient centric healthcare and for initiatives that will bring innovative solutions to ensure independence and dignity for our older adult population. Commending Dr. Alaigh's 14month tenure as Commissioner, Assembly Deputy Speaker

Upendra J. Chivukula said, "She has introduced innovative programs for health care delivery and health care solutions that will continue to provide long-term benefits to recipients, as will her advocacy of cutting-edge medical technology. Dr. Alaigh's leadership positions in two of our state's foremost insurance and pharmaceutical companies provided her with invaluable experience in the private sector." Chivukula further said her diverse background in health care administration and delivery including clinical practice, hospital administration, managed care, and pharmaceutical medicine, helped her diagnose important health care needs and prescribe effective solutions. "One of her singular contributions has been addressing the need for culturally competent care of our state's fast-growing minority population," Chivukula said. "Prior to becoming New Jersey's Health Commissioner, she was actively involved in developing culturally competent care for South Asians in her capacity as a Board member of SATHI - the South Asian Total Health Initiative. â&#x20AC;&#x153;During her tenure as the state's health chief, Dr. Alaigh expanded this initiative to address health care disparities among diverse ethnic groups by advancing the first report of its kind in the country - the 'Health of the Newest New Jerseyans'. Revealing her reason for quitting her post, Chivukula said, "Dr. Alaigh shared with me that her mother-in-law of 22 years is critically ill and that she and her husband are the primary caregivers. She told me she made the difficult decision to step down because she would not be able to fulfill her responsibilities as the state's health commissioner while taking care of her family at such a time." Alaigh is the second South Asian-American to be appointed to a cabinet post in New Jersey, the first being Kris Kolluri, former CEO of the state's Schools Development Authority and former Commissioner of New Jersey's Department of Transportation.

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Robbery at Pittsburg Venkateswara Temple India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The famed Sri Venkateswara Temple on Penn Hills in Pittsburg was allegedly robbed of cash and jewelry on March 17, according to a report on CBSlocal. The report said police are searching for suspects after authorities say a security guard was tied up overnight during a robbery at the Hindu temple. The incident happened just before midnight where four armed men entered the temple and the security guard was confronted. "He pushed the individual, tried to defend himself and there were three other individuals outside," Penn Hills Police Chief Howard Burton said. "His keys were taken and he was bound and gagged. (They) Pointed a gun at him, threatened him, took his money, took his cell phone, took a laptop computer," Burton said. The robbers, described as four black males, took the guard's keys and stole three small safes from the temple's offices. "They were not able to enter the main temple because of the security system," Dr. Nagu B.

Krishnappa, S.V. Temple Chairman, said. About $10,000 to $15,000, along with jewelry and credit cards, was taken. The suspects got away before authorities arrived at the scene. The thieves appeared to know what they were doing.

About $10,000 to $15,000, along with jewelry and credit cards, was taken. The suspects got away before authorities arrived at the scene. The thieves appeared to know what they were doing "We're looking at people who may have cleaned down there or prior employees who did lawn work or something of that nature," Burton said. The security guard was not injured.

GOPIO-CT to honor four community achievers India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Four Indian Americans will be honored for their achievements and contributions to community at the GOPIO-Connecticut fifth anniversary awards banquet on April 9. The honorees are Dr. Vijay Prashad, Dr. Madhu Mathur, Vidya Teredesai, and Mequitta

Professor of International Studies at Trinity College, Hartford, CT. He has published several books on world governance. Dr. Madhu Mathur is a tireless advocate for children's health. She is the founding member of Stamford's Childhood Obesity Task Force. In addition, she is Medical Director of the Regional Medical Home Initiative and

Dr. Madhu Mathur is a tireless advocate for children's health. She is the founding member of Stamford's Childhood Obesity Task Force Ahuja. Paul Semaski will be honored with a Friend of GOPIO award. Stamford's Mayor Michael Pavia and India's Consul General in New York Prabhu Dayal will be the Guests of Honor at the banquet. Dr. Vijay Prashad holds the George and Martha Kellner Chair in South Asian History, and is

Chair of the Health and Wellness Committee of Childhood Blueprint Initiative in Stamford. Vidya Teredesai is being recognized for her community service here and in India. She has raised funds for homeless shelters, Norwalk Senior Center, Evergreen Foundation as well as Women's Hospital in Baroda. ContĂd on page 20

South Asians rally behind Debra Silverstein SURENDERA ULLAL

Keerthi Ravoori, co-host of South Asian Press Meet, is seen addressing the meet. Sitting right to him is Ald Candidate Bebra Silverstein. Others are Asian leaders.

CHICAGO: Debra Silverstein, a candidate for 50th ward Alderman in the City of Chicago with a good number of endorsements from front ranking political activists, got a further boost for her campaign with members of the South Asian community announcing their support to her during a press conference held on Thursday, March 24 at Punjabi Dhaba Banquet Hall on Devon Ave in Chicago. Debra already has the backing of Mayor-Elect Rahm Emanuel, US Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, Indo American Democratic Organization and two main stream newspapers - Chicago Tribune and Sun Times. With the rendering of South Asian community endorsements, the Aldermanic candidacy of Debra appears forging ahead for a decisive victory in the run-off election on Tuesday, April, 5. US Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky took time to come to attend the press conference and reiterated her support one more time. "I am proud to endorse Debra for Alderman of the 50th ward." Debra, she observed, would make an outstanding Alderwoman and help bring about a real change and offer solutions to the enduring problems faced by the 50th ward. In her address, Debra Silverstein thanked the Indian and Pakistani community besides Jan Schakowsky for their enthusiastic endorsement and addressed a wide range of issues that are central to the ward, including reinvigorating Devon Avenue business district that houses several blocks of Indo Pakistani retail outlets. She pledged to 'hit the ground

running' to accomplish many important goals like fixing the potholes, repaving streets, infrastructural upgrades and, more importantly institute an 'open door' policy for the communities to meet her for any issue or problem. She decried the parking meters lease that continues to hurt businesses on Devon Ave. and pledged to address the perennial parking problems. She added that the TIF funds information would be thrown open to the ward residents.

Debra Silverstein thanked the Indian and Pakistani community besides Jan Schakowsky for their enthusiastic endorsement and addressed a wide range of issues that are central to the ward Keerthi Ravoori, moderator and co-host, said that Debra Silverstein has a comprehensive understanding of the issues facing the ward and the city, and therefore, she was uniquely qualified to tackle them efficiently. Keerthi said that the South Asian community is motivated to help Debra cross the finish line on the election day of April 5. Ranjit Ganguly, also a co-host , had earlier introduced Debra Silverstein as an outstanding candidate at a crucial time in history when the need for a 'change' has never been so compelling. He

urged Debra Silverstein to make a long-term plan for beautification of Devon Ave in order to attract tourists to this teeming international market. He also pitched for a stepped up patrolling in order to reduce crime, vandalism and gang problems. The line-up of endorsements commenced with Harendra Mangrola, newly elected president of IADO. Dr Ram Gajjela, Executive Director of IADO explained that the 50th ward and the business communities need a big dose of governmental assistance as it faces a general decline. He said he would join the team of volunteers to support in campaigning for every vote for Debra Silverstein in the ward. Pan-Asian community activist Sadru Noorani said that the business communities and real estate market in the ward is suffering immensely and he urged for a stepped up economic assistance to lift up the sagging entrepreneurship on Devon Avenue. Dr. Mujahid Ghazi, a renowned Pakistani community activist and radio talk show host, forcefully said it is time for all of us to come out and take a decisively unequivocal stand to support Debra Silverstein as our next alderman. Jamshaid Nasim from Pakistani community gave a ringing endorsement for Debra Silverstein and so also Dr Ashish Sen who mentioned that he has already voted and he is confident that the rising wave of demand for 'change' will certainly usher in the change for 50th ward leadership on April 5. Some of the prominent community leaders present included Balwinder Singh, Sher Mohammed Rajput, Syed Rahim and Syed Sabahat Jamal.

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Andhra Minister interacts with IT professionals DR NR URIMINDI

Ramki Chebrolu, AP IT Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah, Prasad Thotakura, Ram Yalamanchili

DALLAS, Texas: Over 100 IT professionals from Andhra Pradesh had an interactive session with visiting Andhra Minister for Information Technology & Communications Ponnala Lakshmaiah recently. The minister addressed a large gathering of Telugu IT Company CEOs and other professionals with a presentation "Advantage Andhra Pradesh - The Most Preferred IT Destination". The program, co-hosted by TANTEX and IT Serve Allinace at FunAsiA, Richardson, Texas, was called to order by Ram Yalamanchili (Treasurer, TANA) who warmly welcomed the Chief Guest and other attendees. Satish

Mandava of ITServ Alliance gave the mission and objectives of the organization and stressed the need for cohesiveness in order to serve the members. Nagendra Bandaru, Chair, Science & Technology Forum of TANA requested the visiting IT Minister to establish special green technology and healthcare technology parks to fuel the growth of Information technology. Rahul Reddy, attorney representing Reddy & Neumann PC provided some interesting statistics about the immigrant community and urged the government of Andhra Pradesh to work with the US Consular Office to put pressure to deal

His achievements include development of poultry, dairy and allied industries, entry into politics, winning four Assembly elections, serving as Cabinet rank minister for three different portfolios

Andhra minister visits Oklahoma State University

Gopi Kandukuri, Anil Kilaru, Sudhakar Peram and Satish Manduva

with student visa issues, especially those from the Tri-Valley University. MVL Prasad, a technology entrepreneur, who was instrumental in bringing Mr Ponnala to Dallas, had the honor of introducing the Chief Guest of the evening. In his introduction he said traced the humble beginnings of Mr Ponnala from a remote village in Warangal district, the first to get decent education in his local community leading to Bachelor of Engineering (mechanical) from Osmania University then leading to Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering at Oklahoma State University in 1969. He further shared Mr

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Ponnala Lakshmaiah, Minister for Information Technology & Communications, Government of Andhra Pradesh, India visited on March 21, his alma mater, the Oklahoma State University where from he had graduated with a MS degree in

Mechanical Engineering in 1969. Ponnala was given a warm welcome by Oklahoma State University's System-wide President Mr. Burns Hargis; Chairman, Board of Regents Calvin Anthony; Dean College of Engineering Contíd on page 13

Contíd on page 14

TANA event in NY raises $200,000

India Post News Service Oklahoma State University School of Business Dean Crosby presenting Andhra Pradesh Information and Technology Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah with an Outstanding Contribution Award on March 21. (Pic Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia)

Ponnala's abundant engineering experience at various US companies developing control systems and finally leading to return to India in 1978. He mentioned that Mr Ponnala went to India to serve the rural community. His achievements include development of poultry, dairy and allied industries, entry into politics, winning four Assembly elections, serving as Cabinet rank minister for three different portfolios since 1991 to present status as Minister of Information Technology & Communications with additional responsibility for Energy ministry also.

NEW YORK: More than 150 well wishers and life members of the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) gathered in Long Island, NY to support the organization's 18th national conference to be held in Santa Clara, California. The event was hosted by Subbarao and Rajeswari Anumolu, who have been strong supporters of TANA for more than three decades. On the occasion, Jayasekhar Talluri,

member of TANA Foundation Board talked about the activities of TANA Foundation, such as scholarships, cataract surgeries and other developmental projects back home. Anumolu said, "TANA is an internationally reputed organization that continuously strives to serve the Telugu people in North America. As a member, I am very proud to see TANA is not only serving the cultural and literary needs but also serving social needs of Telugu people here." Contíd on page 14

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Sikh Environment Day celebrated at gurdwara S.S. GUMTALA

Exhibition on environment

ronment and Sikhism with the Sangat. Sangat members including adults, youth and even three year old kids took part in the celebrations. Sangat members were requested in advance to wear green on this day and show their support for the Environment Day. The Sangat gave a green touch to the environment in Gurdwara. Shabad Kirtan focused on environment

Andhra minister visits Oklahoma State University Contíd from page 12

Architecture & Technology, Prof. Karl Reid; Associate VP for International Studies Dr. David Henneberry; Dean of Agriculture Bob Whitson; and several Regents Professors including Dr. Ranga Komanduri, Dr. Ramakumar and Dr. Ramesh Sharda. President Hargis in his remarks on the occasion said, "Mr. Ponnala was one of the finest graduates in the history of Oklahoma State University." Dean Reid in his speech said, "It is indeed a great pleasure for the OSU to have such a distinguished alumnus visit the campus after so many years. OSU has developed a rich tradition of producing several such international alumni who have been successfully leading their home countries very successfully in various areas of technology, government and political leadership." Ponnala also visited the School of Business where he was welcomed by Dean of Spears School of Business Dr. Larry Crosby and Regents Professor of Management Science Dr. Ramesh Sharda. Dean Crosby explored the possibility of establishing OSU campuses in India as well as conducting collaborative research and academic programs. On behalf of Business School, Dean Crosby felicitated Ponnala with a citation for his accomplishments and dedication to public

service along with a Medal of Honor. Later Ponnala gave a presentation of "Advantage Andhra Pradesh - The Most Preferred IT Destination" to the India Student Association of OSU. The interac-

President Hargis in his remarks on the occasion said, "Mr. Ponnala was one of the finest graduates in the history of Oklahoma State University." Dean Reid in his speech said, "It is indeed a great pleasure for the OSU to have such a distinguished alumnus visit the campus after so many years” tive session was attended by a large group of Indian students as well as Regents Professors. Prof. Ramakumar and Prof. Sohum Sohoni (Advisor, ISA) presented a plaque of "Distinguished Alumni from India" to Ponnala.

Dayton youth during the Kirtan Darbar focusing on environment

in Guru Granth Sahib was recited by the youth and elders during the Kirtan Darbar. Ravjot Kaur explained the message of the Shabad "Pavan Guru Paani Pita" and recited the Shabad as well. Goonmeet Kaur sung the Aarti "Gagan Mein Thal" and Harleen Kaur "Balhari Kudrat Vaseya Tera Aanth Na Jaaye Lakheya" and Prabjit Kaur " Sooraj Eko Rut Anek". Even 3-5 yr old kids,

Pahulpreet Singh, Pabanpreet Kaur, Husanpreet Kaur and Sunvir Kaur joined in the celebration by reciting "Dhan Hai Dhan Hai, Guru Har Rai Ji Dhan Hai". Several speeches were presented by the youth. They shared the message of Guru Har Rai inspiring Sikhs to care of the nature and environment." Contíd on page 15

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Andhra Minister interacts with IT professionals

TANA event in NY raises $200,000

Contíd from page 12

Mr Ponnala delivered his keynote address on the current state of the IT industry in Andhra Pradesh. He went on to explain the phenomenal growth of the IT industry where the exports grew over 100 times and employment over 20 times during the past 10 years. He requested the IT entre-

train rural graduates with specialized technical skills to meet demands of today. Mr Prasad Thotakura, President-elect of TANA reiterated TANA's continued focus on serving the Telugu community with result oriented programs and enabling a new breed of ambassadors to bring the community together. He introduced the core

Mr Rahul Reddy of Reddy & Neumann PC, Mr Rama Rao Mullapudi of XT Global, Mr Ram Bobba of Premier IT Solutions, Ms. Shabnam Modgil of FunAsiA for their support of the event and the community. Mr Ponnala was felicitated by Mr Satish Manduva of ITServ Alliance and Mr NMS Reddy, President of TANTEX, various commit-

Mr Prasad Thotakura, President-elect of TANA reiterated TANA's continued focus on serving the Telugu community with result oriented programs and enabling a new breed of ambassadors to bring the community together preneurs to think about Andhra Pradesh for their new investment. He fielded several questions from the audience about the need to promote IT in Tier-2 cities and the need for improved infrastructure. His answers were informative. He reiterated the value of education and vowed to help educate and

Jayaram Komati, president of TANA told the gathering, "We are here to serve the community. Unity among us is the most important thing to show our strength. We

for the national conference, Sateesh Chilukuri, a TANA coordinator, said, "This conference will be a great conference as we are very selectively bringing the best talent that can represents our culture. Our idea is to encourage our

‘This conference will be a great conference as we are very selectively bringing the best talent that can represents our culture. Our idea is to encourage our youth talent, so we took the committee members of TANA and explained the reasons for focusing on Information Technology while there are many other distractions in the state at the moment. Mr Thotakura presented a memento to Mr Ponnala on behalf of TANA and TANTEX. Mr Ponnala presented recognition trophies to

IIT audience

tee members of TANA lead by Mrs. Manjulatha Kanneganti, Mr Ramki Chebrolu and Mr Rajesh Veerapaneni. Mr Aravind Reddy Muppidi, Regional coordinator of ATA and Mr Rao Kalvala, Regional Vice President of NATA were among those who felicitated the IT minister with a bouquet of fresh flowers. The event came to an end with vote of thanks by Mr NMS Reddy, TANTEX President who thanked the chief guest for taking time to address in spite of his busy schedule. He also thanked the attendees and volunteers and the sponsors XT Global, Premier IT Solutions, ITServ Alliance and Reddy & Neumann P.C., staff & management of FunAsiA restaurant, Mr Venkat Mulukutla of TV9, Mr Rajendra Narayandas for video coverage, Armale Studios for digital photography.

theme as Telugu Yuvatha Pragathi Prateeka’ are happy to work closely with the other organizations that have similar mottos, but our community should not encourage those who have destructive mentalities." Talking about the preparations

youth talent, so we took the theme as Telugu Yuvatha Pragathi Prateeka. We will be very careful in spending money for external artists. Contíd on page 20

Community Across America

April 8, 2011

India Post 15

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Dr Manu Vora selected for Ellis Medal SURENDRA ULLAL

others whose work has made a lasting impact on humanity. The Ellis Island Medal of Honor ranks among the nation's most prestigious awards. The US Senate and House of Representatives have officially recognized the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, and each year the recipients are listed in the Congressional Record. To date, more than 1,600 American citizens have received Ellis Island Medals of Honor. Dr Manu Vora of Naperville, Il-

Past Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients include six Presidents of the United States, Nobel Prize winners, ath-

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Malaysian human rights activist Waytha Moorthy, leader of a human rights group in Malaysia, is touring the United States April 1-13 for presentations at community events and for meeting with government officials. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has sponsored a traveling speaker series in the US featuring Moorthy, who besides being a Malaysian Human Rights activist, is also a lawyer, and founder of Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF). In November 2007, HINDRAF organized a mammoth rally of 50,000 Hindus and ethnic Indians in peaceful protest against the Malaysian government for its mistreatment and marginalization of

Indians. The Malaysian security forces responded brutally, and Waytha Moorthy was jailed, along

Though HINDRAF was banned, it continues to raise various human rights issues including calling for the end to demolitions of Hindu temples, advocating for the rights of Hindu mothers and fathers to raise their children as Hindus with hundreds of other protesters. He has been living in exile in London since the Malaysian govern-

ment revoked his passport. Though HINDRAF was banned, it continues to raise various human rights issues including calling for the end to demolitions of Hindu temples, advocating for the rights of Hindu mothers and fathers to raise their children as Hindus when one of the parents converts to Islam, advocating for educational rights, jobs and economic opportunities for Malaysian Hindus because Malaysia’s “bhumiputara” policies favor the Muslim Malay majority, and an end to police brutality against Hindus. Although Malaysia is known to be a “moderate” Islamic state, non Muslim, non Malays face human rights discrimination and the brutality of the government crackdown on those fighting for equal rights.

Hindu Students Council honored with award

letes, leaders of industry, artists and others whose work has made a

ADITYA KASHYAP

lasting impact on humanity Dr Manu Vora

Ellis Island to American citizens of diverse origins for their outstanding contribution to their communities, their nation and the world. Each year since 1986, NECO - whose mission is to honor our diverse Past, to advocate for positive change in the Present, and to build strong leaders for the Future - has honored our nation's diverse past by sponsoring the Ellis Island Medals of Honor. Past Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipients include six Presidents of the United States, Nobel Prize winners, athletes, leaders of industry, artists and

Malaysian Hindu activist on a speaking tour in US

linois is Chairman and President of Business Excellence, Inc., a global quality management consulting firm. He serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Northern Illinois University's College of Business. He has published over 40 articles in professional journals and conference symposia. He has delivered over 250 presentations on business excellence and quality management topics around the world in Africa, Asia Pacific, Caribbean and Central America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and the United States. Contíd on page 20

NEW YORK: The popular New York Times-owned website About.com has announced the winner of its 2011 Readers' Choice Award for Best Hindu Organization which goes Hindu Students Council (HSC). It happens to be the largest Hindu youth organization in North America. It edged out four other finalists, all of which were selected by editors from numerous nominations submitted by hundreds of readers. HSC enjoyed a near majority with 48% of the votes. HSC Executive Board member Arjun Pradeep acknowledged the achievement, noting, "Receiving the award is a great honor in itself, but knowing that such a great portion of the readers recognized HSC's efforts makes this award even more special!"

HSC was founded in 1990 by three students and has since

Executive Board member Arjun Pradeep acknowledged the achievement, noting, "Receiving the award is a great honor in itself, but knowing that such a great portion of the readers recognized HSC's efforts makes this award even more special” grown to over fifty-five chapters in North America and several in-

spired chapters around the world, evolving into a truly international effort. The non-denominational, non-sectarian organization's mission is threefold: first, it seeks to provide opportunities for college students and young professionals to learn about Hindu heritage and culture; second, it strives to foster awareness of issues affecting Hindus; and third, it provides Seva (service) to the community. The first part of the mission manifests itself in the form of various activities, events. The activities include camps, trips to local mandirs (temples), discussion forums on Vedantic philosophy, Bhagavad Gita study, and dinner socials. Contíd on page 18

Sikh Environment Day celebrated at gurdwara Contíd from page 13

Simran Kaur said that our Gurus knew and preached the importance of clean environment and preservation of the earth. Guru Har Rai was especially known to be concerned about Mother Nature and the preservation of earth for future generations. Gurbani has many references to keep our environ-

ment clean. In his speech, Sameep Singh used slides to show how the Gurus laid stress upon having a clean environment. He also presented an overview on the vision and objective of the EcoSikh 5 year plan and the purpose of holding such events. An exhibition was organized at the Gurdwara with posters created on environment by Dayton

In his speech, Sameep Singh used slides to show how the Gurus laid stress upon having a clean environment

Sikhs to raise awareness about our relationship to air, land and water systems through careful reflection on the words of the Sikh Gurus enshrined in Guru Granth Sahib. The display of posters covered various topics. One poster had a sketch of the Baaz that is becoming extinct; others showed a green Khalsa City, Khanda with Go Green message, stop wasting

water, don't cut trees and many more such themed posters were displayed in the exhibition. Gurdwara Sevadar Committee thanked the participants especially Sikh youth, volunteers and Sangat members. They announced steel plates will be used after the completion of new kitchen at the Gurdwara. At the end, a ceremonial tree was planted on Gurdwara land.

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Mayor graces MAFS Holi celebration HIMALI BHARUCHA

CHICAGO: The exuberant spring festival Holi, also known as festival of colors, was celebrated at the MAFS senior center with dancing, singing, and playing of color (Abir, gulal and such) with great joy. Bonfires were lit and grains were roasted, pop corn was popped, coconut and chick peas were thrown in the bonfire at its Chicago, Niles, Roselle, Carol Stream and Naperville locations. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil as everyone remembered the story about demon Holika who was burned in a bonfire and how the young devotee

Grand celebration of Holi at Jalaram Mandir SURESH SHAH

Holi at MAFS (L-R) Promod Kumar, the CFO of MAFS, Khagendra Diwakar, Mrs Shefali and Mrs Santosh Kumar

of Lord Vishnu, Prhalad was saved by the power of chanting God's Mantra. The story gives the human race a message to introspect and reflect upon burning all negativities from within and vanquish the disturbances of our crude nature and coloring ourselves with God's colors. George Pardel, the Mayor of Naperville, graced the celebration with his presence at the MAFS site. He enthusiastically participated in the celebration and applauded Mrs Santosh Kumar, the Executive Director for her contribution to the senior community. Mrs Santosh Kumar, the Executive Director, MAFS putting Tilak on George Pardel, Mayor of Naperville

United Senior Pariwar celebrates Holi

Contíd on page 21

Lighting the Holi fire

CHICAGO: The Chicagoland Hoffman Estate situated Jalaram Mandir had a grand celebration of Holi festival on March 19. Close to 1200 members, devotees and guests participated enthusiastically at the three-hour celebration with great awe and devotion. Heena and Suresh Patel were the main hosts for lighting the sacred Holi fire which was followed by devotees circling around the fire and placing coconut/ flower/

rice in it. Priest Pravin Pandya was in charge of conducting the ritual associated with Holika Dahan ceremony. Devotees joined by the Mandir members had a great Bhajan session which was followed by Mahaprasad. There was play of colors too. A health fair was announced for April 3 where a variety of tests would be conducted for the benefit of the needy. Contíd on page 18

Holi celebrated with fun at Bal Vihar ASHWIN PATEL

ANUPAMA PATEL

Some of the participants after they were dabbed in colors

Lighting of Lamp by Suresh Shah and Kapila Shah

CHICAGO: Members of the three-year old United Seniors Pariwar (USP) celebrated the festival of Holi with lot of enthusiasm and fun at Cathy Hall in Des Plaines, a north side Chicago suburb, on Sunday March 20. Present on the occasion were over 100 members and guests who were entertained by Bhajan singing by members and variety of film and folk songs by artists of the Saregum Orchestra.

The nearly three-hour event started with the lighting of the traditional Lamp by a senior member Kapilben Shah who was followed with a welcome speech by Secretary Suresh Shah who also explained the significance of the Holi festival as also urged members to get into mainstream politics by exercising their right to vote in the forthcoming local elections. Contíd on page 18

ST. LOUIS: Indian immigrants in St Louis, MO celebrated Holi festival with great pomp. Bal Vihar school parents and children celebrated Holi with fun and enjoyment. Over 300 plus participants were provided with the colors to use and enjoyed Pizza, Samosa and plenty of Thandai drinks, thanks to many volunteer parents and local businesses who contributed to make this a memorable and successful celebration. The event held at Mahatma Gandhi Center on March 19 from noon to 2 pm was organized under the supervision of Giri

Children enjoy play of colors

Yanamala, Director of Bal Vihar Operation and was coordinated by

Bal Vihar is a premier educational institution of MO. providing its services to the community and fostering Asian Indian values among children Indu Shrimal and Sunita Shekar. Saketh Yanamala, student from

Group 4 explained to the children the significance of Holi prior to the lunch. Bal Vihar of St. Louis, set up in 1992, is a premier educational institution of MO. providing its services to the community and fostering Asian Indian values among children. The students are exposed to a wide variety of cultural activities, including meditation techniques and Yoga, celebration of Indian festivals, holding debates on values of various cultures and their significance, etc. Contíd on page 21

April 8, 2011

Community Across America

India Post 17

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And the award goes to â&#x20AC;ŚBollywood Night!

Kalapriya to present 'Liquid Network' SURENDRA ULLAL

ARPEET PATEL

Kids offer traditional welcome to 450 guests attending Bollywood night in Indianapolis

bracing traditional Indian culture. The event was furnished with lavish decorations. The walls were covered with traditional tie-die

in Hollywood-style writing and an on-stage Taj Mahal background. Of the 450 guests who attended

"A Night in Bollywood"! raised more than $64,000 for kids needing help to develop skill, which will get them through school and life, by embracing traditional Indian culture The Indian group who actively participated in the success of Bollywood night (L-R) Amit Thanawla, Nand Thanawla, Rupal Thanawala,

cultural identity with United Way of Central Indiana's Oscar Night America: "A Night in Bollywood"! The event raised more than $64,000 for kids needing help to develop skill, which will get them through school and life, by em-

colored saris, the room was lit by Indian hand painted divas (candles) and tables were decorated with ethnic table clothes. Also adding to the entertainment were Bollywood dances, a creative display of the Bollywood letters

Committee members of United Way of Central Indiana clad in traditional Indian sarees

this event, almost 300 guests were dressed in Indian attire or Bollywood-inspired outfits. ContĂd on page 21

The Liquid Network from Kalapriya

CHICAGO: Kalapriya, Center for Indian Performing Arts will present "The Liquid Network" a site-specific dance performance on April 17 & 21 at Jordan Mozer Design Studio in Chicago's River North neighborhood. An all-encompassing experience "The Liquid Network" will bring surprising movement that blend together classical, contemporary and popular dances of India performed by multi-generational and multi-ra-

cial dancers. Flowing through the office space and design studio, dancers will interact with the audience and the whimsical Mozer furniture creations. The dancer and audience exchange will infuse the event with a playful atmosphere. The fun will continue with a post performance reception featuring Indian savories and beverages as artists and audience members continue "The Liquid Network."

Community Across America

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April 8, 2011

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Grand celebration of Holi at Jalaram Mandir

United Senior Pariwar celebrates Holi

Ramanbhai Patel, United Senior Pariwar President Devotees wait for their turn to pray at Holika Dahan Contíd from page 16

Yogesh Thakkar also announced that the management would celebrate the birthday of Lord Ram, Ram Navami, on a grand scale on April 17 at the Mandir premises in Hoffman Estate. There would be chanting of Ram Nam for 24 hours beginning 11 am on April 16 which would culminate the next day around the same time. Ram

Navami celebration would commence from noon on April 17. There would be Arati for Lord Ram and holding of Annakoot. Yogesh Thakkar said the volunteers would decorate the Mandir and the idols of Lord Ram properly, spending huge amount of time and energy before the actual ceremony. The birthday celebration would culminate with Mahaprasad for all those present.

Contíd from page 16

Usha Kumari, a member of the Advisory Board also pitched for voting by seniors in the local elections as only thru the ballot box "our voice can be heard." Ramanbhai Patel, President of USP, offered best wishes for Holi to all the members and also informed that birthdays of all members who happen to have been born in March would be celebrated on the same day along with Holi celebrations. They would be honored, he said.

Members of United Senior Pariwar

He dwelt on the activities of the Pariwar and mentioned that it would organize a tour of Alaska during the summer in close cooperation with a front ranking travel and tour firm, Air Tours. Members were also informed by Kanubhai Patel that a couple of small excursion tours for a couple of days would also be organized by the Pariwar. Ramanbhai announced that the festival of Ram Navami will be celebrated on April 17 on a grand scale. He said that the Swarnim, the 50 years of the establishment

of Gujarat State, was celebrated globally and in USA too. That celebration would culminate on April 17. Dr Bharat Barai, a prominent community activist, had brought Swarnim Kalash from Gujarat last year and this Kalash was tank to different parts of the country here. This would now be returned to the Government of Gujarat who had given the same to Dr Barai at a glittering event last year. The event came to an end with a sumptuous nutritious lunch which was relished by one and all.

Hindu Students Council honored with award Contíd from page 15

Among the events held are celebrations of major Hindu holidays such as Diwali, Pongal, Holi, and Shivratri, as well as movie screenings featuring films with Indian themes. For instance, UC Berkeley's chapter recently screened "The Legend of Bagger Vance", which is based on the Bhagavad Gita, and "Hanuman", which presents the Hindu hero's story in animated form. College chapters at University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, Penn State and Yale hold weekly poojas (prayer services) and have dedicated prayer space on campus. Raising awareness on issues concerning Hindus is also a key focus for HSC. For example, a few years ago HSC became aware that California school text books featured blatantly false and offensive information on Hinduism, including claims that the religion is responsible for the current caste system in India and the source of the practice of "bride-burning". The organization spread awareness about the efforts of California parents and other Hindus to fight such misinformation. In another instance, HSC worked with other organizations to successfully lobby a Seattle based company to stop manufacturing toilet seats with the image of Ganesh and sandals featuring Hindu deities on their soles. Lastly, Seva (service) for the community plays a large role in HSC's mission. Each

year, thousands of youth across North America and indeed the world organize and participate in service work projects such as environmental cleanups, blood drives, soup kitchen service, and low-income housing construction. In light of the recent events

A few years ago HSC became aware that California school text books featured blatantly false and offensive information on Hinduism, including claims that the religion is responsible for the current caste system in India and the source of the practice of "bride-burning". The organization spread awareness about the efforts of California parents and other Hindus to fight such misinformation with the Tsunami and Earthquake in Japan, HSC-TT (Trinidad and Tobago) chapter immediately took the initiative to set up a relief fund and work with the Japanese Embassy for effective distribution.

Community/California

April 8, 2011

India Post 19

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SBI California opens 10th US branch in Fremont KAVITA ARORA India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: On March 28, the State Bank of India California (SBIC) opened its 10th US branch in Fremont, at a convenient location near Paseo Padre Parkway and Walnut Avenue. The Fremont branch hopes to serve the over 33,000 South Asian residents in Fremont alone and several thousand more in the Tri-city area. "Fremont is one of the most diverse communities and we are delighted that the State Bank of India California is here. We feel privileged and we assure you that it's going to be one of the best branches you have opened," said FIA Chairman Dr Romesh Japra. The State Bank of India California hosted a dinner at Raja Sweets in Hayward, California, on Sunday, March 27, followed by a diya or lamp lighting ceremony and prayer in the presence of its officers, staff and people from the community at the inauguration ceremony on March 28. Those present at the inauguration were treated to a tour of the bank's serene and warmly decorated office with elegant colors of beige and brown. On it's opening day, people in the Bay Area opened new accounts and there were load of customers to do wire transfer to India. Located at 39148 Paseo Padre Parkway, this branch is headed by Navdeep Sood, Vice President and Manager of the Fremont office. The parent bank, the State Bank of India, is the largest commercial bank in India in terms of assets, deposits, branches, and staffing. Other US branches are in Los Angeles, Artesia, San Jose, Fresno, Canoga Park, San Diego, Bakersfield, Tustin, and Washington DC. The San Jose SBIC branch is located on Taylor and First Street. "Plans are already underway to open the 11th US branch in San Francisco," Dinesh Pandey, President and CEO of SBIC told India Post. People from the community along with Dr Japra, Jitu Somaya, Vrajesh Lal, Professor Dean McHenry, Susan Somaya, Mr

Guests appland lighting of lamp

Krishnan, Neelabh Sinha, and Joseph Selvraj were present as Mr Amrit Chugh lit the lamp to inaugurate the Fremont branch.

ward to your support and we are here to help our community," said Jitu Somaya, a philanthropist and a director of the bank.

"Fremont is one of the most diverse communities and we are delighted that the State Bank of India California is here. We feel privileged and we assure you that it's going to be one of the best branches you have opened," said FIA Chairman Dr Romesh Japra "We are happy to be able to open a branch in Fremont under the direction of Mr Dinesh Pandey and his team. We are looking for-

L-R: Padmakumar Nair, Romit Basu, Ranvir, K C Das, Ms Nanette, Krishna MV, Dinesh Pandey, Ravi Prakash, Joseph Selvraj, Navdeep Sood.

"We hope that for many years there will be a close association between the bank and all of you. Thank you for being here

and for being linked with the State Bank of India California, Vrajesh Lal told India Post. Professor Dean McHenry, a director of the bank, was very appreciative of the long affiliation of the State Bank of India California with the South Asian residents in the US. Yogi Chugh, a long time Fremont resident and FIA officer, said, "We are committed to the fact that we are here to help. Help not only comes in words. We are here to come back and make sure that opening this branch in Fremont is special." The bank offers several products including savings accounts, NOW accounts, checking accounts, money market deposit accounts, and certificates of deposits. ContĂd on page 21

L-R: Deepak Jha, Dinesh Pandey, Jitu Somaya, Neelabh SInha, Vrajesh Lal, Dean McHenry, Navdeep Sood.

Community Across America

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Hind Rattan award for Indravadan S. Shah India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Indravadan S. Shah, M.D., FACP, FACIP, received the prestigious Hind Rattan award at the 30th International Congress of NRIs held at Lalit Hotel, New

graduate of Baroda Medical College, Baroda India. He came to the United States in 1972 and did his Residency training in Internal Medicine at Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois from 1972 to 1975. Dr Shah is a Fellow of the

Dr Shah practices Internal Medicine in Duarte, California. He also provides free care to senior Indian patients who do not have insurance coverage (parents of young Indians residing in the Metropolitan Los Angeles area.)

Indravadan S. Shah

Delhi, India on January 25. There were 75 NRIs invited from different parts of the world at the convention which was held by NRI Welfare Society of India. Dr Indravadan S. Shah is a

American College of Physicians. He was Chief of the Medical Staff at Santa Teresita Hospital in 1989. Presently he is the Medical Consultant for Blue Shield of California Peer Review and has been in

this position since 1991. He is also an Expert Medical Reviewer for the Medical Board of California since 1997. Dr Shah belongs to several organizations and has been active in the Indian Community. He started the Rukmani Mohan Education Foundation in Baroda, India in 1979. This little foundation is named after his grandmother with whom he stayed and studied High School in the 1950s. This educational foundation provides tuition, boarding & lodging expenses to needy students. He also built a primary school/ high school in the village of Savli, Naswada Taluka, Baroda District, Gujarat in 1989. This school is named after his late father, Somalal Mohan Shah. There are approximately 10 small villages close to Savli from where students go to Savli for their educational needs. Dr Shah practices Internal Medicine in Duarte, California. He also provides free care to senior Indian patients who do not have insurance coverage (parents of young Indians residing in the Metropolitan Los Angeles area.) DrShahresidesinDiamondBar,California with his wife DrArvinda I. Shah.

TANA event in NY raises $200,000

Contíd from page 14

We are getting an overwhelming response from all over the county to participate in the events." Explaining the activities of TANA Emergency Assistance Management Team (Team Square), TANA secretary Mohan Nannapaneni said, "TANA has become the number one source for every Telugu person that needs

help in the face of catastrophic incidents. With the generous support of TANA members, donors and volunteers, we have helped victims and their families in more than 70 incidents with over $200,000 contributions in the last two years." He also thanked Sambasiva Rao and Mahalakshmi Venigalla for their $20,000 donation to TEAM Square activities. TANA has raised more than $200,000 from this event alone.

Dr Manu Vora selected for Ellis Medal News channel apologizes for depicting Sikhs as Muslims

India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: SALDEF has secured a formal apology from RTTV, a global multilingual television news network based in Russia, for repeatedly depicting a Sikh man during a report on Muslims. In response to a letter by SALDEF bringing the matter to their atten-

‘During that reference our technical crew inadvertently rolled the wrong video and showed a Sikh man. This was in no way intentional’ tion, RT formally apologized and removed the erroneous broadcast from their website. The problematic segment, which aired on March 8, discussed anti-Muslim sentiment in Europe in relation to immigration policies. As the commentator explicitly reported on Muslims and the caption stated "Flow of immigrants

A video grab of the offending RTTV show

into Europe fuels growing antiMuslim sentiment," the image of a Sikh man was shown twice (see image). For an international news outlet, available in over 100 countries, to conflate Sikhs with Muslims further substantiates misconceptions the public has about Sikhs and the Sikh faith and contributes to the real threats mistaken identity pose to our community. RT issued a prompt apology,

stating, "During that reference our technical crew inadvertently rolled the wrong video and showed a Sikh man. This was in no way intentional nor planned… We deeply apologize to SALDEF and the Sikh community for our mistake." RT immediately removed the problematic news story from their website and welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with SALDEF on positive programming.

Contíd from page 15

He served as a Chief Judge at the Illinois Team Excellence Award Program from 1993-1999 and is serving on the Board of Examiners of the Global Performance Excellence Award Program since 2004. He holds B.S. in chemical engineering from Banaras Hindu University, India, M.S. and Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago and an MBA with marketing management from Keller Graduate School of Management, Chicago. In 1968, he came to the United

States on a J. N. Tata Scholarship to pursue his graduate work at IIT, Chicago. Vora is the founding director and president of the Blind Foundation for India (BFI) which has since 1989 raised over $3.5 million to serve over 15 million blind people in India. He also served as a chair of "Save the Children Holiday Fund Drive" at AT&T Bell Laboratories/ Lucent Technologies from 1986 through 1999 sponsoring 52 children in 19 countries around the world. He served as a president of the Pratham Chicago chapter in 2009.

GOPIO-CT to honor four community achievers Contíd from page 11

Paul Semanski serves as a CoCoordinator for Asha Hartford, which organizes several fundraisers each year on behalf of the Navsarjan Trust Schools for disadvantaged girls in Gujarat and the DF Blind School in Kolkata. The Young Person's Award will be given to Mequitta Ahuja, who is a visual artist. Her work has been exhibited across the United

States, in Paris, Brussels, Berlin, India and Dubai. In February 2010, she was profiled in ArtNews as "Artist to Watch". Over the last five years, GOPIOCT has become an active and dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions with policy makers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and working with other area organizations to help create a better future.

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India Post 21

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SBI California opens 10th US branch in Fremont

L-R: Dean McHenry, Director; Jitu Somaya, Director; Dinesh Pandey, President and CEO; Vrajesh Lal, Director Contíd from page 19

Other services include commercial real estate loans ranging from $200,000 to 5 million, lines of credit, micro loans up to $250,000, busi-

ness loans to medical practitioners, loans against cash collaterals, and several other products. When asked whether the bank offers safe deposit boxes, Mr Pandey told India Post, "we have

Mayor graces MAFS Holi celebration

L-R: Abhishek, Dinesh Pandey, Ms Soujanya, Ms Usha, Navdeep Sood

enough space to create safe deposit boxes and if that's what our customers want, we will create them." The bank offers a minimum balance of $100 for individual check-

ing accounts and a minimum balance of $500 for business essential checking accounts. There is no fee for opening an account or for maintaining the accounts.

"One of our unique products is the wire transfer to India," said Dinesh Pandey, President and CEO of the bank. Kavita Arora is anchor and coproducer of Sitaarre TV

Holi celebrated with fun at Bal Vihar

Holi at MAFS center in Naperville Contíd from page 16

Mrs Kumar applied Tilak of Abir on his forehead and thanked him for his presence at this festival. An enchanting music group, Suranjali, sang golden hits from

old Indian movies. Seniors were fascinated as these songs took them down memory lane bringing back fond recollections of their younger days. Toward the end of the event, a delicious nutritious lunch was served to add to the festivities.

Playing with color Contíd from page 16

Children participate in the community awareness programs

such as visiting local hospital and giving handmade items to the patients, collecting and offering

food to the needy and conducting activities for senior citizens etc.

And the award goes to …Bollywood Night! Contíd from page 17

The guests were greeted with traditional Indian welcoming by eight boys and girls who performed aarti and blessed the guests with flowers and rice. The guests Scott Luc and Emily Russell said, "We felt that we were treated like Maharajas and welcomed in one of the palaces on India. The only thing I missed was an elephant ride to the venue" Rupal Thanawala, a volunteer and cultural director for the festival, brought décor, saris, and jewelry to the event. She helped many of the attendees dress up in traditional Indian clothing and become culturally connected to this special occasion. The guests were treated in Bollywood style at every moment of the event. This included the abundance of food which truly brought fervor to the guests' senses. They

relished pav wada, samosas and baigan bharta along with naan for dinner, listened to Bollywood music and ended the evening with some warm chai, which gave a calming sensation to a heartfelt night.

floral designs on the arms and hands of the attendees to signify beauty and luck for the participant. Hoosiers were enchanted to the tune of "Jai Ho" as local artists performed breathtaking Bollywood dances. Along with

Ellen Annela, CEO and president of United Way of Central Indiana, stated, ‘They have paid attention to every detail to bring India to Indianapolis. We're learning more about our Indian community… and we're looking for ways to be engaged in the future’ Much of the entertainment provided reflected a customary "Bollywood Night." Many of the guests were really amused by the work of the henna artists who painted

the dancing, the attendees learned a lot about Bollywood and the entertainment it provides to not only Indians, but also Americans and other cultures around the

world. At the end of the event, the guests were given an Academy Awards presentation and gift bags to help them commemorate this festive night. Many Hoosiers joined together with the volunteers of UWCI to help embrace the Indian culture filled with decorations, food, and entertainment for themselves. Ellen Annela, CEO and president of United Way of Central Indiana, stated, "They have paid attention to every detail to bring India to Indianapolis. We're learning more about our Indian community… and we're looking for ways to be engaged in the future." Ellen is very supportive of Friends of India project which will be led by Rupal and will launch an event in fall 2011 to support United Way in India.

SPORTS Prime Minister Manmohan Singh looks on as his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani shakes hands with Indian captain M S Dhoni

Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag celebrate victory

Suresh Raina and Virender Sehwag celebrate victory

GAME OVER: Indian players celebrate their victory over Pakistan in the Cricket World Cup semifinal match in Mohali

India Post

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April 8, 2011

Gunshots give way to silence in Pakistan after defeat ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's cricket-crazy fans fired volleys in the air when their team started the chase of what looked like a winnable target in the World Cup semifinal against India, but celebrations gave way to anger and violence as the side faltered leading to the death of a person and injuries to 50 others. Enthusiastic fans greeted every hit over and to the fence with gunshots in the air but the joy was replaced by stunned silence as wickets started to tumble and in the end some of the angry fans in the port city of Karachi smashed giant television screens set up at public places after their team lost. As the game watched by the two Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Yousuf Raza Gilani began, thousands of people gathered at parks and stadiums across Pakistan where giant screens were put up to beam the match dubbed as 'mother of all battles'. Many people in cities hired high definition screens for private parties while Twitter and Facebook buzzed with emotional messages egging on the two teams. Most Pakistani fans believed the 260 runs scored by the Indian team was a target that would be easily chased by their side. Every time a Pakistani batsman unleashed a four or a six, gunfire rent the air over Islamabad and Karachi by crowds that gathered at markets and public places.

Sachin Tendulkar poses with his Man of the Match trophy

Gilani had declared a half-day holiday in offices and schools so that people could watch the semi-final thriller with arch-rival India. Busy commercial centers, markets and roads quickly emptied at around noon as people left work to watch the game. People continued to flock to shops selling the Pakistani flag and stickers well after the match had started. Scores of youths, their faces painted green and white and wearing the green Tshirts of the Pakistan team, poured out into the streets.

Many youths drove through cities on motorcycles, waving the national flag and shouting slogans in support of their team. Special prayers were offered in mosques, temples and churches across the country and people recited verses from the Quran to guide the Pakistani team to victory. In several cities in Punjab and Sindh provinces, there was a carnival atmosphere and people set up large screens on road to watch the game. Thirty-four television sets were installed in the Camp Jail in Lahore so that 4,000 prisoners could watch the face off between Pakistan and India. In Malir Jail in Karachi, prison officials gave Indian team T-shirts to 200 Indian prisoners to support their team. But as the Pakistani side was skittled out thanks to superb bowling by the Indian side, a hush descended over most cities and towns and people began streaming out of the parks and stadiums where the match was being beamed. On Twitter, well-known musician Salman Ahmad wrote: "Well played India. You deserved to win today. Pakistan you can hold your head high as well, you played this World Cup with grace and passion." But it soon became ugly when angry fans vented their fury on television sets and one person was killed and 50 injured by the celebratory gunshots which went stray.-PTI

April 8, 2011

Sports Post

India Post

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Former Pak players back team despite loss to India KARACHI: Pakistan's former captains and players backed the national team despite its defeat in the high-octane World Cup semifinal clash against arch-rivals India at Mohali. "I think we need to support our players even though we played badly and lost to India. We need to look ahead and also hope this match will be a catalyst in improving our relations with India," former captain Javed Miandad said. Miandad, who is also director-general cricket in the Pakistan Cricket Board, refused to criticize the team. "Yes we made mistakes like giving a great batsman like Tendulkar three to four lives. They were a couple of other tactical errors in the match but I still say this team had done well to reach the semi-final," he said. The former batting great pointed out that given the problems Pakistan cricket had faced in recent times it was a big achievement for them to reach so far in the World Cup.-PTI

Privilege to be with this team: Kirsten MOHALI: He has been a quiet backroom man monitoring things meticulously and no wonder that's the precise reason why every Indian player wants Gary Kirsten to remain the coach of the national team. But Kirsten who completes his tenure as India coach after the World Cup final termed the experience as a "great one". "The next match will be my last as India coach. It's been a great experience. It was a privilege to be with this team. Hopefully, we will play well against a great team (Sri Lanka) in Mumbai," Kirsten said in one of his last post-match interviews. -PTI

Curzon grandson trains Indian Corporate Games staff SHELLY THAPLIYAL

NEW DELHI: Richard Curzon, grandson of famous Viceroy Lord Curzon, currently COO of Sport for Life Ltd, was in India for eight days to train the staff of host organization, Corporate Games Pvt Ltd who had already acquired the rights to conduct Corporate Games in India. Richard advised the host organization to appoint Games patron and also look for a charity who would receive part of the profits from the Corporate Games scheduled to be held at Delhi from 17th-20th November at Sirifort Sports Complex. Host organization was also advised to appoint Honorary Board of Governors, specially chosen community leaders to act as vigorous sporting group to promote the cause of Corporate Games to spread message of lifelong fitness. The Training spread over seven days was attended by 15 members of Corporate Games staff in India from different towns. The rigorous training covered Overview of the Games being conducted in 54 cities of 25 countries since 1986. Richard emphasized that training is critical to the success of games and he shared his experience and insights and handed over useful formats for various operational procedures to be adopted during the games Though Games are known as Corporate Games -Multi Disciplinary sports festival , but in the last two and half decades they have been attended by bankers, teachers, sales people, military personnel ,artists , architects ,scientists, firefighters -in short people from all walks of life. People who have no affiliation to any corporate organization are welcome to join the corporate games even as member of their respective Resident welfare associations. The training covered various aspects of

Clarke succeeds Ponting as Australia captain MELBOURNE: Michael Clarke has been come before me in this role and humbled to appointed as Australia's Test and ODI cap- think of my name being mentioned alongtain, a day after his mentor Ricky Ponting side theirs." stepped down from the post following their Ponting, who led Australia in more than shocking World Cup exit. According to a Cricket Australia statement, Clarke, who was long seen as Ponting's successor, will take charge of the team in the upcoming three-match ODI series in Bangladesh All-rounder Shane Watson will be Clarke's deputy in both Tests and ODIs while Cameron White will continue to lead Australia's Twenty20 side, the statement Australia's new Test and one-day cricket captain added. "I just want to say what a honor Michael Clarke (R) and new vice-captain Shane Watson (L) relax at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 30 it is to be named captain of Australia and a huge surprise to see Ricky stand 300 Test and ODIs, has also found a place down," Clarke, who has turned 30, said at a in the Bangladesh-bound team where he news conference in Sydney. would be taking orders from his former "I have always respected those who have deputy.-PTI

staging of games including but not limited to general administration ,utilization of existing software for registration, formation of teams, protocol, operations, media promotion & last but not the least celebration of special events. He emphasized that the games staffing plan is structured to minimize personal wastage and to adapt to changing needs as the project goes from initial development to completion stage. Key staff was imparted with general & specific skills coupled with versatility & problem solving abilities.

tional skill. It was stressed that each corporate entity or an organization should be requested to depute a team leader who would brief all participants and keeps close liaison with the organizers of the games. Needless to say that team leaders are expected to have people skills and strongly supportive style with an attitude and ability for a determined follow up. While training the staff for Marketing, Richard added, "Corporate Games is a unique product in sports event marketing.

COO Global Corporate Games Richard Curzon (Centre) accompanied by OP Bhatia CEO Corporate Games Delhi (Left) & Sanjay Sharma Director Corporate Games Delhi (Right) during the training session

Training highlighted that Games Director, who is overall in charge of the project and is responsible to the board, acts as a Chief Executive Officer of a corporate games .Under the CEO Operational staff creates a business plan and a critical path for successful completion of the games and ensuring goals are set along with a time frame and periodically reviewed to make mid-course corrections. Operational staff selects suitable key staff and ensures their on job training whereas ground officials such as Referees, Scorers, Judges & protocol staff are selected from the community and are briefed from time to time so that they understand system of conduct of corporate games. Operational & marketing staff together undertakes awareness of the games and promotes the concept by establishing contact with the community leaders and leaders of the industry. They make out plan of action for participation of players and execute the plan meticulously. Sports Organizing Committee is to be formed from experienced sports administrators and former sports persons who would interact with venue authorities and would also establish profile of the games. Richard emphasized constant liaison with media and the press. While training the staff it was repeatedly mentioned that people having clear understanding of the philosophy and purpose of sport for life should be involved. They must have clear grasp of principles of event management, strong organiza-

Unlike any other games or multi-sport festival, its participants are often its sponsors and almost all of its sponsors are participants." Richard reiterated that in corporate games, national flags, uniforms or anthems are not permitted. Global Corporate Games -sports for life has its own anthem which is generally played at opening festival. Athletes are encouraged to wear the uniforms of their organizations and carry the flag of their institute/corporate .A sports organizing committee which is the technical administration unit is established for each of the sports of the games. SOC members are expected to understand that their sport is part of a multi-sport festival & not an independent sport competition. Before the start of the games a super centre is established where all athletes and officials are required to register in person. It was emphasized during the training that while asking the companies to participate emphasis should be on persuading them to invest time & money in the well being of their employees, their families & their clients, for the sake of company's morale, espirit-de-corps, fitness for business & prestige in the community. While summing up and thanking Richard Curzon who has an enduring interest in well being of India due to his family connections, it was mentioned by the CEO of Corporate Games Delhi Mr. OP Bhatia that similar training sessions would be conducted 4 to 5 times before the staging of the games in November.

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

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

India Post

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5 Sararara : Yeh Saali Zindagi

April 8, 2011

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

In great demand O

or the first time in his career, Abhishek plays a full-blown womanizer in Ladies & Gentleman. And Aishwarya has no objections to him romancing several girls in her presence, albeit on screen. Aishwarya will be playing the steady woman in 'Casanova' Abhishek's life for Raj Kumar Santoshi's Ladies & Gentleman. After having done everything from a family drama (Dhai Akshar Prem Ke) to a bio-pic (Guru) to a modern-day drama (Raavan) together, this is Aishwarya's opportunity to have fun with Abhishek…at his expense. Three years ago, she refused Dostana with Abhishek because her character was shown walking away with another man. "I don't think that would go down well with our fans," she had argued. "That's Ash for you... beautiful and dutiful to the core. She won't do any role that compromises her personal dignity or im-

age as the Bachchan bahu. But if Abhishek is playing a devious unfaithful character she doesn't mind bending the gender rules," says a close friend of the couple. Laughs Santoshi, "I had actually offered this film to Aishwarya five years ago. And look at destiny. It's come back to her. Every role is earmarked for a particular actor. I feel Aishwarya is perfect for this film. Though Aishwarya has done comedy before, this is a new genre for Abhishek and for them as a pair."

ne must doubtlessly credit Anushka Sharma for cementing her place in tinsel town by sheer dint of hard work and talent. After the success of Band Baaja Baaraat, she is on the wishlist of many folks in Bollywood. We hear, Ranbir wants her to be his heroine. Ranbir is set to star in good friend Ayan Mukherjee's next film as well. The duo's first film Wake Up Sid remains one of the best in Ranbir's filmography. Now they hope to better it in the second film for which Mukherjee initially had Deepika in mind for the female lead opposite Ranbir. But now, Ranbir is reported to be pressing Ayan to rope in Anushka instead. The role is of a spirited girl who's confident and self assured. Anushka fits the bill perfectly, or so Ranbir feels. Moreover, Ranbir wants a fresh pairing in the film. He's already worked with the likes of Priyanka Chopra, Deepika, Katrina Kaif and Bipasha Basu.

April 8, 2011

Bollywood

India Post

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or the first time in her career Priyanka has cancelled shooting to give herself more time to prepare for the very complicated part of a mentally challenged girl. And she is much too nervous to perform in front of onlookers. She has made it clear she needs optimum privacy for this part. For an actress who has braved through the toughest sequences of love-making and violence in Saat Khoon Maaf in the presence of a full crew, this need for seclusion is a startling departure from the norm. But this is no ordinary role of a mentally challenged girl. Priyanka took extra time to prepare. Those close to her say she has been withdrawn, tense and edgy for weeks. The pall of silence apparently fell on Priyanka after she began meeting people suffering from the mental condition that her character in Barfi suffers from. Says a source from the team, “It freaked Priyanka out. She simply stopped meeting her friends. She first had to digest the enormity of the mental condition and then understand how to project it without seeming to act.” The source says, “Priyanka just didn’t want to play the mentally challenged girl by using the normal tools of self-expression. As Anurag has written the part, the girl Priyanka plays suffers from a very subtle psychological disorder. It took Priyanka some time to understand her character’s mental disability. She needed more time to get into character. She asked for the shooting to be postponed.”

MENTAL CASE T

usshar Kapoor's once-mellow good-boy image seems to be going for a toss. Those close to him say he has been acting openly belligerent of late. An incident that happened in full public view at a shopping mall in Bhandup in suburban Mumbai between the Kapoor scion and director Sagar Ballary shocked everyone who was there. Apparently, Tusshar was heard screaming loudly at Ballary. The director not known to take kindly to any highhanded behavior from his team, shouted right back. The altercation during the shooting of Hum Tum Aur Shabana soon turned into a full-blooded pow-wow, with Tusshar's co-stars Minissha Lamba and Shreyas Talpade watching in muted embarrassment. When asked about the incident Tusshar said, "I had been working round the clock with practically no sleep, so I lost my cool. I now realize that Sagar was only doing his job. He's a perfectionist. I realized my mistake and apologized to him. We're friends again."

FIGHTING FIT

aredevil that she is, Kareena Kapoor hurt herself very badly when she was shooting for beau Saif Ali Khan's film Agent Vinod in Delhi. She suffered a sprain in the neck. News has it that, since Kareena is playing a grey shaded character, she has to do stunts to go with her character in the film. What happened was that, during one such heavy-duty action scenes, Bebo was required emerge from a helicopter (using a harness). She fell from the harness at some distance from the ground, thus, spraining her neck in the bargain. Kareena said that she has not done this kind of action before and that she never thought she would enjoy action. For those who talk of Lady Luck, here is Lady Courageous. Take a bow, Kareena 'Action' Kapoor!

KAREENA HURT

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Of 'Slumdog Millionaire' fame, actress Freida Pinto's next major bigscreen appearance comes as the lead female role in the ground breaking film 'Miral' directed by Academy Award Nominated director Julian Schnabel and distributed by Hollywood mogul and cochairman of the Wesinstein Company, Harvey Weinstein. Pinto will be seen working alongside some of Hollywood's most respected actors including Academy Award Winning actress Vanessa Redgrave (Mission Impossible, Blow Up) and two-time Academy Award Nominee Willem Defoe (Spiderman). The film's story puts Pinto into the challenging role of Miral, based on the autobiographical novel of the same title by Palestinian journalist Rula Jebreal. 'Miral' emotionally illustrates the plight of a young orphaned Palestinian girl growing up in East Jerusalem who is confronted by the effects of the occupation and the ArabIsraeli war in every corner of her life. The film is absolutely timely in that it comes at a moment when the entire Arab world, and especially its youth, is erupting in popular non-violent protests.

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April 8, 2011

Freida Pinto in scenes from the film ëMiralí

'Miral' tells story of 3 generations of Palestinian women Pinto plays the character Miral brilliantly as the story details this young Palestinian woman as she becomes politically conscious and joins a non-violent uprising to achieve freedom for herself and her people. The struggle of the Palestinian youth of Miral's generation has echoed across the region and is now returning home to Jerusalem where it all began, during the events of the film. Women are on the front lines of the struggle for freedom and human rights in the Middle East and 'Miral' tells the personal story of three generations of Palestinian women who were predecessors to the women revolutionaries who have captured the world's imagi-

Hollywood Reporter that the controversial movie is not anti-Israeli, but "a pathway to peace and a beautiful com-

With the hotbed of controversy arising from the political stances on both sides regarding Israel and Palestine, Harvey Weinstein told The Hollywood Reporter that the controversial movie is not anti-Israeli, but ‘a pathway to peace and a beautiful coming-of-age story’. He came out strongly against critics who claim the movie 'Miral' is anti-Jewish or anti-Israeli nation on the streets of Iran, Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, and Libya. With the hotbed of controversy arising from the political stances on both sides regarding Israel and Palestine, Harvey Weinstein told The

ing-of-age story". He came out strongly against critics who claim the movie 'Miral' is anti-Jewish or anti-Israeli. "The people who don't want you to see the movie for political reasons are

crazy or wrong," Weinstein told The Hollywood Reporter at a disputed United Nations screening of the film. "I think the idea is, let there be peace." The film, which screened on March 14 at the United Nations General Assembly Hall, faced significant protests from Jewish activist groups, as well as Israel directly, who attempted to block the screening. Since then several prominent Jewish organizations, including J-Street and Jewish Voices for Peace, have risen up in support of 'Miral' and its filmmakers. The artistic collaboration between a Palestinian writer (Rula Jebreal) and a Jewish-American Filmmaker/Artist (Julian Schnabel) embodies the film's message of peace. "I'm hoping that this film could in its own small way, begin a much needed national (US) conversation about this highly controversial issue," declared Schnabel at the UN General Assembly screening.

April 8, 2011

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Radio5 provides first all-Indian night in Hollywood KAVITA ARORA India Post News Service

HOLLYWOOD, CA: Imagine being at an A-list venue in Hollywood and hearing Indian music being pumped out through 10,000 watts of speakers while enjoying lighting effects that rival the biggest venues in Vegas! Desi Rock Friday is a party held once a month on a select Friday at Highlands Club. Highlands is located right next door to the world famous Kodak Theater which is home to the Oscars. Highlands will be reserved

exclusively for Desi Rock Friday, marking the first time in nightlife history that an all Indian night gets added to the event rotation at a mainstream Hollywood venue. The purpose of Desi Rock Friday is to have a night for South Asians to come together and dance the night away with the nation's best South Asian DJs. "After 7 years of hard work we landed the first Bollywood Night event in Hollywood on a monthly basis. This is the first step in the

right direction for South Asians to have a regular night in a major venue in Hollywood. The South Asian community will love to hear about this and finally have a night they can call their own," Deeps Pabla told India Post. The grand launch is set for April 8 featuring a Masquerade party theme for people over 21. Every month the party will have a different party theme and with the Highlands being a grand venue, Indian celebrities and performers will be gracing the stage pampering those in attendance. Radio5 Events is the premier event producer for the South Asian entertainment industry in Southern California since 2004 and has only one mission in mind: producing exceptional parties. Radio5 Events produces events once a month called "Desi Rock Friday" along with producing annual events on major holidays such as: New Years, Halloween, India Fest, Desifest, Heaven N Hell, and India's Independence Day. Radio5 Events has brought celebrities such as legendary Bappi Lahiri and Akbar Sami and will continue to bring high profile celebrities from England and the Bollywood industry. Kavita Arora is Anchor and Co-producer of Sitaarre TV

India Post

April 8, 2011 www.indiapost.com

Houston high schooler's art fetches $205,000 India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Komal Agarwal, a Seven Lakes High School student in Houston, took home the top Grand Champion award in the 2011 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Art Competition. Agarwal's winning artwork "Teamwork" that characterizes the bond between a cowboy and his horse was entered into the art scholarship auction, the world's largest student art auction, on March 13, fetching a record $205,000. "Everyone in the Katy ISD Fine Arts Department is proud of Komal and her art teacher, Kim Glasgow, for this great accomplishment," Katymagazine.com quoted Mitzi Jones, Katy ISD assistant director of Fine Arts. "Komal's artwork is a special piece. Knowing how

vate schools. According to the Houston Chronicle, the 17-year old Agarwal will receive $30,000 for her color

Komal Agarwal with her painting

many pieces of art that this was judged along with, it is a great honor to celebrate this victory with her as we look to the art auc-

tion this Sunday." The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo competition included 100 school districts and 60 pri-

Her subject, the man on the horse, works at George Ranch, where she took photos for the drawing. The man even attended the auction pencil drawing, which she plans on using for college tuition. The rest of the proceeds will fund scholarships.

"When I first started this drawing I was hoping and praying with every stroke of my pencil to just make it into the top 10," she told Houston Chronicle. "I didn't expect this to happen." Her subject, the man on the horse, works at George Ranch, where she took photos for the drawing. The man even attended the auction. "It took me about three and a half months to complete the drawing," she said. "Around 300 hours." Komal's mother Alka Agarwal knew her daughter was artistic when she would correct her parents at a young age if they called something purple, rather than magenta, the local publication says. She's had her sights set on the rodeo for years.

Saregama presents Ganesh Shiney gets 7 years jail; to appeal & Kumaresh in NY & NJ

The innovative violin duo Ganesh & Kumaresh India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The innovative violin duo Ganesh & Kumaresh will be performing in concert this month in New York and New Jersey. The pair is well known for their niche in Indian instrumental music. Ganesh and Kumaresh have been captivating audiences for more than thirty years. They gave their first public performance in 1972, at the ages of seven and five. The brothers were soon thereafter hailed as child violin prodigies, and went on to perform all across India and in several countries around the world. Ganesh and Kumaresh have also received numerous prestigious awards. The brothers perform traditional Carnatic Music, but their innovative approach to this classical art form creates an original style - for which they are recognized across the globe. Most notably, the pair has introduced a new

musical expression to Carnatic Music, called Ragapravaham. One of their popular albums is Carnatic Chills, released by Saregama. The duo has also set scores for feature films and music for various

MUMBAI: Actor Shiney Ahuja who was convicted by a Mumbai court for raping his domestic help, will challenge his conviction in the High Court. He has been sentenced to seven years in prison. The actor broke down after the judge pronounced him guilty; his wife, Anupam, knelt on the floor to console him. From court, Ahuja was taken to jail. In June 2009, an 18-year-old who had been hired by the actor and his wife to work for them at their residence said that she had been raped by Shiney while his wife was away. DNA tests confirmed the rape. Ahuja was arrested. In his bail application, he said that the sex had been consensual, and

Shiney Ahuja

that the rape charges were aimed at extortion. Ahuja was granted bail by the Bombay High Court in October 2009, and was asked to stay away from Mumbai so that he would not be able to influence the victim. Ahuja and his wife have both insisted that he is innocent. And in 2010, their story was backed by the victim, who said in court that she had framed the actor at the urging of a friend who had a grudge against him. However, the court relied on medical tests that established rape. The implication was that the victim had been threatened or bought into turning hostile. His career, after the sentencing, is unlikely to be resuscitated.

The brothers perform traditional Carnatic Music, but their innovative approach to this classical art form creates an original style ballets. They have collaborated with many legends, including A.R. Rahman, Ilaya Raaja, Dr. Balamurali Krishna, Ustad Zakir Hussain to name a few. The New York performance is scheduled for April 23 and that in New Jersey is on April 24.

HUGE FUN: Australian Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman (L), Vidya Balan and Shah Rukh Khan perform on stage during the ĂŤFICCI Frames 2011Ă awards ceremony in Mumbai on March 25

Kausani the birthplace of the famed poet Sumitra Nandan Pant is often referred to as the 'Switzerland of India' owing to its natural bounty 29 India Post

t the hill resort of Kausani the mountains rise so dramatically as if to reach the heavens. In fact not just Kausani the entire Kumaon Hills have been known for their idyllic beauty with the huge mountains silhouetted against the sky. Kausani was originally called Valna. Kausani offers the magic of the deep pine forests and the majestic mountains. Kausani the birthplace of the famed poet Sumitra Nandan Pant is often referred to as the 'Switzerland of India' owing to its natural bounty. Best time to visit: Kausani experiences snowfall during the months of December and January, thus these two months may be avoided. The hill resort of Kausani is a retreat in the summer months and may be visited during April-June and September-November. Location: Kausani is located in the Kumaon Region of Uttaranchal. It stands high at an altitude of 1890 m above sea level. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

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April 8, 2011

Travel & Hospitality Post

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April 8, 2011

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Sachin may be Maharashtra's brand ambassador

New entry gate to Corbett Park at Kotdwar

MUMBAI; Maharashtra Tourism is likely to rope in cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador as part of its master plan to attract more tourists to the state. The department has chalked out a master plan to promote tourism in the state on the lines of Gujarat, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Prithvi Raj Chavan told some Delhi-based journalists. Responding to a question on appointing the 'master blaster' as the ambassador, Chavan said, "The thought can be considered and we are looking into it". "We are looking into the proposal. Let's see, what can be done," Chavan said, as he announced that the state's tourism budget had gone up to Rs 25 crores. On other projects, Chavan talked about declaring Nagpur as the 'tiger capital' to lure more footfall to the state. "We have decided to make Nagpur as the gateway to the tiger land as Maharashtra and Gujarat have the highest tiger population (in the country). States like Gujarat and Kerala are already promoting their assets...in order to stay in competition we will now promote what we have in abundance," Chavan said. Besides this, the state government has also joined hands with the Japanese govern-

DEHRA DUN: With the latest census showing healthy population of big cats at the Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand government has decided to set up a new entry gate at Kotdwar to give a boost to wildlife tourism, the state Assembly was told. Replying to a question in the House, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prakash Pant said work has already been started to open the new entry gate at Kotdwar in Pauri Garhwal district at a cost of Rs 1.40 crore and the government intends to open it for tourists by November 15 this year when the season for wildlife tourism begins. Construction of a reception centre, repair of roads, modernization of Lansdowne forest division, construction of a safety wall, beautification work and other facilities would be developed at Kotdwar as it has been done at Ramnagar entry point in Nainital district, Pant added. Jim Corbett National Park, which is known for having one of the healthiest population of tigers, attracts lakhs of tourists and wildlife lovers every year. -PTI

ment to conserve the 2,000 years-old cultural heritage of Ajanta Caves. Japan has provided a fund of Rs 1,000 crore to help protect the Buddhist paintings at Ajanta Caves, which have now started showing signs of decay. The government is planning to raise the standard of guest houses at all tourist places to provide comfortable stay and experience

to the visitors, Chavan said. It has also decided to focus on the rich heritage of forts in the state by allotting a separate fund for their conservation. "Maharashtra has ample number of forts highlighting the rich Maratha lineage. It has become important to put forth this history of warriors and hence promote the state," Chavan said. -PTI

Kausani: Enjoy the endless stretch of Himalayan peaks

Anashakti Ashram

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

Tourist attractions: The major attraction at Kausani is that is offers wondrous vistas of the Kumaon Himalayas. You may enjoy the endless stretch of famous peaks like the Nanda Devi, Trishul and the Nandakot. While in Kausani you may move to the various vintage-points in order to capture the spectacular sights of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas that are spread majestically across the 300 km range. The sunrise and the sunset are the special moments for the nature lovers and the photogra-

phers alike. Then there is the Anashakti Ashram, a landmark of Kausani, which is associated with Mahatma Gandhi. Till date the Ashram acts as a rest place for weary tourists to Kausani. You will be able to catch some scintillating spectacles of the Himalayan peaks from Anashakti Ashram. The magnificent library of the Ashram is worth visiting too. For the adventure seekers Kausani offers interesting treks like the Adi Kailash Trek, Bageshwar Sundardhunga Trek and the Base Kausani Trek. Places around

Anashakti Ashram, a landmark of Kausani, which is associated with Mahatma Gandhi. Till date the Ashram acts as a rest place for weary tourists to Kausani. You will be able to catch some scintillating spectacles of the Himalayan peaks from Anashakti Ashram

Further ahead from the hill resort of Kausani you may plan for excursions to various other places of tourist interest. There are the hill resorts of Nainital, Almora and Ranikhet that are easily accessible from Kausani and offer wondrous vistas of the Himalayas and make excellent excursion options. Then there are the temple towns of Baijnath and Bageshwar that attract several pilgrims and tourists every year and are in close proximity to Kausani. Nature lovers may even go on an excursion to Binsar from Kausani. Binsar boasts of a bird

sanctuary that is worth visiting and the panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks like the Nanda Devi. How to reach Air - The airport nearest to Kausani is at Pantnagar, at a distance180 km. Rail - The railway station at Kathgodam is the nearest railhead to Kausani at a distance of 142 km and caters to the rail transport to Kausani Road - Kausani is well connected with the other hill resorts like Almora, Ranikhet, Pitthoragarh, Gwaldam and Nainital through road routes

April 8, 2011

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post 31

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Tahrir Square new tourism draw in Egypt CAIRO: Weeks after the Egyptian revolution sent Western holidaymakers running for their lives, tour operators are hoping to turn the heart of the uprising into a moneyspinner to rival the Pyramids. Tahrir Square, the giant trafficclogged roundabout, which hundreds of thousands of Egyptians turned into the focus of their uprising to bring down Hosni Mubarak, has leapt from obscurity to being global brand-name. Cars may still belch exhaust fumes and horns still deafen the senses, but it's the name on everyone's lips as the latest mustsee place in Cairo. National carrier Egyptair posted "The Egyptian Revolution Wings of Freedom" - a stirring montage of the uprising, followed by glimpses of tantalizing beaches, Pyramids and Sphinxes - on its website and on YouTube. Images are interlaced with sound bites. Such as US President Barack Obama: "The Egyptians have changed the world and the world took note" and novelist Paul

Coelho: "The world only gets better because people risk something to make it better. Thanks to the Egyptians!!" No advertising agency could have done better. Aladin Morsy certainly thinks so. As manager of El Wedian Tours on the square, he is re-working his

Highly public walkabouts in the square have been crammed into the schedules of visiting dignitaries website, commissioning similar photos and videos in a drive to win back tourists. "It's good we're in Tahrir Square. It means we'll have good business in the future," he jokes. "Tourism in Egypt will never die. It can be sick, but it'll never die,"

he says. But he admits that business was never as bad as during the revolution, as 80 clients fled in January and not a single one came in February. Hotels are empty. Souvenir shops are deserted. Travel agents are twiddling their thumbs behind sales counters. Westerners are not yet ready to flock back to Egypt. "You're only the second tourist since the revolution," one travel agent told an AFP reporter who walked into her office on Tahrir Square. For now, Morsy is content to welcome 25 Americans in May for a 19-day tour of the Pyramids, Luxor, Aswan, the churches and mosques of Cairo. "Many people ask for Tahrir Square, they say 'are we going to pass by?' The day they come to the Egyptian Museum, they'll be in the square." Highly public walkabouts in the square have been crammed into the schedules of visiting dignitaries. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described it as "thrilling".-AFP

Dinosaur Fossil Park coming up in Gujarat AHMEDABAD: A dinosaur fossil park will soon come up at Kheda district's Rayoli village which was once home to a large population of the species. Some 1,000 fossilized eggs of the extinct species have been found at the site, at Rayoli village in Balasinor, some 85 km from here, which is now being developed as a `dinosaur tourism' destination. The site is governed by the Gujarat Ecological and Research Foundation. "Balasinor dinosaur fossil park is a unique site, just like flamingo city of Kutch or Asiatic lion sanc-

tuary at Sasan Gir. We are working hard to develop these places and turn them into international attractions," Tourism Minister Jaynarayan Vyas told PTI. The dinosaur fossils were first discovered at Rayoli in 1981 by the Geological Survey of India. A year later, approximately 1,000 dinosaur eggs were discovered, making this place famous among the palaeontologists. Scientists say that at least seven species of dinosaur once roamed here; the fossils are estimated to be around 65 million years old.

Vyas said it was widely believed that this place was a part of the `Shiva crater' that was formed millions of years ago by a meteor crash. The meteor crash, and the later volcano eruptions devastated this area, scientists believe. The state government has provided a grant of Rs six crore for the development of fossil park; the work is currently on. Gujarat government invited a group of 50 palaeontologists to explore the site in 1997. Since then, a large number of palaeontologists have visited the area. -PTI

UK expects 18% jump in Indian tourists this year NEW DELHI: Britain's tourism promotion board, Visit Britain, will soon launch a marketing campaign in India to woo travelers as a part of its global branding exercise and expects about 18 per cent jump in the number of Indians visiting the country this year. "We are restructuring the way we are doing marketing in India. A big campaign will be launched after April that will spread across a large region, including India," Visit Britain Country Manager India Paramjit Bawa told reporters here. In 2010, about 3.2 lakh people from India visited Britain for leisure, studies, work and to visit friends and relatives.

"In 2011, we expect an increase of 15 per cent to 18 per cent in the total number of travelers to Britain from India," Bawa said. He said The Visit Britain is promoting upcoming events like the Royal Wedding in April (Prince William's with his fiancée Kate Middleton), British Queen's Diamond Jubilee and London Olympic Games in 2012. Bawa said India is a very important market for Britain and significant investment in marketing and promotion will be made here. "In 2010, around 2-3 million Pounds were spent on marketing and PR activities in India," he said, without giving details on the cur-

rent year's financial spending plans. Commenting on the new branding exercise, Bawa said:" We have received feedback from people who feel that Britain is not a very welcoming country and with the new campaign and branding exercise, we want to change that," Bawa said. The Board has also conducted a research based on the perception of people about the process of getting visa for Britain. "We will very soon submit the findings of the research to the visa office of Britain and convey the observation made by the media in India, tourists and people at large," he added. -PTI

Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy tour Israel American actress Claire Danes, accompanied by her husband, English actor Hugh Dancy, made her first visit to Israel last month to film the Showtime TV series Homeland, based on the Israeli series, Prisoners of War.

250 youths peace ambassadors of J-K VERINAG: Over 250 youths from across the country have vowed to become ambassadors of peace and tourism for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. "I appreciate the hospitality, humanity and brotherhood of Kashmiri people. I will project the image of peaceful and loving people, and try to educate people not to dub Kashmir with terrorism and violence," Arvi Sharma, a Class VII student from UP's Meerut, said here. Sharma had stayed with a Kashmiri family for a week at Verinag belt in South Kashmir under the National Integration Camp organized by Nehru Yuva Kendra.

Youths from 11 states had taken part in the week-long camp at Anantnag to boost national integration. "The hearts of these people are filled with the spirit of love and amity. We loved the food, environment, way of life and thinking of Kashmiri society. They are not terrorists and stone-pelters...," she said. "I never felt that I was away from home. I had come here with an impression that terrorism and gun-culture rule here and the society is violent. But this turned out to untrue after staying with the family of Mohmmad Ramzan, who treated me like his daughter," Sunita from Chennai (Tamil Nadu) said.-PTI

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Tech News MoEF grants conditional go ahead to Lavasa MUMBAI: The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has granted 'conditional' permission to Lavasa Corporation to complete its under-construction buildings at its housing project site near Pune even as the realty firm backtracked on its plea to withdraw the petition challenging the stop-work notice issued by the Ministry. According to the affidavit filed by the MoEF before the Bombay High Court, its expert committee has "permitted" the Lavasa Corporation to complete construction of 257 buildings which are above the plinth level at its hill city. -PTI

TechBiz 34 India Post

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April 8, 2011

Spectrum mismanagement a concern: Sibal NEW DELHI: Telecom minister Kapil Sibal has said telecom sector problems have stemmed from mismanagement of spectrum. Spectrum engineering and management are at the heart of efficient use of a resource, he said, adding the problems faced by the sector were "reflection of the way the private sector has not managed the resource and the way public sector has not framed policies for managing the resource." The minister was laying the foundation stone for government-run National Institute of Communication and Finance and Advance Radio Spectrum Engineering and Management Studies (IARSEMS). -PTI

Pitroda tells youth to focus on inclusive growth

Shunglu blames CWG OC for tardy contracts execution NEW DELHI: The high-level Shunglu Committee has named CWG Organizing Committee for delay in executing contracts for the mega sporting event which led to cost escalation. In its recent report submitted to the Prime Minister's Office, the Committee is understood to have found evidences of "collusive/ partial bidding" and "manipulation of documents" in floating tenders. Sources said the Shunglu panel has also questioned decisions of certain OC officials in finalizing, floating and awarding number of contracts. The report is understood to have found fault with giving overlays contracts, they said. -PTI

NABARD to set up pasteurization plants in Himachal NAHAN: National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) says it would set up two pasteurization milk plants in the state through 'self help groups' to strengthen the rural economy. NABARD Chief General Manger D K Ratnoo said that milk pasteurization (chilling) plant has been set up at Parola in Hamirpur district by Self Help group while another chilling plant is proposed to set up in Sirmour or Solan district so that the people could take benefit of selling their milk produce. Delivering his lecture on rural development here, he said that 5,300 self help groups have been constituted in the state and 1,200 women in the districts have been imparted training under 'Doodh Ganga Yojna' while 120 farmers clubs have been formed. -PTI

Sam Pitroda addressing the Convocation and (right) giving away awards India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Sam Pitroda has advised young and talented professionals to focus on inclusive growth as it works both ways helping the poor and developing new markets. The Advisor to the Prime Minister on Public Information Infrastructure and Innovations was speaking as Chief Guest at the 45th Annual Convocation of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi and Kolkata, held at the Delhi campus. In all 690 students enrolled under diverse courses from both the campuses, received their degrees on the occasion. Mr K T Chacko, Director, IIFT

and Dr Rahul Khullar, Commerce Secretary, Dept. of Commerce, Government of India presided over the ceremony. Congratulating the graduates Mr Pitroda noted that graduating

of IIFT. "I would like to advice the young and talented professionals to focus on inclusive growth as it works both ways. When the benefits of rapid economic growth percolate down to the lowest strata of

When the benefits of rapid economic growth percolate down to the lowest strata of society, potentially new markets get created for products and services produced by the corporate sector from an institute that has an excellent record for the past 45 years and which has consistently been ranked amongst the top B-schools is definitely a privilege for students

society, potentially new markets get created for products and services produced by the corporate sector. Thus, in every way, working for inclusion happens to be the best con-

tribution to nation building that the corporate sector can do, in its own self-enlightened interest," he said. Commerce Secretary Dr Rahul Khullar felicitated the graduates saying "As you step out of the portals of the IIFT with your degree in your hand, you can walk into the world outside with greater confidence and ability and with a determination to achieve your ambitions. At the end of the day you should be proud of yourselves. Whether you are a CEO or a policy maker, if you have worked towards a grand vision, taken responsible decisions and stayed true to your values, we would be proud of you". ContĂd on page 35

Oswal CEO rings NASDAQ Opening Bell India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company visited the NASDAQ MarketSite in New York City's Times Square to celebrate the launch of India's first US equities based exchangetraded fund - Motilal Oswal MOSt Shares NASDAQ 100 ETF (MOSt Shares NASDAQ 100). Investors in India, one of the world's largest growth markets, will now be able to invest in MOSt Shares NASDAQ100, an ETF based on the NASDAQ-100 Index. The Index comprises 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market such

Motilal Oswal (center) with others waving after ringing the NASDAQ bell

as Google, Apple and Infosys Technologies and maintained by The NASDAQ OMX Group, the

world's largest exchange company. In honor of the occasion, Motilal Oswal Asset Management Com-

pany, represented by Nitin Rakesh, MD & CEO, rang the NASDAQ Opening Bell on March 30.

TechBiz Post

April 8, 2011

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Western Union, India Post celebrate Sahara to dilute stake in Pune Warriors decade together India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Western Union, a global leader in money transfer services and Government of India's Department of Post (India Post) have completed a decade of assisting Indians living and working overseas to send money to their family and loved ones to build better lives and communities. Western Union and India Post combined have helped transfer US$6.5 billion1 worth of hard earned remittances through its 7,000 strong India Post location network dotted across urban and rural India. A majority of locations are in rural India (55%). "India Post is an integral part of Western Union's India wide Agent network and the largest Western Union in-country network. The trust placed in two iconic brands for a decade -India Post, a familiar icon that has provided a civic service for communities for centuries and Western Union a global brand with a heritage of 150 years - is unparalleled", said Anil Kapur Managing Director, South & South East Asia, Western Union. "On behalf of Western Union, a special salute goes out to the thousands of India Post employees that have helped service millions of money transfers over the last decade. Their ability to interact in person with our consumers sharing their joys and sometimes their hardships, has made this relationship more than a mere milestone", he said. India Post is the world's largest postal network with over 155,000 post offices; with a significant presence across rural India. West-

Kiran Shetty-RVP India (WU), AS Prasad,DDG, India Post, and Anil Kapur, SVP, South and South East Asaia at the unveiling of the commemorative 10 year logo.

ern Union has over 400,000 Agent locations across 200 countries and territories3. "An efficient and reliable communication network is the lifeline

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Given Western Union's popularity across rural areas, it has also enabled India Post to also attract new consumers for other services such as mutual funds and insurance offered by India Postâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

of the nation and plays a crucial role in socio-economic development and the integration of the country. At India Post we strive to exceed the expectations of our

consumers and society", said AS Prasad, Deputy Director General (Financial Services), Department of Posts. "Our 10 year relationship with Western Union has helped us offer a modern, reliable and fast service embedded with our traditional values and ethics. "Given Western Union's popularity across rural areas, it has also enabled India Post to also attract new consumers for other services such as mutual funds and insurance offered by India Post", he said. According to the World Bank, India continued to be the largest recipient of remittances in 2010 to the tune of $55bn, owing to the growing Indian Diaspora and the growing needs/affluence of middle-class. Western Union helps families of the Indian Diaspora back home receive international remittances in an easy, reliable and convenient manner through its nationwide network of more than 63,000 Agent locations.

India among world's top 10 manufacturing nations NEW DELHI: India has secured a place among the world's 10 largest manufacturing countries as the share of major industrialized economies in global factory output fell significantly in the last decade, a UNIDO report said here. Efficient use of energy, helped by enhanced labor productivity and increase in exports of manufactured goods, helped the country secure its position among the top 10 industrial producers. Even though the country had only 1.8 per cent share in the world manufacturing between 2000 and 2010, India occupies the 9th position among the global leading manufacturing countries. "Competitiveness of Indian manufactured goods in the global markets has significantly improved," Chief Statistician of the

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Shyam Upadhyaya said while releasing the report. Higher output growth rates have allowed the Indian industry to improve major performance indicators such as labor productivity, he said. The country has made significant progress in the use of energy for industrial production. "This is borne out of the fact that in the last 10-years, India's manufacturing output grew by 7 per cent average per annum while industrial energy consumption grew at much lower rate of 3.6 per cent," Upadhyaya said. The US tops the list of 10-top industrial producers followed by China, Japan and Germany. Brazil was at the bottom of the list.

"Ranks are not stable due to close competition of emerging economies. In the coming years, Russia, Mexico and Spain might increase their share and occupy higher position," he said. Industrialized countries account for more than two-third of the world industrial output, but the share of developing countries is rising from 20 per cent in 2000 to 32.1 per cent in 2010. As per the report, in the last decade, share of major industrialized countries such as the US, Japan and Germany in the world manufacturing has fallen. The report said manufacturing output of three developing countries -- China, Brazil and India -- has grown by almost 10 per cent on an average in the last decade. -PTI

BOSTON: Sahara Group Chief Subrata Roy has said he will consider reducing his stake in IPL team Pune Warriors, which he acquired for USD 370 million, and indicated there will be no infusion of additional resources in the outfit. "We need not put any money (in the IPL team) in future. We are thinking about diluting some stake," Roy said. The company plans to "dilute some percentage (of the IPL team) and raise debts", a move that makes commercial sense, he told PTI. Roy said several companies have expressed interest in acquiring a stake in his Pune Warriors team, but Sahara Group will wait for a satisfactory alliance. Roy also said his group is looking at more global properties, particularly in the hospitality sector. The Sahara Group recently acquired London's Grosvenor House Hotel. He said some negotiations were going on with a few companies,

but did not divulge further details. "We will be expanding our base outside India in a big way," he added. Referring to the Pune Warriors, he said he was confident about his team and felt "the team is very strong". A lot of thought has gone into the selection of the players, he added. Roy further said as an investment, his IPL team has a good future commercially. Sahara is also looking at tieups with Harvard University that will include visits by faculty members to interact with Sahara managers in India. Roy said his company plans to take on board around 30 MBA students from the school. Roy delivered the keynote address at the day-long India Conference organized by Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School. He spoke to students about developing confidence and leading life in a compassionate way. -PTI

Pitroda tells youth to focus on inclusive growth ContĂd from page 34

He further complimented them saying, "I wish growth, courage and power to sustain in this corporate world and as you take your journey forward always remember to ask "WHO" you want to be and not "WHAT" you want to be?'' Speaking on the occasion, IIFT Director K T Chacko said, "IIFT is progressing towards achieving the vision of being an academic centre of excellence. The institute

has been able to achieve so much and is emboldened to think bigger, only because of the whole hearted support and dedication of the Faculty and the non teaching staff. Congratulating the students on their successful journey at the prestigious Institute, he added "I wish the graduating students all the success in their endeavors". Apart from receiving their degrees, students who have done well received awards for their performances.

Health

Line

Employers can put health care bid online CONCORD, N.H.: Self-insured businesses looking to cut out the middleman when it comes to health care might want to check out Open Health Market, an online system designed to connect them directly with medical providers eager to compete for more patients. The website, created by a New Hampshire lawyer and several other partners, works something like a confidential matchmaking service: employers submit requests for proposals on various medical services and procedures. Health care providers then submit competing bids. The site's creators don't get involved in structuring any deals; they just get the two sides together. Nearly 60 percent of insured workers in the United States are covered by employer-funded plans. Lawyer Don Crandlemire says those companies represent an enormous, untapped power to change a health care system that rewards volume over value. -AP

200 Swine flu cases in Venezuela CARACAS, Venezuela: Venezuelan health officials say the number of confirmed swine flu cases in the country has risen to more than 200 people. Health Minister Eugenia Sader says 23 new cases have been diagnosed, raising the nationwide total to 202. Government officials have reported two deaths since an initial spate of swine flu cases were confirmed last week. Sader said that the most cases, 82, have been confirmed in the southwestern state of Merida. -AP

Ohio coroner gets new system to prevent mix-ups COLUMBUS, Ohio: An Ohio coroner's office criticized for a morgue mix-up that led to the mistaken cremation of a child's body is spending more than $260,000 on a record-keeping program to help track bodies and prevent such mix-ups. The software will link police and autopsy reports, making it easier for workers in the Franklin County office to review cases, and scanning bar codes on identification tags will help make sure bodies are released to the correct funeral homes, The Columbus Dispatch reported. -AP

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April 8, 2011

Lawyer credited with improving mine safety retires LEXINGTON, Ky.: A federal prosecutor credited with improving the health and safety of coal miners in eastern Kentucky has retired from the US attorney's office in Lexington. -AP

Revolutionary cardiac model offered for rural India India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Dr Philip Tideman, renowned cardiologist from Australia, presented a revolutionary model for Integrated Cardiovascular Clinical Network (iCCnet) that uses Point-of-Care testing (POCT) and IT system to improve the access and delivery of professional cardiac care in the rural areas during his visit to New Delhi. The iCCnet model functions like a 'satellite model' with three main components - Point-of-Care cardiac testing device (namely cobas h232), an IT system (cobas IT 1000), and a central hospital in the city. The cobas IT 1000 connects and manages the data flow from the cobas h232 to the central hospital. By combining the Point-ofcare technologies (POCT) with integrated diagnostics, treatment and triage protocols as well as specialist cardiology support services the model enables doctors in rural areas to provide early and accurate diagnosis and to ensure that patients at these rural health facilities receive access to quality cardiac care. Through the iCCnet model, clinics in the rural areas will be

equipped with the point-of-care testing device cobas h232 and these clinics will be connected to a central hospital via the IT component (cobas IT 1000). Patients, with heart problems, walking in the clinic will be tested with the PoCT and the results will be sent to the central hospital via cobas IT 1000 for analysis by experts. The model thus enables patients from rural areas to benefit from timely access to quality car-

markers to improve rural access to quality healthcare for heart disease patients. More importantly, it can meet the healthcare needs of rural India by providing affordable healthcare to the masses and reducing the incidence in geographically distant areas where doctors often do not have the access to updated information and international expertise. The success of the model in

The success of the model in Australia, where it has already been implemented, proves that it can greatly improve CVD outcomes", said Dr Tideman, Cardiologist diac diagnostics as well as expert diagnosis and treatment advice, eliminating the need to travel. This not only reduces the delay in cardiovascular disease detection and diagnosis but also allows for timely and appropriate management of cardiovascular diseases in the rural settings thereby improving patient outcomes. "The Integrated Cardiovascular Clinical Network (iCCnet) is a healthcare model that leverages new technologies and cardiac

Australia, where it has already been implemented, proves that it can greatly improve CVD outcomes" said Dr. Tideman, Cardiologist, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia. Poor infrastructure, inadequate testing facilities and the increasing disease burden in the rural parts of the country has added to this severity of the situation. iCCnet can be beneficial in improving healthcare accessibility issue

Cuban doctors struggle to prove credentials in US MIAMI: Roberto Carmona sneaked away from his superiors disguised as a South African cowboy. While working in Namibia, the doctor donned boots and a big hat so he could slip out to the American Embassy, where he asked about qualifying for a special program for Cuban physicians that he hoped would let him defect to the US. Nearly a year later, he was accepted, just days before his overseas job ended. Carmona fled to Tampa, but escaping his homeland turned out to be the easy part. Carmona and a number of other Cuban physicians who defected while on overseas assign-

ments have confronted a frustrating contradiction in American medicine: They were allowed into the US because they are doctors. But, once here, they cannot treat patients because Cuba has refused to release or certify their academic records. Without transcripts, it's nearly impossible for the doctors to take the required medical board exams and to get approval from the US group that accredits foreign physicians. ``To come to this country, we have to spend so much time demonstrating to US immigration officials we are doctors and show them so many documents,''

Carmona said. ``Then why is it once we are here, they don't believe us and make it so difficult for us to work in our profession?'' Cuba, which views the defectors as traitors, pays for its doctors' training and has for years sent them on goodwill missions abroad to provide free health care in poor countries. In 2006, the US created a special visa program specifically for Cubans on those missions, and more than 1,500 Cuban doctors, dentists and other medical professionals have used the visas to flee to the US, according to the State Department. Cont’d on page 39

in India. CVD is a major problem in all states which is why it is important to provide quality cardiac care even to the rural parts of the state. iCCnet have been shown to reduce readmission rates as well as in-hospital death rates. A study had shown that the iCCnet model of care has improved patient outcomes by significantly reducing the 30-day readmission rate for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Analysis of in-hospital ACS death rates before and after the Network implementation showed a marked decrease from 15.8% before the Network implementation to 9.8% after1. The Point-of-care testing (PoCT) can enable timely and accurate diagnosis, risk stratification, and facilitation of optimal treatment for patients presenting with acute coronary symptoms (ACS) regardless of the geographical location of presentation. Significant potential cost savings for hospitals involved in the Network have been identified. These include reduced unnecessary patient transfers and improved bed capacity use resulting from PoCT availability in smaller hospitals, reduced urgent specimen transport and laboratory staff recall costs. Recent Government data reveals that rural India has an acute shortage of medical expertise and the number goes as high as over 16000 doctors including 12,000 specialists. Nearly 72% of the population (750 million people) based in rural India is deprived when it comes to healthcare needs. The model, successfully set-up in Australia, has considerably improved the CVD outcomes in South Australia. It suits the Indian CVD management scenario given the nation's geographical challenges and healthcare accessibility issues. With iCCnet, the system will bring in international standard expertise and knowledge and make it accessible to all the rural healthcare centers via a central hospital in the metropolitan part of the state. Making international knowledge and medical interventions available to the doctors in the rural areas, this model can also provide a solution to bridge the knowledge gap between the urban and rural medical professionals in India.

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April 8, 2011

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Radiation from Japan coming in rainwater BOSTON: Radiation from the crippled nuclear plant in Japan is showing up in rain in the United States. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said that very low concentrations of radioiodine-131 that were likely from the Japanese power plant severely damaged by the earthquake and tsunami earlier this month have been detected in a sample of rainwater. Officials did not say where the sample was taken. The agency said the sample was taken in the past week and is one of more than 100 around the country. It is part of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency network that monitors for radioactivity. State officials say similar testing was done in other states, including California, Pennsylvania and Washington, and showed comparable levels of I-131 in rain. Officials also say there is no health impact to drinking water supplies, but will continue to monitor ``The drinking water supply in Massachusetts is unaffected by this short-term, slight elevation in

radiation,'' said John Auerbach, commissioner of public health. I-131 has a short duration, lasting eight days, officials said. In addition, finding concentrations of I-131 in rainwater samples is significantly higher than in a lake or pond because falling water is di-

Company officials initially reported that radiation in leaking water in the Unit 2 reactor was 10 million times above normal luted, officials said. As a result, health officials do not expect health concerns. Testing last week of samples from the Quabbin and Wachusett reservoirs showed no detectable levels of I-131, health officials said. Energy and Environmental Af-

fairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. directed the Department of Environmental Protection to collect additional samples for testing from several water bodies across Massachusetts. Results will be available over the next several days. Mounting problems, including badly miscalculated radiation figures and inadequate storage tanks for huge amounts of contaminated water, stymied emergency workers Sunday as they struggled to bring Japan's nuclear complex back from the edge of disaster. Workers were trying to remove the radioactive water from the nuclear compound and restart the regular cooling systems for the dangerously hot fuel. Company officials initially reported that radiation in leaking water in the Unit 2 reactor was 10 million times above normal, but they later said the huge number was miscalculated. Nevada and other western states have reported minuscule amounts of radiation are showing up, but scientists say there is no health risk. -AP

Health official says flu may be declining FAIRMONT, W.Va.: Flu season may be winding down, based on numbers reported to the state Bureau of Public Health. The Times West Virginia reported that the state recorded 3,895 visits by people complaining of flu-like illness from March 13 through March 19. The previous week there were 4,062 reported visits for flu-like illness. While those numbers are encouraging, Julie Freshwater, an epidemiologist with the agency's Division of Infectious Diseases warned that it's still too early to tell if the flu is going away. ``Flu is tricky. It could go up; it could go down,'' Freshwater said. ``We won't know it's gone until the week after it's gone, or below baseline.'' The statewide decrease is lower than data from Marion County. One of the county's four reporting providers said that the number of cases had fallen to

seven last week, from 24 the week before, said nursing director Cyndee Kiger. The numbers are for people complaining of flu-like symptoms, which include a fever over 100 degrees, accompanied by a cough, sore throat or both. But not all flu cases are

Freshwater said, 'We won't know it's gone until the week after it's gone, or below baseline' confirmed by tests and the numbers only reflect people who go to the doctor. ``Surveillance has its ups and downs,'' Freshwater said. ``We may not be capturing every visit. A lot of people who are ill are not going to a doctor. Just as many that do, there are just as many or more that don't.'' -AP

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Warming brings unwelcome changes in Alaska ANCHORAGE, Alaska: Inupiat Eskimo villagers in the Chukchi Sea village of Kivalina rely on wild animals to survive, but a recent arrival associated with climate warming is causing health concerns. Beavers have colonized the Wulik River, Kivalina's main source for water. Beaver feces carry a microscopic protozoa that can cause giardia, known to campers elsewhere in Alaska as ``beaver fever.'' Diarrhea and vomiting are symptoms. Kivalina hunters using the Wulik as a corridor to inland caribou herds have been warned to boil water before drinking it. Beavers are among the unwelcome changes associated with climate change, said Michael Brubaker, lead author of reports documenting how two northwest villages have been affected. The appearance of North America's largest rodent was a signal that a traditional water source had changed. ``It's a new health issue,'' Brubaker said. ``It affects people's behavior. It can affect people's health and it also affects the cost of running water facilities.'' Brubaker is director of community environment and safety for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, a health organization managed by tribal governments and their regional health organizations. Warming is rotting the sea ice that villagers use to hunt marine mammals, thawing ice cellars used to store food, disrupting utilities and interrupting the rhythms of life that have sustained Arctic communities for centuries. Kivalina, with a population of about 400, is on a barrier island 83 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Far off the road system, groceries have to come in by barge or air. Gasoline sells for $5.75 per gallon.

Residents hunt bearded seal, beluga whale and caribou and catch Arctic char. They have not killed a bowhead whale in a decade and speculate that warming has been a factor. Sea ice used to fracture into distinct leads, or open channels, that bowheads used as migration paths and hunters could

hauled by a snowmobile or an allterrain vehicle to a dump. On bumpy roads in spring and summer, bags frequently leak, creating cesspool puddles. ``Climate change aside, you have these ongoing challenges in providing safe drinking water and sanitation systems,'' Brubaker said.

Beavers are not the only change along Wulik River. Villagers have watched the tundra on the mainland turn green, first with shrubs and then with willow trees. The higher vegetation traps snow and retards ground freeze. Thawing of permafrost has resulted in sink holes and erosion of river soil.

Alaska's Thawing permafrost is triggering mudslides onto a key road traveled by busloads of sightseers. Tall bushes newly sprouted on the tundra are blocking panoramic views. And glaciers are receding from convenient viewing areas, while their rapid summer melt poses new flood risks

monitor. Ice during the spring hunt now resembles a fractured mirror. A decrease in sea ice had increased the fetch of wind and wave size, making travel in small boats more dangerous, affecting the hunting of other marine mammals. Kivalina's sand and gravel island is held together by beach grass, and at one time, permanently frozen ground. Sea ice used to form sooner and protect against winter storms but a longer ice-free season has meant acres lost to erosion. The possibility that Kivalina one day may have to move has discouraged public agencies from investing in infrastructure, including sanitation improvements. Human excrement is removed from homes with ``honey buckets'' _ 5-gallon pails lined with garbage bags. The bags are

``It's a challenge to acquire the resources to make improvements to a community's infrastructure. But when there's uncertainty about a community's future, all of that is just compounded.''

``The other health concerns are the river bank slumps all along the Wulik River,'' said Millie Hawley, president of Kivalina's tribal council, in an e-mail response to questions.

The community collects water through an intake pipe mounted on a skiff tied to the shore bank three miles from town. Riverbanks have collapsed and sloughed into the main stream, creating turbidity. They also release organic material that reacts unfavorably with chlorine injected at the treatment plant. It's an example of climate change adding expense to operating infrastructure, Brubaker said. ``You design a water system, for example, and you expect it to perform under certain conditions for 20 or 30 years and those conditions are going to be the same,'' Brubaker said. ``What's happening now is that a lot of things are different.'' Warming has meant a longer berry season, Hawley said. ``We harvest blackberries, cranberries, blueberries, and salmonberries,'' she said. ``We also live off those year round when we get enough.'' But villagers report that the useful period has shortened for drying fish, seal and caribou on drying racks. Warming temperatures are making food security an issue at both Kivalina and Point Hope, 75 miles up the Chukchi Sea coast from Kivalina. -AP

Hawaii seeks to protect its unique health law HONOLULU: Hawaii lawmakers are trying to protect the state's unique health insurance system from federal interference because they say the islands' law provides better coverage than the one-yearold national health care overhaul. A measure advancing through the state Legislature aims to safeguard Hawaii's health system, which requires businesses to provide insurance to full-time employees, from potential legal challenges. The bill would eliminate a section of the state law calling for it to be repealed when federal legislation provides for mandatory prepaid health care. Unlike states opposing the federal requirement that individuals buy health insurance by 2014, Hawaii's overwhelming Democratic political leadership supports the national health law, which President Barack Obama signed one year ago this week. But they want to be able to use the federal measure to complement state health rules, not replace them. ``We need to be insulated from any decision that the federal law trumps Hawaii state law if ours is

better,'' said Sen. Josh Green, a Big Island emergency room doctor and chairman of the Senate Health Committee. ``We want to take the best parts of the federal law ... but I want to make sure we keep the best parts of Hawaii's law, which provides almost universal coverage.''

Hawaii's Prepaid Health Care Act requires businesses to provide health insurance and limits employees' share of health costs to 1.5 percent of monthly gross earnings Hawaii has one of the lowest rates of uninsured residents, at 7 percent compared to 15 percent nationwide, according to Kaiser Family Foundation figures based on 2009 Census data. Massachusetts had the lowest percentage of uninsured, at 4 percent. Hawaii's Prepaid Health Care Act requires businesses to provide health insurance and limits

employees' share of health costs to 1.5 percent of monthly gross earnings. Green, D-Milolii-Waimea, said the federal health law should force state insurance companies to accept clients who have preexisting conditions without infringing on the Hawaii's existing system. Republican representatives opposed the measure and introduced a failed amendment that would have instead studied the effects of federal health law on Hawaii. ``Why are we in this chamber wanting to implement parts of Obamacare when this own bill is saying that our Hawaii Prepaid Health Care Act is superior?'' asked Rep. Kymberly Pine, R-Ewa Beach-Iroquois Point, during debate of the bill on the House floor this month. The national health law already includes an exemption for Hawaii that says it shouldn't be construed to modify or limit the state's law. But court challenges to either the federal or state laws could endanger Hawaii's system, Green said. -AP

April 8, 2011

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Cuban doctors struggle to prove credentials in US Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 36

It's unclear how many doctors face the same problem as Carmona. The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, a private nonprofit that oversees the accrediting process, said at least 20 have asked for waivers because of problems getting documents. And the numbers are likely to grow. Emilio Gonzalez, former head of US Citizenship and Immigration Services who helped create the Cuban Medical Professional Parole Program, said the problem was relatively new. He suggested allowing doctors to begin residency programs or other retraining as they await approval to take the boards. ``There is a credentialing problem,'' Gonzalez said. But, he added, ``there are ways to be creative.'' Even when paperwork is readily available, the American accreditation system for foreign doctors is difficult. They must pass three lengthy exams in English, which often cost thousands of dollars. But without academic transcripts, they cannot prove they studied medicine. Carmona was among a halfdozen Cuban doctors interviewed by The Associated Press about their decision to defect while working abroad - a move that risks not

seeing loved ones again for many years. The doctors are allowed to stay in the US regardless of whether they practice medicine. The federal government's ``wetfoot, dry-foot'' policy says any Cuban who makes it to American shores can remain in the country. Some became disillusioned with Cuba's communist system and left to escape economic and political repression. Others were frustrated by poor living and working conditions in their host country. The defectors described taking extreme steps, like Carmona's cowboy getup, to avoid raising the suspicion of Cuban and local officials. Most spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing retribution against family in Cuba or further problems in obtaining transcripts. Some have yet to apply for accreditation. Carmona said he became disillusioned with the Cuban system in medical school when he saw doctors paid $25 a month and forced to moonlight in other jobs to buy food when government rations ran out. His application was denied to work in Venezuela, where the Cuban government has sent more than 30,000 health professionals

in exchange for subsidized oil shipments. Then in 2007, he was offered a post in Namibia on the West African coast just north of South Africa. At the time, his girlfriend was four months' pregnant and had already requested a US visa through a separate process. It seemed his only chance to leave.

Carmona said he had tried to talk to someone at the commission about an alternative and enlisted help from state politicians, all to no avail Since the Cuban medical parole program began, 444 graduates of Cuban medical schools have passed their board exams and been accredited, according to the Educational Commission. However, it's unclear how many of those came to the US under the special program. Educational Commission Vice President Bill Kelly said physicians can submit affidavits from

Investigation finds more trouble at Ohio VA clinic DAYTON, Ohio: Worker testimony in a The VA has not defended the first denVeterans Affairs investigation indicates the tist, who retired last month. Hundreds Dayton VA Medical Center's dental clinic of his patients were offered testing for had problems stretching beyond a dentist hepatitis. VA officials initially said nine accused of not changing gloves between people were positive in preliminary tests, patients and exposing them to potential but revised that number to five patients diseases. last week. Workers described the clinic as underRepublican Rep. Mike Turner of staffed and said supervisors cut corners Centerville is pushing for a congressional and put up with inapproinvestigation about priate behavior, The what happened at the 'Based on my Dayton Daily News reclinic and has alleged ported. It said a post-in- knowledge, the the VA tried to cover up vestigation report found problems. that a second dentist comments in the A Democratic colperformed unnecessary (investigative) report league, Sen. Sherrod procedures and that unBrown, said the licensed students did were not totally facility's transparency dental work without the appropriate,' said has improved despite required supervision. the slow response and Veterans Affairs has Dr Bill Germann, the the issues under review defended its response seem to be local. since the concerns sur- acting chief of staff Some critics say the faced and said some situation in Dayton and complaints about the second dentist were problems with infection control practices not valid. A Dayton VA official also chal- at a St. Louis VA medical center in recent lenged the allegations about the dental year raise questions about the accountabilstudents, saying fourth-year students ity of the VA system nationwide, but Brown received appropriate oversight and docu- disagrees. mentation of their work. ``''It's a very good health care delivery ``Based on my knowledge, the comments system,'' Brown said. ``It's a cultural issue in the (investigative) report were not to- in that VA (in Dayton). It doesn't extend tally appropriate,'' said Dr. Bill Germann, the beyond that VA, but it's been endemic there acting chief of staff. for some time.'' -AP

other doctors who attended medical school with them or request a waiver from the commission's executive board. ``Anybody who indicates they don't have their transcripts, we point them in the right direction,'' Kelly said. Carmona said he had tried to talk to someone at the commission about an alternative and enlisted help from state politicians, all to no avail. Following an inquiry by the AP, Kelly suggested Carmona contact him directly and then offered to allow Carmona to provide the affidavits. Dr Julio Cesar Alfonso, head of the South Florida group Solidarity Without Borders Inc., which helps Cuban medical professionals with the parole program, has been lobbying to change the accrediting procedure. He said he's talked with more than two dozen doctors in the same predicament as Carmona. Getting transcripts authenticated can be tough even when Cubans come to the US with their government's permission. Dentist Yenia Lopez left Cuba with that government's permission in 2008 after getting a US visa,

which is done through a lottery program because so many people apply. Milwaukee-based Educational Credential Evaluators, which accredits foreign dentists, rejected her application because it could not reconcile two versions of her transcripts. Lopez said she initially sent an unofficial version and then provided her original copy, but there were discrepancies between the two. The company said it tried five times to verify the documents with Cuba, then closed her case in 2010, effectively ending her chances of working as a dentist in the US. ``I feel like they are in Wisconsin and they just don't understand how things work in Cuba, and how complicated it is even to obtain the simplest documents,'' said Lopez, who has offered to pay the cost of additional verification attempts and now works as a dental assistant. ``This is the rest of my life they are deciding.'' As for Carmona, he is now a medical assistant and is saving money with his girlfriend, who came to the US with their baby. He said he hoped his case would help other doctors like himself. "I just want to do what I love,'' he said, ``to be a doctor.'' -AP

Â&#x201E;

Realty Tidbits

10% tax on land lease sales in Mumbai

Real Estate

he Income Tax department has sent letters to real estate companies, MMRDA, CIDCO stating that all land lease sales or transfers attract a 10% tax, sources said. The IT department states that tax should be cut with retrospective effect from FY08 and estimates suggest they could raise Rs 1000 crores in the process. Real estate developers said they will contest this tax liability as it will have a negative impact on their cash flows and cost of land. According to the IT department, the tax on land lease transfers is an obligation on the payee and will be deductible at source (TDS). These will be applicable on all long lease land sales or transfers in Mumbai, sources said. Industry experts say all the land auctions by government agencies and private lease transfer deals like Lodha's Wadal land deal, RILWadhwa lease transfer, Jet Airways-Godrej Properties deal could fall under the tax net. There have been many such land deals in Mumbai in the last 4 years. On the legal front, Ketan Kothari , Director at Khaitan & Co said, "It is likely to be covered by IT Act provision 194 (i). The tax liability, however, will depend on the way the land deal documents are structured." Legal experts also said that there is a debate between treating it like a 'transfer of lease' or 'transfer of capital gains.' While the debate is on, sources said final decision on whether this tax will be applicable or not will be clear in the next few days.

Â&#x201E; SBI's teaser home loans till May

tate Bank of India's (SBI) much-debated teaser home loan rates may see a hike in rates by May, when the next monetary policy review would be announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). But unless there is a hike in rates during the review, SBI will retain the teaser home loan rates, said a senior official with the bank. The RBI had in the past expressed its reservation on the teaser rates offered by SBI, on the grounds that such aggressive rates would push up housing prices. The teaser home loan rates, or special rates as the bank's chairman OP Bhatt prefers calling it, was a mixture of fixed and floating interest rates where the customers were charged 8.75 per cent in the first year, 9.50 per cent in the second and third years and the prevailing floating rates from the fourth year onwards.

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April 8, 2011

Rahejas plan residential project in Mangalore

aheja Universal Ltd, in association with the Mangalore-based Asha City Builders and Developers, has announced plans to launch a luxury residential complex - Raheja Waterfront - in Mangalore on March 28. Addressing presspersons on Saturday, Prakash Shetty, managing partner of Asha City Builders and Developers, said that the project will come up on 45-acre land near Chitrapur beach in Mangalore.

Slowdown hits Mumbai residential market as prices decline

fter a one-year period starting in the third quarter of 2009, which saw a strong recovery with a record 40%-plus increase in prices, the Mumbai residential real estate market has been seeing a slowdown over the past two quarters across various micro markets. The past six months have seen the return of negotiability in asking prices, and saw the return from a sellers' to a buyers' market. Both registration data and home loan disbursals are indicating a distinct slowdown. The number of apartments being sold in the first quarter of 2011 is considerably lower than in the corresponding period of 2010. Developers who were selling their entire projects in a few weeks are now taking months to sell their unsold stock. Many home buyers are playing the waiting game, anticipating a further correction. The key reasons behind this slowdown are higher prices, higher interest rates impacting affordability, lack of liquidity, scams diluting investor sentiment - and, to a lesser extent, excess supply in a few micro markets. Any slowdown in the economy has not been a key criterion. Many developers and agents

admit that sales have slowed down. Gone are the days when large numbers of apartments were sold during the launch itself. The

reduced considerably. Some of the other trends witnessed over the past six months include developers offering significantly lower

The key reasons behind this slowdown are higher prices, higher interest rates impacting affordability, lack of liquidity and scams diluting investor sentiment trend of short term speculators booking apartments at pre-launch or launch prices and selling them a few months later at higher prices (as witnessed in early 2010) has

rates to customers willing to cough up a 30-40 % down payment. Developers, so far holding on to their prices, have started offer-

ing discounts to woo buyers to mobilize fund inflows through sales as money flow from other channels have dried up. Residential property prices have already seen a correction of 20 per cent from the peak level and it is expected to decline further in the range of 15 to 25 per cent, said analysts. "After surpassing the peak valuations of 2008 by 20 per cent in 2010, Mumbai's residential property rates today are back on par with the 2008 benchmarks. This could be considered a correction due an increasingly urgent need for capital by the city's developers," said Sanjay Dutt, chief executive officer (CEO) (business), Jones Lang LaSalle India (JLLI). "It is fairly certain that this correction phase will continue for the next three months and inevitably extend into the traditionally slower monsoon-cum-vacation period," Dutt added. Firms tracking the prices and unsold flat inventory levels said, the fall would continue for a longer period and prices would remain stagnant for a period because realtors jacked up prices in a hurry to make quick profits soon after revival of the sector post-economic slowdown. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 41

MCHI claims Mumbai realty still robust MUMBAI: Mumbai's real estate market continues to be robust despite a minor blip in February when flat sales clocked a 2.40 per cent decline, a leading industry body said. The city reported a marginal decline in flat registrations at 16,341 in February as against 16,743 registrations in the yearago period, data from the Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry (MCHI) showed. "There has been no sharp decline in Mumbai's real estate market - there has only been a marginal decline in sales figures of residential apartments," MCHI said in a statement here. The decline in flat sales in the first two months of this year is a small dip and not severe, MCHI's

President Sunil Mantri said. "Although it is a fact that flat sales did decline in the first twomonths of the current year, the extent of fall is not that severe as is being made out to be by some,"

April 2010 recorded the highest 20,739 registrations compared to 15,330 in the previous year, followed by the month of July at 19,880 against the 2009 corresponding month's figure of 18,583,

Sentiment in the realty market also remains affected by the increase in stamp duty and ready reckoner by the State Government this year, he added Mantri said. In 2010 (January-December), Mumbai clocked a total registration of 2,17,466 as compared to 1,94,885 in the previous year, MCHI data showed.

March at 19,452 (15,002) and June at 19,154 (17,418), respectively. On the overall trend in the Mumbai real estate market, Mantri said the "marginal drop in the flat registrations or sales could be at-

tributed to various factors that include severe crunch of sand in the recent past, pending policy decisions from the Government of Maharashtra on carpet area, parking, and clearance of new projects by the BMC." Sentiment in the realty market also remains affected by the increase in stamp duty and ready reckoner by the State Government this year, he added. Neighbouring Thane city in February clocked 16,164 registrations as against 16,395 in the yearago period, a decline of only 1.41 per cent. Thane city recorded the highest flat registrations at 20,121 in March 2010 followed by 19,569 in December 2010, MCHI data said. -PTI

Real Estate

April 8, 2011

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Qatar allows residency permits Real estate willing to embrace new accounting for home buyers DUBAI: Qatar has implemented a new rule that allows foreigners to own real estate and get residency permits in the country. The new ruling allows foreign home owners to substitute a sponsor for property ownership. Earlier, non-Qataris were required to have sponsors to receive a residence permit. The rule, which was endorsed by the Cabinet in 2006, turns properties into sponsors, local reports said adding that an Egyptian and a Pakistani have become the first foreigners to receive residence permits. So far, 10 leaseholders, who have been handed ownership certificates, have applied for residence permit under the sponsorship of their properties, an official of the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning was quoted by Qatar's newspaper The Peninsula as saying. According to Abdullah Ebrahim Al Sada, director of the Real Estate Registration Office for Non-Qataris, 70 foreigners from Arab, European, American, Canadian and Asian countries have

signed up to own real estate properties since the decree was issued. Many foreign companies, seeking to benefit from the new rule, had shown interest in buying towers in Doha, he said. "We expect to register the first

Conditions for nonQataris to buy and own properties under the new decree include an agreement from the original sponsor to transfer the sponsorship to the property tower owned by a non-Qatari by May," Al Sada said, adding that two foreign firms have already got ownership of several towers in Doha. Ownership procedures for administrative units would start soon

and a high demand for such units from foreign investors had been expected, he said. The first five properties owned by non-Qataris were registered in 2009 and had been issued ownership certificates. Conditions for non-Qataris to buy and own properties under the new decree include an agreement from the original sponsor to transfer the sponsorship to the property. An investor coming from abroad should have a Qatari visa before buying the property. Under the new rule, the beneficiary will be purchasing leasehold from the property owner on a 99year renewable basis. Those who lease the property are considered investors and they are entitled to use the properties commercially or for their own benefit, transfer the lease to another party, sublet or rent. They will also have residency rights including that for their family provided the Ministry of Interior's permission is granted. The land or residency unit will act as sponsor. -PTI

Slowdown hits Mumbai residential market as prices decline Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 40

"For Mumbai, I am expecting a further correction of up to 35 per cent. There may be a case that you could see 25 per cent correction in the next two quarters and then prices would not appreciate for the next year or so," said Pankaj Kapur, CEO, Liases Foras, a real estate research firm. Discounts in Delhi A similar trend is expected in some pockets of supply-constrained Delhi market but too much correction is not expected in the NCR region, where prices are more or less stable and still affordable, analysts said. The Delhi and NCR markets are completely different from Mumbai and analysts feel developers in the NCR would soon start offering discounts because sales volumes have dropped due to multiple effects. The discount may not be as high as Mumbai but some correction is inevitable due to the current economic scenario, analysts said. Areas in the range of Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 a sq ft would see a minimal correction while the expensive ones would require more price cuts. In Mumbai where the prop-

erty market crashed in late 2008, pricing picked up by 60 per cent in 2010. "By the fourth quarter of 2010, residential property developers were building large land inventories, spending close to Rs 20,000 crore in Delhi, Mumbai and Ban-

The Delhi and NCR markets are completely different from Mumbai and analysts feel developers in the NCR would soon start offering discounts because sales volumes have dropped

galore. Significantly, Rs 12,000 crore was spent in Mumbai alone. This resulted in extremely high land valuations, demanding higher average residential property sale prices based on the new appreci-

ated capital values," Dutt said. He said these land acquisitions were predominantly funded by non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) at 15 per cent plus interest rates in an already volatile real estate environment, where sales volumes had plummeted by close to 50 per cent. "Measures implemented by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to curb inflation further aggravated the pain as interest rates went up. Clear directions issued by financial institutions and the government led to a marked depletion of liquidity on the market and this put considerable pressure on the developers," Dutt said on the rationale behind the offer of initial soft schemes to woo buyers. He said in Mumbai prices have already dropped in Parel, Lower Parel, Mahalaxmi, Bandra East, Andheri East, Goreagon East, Mulund and Kurla. The overall sentiments of the market and the consistent rate of new project launches in Mumbai projects give a very clear indication of an impending oversupply by 2012 and a lot of developers in the most severely affected locations are currently open to closing sales at lower rates, he added.

NEW DELHI: The real estate sector looks the most willing in adopting new accounting standards notified by government to allow convergence with international audit norms, a survey by consulting firm Ernst &Young has found. "Changes made in Indian Accounting Standards with regard to real estate ... seems to have found more acceptability among the survey participants," E&Y said. Further, the survey found that 55 per cent of the respondents were willing to accept International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) with "a few departures from it in exceptional circumstances". Only 28 per cent favored full adoption. The Corporate Affairs Ministry has recently notified 35 accounting standards according to which companies will have to prepare their account books. The date for the convergence, however, is not clear yet. According to the survey, about 89 per cent of the participants said they would prefer to compare books with Ind-AS (Indian Accounting Standards) in the first

year of adoption. Further, about 65 per cent were in favor of immediate recognition of gains or losses, arising on translation of long-term foreign currency monetary items in Profit & Loss Account. A majority of them felt that conversion option in a foreign currency convertible bond should be treated as derivative and taken into P&L A/c at Fair value. While 28 per cent participants believed the requirement in IndAS to apply the percentage of completion method to real estate sales was appropriate, 53 per cent were in favor of the completed contract method. Another 19 per cent felt that an option to choose between the percentage of completion method and completed contract method should be available, the Survey revealed. While the date for the convergence is not yet clear, according to the earlier road map laid by the Corporate Affairs Ministry, in the first phase large firms were to prepare their account books as per IFRS norms from April 2011. -PTI

In Brief Court sides with state in immigrant benefits case HARTFORD, Connecticut: Connecticut's highest court has overturned a lower court ruling that found a state law violated the rights of legal immigrants by taking away taxpayer-funded medical benefits. The decision is another setback for 4,800 immigrants who argued it was unconstitutional to deny them the same coverage provided to citizens with similar health and economic problems. The case stems from Congress' 1996 welfare overhaul, which barred legal immigrants from receiving non-emergency state health care until they had lived in the country for five years. Connecticut responded by funding benefits for legal immigrants left without coverage, but later moved to cut that program as it faced a multibillion-dollar deficit. -AP

Immigration bill stalled in Kansas House TOPEKA, Kan.: The Kansas House has refused to schedule a debate on a bill that would require law enforcement officers to check the legal status of people they suspect of being in the country illegally. The vote was 84-40 against pulling the measure from the House Judiciary Committee, where it has been tabled. The measure's provisions on policing mirror a law enacted in Arizona last year. Critics say it would lead to racial profiling, something supporters dispute. The bill also would require state agencies and contractors to make a good faith effort to check the status of their workers by using the federal E-Verify program. -AP

ICE announces immigration arrests in northern Va MANASSAS, Va.: Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say more than 130 illegal immigrants have been arrested in northern Virginia as part of a recent enforcement effort targeting criminal aliens. ICE and other law enforcement officials announced the arrests in Manassas, where local authorities have complained that the federal government is not doing enough to remove and deport illegal immigrants. Officials say they arrested 163 foreign nationals in a week, including roughly 130 with criminal records. -AP

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April 8, 2011

Illegal immigrant crackdown stalls in House HELENA, Mont.: The state House is deadlocked over a plan making it a crime to hire illegal immigrants. A mix of Democrats and Republicans opposed the measure, which stalled on a 5050 vote. -AP

Immigration reform would also benefit Latin America: Obama SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador: President Barack Obama vowed closer cooperation with the Central American nations where US policies on crime, immigration and other issues have outsize influence on populations that depend heavily on their giant neighbor to the north and impact U.S. society in turn. Speaking in El Salvador, the final stop on his three-country Latin American tour and the only one in Central America, Obama promised work on increasing trade and economic growth, fighting drug trafficking and creating opportunities so that people can find opportunity in their home countries and ``don't feel like they have to head north to provide for their families.'' ``The United States will do our part'' in combating the increasing scourge of drug trafficking, the president said, standing next to El Salvador's president Mauricio Funes, who welcomed Obama's attention to the oft-overlooked region. Obama announced a new $200 million partnership with El Salvador to combat drug wars that have led to a spike in murders here and in other Central American countries. Yet Obama's five-day visit to Latin America has been overshadowed from the start by the war he's running in faraway Libya, and just before the news conference started the White House said Obama would be cutting his visit short to return earlier to the U.S. And despite Libya's shadow, Obama sought to make clear that El Salvador is a critical partner on immigration and narcotics wars, issues of increasing concern to

US President Barack Obama and El Salvador President Mauricio Funes speak during a joint press conference at the National Palace in San Salvador, El Salvador, March 22

the United States. Among the issues he and Funes addressed was the rising crime south of the U.S. border. El Salvador has seen murder rates rise amid an influx of drugs and displaced traffickers from crackdowns in Colombia and Mexico. Obama said a new partnership to combat narco-trafficking could

gration, especially to the United States. About 2.8 million Salvadoran immigrants living in the United States sent home $3.5 billion last year, so laws that crack down on immigrants can significantly affect the Salvadoran economy. Obama can offer little to fix El Salvador's devastating crime and fragile economy. Fiscal pressures

Among the issues he and Funes addressed was the rising crime south of the U.S. border. El Salvador has seen murder rates rise amid an influx of drugs and displaced traffickers from crackdowns in Colombia and Mexico focus on strengthening courts and civil society groups in order to keep young people from turning to drugs and crime. Obama said he was confident that Funes would show ``great leadership'' in using the money properly. El Salvador also has one of Central America's highest rates of emi-

have limited the amount of money the U.S. government can provide as part of its drug-fighting efforts, and congressional politics have made it difficult to restart talks about overhauling the nation's immigration laws. Nonetheless Obama recommitted himself to the effort in re-

Asians fastest growing race in last decade India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The nation’s Asian population became the fastest growing race over the past decade, experiencing a 43 percent increase from 2000 to 2010, according to newly released figures from the US Census Bureau. The Asian population grew from 10.2 million in 2000 to 14.7 million in 2010, gaining the most in the share of the total population, growing from 4 percent to about 5

percent over the last decade. White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders director Kiran Ahuja noted the importance of understanding the needs of this growing population. “We must come together and understand what these changes in our country’s demographics mean for public policy,” said Ahuja. “We see increasing numbers of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders representing influential positions, but many pockets of this commu-

nity are in great need of basic protections and services.” According to the Census Bureau, most people in the 2010 Census reported only one race. Of these individuals, about 14.7 million people – or about 5 percent of all respondents – identified their race as Asian alone. The smallest major race group was Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone (0.5 million), which represented 0.2 percent of the total population.

sponse to a question from a local reporter. He said Republicans who now exert greater control in Washington were more reluctant than in the past to engage in comprehensive reform, but ``My hope is that they begin to recognize over the next year that we can't solve this problem without taking a broad comprehensive approach.'' Obama said immigration reform in the U.S. would also benefit Latin America, and would ``ensure that relations between neighbors, and trade and economic relations between neighbors is orderly, more secure.'' Obama, along with wife Michelle Obama and their two daughters, had earlier visited Brazil and Chile. In a broad-ranging speech in Chile that spelled out his policy in Latin America, Obama called on the region's rising economies to take more responsibility and play a larger role both in the region and around the globe. He also described US initiatives in Latin America to help curb the proliferation of drugs. Congress approved $1.8 billion for the socalled Merida Initiative to fight drugs in Mexico. After complaints that Central America was shortchanged, Congress created a separate Central America Regional Security Initiative with a total of $248 million so far. Central American leaders say that has not been enough. Funes, who despite being elected with support from former Marxist guerillas has charted a moderate course in El Salvador, agrees with Obama that all countries in the region need to contribute to a solution. -AP

Immigration Post

April 8, 2011

India Post

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Indian American renters win discrimination suit India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Owners of a 268unit apartment complex in Renton, WA, outside of Seattle, who were sued for discriminating against tenants of minority groups including Indian Americans, agreed to settle the lawsuit with $110,000 in damages. The majority of the funds will go to harmed tenants and prospective tenants. In the suit, the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division alleged that the owners of the complex steered members of minority groups and families with children away from their rental property, dis-

couraging Indian Americans, African Americans and Hispanics from living there. An investigation by

According to the Justice Department, the agreement includes $85,000 for tenants and prospective tenants who were harmed by the discriminatory practice the Fair Housing Council of Washington found that housing discrimination had occurred.

According to the Justice Department, the agreement includes $85,000 for tenants and prospective tenants who were harmed by the discriminatory practice, as well as $25,000 in penalties. The apartment complex owners must also develop a nondiscrimination policy for their property. In a Justice Department press release, Thomas E. Perez, assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division said, "Working families already face enough challenges finding affordable housing. Unlawful discrimination because of their race, their national origin or because they have children should not be one of them."

Thousands protest Georgia immigration bills ATLANTA: Thousands of people gathered at the Georgia Capitol waving signs and chanting to protest legislation that targets illegal immigrants. Javier Mendez, his wife and their 18-month-old son were among the crowd that police estimated at roughly 5,000 people. The 35-year-old waiter, who lives in Roswell, said he came here from Mexico about five years ago to seek a better life. ``We are fighting for something we believe is fair,'' said Mendez, who works as a waiter. ``We're not the criminals they say we are. We're just looking for a better opportunity.'' The crowd, dressed mostly in white shirts at the request of organizers, chanted in Spanish and English and waved signs with slogans such as ``Immigrants pick the crops that you eat every day!'' and ``Broken system, broken families.'' Speakers included activists, Democratic lawmakers, students and others. They urged Republican Gov. Nathan Deal to veto the legislation if it reaches his desk. Folk rock duo the Indigo Girls performed their song ``Shame on You'' with lyrics adapted for the rally while expressing their support. ``We're from Georgia and we don't want our state to pass any legislation that's really anti-immigrant,'' said Amy Ray, one half of the duo, in an interview. ``We feel like the state is really richer and more productive with the Hispanic community here and we want to show them our support.''

U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, who was involved in the civil rights movement in the 1960s, encouraged the crowd to keep fighting. He noted that he was arrested dozens of times while working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. ``I was beaten, left bloody, but I didn't give up and you must not give up,'' he said to loud cheers. ``If any of you get arrested and go to jail, I'm prepared to go to jail with you.'' Bills sponsored by Rep. Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City, and

‘I was beaten, left bloody, but I didn't give up and you must not give up,’ he said to loud cheers Sen. Jack Murphy, R-Cumming, both would require many employers to use a federal database to check the immigration status of new hires and would authorize law-enforcement officers to check the immigration status of suspects who can't produce an accepted form of identification, among other provisions. The Georgia lawmakers are pushing ahead even as Arizona legislators, who passed a tough law targeting illegal immigration last year, take a timeout from the issue amid concerns from business leaders that the issue is hurting the state's still-ailing economy. Ramsey and several other Republican state representatives re-

leased a statement in response to the rally. They said they are working on behalf of millions of Georgians who have lost job opportunities to illegal immigrants, who they say are being subsidized by tax dollars. ``We are the voice for these common sense Georgians and this kind of protest only bolsters our resolve to see House Bill 87 signed into law,'' the lawmakers said. Ramsey said in an interview that he has compassion for people who come here legally, but has little sympathy for those who don't follow the proper procedures. He also dismissed assertions that illegal immigrants are doing jobs Americans don't want. ``I don't believe that for one second,'' he said. ``When it's tough times like this, people will do anything to put food on the table.'' Each of the comprehensive immigration bills in Georgia has passed its respective chamber of the Legislature. Ramsey said he hopes his bill will pass the Senate next week and then, if Murphy's bill passes the House, a joint legislative committee will likely work to resolve the differences between the two. “At this time, no immigration legislation has passed both houses of the Legislature, so there's no final bill on which we can comment,'' said Deal spokesman Brian Robinson. State Rep. Pedro Marin, DDuluth, said he hopes his legislative colleagues hear the message and don't send the immigration bills to the governor's desk. -AP

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Immigration Post

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April 8, 2011

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Groups press for Kan. lawmaker's resignation TOPEKA, Kan.: Immigrant rights and Hispanic advocacy groups tried to build pressure on Kansas' governor and state House speaker to push a legislator to resign over what he described as a joke suggesting that illegal immigrants could be shot like feral hogs. Ten advocates brought copies of petitions they said were signed by 58,000 people over the Internet, demanding the resignation of state Rep. Virgil Peck, a Tyro Republican. They took the documents to GOP Gov. Sam Brownback's staff and the office of House Speaker Mike O'Neal, a Hutchinson Republican. The groups included the Latino Informational Network of Kansas, the Wichita-area chapter of the American GI Forum and the Topeka chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, but also national organizations such as Presente.org and National People's Action. They want Brownback and O'Neal to demand that Peck step down. ``We are here to say we are not going to stand for this,'' said Emira Palacios, immigration rights initiatives coordinator for Wichitabased Sunflower Community Action. ``Are they going to allow this type of rhetoric to continue to go

on? Now, this is the first step to hold politicians accountable.'' Peck declined to comment, but he's previously indicated that he doesn't intend to resign. He made his comment during a March 14 committee meeting during a discussion about a state plan to use gunmen in helicopters to control the feral swine population. He said, ``If shooting these immigrating feral hogs works, maybe we have found a (solution) to our illegal immigration problem.'' His comment drew gasps from the audience and other committee members, and he said after the meeting that he was joking. A day later, he issued a short statement calling the remark ``regrettable,'' adding, ``Please accept my apology.'' O'Neal and other leaders of the House's GOP majority called Peck's remark inappropriate and offensive but said they counseled him, accepted his apology and considered him ``a valuable member'' of the chamber. O'Neal said that Republican leaders believe they've addressed the matter and, ``we're ready to move on.'' ``The issue is between Virgil and his constituents, and I think that's where it needs to stay,''

O'Neal said. After Peck made his remark, Brownback called it inappropriate

His comment drew gasps from the audience and other committee members, and he said after the meeting that he was joking and said he needed to apologize. Asked to comment on the groups' petitions, Brownback spokes-

woman Sherriene Jones-Sontag noted the governor's previous comments about Peck, adding, ``He has apologized.'' But Democratic legislative leaders have said Peck's apology isn't sufficient. Like the advocacy group, they consider his remark dangerous because it could be taken as condoning violence against immigrants and minorities. ``He is putting our lives, our kids' lives and our wives' lives and our families in jeopardy,'' Florentino Camacho Jr., a former state LULAC director, told Brownback's staff. ``I have

Arizona teacher in middle of immigration debate PHOENIX: An Arizona substitute teacher has found himself in the middle of the state's polarizing immigration debate after he criticized Hispanic students in a letter to a state senator, saying a majority of students he recently taught refused to say the Pledge of Allegiance. The letter by substitute teacher Tony Hill was read aloud as the state Senate considered one of five bills on illegal immigration. Hill wrote that a majority of eightgrade students at an unnamed suburban Glendale school said that ``we are Mexicans and Americans stole our land.'' Hill also wrote that while substitute teaching in the area, ``most of the Hispanic students do not want to be educated but rather (want to) be gang members and gangsters.'' Democratic lawmakers have questioned the veracity of the letter, which was addressed to Senate President Russell Pearce and was circulated among Republican senators. Democrats called the writing offensive and questioned whether Hill was actually a substitute teacher. ``Until he is able to come out and tell us exactly where he taught, I am assuming it is false,'' said Democratic Sen. Steve

Gallardo of Phoenix, who is mentioned in Hill's letter. Officials with five regular public school districts that serve the Glendale area near Phoenix told The Associated Press that they had no record of an Anthony Hill or a Tony Hill working as a substitute teacher there in recent years. It's not known whether Hill taught at charter schools. Arizona Department of Education spokesman Andrew LeFevre said Hill received his substitute teacher certificate from the state on Oct. 14.

Gallardo said it's hard to believe Hill's contention that students refused to say the Pledge of Allegiance Hill also wrote in the letter that the students' regular teacher left instructions for students to finish writing Gallardo to thank him for his position on immigrant rights. The letter also said most of the students mentioned in their letters to Gallardo that they were illegal immigrants and that white Americans were racists. Gallardo said it's hard to believe Hill's contention that students refused to say the Pledge of Allegiance, and he called for apologies from Pearce for distributing the letter and from Republican Sen. Lori Klein for reading it during the debate on the immigration bills. Several gasps could be heard in the Senate chamber after Klein finished and Gallardo responded by defending children in two heavily Hispanic school districts where he's served as a school board member. -AP

grandkids. I'm afraid a crazy person is going to hurt them.'' While members of Brownback's staff were present in their offices to accept copies of the petitions, O'Neal was in his hometown and his staff wasn't present when the advocates showed up at his Statehouse office. The Legislature wasn't in session and the advocates left two boxes of petitions on the desk of an O'Neal staffer. ``I'm disappointed,'' said Lalo Munoz, founder of the Kansas informational network. ``We will be in contact with his office until we hear a response.'' -AP

Some California cities embrace immigration scrutiny ESCONDIDO, Calif.: A city that has taken numerous steps to crack down on illegal immigration is at it again this time joining a string of Southern California municipalities that are signing up to tap a federal database aimed at tighter scrutiny of employees’ immigration status. Escondido’s measure is modest compared to how others have embraced the free E-Verify tool, an online federal database now used voluntarily by employers nationwide. The north San Diego suburb began requiring checks on new city hires earlier this month and would require the same of all city contractors under a proposal before the City Council. The City Council would also urge but not require private businesses to perform enhanced checks on new hires. Lancaster, north of Los Angeles, became the first city in Southern California to require private businesses to use E-Verify in January 2010 and was followed by others including Murrieta, Temecula and Lake Elsinore in the economically battered Inland Empire. “We don’t really want to be a heavy-handed government,” said Escondido Mayor Sam Abed, a Lebanese immigrant and former IBM Corp. employee who has made illegal immigration a signature issue. “It’s in their self-interest. We hope businesses will realize the benefit.” The proposal has sparked a familiar, if relatively muted, debate in Escondido, a city of 140,000 people that is about 50 percent Latino. Supporters say tougher immigration enforcement is overdue, while critics worry about fueling anti-immigrant sentiment. -AP

Horoscope

April 8, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

APRIL 8TH - APRIL 14TH ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20)

TAURUS (APRIL 21 TO MAY 20)

ou will spend time and money on planning an upcoming big event. You may invite an old trusted friend for lunch ands to discuss some important issues. You may dispose off recently purchased stocks and pocket the profit. People trying for another job will be called for second interview. Cut down on your caffeine intake.

o not rush to conclusions but look at all facts and figures will a calm and rational mind before you take that important decision. You may sign and send out some important papers in a hurry. Change you are looking for in career is just around the corner. Money will come but will not stay for long.

GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20)

CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22)

urdles will not slow you down. You will be more determined and the results will amaze people around. The new idea you are working on will be a super hit the moment it gets launched. You may be seriously thinking of going on a long distance trip. You will make good use of extra time on hand and help spouse clean up the house.

LEO (JULY 23 TO AUGUST 22)

his week will bring an end to lots of uncertainty and You will start to see the light at the end of tunnel. Let the past go other wise you will keep feeling hurt internally. Trip to a warm area will change your mood and mind. You may get rid of one of your subordinate and start looking for a better person.

hances of hitting some kind of jackpot still strong. You may travel to a nice and warm area to attend to some important business. People You helped in the past will be hard to locate when you need them this week. Spouse will feel little exhausted and need to see a doctor.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23 TO SEPTEMBER 22)

ome will go out of his way to help you out of a tricky situation. Application will finally get approved and everybody at home will be excited. You may also receive a refund in the mail. You will meet many old friends at the party. Some of you will be getting ready to go on an important trip in near future.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 22)

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 22)

ot only morale victory but large financial gains possible out of a litigation. You may have few guests at your place this week. Relationship will keep getting stronger and final commitment is weeks away. You will be invited to an important conference. Child will be accepted to college of his choice.

ou may have to spend money on legal matters. You will be very close to finalizing the deal. People will try to cause some disturbance but will not succeed. You may still be looking for right partners to share your ideas and join your project. You may call an old trusted person to seek his advice and direction.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 22)

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 19)

xpect some major and dramatic changes in life. You may be offered the dream opportunity but at a far off land. Spouse will fully support all decisions you make this week. You may receive a big check in mail or a transfer to your account. You may go slightly out of your way to help a needy person.

o not ignore the signs and go for the sure thing only. Some one in the family will be going away for few days. You will meet all financial commitments on time and still have some leftover. Keep an eye on the incoming mail, there is a pleasant surprise in it. You may arrange a small get together at your place.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 18)

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 20)

ou will have many reasons to celebrate this week. You will enjoy the company of friends recently made. Money will go on changing some expensive gadget in the house. Deal you had been working on will finally go through. You will plan a short pleasure trip with the family to a real nice and exciting place.

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

ou may recover some lost valuable item in the house. Project will start moving at full speed in the right direction. Boss will give you additional help. You may need to see a dentist for recent problem with teeth. You will also hear from a close relative living in another state this week. Additional Money will come but disappear very fast.

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

Datebook

India Post

April 8, 2011

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

NEW JERSEY

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Fri April 8

Sat April 16

• Erasing Borders Festival of Indian Dance

• Everyday Awareness Techniques

Sat April 9

Fri April 8

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

• Rahat Fateh Ali Khan show In New Jersey

• Ohlone College Smith Center Presents! "Seven Chances"

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

Venue: Smith Center at Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont Time: 8pm Contact: 510-659-6031 Highlights: Renowned organist Jerry Nagano recreates the authentic experience of the silent film days accompanying Buster Keaton's 1925 silent classic, "Seven Chances." Keaton's characteristic dead pan expression, graceful agility and subtle humor make him one of the greatest film comedians.

Venue: Asia Society, 725 Park Ave, New York Contact: 212-594-3685

Sat April 9 • Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Super Stars , Live In Concert

Sun April 17 & Thurs April 21

Venue: MGM Grand Theater, MGM @ Foxwoods Casino, 240 MGM Drive, Mashantucket, Boston, Connecticut Time: 8pm Contact: 609-576-3254

Venue: Jordan Mozer and Associates, Ltd. Design Studio located at 320 W. Ohio St. 7th floor in Chicago. Time: April 17-2pm & April 21-6pm Contact: 773 363-9303 & info@kalapriya.org

Sun April 10

Sun April 17

• Krishan VS Kanhaiya

• Baisakhi Celebrations

Venue: Colden Centre Auditorium, Queens College 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY Time: 6pm Contact: 718-639-2881

Venue: Sama Rathi Auditorium, 10915, Lemont Rd, Lemont, Illinois Time: 3pm to 5pm Contact: 630-972-0300

• Kalapriya Present ëThe Liquid Networkí

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

Thurs April 21 • Virah Ka Dard Venue: Knights of Columbus Hall, 116 Grand St, Iselin, New Jersey Time: 10am to 11:30am Contact: 732-207-7592

WASHINGTON DC

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

Mon July 4 • Rathyatra, Festival of India Venue: National Mall (in front of Air & Space Museum), Washington, DC Time: 10:30am to 9pm Contact: 301-299-2100

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

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

Tues April 12 • TiE Pitchfest Venue: TiE Conference Center, 2903 Bunker Hill LN, Santa Clara, California Time: 6pm to 9pm Contact: 408-567-0700

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

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

Sat April 9 • Akhand Ramayan Paath Venue: Pasadena Hindu Temple, 676 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena, California Time: 3pm to 4pm Contact: (626) 795-5539

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

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

Sat April 23 • Rani Dulhan Expo Venue: Pasadena City Convention Center, 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, California Time: 11am to 7pm Contact: (909) 206-2546

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

on Aug 1 • Yogalicious! Venue: Art of Living Center Los Angeles, 948 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, California Time: 6:30pm to 9pm Contact: 310-820-9429

April 8, 2011

Classifieds

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For Classifieds Ads Call NORTHERN CA (Sonia) Tel: 510-938-8668 sonia@indiapost.com SOUTHERN CA (Shashi Trivedi) Tel: 562-441-5511/ Fax: 562-947-0632

ACCOUNTING MANGER & SALE REPS As part of our expansion program, our company is looking for part time work from home account managers and sales representatives, it pays $4,000 a month plus benefits and takes only little of your time. Requirements should be a computer Literate. 23 hours access to the internet weekly. Must be Efficient and Dedicated. If you are interested and need more information, Contact Ray Clark.

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shashi19@yahoo.com CHICAGO (Ramesh Soparawala) Tel: 773-973-7394 / Fax: 773-973-7396 sramesh@aol.com NEW YORK (Pinky) Tel: 212-944-1931/ Fax: 212-944-1932 pinky@indiapost.com

Philosophy

India Post

April 8, 2011

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis NISARGADATTA MAHARAJ

uestioner: I am full of desires and want them fulfilled. How am I to get what I want? Maharaj: Do you deserve what you desire? In some way or other you have to work for the fulfillment of your desires. Put in energy and wait for the results. Q: Where am I to get the energy? M: Desire itself is energy. Q: Then why does not every desire get fulfilled? M: Maybe it was not strong enough and lasting. Q: Yes, that is my problem. I want things, but I am lazy when it comes to action. M: When your desire is not clear nor strong, it cannot take shape. Besides, if your desires are personal, for your own enjoyment, the energy you give them is necessarily limited; it cannot be more than what you have. Q: Yet, often ordinary persons do attain what they desire. M: After desiring it very much and for a long time. Even then, their achievements are limited. Q: And what about unselfish desires? M: When you desire the common good, the whole world desires with you. Make humanity's desire your own and work for it. There you cannot fail,

T.T. RANGARAJAN

o single person, no single event, no single experience has the right to sit inside your head and continue to disturb the peace of your mind. No single person, no single event, no single experience should ever be given such exalted status as to have the power over the peace of your mind. For the sake of your peace, let go of anything, let go of anybody, who continue to rattle you from within the chambers of your own mind and heart. Your mind and heart should be the seat of your peace and not the seat of someone or something that keeps disturbing you. Nothing at the cost of your peace. Everything for the sake of your peace. Learn to let go, not in the physical sense, but in an emotional sense. Free your mind and heart of any disturbing elements. Let go whatever. Let go whoever. Put your peace above everything. Your within can either be a basket of fragrant flowers or a vessel of acid. When you let go the source of your hurt, you experience an inner flowering.

Q: Humanity is God's work, not mine. I am concerned with myself. Have I not the right to see my legitimate desires fulfilled? They will hurt no one. My desires are legitimate. They are right desires, why don't they come true? M: Desires are right or wrong according to circumstances; it depends on how you look at them. It is only for the individual that a distinction between right and wrong is valid. Q: What are the guidelines for

Observe. You are not different from others. Most of their experiences are valid for you too. Think clearly and deeply, go into the entire structure of your desires and their ramifications. They are a most important part of your mental and emotional make-up and powerfully affect your actions. Remember, you cannot abandon what you do not know. To go beyond yourself, you must know yourself. Q: What does it mean to know

nothing to discover. You are what you are and that is all. Q: I do not understand! M: It is your fixed idea that you must be something or other, that blinds you. Q: How can I get rid of this idea? M: If you trust me, believe when I tell you that you are the pure awareness that illuminates consciousness and its infinite content. Realize this and live accordingly. If you do not believe me, then go within, enquiring 'What

To go beyond yourself, you must know yourself Nisargadatta Maharaj

if your desires are personal, for your own enjoyment, the energy you give them is necessarily limited; it cannot be more than what you have

such distinction? How am I to know which of my desires are right and which are wrong? M: In your case desires that lead to sorrow are wrong and those which lead to happiness are right. But you must not forget others. Their sorrow and happiness also count. Q: Results are in the future. How can I know what they will be? M: Use your mind. Remember.

myself? By knowing myself what exactly do I come to know? M: All that you are not. Q: And not what I am? M: What you are, you already are. By knowing what you are not, you are free of it and remain in your own natural state. It all happens quite spontaneously and effortlessly. Q: And what do I discover? M: You discover that there is

am I'? or, focus your mind on 'I am', which is pure and simple being. Q: On what my faith in you depends? M: On your insight into other people's hearts. If you cannot look into my heart, look into your own. Excerpted from 'I Am That' The 114th birth anniversary of Nisargadatta Maharaj will be celebrated on April 9

Else, you keep self-destructing yourself like how acid would destroy the vessel, which contains it. People hurt you out of their ignorance and their immaturity. And, you allow yourself to be hurt out of your ignorance and your immaturity. We cannot control the ignorance and immaturity of the world. But we can

agitated, and above all, does not allow you to be at peace with yourself. So, what do you get out of living with hurt? So, what is the point in reliving hurt? Nobody gains and for sure, you definitely lose. Why will you live with something as meaningless as hurt? In a physical sense, people or event that hurt you happen once.

self to be hurt out of your own ignorance and immaturity. If at all anything or anybody is wrong, let them continue to live outside of you. Don't give them a presence within your mind and heart. Let your mind and heart house only those who are a source of your peace. The rest, let them go. In letting go of your hurt, you

It is always the hater who gets hurt more No single person, no single event, no single experience should ever be given such exalted status as to have the power T.T. Rangarajan

do something about our side of the story. The fact of the matter is that between the hater and the hated, it is always the hater who gets hurt more. While your hatred may do nothing to the other, it certainly gives you sleepless nights, builds ulcer and acidity in you, keeps you constantly

over the peace of your mind But you rewind and replay the hurt a zillion times. The more you process it, the deeper it hurts. The only reason you may be living with hurt is that you do not understand the value of your peace. You have given a source of disturbance a higher presence within you than your own peace. That's why I say, you allow your-

will be letting in peace. A peaceful you is a beautiful you. The good news is, you can be beautiful. The very good news is, it is in your very hands. Seeâ&#x20AC;Ś even the thought of 'let go' is getting you the smile. Excerpted from 'Voice of Love' column of Frozen Thoughts magazine

I am free, my mind is free, I am neither a sick person nor a physician; Neither a believer nor an infidel; Nor a mullah or Syed. In the fourteen spheres I walk in freedom. I can be imprisoned nowhere. -Bulle Shah Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it. -Jalal ad-Din Rumi Do not speak a hurtful word, for in everyone lives the true Lord. Do not break anyone's heart, for each heart is a priceless pearl. - Baba Sheikh Farid Allah holds dear those who love Him for the sake of Human beings, and also those who love human beings for the sake of Almighty Allah. -Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia IF words come out of the heart, they will enter the heart, but if they come from the tongue, they will not pass beyond the ears. -Al-Suhrawardi

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Sino-Pak nuclear deal: American perfidy? JABIN T JACOB

f the US' changing the rules of ian nuclear deal with Pakistan? American powerlessness to push the nuclear world order for faAnswering the last question in China beyond a point. cilitating a civilian nuclear deal the affirmative would imply two Some might argue that the Sinowith India was a case of global he- things. One, that the US now be- Pak nuclear deal is symptomatic gemony in action, then China's re- lieves that Pakistan is no longer a of the growing weakness of the cent success in getting the Ameri- proliferation risk and two, that American hand vis-Ă -vis China cans to acquiesce to a Sino-Pak ci- Pakistan's nuclear assets are well since the global financial crisis. vilian nuclear deal is the equivalent safeguarded and under no threat And that this weakness extends of a successful insurgent action. from extremist elements. to even the nuclear proliferation The fact that the deal comes at a Given that the workings of AQ agenda so dear to the Democrats time when the world is still reeling Khan's clandestine network are could be a matter for still greater from the radiation leak at the still not fully known, for the US to concern in Washington and elseFukushima plant in Jawhere. pan following the masIndeed, what imsive earthquake there plications does the earlier this month, is American accepdeeply ironical. tance of the SinoIt is also a sign perPak nuclear deal haps of how commerhold f or the North cial nuclear energy deKorean nuclear situvelopment is driven, in ation? Here again, some parts of the world the US will be dealat least, by concerns ing with a close Chimore important than nese ally that sufissues of safety both fers from a massive of the reactor itself and energy shortfall and of the population livthe economic and ing in proximity to it or social conseof threats from nonquences that go state actors. with it. The Chashma One nuclear power plant in Chashma, Pakistan There is also the Coming to India, chance that the AmeriPrime Minister cans are being too clever by half. accept the first proposition would Manmohan Singh has been sanGlobal concerns over nuclear en- be a leap of faith just as accepting guine in the past, saying for exergy have increased following the the second proposition is to will- ample, when queried about a posFukushima incident and the Chi- fully ignore the daily reality of sible US-Pak nuclear deal that it nese themselves are reviewing their bombings and killings that afflict was purely a bilateral matter bemassive build-up of civilian nuclear Pakistan. tween them. His government will power over safety concerns. With respect to China specifi- however view the Sino-Pak The Americans might therefore cally, Washington continues to nuclear deal with just a little more assume that their willingness to let insist that the construction of the concern, even if US Assistant Secthe Sino-Pak nuclear deal go un- Chashma 3 and 4 reactors in Paki- retary for South and Central Asian contested in the NSG, after several Affairs Robert Blake, declared that years of opposition, might not necIndia understood the linkage beWhat implications essarily lead to the deal actually tween Pakistan's severe energy does the American fructifying at least in the near term. shortage and its perilous internal Whether this calculation might stability situation. acceptance of the actually take the heat off the US But even if New Delhi were to Sino-Pak nuclear deal accept the latest deal as being leadministration from realists inclined to view things in this light gitimate under the framework of the hold for the North or whether it gives cause for still NPT, ignore nonproliferation conKorean nuclear situagreater indignation, particularly cerns related to Pakistan and simtion? Here again, the among the nonproliferation lobply accept a Sino-Pak relationship bies in the US, remains to be seen. US will be dealing with aimed against India as a fact of life, In this context then, American what will really sour the Indian mood a close Chinese ally declarations that the Sino-Pak deal will be the Assistant Secretary's reis now acceptable owing to iteration of China playing 'an importhat suffers from a Pakistan's own massive internal tant role' in the region. massive energy demand for electricity might be If the Bush administration mere posturing. Together with the could be credited with a sense of shortfall timing of the dropping of Amerithe long-term global good when it can objections, this raises larger cut the Gordian knot of unfair reguquestions of American sincerity stan, would be 'inconsistent' with lations that stymied India, as a rewith respect to Pakistan's legiti- Beijing's NSG commitments. While sponsible nuclear power, from acmate development goals. the US remains the world's preemi- cessing the full benefits of nuclear Why, for example, was the US nent military power in the world trade and commerce, then the not willing to acknowledge and still manages to rile the Chi- Obama administration's surrender Pakistan's massive energy short- nese simply on the strength of its before the Chinese on the Pakistan fall when talk of the Sino-Pak presence and ability to intervene nuclear deal can be termed the renuclear deal first came up? And in China's immediate neighbor- sult of a certain lack of spine. does this mean that the US itself hood, the acceptance of the SinoThe writer is Senior Research will be willing to enter into a civil- Pak nuclear deals indicates also Fellow, IPCS

India Post Cricket diplomacy

hen Pervez Musharraf says cricket diplomacy doesn't work, he is referring to the time when he was in saddle. If it didn't work in his time, it won't work now was his refrain in an interview in London on the eve of the India-Pakistan cricket World Cup semi-final at Mohali, India. Perhaps Musharraf didn't want it to work since he does not figure anywhere in the process. That is what happens to out-of-job dictators. But Musharraf did concede that cricket diplomacy helps facilitate the dialogue. He was referring to his own experience when he visited Delhi for an Indo-Pak cricket match and struck up a good equation with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Earlier, a similar but much bolder initiative by BJP Prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee yielded a bumper crop of peace for three years until Musharraf ran into trouble at home. Another Indian Prime Minister has made a bold political move using the occasion of an Indo-Pak sport to invite his Pakistani counterpart to witness the match. Manmohan Singh is no cricket buff. The last time he confessed to Musharraf that he doesn't understand cricket. But that doesn't take away form his political initiative. Apart form the hype, it has created a friendly ambience between the two countries. So much so that the bureaucrats of the two countries have taken the hint and have resolved a few issues. For one Pakistan has agreed to allow an Indian team to visit Pakistan to further the probe into the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack. Pakistan has also agreed to provide the voice samples of LeT handlers of the 26/11 attack, provided the Pakistani High Court permits. For its part, New Delhi agreed to Islamabad's proposal to discuss the findings that link the 2007 Samjhauta Express blast to right wing elements. At the highest level, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has responded with a magnanimous gesture of his own. He has remitted the remaining jail term of Indian convict Gopal Das, who has been imprisoned in Pakistan for 27 years. The family of Gopal Das will be extremely grateful to the leaders of India and Pakistan. The bold initiative of the Prime minister took even the Ministry of External Affairs mandarins by surprise. In private they were fussing this was interference in their domain. But in the end they were playing ball. This proves that political initiatives are necessary for important breakthroughs. It is the habit and training of bureaucracy to get bogged down in details. The opening provided by the PM frees up the dialogue teams, both from India and Pakistan, from pressure. And gives them direction to possible agreements. There are minor issues which were being held up due to cussedness on both sides, and also because there were few opportunities to meet and discuss. In the backdrop of the Manmohan initiative and hearty Pakistani welcome to it, agreements have been reached on several issues like liberalising the visa regimes on both sides encouraging people-to-people contacts. Although Party chief Sonia Gandhi has wholeheartedly endorsed the PM's initiative by going to the Mohali match, there is a risk involved in the gesture for the Congress party which is facing a crucial election in five states. Any communal polarisation taking place after the match could mar its chances at the hustings. If the political initiative succeeds it could do wonders for the Congress party. And it could also affect its chances if something goes wrong after the cricket encounter. But that doesn't take away from the boldness of a foreign policy move made by a Prime Minister beleaguered at home.

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