IndiaPost_04-24-2015_e-paper

Top Stories

V O I C E

O F

I N D I A N S

W O R L D W I D E

India Post www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK • WASHINGTON D.C. • CHICAGO • ATLANTA • CALIFORNIA

Hindu temple vandalized in Texas Details on page 9

US industrialists may invest in Telangana Details on page 9

Melinda visits Naxal village; meets PM Details on page 12

Salman's hitand-run case verdict on May 6 Details on page 10

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

Is China’s corrider through Pak a threat too India?

Last week’s result

Modi has changed the image of India?

YES 73%

NO 27%

VOL 20, No. 1075

April 24, 2015

50¢

Periodical Postage

CHINA SIGNS CORRIDOR THROUGH PAK DEAL 3000 km link to Gwadar port through PoK

ISLAMABAD: Brushing aside India's concerns, China cemented its "all-weather ties" with Pakistan by agreeing to build a strategic USD 46-billion economic corridor through PoK as part of 51 deals signed, expanding the communist giant's influence in the region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled his country's biggest overseas investment - the ambitious 3,000 km-long China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during his historic maiden state visit to Islamabad.

A total of 51 agreements were signed in different fields, including infrastructure projects, energy generation, agriculture, education, telecommunications and research.

Of the 51, 30 agreements were linked to the strategic corridor, regarded as the biggest connectivity project between the two countries after Karakoram highway built in 1979.

Details on page 5

Rahul attacks 'suit-boot' govt in Lok Sabha Details on page 6

US SC rejects Rajat Gupta's appeal Details on page 9

Pak boat seized; 8 held with narcotics Details on page 9

AAP expels Yadav, Prashant from party Details on page 12

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 30-31 Classifieds ------------------------- 48 Community Post -------------- 16-26 Date Book -------------------------- 47 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-35 Horoscope ------------------------- 38 Immigration Post ------------- 44-46 Life Style ----------------------- 50-53 Philosophy ------------------------- 49 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 36-37

ALL-WEATHER FRIENDS: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif warmly receiving Chinese

TechBiz Post ------------------- 24-27

President Xi Jinping at Nur Khan airbase on April 20

Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

2

India Post

www.indiapost.com

April 24, 2015

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

India Post

3

4

India Post

April 24, 2015

India Post

IndiaNewsweekly Post

www.indiapost.com The Weekly Newspaper Serving Indians Worldwide

Romesh & Sunita Japra Publishers Rajesh Verma Co-Publisher Vikram Paul President Krishan Sharma Mg Director & Joint Editor Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor Naresh Sodhi General Manager Amit Saini IT Director Ghanshyam Bisht Supervisor Graphics SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY Vijay Thapar CPRO & Advertising Deepak Chhabra Promotions Priya Nayar Bureau Chief Sonia Sidhu Marketing Analyst Ritu Maheshwari Director Promotions Rakesh Kapoor Correspondent Ratika J. Paul Photo Journalist Neeloo Kapoor Photo Journalist Sudesh Kumari Correspondent Rama Mehra Advertising Vidya Sethuraman Correspondent Archana Asthana Correspondent Sujata Singh Correspondent Manasi Maheshwari Youth Correspondent Raaj D. Photo Journalist LOS ANGELES Mrs Shashi Trivedi Bureau Chief J S Bedi PR & Marketing Mrs Prem Kishore Sr Correspondent Greg Heffernan Correspondent Ms Bobby Sharma Correspondent Babeeta Kaur Dhillon Correspondent Pavan Kaur Bhatia Correspondent CHICAGO Ramesh Soparawala Resident Editor A Q Siddiqui Correspondent ST. LOUIS Ashwin Patel Correspondent NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY Pinky Kaur Bureau Chief Srirekha N. Chakravarty Correspondent Nikita Japra Correspondent Sukhvinder Saini Circulation ATLANTA Sanjay Saggere Bureau Chief FLORIDA B K Madnani CANADA Firdaus Ali Correspondent

Mission Statement To empower the Indian Diaspora and make their voice strong and effective in countries of their adoption. RJ Media conglomerate offers a credible, professional and complete package of news, opinion, entertainment, networking and information.

Publisher’s Diary

I

t was a foregone conclusion that Hillary Clinton would run for President and for those waiting for that official announcement, it came last week amidst much media fanfare where television news channels literally counted down the hours and minutes before the Clinton campaign launch video was aired. It is akin to the celebrity trackers counting the hours for British royalty Kate Middleton to go into labor.

Well, I don't blame the mainstream media for going overboard with their hype because there is nobody else high profile enough to talk about at this time in the presidential race, be it among the Republicans (any takers for Governor Jeb Bush?) or an alternative among the Democrats.

Clinton should not take her popularity for granted though. There are many who question her capability without giving her the benefit as the potential first woman president of America. Putting homegrown cynics aside, it is interesting to note how popular she is in some parts of the world, especially in India. As a country that is accepting of women leaders in the likes of Sonia Gandhi, Jayalalitha, Mayawati, the late Indira Gandhi and so on, seeing Clinton as President of America comes easily to Indians. Some of her legislative actions vis-à-vis India were redoubtable, but there is no doubt Clinton shares an uncanny bond with India. Note: Her prominent campaign advisers are Indian American women, Maya Harris and Neera Tanden.

Clinton also has a lot of friends among Indian Americans and needless to say her campaign coffers will be generously pumped up by them. No future American President can ignore India or do business in the world without including India in the equation. The advantage with Clinton is that she does not have to introduce herself anew to either Indian Americans or India. They know and understand each other well enough.

All fine, but I wonder about the relationship she is likely to share with Prime Minister Modi, if she is elected to Oval Office. Well, it's still 2 years away and if the Modi Magic hasn't faded by then, we'll see who will charm who. Chai per charcha, anyone?

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

BOSTON Gope Gidwani Bureau Chief DETROIT Ashok B Jain, M D Bureau Chief Gurminder Singh SAN DIEGO Neelu Bhardwaj Bureau Chief SACRAMENTO Madan Sharma Bureau Chief Janak Sidhra Correspondent Upen Shukla Correspondent CENTRAL VALLEY (CA) Dr Ram Saini Bureau Chief Sheila Rogers Correspondent YUBA CITY (CA) Satnam Tatla Correspondent CAROLINAS Nalini Raja Patel Correspondent INDIA Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor & Bureau Chief NEW DELHI Vijender P Shah Graphics Jitender Singh Rawat Graphics PUNJAB Shiv Japra Bureau Chief Anil Kanwar Senior Correspondent/ Marketing DOABA, PUNJAB Romesh Kaura Correspondent HYDERABAD M Sagar Kumar Bureau Chief MUMBAI Nidhi Soparawala Correspondent Frank Fernandes Correspondent VADODARA, GUJARAT Vaidehi Patel Correspondent India Post (ISSN-1064-3868) is published weekly for $30 for 52 issues yearly by India Post, 1860 Mowry Ave # 200 Fremont, CA 94538. Periodicals postage paid at Norwalk, CA and additional mailing office.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the corporate headquarters: 1860 Mowry Ave # 200 Fremont, CA 94538 Copyright © 1994 Indamec, Inc. DISCLAIMER India Post assumes all advertisers to be reliable and responsible for all liability for their claimers

INFO-CENTER CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 1860 Mowry Ave # 200 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-565-9993, Fax: 510-790-2806; E-mail: priya@indiapost.com E-SUBSCRIPTION: Priya Nayar Tel: 510-565-9993; E-mail: priya@indiapost.com Classifieds: Tel: 510-938-8668; E-mail:classifieds@indiapost.com or Tel: 510-565-9993, E-mail: priya@indiapost.com Graphics Inquiry: Tel: 510-936-9490; E-mail: ghanshyam@indiapost.com For Editorial: Priya Nayar Tel: 510-565-9993; E-mail: priya@indiapost.com

For advertisement rates call the office nearest to you: SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY 1860 Mowry Ave # 200 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-938-8667 e-mail: nareshsodhi@gmail.com Priya Nayar: 510-579-2760 e-mail: priya@indiapost.com

LOS ANGELES 16224 Alpine Pl. La Mirada, CA 90638 Tel: 562-441-5511, shashi19@yahoo.com

CHICAGO

2543 W Devon Ave Chicago IL 60659 Tel: 773-973-7394; Fax: 773-973-7396; Email: sramesh@aol.com

NEW YORK Tel: 908-338-3752 (Marketing) Tel: 732-283-4939 (Editorial) E-mail: indiapost2000@yahoo.com

NEW JERSEY 21 Longfellow st., Carteret, NJ 07008 Tel: 732-969-1114; Fax: 732-969-3735 E-mail: indiapost2000@yahoo.com

BOSTON Tel: 617-298-9200; Fax: 617-298-1104 GOPE; E-mail: ggidwani@aol.com

HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Naughty Boss Given his string of affairs, it is the 'Bigg Boss' personality Elli Avram that Salman Khan is now supporting.

Cover Story: China-Pak deal Chinese President Xi Jinping unveils 3,000 km- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor during his visit to Islamabad.

Community: Alcohol exposure A new center at Illinois University led

by Subhash Pandey will study the effect of long-term alcohol exposure on genes

Special hearing A 5th Circuit Court of Appeals panel held a special hearing in a case that is holding up Obama's immigration action.

Life style: Gandhi in Delhi It was one hundred years ago on April 12 that Mahatma Gandhi stepped foot for the first time in Delhi.

TORONTO, CANADA Tel/Fax: 416-744-8610 DELHI Jin Kushal Suri Complex, 3rd Floor, 230-A, Masjid Moth, (NDSE Part-II) New Delhi - 110049 Tel: 11-26257769 / Fax: 11-46142969 E-mail:delhi@indiapost.com MUMBAI • Fernandes Mansion Tam Taloa, Bassien (W) Mumbai Tel: 09619 330159

Techbiz:

VADODARA

Travel:

E-mail: v_patel83@yahoo.com Tel: 011 91 98797 79976

For editorial, contact: editor@indiapost.com or call 510-797-7799

5 16

Immigration:

ATLANTA 67 Peach Tree Dr., Ste. 102, Buckhead Atlanta, GA 30309, Tel: 404-425-3021 E-mail: sanjay@eBolo.com FLORIDA 8401 West Sample Road 30, Coral Springs, Florida - 33065

• Vaidehi Patel 31/32 J\Jaysantosi Nagar Society, behind Utkarsh Petrol Pump, Karelibaug, Vadodara-390018. Gujarat (India)

30

Era of growth With the installation of the Modi Government, India has entered an era of renewed economic growth & development

Munsiyari Munsiyari in Uttarakhand is fast becoming an important destination among many trekkers and mountain climbers

44 50 24 40

Cover/Top Stories

April 24, 2015

India Post

5

www.indiapost.com

China signs corridor through Pak deal 3000 km link to Gwadar port through PoK ISLAMABAD: Brushing aside India's concerns, China cemented its "all-weather ties" with Pakistan by agreeing to build a strategic USD 46-billion economic corridor through PoK as part of 51 deals signed, expanding the communist giant's influence in the region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled his country's biggest overseas investment - the ambitious 3,000 km-long China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during his historic maiden state visit to Islamabad.

A total of 51 agreements were signed in different fields, including infrastructure projects, energy generation, agriculture, education, telecommunications and research.

Of the 51, 30 agreements were linked to the strategic corridor, regarded as the biggest connectivity project between the two countries after Karakoram highway built in 1979.

It will shorten the route for China's energy imports from the Middle East by about 12,000 kms.

The CPEC will link China's underdeveloped far-western region to Pakistan's Gwadar deep-sea port on the Arabian Sea via PoK through a massive and complex network of roads, railways, business zones, energy schemes and pipelines.

The corridor - expected to be ready in three years and provide about 10,400 MWs of electricity gives China direct access to the Indian Ocean and beyond.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who along with Xi witnessed the agreements signing ceremony after holding talks with him earlier, said the two countries decided to increase regional and economic cooperation and that it considers China's security as important.

"I have assured Xi, China's security is as important to us as Pakistan's security," Sharif said, adding: "Friendship with China is the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy."

"Today, we have planned for the future," he added.

Xi - who is also the General Secretary of the ruling Communist Party - has undertaken his first foreign visit this year, choosing to go to Pakistan after postponing it earlier.

The Chinese President approved the project, said to be worth USD 46 billion, despite serious security concerns in China's restive Muslim-dominated Xinjiang province as well as the Taliban threat in Pakistan.

The CPEC is part of the mega Silk Road project initiated by China to firm up its connectivity to Europe, Asia and Africa through roads and port networks.

of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China next month.

Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jianchao had played down India's concerns of it being laid through

strategic partnership of cooperation.

The two leaders unveiled plaques of eight projects to be undertaken in Pakistan with Chi-

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attend a press conference after their talks in Islamabad, Pakistan

Pakistan hopes the investment - the initial focus of which is on electricity - will end its chronic energy crisis and transform the country into a regional economic hub by stabilizing its cashstrapped economy, that had forced it to seek loans from the World Bank and the IMF in the past.

Xi's trip is taking place ahead

the PoK, saying that it is a commercial project.

"The project between China and Pakistan does not concern the relevant dispute between India and Pakistan. So I do not think that the Indian side should be over concerned about that," Liu had said in response to a question.

China and Pakistan also upgraded bilateral ties to all-weather

nese assistance and performed ground-breaking of five projects through video-link.

Sharif welcomed Xi and referred to China as an "all- weather friend".

"There have been critical changes in China and Pakistan, and major regional and international development, but our ties have remained robust," he said.

"This corridor will benefit all provinces and areas in Pakistan, and transform our country into a regional hub and pivot for commerce and investment... This corridor will become a symbol for peace and prosperity," Sharif said.

He said President Xi visit was a watershed in the history of Pakistan-China relations that are "sweeter than honey and stronger than steel".

Xi said that his country was willing to help strengthen Pakistan economy and that the Economic Corridor would have an important bearing on national strategies and livelihoods of the two countries.

The two sides believe that the layout and construction of the corridor should take into account the interest of various regions of Pakistan so that the building of the corridor will benefit people, Xi said.

Earlier, reports said a defense agreement worth USD 4-5 billion for providing eight latest Chinese submarines to Pakistan was signed, more than doubling its fleet.

According to reports, the projected investments - USD 28 billion of which are due to be signed during the course of Xi's visit eclipse a US assistance package to Pakistan of USD 5 billion that began in 2010.-PTI

China praises Pak efforts for peace with neighbors ISLAMABAD: China has said it supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan and appreciates the country's efforts for peaceful resolution of all "outstanding issues" with its neighbors.

In a joint statement issued after Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the two sides said they believe that a peaceful, stable, cooperative and prosperous South Asia is in the common interest of all parties.

"The two sides are ready to work together for peace, development and cooperation among the South Asian countries so as to achieve enduring peace and common prosperity in the region," it said without mentioning India.

China reaffirmed its support and solidarity for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Pakistan and said it appreciates Pakistan's efforts for the peaceful resolution of all out-

Xi Jinping shakes hands with Army Chief Raheel Sharif after arriving at Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi

standing issues with its neighbors.

The two sides said they believe that their bilateral coopera-

tion is conducive to maintaining peace and stability and promoting common development and prosperity in the region.

The two sides believed that the security interests of Pakistan and China are closely interconnected.

Cont’d on page 8

6

Top Stories

India Post

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Rahul attacks 'suit-boot' govt in Lok Sabha NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi discussed during the first part of the BJP benches saying "your sharpened his attack on Prime the budget session. prime minister", which riled them.

Minister Narendra Modi, accusLater, he told reporters outside "He is nation's prime minister", ing his "suit-boot" government of the House that the government they hit back. being pro-industrialists while ig- had no answers to the questions "Yes, he is the country's prime noring the plight of farmers and he had raised in the House. His minister. Is he not your prime minfarm labor.

In the second attack after the farmers' rally speech in the capital where he slammed the Modi government of being anti-farmer and proindustrialists, the Congress leader made repeated jibes playing on the words 'ache din (good days) government' and 'suit-boot sarkar' and claiming it had failed.

"The ache din government has failed the country on the issue of farmCongress Vice President Rahul Gandhi speaks in the Lok Sabha in New Delhi on April 20 ers," he said in a 25minute speech accusing it of "ignoring" the farm- mother and Congress President ister", he retorted as the Congress ing community and favoring the Sonia Gandhi was also apprecia- benches thumped the desks to industrialists and rich people, tive of his speech. cheer their leader. which was a "blunder" as the farmThe speech was repeatedly inRahul said farmers are responers will 'harm" BJP in future. terrupted by BJP members, who sible for laying the "foundation" Making a rare speech, the Con- clashed with Congress members for whatever the country has gress Vice President, who was who got up to defend their leader. achieved but they are being igabsent in the House during the Parliamentary Affairs Minister M nored by the government. first part of the Budget session as Venkaiah Naidu had to intervene Taking digs at the Prime Minhe had gone on a mysterious 56- to calm down the treasury ister, he said Modi "should switch day leave of absence, took the benches, telling them let the de- over to the side of farmers and lafloor as the House resumed dis- bate continue without interrup- borers from that of high and cussion on the agrarian situation tion. mighty and industrialists" as it will in the country, which was partly At one point, Rahul addressed benefit BJP politically and harm

'PM brought land bill to pay back industrialists'

Congress President Sonia Gandhi and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi with Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wave to farmers during the farmers rally at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on April 19 Cont’d on page 8

NEW DELHI: The Congress launched an all-out attack on the government with Rahul Gandhi declaring that he would be in the

vanguard against any move to hurt farmers' interests and accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of bringing the land bill to "pay

back huge loans" taken from corporates in the Lok Sabha polls.

Cont’d on page 8

Congress.

"I will offer an advice to the Prime Minister. He will gain politically if he changes sides as farmers are over 67 per cent of population.

"You are making a blunder by harming farmers and laborers and they will harm you in future. If you switch over to their side it will help you and may harm us," he said.

Rahul said he has been wondering over the Prime Minister's policies, which were "affecting" farmers, since Modi knows the "political calculations" and has just won the elections.

"Then it occurred to me that the price of farmers' land has been rising and your corporate friends covet these lands.

You are weakening the farmers now and then use this axe of land ordinance to hit them," he said, charging that the government wanted to acquire land to help industrialists.

Amid continuous uproar and clashes between the treasury and opposition benches, Rahul cited figures to underline that farmers and agriculture are being ne-

glected under the NDA. He said the agriculture sector grew by only one percent during the 10-month-old Modi government and had grown by 2.6 per cent during the previous NDA government.

He accused the government of giving out contradictory figures about the damages suffered by farmers during the recent unseasonal rains and said BJP would function like this as it was used to speaking different voices.

At this, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh intervened to say that figures were different as the states had revised these.

Rahul said the 10-year UPA regime had ensured sharp rise in the MSPs of wheat, rice and sugarcane. While wheat MSP shot up from Rs 640 to 1400 per quintal and that of rice and sugarcane rose from Rs 560 and Rs 73 to Rs 1310 and Rs 220 respectively, he said.

During the present government, the MSP of wheat has been raised by only Rs 50, sugarcane

by Rs 10 and cotton by Rs 50, Gandhi said.-PTI

Modi projects his govt as pro-poor NEW DELHI: Accused of be- fare of the poor is close to his heart. ing pro-corporate, Prime MinisHe targeted former Prime Minter Narendra Modi has projected ister Rajiv Gandhi, in a veiled manhis government as pro-poor and ner, for having said that out of Re pro-farmers and lashed out at his one, only 15 paise reaches the critics for their "congenital habit" people, saying "you do not have of running down BJP. to only do analysis but treat the While refraining from speaking disease". about the land acquisition bill Modi, who was addressing the against which Congress orga- party MPs on the eve of the secnized a rally here, he made a spe- ond half of Parliament's Budget cial mention about his session, highlighted the schemes government's initiatives to benefit initiated by his 10-month-old the farmers, including the "bold" decision to pay compensation to "Some people have those who suffered in decided not to hear the recent rains by bringing down the cri- anything good, not to say teria of damage from 50 anything good and not to per cent to 33 per cent.

The only oblique see anything good� reference he made to the controversial bill was when he at- government and said these were tacked "perverted minds", includ- all intended to benefit the poor. ing a section of media, for "Hold your head high, be conwrongly projecting his speech in fident and tell the people what we Bengaluru during the party's Na- are doing for them and they will tional Council meeting earlier this laud you... All decisions I am takmonth. ing are for the welfare of the poor," Modi asked party MPs and he said at a meeting of BJP MPs. other workers to highlight the conCiting examples like drop in intrast between the work of previous flation and falling cement prices, governments and the NDA dispen- he said these were the result of sation in terms of their pro-poor his government's schemes which measures as he asserted that wel- had benefited the poor.-PTI

April 24, 2015

Top Stories

India Post

7

www.indiapost.com

BJP reminds Cong of its ordinance-spree NEW DELHI: Attacking the Congress for spreading "disinformation" against the government on the land bill, BJP has said the opposition's criticism on issuing ordinances was like "the devil quoting scriptures".

Bringing out the past record of previous Congress regimes, the ruling party said a record number of ordinances were issued during the time and the opposition parties had no right to accuse them of "murder of democracy" The BJP also armed its MPs with records of previous regimes on ordinances and asked them to "expose" those criticizing them before the crucial land bill is taken up for passage in Parliament.

"Congress party criticizing the Ordinance route is like a devil quoting scriptures. Their record is worse. They have issued ordinances umpteen number of times.

456 ordinances were issued in last 50 years," Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said.

He said while 77 ordinances were issued during Jawaharlal Nehru's time, as many as 77 ordinances were issued during six years of Indira Gandhi's regime, when three ordinances were issued every two months and 35 ordinances were issued during Rajiv Gandhi's time.

Govt hits back: Cong looted farmers for 10 years NEW DELHI: Hitting back at Congress after Rahul Gandhi's barbs, government has said the party was trying to bat for the farmers' interests after "looting" them for 10 years as it insisted that it was committed to provide relief those in distress.

Members from Congress and SP staged a walkout even as Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh rejected the charge that the government was pro-industrialists, saying the Opposition party is visualizing what it wants to see with "colored glasses".

Replying to a debate on agrarian situation in the country, Singh said the government had relaxed norms for compensation to farmers hit by the recent unseasonal rains and hailstorm which had affected 93.81 lakh hectares of farm land as per the latest reports.

"People who looted the farmers, they are now trying to stand for farmers' interest," Singh said that the NDA government will not allow the farmers to suffer and would adequately compensate them for losses.

"People who are talking for farmers now they are wearing colored glasses. They had mortgaged the country to the corporates.

Now they are accusing us of being procorporate.

Is Atal Pension Yojana for corporates?," Singh asked Earlier, countering the opposition, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said the government is committed to the interests of the farmers, poor people and rural people and told Congress to "have patience for five years".-PTI

"CPI-M-supported United Front regime issued 77 ordinances, three ordinances per

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu

month. Bills passed are only 61 and 77 ordinances were issued by the United Front government which was ably supported by the Communist party, which is taking objection to the issuance of ordinances, which was done after wider consultations after taking stakeholders into confidence," he said.

Reminding the Congress of its past, Naidu said, "There is a limit for disinformation. Falsehood cannot become truth by repeating it 10 times. Before criticizing us for 'murder of democracy', when you imposed emergency and put lakhs of people behind bars and stifled the media,

what is it called. You have forgotten all the past."

"Please do some homework before criticizing us. Their attitude is like going on a pilgrimage after committing a number of sins," he said, adding, "We are just reminding you that you also brought out".

Talking of the Gujarat model of development which the Congress is criticizing, the Union Minister said, "your own government conducted a study through DIPP which says 'Gujarat model has been recognized as the best practice'. This is DIPP report before 2014 elections." -PTI

8

Top Stories

India Post

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Xi lauds Pak for 'anti-terror crackdown' ISLAMABAD: Chinese President Xi Jinping lauded Pakistan for its anti-terror campaign, especially for its support in the crackdown on separatists in the restive Muslim-dominated Xinjiang province, at a time when India is pressing Islamabad to contain crossborder terrorism.

Xi, on a two-day historic state visit to "all-weather" ally Pakistan, addressed a joint session of Pakistan's parliament which is the first for any Chinese president.

Both China and Pakistan "share a common stake in security", Xi told parliament in a speech that was aired live nationally as he linked economic cooperation with security.

"Over the years Pakistan has overcome all kinds of difficulties and contributed greatly to the security and stability of China's western border areas and this is something that we shall never forget," Xi said.

He also praised Pakistan's antiterror effort, saying that Islamabad has always stood at the frontlines in the fight against terrorism and has made huge sacrifices to that end.

Xi's comments came as Pakistan vowed to step up cooperation in tackling terrorism.

"We will fight together to eliminate the menace of terrorism. Our joint efforts against terrorism have succeeded so far, but we have to intensify the efforts to achieve our goals," Sharif told parliament.

"Our defense ties are strong; and they are poised to become stronger in the years to come," he added.

Earlier, the Pakistani premier

termed China's security "as important to us as Pakistan's security" as the two countries upgraded their relations to "all-weather ties".

Interestingly, Xi's praise for Pakistan comes at a time when India is "extremely disappointed" with the country for letting 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind

China and said Islamabad stood

by Beijing at a time when the communist nation was isolated on the world stage.

He described Pakistan as China's "dependable" friend as he announced long-term support for the cash-strapped country's economic development.

The two countries should sup-

lawmakers after his speech, said the ambitious USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has offered Pakistan a "historic development opportunity".

"Today Pakistan has a historic development opportunity.

Prime Minister Sharif has crafted the vision of the Asian

Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses the Parliament in Islamabad on April 21

Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi walk free earlier this month.

India said the decision "eroded" the value of assurances repeatedly conveyed to it by Pakistan on cross-border terrorism.

Xi, also the General-Secretary of ruling Communist party, lauded Pakistan for standing with China from the earliest days of founding of the People's Republic of

port each other's core interests, Xi said, noting that China firmly backs Pakistan's territorial integrity. Xi said China and Pakistan will always move forward together and the Chinese people will always stand shoulder-toshoulder with the Pakistani people.

The Chinese president, who received a standing ovation by

'PM brought land bill to pay back industrialists'

tiger dream. It outlines a great blueprint for Pakistan," Xi said as he wrapped up his first foreign visit this year.

This is also the first trip by a Chinese president to Pakistan in nine years, that saw as many as 51 agreements signed between the two sides.

In a joint statement issued after Xi's meeting with his Paki-

China praises Pak efforts for peace with neighbors Cont’d from page 5

Cont’d from page 6

While Sonia Gandhi accused the government of rubbing salt on the wounds of the farmers hit hard by unseasonal rains and hailstorm, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the new land bill was nothing but an attempt to weaken the 2013 Act that was aimed at empowering the farmers.

At a well-attended rally here which was seen as a platform to project Rahul, the Congress leadership vowed to fight tooth and nail the attempts by the Modi dispensation to weaken the farmers and benefit the "industrialists".

The thrust of Sonia, Rahul as also Manmohan Singh was that

Modi led people, including farmers, up the garden path before last year's polls and now was bring-

Rahul, who returned to public life after a two-month absence, slammed Modi for his comments during the just-concluded foreign visit in which he had talked about ‘cleaning up the mess’ ing anti-farmers policies.

"Enough is enough," said Sonia Gandhi.

Rahul, who returned to public

life after a two-month absence, slammed Modi for his comments during the just-concluded foreign visit in which he had talked about "cleaning up the mess", saying the remarks on foreign soil against previous governments does not behove the post of Prime Minister.

"I will tell you how Modi ji won the election. He took loans of thousands of crores from big industrialists from which his marketing was done," Rahul said at the farmers' rally at Ramlila ground here.

"How will he pay back that loan now? He will do it by giving your land to those top industrialists. He wants to weaken the farmers, then snatch their land and give it to his industrialist friends," he said.-PTI

stani counterpart Mamnoon Hussain and Sharif, China reaffirmed its support and solidarity for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Pakistan.

China also said in the statement that it appreciates Pakistan's efforts for the peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues with its neighbors, without mentioning India.

The CPEC was launched despite serious security concerns in China's restive Muslim-dominated Xinjiang province as well as the Taliban threat in Pakistan.

Muslim separatists from Xinjiang, some of whom have been trained in terror-training camps in Pakistan, have been waging a low-intensity insurgency against Chinese rule in resource- rich northwest region.

China is worried about the separatists, who it blames for a series of deadly attacks across the country.

During his address, Xi referred to the assistance offered by the two countries to one another in the events of natural disasters.

He said he brought warm greetings and best wishes to the "brotherly people of Pakistan" on behalf of the 1.3 billion people of China during his first visit to Pakistan.

"Pakistan and China's struggles have brought their hearts and minds together," he said.

He outlined the vision of Chinese development and said that China wants to go ahead by forging "win-win" cooperative deals with other countries, especially neighbors.-PTI

"They will actively advocate the Asian security concept featuring common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security," the statement said.

"In fact, friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and China serve the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, and contribute to peace, stability and development in the region and beyond," the two sides said in the statement.

Earlier in the day, China said its role in ties between India and Pakistan is to "promote peace talks" between them that will benefit all parties in the region.

The two nations also reaffirmed their commitment to multi-

lateral non-discriminatory arms control and non-proliferation endeavors.

They agreed to continue bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy under IAEA safeguards, in line with their respective bilateral and multilateral commitments.

China said appreciates and supports steps taken by Pakistan towards its mainstreaming into the global non-proliferation regime.

In this context, China welcomes Pakistan's engagement with the Nuclear Suppliers Group, and is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Pakistan, the statement said.

Pakistan said it supports China in elevating its relations with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.-PTI

Top Stories

April 24, 2015

India Post

9

www.indiapost.com

Another Hindu temple vandalized in US WASHINGTON: A Hindu temple in the US has been vandalized with nasty images spraypainted on its walls, the latest such incident in the country.

The number '666' and an upside down cross was spray-painted on

the door of the temple in Old Lake Highlands, north Texas.

Krishna Singh, who is on the temple's board, said they discovered the graffiti last week.

"That was a big shock,

really...The whole thing has been very disturbing to the community," CBS Local quoted Singh as saying. Dallas police sent out detectives with the gang unit who are still searching for suspects.

Now devotees will build a

fence around the entire property to keep vandals out.

Both Hindus and non-Hindus have offered to help the temple clean the damage.

This is the third such incident

in the US in three months.

Two temples were vandalized in Washington State in February.

On February 15, unidentified miscreants sprayed 'swastika' and painted "Get Out" on one of the walls of the Bothell Hindu Temple

in the Seattle Metropolitan area.

On February 26, vandals used bricks to break several windows and then painted the word "fear" on the wall of a Kent Hindu Temple. -PTI

US SC rejects Rajat Gupta's appeal NEW YORK: In a setback to India-born former Goldman Sachs director Rajat Gupta, the US Supreme Court rejected his appeal to overturn his conviction on insider trading charges and upheld his two-year prison term.

The IIT and Harvard-educated 66-year-old former McKinsey head - Currently serving a two-year jail term on insider trading charges in a federal prison in Ayer, Massachusetts - had appealed in the apex court against his 2012 conviction.

Gupta had filed a reply in federal court here last week in support of his motion to vacate his sentence, saying his friendship with jailed hedge fund founder Sri Lankan national Raj Rajaratnam did not prove he received personal gain by passing on classified information.

He was convicted by a jury of passing confidential boardroom information to Rajaratnam that ordered him to make USD 6 million in restitution to Goldman and pay a USD 5 million fine.

Gupta - the highest-ranking corporate official to be convicted in the US government's multi-year probe of insider trading in the hedge fund industry - is scheduled to be released from prison in March, 2016.

The ruling came after an appeals court upheld his conviction in March last year.

In the March, 2014 ruling, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit had said that it had considered all of Gupta's argu-

US industrialists may invest in Telangana HYDERABAD: A delegation of the US-India Business Council has expressed interest to invest in Telangana, especially in the pharma, healthcare, IT and infra sectors, when it called upon state IT and Panchayat Raj Minister K T Rama Rao here.

The delegation was led by the US-India Business Council's (USIBC) executive vice-president Diane Farrell, a government release said.

The visiting team appreciated government's initiatives in the last 10 months, it said.

"The minister explained state's efficient and innovative industrial policy (and)...especially made a reference to Right to Clearance under the historic TSiPASS single-window clearance system where any investor can get all

US India Business Council (USIBC) delegation led by executive vice-president Diane Farrell with IT minister KT Rama Rao in Hyderabad on April 20

clearances in a stipulated time of 15 days," the release said.

It added that the minister also explained the merits of Hyderabad city for investments into various sectors.

"Telangana government's thrust areas would be aerospace, pharma fields apart from ITEC industry and the government is keen on to making the state a worldclass investment destination," the release quoted Rama Rao as saying.

The minister also explained a few initiatives by the government in IT industry like T-hub, game city and TASK. "Diane Farrell informed the minister that it is looking forward for the long-term association with Telangna state," the release said.

-PTI

Rajat Gupta

ments on appeal and "found them to be without merit".-PTI

Pakistan boat intercepted; 8 held, narcotics seized AHMEDABAD: A suspicious boat carrying narcotics worth around Rs 600 crore was seized and eight Pakistani nationals onboard were apprehended from international waters off Gujarat coast, in a joint operation by the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard.

"In a closely coordinated operation undertaken by the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, a boat carrying a large quantity of narcotics was apprehended in international waters, off the coast of Gujarat. The operation also resulted in apprehension of eight Pakistani nationals manning the boat," a statement from the Defense Ministry said.

"The boat was intercepted and apprehended by Indian Coast Guard ship 'Sangram', whilst Indian Navy ship 'Kondul' provided support to the entire operation.

The initial investigations have led to the recovery of 232 packets of narcotics (suspected to be heroin and worth up to Rs 600 crore in the international markets)," it said.

Satellite communication phones and Global Positioning Systems (GPS), which were being used to facilitate transshipment of the contraband to another boat, were also confiscated, it said.

The operation was launched on April 18 after receiving intelligence inputs. It was conducted in close coordination of the western command of Indian Navy along with north-west regional headquarters of the Indian Coast Guard, it said.-PTI

10 India Post

Top Stories

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Salman's hit-and-run case verdict on May 6 MUMBAI: The fate of Bollywood actor Salman Khan would be decided on May 6 when a sessions court will give its verdict in the hit-and-run case in which he is charged with killing one person and injuring four by ramming his car into a bakery shop in suburban Bandra 13 years ago.

Judge D W Deshpande declared the date of the verdict, a day after the prosecution and defense concluded arguments in the trial which was conducted afresh after a Magistrate added the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and referred the case to the sessions court.

The culpable homicide offence, which provides for punishment up to 10 years, is

triable by a sessions court and not by a Magistrate. Earlier, the Magistrate was trying Khan for rash and negligent driving, an offence under IPC which attracts punishment up to two years.

49-year-old Khan pleaded he was not driving the car at the time of mishap and that his driver Ashok Singh was behind the wheel. This has been corroborated by Singh who appeared as defense witness.

However, prosecution alleged that Khan was driving after having 'Bacardi Rum' in a bar. The actor, on the other hand, argued he was having a glass of water and not alcohol.

While prosecution pleaded that there

were three persons in the car Salman, his police bodyguard Ravindra Patil and singer friend Kamal Khan, the actor argued that there was a fourth person and he was Ashok Singh.

The defense lawyer also argued that the post-mortem report of the deceased suggested that he had crushing injuries and it had been caused when a crane could not lift the heavy SUV in one go and dropped it on victims.

Khan's lawyer argued that the evidence of Ravindra Patil, an eyewitness, should be discarded as he had passed away and was not available for cross examination. On the other hand, the prosecution argued his evidence should be considered as he had seen Khan driving the car and was a key witness.

Patil had said in his statement that he had warned Khan not to drive rashly or else he would meet with an accident. He had also said that Khan was under the influence of liquor.

A court had in 2013 framed charges in a fresh trial against Khan for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

The prosecution examined 27 witnesses to prove its case.

According to the prosecution, Khan's rash driving claimed the life of Nurullah Mehboob Sharif and injured Kalim Mohammed Pathan, Munna Malai Khan, Abdullah Rauf Shaikh and Muslim Shaikh.

A court had in 2013 framed charges in a fresh trial against Khan for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

The prosecution examined 27 witnesses to prove its case However, Khan claimed that he was not driving the Toyota Land Cruiser and it was his driver Ashok Singh who was behind the wheel.

The prosecution also alleged that Khan was driving the car without holding a license. It produced RTO records to show that the actor had procured a license only in 2004, two years after the mishap.

The actor, however, pleaded that this was not the first license obtained by him.

In a related development, Judge Deshpande disposed of an application filed

by Khan's lawyer Srikant Shivade seeking contempt action against police and two city newspapers for publishing news and photographs of an attempt made by Bandra Police Station to recreate the scene of crime.

Police drove a vehicle from J W Marriot Hotel to the accident spot at the same time the actor had allegedly done to prove that Khan had driven the car at a great speed to cover the distance.-PTI

April 24, 2015

India Post www.indiapost.com

NEWS on your desktop www.indiapost.com

11

Top Stories

12 India Post

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

AAP expels Yadav, Prashant from party NEW DELHI: Cracking the whip, AAP has expelled rebel leaders Prashant Bhushan, Yogendra Yadav and two others for antiparty activities and "gross indiscipline", two days after issuing a show-cause notice to them.

The decision to sack them from the party was taken by the national disciplinary committee which said it was not satisfied with the response it got to the showcause notice.

"The party's national disciplinary committee has taken a decision to expel Prashant Bhusan, Yogendra Yadav, Anand Kumar and Ajit Jha. They were expelled for gross indiscipline, anti-party activities and violation of code of conduct of the party," said party spokesperson Deepak Bajpai.

The rebels were given showcause notice on April 17 to explain the reason for organizing 'Swaraj Samwad'.

Bhushan was charged with working for party's defeat in the Delhi assembly polls. He was also charged with supporting AWAM, a break away group of the party.

Three of them responded to the notice but Jha did not.

In their response to the notice,

the rebels accused party Chief Arvind Kejriwal of "gross violation" of its constitution and attacked two members of its disciplinary panel for allegedly doing a "planted" story and accepting

Bhushan and Yadav questioned its locus standi for seeking their reply, saying the panel was formed after the "illegal" and "unconstitutional" meeting of the party's National Council on March 28.

AAP leaders Sanjay Singh, Kumar Vishwas and Ashutosh addressing a press conference in New Delhi on April 21

donations from dubious firms.

Responding to show-cause notices issued by AAP's National Disciplinary Committee (NDC),

AAP said in a statement," National Disciplinary Committee met on April 20 at VP House to decide on the complaints against

Melinda Gates visits Naxal village; meets PM NEW DELHI: Melinda Gates, co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, made a courtesy call on Prime Minister

Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan, Anand Kumar and Ajit Jha. "On the request of the respondents, the Committee had earlier extended the deadline for submit-

understand about role of community organisation in supporting livelihood of women. The women empowerment drive in Torpa is being carried out by Pradan, a leading NGO. At Ranchi airport she said that she was impressed by the role of self-help groups in empowering women.

"Jharkhand is a place where women need to be empowered and community can act as a driving force," she said.

At Torpa she interacted with the family which has adopted intercropping with technical support from Pradan. The family informed Melinda that they have earned Rs.1.5 lakh during the past five years of adopting intercropping on a two acre plot. Sources Melinda Gates, Co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on April 20 in the NGO said that she was impressed to see Narendra Modi on April 21, an reached Ranchi by a chartered Mango orchard and watermelon official release by PMO said. flight. being cultivated in the same plot.

"Melinda Gates appreciated A statement by the BMGF Spending a long time on the farmthe Prime Minister's pro-poor ini- read, "The Jharkhand visit of ers field Melinda met the women tiatives, especially with regard to Melinda Gates‌ was an oppor- who have taken up goatery, hortiSwachh Bharat and the Pradhan tunity to learn more about self- culture and collective lac culture.

Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana," it added. help groups as a platform for sup- She was told that Torpa block has Earlier, on Sunday April 19, porting those who depend on ag- nearly 800 women SHGs which Melinda Gates visited a Left-wing riculture for their livelihoods." indirectly engage 15 families each extremism-hit village in She was here on a 'learning trip' bringing about a change in the Jharkhand's Khunti district. to tribal village in Torpa block to local economy. -PTI Melinda, who, earlier this year, was awarded the Padma Bhushan along with her husband, Microsoft founder Bill Gates,

ting their explanations by one day, that is, to 3 PM on April 20.

"However, the committee received the responses of Yadav, Bhushan and Kumar while Jha failed to furnish his response within the prescribed time."

The Committee carefully considered responses furnished by Yadav, Bhushan and Kumar and found them "unsatisfactory", the

in stipulated time despite sufficient time to his disposal.

"After examining the evidence put before it, the Committee is of unanimous view that Ajit Jha is also guilty of gross indiscipline and indulging into anti-party activities.

"The Committee, therefore, has decided to expel all the four members from the party," said the party statement.

Bhushan and Yadav were removed from AAP's Political Affairs Committee (PAC) on March 4.

Both the camps - one headed

by Kejriwal and second by the rebel duo - resorted to talks, but the negotiations failed after which Bhushan, Yadav, Anand Kumar and Ajit Jha were removed from National Executive, AAP's highest decision-making body.

The rebel leaders had then organized Swaraj Samvad convention on April 17. Falling short of declaring a new political outfit, the rebel camp announced starting of Swaraj Abhiyan across the country.

Bhushan and Yadav were among founder leaders of AAP. The activist-lawyer had raised several anti-corruption issues and was a key-aide of Kejriwal since the Anna movement while Yadav went on to become party's chief spokesperson and had chalked out its policy on various issues.

Yogendra Yadav & Prashant Bhushan

statement said.

The party said that the rebels indulged in anti-party activities.

"The Committee reached the unanimous conclusion that Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan and Anand Kumar had indulged in gross indiscipline and anti-party activities.

"They have violated the Code of Conduct detailed in Article VI A (a) of Party's Constitution. The Committee is of the view that Ajit Jha failed to furnish his response

Meanwhile, reacting to the AAP's decision, Anand Kumar said that the party is reducing itself into a "supremo worshipping" outfit.

"I feel disappointed for the lack of courage and incapacity to face the truth among the top leaders of the AAP. "Their opportunism for power is rapidly reducing AAP into a supremo worshipping outfit which may become part of routine politics," he said. -PTI

Top Stories

April 24, 2015

India Post

13

www.indiapost.com

Jaitley attends Vaisakhi celebration in US

WASHINGTON: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar attended a colorful Vaisakhi celebration organized by the Indian embassy here for the local Indian-

American community.

"You are far away from India, but you carry the spirit here," Jaitley told Indian-American community on the lawns of the official residence of the Indian Ambassador to the US.

Vaisakhi, besides being the festival of harvest, has been one of the most auspicious days, a day identified with the formation of Khalsa, he said, adding that the festival has significance with the

Ambedkar victim of 'political untouchability': Modi NEW DELHI: Describing B R Ambedkar as a victim of "political untouchability", Prime Minister Narendra Modi has credited the key architect of the Constitution for his own growth from humble background.

He said it would be disrespect for Ambedkar if he is only viewed as a "messiah" of the oppressed and the downtrodden and added that the first Law Minister of the country had worked for the welfare of the entire humanity.

"Personally, I think had Ambedkar not been there, where would have been Narendra Modi?" the Prime Minister said.

Attacking successive opposition governments at the Centre for not giving due respect to Ambedkar, he said the social reformer faced social untouchability in his life and was also facing "political untouchability after his death...governments which were formed due to the Constitution framed by Ambedkar perhaps had problems in finalizing plans for the Dr Ambedkar International Centre."

He said when supporters of Ambedkar thought of establishing the Centre in 1992, the files kept moving back and forth for over 20 years.

"When the responsibility came upon me, I was perturbed why this (delay) has happened. But I decided that while 20 years have been wasted, the project should be completed in 20 months," Modi said at the foundation stone lay-

ing ceremony of the Centre on Janpath.

Modi said "in a way" the memorial centre is also a "victim" of political untouchability.

In an attack on rival political parties, Modi said people who have not read Ambedkar's works

hours by taking up the issue with British administrators.

The Prime Minister said there was not even a trace or hint of malice in the Constitution of India despite the intense social abuse Ambedkar had faced at every step of his life.

country's independence movement also. Speaking on the occasion, Javadekar greeted people and said Indian embassies across the world are "doing real cultural jobs" by networking with the people.

Maryland Secretary of State John Bapansmith presented a to Indian embassy Charge de Affairs Taranjit Singh Sandhu with a proclamation issued by Maryland on the occasion. -PTI

French aircraft-carrier heads for India NEW DELHI: French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, with about 12 Rafale jets on board, is arriving in India to take part in the 10-day naval exercise 'Varuna'.

The exercise, to be held off the Goa waters, will begin on April 23 and continue till May 3.

Defense sources said the French will also bring in two destroyers and one support ship, part of the Charles de Gaulle task force.

India will also deploy its aircraft carrier INS Vikrant along with other ships and aircraft.

The annually held Varuna naval exercise is an integral part of France--India strategic relation-

ship and consists of naval cooperation drills between the French and the Indian Navy.

This year's exercise will focus on theatre-level Indo-French military cooperation in aero-naval and anti-submarine warfare.

One of the attractions this year would be the naval version of Rafale fighter jets.

The Charles de Gaulle is carrying 12 Rafales and nine modernized Super Etendard fighters, both built by France's Dassault Company.

India had recently announced that it will buy 36 Rafales from France in fly-away condition. -PTI

India candidate for New Development Bank soon Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing during the foundation stone laying ceremony of Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, in New Delhi on April 20

are delivering discourse on his life.

"How will those not willing to embrace him will try to read his works?" Modi said.

Modi said while most labor reforms are attributed to the Left parties, it was Ambedkar who worked to ensure they get better rights at workplace way back in 1942. He said Ambedkar was behind brining down the working hours for laborers from 12 to 8

He said Ambedkar had created great independent institutions such as the Election Commission and Finance Commission in which the entire nation had immense faith even today.

"While we have implemented the decision of devolution of funds to the states, the root lies with institutions like the Finance Commission envisaged by Babasaheb," Modi said.-PTI

WASHINGTON: India is in the "final stages" of nominating candidate for the President's post of the USD 100-billion New Development Bank (NDB) to be headquartered in Shanghai, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has informed fellow members of the fivenation BRICS bloc.

"As regards the President of the Bank, we are in the final stages of nominating the candidate," Jaitley said at the meeting of BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors on April 16.

India will preside over its operations for the first six years, fol-

lowed by five-year terms for Brazil and then Russia.

The bank will be established

by BRICS countries.

India has ratified the provisions under the Bank and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA).

"We look forward to the ratification by all other countries," he said. The announcement about the bank was made in July last year at the conclusion of the VIth BRICS Summit at Fortaleza.

BRICS is a grouping of five major emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.-PTI

14

April 24, 2015

India Post www.indiapost.com

FOR ALL YOUR

TRAVEL NEEDS

SEEMA WORLD TRAVEL, INC.

INTERNATIONAL DOMESTIC

AIR INDIA AND ALL OTHER MAJOR AIRLINES.

PACKAGE DEAL TAJ TOUR-SOTC

One of the Oldest Travel Agencies in St. Louis

Competitive Rates & Confirmed Seats for All Major Airlines 10635 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132

Tel: (314) 423-9990 or (800) 55 SEEMA Fax: (314) 423-0391

CALL:

Sita Ram Patel @ 847-568-0535 New York (Hicksville)

AIRWING TRAVELS INC.

Tel: (516) 931 4600

Est. 1991 Toll Free: (866) 532 3413

New Jersey (Iselin)

Tel: (732) 658 5450

Lowest Fares / Confirmed Seats to INDIA & Other Destinations Worldwide Save upto 40% on First and Business Class OPEN 7 DAYS - Call or Email : AIRWINGTRAVELS@GMAIL.COM

Top Stories

April 24, 2015

India Post

15

www.indiapost.com

1330 pilgrims selected for Mansarovar Yatra NEW DELHI: With the addition of a new route through Nathula in Sikkim and a total of 1,330 pilgrims, the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to be the biggest ever, the selection draw for which was held here.

Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (ER&DPA) Sujata Mehta presided over the computerized draw of lots for the yatra for which around 2,500 applications were received.

Largest number of yatris would undertake the pilgrimage this year.

The preparations have been very meticulous and innovative. It has been done through a complete online system with dedicated response for fairness and transparency, she told reporters.

Immediate sms and emails were sent out to the ones whose names

The agreement provides for conducting the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nathula in addition to the existing Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.

However, the Lipulekh route will open earlier on June 8 through which a total of 18 batches with 60 members each will be sent. Five batches of 50 members each will be sent via the Nathula route.

According to officials, an Integrated Voice Response System were generated following the completion of the draw.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the new route via Nathula Pass in Sikkim will begin from June 18 for which India and China had signed a bilateral agreement during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit here in September last year.

Netaji family members to meet PM on May 17 KOLKATA: Family members of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose will meet Prime Minster Narendra Modi on May 17 and press for the declassification of secret files on Netaji lying with the central and state governments.

"We had written to the Prime Minister requesting for time to discuss the issue. A couple of

days back we received a letter from the PMO inviting us on May 17," Netaji's grandnephew Chandra Kumar Bose told PTI. Besides demanding declassification of the secret files, they will also request the Prime Minister to form a Special Investigative Team to look into the content of the secret files once they are declassified, Bose stated.

"We will request the PM to constitute an SIT with officials from the PMO, External Affairs Ministry, Intelligence Bureau (IB), senior journalist and a Netaji-researcher as members of the committee to look into the files," Bose

said. “So far all the committees formed by the government to probe Netaji's disappearance were bureaucratic panels and none of them could deliver a fruitful conclusion. We believe that there should be presence of non-bureaucratic persons in the panel," he said.

Surya K u m a r B o s e , Netaji's g r a n d nephew and elder brother of Chandra Bose had met Modi in Berlin earlier this month and sought declassification of all secret files amid a row over reported snooping on the leader's close relatives.

Meanwhile, Sugato Bose, another grand nephew of Netaji said, "This is an important national and historical issue and any attempt to politicize it will do a disservice to Netaji".

"I speak as a historian, a parliamentarian and as a member of his family," Bose, also an MP, said.

He further said, "It is unfortunate that the PM on his visit to Germany did not meet Netaji's closest surviving relative, his daughter".-PTI

(IVRS) which was set up earlier this year, has received more than 3,000 queries.

"The IVRS had an innovative call back feature. Over 500 call backs were made. All the applicants received unique registration number both by SMS and e-mail.

After the draw of lots successful applicants as well as wait listed applicants were informed both by SMS and e-mail," a statement said.-PTI

Desi News Free health fair in St Louis on May 9 ASHWIN PATEL

ST LOUIS: Free Community Health Fair will be organized by Hindu Temple of St. Louis & Mahatma Gandhi Center on Saturday May 9 from 8 AM to 1 PM The Health Fair seeks to provide the following services: • General health checkup for both men and women.

• Consultation for Hypertension, Diabetes, High Cholesterol, Heart, Diet, Depression and Memory • Vision screening and consultation.

• Orthopedic screening (Bone Densitometry) and consultation.

• Dental screening and education.

• Blood Drive: Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center in St. Louis.

• Laboratory screening for anemia, cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood glucose (must be fasting for at least 8 hours prior to blood test).

Service partly supported by Our Urgent Care Mahatma Gandhi Center is located at 717 Weidman Road, St. Louis, MO.

Nirankaris host 'Spiritualism and Women' conference PRAFULL LANDE & SANJEEV SAGAR

TRACY, CA: Sant Nirankari Mission (SNM), Tracy hosted a 2-day conference on Spiritualism and Women on March 28 & 29. It highlighted the relevance and importance of spirituality in women's day to day lives. Hundreds of participants from all over United States gathered for this two-day event. The program had cultural touch to it as well with skits, dances devotional songs performed by youth.

Details on page 21

For the Media, traditional values still matter LEE H. HAMILTON

I

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

16 India Post

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Details on page 23

Unique UIC center will study alcohol's effect on genes SN ULLAL

CHICAGO: Funded by a fiveyear, $7 million federal grant, the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine will create a new center, the first of its kind, to study the effect of long-term alcohol exposure on genes.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, one of the National Institutes of Health, has been awarded the funding to establish a Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics (CARE).

Subhash Pandey, UIC Professor of

and these changes have been linked to changes in behavior and disease.

Epigenetics plays a role in the development and persistence of neurological changes associated with alcoholism, says Pandey, who is director of neuroscience alcoholism research at UIC and research career scientist at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.

The CARE researchers will investigate how alcohol-related epigenetic changes influence gene

In a recent study using an animal model, Pandey and colleagues at UIC found that epigenetic changes resulting from exposure to alcohol during adolescence were associated with abnormal brain development and anxiety and alcohol preference in adulthood Psychiatry, will direct the center.

"Epigenetics" refers to chemical changes to DNA, RNA, or specific proteins, that change the activity of genes without changing the genes themselves. Epigenetic changes can occur in response to environmental or even social factors, such as alcohol and stress -

expression and "synaptic remodeling" - the networking of nerve cells to each other. They will also look closely at how these changes correlate with behavior, such as anxiety and depression, and whether epigenetics may play a role in the withdrawal symptoms that make abstinence difficult.

"This award will allow the College of Medicine to build on Professor Pandey's exemplary research on chronic alcohol use and alcoholism in addition to bolstering our leadership in understanding the causes of alcoholism as well as finding new ways to treat this devastating disease," said Dr Dimitri Azar, Dean of the University of Illinois College of Medicine.

In a recent study using an animal model, Pandey and colleagues at UIC found that epigenetic changes resulting from exposure to alcohol during adolescence were associated with abnormal brain development and anxiety and alcohol preference in adulthood. In earlier work, the researchers were able to show that reshaping of the DNA scaffolding that supports and controls the expression of genes in the brain may play a major role in alcohol withdrawal symptoms, particularly anxiety.

Several brain regions play a

crucial role in regulating both the positive and negative emotional states associated with alcohol ad-

Dr Subhas Pandey

diction. Pandey said the center will look at the circuitry involved in reward and pleasure, depression, cognition, and anxiety.

Cont’d on page 23

Air India shines through Yemen Operation A.Q. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: After the record evacuation from Kuwait, Air India has once again created history in human relief work. Beginning this

have been involved in poli-tics and policy-making for over 50 years, and as you can imagine I hold strong feelings about reporters and the media. They're not what you might think, however.

Far from considering journalists to be irritating pains in the neck - though I've known a few who qualified - I believe them to be indispensable to our democracy.

Details on page 19

Reflective Consciousness Looking at life in totality

Nukul Chand, Air India Manager, Chicago

month till April 9, Air India has not only evacuated all Indian workers safely from war torn Yemen, it has also rescued many foreigners, including Pakistanis.

The bravo operation was carried out by the commercial airliner with its team of civilian crew members. The Air India Chicago office

was agog with the pulse setting ongoing operation in Yemen.

Nukul Chand, Air India Midwest Manager, shared Air India relief operation story with an air of pride.

Air India has evacuated and brought home over 4600 Indians and 960 other nationals from 41 countries, including Pakistanis,

Air India plane in Yemen

from the war-ravaged Yemen's Sanaa airport. Operation Rahat was carried out with an Airbus A321 aircraft from Djibouti to Sanaa passing through Saudi Arabian air space. The last flight that carried 180 workers was like a commando operation.

Cont’d on page 19

Community Across America

April 24, 2015

India Post 17

www.indiapost.com

Top leaders attend GOPIO's business meet & Gala Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Global Organization of Persons of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Chicago Chapter's first Business Conference and Annual Gala was held at the Oak Brook Marriott Hotel on Saturday, April 18 with a good number of US political leaders, Consul General of India, business leaders, CEOs, & CFOs attending this event.

Among those who attended were Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, Indian CG Dr Ausuf Sayeed, Congressman Danny Davis, Former Illinois Deputy Treasurer Raja Krishnamoorthi, Illinois State Senators Don Kotowski, Tom Cullerton, Michael Noland; Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Padmasree Dr Bala Balachandran and Oak Brook Mayor Dr Gopal Lalmalani.

Gladson Varghese, President of GOPIO Chicago, welcomed guests and delivered the Presidential address outlining vision for GOPIO Chicago. He said that one of the aims is to provide a platform for business com-

Lamp lighting ceremony with dignitaries and executive Board

gresswoman Tammy Duckworth, Dr Ausuf Sayeed and Congressman Danny Davis.

This was followed with Raja Krishnamoorthi, Don Kotowski, Tom Cullerton, Michael Noland, Michael Frerichs, taking their turn lighting the ceremonial lamp.

In her remarks, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth praised the achievements of the Indian Diaspora in Chicago and urged them to build upon their success as profession-

Dignitaries: Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, Consul General of India Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Dr Gopal Lalmalani, Congressman Danny Davis, Senator Dan Kotowski, Senator Michael Noland, and Senator Cullerton

munity in Chicagoland for networking and learn about tax incentives for doing business in India. Savinder Singh, secretary of GOPIO Chicago served as the emcee and conducted the meeting.

Gladson's speech was followed by an address from Dr Ausaf Sayeed, who asked the Chicago area Indian community to work closely with the Indian Consulate to resolve

any problems that they may face in dealing with or doing business in India. He also outlined key steps that the new Indian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking to promote business with India.

This was then followed by the formal inauguration of the event with the lighting of the traditional Indian lamp jointly by Con-

A section of the audience

als, businessmen and entrepreneurs and get more active participants in the election process. Tammy, who hopes to be the next US Senator from Illinois, then introduced Raja Krishnamoorthi who intends to succeed Tammy as the US Representative from the Illinois 8th district. Raja urged Indian community members to vote and have their opinions count in the 2016 elections.

Cont’d on page 20

Community Across America

18 India Post

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Walter Koelz Exhibition reflects 1930 British India ELIZABETH VASULINGAM

CHICAGO: Carla Sinnapoli, curator and anthropologist at Asian Archaeology at University of Michigan, (UM), delivered a

gallery talk "Collecting Kashmir: The Expeditions of Walter N. Koelz" (1895-1989) here at Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art,

Hindu mantras open Nevada Senate & Assembly MADHU PATEL

NEVADA: Both Nevada Senate and Assembly opened with Hindu invocations on Friday, April 17 containing verses from world's oldest existing scripture.

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, delivered the opening prayers from ancient Sanskrit scriptures before the Nevada Senate and Assembly.

After Sanskrit delivery, he then read the English translation of the prayers. Sanskrit is considered a sacred language in Hinduism and is the root language of Indo-Euro-

Senators, Assembly-members, state employees and public were seen standing in prayer mode with their heads bowed down during these invocations.

Wearing saffron colored attire, a ruddraksh mala (rosary), and traditional sandalpaste tilak (religious mark) on the forehead, Zed sprinkled few drops of water from river Ganga of India, considered holy by Hindus, around the podium before the prayers. Zed presented a copy of Hanumanchalisa to Nevada Lieutenant Gov-

Just before the Hindu prayer in Nevada State Assembly, from left to right are: Nevada Assembly Speaker John Hambrick, Assemblyman Erven T. Nelson, Rajan Zed, Assemblywoman Teresa Benitez-Thompson and Assemblywoman Heidi Swank

pean languages.

Zed also recited from Rig-Veda, the oldest scripture of the world still in common use, besides lines from Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita . Reciting from Brahadaranyakopanishad, he said, "Asato ma sad gamaya, Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, Mrtyor mamrtam gamaya", which means "Lead us from the unreal to the Real, Lead us from darkness to Light, and Lead us from death to immortality."

Reciting from Bhagavad-Gita, he urged state Senators and Assembly-members to keep the welfare of others always in mind.

ernor Mark A. Hutchison, who introduced and thanked Zed in the Senate.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. There are about three million Hindus in USA. Nevada State Senate has 21 members while Nevada Assembly has 42 members.

Nevada, largest gold producer and 7th largest state, was admitted to USA in 1864. Also called "Silver State", Nevada is known for Las Vegas, Burning Man, Lake Tahoe, etc.

Brian Sandoval is Governor.

April 8, touching upon his contributions to ing pottery, wooden objects, sacred images, Indian art and architecture. sculptures, and textiles. With no formal trainKoelz was a UM research fellow en- ing in Asian art, he had an eye for quality, trusted in the 1930s with acquiring distinc- and amassed an impressive and valuable tive biological specimens and human arti- collection." Some of the Tibetan objects he facts for its museums through expeditions acquired have since gone out of use and in British India.

Many exotic items in the Blocok's "Collecting Culture Himalaya Through the Lens", companion exhibition and four in the main "Collecting Paradise: Buddhist Art of Anthropologist Carla Sinopoli from University of Michigan (L) poses before her Kashmir and gallery talk with Kathleen Bickford Berzock, Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Its Legacies" Block Museum, Evanston, Illinois. On the back wall hang Kashmiri shawls and along the right wall are biological specimens and artifacts from are from the the Koelz collections Koelz Collect i o n .

Sinopoli's talk addressed the Block's cen- are no longer recognized by lamas. tral concern of questioning the ethics beThe Indian assistant who made this alien hind collecting. "Koelz travel journal and world accessible was the native scion of an Tucci's published work demonstrates at impoverished princely family. "Capitalizing times prejudiced opinions and unscrupu- on Rup Chand's language skills and cultural lous collecting methods, which were ques- insights, they also acquired hundreds of tioned even in their day. objects, including the jewelry and textiles Seen through a contemporary lens, their in this room, and Buddhist sculptures and attitudes and actions provide an opportu- paintings," reads Chand's introductory nity to ask important panel. questions about Koelz began how and why art 'partnering' with this from one culture is 'Thakur' (aristocrat) collected by indialready during his viduals from another previous stay (1930culture," reads the 32) in Kulu at the introductory panel Urusvati Research to Collecting CulInstitute run by Rusture. sian theosophist "Koelz's journals Nicholas Roerich capture a callous atand his wife-mystic titude towards beHelena. Although a liefs, customs, and zoologist, the Amerithe economic diffican adventurer was culties in the region, hired as a botanist to recording how he investigate the meoften manipulated dicinal properties of situations to obtain Indian plants, often objects for which he messing up the repaid as little as possults. In the eventual sible," says his inbitter falling apart troductory panel. with the Roerichs, at Introduced by least partly due to Kathleen Berzock, his intimacy with Director of CuratoChand, the latter derial Affairs, Sinopoli cisively stuck with has published in Koelz.

Thakur Rupchand with Waltern Koelz, 2013 a work on From titular head University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Koelz's 1932-1934 (Rinpoche) of the Michigan, in the 1930s. -Pics courtesy Bentley Historical Library, University UM 18-month experegion's Gelugpa of Michigan dition and also tranmonasteries, Koelz scribed his scribbled managed to extract a journals. "The prolific diarist was an astute letter authorizing transfer of 15 scroll paintobserver of local life and customs, record- ings (tanka) from Likir monastery. Going first ing information on ethnobotany, pastoral to nearby Karsha monastery, he takes away a migrations, marriage patterns and local poli- wrathful protective deity abandoned in a heap tics. He was an avid collector of a range of still considered sacred.

Cont’d on page 21 craft goods and artistic products, collect-

Community Across America

April 24, 2015

India Post 19

www.indiapost.com

For the Media, traditional values still matter LEE H. HAMILTON

I

have been involved in politics and policy-making for over 50 years, and as you can imagine I hold strong feelings about reporters and the media. They're not what you might think, however.

Far from considering journalists to be irritating pains in the neck - though I've known a few who qualified - I believe them to be indispensable to our democracy.

Our system rests on citizens' ability to make discriminating judgments about policies and politicians. Without the news, information, and analysis that the media provides, this would be impossible.

So I am uneasy about some of the directions I see journalism taking these days. Reporters often seem to take what politicians and their handlers say at face value.

They look for winners and losers at the expense of nuance. They strive to give the appearance of even-handedness by creating a false balance between two sides that do not deserve equal weight.

They elevate politics, polls and personality over substance and measured analysis.

They slant the news. They engage in pack journalism. And they delight in spotlighting screw-ups, which might be entertaining to readers but shed no light on the underlying issues that could make government better if addressed.

I also worry about the increasingly sophisticated efforts by the government and powerful inter-

service of justice, asking questions, telling stories, and inspiring those in power and those who vote for them to do the right thing.

• It should be a check on power.

• It must hold tight to accuracy, intellectual honesty, rigorous reporting, and fairness.

• And journalists have a profound responsibility to serve as lie detectors. Journalists have to

be curious and skeptical and not buy into the conventional wisdom of the establishment.

In the end, my concern is that skeptical reporting and deeply informed investigative journalism are fading. We need more of them, not less. I want to see journalists digging deep into the activities of government, politics, business, finance, education, welfare, culture,

and sports. Our Republic depends on it.

Lee Hamilton is Director of the Center on Congress at Indiana University; Distinguished Scholar, IU School of Global and International Studies; and Professor of Practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

Vedic Day Care Center celebrates Ram Navmi HARISH RAO Lee Hamilton

ests to tell us only what they want us to know. The White House in particular - under Presidents of both parties - has become quite skillful at manipulating the press.

I believe that much contemporary journalism has come untethered from a set of traditional values that served the country well over many years: • Journalism needs to be in the

CHICAGO: The Vedic Day Care Center, a pre-school and kindergarten educational facility, celebrated its annual Ram Navmi function on Sunday April 12 with lot of enthusiasm and devotion.

Over 100 people attended the program. The children of the Vedic Day Care Center recited Bhagavad Gita slokas, sang nursery songs and performed folk dances. To accompany this extravagant display put on by the children was a play

Air India shines through Yemen Operation Aarti at the Ram Navmi celebrations Cont’d from page 16

The flight was piloted by Captain Rishabh Kapoor and Ashish Sharma and other crew members.

They were guided by Union Minister of State (independent charge) and former Indian Army chief V K Singh on board. The flight was at first refused permission to land at Sanaa Airport which was controlled by rebels. However, Captain continued pleading with

ter. And you care for everyone in a family". He also shared the Chicago flight success story. Air India Chicago non-stop flight to Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and other destinations is a favorite choice for travelers.

Amidst toughest market conditions with three major Middle East airlines operating from Chicago to all Indian destinations, along with other brand European carriers, Air India daily non-stop flight remains

Air India Chicago flight arrival and departure timings are also most convenient for travelers. It leaves at 1.30 pm from Chicago arriving 2.25 pm Delhi. Passengers are transferred to Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Amritsar within 2-3 hours.

Sanaa control tower for landing permission which was finally granted.

The heroic rescue operation has once again proved that Air India reaches for Indians wherever they are in trouble or in need. A smiling Nukul said, "For Indians abroad, Air India relation is a family mat-

the preferred choice by Indian Americans. Nukul claims, "Once you travel Air India from Chicago to India, you keep traveling Air India only. And there is more than one reason for that. Air India saves flying hours to any Indian destination compared to other airlines.

The food offered on board is deli-

cious and served according to flying hours. The economy seat configuration of 3+3+3 is more comfortable than other airlines. And for entertainment, Air India has room for every taste and plenty of games for the kids."

Air India Chicago flight arrival and departure timings are also most convenient for travelers. It leaves at 1.30 pm from Chicago arriving 2.25 pm Delhi. Passengers are transferred to Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Amritsar within 2-3 hours. They reach home for family dinner; clearing customs and immigration within minutes as no other international flights are landing at that time on most Indian airports.

All other airlines are simultaneously landing in mid-night hours at all major Indian airports making customs and immigration clearance through long queues.

The same happens when passengers reach Chicago from India at 9.30am.

There are fewer international arrivals at O'Hare airport early morning hours, facilitating Air India travelers' immigration and customs within minutes.

based on Lord Ram's pastime.

The director of the Center, Vrashabh Das, briefly enlightened the audience on the progress of the facility and gave a lecture on the significance of Ram Navmi. He said the Day Care Center is really appreciative of the generous donations made by parents of the

children. The Center decided to honor them showing its gratitude.

Amongst the many who financially supported the Center are: Dr C.M. Modi, Dr Agarwal, Navin Mehta, Kalpesh Patel, Valabbhai and Niruben Patel (Jai Hind Restaurant), Rupal Trivedi and Ashok Gandhi.

Vedic Day Care center children perform during Ram Navmi celebrations

Community Across America

20 India Post

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Glorious tributes to KL Saigal on his anniversary India Post News Service

CUPERTINO, CA: India Community Center at its Cupertino Branch organized a Special Birth Anniversary Memorial Event of the legend Kundan Lal Saigal, of India. It was attended in large numbers by members of the community. Two popular Ghazal Singers of SF Bay area, Praveen Chaddha and Piyush Nagar rendered some of the famous songs of Kundan Lal Saigal, a legend

natural singing the songs, with emotiveness and intense feeling were his great assets. The incredible feature about this great singer was that he had no formal training in any classical music from any preceptor. Yet, he was at the top in his field of art and was an inspiration to later singers and actors of the modern era.

Music was his life and soul.

He sang for himself, more like a Sufi saint, finding in music the most effective instrument, for sub-

KL Saigal

whose contribution to Bollywood music field from early thirties of the last century, was everlasting.

Saigal was an extraordinary singer and a shining star who shone with dazzling brightness for over a decade and half from 19301942. There were singers-actors of those days, but none had the charisma and appeal that matched which Saigal commanded.

His characteristic rich and reverberating voice, his unique diction and style of rendition, coupled with his inborn talent of

lime communion with the Ultimate. A great artist, a great man, Saigal belongs to the class of human beings who defy death.

He thus remains as an immortal singer.

Senior members of ICC Cupertino who had witnessed and listened in person to Saigal's Bollywood songs, considered it essential to celebrate his Birth Anniversary which fell on April 11, to promote his contribution in US as an actor-singer. Especially, this was more relevant, as

the America born Indian youth in US are unaware of this unforgettable legend who was popular not only in India but also abroad in Afghanistan, Iran, Kuwait, Nairobi, Tangiers, Jakarta and Fiji as also in many other countries.

Saigal had made an indelible impression on the music aficionados, universally in these countries, with his charming voice.

This special event was organized in association with Sangeet Dhwani, a community based organization in the SF Bay Area, which has been engaged in promoting the rich musical heritage of India over the last fifteen years.

Praveen Chaddha, who initiated the event with some of the choicest Saigal's songs gave a splendid performance, closely following the diction and nuances of Saigal.

The songs he had selected were; Soja Rajkumari Soja (movie Zindagi); Bazaar Se Gujara Hun Kharidar Nahi Hun; Main Kya Janoo Kya Jadu Hai (Zindagi); Apna Gham Bhool Gaye (Soordas); Babul Mora (Street Singer); Ye Na Bata Sakunga Mai; Gum Diya Mushkil (Shahjehan);.

Praveen mentioned that Saigal was a role model to some other older singer-actors like Surendra (of nostalgic movies), Mukesh, Mohd Rafi, Talat Mehmood and gave glimpses of their performance. It was Lata Mangeshkar who became the ardent music lover of Saigal and produced a special album paying tributes to Saigal.

The second Vocalist Piyush Nagar too sang some memorable songs of Saigal, such as Jab Dilhi Toot Gaya; Karu kya Aas Niras Bhayi; Ae Dil Ae Beqarar Kyun; Do naina mat wale tihare; Mujhe

na Sapno Main (sung by Jagmohan); Pyar par bus to nahin (Talat).

Followed by these singers was Harindra Vasvada, a senior ICC member who gave a splendid performance of two Saigal songs: Dukhake Ab Din Bitat Nahi (Devdas); Aye Quatib-E-Taqdrer (My Sister).

The members of the audience were spellbound by the enchanting voice of all these singers which they expressed with thunderous applause.

Further, It was a pleasant surprise that a lady Singer, Aanal Anjaria seated with the audience came forward to sing two songs: One of Lata Mangeshkar Raina Beeti Jaaye (Amar Prem) and Bol re Papihara (Guddi) (sung by Vani Jayram) who were very much in-

Saigal's famous song "Jag Mag Jag Mag Diya Jalao" based on Deepak Raag, sung in the well known Hindi Movie "Tansen" (1943).

Pradeep Joshi of Sangeet Dhwani and Dr GRK Murti, who had conceived the idea of organizing this special event, narrated some interesting features of KL Saigal' profile.

Music was his life and soul. He sang for himself, more like a Sufi saint, finding in music the most effective instrument, for sublime communion with the Ultimate. A great artist, a great man, Saigal belongs to the class of human beings who defy death. fluenced by the inimitable voice of Saigal. Her melodious voice was appreciated by the audience with wide applause.

Special thanks to Ustad Surinder Mann, an experienced Tabla Maestro of Bay area, who accompanied all the singers with his mesmerizing skill.

At the beginning, Shakuntala Bahadur welcomed members of the audience on behalf of the ICC, in her chaste Hindi, followed by a Shloka in Sanskrit (prayer) after which the traditional lamp was lit by the singers, as if to recollect

The event was very ably emceed by the Retired General of Indian Army Ravinder Chopra who quoted several anecdotes regarding the life and music career of Saigal. BV Jagadeesh, a member of the Board of ICC Trustees, appreciated the initiative of organizing an eventful program in the memory of a well known legend singer of India.

The sound system was well managed by Lal C.Khatri and Dilip Shah. Vote of thanks was proposed by Dr MK Rao, Program Coordinator in ICC Cupertino.

Top leaders attend GOPIO's business meet & Gala Cont’d from page 17

This was followed by speeches from Senators Don Kotowski, Tom Cullerton and IL Treasurer Michael Frerichs.

The keynote address was given by Padmasree Dr Bala Balachandran, former Dean of Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. He was in his elements and impressed all those present with his depth of knowledge about business processes and words of wisdom about life in general. He mentioned his keynote speech during his recent visit to Gujarat where he talked about Empowering Society through Innovation in Education.

Dr Gopal Lalmalani in his

A cultural presentation

speech asked the Indian community to start businesses in Oak

Brook and offered his full support to anyone in the Indian commu-

nity who wishes to do business with the village of Oak Brook.

The formal meeting was followed by cultural events that included dazzling dances from the various states of India. Musical performances were by Chetan Saini and Nipa Shah. The dances of India portrayed a brief glimpse of Indian art forms, namely Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Bhangra and Bollywood fusion styles.

Aananda Dance Theatre presented Thillana, Bharatanjanli Dance School presented Saraswati Slokam, Soorya Dance Academy performed a fusion dance and Men of Dance performed the vibrant Bhangra. The cultural events were emceed by Vikrant Singh and Shree Gurusamy. These were followed by a night of dinner, dancing and socializing.

April 24, 2015

Community Across America

India Post 21

www.indiapost.com

Nirankaris host 'Spiritualism and Women' conference PRAFULL LANDE & SANJEEV SAGAR

TRACY, CA: Sant Nirankari Mission (SNM), Tracy hosted a 2-day conference on Spiritualism and Women on March 28 & 29. It highlighted the relevance and importance of spirituality in women's day to day lives. Hundreds of participants from all over United States gathered for this two-day event. The program had cultural touch to it as well with skits, dances devotional songs performed by youth.

Mayor Pro Tem Robert Rickman was one of the dignitaries present and he expressed his pleasure being part of this conference. Another dignitary present was Honorable Teresa Cox, Trade Advisor to Obama Administration.

Teresa in her speech highlighted the necessity of women empowerment as there is still disparity between how women are treated compared to men at work, although

Highlight of the discussion was "Women empowerment". In order to make women empowered we need implementation of strict laws, education that gives awareness, and economic welfare. Attempts are being done but still

values. A woman at peace within herself has the power to maintain peace within her family.

Many of the SNM members also shared how mission has produced prominent women role models who were mothers, daughters,

own radio program. Giving various life examples she highlighted that a woman plays a juggling act of various responsibilities, therefore, it becomes necessary that for her true success she realizes the power within her-the spiritual

scious of the Eternal Reality and unite their Soul with the Creator, the Formless God. The Mission believes that ignorance and superstition are the biggest obstacles in man's path to real progress and happiness.

The narrow-

both do the same job equally well.

SNM has been working towards empowering women globally and has been very active in UN Women initiative towards Women Empowerment. This Spiritualism and Women conference opened up various topics and challenges that women encounter in their lives.

there is not much success. With all these efforts we need internal transformation which is possible through spiritualism which teaches human values.

As Napoleon Bonapart said "give me good mothers, I will give you good nation". If the mother has spiritual awareness and good values the whole family has good

wives and devotees. They have been the inspiration behind peace at home along with success in their careers.

The program was presided over

by Preet Toor Sahi, a member of SNM, who runs multiple healthcare facilities, hosts media programs for TV Asia and has her

power-which is a necessity to achieve Women Empowerment.

The conference provided practical ways to empower oneself and practice spirituality in daily lives.

The conference concluded with a prayer for peace and equality in the world.

The Sant Nirankari Mission is essentially a spiritual movement.

Its principal commitment to its followers is to make their minds con-

mindedness, hatred and pride brooded by them are the most vicious source of trouble for the mankind.

The Mission endeavors to remove the same by bringing spiritual enlightenment within the reach of every man and woman young or old, rich or poor, high or low, educated or illiterate, whatever the language, faith or culture, whatever the state or the nation.

Walter Koelz Exhibition reflects 1930 British India Cont’d from page 18

Received and housed sumptuously at Likir, he pressures its head lama into letting him select whatever he fancies for rupees 600 plus 100 as tip. Though the monk disciples refused him seven of these, he ended up taking 17, four of which are exhibited in "Collecting Kashmir." UM was upset to receive only 52 of about 100 tankas

collected.

Trailing just two weeks behind Guiseppe Tucci, he accuses his despised rival collector of hiking up costs by paying indiscriminately. But Tucci, the pioneering Orientalist who had close ideological and personal ties with the sponsoring Italian fascist government, does not even mention Koelz, as if he were the only European scouting the Himalayas.

Community Across America

22 India Post

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Divine Vastu tips for Peace and Prosperity: (Part-II) (CONTINUING FROM THE PREVIOUS POST)

R

estrooms should be located in the North-West corner of the building or in the North-West corner of the rooms. Other alternative directions for restrooms are Central-South or Central West.

• Closets in the restrooms should face North or South, along the North-South axis; and should not face the East or West.

• Restrooms should be avoided in the North-East, North and East.

• Mirrors in the restroom and dressing room should be on the North or East walls.

• A bathroom in the East sector is most preferred as the beneficial rays of the morning sun can enter and promote the health of the user.

• In the office or study room, the table should be placed in the Western or Southern side so that

one sits facing the East or North.

• No equipment, furniture, cupboards, etc, should be placed touching the North or East walls and if it becomes unavoidable, they should be kept at least 4" or 6" away from the walls.

• Cash boxes can be located in the room towards the North (trea-

sury). However, if the box is heavy (such as a safe, heavy closet) then it should be kept in the South-West corner and the door of the closet should open

Rewa Kumar

towards the North.

• The storage or lumber-room can be located in the South-West, adjacent to the Master bedroom.

• If possible, the house should be extended by 4 feet to 5 feet in the North-East direction to en-

sure the North-East directional bliss for the household. Growing Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) 'Tulsi' and other beneficial herbal plants in the North-East will promote good health and prosperity.

• Pictures of landscapes depicting mountains should be hung on the South and West walls only

Landscapes containing water, such as pictures of lakes and rivers should be on the North and East walls.

• Pictures of eagles and carnivorous animals should not be used for interior wall decorations.

Do not hang a painting depicting war, crime, unrest, agony or distress.

• Pictures of horses, cows and elephants can be used for decoration purposes.

• The directions of East and West are important as far as obtaining the energy from the Sun is concerned. The importance of the directions of the North and the South lies in the flow of magnetic waves, which flow from North Pole to South Pole. Therefore, Southward portion of every building should be higher than the Northward portion.

• Besides this, it should also be kept in mind that the inclination of land, building, floors of

rooms etc. should be towards North-East. In other words the parts in the West and South of the building should be slightly higher than those in the North and East.

• Keep no broken mirrors in the house.

• The Safe/Lockers should open towards the North or the East. So keep it along south or the west.

• The toilet/restroom seat should preferably be along the North-South axis.

• While sweeping the floor with any disinfectant, a little or sea salt should be added.

• Students should study facing the north or east. Do not sit or sleep under a beam otherwise mental stress prevail.

• Do not have any cactus in the house. Having it outside the boundary is good.

• Do not have a toilet/restroom or a prayer room under a staircase.

• Blocking of the North-East ('Ishaan') portion of the house or industry restricts the inflow of the blessings of God. It leads to tension quarrel and insufficient growth of the inhabitants; especially children of the owner.

• In an industry any fault, ditch or broken part in the direction of

North-East may affect health of the children of the industrialist.

• Improper position of the bedroom/bed brings unhappiness in the married life and causes disturbed sleep.

• Having a restroom/fireplace in North-East corner of the house or industry can ruin it financially be-

• Cash boxes can be located in the room towards in the North (treasury). However, if the box is heavy (such as a safe, heavy closet) then it should be kept in the South-West corner and the door of the closet should open towards the North.

• An aquarium with nine gold

The directions of East and West are important as far as obtaining the energy from the Sun is concerned. The importance of the directions of the North and the South lies in the flow of magnetic waves, which flow from North Pole to South Pole. Therefore, Southward portion of every building should be higher than the sides mental tension & quarrel amongst people.

• Finished products are to be kept in the North-West corner. It would help quick movements of the stock & early recovery thereof.

• More open space in North or East gives name, fame and prosperity. Leaving more space on the South-West side in the house can affect the male members badly; whereas in industry it leads to financial loss and quarrel amongst partners.

• Depression in the South-West can result in to a serious illness to the habitants, whereas depression in North-West causes enmity and litigation. The depression in South portion of the building restricts growth besides financial problems.

• Extension in the South-West may result in loss of health, loss of money and other insurmountable problems, whereas an extension in South-East may lead to fire,

fishes and one black fish, in the North-East corner/portion of the house or factory is very good.

• If the North-East area is untidy or unshapely, the well being of male issues is found to be precarious.

• Students should be facing East while studying, for academic excellence.

• Tall trees are nowhere recommended close to the main building. For trees the South in itself is good and so is the West. No tree should be grown in the North and the East. The one at the NorthEast is the worst.

• Small decorative plants and shrubs may be grown in the North and the East. The height should not exceed, say, half a meter at the North-East increasing gradually to not more than 1.5 meter as one moves from the North-East to the North-West or the South-East end.

• Except rose and a few medici-

Finished products are to be kept in the NorthWest corner. It would help quick movements of the stock & early recovery thereof. More open space in North or East gives name, fame and prosperity. Leaving more space on the South-West side in the house can affect the male members badly accidents, theft, and court litigation.

• Heavy machinery has to be installed in South, West and South -West in the factory.

• Transformers, generators, motors, boilers, furnaces, oil -engines etc. should be kept in SouthEast or southern portion of the plot/building.

• Central space ('Brahmasthan') is better left open or used for rituals. Some traditional four-sided house with a central courtyard and verandahs all around, is 'model' of Vastu design.

nal ones, all thorny plants give rise to tensions in the environment.

Plants exuding white sap should also be kept off. Lime, orange etc. are all right in an orchard but not in residence or business premises.

• Growing creepers/climbers with support on the compound wall or a house wall can best be avoided.

• If North of any house is blocked it blocks prosperity.

This collectible article on Vastu Shastra is provided by Rewa Kumar of Divine Vastu Consultations & Research Center

April 24, 2015

Community Across America

India Post 23

www.indiapost.com

Reflective Consciousness - Looking at life in totality SWAMI SUKHBODHANAND

A

monk, accompanied by his students was on his morning walk. Suddenly, a person hit him with a stick and ran away after dropping the stick. The monk took the stick, ran after the person and gave the stick back to him. The passersby who were witnessing the entire scene said to the monk, "You should have punished the person and should not have returned the stick." The monk answered, "He hit me, and that is it. If the branch of a tree had fallen on me, I am not going to hit the tree."

The villagers were confused and asked, "Branch is a branch, and it has no mind of its own."

is the intelligent use of the mind.

If a person does not use the mind intelligently, it is equal to not having a mind."

Then, master went on to ask, "Can one look into one's "Being?"

How can one live differently?

Don't bother to give me an answer, but be in the domain of the question and look deeply. See how one's ignorance is operating in one's life and how it covers truth and projects untruth."

Why is it difficult to grasp?

We are wired wrongly by our logic. Duryodhana had logic of his own; so too Shakuni. For most, to be logically right is more important than peace or well-being.

For most, to be logically right is more important than peace or well-being. Ravana had logic of his own. We think from our wiring, our logic, our conditioning. But to think from the angle of scriptures is to put aside our conditioning and then be in reflective consciousness.

The monk replied, "The man hit me. If he had a mind he would not have hit me. The fact, he has hit me, shows that he has not got a mind. A fact is a fact, why worry".

The master turned to his students and explained, "How the man can have a mind? To have a mind involves thinking. Thinking

Ravana had logic of his own.

Ravana desired to move Mount Kailash to his palace and worship Shiva there. We think from our wiring, our logic, our conditioning.

But to think from the angle of scriptures is to put aside our conditioning and then be in reflective consciousness.

Unique UIC center will study alcohol's effect on genes Cont’d from page 16

CARE researchers will study disease using preclinical animal models and post-mortem examination of human brain. Investigators will also do neuroimaging of patients diagnosed with alcohol abuse and dependence and search for "biomarkers" of alcoholism measurable indicators in blood that correlate with alcohol addiction.

There are two causes of dependence on alcohol, said Pandey people may drink to get pleasure, or to self-medicate to relieve depression or anxiety. But alcohol addiction may itself cause depression and anxiety, feeding into a cycle.

"Ultimately, we hope these studies may lead to the identification of molecular cellular targets and gene networks which can be used to develop new pharmacotherapies to treat or prevent alcoholism," Pandey said.

UIC's CARE is the only NIH-

funded alcohol research center in Illinois, said Dr Anand Kumar, Lizzie Gilman Professor and head of psychiatry. He adds that it is "well positioned to perform stateof-the-art basic translational and clinical research in alcoholism."

In addition to its research projects, CARE will provide resources for training and community outreach. Based in the UIC psychiatry department, it includes collaborators from biophysics and physiology, anesthesiology, the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.

Other members of the CARE research team are Alessandro Guidotti, Mark Brodie, Amy Lasek, Rajiv Sharma, Dennis Grayson, Harish Krishnan, David Gavin, Douglas Feinstein, Chunyu Liu, Dulal Bhaumik, Mark Rasenick and Marc Atkins of UIC; and Alvaro Hernandez and Victor Jongeneel from the Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center at UIUC.

Swami Sukhabodhanad

In life, everyone functions according to one's wiring and one's logic and that programming or logic prevents seeing. Let Shruti (Scriptures), Yuki (Logic), and finally Anubhav (Experience) be-

come our pathway.

Man should think in a new way.

Man is asleep, and hence man's thinking is from a deep sleep.

When one is awake the state of being changes and by that the

meaning one gives to incidents also changes.

Hence, learning to study one's "Being" particularly with reference to one's actions plays an important role. Is our Being impacting the action or is our action impacting Being. Worldly ideas drain you, and spiritual ideas protect you from a miserable life.

Do not be lost in "My book", "My thinking", "My grievances", "My advantage", etc. The attachment for "My" kills one's way of looking at life in totality, and that is equal to sleep in a spiritual domain.

To be spiritual involves looking at life from totality. Hence, service is a part and parcel of life. If there is no service there, is no spirituality. Let prayer and service lift your life.

Please visit www.swamisukhabodhananda.org

Tech News Andhra CM signed 29 MoUs during China tour HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who had led an official and business delegation to China to look for investments, said here that 29 agreements were signed during the six-day tour.

"Twenty nine Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed. Seventeen were Government-to-Business (G2B) MoUs and twelve were Business-to-Business (B2B)," Naidu told reporters here after his return from China.

"There is great enthusiasm among Chinese companies to invest in Andhra Pradesh and India.

We asked them to explore investment opportunities. We have signed some MoUs. They will come here to discuss with government as well as private entrepreneurs. They will visit the field and wherever they are feasible they will (proceed)," he said.

We are working with them in the construction of the new capital (of AP), and also infrastructure and manufacturing, Naidu added.-PTI

Walk the talk on climate change, India tells West WASHINGTON: The developed world would have to "walk the talk" on climate change and provide a green climate fund to the developing world, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar has said, ahead of a crucial UN meet on the issue in Paris later this year.

"Developed world would now have to walk the talk and will have to provide green climate fund to the developing world," Javadekar said.

He said India is pro-actively engaging with the world to arrive at a fair and equitable climate agreement in Paris.

Javadekar, who is leading an Indian delegation to the US for a two-day meeting of Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate being hosted here on April 19-20, said India is taking action to mitigate the effects of climate change.

"Prime Minster (Narendra Modi) has put up an ambitious target of generating 175,000 megawatts of renewable energy.

That is a huge contribution of India, because it will save 350 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year and would require 150 billion of investment. This is a huge contribution of India, essentially pre-2020," he said.

"So the developed world would also have to put their best foot forward. This pre-2020 actions would pave the way for more actions from 2020 onwards," he said.-PTI

TechBiz 24 India Post

www.indiapost.com

April 24, 2015

Tomas Ernberg, Managing Director, Volvo India at the launch of new V40 Cross Country petrol car in Mumbai on April 20

India prospects bright; investors reaping huge gains RAJESH DHRUVA

W

ith the installation of the new Government headed by Narendra Modi, it would not be an exaggeration to say that India has entered an era of renewed economic growth and development, with

gress led UPA Government , Modi's NDA Government's 89% auction of the spectrum has raised Rs. 109000 crs (US$ 17.58 bn) " Zero Loss to Infinite Gain ".

2. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had estimated

to be met out of Rs. 14,49,490 crs (US$ 233.78 bn) and non tax refund of Rs. 2,21,733 crs (US$ 35.76 bn). And this transparent magical wand of NDA brings in Rs. 3,06,000 crs (US$ 49.35 bn) only from coal blocks allocations & spectrum

technology into India from USA, Russia, Japan , China , Australia and now breaking the jinx of Rafale Air fighters deal with France. He is the first Indian Prime Minister visiting Canada in 42 years signing nation building con-

Prime minister Narendra Modi with cabinet ministers

stock markets posting gains of 26%+ .

Well, the Investors are celebrating but also wonder - What next?

For India investors, a unique change has just begun and this may help it reach unexpected and unexplored heights in economic development, promising many years of gains. This is based on strong foundations of fundamentals. The Modi-led NDA Government is still a few weeks short of completing one year, which by many a standard, is a short period for assessing the success of policies of a newly elected government.

Still the NDA Government comes out with flying colors having initiated rapid strides in implementing its economic agenda and after 10 long years of darkness, red tapism, corruption and absolute inaction, there is some ray of hope.

Some of the factors underlying hopes for better days ahead are highlighted below: I. GOVERNMENT IN ACTION 1. Against Rs. 9,407crs (US$ 1.51bn) fetched in spectrum auction in November 2012 conducted by the Con-

losses on account of gifting away auctions. coal blocks allocation between 5. Rajya Sabha passes 5 bills in 2006 to 2010 by Congress led UPA March-April 2015 including Insurat Rs 1.86 lakh crs (US$ 30 bn). ance Bill and Mines & Minerals The scheme was cancelled by the Bill against speculation of ConSupreme Court of Ingress led Opposition dia but CAG was parties opposing the scoffed & laughed at same. Insurance Bill

by Congress leadsupported by even ers.

Congress and Com3. The NDA Govmunist party and now ernment has auconly Land Acquisitioned only 67 coal tion Bill awaits sancblocks and has untion of Rajya Sabha locked total value of a political victory for Rs. 400,000 crs. (US$ NDA and economic 64.51 bn) of which positive for the naRajesh Dhruva 84% goes to States tion. and 16% goes to 6. Narendra Modi, Centre. 29 blocks successfully whom President Obama has cited auctioned for Rs. 200,000 crs+ as 'India's Reformer-in-Chief ' in (US$ 32.25 bn bringing smiles to the Time magazine's list of 100 the CAG & people of India. most influential people of the 4. The Union Budget's outlay world, is globe trotting to bring is Rs. 17,77,477crs (US$ 286.68 bn) much needed investments and

tracts there and also in Germany.

II. MORE THAN VISIBLE IMPACT: 1. After long years of high inflation corrective economic actions have resulted in Wholesale Price Index contracting in March 2015 by (-)2.33%, posting steepest fall in the last nine years.

2. March 2015 Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation also comes down to 5.17% displaying reduction of more than 50% in a short span of less than one year.

3. Economic Growth Rate of 5.1% in 2012 has started its upward journey and is poised at 7%+.

4. And the oil bonanza or reduced crude oil prices continue to work wonders for Indian imports.

Economy and profits of the companies too creating possibilities of: (a) Substantial savings in import cost as average monthly imports reduced from US$ 40 bn to US$ 20 bn in March '15. Savings of fuel import cost of approximately US$ 120 bn+ by year end. (b) Enhancement of Foreign Exchange Reserves to life time high of US$ 343 bn in March 2015 and Cont’d on page 26

TechBiz Post

April 24, 2015

India Post

25

www.indiapost.com

India disappointed with lack of IMF reforms WASHINGTON: India has expressed deep disappointment over the non-implementation of IMF quota and governance reforms that would give it a greater say in the global crisis lender, matching the country's growing economic might.

"We are greatly disappointed that the 2010 Quota and Governance Reforms have not become effective in spite of the strong support of the global community for the reform," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in his address to the International Monetary and Financial Committee.

"We are also concerned that we have not made any headway in the forward looking elements of the 15th Review, including the review of the quota formula and the initiation of the discussions on the Review," he said.

Jaitley said governance reforms are required to ensure the International Monetary Fund's credibility, legitimacy and effectiveness.

Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, speaks at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington DC on April 16

Jaitley for early automatic info exchange WASHINGTON: Indian Fi- and ensure that every country is nance Minister Arun Jaitley has effectively implementing and have sought urgent implementation of necessary legal, regulatory framecommon reporting standards on work and are also exchanging inautomatic exchange of information formation in practice. globally, asserting that it is the Although exchange of informaonly way to tackle the challenges tion on "request basis" has reposed by black money. sulted in improving transparency, The problem of offshore tax its scope is limited, he argued. evasion and flow of illicit money Offshore financial centers and can be addressed only by the free tax havens are obliged to provide flow of financial account informa- information only when investigation exchanged among countries tion in a particular case has already on an automatic basis, Jaitley said commenced, he noted. in his intervention on 'InternaIn his intervention, Jaitley said tional Tax Issues' during the an- Base Erosion and Profit Shifting nual Spring Meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the Offshore financial centers World Bank. and tax havens are obliged "We strongly feel that there is a need to to provide information only ensure that the Common when investigation in a Reporting Standards on Automatic Exchange of particular case has already Information should be commenced, he noted. implemented on a fully reciprocal global basis and those countries which have (BEPS) has been a cause of connot yet committed to the timeline cern for developing and emerging of 2017 or 2018 should do it with- economies for long as it erodes out any further delay," he said. their tax base depriving them of The problem of black money much needed resources for develand illicit flow to offshore jurisdic- opmental activities. tions and tax havens can be ad"It is also unfair to general taxdressed only if this is implemented paying public. It also provides an at a global level, he asserted. unfair competitive advantage to Jaitley said the Global Forum Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) should monitor the implementa- vis-a-vis domestic companies tion of common reporting stan- which have no opportunities for dards on exchange of information BEPS strategies," he said.-PTI

Indian economy on recovery path: Jaitley WASHINGTON: Indian economy is now clearly on a recovery path with a 7.4 per cent growth in the first three quarters and the new government is committed to maintain overall macroeconomic conditions on a sustained basis, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said.

"We are committed to maintain overall macroeconomic conditions on a sustained basis so that the Indian economy is able to achieve and sustain growth of 8 per cent and above," Jaitley said in his address to the International Monetary and Financial Committee.

"The Indian economy is now clearly on a recovery path," he said, adding India's growth recovered to 7.4 per cent in the first three quarters (April-December) of 2014-15 as compared with 7.0 per cent during the same period of 2013-14.

Advance estimates have also placed the Gross Domestic Product growth for the full year of 2014-15 at 7.4 per cent.

Medium-term growth prospects have also improved following recent policy initiatives towards unlocking coal and other mining activity, liberalization of Foreign Direct Investment limits and a renewed thrust on public investment in infrastructure, which would help to improve the investment climate.-PTI

"They are also most imperative desirable option since it is the to maintain its relevance. nearest in form and substance to They, therefore, should not be the 2010 reform package," he said. deferred indefinitely," the MinisThe ad hoc option would reter said, urging the members who duce the incentive to implement have not yet ratified the 2010 Quota the reforms in full, he said, addand Governance Reforms to do so ing it is important to begin work at the earliest. in earnest on the 15th Review so The IMF quota reforms seek to that it can be completed by Deprovide greater say to emerging cember 15, 2015. economies like India and China at "The continuance of such mothe Fund, where the US and large mentum in the IMF governance European countries command and quota reforms is essential to high influence. maintain the effectiveness, credThe 2010 reforms were origi- ibility and relevance of the IMF nally propelled by Washington, and PresiThe 2010 reforms were origident Barack Obama's White House has re- nally propelled by Washingpeatedly endorsed ton, and President Barack them. But the US Congress has refused to Obama's White House has sign off on the deal, repeatedly endorsed them. with some legislators not wanting to contrib- But the US Congress has ute more money to the refused to sign off on the deal IMF and others concerned about any erosion to the dominant US role at as a multilateral quota based inthe fund. stitution, which reflects adIn the interregnum, the IMF equately changes in the global Executive Board should work ex- economy in a dynamic framepeditiously to complete its work work," he said. to make meaningful progress in In his address Jaitley said the key areas covered by the 2010 many emerging market economies Quota and Governance Reforms have benefited from the sharp depending their full implementation, cline in oil prices, saying it provides Jaitley said. a window to implement energy re"Among the options being forms, phase out subsidies and considered, we believe that the build fiscal buffers wherever macdelinking option remains the most roeconomic conditions permit. -PTI

26

TechBiz Post

India Post

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

US Ambassador to India visits Startup Village KOCHI: US Ambassador to India Richard R Verma has visited Startup Village - the country's first Public Private Partnership technology business incubator jointly promoted by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, Technopark and MobME Wireless.

During his interaction with young entrepreneurs and the

pared in the Silicon Valley in the US. The Landing Pad is a platform for start-ups from India to get a first-hand knowledge of the Silicon Valley culture.

The Startup Village officials, including its Chairman Sanjay Vijayakumar and CEO Pranav Kumar Suresh, accompanied by IT and Industries Principal Secretary

US Ambassador to India Richard R Verma interacting with a young entreprenuer at Startup Village during his visit on April 17

Startup Village officials, Verma responded positively to their request for facilitating young entrepreneurs' visit to Silicon Valley in the US. According to a release, the US Ambassador said he would examine the possibility of supporting a 'Landing Pad', which is being pre-

P H Kurian, apprised Verma of the abundance of talent available here and also of the challenges faced by startup companies.

Verma, at the same time, was hopeful of stronger cooperation between Indian and US startup companies and offered to actively support the demand for bringing

in members of the Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) to Startup Village.

Established by the Department of Commerce, PAGE is a group of successful American businesspeople eager to share their knowledge and experience to help develop the next generation of entrepreneurs at home and abroad.

"The evolving entrepreneurial culture and the rising number of young business aspirants in the state need world-class infrastructure, funding ecosystem and a drastic change in the mindset of the people here," Kurian said.

"While the state government is extending all possible support for encouraging entrepreneurship, we hope to address some of these challenges in a more effective way if we have the support and guidance of investors and mentors from countries like the US," he noted.

"The visit is part of the Startup Village's efforts to maintain strong bonds with the Silicon Valley in the US, which is the birth place of many billion dollar tech companies," Vijayakumar said.

"By building a strong tie-up with the Silicon Valley, Startup Village hopes to reach out to mentors and angel investors who are willing to invest in Indian startups," he said.-PTI

Opus to hire 1,500 people in India NEW DELHI: Payments technology firm Opus Consulting will hire about 1,500 people in India to strengthen its headcount to over 2,500 in three years as it increases its focus on digital payments, analytics and compliance.

The company will also hire about 200 people in the US. Opus, which recently moved its headquarters to Chicago, US from Pune, at present, has about 800 employees.

Of these, about 650 people are working in India across its centers in Chennai and Pune and the remaining are in the US. "We are moving towards making transactions more secure, cashless and easier for customers around the globe and there is a huge opportunity for payments service providers.

"We see India playing a major

role in our operations and we are ramping up our teams to stay ahead. By 2018, we will have 2,500 people from the current 800," Opus Consulting Solutions President and CEO Anand Ramakrishnan told PTI. The headcount in the US will grow from 150 to 350 in the said

time period, while the remaining will be added in India (about 2,150 people), he said.

Following the sale of its subsidiary, ElectraCard Services to MasterCard last year, the company has rebranded itself as Opus Consulting Solutions from Opus Software Solutions.

It also had moved its headquar-

ters from Pune to Chicago.

"The move to Chicago is a part of our growth strategy, aimed at accelerated growth in North America, which is our largest market. But that doesn't mean that India loses significance, its role gets enhanced," he said.

Opus gets over 90 per cent of its revenues from the US and the remaining comes from India and the UK. Ramakrishnan, however, declined to comment on revenue details.

With a new management team in place, Opus is also focusing on five new service lines - platform transformation, digital, payment analytics, compliance and testing.

"We are planning to bring higher quality work to India as we are looking at becoming a turn key solutions provider in the payments market," he said.-PTI

India prospects bright; investors reaping huge gains Cont’d from page 24

(c) Cost cutting across the country of approximately US$ 50 bn+ i.e. a mighty Rs. 300,000 crs.

tive interest rates and thereby savings in borrowing cost of government and corporate bonds and also attract tonnes of additional investments in Indian equities.

V. CONCERNS OF DEPRECIATING RUPEE: Most often NRI investors are worried about the devaluation of Indian rupee to the US$ and the GBP and which blocks their investment initiatives in Indian equities. The Rupee depreciation is positive for trade & industry for a developing economy, and may be negative for overseas inves-

III. STOCK INDICES : 1. The BSE Sensex has been range bound for almost 6 months moving from a low of 26,867 in September 2014 to a high of 29,681 in January breaching 30000 in intraday trade and quoting at 28,440 now.

2. The Sensex Price Earning (PE) ratio is at 19+ against average 5, 10 and 15 years PE ratio of The Rupee depreciation is 18.79 ; 18.82 and 18.53 positive for trade & industry resp.

3. Now with the Q4 / for a developing economy, Annual Corporate re- and may be negative for sults being awaited overseas investors. even a 3% to 4% hike in corporate profits of BSE Sensex companies will result in PE tors. ratio coming down to 18.45 - an BUT investments need to be attractive trigger for markets to viewed in totality and the rupee move up by 1500 to 2500 points to depreciation cannot be talked about in isolation if it ensures 30500+ 4. Add to this IMF and World large gains otherwise, the gains Bank's predictions of Indian of BSE Sensex Now speaking of Bank Intereconomy's growth surpassing the growth rate of China over next 2 est: US$ 100,000 at 3.5% over 10 years which can enhance corpo- years would have grown to US$ rate profits from 15%+ to 18% or 141,700 & over 15 years to US $ 20%+ making the Sensex cheaper 168,700; whereas in INR terms a and attractive year after year at- Bank CD in INR at 10% over 10 tracting hoardes of Indian and years would have grown to US$ Gobal investments and promising 193,300 & over 15 years to US $ long term growth & gains 316,700.

Well, the prospects are rosy in IV. FAR REACHING POSSIBILITIES: 1. Savings of Forex and cost cutting contributed by crude oil Rs. 300,000 crs over next 12 months.

2. Availability of coal boosting energy and manufacturing.

3. Enhancing economic possibilities of spectrum freedom can replicate creation of more jobs like USA over a period of time and of course results beneficial for consumer and economy with faster and cheaper data intensive services which will enhance economic Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) growth.

4. With inflation cut off to sensible level, in- the context of last 10 months terest rates cut in next quarter and eventful and successful initiaover the year will result in cost tives of NDA government which cutting for industry and enhance by all account will continue in corporate profits and will result coming years and should yield in individual savings - one more wonderful results; not only for Indian people at large but much plus for the economy 5. And the Re-rating initiated more for investors in Indian equiby Moody's is for sure to be fol- ties.

C o n t a c t : lowed by Standard & Poor's and ; Fitch which can result in competi- rajesh@femaonline.com

TechBiz Post

April 24, 2015

India Post

27

www.indiapost.com

Siemens chant 'digital' mantra in 'Make in India' HANNOVER, Germany: Aiming to be a key stakeholder in the Modi government's 'Make in India' campaign, Siemens is pushing ahead with digitalization drive to help its Indian customers keep a competitive edge in the global market.

"If the Make in India campaign has to be successful, there is a need to empower domestic players to become more efficient in terms of maximum utilization of their manufacturing capacities.

"This can be achieved through digitalization, which is opening new opportunities to make products and solutions smarter," Siemens India Managing Director and Chief Executive Sunil Mathur told PTI on the sidelines of the Hannover Fair here.

The world's largest industrial engineering fair was inaugurated

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,

along with German chancellor Angela Merkel, last week.

India was the partner country at the fair.

He said the Modi government needs to up spending in crucial

Sunil Mathur

sectors like infrastructure, the Railways, energy and defense, among others, to crank up the unutilized manufacturing capacities, which will further ensure job creation.

"And this is the time when the role of digitalization will be very

crucial as it will help increase productivity, efficiency and flexibility.

Siemens recognized this potential at an early stage and has developed perfectly matched solutions covering all steps of the value chain.

Right from product designing to execution to services, Siemens can provide its expertise through the digital platform," Mathur said.

He said Siemens digital solutions will enable its customers achieve higher productivity and accelerated time-tomarket in design and engineering, new levels of flexibility and resilience in production and operations and predictive and efficient services and maintenance.

Siemens India operates 23 factories producing high-tech equipment and products to cater not only to the domestic but the global market.

"The three core platforms of electrification, automation and digitalization will help the company achieve good growth in future," Mathur concluded. -PTI

Nokia's Alcatel buy to fetch big India business NEW YORK: Finnish firm Nokia's acquisition of Alcatel-Lucent will create an entity with revenues of USD 28 billion (about Rs 1.75 lakh crore), with Asia-Pacific, Japan and India (APJ/India) contributing 18 per cent.

The Finnish telecom gear maker has said it will acquire its FrancoAmerican rival in an all-stock deal valued at 15.6 billion euros (USD 16.6 billion).

This will create an entity with a combined market cap of about 45 billion euro (close to USD 49 billion) and a revenue base of around 26 billion euro (about USD 28 billion).

Based on annualized revenue figures of 2014 fiscal, Nokia earned a revenue of 12.7 billion euro, with 26 per cent (about euro 3.4 billion) coming in from APJ/India.

In the case of Alcatel-Lucent, whose 2014 revenue stood at 13.2 billion euro, 10 per cent (about 1.3 billion euro) flowed from APJ/India, according to data with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). If the deal goes through, the firm's combined revenue base will hit 26 billion euro, with APJ/

India contributing 18 per cent or 4.7 billion euro (about USD 5 billion or close to Rs 31,300 crore).

Interacting with reporters after making the announcement, Nokia President and CEO Rajeev Suri said: "Our strengthened presence in all geographies - particularly in

Suri as Chief Executive Officer. The combined entity will have a headcount of about 1.14 lakh.

The two firms announced that the deal is likely to be completed in the first half of 2016 and will result in 900 million euro of operating cost savings by 2019-end.

Michel Combes, chief executive officer of Alcatel-Lucent SA, left, speaks with Rajeev Suri, chief executive officer of Nokia Oyj during a news conference following Nokia’s acquisition of Alcatel in Paris, France

the US, China, Europe and AsiaPacific - would give us the scale and reach to better serve our customers' global needs."

Nokia Group will lead the new firm - Nokia Corporation - with Risto Siilasmaa to serve as Chairman and

This can be the biggest deal in the telecom industry since Lucent Technologies acquired Ascend Communications for about USD 21 billion in 1999 and can be compared with Alcatel's 2006 purchase of Lucent for USD 13.4 billion.-PTI

India 5th biggest generator of e-waste: UN UNITED NATIONS: India is the fifth biggest producer of e-waste in the world, discarding 1.7 million tonnes (Mt) of electronic and electrical equipment in 2014, a UN report has said warning that the volume of global e-waste is likely to rise sharply by 21 per cent in next three years.

The 'Global E-Waste Monitor 2014', compiled by UN's think tank United Nations University (UNU), said at 32 per cent, the US and China produced the most ewaste overall in 2014.

India came in fifth, behind the US, China, Japan and Germany, the report said.

Most ewaste in the world in 2014 was generated in Asia at 16 Mt or 3.7 kg per inhabitant. The top three Asian nations with the highest e-waste generation in absolute quantities are China (6.0 Mt), Japan (2.2 Mt) and India (1.7 Mt).

The top per capita producers by far are the wealthy nations of northern and western Europe, the top five being Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Denmark, and the UK. The lowest amount of e-waste per inhabitant was generated in Africa (1.7 kg/inhabitant). The continent generated 1.9 Mt of ewaste in total.

In 2014, people worldwide dis-

carded all but a small fraction of an estimated 41.8 Mt of electrical and electronic equipment -- mostly end-of-life kitchen, laundry and bathroom equipment like microwave ovens, washing machines and dishwashers.

The volume of e-waste is expected to rise by 21 per cent to 50 Mt in 2018, said the report, which details the location and composition of the world's fast-growing ewaste problem.

While only 7 per cent of e-waste last year was made up of mobile phones, calculators, personal computers, printers, and small information technology equipment, almost 60 per cent was a mix of large and small equipment used in homes and businesses, such as vacuum cleaners, toasters, electric shavers, video cameras, washing machines, electric stoves, mobile phones, calculators, personal computers, and lamps.

The 41.8 Mt weight of last year's e-waste is comparable to the distance from New York to Tokyo and back. -PTI

Modi's Canada visit generates $1.6 bn business TORONTO: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Canada has generated business worth more than 1.6 billion Canadian dollars, according to official figures released by the Harper government here.

Sixteen commercial agreements and announcements were made by Canadian and Indian companies and organizations during Prime Minister Modi's visit.

The commercial agreements and announcements have a combined value of over 1.6 billion Canadian dollars, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office said in a statement.

The announcements cover a wide range of sectors, including aerospace and defense, education, energy, mining, infrastruc-

ture, sustainable technologies, information and communications technology.

The agreements further demonstrate the significant growth taking place in the Canada-India bilateral commercial relationship, the statement said.

"One commercial agreement involving Saskatchewan-based Cameco will see the company supply India with over seven million pounds of uranium over the next five years. This deal was made possible due in part to the Canada-India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement negotiated by our Government," it said.

Harper also welcomed Prime Minister Modi's announcement that India will issue visas upon arrival, which will make it easier for Canadians to travel to India.-PTI

India Post 29

April 24, 2015 www.indiapost.com

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Jeena Jeena : Badlapur 2 Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan : Roy 3 Jee Karda: Badlapur 4 Khamoshiyan : Khamoshiyan 5 Sooraj Dooba Hai : Roy 30 India Post

www.indiapost.com

April 24, 2015

S

6 Tu Hai Ki Nahi : Roy 7 Judai : Badlapur

alman Khan is one of the most loved personalities in the film industry for a reason. The ac tor gave wings to the career of several beauties - Katrina Kaif, Daisy Shah, Sneha Ullal and Zarine Khan.

Now it is the 'Bigg Boss' personality Elli Avram that he is supporting.

The two seemed a cute couple on 'Bigg Boss' and Salman is already known to be a naughty one - given his string of affairs.

A source reports, "After the show, he made arrangements for her to stay at his farmhouse in Panvel. She lived there for almost five months." It was then being said that Salman has been seen visiting the actress many a times.

He is guiding her with workouts so she could have a good career in B-town.

"He has found her a place to stay in Bandra so that she can be accessible

8 Tu Har Lamha : Khamoshiyan 9 Chhil Gaye Naina : NH10 10 Dard Karaara : Dum Laga Ke Haisha

T It was then being said that Salman has been seen visiting the actress many a times. He is guiding her with workouts so she could have a good career in B-town to producers. He has even appointed a team of bodyguards for her safety."

Elli was asked whether there is really something between her and Salman Khan. She was quick to deny any such bond, but expressed her gratitude to the actor.

S

uper talented Kajol is again coming to ablaze the silver screen with Rohit Shetty's 'Dilwale' co-starring her best on-screen partner, Shahrukh Khan.

If the latest buzz is to be believed then Kajol is demanding a whopping Rs 5 crore to act in the film.

The film will go on floor in June. The multi starrer will be produced by Rohit Shetty of 'Chennai Express' and Shahrukh's wife Gauri Khan. Besides, Shahrukh and Kajol, the film also stars Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon.

Shahrukh Khan hopes to create the magic with Kajol. "It is very exciting to be back with Kajol.

I haven't had the time to thank her to be a part of the film. We will start the film in June hopefully. It is good to work with Rohit.

"I have not worked with Kajol after My Name Is Khan. It is always exciting to work with her. She is my warmest, closest friend. We have done really nice cinema together. I hope we can recreate that for Dilwale as well," Shah Rukh said.

If the latest buzz is to be believed then Kajol is demanding a whopping Rs 5 crore to act in the film

he behind-the-scenes drama during the making of Bobby Khan's Ek Paheli Leela seems fodder for another screenplay altogether. It seems Sunny Leone, who is otherwise known to be a peaceful amiable soul, couldn't get along with one of her co-stars Mohit Ahlawat at all. As luck would have it, Leone and Ahlawat had a lot of scenes together, as they play husband and wife. They also had to shoot an intense love-making sequence.

Says a source from the film, "They were constantly at loggerheads. Mohit has always been known to be hotheaded.

While others on the sets pampered Sunny, Mohit largely ignored her.

Sunny Leone wouldn't do the love-making scene. Mohit too refused.

"Director Bobby Khan was at his wit's end. It was at this point that Sunny's husband suggested that he act as a body double for Mohit Ahlawat.

The love-making was shot with Sunny and with her husband Daniel Weber posing as Mohit's character."

April 24, 2015

Bollywood www.indiapost.com

A

fter a few seconds teaser of 'Aao Raja' song, the makers of the forthcoming film, 'Gabbar Is Back' finally released the video of the full song which shows Chitrangada Singh grooving to the raunchy number in skimpy ghagra-choli. Chitrangada Singh is back with yet another raunchy number. She turns hot seductress for Akshay Kumar starrer, 'Gabbar Is Back'. Dressed in golden outfit, she grooved with group of dancers. The item song sung by Neha Kakkar with Yo Yo Honey Singh filling up the gap strikes the ear.

Chitrangada's hot move is a treat to watch. Her boldest avatar will sure to drag audience to the theatre. She danced brilliantly.

Three years back, Chitrangada danced to 'Khafirana' song for Akshay Kumar starrer 'Joker' and again she set the dance floor on fire with 'Aao Raja' song. While she is dancing to the tune, on the other side Akshay Kumar was seen doing some stunts with the baddies.

K

I

rrfan Khan, who was earlier seen in big ticket Hollywood films The Amazing Spider Man and Life of Pi, continues his association with the west with his next venture in the Robert Langdon series that will be helmed by Ron Howard.

In fact Director/producer Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer have cast an energetic company of some of the world's most talented and interesting rising international stars to join Tom Hanks in Inferno, the new film.

The Imagine Entertainment production has a screenplay by David Koepp based on the book by Dan Brown.

Commenting on the announcement, Howard said, "For this film, I wanted Tom Hanks to be surrounded by an international cast of actors whose energy will underscore Robert Langdon's life-ordeath peril, the highstakes action he takes, and the global threat that he's trying to prevent. Felicity, Irrfan, Omar, and Sidse have all broken through with recognition here in America as well as their home countries - they are phenomenal talents and we can't wait to get started."

angana Ranaut, who is seen mouthing dialogues in Haryanvi accent with surprising ease in one of her avatars in the trailer of upcoming movie Tanu Weds Manu Returns, says it was very challenging.

She found it tough to make the accent and body language convincing.

"It was very tough, especially since the character has a Haryanvi accent. I had to make the character convincing not only through my body language but also accent," the 28-year-old said during the trailer launch of the film.

"It was very challenging for me," she added.

"Tanu Weds Manu Returns", a sequel to 2011 hit romantic comedy "Tanu Weds Manu", features National Award winner Kangana in a double role of Tanu and Kusum. Kusum is a tomboy of sorts and for the character, the actress had to go rustic and speak Haryanvi.

"It was very tough, especially since the character has a Haryanvi accent.

I had to make the character convincing not only through my body language but also accent,"

India Post 31

„ Health

Line

Docs meet Delhi Minister on Clinical Establishment Act NEW DELHI: Fearing action under the Clinical Establishment Act, a delegation of around 100 doctors met Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain to express their concerns regarding the implementation of the law.

The doctors met Jain to discuss various issues regarding the provisions of the Act. "The implementation of the act would be fair, justifiable and practical. Medical community does not need to fear.

"Single doctor clinics and small nursing homes will not be burdened with any impractical and unfair clauses in the legislation," Jain said.

The act, which makes registration of all clinical establishments mandatory, envisages regularizing the standards of health care and establish certain basic norms.

The Act, passed by the Centre, is a step ahead of the existing Delhi Nursing Home Registration Act 1953. It permits health authorities to conduct inspections and penalize or cancel licenses of hospitals that are found to be fleecing patients.

The minister asked the doctors to send their suggestions on his email id moh.delhi@gov.in.-PTI

„ Smoking may promote alcohol dependence WASHINGTON: Cigarettes and alcohol go hand in hand, suggests a new study which found that nicotine use promotes alcohol dependence.

Smokers are known to have a five to ten times greater risk of developing alcohol dependence than nonsmokers.

Now, a study led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) has found that nicotine exposure actually promotes alcohol dependence in rat models.

"It's a vicious cycle. Nicotine makes individuals crave alcohol to 'reward' the brain and reduce stress," said TSRI biologist Olivier George, a senior author of the new study.

In the study, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, the researchers also showed that the combination of nicotine and alcohol activated a unique group of neurons, giving positive reinforcement to continue alcohol and nicotine use.

In the research, the team first tested whether nicotine exposure could affect alcohol-drinking behavior in rat models. -PTI

Health Science

India hopes to attain MDGs on child mortality, maternal health

32 India Post

www.indiapost.com

April 24, 2015

Details on Page 34

Obama says working families deserve quality child care CHARLOTTE, N.C.: Helping working families get quality child care is a good investment in the country's overall economic health, President Barack Obama told an audience in downtown Charlotte.

The president said during the town hall at the ImaginOn educational library that helping families pay good caregivers to watch their children while they work helps ensure that those children become responsible, tax-paying adults. ``This should be one of our top budget priorities,'' Obama said in response to a Charlotte mother who said state Republicans had eliminated a tax credit she used to receive for child care. ``Your son, if he's doing well, that means he's paying taxes. That means he's contributing to society. He's staying out of trouble. That's a good investment for me. ... And we can afford this.''

According to figures compiled

by Child Care Aware of America, the average annual cost of infant care in North Carolina in 2014 was $9,107. The average figure was less for 4-year-olds and for beforeand after-school care for school-

tax proposals that haven't been embraced by congressional Republican leaders, saying his plan would cut taxes for 44 million Americans.

The president also fielded questions about assistance for

age children.

This week, the president is using Tax Day to draw attention to

small businesses and pushing states to pay teachers more during the meeting, which was mod-

erated by Lisa Stone, one of the founders of BlogHer, an online community that says it was created to give women a voice on a variety of topics.

Obama was introduced by Diana Jolly, a social worker in Mecklenburg County, where Charlotte is located. Jolly said she had written to Obama to talk about the need for better resources for working women and their families. ``As part of the middle class, I know how it feels to work hard every day,'' Obama read from Jolly's letter. ``When women succeed here in America, the whole country succeeds,'' Obama said.

A female blogger from Morrisville said she made more than her husband, who is a public school teacher, and asked how the federal government could help states increase teacher salaries.

Cont'd on Page 33

Genetically engineered bacteria can treat cancer WASHINGTON: Genetically modified Salmonella - bacteria that causes severe food poisoning - can be used to kill cancer cells, a new study has claimed.

"There has long been interest in using genetically engineered microbes to target and destroy cells within solid tumors," said Roy Curtiss, from the Arizona State University.

"I think this study goes a significant way in developing some strategies that will help in the overall means of using Salmonella as part of a cancer therapy," said Curtiss.

For years, researchers have known that certain strains of bacteria, including Salmonella enterica, can kill cancer cells.

Specifically Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium has been shown to not only colonies solid tumors, but also to exhibit an intrinsic anti-tumor effect.

However, in order to use Salmonella as a weapon against can-

cer in humans, researchers must find a balance between allowing it to kill the cancer and be safe for the patient.

The bacteria, commonly known for causing severe food poisoning, can lead to sepsis and death in humans.

In the study, the researchers

LPS, and then tested various modified Salmonella strains to see how they performed in test tube studies with human cancer cells and in tumor bearing mice.

They identified a particular mutant strain that was the most effective at killing cancer cells and shrinking tumors, and also unable

"This transition from a benign, invasive Salmonella that doesn't hurt normal cells to the toxic type occurs very rapidly in the tumor due to the very rapid growth and cell division that occurs when Salmonella enters a tumor" focused on modifying the lipopolysaccharide structure (LPS) of the Salmonella strain to make the bug less toxic.

LPS, found in the outer membrane of bacteria, is one of the major inducers of sepsis, a lifethreatening infection.

Researchers used genetic engineering to delete genes involved in the synthesis of the

to cause disease.

However, this mutant strain was less able to colonies the tumors, although being most effective in killing tumor cells when getting there.

To address this problem, the researchers then added another genetic modification, an inducible arabinose promoter.

The modification allowed the

Salmonella to be injected in the mouse in a form that would not harm normal, healthy cells, was effective at colonizing tumors, and after entering cancer cells, would turn toxic.

"This transition from a benign, invasive Salmonella that doesn't hurt normal cells to the toxic type occurs very rapidly in the tumor due to the very rapid growth and cell division that occurs when Salmonella enters a tumor," said Curtiss.

In a normal cell, Salmonella grows very slowly, dividing once or twice in a 24-hour period, but in a tumor, the bacteria divide every hour.

According to Curtiss, the investigational therapy would probably be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, once it gets to human trials.

The study was published in mBio, an American Society for Microbiology journal.-PTI

April 24, 2015

Health Science Post

India Post 33

www.indiapost.com

Blood test predicts breast cancer risk LONDON: A new blood test can predict the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer within the next two to five years with a sensitivity of 80 per cent, scientists say.

The new blood test - a metabolic blood profile - could create a paradigm shift in early diagnosis of breast cancer as well as other diseases, researchers said.

While a mammography can detect newly developed breast cancer with a sensitivity of 75 per cent, the new metabolic blood profile is able to predict with a sensitivity of 80 per cent.

"The method is better than mammography, which can only be used when the disease has already occurred. It is not perfect, but it is truly amazing that we can predict breast cancer years into the future," said Rasmus Bro, a professor of chemometrics in the Department of Food Science at University of Copenhagen.

The study researchers analyzed all compounds a blood sample contains instead of - as is often done in health and medical science - examining what a single biomarker means in relation to a specific disease.

A metabolic blood profile describes the

amounts of all compounds (metabolites) in our blood.

The scientists measured participants' metabolic blood profiles for the study.

When someone is in a pre-cancer state, the pattern for how certain metabolites are processed apparently changes, researchers said.

While a mammography can detect newly developed breast cancer with a sensitivity of 75 per cent, the new metabolic blood profile is able to predict the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer within the next two to five years with a sensitivity of 80 per cent.

The research was based on a population study of 57,000 people followed by the Danish Cancer Society over 20 years.

The participants were first examined in 1994-96, during which time their weight and other measurements were recorded and they answered a questionnaire. They also provided a blood sample that was stored in liquid nitrogen.

The scientists used the 20-year-old blood samples and other available data from 400 women who were healthy when they were first examined but who were diagnosed with breast cancer two to seven years after providing the first sample, and from 400 women who did not develop breast cancer.

The method was also used to test a different dataset of women examined in 1997.

Predictions based on the new set of data matched the first dataset, which indicates the validity of the model, researchers said.

The study is published in the journal Metabolomics.-PTI

Obama says working families deserve quality child care Cont'd from Page 32

``My sister was a teacher, so I know how little she got paid. It's hard to support a family,'' Obama said, pointing out that some countries pay teachers as much as doctors and other professionals. ``We've just got to put more pressure on states.''

Obama said North Carolina used to have more economic success because of an emphasis on education but now, as many other states, doesn't pay teachers as highly. ``Funding now ... its ranking is as low as it gets,''' he said. ``Part of it is just pointing that out and understanding that this shouldn't be a partisan issue.''

Gov. Pat McCrory issued a statement saying he was disappointed to hear Obama ``unfairly and incorrectly malign our education system.'' ``The facts are clear. I signed one of the largest teacher raises in state history and more students are graduating high school now than during any time the three Democrat governors who preceded me were in

office,'' McCrory said. ``I would urge the President in the future to stick with the facts - and refrain from `editorializing' on a quick trip funded by taxpayers.''

Obama has visited North Carolina several times in recent years, making a hand-

Obama said North Carolina used to have more economic success because of an emphasis on education but now, as many other states, doesn't pay teachers as highly. ``Funding now ... its ranking is as low as it gets,''' he said. ful of trips here in 2013 and 2014. Last month, he made his first trip to South Carolina since his 2008 election. -AP

Birth control pills can change the shape of brain WASHINGTON: Birth control pills may shrink portions of a woman's brain and affect its function, scientists have warned.

It's possible that the synthetic hormones found in the pill - and possibly the suppression of natural hormones that occurs when women are using the pill - cause these alterations in brain structure and function, according to a new study.

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles in a study conducted on 90 women found that two key brain regions, the lateral orbitofrontal cortex and the posterior cigulate cortex, were thinner in women who used oral contraception than in those who did not.

The lateral orbitofrontal cortex plays an important role in emotion regulation and responding to rewards, while the posterior cigulate cortex is involved with inward-directed thought, and shows increased activity when we recall personal memories and plan for the future.

Changes in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex could be responsible for the increased anxiety and depressive symptoms that some women experience when they start taking the pill, researchers said.

"Some women experience negative emo-

tional side effects from taking oral contraceptive pills, although the scientific findings investigating that have been mixed," Nicole Petersen, a neuroscientist at UCLA and the study's lead author, told 'The Huffington Post'.

"So it's possible that this change in the

"Some women experience negative emotional side effects from taking oral contraceptive pills, although the scientific findings investigating that have been mixed" lateral orbitofrontal cortex may be related to the emotional changes that some women experience when using birth control pills," Petersen said.

Researchers are yet to determine if these neurological changes are permanent, or if they only last while a woman is on the pill.

The study was published in the journal Human Brain Mapping.-PTI

Health Science Post

34 India Post

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

India hopes to attain MDGs on child mortality, maternal health UNITED NATIONS: With increased funding and stepped-up investments in health systems, India has said it expects to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of reducing child mortality and improving maternal health this year.

With an almost 400 per cent increase in federal funding and stepped-up investment in health systems, efforts in improving healthcare have begun to show results, said India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Bhagwant Bishnoi at a session of Commission of Population and Development here.

Bishnoi cited the government's flagship National Rural Health Mission and other innovative health interventions that have led to increased life expectancy, increased rates of immunization of children, and substantial drop in under-five, neo-natal and maternal mortality rates between 1990 and 2013.

With these results, India ex-

pects to achieve targets for both Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5, which require nations to reduce by two-thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five mortality rate and reduce by three- quarters in the same 25 years, the maternal mortality ra-

India is also committed to the achievement of gender equality and women empowerment and combating discrimination and genderbased violence. tio.

He said for India inclusion is a special challenge and responsibility, given its vast social, regional and economic diversity.

"Reducing poverty is a key el-

ement in our inclusive growth and development strategy," Bishnoi said, citing the 'Sarava Shikha Abhiyaan' which ensures primary education to all and the innovative 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' campaign that has renewed the focus on education of girls.

As more than 54 per cent of its population is below 25 years of age, India is poised to reap the proverbial demographic dividend in a rapidly growing economy, he said.

India is also committed to the achievement of gender equality and women empowerment and combating discrimination and gender-based violence.

"With over a billion people in the world continuing to live in poverty, the international community must synergies political will and increase funding, including by fulfillment of official development assistance commitments to help realize the 'future we want' for present and future generations," he said.-PTI

Docs install second pacemaker in cancer survivor NEW DELHI: In a major surgery, doctors at a city hospital have installed pacemaker in the lower abdominal cavity of a 68year-old woman who is also a cancer survivor.

The patient, Naseema Begum had come to the doctors at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute two years ago, when she had her first pacemaker implanted in the right

With a history of double mastectomy, it was a challenge for the doctors as there was no area in the chest or upper abdomen where the device could be re-implanted.

The team of doctors performed the surgery and implanted the pacemaker in an unusual location through the leg vein in the lower abdomen, also

Doctors at the Fortis Escorts Heart Institute have conducted the unusual heart surgery on a 68-year-old woman who is a second time cancer survivor.

heart cavity while she was suffering from cancer of the left breast.

Subsequently, the cancer spread to the right breast and caused infection which trickled to the pacemaker installed in her right heart cavity.

referred to as retro peritoneal way.

"For a two time cancer survivor, the patient has shown tremendous courage in surviving a series of illness. In this case, the patient had undergone cancer treatment and that compressed the area where implanting the de-

vice was more viable. So we had to take the retro peritoneal way," said Dr Aparna Jaswal, Senior Consultant in the Department of Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology.

Dr Somesh Mittal, Zonal Director, FEHI said that through this unusual route in implanting the device in the lower abdominal cavity, the doctors have continued to push new boundaries in medical excellence.

A pacemaker is a small device that is placed in the chest or upper abdomen to help control abnormal slow heart rhythms or arrhythmia. During an arrhythmia, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue (tiredness), shortness of breath, or fainting.

Severe arrhythmias can damage the body's vital organs and may even cause loss of consciousness or death, said Dr Jaswal.

The pacemaker uses electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. In addition, the pulse generator attached to the pacemaker contains a small computer processor that can be programmed to set the rate of the pacemaker. -PTI

Google Glass can help diagnose skin conditions WASHINGTON: Physicians at a US hospital have used smart eyewear Google Glass to help offsite dermatologists diagnose skin conditions through videos.

Skin problems account for 3.3 per cent of emergency department visits, and most patients wait months to see a dermatologist, researchers said.

For the patients who qualified for the trial, the emergency department physicians at Rhode Island Hospital used Google Glass - a pair of eyeglasses with a computer, camera and microphone built into the frame to contact a dermatologist through a video link using Glass and running a third-party video platform.

On-site emergency medicine physicians observed patients' skin conditions and the consulting dermatologists saw identical images on a tablet in real time.

Later, patients were surveyed about their experience with teledermatology.

"While the patients prefer inperson visits, they said they preferred the video consultation over a more widely practiced telephone consult," said Paul S Porter, the principal investigator and a physician in the emergency department of Rhode Island, Hasbro Children's and The Miriam hospitals.

"For patients, a fast and accurate diagnosis means a faster path to satisfactory treatment.

"A device like this democratizes telemedicine because a hospital can start a program for a few thousand dollars and gain access to an experience that was only previously available at a much higher price point," Porter said.

Because of the interactive na-

ture of the device, the teledermatologists were able to appreciate both the gestalt of nonspecific skin eruptions and specific dermatoses, or skin diseases.

Additionally, the off-site doctors were able to interact with the on-site doctors by asking questions and requesting additional skin locations to examine.

Rhode Island Hospital is the first hospital in the US to test Google Glass in an emergency department setting. The study began in March, 2014 and concluded after six months.

The research results are published in the journal JAMA Dermatology. -PTI

Storytelling video games may be beneficial BERLIN: Non-violent video games that capitalize on storytelling have prosocial benefits that could ultimately be helpful to clinical disorders such as autism, a new study suggests.

Daniel Bormann of the University of Freiburg in Germany and his colleague Tobias Greitemeyer wanted to see whether storytelling fosters immersion and changes how players are able to assess the mental states of others (called "theory of mind").

Immersion, Bormann said, "is characterized by an experience you might have enjoyed while watching your favorite movie for the first time - the sensation of being transported to another time or space, as though you are taking a real journey, or the feeling of being emotionally impacted by

the protagonist's fate."

To test the role of in-game storytelling, the researchers randomly assigned participants to play one of two video games.

In the first game Gone Home, the player slips into the role of a female American college student, arriving home after a year abroad.

The player comes upon an empty house and has to use various clues to figure out what happened to her missing family members.

For the control condition, the game was Against the Wall, in which the player has to climb up an infinite wall by interacting with the bricks, in surreal but human-made surroundings.

Apart from a brief description of the environment and goals, the game provided no narrative elements.-PTI

April 24, 2015

Health Science Post

India Post 35

www.indiapost.com

Florida session may end without health care deal TALLAHASSEE, Fla.: Saying that ``sand is running out of the hourglass,'' the Republican leaders of the Florida Legislature said that it appears they will end their annual session on May 1 without reaching a deal on health care and a new state budget.

The House and Senate are $4 billion apart in rival budgets and the leaders of the two chambers remain at an impasse over how to bridge the gap, which stems from a deep divide over whether to accept billions in federal aid to expand Medicaid.

Medicaid expansion is linked to the federal health care overhaul pushed by President Barack Obama and is opposed by House Republicans. ``We're not willing to move away from our stated position,'' said a defiant House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, a Merritt Island Republican.

Top Republicans acknowledged that they will probably have to hold a special session to pass a budget. Part of the problem is that while the session ends on May 1, the state constitution requires that the budget be finished and on legislators desk 72 hours in advance.

The acknowledgement that time is short for the regular session came during yet another day of finger-pointing between the House, Senate, the administration of Gov. Rick Scott and the federal government.

Florida is in danger of losing more than $1 billion in federal hospital funding - a loss that state senators say would result in devastating cuts to hospitals, including hospitals that serve children. Federal officials say they want Florida to consider expanding its Medicaid program to 800,000 Floridians as part of any deal to keep the hospital money intact.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and five GOP federal lawmakers sent federal health officials a letter asking them to release the funding that helps hospitals care for lowincome patients.

The letter states that federal officials ``should not destabilize, eliminate or hold these programs hostage to an expansion decision'' and should treat Florida no differently from California, a state that expanded Medicaid and was also granted federal hospital funds.

State health officials also chimed in. In a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, they warned that a 2012 U.S. Supreme Court decision said states could not be coerced into expanding Medicaid. ``Yet that appears to be exactly what the federal government is attempting here,'' Florida Medicaid Deputy Secretary Justin Senior said.

Senior complained this was the first time

In Canada, Modi urged to implement tobacco warnings NEW DELHI: Coinciding with Narendra Modi's visit to their country, two Canadian anti-tobacco organizations have urged the Prime Minister to implement the Indian government's plan to expand the size of graphic health warnings on tobacco packages.

The 'Canadian Cancer Society' and the 'Heart and Stroke Foundation' have written a letter to Modi in this regard.

"The tobacco industry in India has been lobbying your government in opposition to these new, larger warnings.

We strongly urge you to resist this lobbying. We urge you and your government to implement the 85 per cent pictorial health warnings as soon as possible.

"The tobacco industry in India is using the same lobbying tactics and the same misinformation about job loss that the tobacco industry previously used in Canada," wrote Canadian Cancer Society's President and CEO Pamela C Fralick and Heart and Stroke Foundation's CEO David Sculthorpe in the letter.

According to a 2014 report of the Canadian Cancer Society, India is ranked 136th among 198 countries listed according to the size of their tobacco warnings.

The government recently decided to defer implementation of the notification to cover 85 per cent of space on cigarette packs and other tobacco products with graphic and text warnings. The earlier decision had been lauded by the global tobacco

control community.

"It is clearly established that large, welldesigned pictorial health warnings are an effective measure to increase awareness of the adverse health effects of tobacco. Pictorial warnings are especially important for people who are illiterate. Canada was the

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

first country in the world to implement pictorial warnings in 2001.

"In 2012, Canada increased the size of package health warnings from 50 per cent to 75 per cent. On both of these occasions in Canada, the tobacco industry was strongly opposed to new warnings, but public health prevailed. Today, at least 77 countries and territories worldwide have implemented pictorial health warnings," the letter said. -PTI

they had heard that federal officials were insisting Medicaid expansion should be part of any deal. However, records obtained by The Associated Press show the state Agency for Health Care Administration and the governor's office actually drafted the letter in late March.

In the intervening two weeks, state health officials released a series of public statements accusing federal health officials of walking away from negotiations and re-

Tom Lee, a Brandon Republican and the Senate budget chief.

Federal health officials insist they are willing to work with the state and say Florida is free to implement expansion or not. But they pointed out that the hospital funds are part of a broader grant and questioned whether it promotes the objectives of the Medicaid statute to rely on the feds when the state has options that would better serve the low-income population.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and five GOP federal lawmakers sent federal health officials a letter asking them to release the funding that helps hospitals care for lowincome patients. The letter states that federal officials ``should not destabilize, eliminate or hold these programs hostage to an expansion decision'' fusing to talk with Florida officials.

Lawmakers grilled AHCA Secretary Elizabeth Dudek about the contradictions during her confirmation hearing. They voted to confirm her, but after the meeting, two Republican senators said they did not accept her statement that this week was the first time Scott administration officials were told that expansion was linked to more than $1 billion in federal aid for hospitals. ``That's not news to anybody despite what they may be telling you,'' said Sen.

Florida health officials contend the state still needs the hospital funding even if they expanded Medicaid because there would still be uninsured and low-income patients seeking treatment at hospitals. They point to a study by the Urban Institute that says $1.6 billion in uncompensated care would still exist after expansion.

Hospitals say they need both the federal funds and Medicaid expansion because Medicaid covers less than half the cost of providing the care.-AP

„

Realty Tidbits

Office space leasing drops 22% to 5 million sq ft NEW DELHI: Office space absorption fell by 22 per cent during January-March quarter at over 5 million square feet in the seven major cities over a year-ago period as corporates are yet to firm up their real estate plan for the year, according to property consultant CBRE. "Following a particularly strong fourth quarter of 2014, the first quarter of 2015 reported comparatively slow activity on the office market front across leading cities," CBRE said in a report titled 'India Office, Q1 2015'.

The consultant said that absorption numbers fell as "most corporate space occupiers were still strategizing their real estate plans for the year during the period, with fewer transaction decisions being implemented in the first quarter".

According to CBRE's report, which presented the status of Grade A office space across the country's leading cities, the total office space taken up in Q1 2015 stood at more than 5 million square feet, a drop of about 50 per cent quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) and a 22 per cent drop year-on-year.

During 2014, the absorption of office space increased by nearly 10 per cent to over 33 million square feet as compared to the previous year. -PTI

„ Middle East investors snapping up property in Pak DUBAI: Middle East investors are snapping up property in Pakistan's expanding real estate market in the country's key cities like Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, according to data released here by a property portal.

Property-seekers from the US top the list of foreigners searching for real estate in Pakistan, followed by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, UK and Canada.

Pakistan's real estate sector is currently seeing increasing interest from foreign investors, data released by property portal Lamudi shows.

Despite political protests in August last year dealing a blow to the country's economic outlook, the real estate market has since rebounded and the property sector is now poised for growth in 2015, leading to improved investor confidence, a statement released by Lamudi said.

"In recent months, we have seen renewed interest from overseas investors inquiring through our website. -PTI

Real Estate 36 India Post

www.indiapost.com

April 24, 2015

Investment in real estate plummeted 6pc NEW DELHI: Investment attracted by the real estate sector from various public and private sources across India have declined by 6 per cent in the last four years, says a survey.

The investment fell to Rs 14.3 lakh crore in 2014-15 from a level of Rs 15.2 lakh crore in 2011-12, the survey by Assocham said. Real estate projects involving about 76 per cent of the total investments attracted by the sector remained non-starter during the period between 2011-12 and 2014-15, the poll found. -PTI

Tips for parents planning to help their child buy a home

R

ising prices and a dearth of homes for sale in many markets have made it harder for many looking to buy their first home.

One of the biggest obstacles many are facing is saving up for a down payment, particularly in hotter markets where competition for the more affordable homes can quickly drive up prices and put pressure on buyers to bring more cash up front.

That trend is prompting many parents to step in, some opening their wallets, others welcoming their adult children to live with them again temporarily while they save money or pay down debt.

Some 13 percent of parents with children between the ages of 20 to 38 helped their child buy a home in the last five years, according to a survey conducted by GfK Custom Research North America for lender loanDepot.

Of those, 65 percent contributed the down payment and 24 percent assisted with closing costs. The survey, which was conducted in February, included responses from 1,000 parents and

has a margin of error of 3 percent.

Whether it's a cash gift or another form of aid, it pays for parents to consider how to best aid their children without placing their own financial well-being at risk.

Here are some factors parents should weigh when helping their

in financially to help get their children into their first home, but they shouldn't do so before going over their own finances and ensuring they can they can afford to live without the funds.

This is particularly important if the parents are close to retirement,

Rising price and a dearth of home for sale in many markets have made it harder for many looking to buy their first home

children buy a home: ASSESS YOUR FINANCES Parents may be tempted to pitch

when they will have to live on their assets, savings and investments. ``Do not in any case put your retirement security at risk just to

get your child into a home,'' said Elizabeth Grahsl, a private banker at Prosperity Bank in Dallas. ``He or she will have plenty of chances to own real estate, but you probably don't have time to catch up if your retirement is derailed.''

An accountant or financial adviser can help figure out whether you can afford to make a sizeable contribution to your children's homeownership fund.

Another option is to use an online retirement calculator to estimate the impact that any big withdrawals would have on your retirement savings.

GO WITH CASH If you decide to kick in some money toward your child's down payment or other costs, it's best to go with discretionary cash, say from a savings account. That's because it's likely not earning much in the way of interest, so you're not losing much in potential gains on the money.

Avoid withdrawing funds from individual retirement accounts, or IRAs. Cont’d on page 37

Money laundering case against real estate group NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a money laundering case against the directors and other associates of realty firm Vigneshwara group which has been accused of allegedly duping hundreds of investors to the tune of crores of rupees.

Officials said the agency filed a criminal case under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after it detected that the firm had allegedly generated "proceeds of crime" by perpetrating the fraud. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi police had registered an FIR against the said firm last year.

"The ED case is based on the Delhi police FIR. The agency has detected some assets which

have been created by the accused from the proceeds of crime generated through the fraud. These assets could later be attached under anti-money laundering laws," sources in the agency said.

The statements of the accused will soon be recorded, they said.

The police had already arrested Sunil Dahiya, the Managing Director of Vigneshwara Group of Companies, in October last year. He is presently in judicial custody.

According to police investigation, the Vigneshwara Group of Companies had launched two com-

The agency has detected some assets which have been created by the accused from the proceeds of crime generated through the fraud. These assets could later be attached under anti-money laundering laws The Delhi police, early this year, had arrested two absconding directors of the group Sanjay Kumar Dahiya (36) and Daryao Singh (79) from a guest house in Dwarka here.

mercial projects at Sector 8 in Manesar in Gurgaon and at Sector 74, Gurgaon. A large number of people had invested in the projects, but were allegedly cheated of their money.

The EOW had received complaints from about 650 investors who have been allegedly cheated to the tune of Rs 260 crore by the directors of the accused company.

It had further been alleged in all these cases that the accused directors of Vigneshwara Developers (P) Ltd namely Sunil, Sanjay and Daryao induced them through advertisements as well as personal assurances.

The accused directors also induced various investors to enter into barter transaction whereby they were made to sell off their immovable properties to Vigneshwara Group of Companies and after making the payment against the sale consideration, got the same invested amount back, the police had alleged.-PTI

Real Estate Post

April 24, 2015

India Post 37

www.indiapost.com

US homebuilders' outlook for sales surges U.S. homebuilders are feeling more optimistic that sales will perk up in coming months as the spring home-selling season unfolds.

That would bode well for home construction, which slowed early this year as severe winter weather halted new projects in the Northeast and Midwest.

The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index rose four points to 56 this month, the highest level since January, from a revised reading of 52 in March.

Readings above 50 indicate more builders view sales conditions as good, rather than poor.

Builders' outlook for sales of single-family homes over the next six months surged to its highest level since December. Measures of current sales conditions and traffic by prospective buyers also rose.

The numbers are consistent with the NAHB's forecast for the U.S. housing market to recover at a steady, gradual pace this year. ``This uptick shows builders are feeling optimistic that the housing market will continue to strengthen throughout 2015,'' said David Crowe, the builder group's chief economist.

New home sales shot up in February to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 539,000, the strongest performance in seven years.

The increase was a bright spot as

other parts of the housing markets have struggled this year, despite historically low mortgage rates and a sharp, yearlong upswing in hiring.

Sales of previously occupied homes in the first two months of 2015 have fallen behind the al-

stronger sales this spring buying season, traditionally the peak period for home sales. More sales would translate into ramped-up home construction.

The latest NAHB index was based on responses from 289 builders. Its measure of current

A construction worker finishes a roof in Chicago.

ready weak pace set last year, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Severe winter weather led builders to pull back on the pace of single-family home construction and shutter construction sites. In February, builders started construction at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 897,000 homes, a 17 percent plunge from the previous month.

Still, lower mortgage rates and job gains over the past year are among the factors pointing to

sales conditions for single-family homes rose three points to 61, while a gauge of traffic by prospective buyers gained four points to 41. Builders' outlook for sales over the next six months rose five points to 64.

Though new homes represent only a fraction of the housing market, they have an outsize impact on the economy. Each home built creates an average of three jobs for a year and generates about $90,000 in tax revenue, according to NAHB data.-AP

Newcomer Home Fair in Brampton, Ontario

Tips for parents planning to help their child buy a home Cont’d from page 36

Generally, the IRS will tack on a 10 percent tax for anyone who withdraws funds from their IRA if they're under 59 1/2 years old. Still, there are exceptions, including one allowing parents to withdraw up to $10,000 toward the first-home purchase of their child.

Even so, you'll have to pay taxes on that $10,000 at your normal income-tax rate. So if your child needs $10,000, you'll end up paying more to cover the portion lost to taxes.

MAKE IT A GIFT Some parents may decide they can't afford to give their children a large sum of money, instead preferring to do it as a loan. But that can have an impact on the borrower's ability to qualify for a mortgage.

Mortgage lenders generally allow borrowers to use funds received as a gift from a relative to cover their down payment, closing costs or to add to their savings.

But if the money is being borrowed, the homebuyer is required to disclose that loan to the bank, which could alter their evaluation of the borrower's debt-to-income ratio. That's a calculus banks use to help determine the borrower's ability to pay back a mortgage.

If the funds are given as a gift, they don't count as debts that have to be repaid. ``When you apply for a loan they want to know how much money you have,'' said Erika Safran, a certified financial planner with Safran Wealth Advisors in New York. ``If you're receiving gift, that person is going to have to write a letter saying that they don't expect it back.''

CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES Parents can help give their children a financial leg up on their home purchase, but there are other

First time homebuyers and real estate investment enthusiasts mingled at the first New Home Fair presented by South Asian Focus newspaper at the Embassy Grand Convention Centre in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The event was choc-a-bloc with more than 800 attendees flocking to the various vendors at the event. Representatives from Pemberton Group, ADI Developments and Mountain View Homes among others were on hand to inform attendees of exciting new projects in and around the GTA.

ways to do so beyond just giving them cash.

Local charities sometimes offer first-time buyers incentives to save by offering matching contributions. That's also a good approach for parents to take, say, by offering to match their children's savings toward a down payment.

Another option is to make sure their children are exploring downpayment assistance programs run by state and local housing authorities.

These programs can be found in all states and provide an aver-

Some parents may decide they can't afford to give their children a large sum of money, instead preferring to do it as a loan. But that can have an impact on the borrower's ability to qualify for a mortgage. age down-payment assistance of $11,565, according to an analysis of 2,290 such programs by real estate data firm RealtyTrac.

Most of the programs essentially lend the borrowers the money for the down payment, collecting on the loan when the home is sold, said Rob Chrane, CEO and founder of Down Payment Resource, which tracks the programs. ``There may be some programs that are targeted to certain census tracts or certain neighborhoods, but basically there is something out there for everybody who qualifies,'' he said.

Here's a link to search down payment assistance programs in your area: http:// downpaymentresource.com/areyou-eligible/ -AP

Horoscope

38 India Post

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar April 17th - April 23rd 2015 (March 21 to April 20)

C

oncentration of four planets in sign is very favor able to aim high and make your move. Results will astonish every one and new doors will open suddenly. Your search for an ideal property will continue as the move is imminent. Good deeds performed in the past will save to from a tricky situation this week.

(April 21 to May 20)

S

trong Venus and Saturn will help you achieve professional goals with ease. You may finally locate a nice property and make the serious offer which will be accepted quickly. Some one you met recently will try to come too close, watch out. You may also travel to nearby state for some business. Value of stocks will appreciate.

(May 21 to June 20)

C

ombination of Moon and Mars in eleventh forms Laxmi yoga. Financially it could be a rewarding week. Chance of hitting some kind of Jackpot, very strong so don't hesitate to try your luck at lottery this week. Saturn is sixth will help people in business to gain an edge over their opponents with new products. There will be remarkable improvement in ongoing legal matters.

(June 21 to July 22)

A

nd it will be a real moral boosting period. Four planets in house of career will cause much awaited changes. Things will be not less than a jackpot. You will maintain a very good balance and stay away from getting too excited. Venus in eleventh will give you some real easy money if not now but within next few weeks. You may also give final shape to an overseas trip.

(July 23 to August 22)

(November 23 to December 22)

S

uddenly everything will start going your way.

Positive changes in life will bring confidence back. You will enjoy company of a new colleague and make some plans with co workers. People looking for a change in job will accept a very lucrative offer and start getting ready to move slowly. Speculation and stocks will be profitable.

(August 23 to September 22)

A

nd this will be an enlight ening week. Even the planets in eighth will be helpful. Tough attitude will get the job done quickly. Saturn in third will help especially those connected with information and technology. Money wise also everything will start looking up from now and on as Venus will transit favorable house for next few months. You may spend some money towards repairs to your car.

(September 23 to October 22)

Y

ou may finally locate a property for investment purpose. People in business will make offer to buy another one. New sources of income will open up this week. You will get to spend some quality time with rich and famous people this week. Some one will send you a beautiful gift. Just stay calm with partners life or business.

(October 23 to November 22)

H

ard work will pay off in big way. now and next few weeks are very favorable to appear for any highly competitive exam. Expect immediate victory if you initiate any legal procedure this week. You may also quickly overcome any illness. There will be big change in your religious beliefs. Bachelors will start a new relationship.

PANDIT PARASHAR, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations.

He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com

W

ith some help, you will accomplish your goals. Mind will be full of a very bright idea and you will not wait another second to launch it. Some money may go towards repairs to one of your vehicle. There is a strong chance of some money coming through legal channels also. Children not doing so well in the past, will come back on right track.

(December 22 to January 19)

Y

ou may be traveling with family to attend an important event this week. You may also plan to upgrade or make some serious changes inside your existing home and consult the right people. Some of you may make an offer on an existing business not doing so well because of lack of management. Children will excel in their field.

(January 20 to February 18)

C

oncentration of planets in third is very helpful in many ways. You may successfully negotiate a deal with a government agency. You may buy another luxury model of vehicle for personal use. Money wise you will continue to grow and expenses will definitely stay under control. Bachelors will not have to look far to find the right match.

(February 19 to March 20)

A

nd this week could be a turning point in life.

You may lay your hands on a dream job or contract. large financial gains from stocks also indicated. Do not hesitate to play couple of lottery tickets either. Of course you will be on the move and may have to travel distance for an important meeting. You may suddenly develop a taste for hot and spicy food.

510-886-4370 www.parashar.com

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

India Post 39

40 India Post

www.indiapost.com

April 24, 2015

M

unsiyari is a town in Pithorgarh district of the state of Uttarakhand. Located at the base of the Himalayas, on the banks of a river called the Goriganga, it is the spot where many Himalayan treks have their origin. The place is fast becoming an important tourist destination among many trekkers and mountain climbing enthusiasts. Some of the main treks in the area are Namik Trek, Milam Trek and the Ralam Glacier Trek.

Permits are required for trekking into the inner line places.

Munsiyari is surrounded by snow clad peaks and the views from it are

phenomenal. The town is situated at the gateway to the Johar Valley and many high altitude climbers, nature enthusiasts and other visitors can be found here

Munsiyari is surrounded by snow clad peaks and the views from it are phenomenal. The town is situated at the gateway to the Johar Valley and is loved by high altitude climbers

throughout the year.

There are many small waterfalls that are located near the town and these are interesting picnic spots.

One of the main waterfalls in the region is the Vrithi Falls.

The jungles surrounding the town teem with many species of wildlife. Some of the animals that can be spotted here are bears, leopards, panthers and deer.

Cont’d on page 42

April 24, 2015

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

41

www.indiapost.com

India, China may set MakeMyTrip encourages visitors to Kashmir up 'Buddhist circuit' BEIJING: India and China are exploring possibilities of establishing a 'Buddhist circuit' along with Sri Lanka and Nepal for Chinese travelers which could be launched

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit here next month.

"We are exploring the possibility of Buddhist circuit with Indian officials," Huang Xilian, Deputy Director General of Asian Affairs in the Chinese Foreign Ministry told Indian media here.

"This is visit India year in China so there will be efforts to promote this kind of event," he said in reply to a question as to whether the four countries could organize the event connecting centers in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

Last year 1.40 lakh Chinese visited Nepal, an increase of 70 per cent, indicating the popularity of Buddhist places like Lumbini where Buddha was born, he said.

Except India, the number of Chinese travelers to South Asia especially to Sri Lanka and the Maldives are rising, he said.

While four lakh visited the Maldives, 1.30 lakh Chinese visited Sri Lanka, an increase of 130 per cent, Huang said.

But at the same time 1.70 lakh visited In-

dia which needed special promotions, he said.

India is organizing 'Visit India Year' in 2015 to entice a chunk of about 100 million Chinese tourists who visited abroad last year, spending billions of dollars on shopping.

China has a large Buddhist population.

They are keen to visit Buddhist sites in India like Nalanda, Huang said.

"Hope we can work out a package for Chinese tourists to go to Lumbini in Nepal and other Buddhist tourist centers like Nalanda in India. It will be attractive for Chinese tourists," he said.-PTI

An all-white garden in NYC, inspired by history NEW YORK: First come the snowdrops, peeking through the snow, then as things warm up, hellebores and crocuses, followed by geraniums, peonies, anemones, camellias and many more. But there's one thing all the flowers in this particular garden have in common: They're all white.

This white garden is part of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden,

Kent, a National Trust historic site. But you don't have to own a castle or be a professional gardener to experiment with an allwhite theme. White is a great color for home gardens too.

The Sissinghurst Garden was created by writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband, Harold Nicolson. Sackville-West hatched the romantic vision for the color scheme in 1939. Originally, according to the National Trust, the white garden was filled with roses, but over time they were replaced with white gladioli, irises, dahlias, anemones and other flowers. The design included formal walkways and jam-packed, wild-looking flower beds. The color scheme inspired a fad for white gardens around the world.

The garden on Staten Island does not use the same plants as Sissinghurst because ``our summers are hotter and our winters are colder here,'' said Greg Lord, direcA white wisteria dripping with blossoms in the white tor of horticulture at the Snug Hargarden at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden in Staten Island, N.Y. bor Botanical Garden. But it does use a wide variety of plants, inlocated on Staten Island in New York City, cluding alliums, summer snowflakes just a ferry ride away from Manhattan. It (leucojum), camassias, crambe, geraniums, was inspired by a famous garden in England, peonies, roses, sweet bay magnolia, the white garden at Sissinghurst Castle in veronicastrum and phlox. -AP

NEW DELHI: Online travel firm MakeMyTrip is wooing domestic tourists to Kashmir offering attractive packages as it supports the state government to bring back travelers to the valley hit hard by floods last year and recent unseasonal rains.

"The valley is ready to welcome tourists and we assure travelers that a trip to Kashmir is as convenient, delightful and memorable as it was before the floods," MakeMyTrip Chief Business Officer Holidays Ranjeet Oak told PTI. Holiday business in the valley was growing at an average of 45 per cent year-onyear and MakeMyTrip expects business to regain lost ground due to floods, he added.

The floods in the valley last year had led to a slowdown in the number of tourists to the valley and had impacted the economy.

"We are looking at a growth of around 45 per cent in number of travelers visiting Kashmir in 2015. In 2014, the Kashmir valley (excluding Ladakh) had 35,000 travelers

visiting the state," Oak said.

In order to woo tourists, the company is providing a slew of offers for travelers to visit Kashmir, such as 6 days and 7 nights package, covering Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg for Rs 24,999 from Delhi.

It is also available from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore and Baroda. Currently, Delhi and Mumbai contribute nearly 60 per cent of all queries received for Kashmir, MakeMyTrip said. -PTI

42

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

MUNSIYARI Ideally located for high altitude trekking in Himalayas Cont’d from page 40

The best time to visit Munsiyari is from the months of March to June and September to October.

Tourist Attractions Birthy Falls: Located 19 km from Tejam on the Munsiyari motorway is the spectacular Birthy Falls. It is an hour's drive from Munsiyari and is an ideal spot for picnicking. Surrounded by dense forests and Himalayas, the site offers a scenic view of nature.

Kala Muni Mandir: Devoted to Naga god, it is just a 20 minutes' drive from Munsiyari en route to Thal and offers the amazing views of Gori Ganga valley. Set amidst pine forests, the temple has beau-

tiful scenic surrounding, making it an ideal location for nature enthusiasts.

Skiing: Munsiyari offers the adventurous sport of skiing for the tourists to enjoy. The snow-laden slopes of Khaliatop and Betulidhar at higher altitudes are good spots to enjoy skiing at Munsiyari. So, never miss the opportunity of skiing while in Munsiyari.

Trekking: Situated at an altitude of 2200 m above sea level, Munsiyari is an ideal place for trekking and mountaineering. The most popular trekking trails in Munsiyari are the routes to the lovely Milam and Namik Glaciers.

Munsyari is ideally located for the experience of high altitude trekking and it's the base camp for

Skiing

Nanda Devi.

The best time to trek is during the months of June to October.

How to reach

By Train: The closest railway

station is located at Kathgodam.

Kathgodam is well connected to many places in the country.

By Air: The closest airport is located at Pantnagar, around 250 km from the hill station. Pantnagar

is connected to Delhi by scheduled flights

By Bus: Munsiyari can be reached by buses from places such as Kathgodam and Tanakpur by frequent buses.

Trekking

Birthy Falls

Travel & Hospitality Post

April 24, 2015

India Post

43

www.indiapost.com

Online hotel booking to hit $1.8 bn by 2016 NEW DELHI: Online hotel bookings in the country will touch USD 1.8 billion by 2016, as more and more Indians turn to the Internet for finalizing travel plans, according to Google.

"Consumer confidence to do online hotel bookings is on the rise in India, with an estimated 8.4 million Indians likely to book hotels online by 2016... the online hotel booking Industry will be worth USD 1.8 billion from the current USD 0.8 billion," a report by Google India stated.

One of the biggest factors for this sizzling growth is the convenience the Internet offers while carrying out the transaction.

"People are able to compare.

Online helps you get more information to make better decisions and do better planning for vacations," Google India Industry Director Vikas Agnihotri told PTI. Explaining the modus operandi, he said: "It will help occupancy in hotels grow, with more consumers coming in. For, a lot of hotels in

budget and economy segments can be discovered online and bookings accordingly done online."

growing usage of mobile phones as the preferred choice to access the Internet.

On Google search, hotel enqui-

There are some 'ifs' though. The report said: "Safety and trust were According to the report, there is significant headroom for growth in the sector as the ease of access to information and details available online are propelling consumer confidence to book hotels electronically.

What is fuelling the trend is

ries from mobiles clocked 30 times growth from 2011 to 2014, the report said.

"In terms of demographics, users in the age group of 35-44 are the most tech-savvy when it comes to booking hotels online," it added.

India's lighthouse museum set to woo visitors THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Aiming to promote lighthouse tourism, India's fourth lighthouse museum, depicting the story of its evolution and history, is all set to be opened in the northern district of Kannur in Kerala.

The Directorate General of Lighthouse and Lightships

significant episodes of the history of the land.

The new lighthouse museum, having a handful of rare exhibits on display, will be a treat for history enthusiasts and tourists, a top official said.

"It is the fourth such lighthouse museum in the country. We

The Kannur lighthouse

(DGLL) has set up the lighthouse museum adjacent to the historic Kannur lighthouse in Payyalmbalam beach, a few kilometers away from Kannur town.

The Kannur lighthouse, overlooking the Arabian Sea, has been a silent witness to a number of

Short duration trips are on the rise in India, as leisure travelers prefer more than two or more trips in a year, with 64 per cent respondents preferring short breaks of less than 5 days, the report added.

have already set up similar museums in Alappuzha, Chennai and Mahabalipuram," Lighthouse and Lightships Director-General Captain A M Surej told PTI. He said the lighthouse museums are developed as part of the Directorate General's plans to pro-

mote lighthouse tourism.

"Through these lighthouse museums, we can retain the legacy of lighthouses and its significant history and pass them on to the next generation," he said.

A gigantic optic, used in Lakshadweep Lighthouse during the 1885-1962 period, a 19th century double-wick lamp of Kannur Lighthouse, a huge fogbell used to alert shipmen and a deep-sea buoy are some of the exhibits to be displayed at the Kannur lighthouse museum.

A number of drawings of the structure and form of Kannur lighthouse in different periods will also be an added attraction.

A tri-lingual short film in Hindi, English and Malayalam, will help visitors get an idea about the history of lighthouses in the country.

The film will be screened in a 20-seater mini theatre.

He said around Rs two crore was estimated as total cost for the Kannur lighthouse museum, whose construction began last year.

"We plan to open the lighthouse museum to visitors later this month. We expect that it will become a major tourist attraction in the region," the official said.PTI

the top deterrents. Respondents cited low trust in online portal offerings."

Complicated terms and conditions, concerns about online cancellation policies, better rates and discounts available offline and personalized service were cited as the other reasons for users to book hotels offline, it added.

The report compiled by Google India was based on face-to-face research conducted by TNS interviewing travelers who had booked a hotel in the last one year and are active Internet users across India.

The sample size was 3,716 in the age group of 18-54 years from metros, tier I and tier II cities.-PTI

Golfer bitten by crocodile at Aussie tourist resort BRISBANE, Australia: A golfer who was bitten on the leg by a crocodile while playing at an Australian tourist resort said Tuesday he was partly at fault for hitting his ball in the water and disturbing the aggressive reptile while it sunbaked.

John Lahiff, 75, had puncture wounds in his right calf after he was bitten by the 1.2-meter (4-foot) saltwater crocodile on Monday at the Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course in the tourist town of Port Douglas on Queensland State's Great Barrier Reef, police said.

Lahiff told Australian Broadcasting Corp. from his Cairns Hospital bed that he had seen crocs on the course before and should have been more wary of them.

He was attacked after retrieving a ball from a water trap on the 11th hole. ``I drove a cart around there to retrieve the ball and I didn't see the croc sunbaking just on the edge of the water,'' Lahiff said. ``I'll just stay away from them, that's all. Just don't hit balls in the water,'' he said. ``It's partly my fault for disturbing it - it was just sunbaking.''

The croc quickly retreated into the water.

Lahiff drove his cart back to the club house where paramedics were

called. They told him he was lucky no artery had been severed.

Lahiff said he played the course three times a week and would return there soon.

The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection will attempt to catch the crocodile, which is a protected species under Australian law, so it can be relocated to a zoo or crocodile farm where crocs are grown for their meat and hides.

Crocs are a common sight on golf courses in Australia's tropics and signs warn golfers of the dan-

gers.

The department told the ABC it was unusual behavior for a small crocodile to interact with people.

The resort's owner, mining magnate and federal lawmaker Clive Palmer, wished Lahiff a speedy recovery. ``Crocodile has been removed from all menus at Palmer properties following today's incident,'' Palmer joked in a tweet.

Crocodiles can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) long and have become abundant across Australia's tropical north since they became protected in 1971.-PTI

In Brief Immigration forum interrupted by hecklers TUCSON, Ariz.: An immigration forum in Tucson has turned contentious after anti-illegal immigration protesters repeatedly interrupted the two U.S. congressmen who hosted it.

The forum at Pima Community College was hosted by Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Arizona, and Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Illinois, and was meant to inform attendees about President Barack Obama's program that protects immigrant youths from deportation. Grijalva's and Gutierrez's speeches were repeatedly interrupted by angry protesters who called them traitors.

Both congressmen pleaded with the hecklers and the audience to be civil, to no avail.

Del Dawley of Tucson was escorted out after he approached Grijalva and refused to stop yelling at him. Dawley said later he was offended by remarks Grijalva made claiming the American flag belongs to everyone. ``We have a process, a rule of law,'' Dawley said. ``I would like to see all illegal aliens deported.''

Grijalva and Gutierrez praised Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which protects youths who were brought to the country illegally as children and who meet certain qualifications from deportation while allowing them to legally work.-AP

„ India extends visa on arrival for Sri Lankans COLOMBO: India has extended the e-Tourist Visa (eTV) scheme for Sri Lankan citizens in keeping with a pledge made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Sri Lanka last month.

The Indian High Commission said the Tourist Visa on Arrival enabled by Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme has come into force with effect from April 14.

"The eTV can be utilized by all Sri Lankan Nationals holding ordinary passports whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, short duration medical treatment or casual business visit," a statement said.

Applicants have to apply and obtain ETA online prior to undertaking travel to India.

The eTV will be for single-entry, and valid for only 30 days stay from the date of arrival in India while the entry into India must be through any of the following nine designated airports only - Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram.-PTI

Immigration

Immigrant mother: Time at detention center depresses kids

44 India Post

www.indiapost.com

April 24, 2015

Details on page 46

Appeals court hears arguments on Obama immigration action NEW ORLEANS: Federal appeals judges peppered lawyers on both sides with questions in a fight over President Barack Obama's move to shield millions of immigrants from deportation.

A 5th Circuit Court of Appeals panel held a special hearing in a closely watched case that is holding up Obama's immigration action.

A coalition of 26 states, led by Texas sued to block the plan. The hearing was on an appeal of a Texas judge's injunction.

The Justice Department argued that Texas has no legal standing in the matter. Texas' solicitor general countered that granting legal status to immigrants will be costly for Texas.

The judges did not rule and took the case under advisement.

Throughout the hearing chants and drumming by pro-immigrant protesters outside the courthouse filtered into the packed courtroom.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen in Brownsville, Texas, granted a preliminary injunction on Feb. 16 at the request of the states that oppose Obama's action. Hanen's rulings have temporarily blocked the Obama administration from implementing the poli-

cies that would allow as many as 5 million people in the U.S. illegally to remain.

The Justice Department appealed his ruling and the special hearing - which took more than two hours - was lively as two of the judges had plenty of ques-

Benjamin Mizer, the Justice Department's principal deputy assistant attorney general, called Texas' suit unprecedented and argued that immigration policy is a domain of the federal government. ``If Texas is right, it could challenge an individual's right to seek

Demonstrators, led by the New Orleans Worker Center for Racial Justice and the Congress of Day Laborers, participate in a rally outside the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans

tions. They centered mostly on whether an individual state can seek to undo a federal immigration policy.

asylum,'' Mizer said. ``The states do not have standing in the downstream effects of a federal immigration policy.''

Scott Keller, Texas' solicitor general, argued that Obama's immigration move has direct consequences because Texas will incur the costs of providing drivers' licenses, schooling and health care to immigrants granted permission to stay in the United States. ``This is one of the largest changes in immigration policy in the nation's history,'' Keller said. ``What this is doing is conferring a legal presence'' to people now living illegally in the country, he said. ``We absolutely have a stake,'' he added.

Judges Jennifer Elrod, a George W. Bush appointee, and Stephen Higginson, an Obama appointee, often interrupted the legal arguments with queries. Judge Jerry Smith, a Ronald Reagan appointee, was the third judge on the panel.

Elrod seemed skeptical of the Justice Department's arguments while Higginson of those brought

by Texas.

Obama announced the executive orders after the November midterm elections, saying inaction

by Congress forced him to make sweeping changes to immigration rules on his own.

Cont'd on Page 45

H1B cap results call for legislative reform

F

or those seeking H1B status and those still waiting for news as to whether they have been selected in the 2016 fiscal year cap, it is a nervewracking time.

USCIS has recently released figures on how many H1B capsubject petitions were filed during the first five business days of April this year, and the volume of case filings is staggering.

An unprecedented 233,000 applications were filed in those first five business days, and USCIS will select only 85,000 in this year's H1B lottery.

Last year, roughly 170,000 applied, and the year before, 120,000. So what could explain

HASAN ABDULLAH

the increase this year? There could be any number of reasons, but the increase is somewhat surprising given that many would be H1B applicants skipped out on filing this year if they happen to have H4 status and meet the criteria for the newly established employment authorization provision slated to go into effect on May 26th. The most obvious reason would be, however, that we are having a large number of carryover H1B petitions filed by those who did not get selected in the previous year but remained in the US. This situation calls for major reform. We should bear in mind, a major consumer of the H1B petitions are major offshore-

outsourcing firms. According to an NPR report from 2013, the top

USCIS should issue regulations limiting each company to 1,000 visas or some other reasonable number to increase the opportunities for everyone else 10 recipients in the 2013 fiscal year were all offshore-outsourcers.

They took an astonishing 40,000 of the 85,000 visas. The biggest user of H-1B that year was Cogni-

zant (the next three biggest were Infosys, Wipro and Tata), a company that took 9,000 new visas.

So, perhaps in addition to an increase in the cap, USCIS should issue regulations limiting each company to 1,000 visas or some other reasonable number to increase the opportunities for everyone else. Will Congress finally work to bring much needed reform to the H1B program? Time will tell.

The writer is President & Managing Attorney, American Visa Law Group, PC. Those interested in learning more about H-1B sponsorship may visit the website at www.usavisalaw.com

Immigration Post

April 24, 2015

India Post 45

www.indiapost.com

Court deals Arizona sheriff another defeat PHOENIX: The sheriff for metro Phoenix lost a bid to overturn a 2013 racial profiling ruling that blunted his signature immigration enforcement efforts and represents the thorniest legal troubles the defiant lawman has faced in his 22-year career.

The decision by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals marks the latest in a long string of defeats for Sheriff Joe Arpaio in the case in which his officers were found to have racially profiled Latinos.

Arpaio and four aides face hearings on whether they should be held in contempt of court for violating a 2011 order by a judge who barred Arpaio's immigration patrols.

The sheriff has acknowledged the violation and offered to make a donation to a civil rights group to make amends for disobeying court orders.

Arpaio, who voluntarily gave up his last major foothold in immigration enforcement late last year, vigorously disputes that his officers have racially profiled Latinos.

Over the past year, the judge in the profiling case has grown increasingly frustrated with the sheriff's office for mischaracterizing his profiling ruling during a training session and over what the judge said were inadequate internal investigations

Joe Arpaio

into wrongdoing by Arpaio's squad working immigrant smuggling cases.

The 9th Circuit upheld the previous ruling by U.S. District Judge Murray Snow that the sheriff's unconstitutional practices targeting immigrants had extended traffic stops in the Phoenix area.

The appeals court also backed Snow's requirements that Arpaio's officers video-record traffic stops, collect data on stops and undergo training to ensure they aren't acting unconstitutionally.

Arpaio's sole victory in his appeal came when the appeals court reined in a court-appointed official who is investigating misconduct at the agency.

The sheriff's lawyers contended that Snow imposed changes on the sheriff's office that have nothing to do with the profiling case.

The court said Snow's requirement that the court-appointed official consider internal investigations and reports of officer misconduct created a problem by being unrelated to the constitutional violations found by Snow.

Arpaio didn't contest Snow's 2013 ruling on the sheriff's special immigration patrols. Instead, the sheriff appealed the judge's conclusions on only regular traffic patrols - and lost.-PTI

S. Africa faces crisis over anti-immigrant attacks JOHANNESBURG: South brothers and sisters in the conti- by immigrants were torched in Africa's president has canceled a nent,'' Zuma said in a statement. downtown Johannesburg in recent foreign trip in order to deal with a There was a heavy police pres- days. wave of attacks on immigrants that ence in the Alexandra township of Attacks on immigrants, many of have killed at least six people. In Johannesburg after rioters looted them from other African countries, the latest violence, mobs attacked some shops, burned tires and built in and around Durban have subshops owned by foreign nation- street barricades overnight, ac- sided after the deaths of six people als in a poor area of there, police said.

Johannesburg.

Some 112 people President Jacob Zuma were arrested in had been scheduled to KwaZulu-Natal provleave for Indonesia to atince, which includes tend a meeting of African Durban, during the and Asian leaders, but will riots there, according instead stay to campaign to authorities. for a peaceful resolution to Some South Afrithe unrest that has swept cans have accused several areas of South Afimmigrants of taking rica, his office said. jobs and opportuniZuma planned to visit ties away from them immigrants staying in a in a country with high camp in the Chatsworth unemployment. The area of the coastal city of Refugees wait to be settled at a temporary refugee camp government has said set up for foreign nationals fleeing attacks from South Durban, where some of the it is addressing comAfricans worst violence has ocplaints about uncurred. cording to eNCA, a South African documented migrants, while not``These attacks go against ev- news outlet. Police fired rubber ing that many foreign nationals are erything we believe in. The major- bullets in an attempt to stop the living legally in South Africa and ity of South Africans love peace unrest, the report said. contributing to economic developand good relations with their Several shops and cars owned ment. -AP

Appeals court hears arguments on Obama immigration action Cont'd from Page 44

The first of Obama's orders - to expand a program protecting young immigrants from deportation if they were brought to the U.S. illegally as children - had been set to take effect Feb. 18.

The other major part would extend deportation protections to parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have been in the country for several years. That provision was slated to begin on May 19.

Under grey skies threatening rain, immigrants and protesters in favor of Obama's policy held banners and waved at passing cars. One banner read ``Immigration reform'' and another said ``Deportation Destroys Fami-

lies.'' They also shouted demands and could be heard inside the courtroom from the street.

Victor Ibarra, a 43-year-old protester from Houston, was with a group of restaurant workers. He said it's time to change immigration policy. ``We are human. We want family to be together. We just want to be OK in this country, cause no trouble and have the opportunity to be in the U.S. all our life.''

In a statement after the hearing, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton called Obama's action an ``unconstitutional amnesty plan.''

He blasted the president for ``granting federal and state benefits to law-breaking immigrants.''

-AP

PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law

Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc.

1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1

http://www.proy-singh.com

2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659

Immigration Post

46 India Post

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Immigrant mother: Time at detention center depresses kids SAN ANTONIO: Immigrant children at a federal detention facility in Texas are acting depressed after months of regimentation and confinement, said a Honduran mother who was recently released with her 2-year-old son.

Kenia Galeano, 26, said at a small protest in front of a downtown cathedral that the children are suffering after long periods of being held at the 500-bed facility in Karnes City.

U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement authorities, however, have said in the past that the facility provides a number of play and schooling areas where children and residents can move about freely. ICE officials said they would look into questions from The Associated Press about the emotional state of the children at Karnes.

Tens of thousands of Central American migrants crossed the U.S.-Mexico border last summer, most of them mothers with children and unaccompanied minors.

Galeano, who entered the coun-

try illegally last November and was detained for more than five months, said the children are unaccustomed to being restricted to

Tens of thousands of Central American migrants crossed the U.S.-Mexico border last summer, most of them mothers with children and unaccompanied minors. the facility and have trouble with the more rigid eating and schooling schedules. She said the food, such as reheated vegetables and chicken mixed with pineapple and oranges, is also foreign to them.

Galeano said her former roommate, Delmy Pi単eda Cruz, has been detained for nearly eight months

with her 11-year-old son who now refuses to go to school and hides under the covers, crying that he wants to leave. ``The kids feel like they are in a prison,'' she said. ``And they suffer.''

Last September, ICE provided a tour of the facility, which is run by national prison operator GEO Group. Immigrant children were seen playing kickball and sitting in classrooms as they were read stories in Spanish. Officials have defended the facility before, noting that the children get daily schooling and outside play time and that residents are free to use the Internet, flat-screen televisions and a hair salon - all while their cases are processed through the courts.

Despite these amenities, Galeano was among more than two dozen women who nearly two weeks ago ended a five-day hunger strike at the Karnes Family Residential Center, southeast of San Antonio, which houses

Greece seeks EU aid to cope with immigration PIRAEUS, Greece: Greece has war in Syria. ney from neighboring Turkey, appealed to its European Union At the country's busiest port usually crammed into rickety boats partners for more help in policing of Piraeus, near Athens, more than provided by smuggling gangs that its sea borders as immigrants in- 200 migrants from Syria, Somalia charge several thousand U.S. dolcreasingly make dangerous jour- and Afghanistan arrived on ferries lars per head. Fatal accidents are neys to escape war and poverty from Greek islands facing Turkey. frequent, and the influx is expected in the Middle East and Africa.

Among them was Muhammad to grow as weather conditions imDeputy Minister for Merchant Baklaru, an Arabic teacher, who prove in the spring and summer.

Marine Thodoros Dritsas told The fled the worn-torn city of Aleppo Arrivals in Greece have more Associated Press it is ``a than doubled this year to matter of urgency'' for EU exceed 10,000, with scores countries to show greater of people arriving daily on solidarity with the finanislands close to the Turkcially struggling country. ish coast. From there, He advocated more they register with Greek ships, aircraft and personauthorities and then make nel, increased funding and their way by ferry to Athstronger operational coens, hoping to continue operation with EU border their clandestine journey agency Frontex, which to wealthier EU members has been assisting Greece with better welfare polifor the past five years. cies, such as Germany or ``I don't think any Britain. country can handle (the Frontex's Leggeri said influx) alone, it is a Eurothe Syrian conflict, develGreek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras speaks during a pean problem,'' he said, opments in African counpress conference at an EU summit Brussels after talks in Athens with tries and the breakdown Frontex executive director Fabrice in northern Syria with his wife, 4- of law and order in Libya have Leggeri. Dritsas said that EU as- month-old baby boy, and 4-year- contributed to a ``huge increase'' sistance would also ensure that old son. in sea crossings. refugees reaching Greek shores ``Aleppo was very crazy. So ``From the first quarter of 2014 enjoy full humanitarian assistance, many people dead,'' he said, hold- the flow has been constantly ris``without that bringing our coun- ing his son's hand. ``I want to go ing, and it appears that - as the try to its knees.'' (to Europe). There is no work in causes of these flows are growing Greece is the EU's second big- Greece.'' rather than diminishing - we may gest gateway, after Italy, for miMost migrants arrive by sea, have a further increase,'' Dritsas grants. Most are families fleeing after risking the hazardous jour- said. ``We need to handle it.'' -AP

mostly women and children from Central America who crossed illegally and are now seeking asylum.

Last February, a federal judge

Officials have defended the facility before, noting that the children get daily schooling and outside play time and that residents are free to use the Internet issued a preliminary injunction against ICE's policy of detaining the mothers and children without bond. Since then, immigration attorneys say the women have been receiving bonds of $7,500 to $15,000, which they cannot afford. Also, mothers known to have previously entered the

country illegally are not issued bonds.

Some 15 to 20 mothers have been detained at the facility longer than five months and two have been there at least 10 months, said Mohammad Abdollahi, advocacy director at the San Antoniobased Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, or RAICES. He said 10 women have begun a second protest in the facility, refusing any scheduled activities and eating one meal a day to bring attention to their prolonged detainment.

ICE will monitor residents at Karnes to verify that they are eating meals and snacks provided to ensure their welfare, spokeswoman Nina Pruneda said in a statement. ``ICE fully respects the rights of all people to voice their opinion without interference, and all detainees, including those in family residential facilities such as Karnes, are permitted to do so,'' she said. -AP

12 activists are convicted in immigration protest TUCSON, Ariz.: Twelve activists who blocked two buses carrying immigrants to a federal court in Tucson have been found guilty of obstructing a highway and public nuisance.

A Pima County Justice Court judge had dismissed four charges against the activists in March after a two-day trial, but acquitted them of resisting arrest.

Judge Susan Bacal made her decision on the remaining two charges and set sentencing for

July 20.

The 12 were among 20 activists involved in an October 2013 immigrant protest. They blocked the buses by lying in front of them and chaining themselves to tires.

Six other activists are appealing their convictions last year of disorderly conduct on federal property and failure to follow the direction of a federal police officer.

One defendant took a plea and another rescheduled. -AP

Miliband pledges crackdown on migrant exploitation LONDON: British opposition leader Ed Miliband is pledging to crack down on the exploitation of

Ed Miliband

foreign workers should his Labor Party win the May 7 election.

Miliband says he will create a task force to investigate abuse of

foreign workers, many of whom come from the European Union's formerly communist states, and increase prosecutions of employers who fail to pay the minimum wage.

The Labor leader, speaking during a campaign appearance in northwest England, said the low pay and poor working conditions forced on some migrants allow unscrupulous employers to undercut local workers.

Immigration is a key election issue. Both Labor and the Conservatives are trying to stem gains by the upstart U.K. Independence Party, which wants Britain to leave the European Union in part to restrict immigration. -AP

Datebook

April 24, 2015

NEW JERSEY Upcoming Fri, May 1 • Madhura Delights Presents Girls night out !

NEW YORK Upcoming Sat, Apr 25 • Hamari Devrani Fame Paresh Bhatt & Samir Rajda

Venue: RASOI III, 620 Geoges Road, Manmouth JN, NJ 08852 Time : 7:00 pm

Venue: Hindu Auditorium, 143-09 Holly Ave, Flushing, NY 11355 Time : 7:30 pm Contact: 516-336-9042

Sat, May 2 • Kavita Krishnamurti & Dr. L Subramaniam

Sun, May 3 • Kailash Kher

Venue: Newark Symphony Hall, 1030 Broad St., Newark, NJ 07102 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 732-331-9105

Fri, May 8 • Mothers Day Celebration Venue: VB3 Restaurant & Bar, 475 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310 Time: 9:30 pm Contact: 609-440-6737

Venue: The Town Hall, 123 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036 Time : 6:00 pm Contact: 917-409-7262

Thu, May 9 • Ranjeet Rajwada Prince Of Ghazal Venue: Hindu Auditorium, 143-09 Holly Ave, Flushing, NY 11355 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 347-989-6104

India Post 47

www.indiapost.com

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CHICAGO

Upcoming

Upcoming

Apr 23- 25 • Ohlone College Dept. of Theatre & Dance Presents: Soul House Venue: Smith Center at Ohlone College 43600 Mission Boulevard Fremont, CA 94539 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: www.smithcenter.com

Sat, Apr 25 • Konark Bhangima Venue: California State University, East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Hayward, CA 94542 Time : 3:00 pm

Fri, May 1 • Bollywood Club Party Venue: Agenda Lounge, 399 South 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95113, USA, San Jose, CA 95113 Time: 10:00 pm

Fri, May 8 • Stand Up Comedy With OMI VAIDYA Venue: Spice-Affair Restaurant, 50 N La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Time: 7:30 pm

Thu May 7 and 8 • Ohlone College Playwrights Festival (Bill 2) Venue: Smith Center at Ohlone College 43600 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA Time: 8:00 pm Contact: SmithCenter.com

Sun, May 10 • Happy Mothers Day Venue: Bhimas Banquet Hall, 18726 Pioneer Blvd, Artesia, Ca 90701 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 714-397-7224

Sat, Apr 25 • Marathi Movie- Coffee Ani Barach Kahi Venue: Serra Theaters, 200 Serra Way, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 1:00 pm Contact: 650-248-7804

Sat, May 16 • Isayum Thendral - The Healing Breeze Venue: Marsee Performing Center, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90506 Time: 5:00 pm Contact: 2132191970

ATLANTA Upcoming

ILLINOIS Upcoming 1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Mondays and Fridays

Fri, Apr 24 • Ranjeeet Rajwada Live in Atlanta

• Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services

Venue: The Palace Restaurant, 6131 Peachtree Pkwy, Norcross, GA 30092 Time: 6:30 pm

Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Sat, Apr 26 • CMA Walkathon 2015 - for CORD Venue: Settles Bridge Park, 380 Johnson Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024 Time: 9:00 am Contact: 678-428-4718

Mon, Aug 31 • MITHAS 2014 Membership Venue: Wong Auditorium, MIT, 70 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02142 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 857-205-9731

Swami Ishatmananda • Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life Venue: Public Library-95th Street 3015 Cedar Glade Rd Naperville IL 60564 Time: 1st friday of every month 7-8 pm Contact: 630-637-0662

• India Eternal: From the Vedic Age to the Present Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 N. Main Street Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 630-655-8822

India Post

Classifieds

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

For Classifieds Ads Call NORTHERN CA (Sonia) Tel: 510-938-8668 sonia@indiapost.com (Priya) Tel. 510-275-4467 priya@indiapost.com SOUTHERN CA (Shashi Trivedi) Tel: 562-441-5511/ Fax: 562-947-0632 shashi19@yahoo.com CHICAGO (Ramesh Soparawala) Tel: 773-973-7394 / Fax: 773-973-7396 sramesh@aol.com NEW YORK (Pinky) Tel: 908 338 3752 pinky@indiapost.com

www.indiapost.com

48

SUBSCRIBE TO INDIA POST E-PAPER Mail to: subscribe@indiapost.com or login to http://www.indiapost.com/subscribe/

Philosophy

April 24, 2015

India Post 49

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis RÂMÂNUJACHARYA

T

he word 'Brahman' denotes the highest Person (purushottama), who is essentially free from all imperfections and possesses numberless classes of auspicious qualities of unsurpassable excellence. The term 'Brahman' is applied to anything which possess the quality of greatness (brihattva, from the root 'brih'); but primarily denotes that which possesses greatness, of essential nature as well as of qualities, in unlimited fullness; and such is only the Lord of all.

Hence the word 'Brahman' primarily denotes him alone, and in a secondary derivative sense only those things which possess some small part of the Lord's qualities; for it would be improper to assume several meanings for the word.

The case is analogous to that of the term 'bhagavat.' The Lord only is enquired into, for the sake of immortality, by all those who are afflicted with the triad of pain.

Hence the Lord of all is that Brahman which, according to the The Vedântâ-Sûtras, constitutes the object of enquiry.

That the fruit of mere works is transitory, while the result of the knowledge of Brahman is something permanent, the Vedantatexts declare in many places 'And as here the world acquired by work perishes, so there the world acquired by merit perishes'

RAJIV KAPUR

I

t should be understood that attempting to 'hold the sense of I AM' is like walking into a dark room not knowing what lies ahead.

It is a very slow, tiresome and inconsistent method. Most often a seeker will understandably feel dejected and demotivated when they realize that they have practically no control over how they will feel in their meditation. That is why 'holding the sense of 'I AM' exclusively as one's practice of Self-Inquiry will not work for 90% of seekers.

The other problem with this method, apart from its inconsistency, is that one usually 'peaks out' relatively early and feels that they have 'hit a wall'. There does not seem to be much headway or progress, and their state feels static. Nothing seems to be happening. They will feel much the same as they did a few years back.

The reason is that there is no insight or importance given to purifying oneself. This is one of the biggest flaws of current non-dual teachings. They do not lay down spiritual principles or ethics aimed at an inner cleansing of the life-force (Prana) and nerves (nadis) dealing with habitual ten-

(Kh. Up. VIII, 1,6); 'That work of his has an end' (Bri. Up. III, 8, 10); 'By non-permanent works the Permanent is not obtained' (Ka. Up. I, 2, 10); 'Frail indeed are those boats, the sacrifices' (Mu. Up. I, 2, 7).

'Let a Brâhmana, after he has examined all these worlds that are gained by works, acquire freedom from all desires. What is not made cannot be gained by what is made. To understand this, let the pupil, with fuel in his hand, go to a teacher who is learned and dwells entirely in Brahman. To

sees this does not see death' (Kh. Up. VII, 26, 2); 'He becomes a selfruler' (Kh. Up. VII, 25, 2); 'Knowing him he becomes immortal here' (Taitt. Âr. III, 12, 7); 'Having known him he passes over death; there is no other path to go' (Svet.

Up. VI, 15); 'Having known as separate his Self and the Mover, pleased thereby he goes to immortality' (Svet. Up. I, 6).

After the mind of a man has been cleaned of all impurities through works performed in many preceding states of existence, without a view to special forms of

Nescience that conceals the true being of Brahman. Bondage itself thus is unreal, and is on that account cut short, together with its root, by mere knowledge. Such knowledge is originated by texts such as 'That art thou'; and work is of no help either towards its nature, or its origination, or its fruit (i.e. release). It is on the other hand helpful towards the desire of knowledge, which arises owing to an increase of the element of goodness (sattva) in the soul, due to the destruction of the elements of passion (ragas) and

'Brahman' is one who posseses quality of greatness The word 'Brahman' primarily denotes him

The moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed.

-Jiddu Krishnamurti

alone, and in a secondary derivative sense only those things which possess some small part of the Lord's qualities Ramanujacharya

When there are thoughts, it is distraction: when there are no thoughts, it is medi-

that pupil who has approached him respectfully, whose mind is altogether calm, the wise teacher truly relates that knowledge of Brahman through which he knows the imperishable true Person' (Mu. Up. I, 2, 12, l3).

On the other hand, 'He who knows Brahman attains the Highest' (Taitt. Up. II, 1, 1); 'He who

reward, there arises in him the desire of knowledge, and thereupon - through knowledge itself originated by scriptural texts like 'Being only, this was in the beginning, one only without a second' (Kh. Up. VI, I, 2) To sum up: The root of bondage is the unreal view of plurality which itself has its root in

darkness (tamas) which are the root of all moral evil.

Excerpted from the commentary on 'The Vedântâ-Sûtras' by Râmânujacharya. Translated by George Thibaut, Sacred Books of the East, Volume 48, 1904.

The 998th birth anniversary of Râmânujacharya is to be observed on April 20.

dencies/projections/vasanas, and outer adherence of non-violence in thoughts, speech, deeds, etc.

No matter how many times you dip a white shirt into dirty water, it will never come out clean. It will remain dirty. Similarly, no matter how many times you bring the mind to your 'I AM', it will still remain the same - unless you clean your koshas too (the layers that make up the I AM).

state of ignorance.

That is why the correct way to practice 'holding the sense of I AM' is to do it either in combination with a practice where the breath, prana and mind are relatively stilled, and kept suspended through either breath control techniques (pranayama), or by using Sri Ramana's method "Who Am I?", in both the waking state and the sitting meditation.

Protocol (ISIP) was designed wherein holding the sense of 'I AM' is also accompanied by simple, yet highly effective techniques for removing and filtering the impurities of the distracting layers of koshas. This provides each seeker with an instant glimpse of the real I AM, and enables him or her to sustain deeper and more stable abidance in the SELF.

tation.

-Ramana Maharshi A mountain is composed of tiny grains of earth.

The ocean is made up of tiny drops of water. Even so, life is but an endless series of little details, actions, speeches, and thoughts. And the consequences whether good or bad of even the least of them are far-reaching.

-Swami Sivananda

Non-dual teachings fail to address inner cleansing

That which we call the

In ISIP, holding the sense of 'I AM' is also ac-

-Sri Aurobindo

Hindu religion is really the Eternal religion because it embraces all others.

companied by simple, yet highly effective Do not try to approach

techniques for removing and filtering the impurities of the distracting layers of koshas It is, probably for this reason that Sri Ramana hinted that the Heart is the seat of Jnanam (knowledge) as well as of the granthi (knot of ignorance). The nadis (nerves) that connect the Heart to the brain, prana, and spine must be purified, otherwise they can easily mislead the practitioner away from the SELF and into a

Breath control is, relatively, an easier method to practice than Sri Ramana's "Who Am I?", where a subjective awareness of 'I' is often difficult to maintain and sustain. Hence, a fusion of both is needed for the best, most effective, and long lasting results.

It was from this perspective that the Implosive Self-Inquiry

God with your thinking Rajiv Kapur

Excerpted from ISIP Level 1.

Rajiv Kapur (43), a disciple of Sri Ramana Maharshi, is a spiritual teacher as well as a businessman and householder based in Mumbai. He conducts live satsangs and retreats in India, as well as around the world in countries like U.S.A., Canada and Italy.

mind. It may only stimulate your intellectual ideas, activities, and beliefs. Try to approach God with your crying heart. It will awaken your soulful, spiritual consciousness.

sure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

-Sri Chinmoy

50 India Post

www.indiapost.com

April 24, 2015

Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Dr Chandra Bhushan Kumar (L) receives a group photograph of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi from A. Annamalai (M), Director, National Gandhi Museum and Ram Chandra Rahi (R), Secretary, Gandhi Smarak Nidhi at Chief Electoral Office, Kashmere Gate in Old Delhi

NEW DELHI: It was one hundred years ago on April 12 that Mahatma Gandhi, a feisty barrister newly returned from South Africa, stepped foot for the first time in Delhi.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who returned to India from South Africa on January 9, 1915, arrived in Delhi on April 12 along with his wife Kasturba and others.

He stayed here two days and records say that he visited the Qutab Minar, Red Fort, St Stephen's college and the Sangam Theatre during that time.

Upon his return to India, Gandhi had

embarked on a tour of the country to observe and understand the life and miseries of ordinary Indians and feel the pulse of the nation before undertaking any political action, as was suggested to him by his political guru, Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

"On April 12, Gandhiji arrived in Delhi along with Kasturba, Raojibhai Kotwal, Deodhar and others. He parted company with all except Deodhar. He visited the Qutub

Minar, which led to many thoughts. His guide, who was a scholar, told him that the monument was made of material collected by destroying Hindu temples.

"Bapu told us in the Aga Khan Palace detention camp how the sight had made him feel sick at heart. Gandhiji symbolized in his person equal respect for all religions. Memories of religious fanaticism responsible for the destruction of Hindu temples caused him deep pain," says an excerpt from the 1993 book, 'Mahatma Gandhi - India Awakened', by Pyarelal and Sushila Nayar.

"The 13 April entry in his Diary notes a function of college students in the morning. It refers to St Stephen's College. Presumably, he stayed with (the then) Principal Sushil Kumar Rudra, though there is no mention of this.

"The Red Fort... again made him think.

A born democrat, the relics of autocratic ways of Mogul emperors and their torture chambers had upset him, he told us," says the book published by Navjeevan Publication House, Ahmedabad.

On April 14, Gandhiji left for Vrindavan.

He later visited Mathura and thereafter took a train to Madras (now Chennai) and reached the south Indian city on April 17.

The iconic St Stephen's college, which played host to Gandhi a century ago, recognizes and cherishes the historic moment.

"I am happy to confirm that the Mahatma did visit the college in 1915. We have a group photograph taken on the occasion adorning the wall of the

Principal's office," said Dr Valson Thampu, Principal of St Stephen's College.

"Gandhiji was a close friend both of the then Principal Sushil Kumar Rudra and of Charles Freer Andrews. It was Rudra who motivated Andrews to join Gandhiji in South Africa. This is a pointer to the breadth of vision that characterized the college then. The college cherishes this

houses the office of Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer.

Marking the centenary of that maiden visit, the electoral office along with the National Gandhi Museum planned a discussion on Gandhi. They had a small function at the old St Stephen's building where they presented a copy of the rare photograph of Gandhi taken during his

He visited the Qutub Minar, which led to many thoughts.

His guide, who was a scholar, told him that the monument was made of material collected by destroying Hindu temples.

"Bapu told us in the Aga Khan Palace detention camp how the sight had made him feel sick at heart.� memory," Thampu told PTI. "To me, Gandhi's visit to St Stephen's is not something to be bragged about or romanticized... remembering Gandhiji should be an occasion not of sentimentality but of truth, for truth is God," he said.

Over time, St Stephen's college relocated to its present location in the North Campus of the Delhi University, while the original building in Kashmere Gate now

very first Delhi visit to the Chief Electoral Officer and the college representative," informed A Annamalai, Director, NGM. "It is indeed a moment of pride for us to mark such a historic occasion," he added.

It was in Delhi that Gandhi breathed his last, falling prey to an assassin's bullets on January 30, 1948, 33 years after his first visit to the city.-PTI

India Post 51

April 24, 2015 www.indiapost.com

Mary Kom is best film at Stockholm Fest MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra-starrer Mary Kom, directed by Omung Kumar, has been named best film at the Stockholm International Film Festival Junior in Sweden.

The biopic, based on the life of Olympic medal-winning Indian boxer Mary Kom, was awarded the Bronze Horse award, the highest honor of the festival. "'Mary Kom' was selected for the Stockholm International Film Festival Junior in Sweden, and we have won the best film award and been given the Bronze Horse award, the highest honor in this festival. The jury was made up of kids ranging from the age of nine to 17 years," Omung said of the

win.

Mary Kom premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and released on September 5 last year to positive reviews from both critics and audiences.

Calling the win a "big", Omung said the film will also be screened at the Indian Film Festival in Sweden next month.

"This award is a very big thing

Supermodel Gisele retires from runway SAO PAULO: Gisele Bundchen bid adieu to the catwalk here, strutting her stuff at an emotionally charged show in Sao Paulo that she said will be her last stroll down a runway in a 20-year career that has made her a fashion legend.

The 34-year-old Brazilian mother of two, who is married to NFL quarterback Tom Brady, has said she wants to spend more time with her family but has also vowed to continue working in the industry.

As the world's highest-paid model, according to a 2014 ranking by Forbes magazine, Bundchen is the face of Chanel, Carolina Herrera, Pantene and other top brands. She also designs her own line of flip flops and lingerie.

A household name the world over, Bundchen rivals soccer legend Pele for the status of Brazil's most internationally famous citizen, and her meteoric rise from a middle-class family in a small, rural town to superstar is the stuff

of modeling legend.

In a posting on her Instagram account, Bundchen wrote, ``To-

Gisele Bundchen

day after 20 years in the industry, it is a privilege to be doing my last fashion show by choice and yet still be working in other facets of the business.'' ``I am grateful that at 14, I was given the opportunity to start this journey,'' she wrote.

In an interview broadcast on the Globo television network, she compared her life to a cup of water filled to the brim. ``If your cup is full, how are you going to put more into it?'' she said in Portuguese. ``I'm emptying my cup so I can put more things into it.''

Cont'd on Page 52

for us because now it will bridge the gap between Sweden and India. We can now distribute our films over here. Mary Kom will

again be showcased in Sweden by the Indian Embassy at the Indian Film Festival next month," he said.

-PTI

Don't call it 'item', says Malaika

A

ctress-producer Malaika Arora, who has changed the dynamics of item songs in Bollywood, says she enjoys dancing and her son doesn't get affected by her work.

Asked how her son Arhaan reacts to her dance numbers, she says: "He doesn't get affected by my songs. He is too tiny and young. If he likes the song, he comes up and says that he liked it."

"For me, personally I think songs are part of the film and it's fun to be a part of a song but it also depends on how it's going to be publicized and picturised. I love it and every time I get the opportunity to be a part of something, I always say yes because I enjoy it," added Malaika, who was blessed with Arhaan in 2002.

The term item number may be looked at in a derogatory way in showbiz, but the 'Chaiyya chaiyya' star says she would like to call it a special song. "I never look at it that way. Unfortunately, people have made it a derogatory thing.

It's the way it's been used. I would call it as a special song. I hate the word 'item' song. People have made it sound like crude and crass so, I would just call it as a special song," the 39-year-old said.

Now seen as one of the judges of reality TV show India's Got Talent season 6, she says: "It's been great and fantastic amazing three years of great fun, tears and laughter and great talent. This time also we have lot of new talent on the

Malaika Arora

show. It's new because we have not seen anything as such in the previous seasons," she shared about the new season of the talent show, which she has been judging since its fourth season.

52 India Post

April 24, 2015 www.indiapost.com

Consumers buying more organic products WASHINGTON: The higher price of organic foods and other products doesn't seem to be deterring consumers: Sales jumped 11 percent last year, an industry report says.

Sales of organics have been rapidly growing since the United States put strict rules in place and began certifying organic products in 2002. According to the Agriculture Department, the number of U.S. organic operations has more than tripled since then; the number grew 5 percent just last year.

The Organic Trade Association estimated in a report released Wednesday that organics now make up almost 5 percent of total food sales in the United States, with sales for all organic products totaling more than $39 billion last year.

As the industry has grown, giants like General Mills and Kellogg have entered the organic game and many small organic food companies have become large businesses. Laura Batcha, head of the trade association, says that growth has helped the industry move beyond a niche market. ``The only way to create change is for there to be widespread adoption,'' Batcha said.

Organic foods generally are

grown with fewer chemicals and artificial ingredients and are produced according to a strict set of government standards. A food cannot be labeled organic unless

personal care items. The Organic Trade Association says those nonfood sales jumped almost 14 percent last year and totaled more than $3 billion.

Denny Wimmer, 58, munches on a fresh-plucked green bean while walking the farm with his father, Don, 88. Don was born on the farm in 1926 and worked conventional crops and livestock there until his retirement. Denny left his sales career in Chicago three years ago to return and launch an organic operation on the family’s 76 acres.

its production adheres to those rules, and those extra steps mean higher prices at the grocery store.

Much of organics' growth is in nonfood items like textiles and

Despite its success, the industry is facing some major challenges, including struggles to find enough organic ingredients for its products. Much of the shortage

Supermodel Gisele retires from runway Cont'd from Page 51

Bundchen made her final catwalk appearance during Sao Paulo Fashion Week for Colcci, the Brazilian streetwear label she has represented since 2005. She made three appearances, opening the show in an A-line dress in white lace and lacey, knee-high black boots and closing it in a sundress with a full skirt in ivory and salmon stripes.

For the final bow, a bevy of models emerged in jeans and Tshirts printed with Bundchen's image, and Bundchen herself wove her way through the pack, sporting painted-on jeans and a top depicting her in a yoga pose.

Fighting back tears, she flashed her trademark broad smile and a thumbs-up.

In an interview with the newspaper Estado de S. Paulo, Bundchen was quoted as saying she wanted her last runway experience to be in her native Brazil, ``where it all started.''

She was born and raised along

with five sisters, including a fraternal twin, in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, a center of German immigration to Brazil.

Bundchen was discovered by a modeling agency at age 14 and she came in second place in a na-

Her romantic life was regularly splashed across gossip magazines, as she was romantically linked to a series of A-listers, from surfer Kelly Slater to actor Leonardo DiCaprio. tionwide modeling contest, before moving to New York to work the fashion runways there.

By age 20, she'd become a fashion sensation, her freckled face and flowing dirty blond locks

gracing the cover of top fashion magazines worldwide and her unique combination of legginess and curves causing a sensation during her runway appearances.

Bundchen's success with her healthy good looks was heralded as marking the end of the sickly skinny and bedraggled ``heroin chic'' look that had dominated runways for years.

Her romantic life was regularly splashed across gossip magazines, as she was romantically linked to a series of A-listers, from surfer Kelly Slater to actor Leonardo DiCaprio. In 2009, she married New England Patriots quarterback Brady. The couple has two small children.

Last year, she out-earned Brady, netting an estimated $47 million on contracts, according to Forbes. The next highest-earning models on the Forbes celebrity list, Doutzen Kroes of the Netherlands and fellow Brazilian Adriana Lima, earned $8 million each, according to the magazine. AP

is in organic milk and eggs, due to low U.S. inventories of organic corn and soybeans that feed cattle and poultry. The industry says there have also been some domestic shortages of fruits and vegetables, which make up the largest sector of the organic market, due to difficulties finding enough land suitable for organic farming.

Some of the supply problems trace back to cultural issues in highly agricultural areas, where farmers see organic as disparaging the quality of their conventional product. Growing organics also means you can't use many herbicides, which many farmers have grown used to as a way to increase crop yields. Another challenge is the three years required to convert a conventional farm operation to organic.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says he believes much of the agriculture industry has come around to organics being an important part of the business. He says the department has worked to make programs geared toward conventional producers, like crop insurance, more friendly to organic producers. ``It's not surprising with the increased demand that you are go-

ing to have a tight squeeze'' on organic ingredients, Vilsack said.

The industry is also fighting confusion in the marketplace, with many food packages touting ``natural'' ingredients - a term the industry believes consumers confuse with organic. Partly to combat that, organic producers are pursuing an industry-funded Agriculture Department ``checkoff'' campaign - think the milk industry's ``Got Milk?'' ads - to promote itself and make those distinctions.

The Organic Trade Association data show sales growth in all areas of the country. But some of the strongest sales remain in the Northeast and on the West Coast, and 73 percent of organic buyers are white. Just 16 percent of those who buy organic are Hispanic and 14 percent are black.

The trade group says sales among minorities have jumped sharply, and note the breakdown closely resembles the demographics of the United States. The industry survey estimates 51 percent of families are buying more organic than they did a year ago. ``Our survey shows organic has turned a corner,'' said OTA's Batcha. -AP

Abhishek supports UK MP's poll campaign LONDON: Bollywood actor lighted to be here to help him toAbhishek Bachchan visited Le- day. Keith is a close family friend. icester in the UK to support the He possesses so many values I election campaign of Indian-origin hold close to my heart for our poliMP Keith Vaz who was officially ticians; he is warm, generous and nominated as the local Labor Party kind. I know that he is a true leader candidate for the upcoming polls.

Bachchan participated in a public question-andanswer session with Vaz and over 350 residents of Leicester, at the Peepul Centre.

Bachchan was quizzed on his life Abhishek Bachchan (R) campaigns for senior Labor leader Keith Vaz and career, as well as his captaincy of the Bollywood Stars football team, for the Indian community in the before being presented with a per- United Kingdom, who does great sonalized Leicester City football work for people of Indian origin," shirt.

Bachchan said at the event.

Vaz and Bachchan then went "It was an honor to have one on a tour of Belgrave Road and of Bollywood's megastars with us Uppingham Road, and were met in Leicester today. Our city was by thousands of fans. The buoy- bouncing with the joy and exciteant crowd were delighted to see ment of thousands of adoring fans the screen idol. who came out to see Abhishek," "I am here for Keith. He works said 58-year-old Vaz, the longestso hard for Leicester and I am de- serving British-Asian MP. -PTI

India Post 51

April 24, 2015 www.indiapost.com

A historical fiction with mythical narrative NEW DELHI: Stories from the Vedic and previous periods about the Suryavansha dynasty and the first king of Aryavarta, Ikshvaku Manav, is explored through a new book on historical fiction.

Written by Amritanshu Pandey, the book "The Seal of Surya" is interspersed with bits of trivia, allusions and hints about ancient history.

The author weaves his novel into a world well aware of its position in time, and sets it alongside contemporaries such as King Enmerkar of Uruk - a known figure of ancient history.

The protagonist, a largely unknown figure in Indian mythology is Ikshvaku, the son of Vaivasvat Manu, and founder of the Suryavansha dynasty.

The novel begins with Ikshvaku as a young boy, proposing to his father Vaivasvat that

their divided Suryavanshi clans need a leader to yoke them together and fight against the growing strength of Anarya tribes Rakshasas, Gandharvas and

Yakshas. The story jumps quickly from here on Ikshvaku becomes King in the fourth chapter itself, and halfway through the book the story has moved past more than a decade.

Much of this journey is devoted to his search for the seal of Surya, a mysterious relic that once belonged to his ancestors and casts undisputed legitimacy on its owner. The novel is essentially Ikshvaku's biography.

Packed with a multitude of characters the book chronicles his endless battles against Yakshas, Rakshasas and even rebels in his own tribe alongside his attempts to be a good son, brother, father and to a much lesser extent, husband.

There is the adventurous and loyal friend Haryashva, the stern and reliable mentors Ardra and Drishta, a well etched father-

Vaivasvat Manu and the enigmatic Maharishis- Vasishtha, Atri and Kashyapa. The author says his next book would feature a female protagonist. A considerable time is spent on the geography, with the descriptions of cities, rivers and forests taking the reader well into India's ancient past.

The author sets Ikshvaku's story as being narrated a thousand years later to Sudasa, a young prince of the Bharata tribe,

by King Bhagiratha of the Suryavanshi.

Along this journey he poses some intriguing questions, such as how and when did the Suryavanshi migrate from the Sindhu to the Ganga? How did Aryavarta go from being the land of Suryavansha and Somavansha to a nation ruled almost entirely by the Bharatas?

A website

scrollsofaryavarta.com, illustrates the vast and vivid world that Pandey has imagined with maps, genealogies, timelines, articles, short stories and notes on the tribes and cities of ancient India.

"I see this novel as only one story in the vast world that encompasses all of ancient India's history. This history to me, ends where the Ramayana and Mahabharata begin. Indeed, Sudasa's time is some 500 years before the reign of Rama of the Suryavansha. But there is only so much I would be able to capture through the novels, and I fear I cannot dedicate my life to this like Ashok Banker has to his Epic India series," says Pandey.

The Varanasi-born author says similar to the story of Ikshvaku, he has a few more stories of heroes of largely unknown era linedup. -PTI

Video games may provide meaningful experiences WASHINGTON: Video games have the potential to be as meaningful to players as other, more esteemed forms of entertainment such as books, plays or even music, scientists have found.

Researchers said that players in the study indicated that they not only enjoyed playing games, but also frequently appreciated them at a deeper, more meaningful level.

"Video games are often stereotyped as something that is just fun and entertaining, but not something that is deeply appreciated," said Mary Beth Oliver, Distinguished Professor in Media Studies and co-director of Media Effects Research Laboratory at The Pennsylvania State University.

"Video games do not seem to have the same critical acclaim as, for example, books and plays or

even music," she said.

Participants in the study suggested that story details in the game were critical to feelings of appreciation. They also indicated that more meaningful games were associated with heightened feelings of insight or enrichment.

"That insight could be anything from an emotion or virtue like courage - to an insight on human spirituality," said Oliver.

The researchers, who published the findings in the journal Psychology of Popular Media Culture, said video games may hold promise of providing players with enriching or gratifying experiences.

"It's certainly true that there are some games that are silly or shallow, but that's the case for almost all forms of entertainment," said Oliver.

"Our research suggests that contrary to stereotypes, games have the potential to be as meaningful to players as other, more esteemed forms of entertainment such as literature or cinema," she said.

Games may also provide players the opportunity to experience valuable situations and emotions that other forms of entertainment may not do as frequently, Oliver added.

"Whereas viewers and read-

ers typically watch characters make decisions in movies and books, many video games allow the player to actually make those choices, resulting in feelings such as guilt or pride," she added.

In the study, 512 video game players were assigned to one of two random groups and asked to recall games that were particularly fun or particularly meaningful. They then rated their perceptions about the game.

While participants reported that they found both types were fun to play, they said they had more appreciation for the more meaningful games they played.

Creating games with more interactive and more meaningful story lines is a challenge for developers, but could be worth the investment, the researchers said. -PTI

'Star Wars' team teases 'Force Awakens' themes ANAHEIM, Calif.: ``Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' is about a generational transfer in more ways than one. Set 30 years after the events in ``Return of the Jedi'' and coming to theaters just over 30 years after the film first debuted, that idea remained top of mind for the film's brand new production design team, fans learned at Star Wars Celebration here.

In other words, they didn't have to reinvent the wheel. They just had to update it a bit.

Rick Carter, an Academy Award

winner for ``Lincoln'' and ``Avatar,'' was joined on stage by his co-production designer Darren Gilford ("TRON: Legacy''), Doug Chiang ("Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace''), and Industrial Light + Magic Art Director Christian Alzmann ("A.I. Artificial Intelligence'') to discuss their work together on the seventh film in the ``Star Wars'' saga.

While the artists couldn't reveal any specifics about the plot, they did treat a packed auditorium to a few revelations about modernizing

aesthetics of everything from the X-wing fighters to the Millennium Falcon.

``Seven comes after six. It doesn't come after three,'' said Carter, referring to the poorly re-

A scene from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," the highly anticipated film by J.J. Abrams that hits theaters

ceived prequels. ``This is a period piece that we're bringing forth.

We're always going back to go forward.''

Indeed, at the insistence of director J.J. Abrams, the team relied on the original art of illustrator Ralph McQuarrie to inform the aesthetic of ``The Force Awakens.''

The early trailers for the film, out Dec. 18, reveal a dirty, grungier world. Droids and ships are beat up and run down in the desert landscape, much like they were in the original films. -AP

54

Edit Page

India Post

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Outright purchase of Rafales a balancing step

India Post

PRASHANT DIKSHIT

T

he Indian government's decision to purchase 36 Rafale MMRCA aircraft from France outright, as against the original 18, with a direct government to government deal with France could be the best option. This is because the issues were no longer merely commercial in nature; there were strategic reasons to be considered.

The most apparent and crucial matter of the rapidly decreasing combat punch of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was not the only issue at hand.

The decision to select the Rafale at the outset was already made with the conscious view that it was the best buy. It not only satisfied the operational framework of the IAF, but also ensured that with its acquisition India will put the eggs in the correct basket.

India has invested more than adequate material resources in the

terial support in the future for such a crucial combat ingredient; just because some law-wielding segment in US did not see eye to eye, with Indian policies elsewhere.

There was precedence on this score in the past and the Indian establishment has institutional memory of having encountered such impediments; and the development of India's Light Combat Aircraft is one of the many examples.

As for Russia, India is already acquiring over 250 Su-30 MKI air superiority fighters and most importantly, is developing Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft plus a Medium Transport Aircraft along with other weapon platforms such as the BrahMos in collaboration with Russian majors.

Although, the all-weather relationship with the erstwhile USSR and now Russia has stood the test of time and India availed

Rafale MMRCA aircraft

burgeoning strategic equation with the US and has acquired maritime and heavy-lift transport aircraft, among other weapon systems. Deeply emboldened by the mutual India-US wooing syndrome, the US administration is leaving no stone unturned to participate in India's aircraft carrier industry.

On the MMRCA front however, there were disappointments in the US industry circles that India had found the F-16 aircraft somewhat outmoded and the F18, too heavy and alien for its systemic construct.

But it had obviated Indian policy planners' deeply embedded fears that the complex structure of the US regime - that consists of its presidency, the senate and the congress - could place embargoes on technical and ma-

of Russian support on not only the Arihant nuclear submarine but also substantially for the operation of nuclear power plants, uncertainties and irritants faced

by India's defense establishment for provision of spares for military hardware after the breakup of the USSR and again, before the eventual induction of the aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, could not be ignored.

Additionally, there is an emerging perception that with the rising clamor for enhanced price structures by Russian companies, the mutuality of equations is tilting towards greater commercial gains and the tenor of the relationship may have come to a saturation point. The Indian endeavor would rather be to sustain than to increase.

India had already procured ad-

equate materials from UK during its post-independence relationship. The British-made Jaguar joined the IAF fleet with over 150 aircraft to fulfill the IAF's requirement for Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft; over 120 of the British Aerospace built Advanced Jet Trainer, the Hawk, have been inducted in the IAF and the India Navy with an Indian government investment of nearly $ 2 billion.

These purchases had set up a pipeline for infusion of spares periodically from aviation majors in UK. The British industry had nothing more to offer.

With France the story is different and the developments had to be placed on an even keel.

First, the uncertainties in nurturing the contract with the French aviation major Dassault, the producer of the Rafale, had emerged because the manufacturer had declined to accept responsibilities for the 108 machines that were to be assembled by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

There is a strong view that some in the South Block had persuaded Dassault to accept this c l a u s e against the manufacturer's judgment and these doubts could not be kept under wraps beyond a point.

Eventually, the whole deal was falling through due to procedural impositions of the treatment of "Request for proposals."

There was an emerging perception that at risk was the equation with France - whose support in operating their Mirage 2000 with the IAF was pivotal in countering the aggression during the Kargil war. France is going to be a supplier of nuclear material to India, and with whom India is pursuing several space ventures through its Department of Space.

However, the most crucial of all reasons why this is strategically important is due to France's unstinted support for India's membership in the UN Security Council.

The writer is former Deputy Director, IPCS

Champions of poor

N

arendra Modi has dared and changed many things in the governance habits of governments in New Delhi. In this he has been aided by some luck like the plummeting international oil prices which have provided him leeway for many of his undeniably progressive schemes like manufacturing in India. But his luck seems to have deserted him where the issue of acquiring land for manufacturing is concerned. Even while he was considering making it easier to acquire land for development with his new bill, Nature intervened with unseasonal rains ruining crops which were almost ready to be harvested.

This added to the armoury of those opposed to any progress on the agricultural front by keeping farmers stuck to their small unremunerative farms by handing out doles to them. It was also the right opportunity for young first family scion Rahul Gandhi to parachute down from somewhere in the Far East after spending 56 days in hibernation. Some are speculating that he went though a Vipasana course in Myanmar to rejuvenate his body and mind for the rough and tumble of politics. His politics however remained old: how the UPA farm loan waiver had saved the farmers, that it had made substantial hikes in minimum support prices, that the MNREGA had helped rural laborers, that UPA had given the poor food security, and how he had himself intervened to thwart land acquisition in various areas.

Given the present day state of the farmers, nearly half of them would welcome shifting from agriculture if an alternative is provided to them and their children. This was the finding of a survey recently published in The Hindu newspaper. And this has been the argument of Narendra Modi led government that if the farmers want to sell their land, they will not only get fair price for it but also an assurance that the industry set up on this land will provide employment to their children.

The old mindset that Rahul represents threatens to take the focus away from agricultural reform and continue the failed policy of forcing the frustrated farmers to carry on with farming which doesn't pay.

Also, suddenly all the political parties have started parading as champions of the poor. There was a long beeline of top politicians trying to garland the statue of Bhimrao Ambedkar, the leader and guide of the Dalits who showed them a way out of poverty and indignity. The Congress has been a past master of playing the politics of bleeding heart for the poor but in practice harming any prospects of taking them out of poverty. What has changed is that the poor and Dalits have realized the power of their vote. They have become wise to the chicanery of the 'welfare' schemes of the previous governments. And they are willing to experiment with the new ideas being floated for them to get out of drudgery on the farms into new avenues of employment.

The Congress is very fond of tom tomming its own version of the land acquisition bill wherein the compensation and terms for acquisition are much better in favor of the farmer. Modi is being accused of diluting those provisions with his new bill. A question is to be asked: Why did not the plight of the farmers improve during their ten year rule? Suicides by farmers did not start with Modi coming to power.

They kept rising during UPA rule, particularly in Congress ruled states. What did the UPA or the Congress government do to mitigate their distress? If they really cared for the farmers they would have brought their land acquisition bill in the early part of their tenure and not at the fag end of it? Why could they not legislate liberal compensation during their own rule? The suspicion gains ground that they wanted to embarrass the successor government with this bill because they were confident of not coming back to power.

April 24, 2015

www.indiapost.com

India Post 55

56 India Post

www.indiapost.com

April 24, 2015