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US industry bids farewell to CII's US Head Details on page 34
B-1 visa misuse by Infosys alleged Details on page 37
VOL 16, No. 868
April 29, 2011
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5 TOP EXECUTIVES JAILED IN 2G CASE
NEW DELHI: Five corporate executives, named as accused by the CBI in the 2G scam, have been arrested and taken to Tihar Jail after a Delhi court rejected their bail pleas, saying the agency's apprehensions that they may tamper with evidence and influence witnesses cannot be ruled out.
The special court presided by Additional Sessions Judge O P Saini dismissed the interim bail applications of the five in which they had sought protection from arrest for the next seven days on grounds that they had to make arrangements to manage their business responsibilities in their absence. Details on page 5
Federal Court protects H-1B employees
Sunita Kanumury to be next AAPI President Details on page 43
AAPI Charitable Foundation launches Sevak Details on page 43
Second Sikh victim of shooting dies Details on page 8
Another Indian guilty of hiding bank accounts
Details on page 37
Details on page 6
EEOC joins fight for Signal workers
Rutgers student indicted for spying on mate
Details on page 39
Details on page 6
NJ doc bid to kill wife, lover, partner
Patel loses appeal against conviction in Oz
Details on page 6 Details on page 7
Obama promises cheap health care in US
SPACEMEN: Chairman of ISRO K. Radhakrishn (2L) celebrates along with his team of scientists the success of the launching of three satellites at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Shriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on April 20. (Details on page 8)
CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25 Classifieds ------------------------- 47
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INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question
Atmosphere is building up in India against corruption? Last week’s result
Will Hazare compaign dent corruption in India? YES 43%
NO 57%
Pulitzer for cancer-book Indian American India Post News Service
NEW YORK: New York-based cancer physician and researcher Siddhartha Mukherjee has won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for his book "The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer". The prestigious prize that carries a cash reward of $10,000 has been con-
Siddhartha Mukherjee. Pic Deborah Feingold
ferred on Mukherjee in the general nonfiction category, "for a distinguished and appropriately documented book of nonfiction by an American author that is not eligible for consideration in any other category", as the Pulitzer committee puts it.
Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”
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Community Post ----- 10-21,40-42 Date Book -------------------------- 48 Edit Page --------------------------- 50 HealthScience Post --------- 43-46 Horoscope -------------------------- 9 Immigration Post ------------- 37-39 Life Style ----------------------- 26-28 Philosophy ------------------------- 49 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 22-23 TechBiz Post ------------------- 34-36 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31
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t's never too early to start out on an election campaign, especially if it involves the Presidential election when there is growing discontent among supporters and detractors alike. There's 19 months to go for the 2012 general elections and President Obama is already out on a full-fledged campaign trail. While it means the President hits the road taking his story of achievements, continued challenges and future promises to the people, it also begins the filling of the party and campaign coffers with donor dollars. Already raising eyebrows - not just Republican but also Democratic eyebrows - was the $35,800 per person dinner tickets that went to an exclusive band of Obama supporters at a fundraiser in San Francisco this past week. The same week, President Obama also faced off with the American people on a first-of-its-kind Facebook Townhall, aimed obviously at the younger and middle class Americans - the Internet donors - who formed the formidable chunk of individual contributors during his 2008 campaign netting Obama over $750 million in campaign contributions. Considering most of those contributions were spent during that campaign, it would be a travesty of economic justice if the President - first of all, expects to raise those kinds of funds from recession-hit Americans this time again; and secondly, intends to spend it on of all the things, advertisements and posters. As the President himself has unveiled of the 2012 budget, America is facing a trillion dollar deficit. At least 10 million Americans are still jobless; bankrupt small towns in middle America are emptying out of people in search of a livelihood elsewhere; and even the traditionally rich states are floundering, unable to balance budgets. It would be almost criminal, if under the circumstances, any electoral candidate, especially President Obama were to allow the spending of people's money for self-boasting, smear campaigns and false promises just to win votes. Honestly, this whole system of 'bigger the campaign funds, better the chances at winning an election' beats me. If the candidates are really that good, their actions should speak for themselves, not their 'acting' in commercials.
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Tattoo queen The organizers of the first Tattoo Convention in India have chosen Deepika Padukone as the “tattoo queen”.
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Cover Story: Executives jailed Five corporate executives, named as accused by the CBI in the 2G scam, have been arrested and taken to Tihar Jail.
Community: Wages recovered
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Two Gujarati food factory workers recovered $8,500 for unpaid minimum wage and overtime pay from Rajbhog Foods (NJ).
Health: AAPI lauded Prominent healthcare industry chiefs laud the AAPI’s efforts for its benchmark programs like Sevak in the US and India.
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Life Style: IFFLA 2011 The 2011 edition of IFFLA named Udaan by Vikramaditya Motwane as the best narrative feature film.
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Travel: Pindari Glacier For those seeking an easier trek in Himalayan glaciers, the Pindari Glacier in Uttarakhand offers a great opportunity
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April 29, 2011
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Five top executives jailed in 2G case NEW DELHI: Five corporate executives, named as accused by the CBI in the 2G scam, have been arrested and taken to Tihar Jail after a Delhi court rejected their bail pleas, saying the agency's apprehensions that they may tamper with evidence and influence witnesses cannot be ruled out. The special court presided by Additional Sessions Judge O P Saini dismissed the interim bail applications of the five in which they had sought protection from arrest for the next seven days on grounds that they had to make arrangements to manage their business responsibilities in their absence. The court had on April 15 reserved its order on the bail applications of Swan Telecom Director Vinod Goenka, Unitech Wireless (Tamil Nadu) Ltd Managing Director Sanjay Chandra, and three top officials of Reliance ADA Group Gautam Doshi, Surendra Pipara and Hari Nair. The court concurred with the CBI which apprehended that the accused may tamper with the evidence "by trying to win over witnesses and they may also flee from justice in view of the magnitude of the offence." "These apprehensions cannot be dismissed as too far-fetched at this stage in light of the serious nature of the case..., In my consid-
(L-R) Corporate executives Vinod Goenka, Gautam Doshi, Sanjay Chandra and Surendra Pipada at Patiala House court in New Delhi
ered opinion, it is not a fit case for bail," Saini said. The five top corporate leaders, who had appeared after being named in the first charge sheet in the case, were not arrested by the CBI during the probe. On the plea of defence counsel that the accused be granted bail as they were not arrested during the probe, the court, in its 42-page order, said that the bail can be denied if the crime is of "high magnitude".
"I am satisfied that in a case of this magnitude, non-arrest of the accused by the police is of no consequence and bail is to be considered as per the facts and circumstances of the case," the special judge, who has been appointed exclusively to deal with the 2G case, said. Following the court order, the five executives were arrested by the CBI and taken to Tihar Jail here. Besides them, former Telecom Minister A Raja, Swan Telecom promoter Shahid Usman Balwa,
former telecom secretary Siddhartha Behura and Raja's personal secretary R K Chandolia are the other accused in the jail. Opposing the bail plea of the corporate leaders, special prosecutor U U Lalit had said that they should be sent to jail due to fear of witnesses being won over or influenced. "The severity of the offence cannot be determined by the length of the prescribed punishment. The financial health of the
country has been completely bartered in this case and the accused should be remanded to judicial custody for smooth trial," Lalit had said. However, senior advocates K T S Tulsi, Mukul Rohatgi and Ranjit Kumar, arguing for corporate leaders, had said that sending the accused, whose arrest was not required during the probe, to jail now would amount to "travesty of justice" and was an "astounding proposition" of law. -PTI
Siddhartha Mukherjee's cancer biography wins the Pulitzer India Post News Service
NEW YORK: New York-based cancer physician and researcher Siddhartha Mukherjee has won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for his book "The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer". The prestigious prize that carries a cash reward of $10,000 has been conferred on Mukherjee in the general nonfiction category, "for a distinguished and appropriately documented book of nonfiction by an American author that is not eligible for consideration in any other category", as the Pulitzer committee puts it. The Pulitzer Prize is administered by Columbia University and winners are selected by an independent jury. Also nominated as finalists in this category were Nicholas Carr for "The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brain," and S.C. Gwynne for "Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History". The award citation describes The Emperor of All Maladies as an elegant inquiry, at once clini-
cal and personal, into the long history of an insidious disease that, despite treatment breakthroughs, still bedevils medical science. Mukherjee's book is a magnificent, profoundly humane "biography" of cancer - from its first documented appearances thou-
The award citation describes The Emperor of All Maladies as an elegant inquiry, at once clinical and personal, into the long history of an insidious disease sands of years ago through the epic battles in the twentieth century to cure, control, and conquer it to a radical new understanding of its essence. Physician, researcher, and award-winning science writer, Mukherjee examines cancer with
a cellular biologist's precision, a historian's perspective, and a biographer's passion. The result is an astonishingly lucid and eloquent chronicle of a disease humans have lived with - and perished from - for more than five thousand years. The story of cancer is a story of human ingenuity, resilience, and perseverance, but also of hubris, paternalism, and misperception. Mukherjee recounts centuries of discoveries, setbacks, victories, and deaths, told through the eyes of his predecessors and peers, training their wits against an infinitely resourceful adversary that, just three decades ago, was thought to be easily vanquished in an all-out "war against cancer." The book reads like a literary thriller with cancer as the protagonist. From the Persian Queen Atossa, whose Greek slave cut off her malignant breast, to the nineteenth-century recipients of primitive radiation and chemotherapy to Mukherjee's own leukemia patient, Carla, The Emperor of All Maladies is about the people who have soldiered
through fiercely demanding regimens in order to survive-and to increase our understanding of this iconic disease. Riveting, urgent, and surprising, The Emperor of All Maladies provides a fascinating glimpse into the future of cancer treat-
Mukherjee is the fourth Indian-origin writer to win the Pulitzer, the first being Gobind Behari Lal in 1937 in the reporting category; Jhumpa Lahiri in 2000 for fiction; and Geeta Anand, in 2003 ments. It is an illuminating book that provides hope and clarity to those seeking to demystify cancer. The Emperor of Maladies, Mukherjee's first book, has been a New York Times Best Book of 2010; an Oprah magazine Top 10
Book of 2010; and a Time magazine Top 10 Nonfiction Book. Mukherjee is an assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University and a staff cancer physician at Columbia University Medical Center. A Rhodes Scholar, he graduated from Stanford University, University of Oxford, and Harvard Medical School. He has published articles in Nature, The New England Journal of Medicine, The New York Times, and The New Republic. He lives in New York with his wife and daughters. Mukherjee is the fourth Indian-origin writer to win the Pulitzer, the first three being Gobind Behari Lal in 1937 in the reporting category; Jhumpa Lahiri in year 2000 for fiction; and Geeta Anand, in 2003 for investigative journalism. Pulitzer Prizes are awarded at a luncheon ceremony at Columbia University in May, usually a full month after the winners have been announced. The annual luncheons began in 1984. Prior to that time Pulitzer Prize certificates, medals and checks were sent in the mail.
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NJ doc attempted to kill wife, lover, partner India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: In a shocking case involving an Indian American, a New Jersey physician has been arrested and charged with attempting to hire men to kill three persons - his wife, his lover and a business partner. Attorney General Paula T. Dow and Criminal Justice Director Stephen J. Taylor announced last week that Dr. Ajit Jayaram, 63, of Englewood who has his medical office in Jersey City, has been arrested and charged with attempting to hire men to kill his wife, his lover and a business partner. According to Director Taylor, Dr. Jayaram, a licensed physician whose internal medicine practice is at 295 Martin Luther King Drive in Jersey City, is charged with three counts of first-degree attempted murder and three counts of first-degree conspiracy to commit murder. Jayaram was initially arrested in October last year in a different case involving a Medicaid fraud. During that investigation called Operation MedScam, conducted by the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Jer-
sey City Police Department's Special Investigation Unit, the investigating agencies obtained information that Jayaram had tried to hire an acquaintance to kill two people. Jayaram was charged in Octo-
Dr. Ajit Jayaram
ber with offering to pay the man to kill his lover, Radha Ramaswamy, and a pharmacist, Ahmed Mukhtar. Jayaram owes Ramaswamy $250,000 and allegedly was also concerned about his wife learning of his affair with her. Jayaram had a prior failed business relationship with Mukhtar and the two men had ongoing disputes. The Attorney General's Office
requested that the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office initially handle those charges in order to maintain confidentiality related to the ongoing Medicaid fraud investigation. While incarcerated in the Hudson County Jail on those charges, Jayaram allegedly attempted to hire another individual to kill his wife, Sarasavani Jayaram. Dr. Jayaram allegedly believed that if his wife found out about his affair, she would leave him and take all of his money. He was charged by complaint on the 13th of this month in connection with that alleged plot. Jayaram remains in the Hudson County Jail with bail set at $2.5 million. The case is now being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Debra A. Conrad of the Division of Criminal Justice. Each attempted murder and conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. An official disclaimer says the complaints are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Because the charges are indictable offenses, they will be presented to a state grand jury for potential indictment.
Rutgers student indicted for spying on roommate India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: Dharun Ravi, the 19-year old Rutgers student who was accused last year of posting on the internet an intimate encounter between his roommate Tyler Clementi with another man that led to Clementi committing suicide, has been indicted on 15 counts including a host of charges from invasion of privacy to bias intimidation. Clementi jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge on Sept 22, becoming nationwide, the face of the inherent bias against gays in society. The Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce Kaplan said in a press release that the bias intimidation began in August "the day he learned the name of his roommate, T.C." The charges suggest Ravi targeted Clementi because he was gay. Ravi is accused of spying on Clementi and the other man, identified only as M.B., by positioning his webcam on them and viewing it remotely on Sept 19. Ravi
attempted to do the same on Sept 21, according to the charges. Ravi of Plainsboro, and another Rutgers freshman, Molly Wei of Princeton, were charged with invasion of privacy days later. Wei,
The indictment against Ravi includes four bias intimidation charges, two of them seconddegree charges that can bring up to 10 years in prison each. Other charges include tampering with evidence, attempted invasion of privacy now 19, is accused of viewing the images. Both pleaded not guilty and withdrew from Rutgers. Without giving any details, Jim O'Neill, spokesman for the
Prosecutor's Office, said the case against Wei was active. The indictment against Ravi includes four bias intimidation charges, two of them second-degree charges that can bring up to 10 years in prison each. Other charges include tampering with evidence, attempted invasion of privacy, hindering apprehension and witness tampering. Ravi's attorney, Steven Altman of New Brunswick, declined to discuss the indictment, saying he has yet to see it. In a statement released April 20, Clementi's parents, Joe and Jane Clementi, said, "The indictment spells out cold and calculated acts against our son Tyler by his former college roommate. If these facts are true, as they appear to be, then it is important for our criminal justice system to establish clear accountability under the law. We are eager to have the process move forward for justice in this case and to reinforce the standards of acceptable conduct in our society."
Another Indian guilty of hiding bank accounts in India India Post News Service
admitted that after being contacted by attorneys for the Justice Department's Tax Division on July 15, 2010, she filed a false Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) for 2009 and a false amended tax return for 2009 that reported ownership of a foreign bank account in India holding only $49,000. In addition, Bhasin also admitted that in September 2010 she filed similar false FBARs for 2007 and 2008. At sentencing, Bhasin faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a maximum fine of
NEW YORK: Even as federal authorities continue to investigate into undeclared accounts held by Indian Americans in HSBC bank's India branch, New York resident Josephine Bhasin pleaded guilty for not disclosing her HSBC accounts in India valued at $8.3 million. Bhasin, a resident of Huntington, NY, pleaded guilty before US Magistrate Judge E. Thomas Boyle in Central Islip, NY, to filing a false 2008 individual income tax return that did not report her ownership of a bank ac- According to the information, count in India at the Bhasin filed a false individual Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corpora- income tax return for 2008 that tion Limited (HSBC In- failed to report her foreign dia), according to Principal Deputy Assistant financial accounts at HSBC Attorney General John India which were then valued A. DiCicco of the Jusat approximately $8.3 million tice Department's Tax Division. According to the information, Bhasin filed a false in- $250,000, or twice the amount of dividual income tax return for 2008 financial gain to the defendant or that failed to report her foreign fi- loss to the Internal Revenue Sernancial accounts at HSBC India vice (IRS). Additionally, Bhasin which were then valued at approxi- has agreed to pay a 50 percent civil mately $8.3 million. The 2008 in- penalty based on the year with the come tax return was further false highest aggregate account balbecause it reported, interest in- ance between 2004 and 2009 for come of only $1,257.16, whereas failing to file FBARs relating to during 2008 Bhasin actually her undeclared bank accounts. Earlier this month, New Jersey earned approximately $169,000 of interest income on certificates of businessman Vaibhav Dahake had deposit maintained at HSBC In- admitted and pleaded guilty to conspiring to conceal undeclared dia. At the plea hearing, Bhasin bank accounts in India.
India's poverty declined to 32 pc in 2009-10 NEW DELHI: India's poverty is estimated to have declined to 32 per cent in 2009-10 from 37.2 per cent five years ago, as per preliminary findings of the Planning Commission. The estimates are based on the formula suggested by the Tendulkar Committee for computing the number of poor in the country. "2009-10 data show a decline in poverty from 37.2 per cent in 2004-05 to 32 per cent in 2009-10 as the per the preliminary data worked out the (Plan panel member) Abhijit Sen," Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia told reporters here. Tendulkar Committee had suggested that poverty should be estimated on the basis on consump-
tion based on cost of living index instead of caloric intake. It said that the basket of goods should also include services like health and education. The new poverty line, as suggested by the Tendulkar Committee, is different for rich and poor states and also different for rural and urban areas within a state. "These are preliminary data... Abhijit Sen has worked on them...He has reported that the 2009-10 data show a decline in poverty from 37 per cent in 2004 to 32 per cent in 2009. I agree with Sen. I agree with his assessment," Ahluwalia said. He added that the National Sample Survey, which conducts large sample surveys every five years, will launch its next round in 2011-12.-PTI
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Ambassador Patel book details Patel loses appeal against his conviction in Oz court 30 years of diplomacy
Dignitaries at the book launch ceremony (From left) Prof. Amit Dholakia of M.S.Univesity of Baroda; Ashish Gosain, MD of Har-Anand Publications Ltd., New Delhi; Jaynarayan Vyas, Minister of Health, Tourism and Non- Resident Gujaratis; Author K.H.Patel; Mahendra Patel, Senior VP of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
CHETNA SHAH India Post News Service
AHMEDABAD: US-educated former Indian Ambassador, Kulin Patel, has penned book detailing his experiences and events during his near three decades of diplomatic tenure culminating as Ambassador to Uganda. The book titled, An Envoy Looks Back, had a formal launch at a well attended function held at the Grand Bhagwati Hotel, here. Gujarat Tourism, Health and NRG Affairs Minister Jaynarayan Vyas was the chief guest at the function and released the book formally. Ambassador Patel shared his views and reminiscences on the occasion, while Dr. Amit Dholakia, Professor of Political Science. M. S. University of Baroda, provided a synoptic analysis of the book. The CEO of the publishers of the book, HarAnand Publications Pvt Ltd, was present on the occasion. Over 350 people from varied walks of life attended the book launching ceremony. This book by Ambassador Patel contains interesting glimpses of his multi-dimensional diplomatic experiences during his long career in the Ministry of External Affairs.
It provides backgrounders and analyses of several crucial issues in the conduct of India's foreign policy: international arbitration over India-Pakistan western boundary dispute in the 1960s, India's role in the UN during the Cold War era and its relationship with East African countries - par-
Former Ambassador K.H.Patel
ticularly Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda - during times of internal crisis and transition for them in the early 1990s. In particular, the author's analysis and impression about the genocide in Rwanda in 1994 should prove quite valuable as it is written with a deep human perspective. The author's suggestions on how India should navigate its diplomacy and foreign policy in the current era, particu-
A section of the audience
larly with respect to the countries of Africa, and cultivate soft power diplomacy through cultural relations and nurturing of economic ties with persons of Indian origin abroad would be really appealing to a wider audience. India's former ambassador to UN and Special Envoy of the Prime Minister for Middle East at present, Ambassador Chinmay Gharekhan has written the foreword of the book. A suave and dedicated professional diplomat, Ambassador K. H. Patel joined the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, in the early 1960s and retired after three decades of active and varied assignments at different destinations. Carrying out his duties with great commitment and understanding, he rose to the high positions of India's Consul General to the French Reunion Island and High Commissioner to Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda before settling down in Ahmedabad after retirement. He is active in Gandhian social organizations. His initiative to promote cultural and business links between the people and industry interests of Gujarat with those of the non-resident Gujarati community evoke quite a favorable response.
MELBOURNE: Indian-origin down this morning, Court of Apsurgeon Jayant Patel jailed over peal judges ruled against both fatally bungled surgeries has lost sides, saying Patel's sentence was an appeal against his conviction fair. in an Australian court, with the "In our view, the sentence imjudge observing that "the case posed properly balances the excould hardly be more grave". acerbating and mitigating features The Court of Appeal in of this unique case," they wrote. Brisbane by a unanimous deci"It was not manifestally excession rejected Patel's appeal sive. The judge made no error." against his sentence and also In dismissing the Attorneyturned down a plea by the General's appeal, judges said they Queensland Attorney-General to were not persuaded arguments increase his seven-year sentence. had demonstrated any judicial er60-year-old Patel labeled "Dr ror in the sentencing process. Death" by Australian media was They said the case was "notonot present in court for the an- rious" and been a difficult matter nouncement. He was convicted of for the courts as there were no bungled surgeries at Queensland other cases quite like it. . "There Bundaberg Base hospital and are no decisions of this court, or sentenced to seven years in jail - indeed other comparable jurisdicof which he must serve three-and- tions, which are close to the una-half years. usual matrix of circumstances perAccording to reports, Patel's taining to this notorious case," the lawyer Kerry Smith- Douglas said judges wrote. her client would be disappointed and his legal team would discuss Following his conviction in whether to launch a July last year, six barristers High Court appeal. She would be in touch with Patel, who is had been involved in Patel's in Arthur Gorrie Correc- bid to appeal his three contional Centre, to pass on the news. victions for the manslaughter "He's going to be very disappointed, as I of James Phillips, Gerry am," she said, adding "He's holding up very Kemps and Mervyn Morris, well, he's a strong character and a decent man." Justices Margaret McMurdo, Following his conviction in John Muir and Hugh Fraser reJuly last year, six barristers had flected on the seriousness of been involved in Patel's bid to Patel's offences. appeal his three convictions for "Serious medical criminal negthe manslaughter of James ligence like that of which the apPhillips, Gerry Kemps and pellant has been convicted is not Mervyn Morris, who died follow- easy to investigate or prove," they ing surgery performed by him at wrote. the Bundaberg Base Hospital be"Its effect on its immediate victween 2003 and 2005. tims could hardly be more grave. At an appeal hearing last "The lives of three manslaughmonth, Patel also fought against ter victims ... were tragically cut his conviction for grievous bodily short and the quality of Mr harm of Ian Vowles, whose healthy Vowles' life was irrevocably and bowel he removed in October seriously diminished. 2004. "But the effect of the His lawyers claimed his trial appellant's offending is broader ... was unfair and a miscarriage of it had the potential to undermine justice had occurred and also ar- the Queensland public's configued his seven-year sentence was dence in its hospital system. manifestally excessive. "For these reasons, the (trial However, lawyers for judge) was right to recognize that Queensland Attorney-General ar- an important purpose in sentencgued Patel's sentence was not ing the appellant was to make it long enough. clear to the community, acting They wanted his seven-year through the courts, denounced sentence replaced with a 10-year his conduct." term with a declaration he is a seJudges noted Patel's time in rious violent offender, which prison would be more difficult due means he would have been made to his notoriety. to serve 80 per cent of his sen"His professional career is in tence. tatters. His reputation has been In a 60-page judgment handed destroyed," they wrote. -PTI
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Top Stories
India Post
April 29, 2011
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ISRO puts three satellites in orbit SRIHARIKOTA: In a moraleboosting success for its space program after two consecutive GSLV setbacks, India has put into orbit its sophisticated remote sensing satellite Resourcesat-2 and two micro satellites carried onboard its workhorse PSLV-C16 rocket from here. In a textbook launch, ISRO's trusted PSLV in its 18th flight hurled the three satellites into an 822-km polar sun synchronous orbit a little over 18 minutes after lift-off in clear skies from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, 90 kms north of Chennai. The 17th consecutive successful launch by the PSLV demonstrated India's capabilities yet again in the lucrative global commercial launch market. A beaming ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan described the mission as a 'grand success'. "I am extremely happy to announce that the PSLV-C16 Resourcesat-2 mission is successful," he told scientists at the Mission Control Centre as they broke into cheer after anxious moments, particularly in the backdrop of the two successive GSLV failures last
year. The homegrown GSLV F06 carrying communication satellite GSAT-5P exploded mid-air less than a minute after lift-off when the destruct command was issued as the rocket veered from its flight path in December. GSLV-D3 mission carrying GSAT-4 also failed
The 17th consecutive successful launch by the PSLV demonstrated India's capabilities yet again in the lucrative global commercial launch market in April 2010. Radhakrishnan said the launch of two foreign satellites showed international recognition of the PSLV's reliability. The 1,206 kg Resourcesat-2 with a space life of five years replaces Resourcesat-1 launched in
2003 and would provide data with enhanced multispectral and spatial coverage on natural resources through three cameras with enhanced imaging capabilities. The Rs 140-crore satellite would help assess the health of crops, monitor deforestation and water levels in reservoirs and lakes and facilitate a variety of applications including disaster management. It would also help in catering to the national and global data needs to address multiple aspects of natural resource inventory and monitoring in areas including agriculture, water resources, rural development and bio-resources. Resourscesat-2 co-passenger Youthsat, weighing 92 kg, is a joint Indo-Russian nano satellite meant for stellar and atmospheric studies. The launch of the third satellite, 106-kg X-sat, an image applications spacecraft built by Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, is the first by ISRO for the city-state. In his post-launch media briefing, Radhakrishnan said Resourcesat-2 was a sophisti-
Obama promises cheap health care in US WASHINGTON: With spiralling health care cost a cause of concern in America, US President Barack Obama has pushed for an affordable health care arguing that he would not like his countrymen to travel to countries like India and Mexico for cheaper treatment. "My preference would be that you don't have to travel to Mexico or India to get cheap health care. I'd like you to be able to get it right here in the United States of America that's high quality," Obama said amidst applause at a community college in Virginia. Obama was responding to a question from the audience on increasing health care cost in the US. "Before we went on the path of you can go somewhere else to get your health care, let's work to see if we can reduce the costs of health care here in the United States of America. That's going to make a big difference," he said. "And Medicare is a good place to start because Medicare is such a big purchaser that if we can start changing how the health care system works inside of Medicare, then the entire system changes. All the doctors, all the hospitals, they will all adapt to these best practices," Obama said. "One of the things that we want to do as part of our health care
US President Barack Obama speaks at a town hall meeting on the national debt and deficit April 19, at the Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale, Virginia
reform package is let's start doing a better job of negotiating better prices for prescription drugs here in the United States so that you don't feel like you're getting cheated because you're paying 30 per cent more or 20 per cent more than prescription drugs in Canada or Mexico," he said. Re-importation, he said, is a short-term solution that a lot of seniors are resorting to. "But why should drugs that are invented here i n the United States end up being more expensive than another country?" he asked.
US team meets Minister Anand Sharma
A
high level delegation led by US Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) met India's Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Anand Sharma, in New Delhi on April 20. The accompanying congressional delegation included representatives from Kentucky, Nebraska, Kansas, Ohio and North Dakota. They will be meeting with senior Indian officials and business leaders as part of a multi-city trip.
cated satellite with three cameras which will give vital information on natural resources. He declined to divulge the launch fee paid for Singapore's X-sat. ISRO Satellite Centre Director T K Alex said Resourcesat-2 had been injected into the right orbit
It also carries Automatic Identification System (AIS) from COMDEV, Canada, as an experimental payload for ship surveillance in VHF band to derive position, speed and the solar pannels deployed. "They are working extraordinarily well." ISRO was planning to switch on the cameras onboard the spacecraft on April 28, he said, adding with 15 countries set to use the images of Resourcesat-2
it was a 'global mission'. Apart from the three cameras, with high, medium and coarse resolutions, Resourcesat-2 also has two solid state recorders with a capacity of 200 GB each to store images which can be accessed by the ground stations later. It also carries Automatic Identification System (AIS) from COMDEV, Canada, as an experimental payload for ship surveillance in VHF band to derive position, speed and other information about ships. Earlier, as the countdown ended for the launch, a palpable sense of expectancy was writ large on the face of scientists at the Mission Control Centre as they monitored the rocket's performance at each stage. Silence gave way to a burst of applause as the mission was declared successful with the rocket injecting all the three satellites into space as programmed. Summing up the mood, Mission Director P Kunhikrishnan said, "It is a glad moment for the entire ISRO community... It's a reassurance to the nation that the confidence in ISRO is fully justified." -PTI
2nd Sikh victim of shooting dies WASHINGTON: Gurmej Atwal, one of the two elderly Sikhs shot by unidentified assailants during their afternoon walk in Elk Grove township of California, has succumbed to his injuries, six weeks after the incident which police are investigating as a possible hate crime. 78-year-old Atwal and his neighborhood friend Surinder Singh, 65, were shot on March 4, sending shock waves among the Sikh community in the region. Singh had died on the spot. Atwal had been on a ventilator and unable to talk since the incident, which took place in the Sacramento suburb of Elk Grove. He died in hospital at 2 pm local time yesterday. "He's no more," Atwal's son Kamaljit Singh said. "First the kidneys went off, then the lungs and then brain. ... He was shot in the upper right chest, one bullet went straight to his lungs and the other to his pancreas, liver and intestines," he was quoted as saying by 'The Modesto Bee', a local newspaper. "My dad was going to be a key witness" in the shooting. But "from day one, he could
not speak a word," Kamaljit said. Darshan Mundy, Public Relations Officer for the Sacramento Sikh Temple, said the community "is in mourning after learning of Mr Atwal's passing." "Mr Atwal fought valiantly to recover after the shooting. We all hoped that he would be able to overcome the critical injuries. Now, we must rely on our faith as we support the family in making it through this difficult time," Mundy said. Atwal is survived by 10 grandchildren, his wife Balbir Kaur, daughter Talvinder Kaur and sons Kamaljit Singh, Balkar Singh and Sarbjit Singh. He lived with Kamaljit and his family at their home in Elk Grove. Born and raised in Punjab, Atwal moved to the US after retirement. "We all hoped that he would recover and thus give us the clue, but it is very unfortunate that he died," said Gurjatinder Singh Randhawa, from the NRI Front USA. The Sikh Community and a number of community organizations have come together to offer a reward of over USD 42,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the shooting.-PTI
Horoscope
April 29, 2011
India Post
www.indiapost.com
Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar
APRIL 29TH - MAY 05TH ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20)
TAURUS (APRIL 21 TO MAY 20)
O
P
ffer will come on a silver platter and you will not take time to accept it. You may spend money on an upcoming trip also. You will gain an edge over your opponents and a clear victory possible in ongoing legal matters. You may also quickly recover from minor health issues with the help of over the counter medicine.
roperty related issues can get settled this week. Confidence level will be on the peak. You may invite few friends at your place. Work related stress will continue but you will keep making progress and the boss will be satisfied with your performance. Eye sight may need to be rechecked. Another good week for real estate brokers.
GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20)
CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22)
M
ajor change in career just around the corner and you should start feeling them now. Knowledge or training recently gained will come handy. You may help spouse get rid of some old stuff gathering dust in the house. Mind will be at ease and you will make commitment to participate in an upcoming religious or charity event.
LEO (JULY 23 TO AUGUST 22)
M
ars and Sun in ninth should bring the much needed boost in life. Suddenly you will be full of energy and hit your goals. Property deal may also take final shape. You may change one of your vehicle with a newer and luxury model. Check from insurance company will come during the week. Buy some lottery tickets this week.
E
xalted Sun can get you lots of money in up coming weeks. You have some money coming through legal channels also. You will be come more religious and may visit a holy place with family. Planets should bring some positive changes in career too.
VIRGO (AUGUST 23 TO SEPTEMBER 22)
H
ard work will not go waste. You will earn appreciation from boss. Deal will be financially beneficial for you. Relationship will get strong and the final commitment is weeks away. You will recover some old payment but in part only. Things will clear and all previous uncertainty will go away at work.
LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 22)
SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 22)
Y
Y
ou will beat the odds and lay your hands on what you want. Planets in sixth will help you overcome many other roadblocks. You will be taking a short trip to meet an important person. Meeting will well and you will receive the assurance quickly. Chance of making money through stocks stay strong for few more weeks.
ou may be seriously thinking of getting out of a relationship or partnership. Money wise looks like a promising week. You will feel relieved after making final payment on an old debt. You will spend an evening with people with political background. Planets in sixth favors those who are seeking a change in career.
SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 22)
CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 19)
Y
M
ou will be full of some bright ideas and discuss them with a friend. Money wise you will continue to do better but with a slow pace. Eat on regular intervals in order to avert any complications. Move will be on final stage and every body at home will be excited. Boss may ask you to handle additional work on temporary basis.
ind will be slightly restless as you will be waiting for the reply from other side. Avoid any argument with spouse and listen to her completely before giving any reply. Some of you will be taking a very short trip to a real warm area. Money wise you will stay comfortable. Sibling will call for some help.
AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 18)
PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 20)
S
e on your guards as the trouble could come from another female. Penalty or the fine will be reduced if you contest. You may also start the process for a loan this week. Some one will quit making room for your promotion. You will become more health conscious and make big changes in your diet.
oft planets in house of finance will bring few new opportunity to make money. Business will pick up all of a sudden and you may dispose off profit making stocks and pocket the money. You may also win a big favor from a government agency. People involved in research projects will see the final breakthrough.
Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com
B
925-833-7170 website: www.parashar.com
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Desi News Hindu temple & cultural center in Carbondale RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: The Indian community in Southern Illinois has planned setting up a Hindu temple along with a cultural center in Carbondale at a gross investment of $500,000 in the course of next eight months. The move for the temple and cultural center got a jump start when one Dr Pradeep Reddy of Herrin announced donation of 3.3 acres of land at 1209 E. Walnut St across from the University Mall. Dr Reddy is a front ranking community activist also heading a no-profit organization - the Hindu Temple and Cultural Society of Southern Illinois (HTCS). Members of the Society sought help of other members of the community and collected close to $150,000 for the project. Details on page 13
Exile in US to run for Kenya President RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: With half a dozen degrees in law under his belt, Dr George Luchiri Wajackoyah, a Kenyan aboard, has decided to jump in the fray with many other potential candidates for the position of President of Kenya in the forthcoming elections in early 2012. With chances rated 50 per cent by his own admission now, Dr Wajackoyah is showing great optimism as his recently establish Shake the Tree Movement (STTM) is slowly getting more and more acceptance. Details on page 15
IAFC 'Pride of India' Awards for Indian Americans India Post News Service
DALLAS, TX: "Peace, Progress and Prosperity through shared vision and cohesiveness among Indian Americans" was the theme of the evening gathered at the FunAsiA Richardson, TX as a part of the "8th Annual Awards Banquet" hosted by the Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) on Saturday, April 16. IAFC, founded in 1990 is a nonprofit organization that provides and promotes political education and a common platform to exchange views with local, national and international policy makers. Details on page 17
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
BAPS celebrates Swaminarayan Jayanti & Ram Navmi Details on page 19
10 India Post
www.indiapost.com
April 29, 2011
Rajbhog Foods pays up following lawsuit for unpaid wages India Post News Service
NEW YORK: The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF)'s New JerseyAsian American Legal Project announced a major victory for two Indian Gujarati food factory workers in a federal lawsuit against Rajbhog Foods (NJ), Inc. and its owners.
Despite repeated requests for their earnings, Rajbhog Foods deliberately failed to pay its former employees their lawful wages. After leaving their jobs, the workers sought assistance from AALDEF The workers recovered $8,500 for unpaid minimum wage and overtime pay from their former employers. The workers regularly labored between fifty to sixty hours per week, often for ten or more hours
Former Rajbhog Foods employees addressing the media along with AALDEF attorney (center).
each day, frying snacks and packing orders for shipping at a nonstop pace, AALDEF said. Despite repeated requests for their earnings, Rajbhog Foods deliberately failed to pay its former employees their lawful wages. After leaving their jobs, the workers sought assistance from AALDEF NJ-AALP
at one of their community legal clinics. AALDEF Staff Attorney and Equal Justice Works Fellow Aparna Garg said: "These women worked long days in difficult conditions, never knowing when and how much they would be getting paid" Garg continued, "State and
federal laws exist to protect all workers, regardless of their immigration status, from exploitation and abuse. AALDEF will continue to stand with workers who come forward to assert their rights and will hold unscrupulous employers accountable for their actions." ContĂd on page 14
Kerala court restores 15% quota for NRI students India Post News Service
NEW YORK: The High Court in the southern Indian state of Kerala has ordered that a 15% quota be restored for Non-Resident Indian students seeking higher studies in the state. The court order comes in the wake of a lawsuit in the Kerala High Court by the Pravasi Legal Council, an affiliate of World Malayalee Council (WMC). Admission to higher studies for Non-Resident Indians became a political issue in Kerala and the leftist-led Government denied admission for hundreds of Pravasi children for higher studies where they claim to have 100% literacy in the state.
The admission quota issue was presented to the High Court of Kerala to obtain 15% quota for NRIs as approved by the All India Council for Technical Education;
the Chairman of the Pravasi Legal Council in India. The Division Bench of the Kerala high Court ordered against the Government of Kerala and re-
Admission to higher studies for Non-Resident Indians became a political issue in Kerala and the leftist-led Government denied admission for hundreds of Pravasi children for higher studies an education governing body of the Government of India. The Pravasi Legal Council fought the case in the Kerala High Court represented by Advocate Jose Kannanthanam, who is also
stored the 15% quota for Non-Resident Indians for higher studies including in the field of Engineering, Management and Pharmacy. The Overseas Indian children who want to explore India's tradi-
tion and cultural values can now seek admission in several universities in the state of Kerala, said Dr. Sreedhar Kavil, Chairman of the WMC Advisory Council in New York. Dr Kavil also said WMC is "issue oriented "and its mission is to take up such issues on behalf of the Non-Resident Indians around the world. WMC is now pursuing the Indian Parliament to pass the Pravasi Property Protection (PPP) Bill to provide justice and protection for properties owned by many who live abroad and away from their home state. The proposed PPP bill is a collective effort of many million NRIs and Dr. Sreedhar Kavil urged Pravasi Indians to continue fighting for their birth rights and justice in India.
Community Across America
April 29, 2011
India Post
11
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UP Kavi Sammelan; an affair to remember
Sarvesh Asthana and Parveen Shukla
RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: The consensus among 400 plus members and guests attending the Kavi Sammelan (gathering of poets) hosted by the Uttar Pradesh As-
Saxena. This underlined the fact that love and lure for meaningful and true poetry and shayari is still alive in a latent form and needs a touch from an artist to blossom. As put by Dr Saxena "It is our (poets and shayars in general)
Dr Vishnu Saxena
ets from India. He welcomed the guests and this was followed by a second welcome and brief dwelling on the activities of the association by its current president Sujata Sharma. It fell on the broad shoulders of Trustee Dr
Trustee Subhash Pandey
serious type of fare. And yet he got immensely popular response because of his sonorous voice and equally beautiful presentation of poems that appealed to the mind and heart of the audience who responded with spontaneous claps and participation.
jokes, Chhands-Muktaks and humorous anecdotes. The trio of poets captivated the audience to such an extent that one and all gave them a rousing applause and pitched for their return. Dr Subhash Padney and Vice President Ravi Arora proposed a vote
It had such a great appeal to hearts and minds of the audience that many pitched for its continuance even after three and a half hours of rendering from three poets from India Chairman Prof Ghanshyam Pandey and Ms Sujrat Sharma, President
Association officials honoring poets
sociation of Greater Chicago(UPAC) was that it was an affair to remember and worth driving hundreds of miles to be part of it. It was not a usual Bollywood type or commercialized show of dances and songs but a different fare that had no orchestra and background music but still had such a great appeal to hearts and minds of the audience that many pitched for its continuance even after three and a half hours of rendering from three poets from India - Dr Parveen Shukla, Sarvesh Asthana and Dr Vishnu
majboori that there is plethora of commercialized and cheap type of creations. If the public at large yearn and ask for true and meaningful poetry, the poets and writers would have no choice but to come out with the fare that has class." Of late, it has become an annual fare for the association to host Kavi Sammelan and as put by the Chairman Prof Ghanshyam Pandey, the response has been progressively encouraging and this has enthused the organizers to invite well known and recognized po-
Subhash Pandey to introduce each poet at length and he did a remarkable job. The start was from Dr Parveen Shukla and he endeared himself with some humorous notes and equally humorous way in introducing again Sarvesh Asthana. And the way Ashatna conducted himself in his recitation of poems shayari and comic anecdotes in the first and the second session after the intermission; he became a favorite of the audience. But more was to follow in the turn of Dr Saxena. His was a more
Parveen Shukla did not disappoint and captivated all those present with his presentation of
of thanks. The three poets were formally recognized with mementos at the end.
Community Across America
12 India Post
April 29, 2011
www.indiapost.com
Itasca Temple to host drama for Health Fair
Dr Hiten Patel examining a patient
India Post News Bureau
ITASCA: Midwest Swaminarayan Temple in Itasca is organizing a Gujarati drama Pati Saddhar To Patni Addhar to raise funds for its periodic Health Fair and regular medical clinic that benefits society at large, especially those who are under insured or not insured at all. The temple organizes a health fair every year which is open to all. The patients detected with health problems find it difficult to obtain healthcare without medical insurance or Medicare/ Medicaid. In May of 2003, the management of the temple decided to provide ongoing health care to needy people and started a free medical clinic on a regular basis. There is no charge to the patients. The activity has been very useful and popular. Many other institutions have followed the lead of Itasca temple and have started offering similar services. So far, more than 1,200 patients have benefited from these services. The clinic is organized
once in four weeks on Saturday at 2 pm in the Mandir. Volunteer doctors providing services are Dr Sanjay Amin, Dr Sachin Dixit, Dr Jyoti Shah, Dr Hiten Patel, Dr
(From left) Medical Coordinator Arvind Thakkar, Ghanu Patel and Ghanshyam Patel, temple trustees, Dipti Shah, RN, Dr Sanjay Amin and clinic coordinator Ashwin Majmudar
essary tests and prescribe medicines. The registered pharmacists, who dispense medicines besides providing counseling, are Arti
Patel, RPh and Prashant Patel, help out with donating medicines to the clinic for its patients. The other important portion of the clinical services is the
There is no charge to the patients. The activity has been very useful and popular. Many other institutions have followed the lead of Itasca temple and have started offering similar services Arti Thakkar at work with blood test set up in the background
Pranav Patel, Dr Ramnik Gokani and many others. They examine the patients with utmost care, prescribe blood and other nec-
Thakkar, Kunal Patel, Seema Patel and Ghanshyam Patel. Many other pharmacists provide services as needed. Vishnubhai
tests. A team of professional volunteers led by Ashwinbhai Majmudar and comprising Prafulla Patel, Pranavi Shastri
and others help in blood draw as per the doctors' instructions. The blood testing is done by Med Star Laboratory. Volunteers ensure that the blood test reports are in the patients' files before the next clinic for ready reference of the doctors. In addition to blood and urine testing, EKG and bone density tests are performed in house. Arrangements have been made with Dr Neeta Patel for dental, Dr Parag Majmudar for eye examination, Dr Shirish Shah for cardiology services and Dr Kalpesh Ghelani for chiropractor services. Administrative help is provided by Hasit Patel, Chintan Thakkar, Nisargi Thakkar and Haribhai Thakkar. Shobhben Tevar and Diptiben Shah both Registered Nurses offer their services too. The Clinical programs are coordinated by Arvindbhai Thakkar and Ashwinbhai Majmudar. The temple fully supports these activities with all the financial and other facilities. Notable supporters from the temple are Ghanshyambhai, Jagdishbhai and Vishnubhai Patel.
Rajbhog Foods pays up following lawsuit for unpaid wages ContĂd from page 10
Rajbhog Foods (NJ) continues business as a manufacturer and nationwide distributor of Indian snack foods, with 10 Indian fast-food franchises across the country, a thriving mail-order operation, and a processing plant and distribution center located in Jersey City, NJ. Indiraben, a former worker at Rajbhog Foods' Jersey City distri-
bution center said: "I feel very happy to receive the money I was owed. I worked very hard for Rajbhog, and only asked to be paid fairly and on time. I encourage others to not be afraid, they too can stand up for themselves and get the money they have rightfully earned." Asmeeta, who also worked at the distribution center, said: "I didn't get paid fully or get paid
Asmeeta, who also worked at the distribution center, said: "I didn't get paid fully or get paid overtime. That is why I decided to seek legal help�
overtime. That is why I decided to seek legal help from AALDEF. By filing a lawsuit, I was simply demanding the money I was owed. I wanted to make sure Rajbhog would not treat any other employee this way again." AALDEF opened its New Jersey office in Newark in July 2007 and moved to Jersey City in January 2010. Since 2005, AALDEF NJ-AALP has worked closely with
the South Asian immigrant community by providing free legal advice, conducting 'Know Your Rights' seminars, and representing South Asian immigrant workers in lawsuits for unpaid wages, minimum wage, and overtime violations. Individuals seeking assistance may contact the AALDEF NJ-AALP helpline at (888) 4061555. Hindi and Gujarati language assistance is available.
Community Across America
April 29, 2011
India Post 13
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Hindu temple & cultural center in Carbondale
Puja in progress
RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: The Indian community in Southern Illinois has planned setting up a Hindu temple
nearly four hours ceremony and the celebrations thereafter. Dr Reddy in a talk to this paper said, "The event in a way turned out to be a mini fundraiser and we raised close to $20,000 cash and
Ceremony during ground breaking ceremony
have been either worshipping in their homes, or travel to St. Louis or Nashville, Tenn., the nearest communities with temples, for rituals. "There is always a ritual," said Dr G.V. Naidu, a board member of
countless other occasions. The rituals, he said, are "seeking the blessings of the Lord." Vice president of the HTCS, Naresh Patel of Harrisburg and his wife supported the
The move for the temple and cultural center got a jump start when one Dr Pradeep Reddy of Herrin announced donation of 3.3 acres of land at 1209 E. Walnut St across from the University Mall Ground breaking ceremony by Temple supporters
along with a cultural center in Carbondale at a gross investment of $500,000 in the course of next eight months. The move for the temple and cultural center got a jump start when one Dr Pradeep Reddy of Herrin announced donation of 3.3 acres of land at 1209 E. Walnut St across from the University Mall. Dr Reddy is a front ranking community activist also heading a noprofit organization - the Hindu Temple and Cultural Society of Southern Illinois (HTCS). Members of the Society sought help of other members of the community and collected close to $150,000 for the project. The real crystallization came last Sunday April 17 when HTCS organized a groundbreaking ceremony with a priest from the St. Louis Hindu temple, Vedantha Sharma, and his son, Teja, coming in to perform the ceremony for invoking blessings of the deities. Close to 150 community members from Carbondale and surrounding areas gathered to be part of the
$80,000 in pledges. With nearly $150,000 already collected, this will help HTCS to start construction in June and finish the job by early 2012. "We plan to set up the temple first. Although the establishment of cultural center too would start but wholesome attention would be to complete the temple first and then speed up the cultural center," he said. The approximate built up area would be of 5000 sq feet, he said The temple, he added, would house 10 deities starting with Lord Ganesha. There would be idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Balaji, Lord Ram, Lord Krishna and Lord Subramanium. The idols of Goddesses Saraswati and Laxmi would also be installed. The temple would initially house a library and office till the cultural center gets completed. The cultural center would conduct many cultural activities, including sessions for bhajans, religious discourses and the like. For decades, the hundreds of Hindu worshippers in the region
the St. Louis Temple who attended the groundbreaking, "when a child is born, when it eats solid food for the first time, when a family enters a house for the first time" and
groundbreaking ceremony. Other board members, all from Carbondale, are Padma Chandrasekar, secretary; Vardendra Panchamukhi, cultural
secretary; Arjun Sadahalli, a Ph.D. student at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, student representative; Subhash Sharma, treasurer; and Dr. Sushil Tibrewala, member at-large. Tibrewala said having a Hindu temple in Carbondale "should help with the recruitment of students to SIUC and professionals to the area." He and board treasurer Sharma said at present, 10 to 15 families gather in someone's home to mark religious days because there is no temple nearby. Having such a religious and cultural center in Carbondale, they said, would be an inducement for Hindus to make Southern Illinois their home. The site will be convenient for SIUC students, Tibrewala said, because Saluki Express buses stop at University Mall, just across Walnut Street. Reddy said that about 250 to 300 students from India are expected to use the site. Carbondale in Jackson County was founded in 1852 and is known as "Capital of Southern Illinois." Brad Cole and Allen D. Gill are Mayor and City Manager respectively and they have been very supportive, added Dr Reddy.
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Sikh Society organizes medical camp SAMEER SINGH
Dr Damanjit Kaur offering consultation to members
DAYTON: A medical camp recently organized at the local gurdwara by Sikh Society of Dayton turned out to be a huge success in view of the hearty cooperation provided by medical professionals and volunteers The primary focus was on educating the community about heart disease, one of the leading causes of death among the Indian community. Blood pressure and glucose screenings were performed to detect undiagnosed hypertension, a common silent killer, along with diabetes. Almost fifty members of the sangat (congregation) had their check up done and were coun-
Dr Gurjeet and Dr Damanjit at the Consultation
seled on diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors. Dr Gurjeet Singh Kahlon addressed more than 250 members of the sangat using a PowerPoint presentation on the topic of increased prevalence of heart disease and diabetes mellitus in the community. Dr Damanjeet Kaur Kahlon, Dr Bhupinder Kaur and Veena Katyal carried out blood pressure screening. Dr Parminder Modgil helped with the consultations. Mrs Inder Chandra and Mr Suresh Chandra helped with data collection of sangat members who had the checkups.
Sikh Society of Dayton has planned series of Wellness Workshops to create health awareness among the Indian commu-
them to make good healthcare decisions for themselves. Dr Darshan Singh Sehbi, member of the Society said, "Dia-
The primary focus was on educating the community about heart disease, one of the leading causes of death among the Indian community. Blood pressure and glucose screenings were performed to detect undiagnosed hypertension nity. The mission of these Health Workshops is to educate our community members on various health conditions to empower
betes and High Blood Pressure are silent killers: they are responsible for the high risk of heart disease and stroke in our com-
munity. It is extremely important that our community understands the link between diabetes and heart disease so that they treat their diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol aggressively. Today's program is an important first step towards improving the healthcare of our community". Dr Raj Kamaljeet Cheema said, "Such workshops are very much needed and are helpful to community members. More such workshops are required and are planned for the future. We thank all volunteers, doctors and participants who assisted to make this health camp a success."
Paresh play in St. Louis for second time MEGHA JOSHI
ST LOUIS: Paresh Rawal's Hindi drama "Krishan v/s Kanhaiya", a non-stop laugh riot which also has a thematic message, evoked huge response from St. Louis Indian community for the second time in six months. Seema
A riveting play that raises serious social questions in turn creating a lot of funny moments. The critics as well as audience are calling it hilariously entertaining Enterprises & Seema World Travel presented the play at Mahatma Gandhi Center on April 12. It is a story of an atheist who incurs huge losses when his an-
Paresh Rawal (4th from left) and his team with organizer Ashwin Patel (2nd from right)
tique shop is destroyed by an earthquake. When the insurance company refuses to honor his claim calling it a loss due to "Act of God" he decides to sue God in the court of law to claim his
money. The story revolves around the fight of the atheist with the Almighty. This Hindi play is based on superhit Gujarati play "Kanji virudh Kanji" which is currently rocking Mumbai.
A riveting play that raises serious social questions in turn creating a lot of funny moments. The critics as well as audience are calling it hilariously entertaining and sensationally shocking and also a
great play they have seen for a long time. Rawal, a favorite with Indian American audiences, once again proved what a superb actor he is. ContĂd on page 15
April 29, 2011
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Exile in US to run for Kenya President RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: With half a dozen degrees in law under his belt, Dr George Luchiri Wajackoyah, a Kenyan aboard, has decided to jump in the fray with many other potential candidates for the position of President of Kenya in the forthcoming elections in early 2012. With chances rated 50 per cent by his own admission now, Dr Wajackoyah is showing great optimism as his recently establish Shake the Tree Movement (STTM) is slowly getting more and more acceptance with the Kenyan intelligentsia and the general public beset with number of problems ranging from burgeoning corruption to poor education facilities and extremely slow economic growth. In a talk to the ethnic Indian media here, he asserted that his topmost priority would be to eradicate corruption at all levels of the government and public places, followed by a number of measures that would spur economic growth with infrastructure development. Dr Wajackoyah was accompa-
Paresh play in St. Louis for second time ContĂd from page 14
The audience reaction was statements like "do not miss the hilarious comedy play" and "Bollywood star Paresh Rawal, the king of comedy, conquers the stage." Along with the versatile Paresh Rawal, his team boasted of talented TV and stage artists including Jimit Trivedi, Chirag Vora, Ankit Trivedi, Namrata Pathak, Puja Gupta, Pradeep Vengurlekar, Saunil Daru, Vaibhav Binivale, Kunal Ravrani and others. The play has been directed by Umesh Shukla, written by Bhavesh Mandalia has music by Sachin Sanghvi. The troupe performed 51 shows in 53 days back in AugustSeptember 2010. This tour they plan to perform another 45 + shows in as many days all across USA and Canada. Rawal had staged two comic capers Shaadi@Barbaadi.com and Naughty@Forty over five years ago in various parts of the US and other countries. Paresh Rawal says that "I love to perform in the US and now I have the chance to make you laugh non-stop. But remember, it's not mindless comedy."
nied at the press meet at Mysore Woodland on Devon Avenue with his Kenyan-Indian businessmen friends, whose support along with nearly 2 million Kenyans in North America, he values utmost. He said that rampant corruption is killing all initiatives and induces lethargy within the government and disenchantment in the society at large. "This needs to be addressed
Dr George Luchiri Wajackoyah
to restore faith in the government and ensure all round development," he said. For achieving a faster economic growth, his plan is to get the Kenyans settled abroad, including many Asians, to come back and revive the businesses and industry. "We would help them get back their property besides offering inducement to start business and industry. I have great faith in their talents and integrity," he said. He said that
people of Asian descent constitute about 15 per cent of the population and many are in business. We need their help for the development of Kenya," he added. The economic development will presage a significant improvement in infrastructure and Dr Wajakoyah would pitch for a hefty increase in investment in roads, water works and energy production. The
Talking about his past and the way he had to put up with hardships in getting higher education, he said that to fund his educational journey he held countless minimal jobs that required maximum effort; he resorted to digging graves and working as a security guard while his application for asylum was pending. After he acquired several law degrees at, the Universities of
can Heritage University of Southern California. He has lectured extensively on law and economics, human rights, constitutional and international law all over America and also has become an intercontinental teacher addressing members of parliament in the UK, British MPs, and equally, members of congress in America. He has been honored by the
Dr George with Indian supporters in Chicago L to R Prabhaker Patel, Dr George, Jitendra Digvenkar, Dipne Lakha and Ashish Sen
spread of education, especially higher and technical education, would be assigned a priority as without the pool of skilled workers, economic growth would not be sustained. He also talked about the implementation of new constitution and putting up with the existing constitutional framework. He felt that the new constitution would let Kenyans and the people of Kenyan descent abroad actively participate in the Kenyan affairs.
Wolverhampton, London (SOAS), Warwick, and Westminster & UOL Birkberk, he opened an immigration law practice in London, where he led a formidable fight against Daniel Arap Moi, the former Kenyan dictator. George remained in the UK for almost two decades before he relocated to the United States. In America he enrolled for an LLM program at the University of Baltimore. He is currently an adjunct professor of law at the Ameri-
American Jewish society and has recently become the Vice President of a newly born company, My Network 1 Inc, in Rancho Cucamonga, applying his vast knowledge and practice. However, his priority, within all of these occupations, is the liberation of Kenyans from a long line of corrupt leaders. He is currently organizing the last touches of his campaign to be launched in Kenya next year, when he will return after many years of exile from his homeland.
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Seniors of Chicago celebrate Ram Navami JAYANTI OZA
Giving good wishes to a couple
CHICAGO: Bhartiya Senior Citizen Group of Chicago celebrated with great enthusiasm the birth anniversary of Lord Ram at
Artists singing during Ram Navami celebrations
this event. A number of local artists began with singing songs of Lord Ram's birth. Seniors danced with joy and devotion welcoming Lord Ram's
present congratulations and good wishes to those with birthdays falling in the month of April. They were presented with bouquets of
Batuk Shukla, President Hari Patel, Secretary Purushotam Pandya, Chairman Chhotu Patel. Jim Miller, the Illinois State Senator was an
tions to all those present and praised the Bhartiya Senior Citizen group of Chicago for its seniors-oriented activities. He urged
The opportunity was taken to present congratulations and good wishes to those with birthdays falling in the month of April. They were presented with bouquets of flowers Seniors dancing on Lord Ram's birth
Seniors celebrating Ram Navami
Radhye Shyam temple in Bloomingdale, a north side Chicago suburb. Close to 200 Seniors attended
coming to the earth for the redemption of mankind. Some of the senior members spoke about Ram Navami. The opportunity was taken to
flowers. Present on the occasion welcoming the seniors were the founders of Bhartiya Senior Group of Chicago Manshkhbhai Patel,
Ram Navami at Vedic Day Care Center GAURANG LIMACHIA
invited guest but he could not make as his wife was in Hospital. Senator Miller however, offered his good wishes and congratula-
them to get registered with the State of Illinois. The event ended with the serving of delicious dinner that was enjoyed by all.
Ugadi & Ram Navami celebrated in St Louis ASHWIN PATEL
Children celebrating Ram Navami
CHICAGO: The Vedic Day Care Center, a pre-school and kindergarten educational facility in Chicago, celebrated its annual Ram Navami function on Sunday April 18. 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. There were plays based on pastime of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna. The director of the Center, Vrashabh Das, briefed the audience on the progress of the facil-
ity and gave a lecture on the significance of Ram Navami. The Day Care Center expressed appreciation of the generous donations made by parents of the children, who were honored. ContĂd on page 21
Ram Navami celebrations in St Louis
ST LOUIS: Hindu Temple of St. Louis celebrated Chandramana Ugadi on Monday April 4 with Ganesha Pooja and Panchaga Sravanam. More than 700 devotees at-
tended the pooja. Security and surplus parking was arranged to accommodate the devotees. Annadanam was served at the end of the pooja. ContĂd on page 21
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IAFC 'Pride of India' Awards for Indian Americans
IAFC Director Raj Asava, IAFC TX State Coordinator Prasad Thotakura, Iowa State Senator Swati Dandekar, IAFC Director Ramki Chebrolu India Post News Service
DALLAS, TX: "Peace, Progress and Prosperity through shared vision and cohesiveness among Indian Americans" was the theme of the evening gathered at the FunAsiA Richardson, TX as a part of the "8th Annual Awards
mission is to improve United States-India relations, support developing countries, promote global democracy, protect the interests of the Indian-American community, and educate Members of Congress. The program was hosted under the leadership of Prasad Thotakura, Texas State
IAFC Youth Wing Director Sushmi Kosuri
ter of Ceremony extended a warm welcome to the visiting guests and over 300 Indian American community leaders and professionals representing various organizations. Asava said, "We are blessed to be living in a democratic system and the Indian community with strong education and work ethic
Thotakura, introduced the "Peace, Progress and Prosperity through shared common vision", the theme of the 8th annual IAFC awards banquet. He gave a breathtaking presentation on the progress and prosperity IAFC TX State Coordinator Prasad Thotakura, IAFC Director Raj Asava, State Delegate of Maryland and IAFC Secretary Rao Kalvala
Banquet" hosted by the Indian American Friendship Council (IAFC) on Saturday, April 16. IAFC, founded in 1990 is a nonprofit organization that provides and promotes political education and a common platform to exchange views with local, national and international policy makers. Its
Coordinator of IAFC and sponsored by Horizon Travel LLC, ekNazar, FunAsiA and VIVA Railings besides a host of other local business entities and community leaders based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Raj Asava, Board of Director and the Banquet Chair as a Mas-
IAFC Director Raj Asava, IAFC TX State Coordinator Prasad Thotakura, IAFC Youth Director Sneha Chebrolu, Rising Star Award winner Ronouk Joardar, Vermont State Representative Kesha Ram and IAFC Vice President Taiyab Kundawala
have done extremely well and we should really help those in need". Thotakura, introduced the "Peace, Progress and Prosperity through shared common vision", the theme of the 8th annual IAFC awards banquet. He gave a breathtaking presentation on the progress and prosperity through
Presenting "Outstanding Journalism" Award to Voice of AsiA IAFC Director Raj Asava, IAFC Youth member Sneha Chebrolu, IAFC TX State Coordinator Prasad Thotakura, Voice of AsiA Publisher Koshy Thomas, Connecticut State Representative Dr. Prasad Srinivasan and IAFC Director Dr. Niranjan Tripathy
IAFC Director Raj Asava, IAFC TX State Coordinator Prasad Thotakura, Colorado State Representative Dr. Janak Joshi and IAFC Director Dr. Sat Gupta
diversity with supporting statistical data. Quoting from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "Christ gave me the message and Gandhi gave me method" Mr. Thotakura reminded the audience that India being the vast educated country holds the second largest number of billionaires. Edu-
Ramki Chebrolu, Board of Director, IAFC introduced the State Senator from Iowa, Ms. Swati Dandekar. Ms. Dandekar spoke on the importance of participation in American politics and invited American Indians to be more active in social and political activities. "Advocacy and participation
Presenting "Young Entrepreneur" Award to Veeral Rathod of J. Hillburn Company. From Left: IAFC Director Raj Asava, IAFC Youth Member Sneha Chebrolu, IAFC Director Dr. Sat Gupta, Colorado State Representative Dr. Janak Joshi, Co Founder of J. Hillburn Veeral Rathod and IAFC TX State Coordinator Prasad Thotakura
cation, good work ethics and the family values are the key differentiators for the prosperity. For example 38% of physicians in US are of Indian origin. Progress is not all about economy and a growing number of Indian Americans are making contribution in the corporate world, science and politics".
makes a big difference in ones goal" said Ms. Dandekar. She gave examples of how the political entry of Asian Americans contributed to Iowa politics. IAFC felicitated Ms. Dandekar with "Pride of India" award for her accomplishments and civic service. ContĂd on page 18
IAFC Vice President Taiyab Kundawala, IAFC TX State Coordinator Prasad Thotakura, Vermont State Representative Kesha Ram and IAFC Director Raj Asava
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IAFC 'Pride of India' Awards for Indian Americans ContĂd from page 17
Ms. Dandekar took the honor of introducing Hurst-EulessBedford ISD Superintendent Dr. Gene Buinger. Dr. Buinger was presented the "Community Bridge" award by Ms. Dandekar for his role in introducing Hindi language to the school district. Dr. Buinger reiterated his commitment to continue the expansion of Hindi language and is heading a delegation to India soon. Dr. Sat Gupta, Board of Director of IAFC introduced Dr. Janak Joshi, State Representative of Colorado. Dr. Joshi said first generation Indians have gone through challenges through 1970s and then decided to stay in US. "I was active in the caucus and including my family members. Good karma always pays" he said while quoting the good fortune he has experienced. Dr. Joshi was awarded the "Pride of India" by IAFC. Dr Joshi felicitated the Dallas based young entrepreneur Veeral Rathod cofounder and president of a luxury men's apparel company.
IAFC Director Niranjan Tripathy, IAFC TX State Coordinator Prasad Thotakura, Connecticut State Representative Prasad Srinivasan and IAFC Director Raj Asava
who migrated from the pre-independence India and married to a woman from Israel. Ms. Kesha Ram said "politics for me has been a mix of chance and a mix of choice, requiring knocking on every door and meeting people. Listening and building relationships in the community and learning history is the first thing to be done". IAFC fe-
Dr. Niranjan Tripathy introduced Dr. Prasad Srinivasan, State Rep R-CT who is the first Indian American and the only physician to have served in the CT assembly. He spoke on how the switch from medicine to politics took place and said "choice but not chance is what happened to me to move from medicine to politics.
IAFC Director Raj Asava, IAFC TX State Coordinator Prasad Thotakura, Shabnam Modgil of FunAsiA, Venkat Mulukutla of TV9, Heena and Parimal Sampat of Horizon Travel
journalist and the publisher of Voice of AsiA, a community newspaper since 1987 with "Outstanding Journalism" award. Rao Kalvala, Secretary, IAFC introduced Ms. Aruna Miller, State Delegate D-MD. Ms. Miller who has been serving as an active precinct officer since 2004. Ms. Miller said, "If you are serious make sure
area the local city council aspirants who are seeking political offices. Dr. Tarakumar Reddy, Executive Vice President of IAFC invited the President and CEO of the World Affairs Council Mr. Jim Falk who was presented with a check of $5000 by Dr. C.R. Rao, Treasurer of IAFC and Mr. Thotakura. Mr. Murali Vennam, Board of Director,
Ms. Miller said, "If you are serious make sure you have the support of the family. You need to have champions like community and special interest Presenting Check to American Heart Association, IAFC Treasurer Dr. C. R. Rao, IAFC Director Raj Asava, American Hear Association Director Elizabeth, IAFC TX State Director Prasad Thotakura and IAFC Director Murali Vennam
groups
Taiyab Kundawala, Vice President of IAFC introduced Ms. Kesha Ram, State Representative D-VT, who is the youngest representative in the nation. She spoke on what it means to be in politics. Everything happens for a reason is the popular quote by her father
Community involvement is extremely rewarding as long as one has the skill set to negotiate through the journey". IAFC felicitated Dr. Srinivasan with "Pride of India" award. While on the stage Dr. Srinivasan felicitated Mr. Koshy Thomas, Houston-based
licitated Ms. Kesha Ram with Pride of India" award. Mr. Rounok Joardar of Plano West Senior High School was recognized with a "Rising Star award by Ms. Kesha Ram for his numerous academic and non-academic accomplishments since 2007.
IAFC Board of Directors (Standing from left): Murali Vennam, Dr. Niranjan Tripathy, Taiyab Kundawala, Raj Asava, Rao Kalvala, Dr. Tarakumar Reddy, Dr. C.R. Rao, Dr. Sat Gupta, Piyush Patel, Ramki Chebrolu, Prasad Thotakura
Iowa State Senator Swati Dandekar, IAFC TX State Coordinator Prasad Thotakura, HEB ISD Superintendent Dr. Gene Buinger, IAFC Director Ramki Chebrolu and IAFC Director Raj Asava
you have the support of the family. You need to have champions like community and special interest groups. Make sure you have personal contacts with all the voters". IAFC felicitated Ms. Miller with "Pride of India" award. Piyush Patel of IAFC recognized various DFW
A section of the audience
IAFC invited Ms. Elizabeth of American Heart Association (AHA) who was presented with a check of $3000 by IAFC. AHA informed that India will bear 60% of the world's cardio vascular diseases by 2020. Dr. Pavan Dhingra of the Smithsonian Indian American Heritage project "HomeSpun" gave an overview of the project and questioned the audience "How will history depict Indian Americans" and requested financial contributions in support of the program. The thought provoking, informative and educational awards gala came to an end with vote of thanks by Miss. Sushmita Kosuri of the Youth wing to the audience for their attendance, volunteers who spent countless hours of valuable time, the evening sponsors; Fun Asia, Horizon Travels, eKnazar, Viva Railings, media partners TV9 and FunAsiA for providing excellent meeting facilities and tasty food.
April 29, 2011
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BAPS celebrates Swaminarayan Jayanti & Ram Navmi
India Post News Service
CHINO HILLS, CA: Sages, poets, and devotees have hailed Bhagwan as a hitakari, a moral and spiritual benefactor, as impartial as the sun shining upon all within its perimeter. This quality of Bhagwan, to ensure well-being of all without distinction, was brought to the fore in this year's annual celebration of Swaminarayan Jayanti and Ram Navmi. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, CA celebrated the 230th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Swaminarayan on April 10. Falling on Chaitra Sud 9, which also marks the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Shri Ram, this day is one of the most celebratory events of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. Excitement and devotion abounds on this occasion as children, youth, and adults engage in various spiritual endeavors including
chanting the Swaminarayan mantra, observing a nirjala fast, and preparing for a grand celebration. This year's celebration expounded on the theme of "Sarvajivahit達vaha" to highlight one of the chief motives for Bhagwan Swaminarayan's incarnation on Earth - to grant ultimate salvation to all by facilitating their physical, moral, and spiritual well-being. As exemplified through drama performances and discourses, Bhagwan Swaminarayan's limitless compassion, propelled him to undertake a journey across the Indian subcontinent. Through his travels, words, and deeds, he inspired a spiritually enriched way of life as prescribed in the scriptures. And to those who lead such lives, he guaranteed ultimate salvation. Anecdotes relating to the transformations of Sagram Vaghri and Joban Pagi were also reiterated. Bhagwan Shri Ram, similarly lib-
erated Ahalya from Gautama's curse and granted liberation to Shabari by eating her berries. Bhagwan Shri Ram exemplified
Many youths participate in such events because they get to interactively learn more about the significance of rituals and festivities, as well as help pass on these values to others and apply the skills they learn into other aspects of their lives the role of an ideal son and brother - through his interaction with him family members, whether
it was stepping down from the throne to coronate his younger brother, Bharat, as king - or obeying the wish of his father to leave Ayodhya for 14 years. Through the cultural festivities hosted by the BAPS youth wing, and festivities hosted by the Mahila wing on April 17, devotees were able imbibe the legacy of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Shri Ram into their contemporary lifestyles, including values of sacrifice - learned from Bhagwan Shri Ram's life, as well as vegetarianism - which Bhagwan Swaminarayan encouraged through the scripture he wrote entitled Shikshapatri. Today, Pramukh Swami Maharaj continues the legacy of Bhagwan Swaminarayan by inspiring the construction of mandirs where such cultural enrichment can take place. The program included a unique portion which featured some of the unique architecture and carvings
of the mandir that is currently being built in Chino Hills. The samaiyo featured youths participating in traditional dances as well as a grand procession for the murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, also lovingly known as Thakorji. Many youths participate in such events because they get to interactively learn more about the significance of rituals and festivities, as well as help pass on these values to others and apply the skills they learn into other aspects of their lives. Kirtan Patel, of Diamond Bar, CA expressed his joy by saying: "As a youth participant, learning about the heritage and culture, I was able to practice my public speaking skills. This helps me at school, and will undoubtedly help me in the future." The festive atmosphere continued as the assembly joined in singing the Janamasutsav, "Dharma gher anand bhayo, jay bolo Ganshyam ki."
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Jain Center raises $ 100,000 for Japan disaster India Post News Service
BUENA PARK, CA: The Jain Center of Southern California organized a benefit concert "Drums and Dances of India" at the Jain Center here on April 15 to help victims of the Japanese disasters. A team of generous sponsors and several Indian associations joined hands to raise close to $100,000 at the presentation. The show contained a sparkling Kathak display by a Korean artist and an electrifying tabla display by a talented young quartet. The Center's President Dr Jay Shah said that in the spirit of Jainism's principles of non-violence and "anekantvad,' and love,
nese disasters recover from their triple adversity of an earthquake, tsunami and the nuclear power plant leak. During a break between items he and Jayana Shah intro-
the several other sponsors who had put their shoulders too to the relief wheel. They then proceeded calling out the names of donors and the amounts of their contri-
who in the course of introducing the Japanese Consul General, said he was proud the Jain Center had
He said historically the Japanese have a good image of Indians as the country has influenced the island nation in the realms of religion, philosophy and culture compassion and respect for any living thing particularly humans, the Jain Center had stepped forward to help victims of the Japa-
duced the event sponsor couple of Uma and Avdesh Agarwal who received a thundering reception. They proceeded to acknowledge
butions as volunteers went around collecting checks and cash. Present at the event was the Mayor of Buena Park, Fred Smith
made his city their home and was impressed with how they always
sprang to offer financial and moral support any time disaster struck people of any nation, race or religion. After having a Buena Park city pin placed on his lapel by Mayor Smith, Japanese Consul General Junichi Ihara expressed how moved he was by the performances as also the sympathy and solidarity shown by the Indian community to the Japanese people. He said in a situation where thousands had lost everything they possessed it will take several years for recovery and his country needs sustained support from all over the world. He said historically the Japanese have a good image of Indians as the country has influenced the island nation in the realms of religion, philosophy and culture. With such acts of generosity he said the people of Japan take solace in the knowledge that they are not alone and for that he expressed his sincere gratitude.
Patels in alleged prostitution ring plead not guilty India Post News Service
OCEANSIDE, CA: A dozen accused pimps and others, including Oceanside Travelodge owner, Vinod Patel, and son Hitesh Patel, allegedly involved with a large, multi-gang prostitution ring based in Oceanside pleaded not guilty to racketeering charges in a federal courtroom. Also in court were the Oceanside Travelodge owner, Vinod Patel, and son Hitesh Patel. Prosecutors said the Patels allowed the prostitution, tipping off the gang members if police came around. They are also accused of charging the pimps and prostitutes higher amounts to use the rooms. Most of the defendants, many of them said to be members of subgroups of the Crips gang, traded their blue gang colors for the white jumpsuits of federal inmates. The arraignment for 15 defendants in a San Diego federal courtroom came a day after federal authorities announced they had indicted 38 people and had broken up a major "slavery" ring in which Oceanside gang members conspired with owners of a hotel and used the Internet to prostitute underage girls. Other defendants, some of whom are
being shipped to San Diego from prisons around the state or country, are to be arraigned in the coming days. Players in the alleged enterprise went by street names such as Craze, Lunatic and Easy Money. The women worked out of hotel rooms and advertised online, prosecutors alleged. One of the alleged pimps gave
ecutors are asking to seize the property. In court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alessandra Serano asked that the members of the gang be held without bail, arguing that they were dangerous to the community and at risk of fleeing prosecution. Two of those arraigned were women accused of being what are known as "bot-
Although the indictment targets only the Oceanside motel, the alleged prostitution occurred at a variety of motels from different chains across North County, including in Carlsbad, Vista and Escondido. Well over half of those indicted as members of the ring have also faced criminal cases in state court over the last five years a fellow alleged pimp a prostitute for his birthday, according to the indictment. This case may be related to a similar but much smaller 2009 bust in Oceanside, during which ---- according to court documents ---- police said at the time that they suspected the Oceanside Travelodge was knowingly used as a brothel. A hotel's owner and his son are named as defendants in this case, and federal pros-
toms," which are senior or trusted prostitutes who help recruit and train other prostitutes. Also in court were the Oceanside Travelodge owner, Vinod Patel, and son Hitesh Patel. Prosecutors said the Patels allowed the prostitution, tipping off the gang members if police came around. They are also accused of charging the pimps and prostitutes higher amounts to use the rooms.
"We are asking people to please keep an open mind. He's a very good man, very well respected man in the community," defense attorney Michael Pancer said of his client, the elder Patel. Although the indictment targets only the Oceanside motel, the alleged prostitution occurred at a variety of motels from different chains across North County, including in Carlsbad, Vista and Escondido. Well over half of those indicted as members of the ring have also faced criminal cases in state court over the last five years. Many of the cases originated in North County. Among them: pimping out a 13-year-old girl. Authorities said the current federal case stemmed from an 18-month investigation, but were tight-lipped about specifics. Court records may help fill in some blanks. According to federal filings, this case is related to a 2009 bust in which nine people, some of whom are documented members of different Oceanside gangs with warring histories, were federally indicted for allegedly pimping three teenage females throughout North County. ContĂd on page 41
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Record attendance at Hanuman Jayanti celebrations VICTORIA TRUVER
RIVERSIDE: Riverside's Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir experienced a record attendance for its 7th annual Hanuman Jayanti celebration on April 17. This event began in 2004 when Usha Agarwal, then Festival's Committee Chairman, added it to the roster of major annual functions for the Mandir. Since then the program has continued to grow. Bhaktas arrived before sunrise and found the mandap beautifully decorated by Suma Hareesh, Beena Jani and Pandit Vipul Jani. As early as 5 am, devotees arrived and immediately began chanting the 40 verses of Hanuman Chalisa 108 times. Each of the verses of the Hanuman Chalisa, one of the most beloved compositions of Sri Tulsidas, conveys its own particu-
Kamta Rai (right) on Harmonium and Vilas Jadav on tabla played bhajans
lar form of blessing. Usha Agarwal, the program organizer led the recitation, which was followed by the recitation of
300 attended the event
Ram Navami at Vedic Day Care Center
Sunderkand and Hanuman bhajans sung by Kamta Rai on harmonium accompanied by Vilas Jadhav on tabla. The audience of 300 was en-
Hanuman Chalisa was recited 108 times
tranced by the musical performance. It was amazing to see the devotees who had arrived at 5 am continue to join in the recitation of Sunderkand, ignoring their fatigue. Mandir President Bhoodev Tiwari thanked the sponsors for their donations, the program or-
Usha Agarwal (left) was awarded a book of poems, Ranjana Wanchoo (center) President Bhoodev Tiwari (right)
ganizers, the ladies who cooked the food and all of the Mandir members who attended and made the program an unqualified suc-
ers to Usha Agarwal in thanks for her hard work in making both the Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti programs a success.
Lakshmi Pillalamai (right) and Madhavi Surapaneni make garlands
cess. He especially thanked Usha Agarwal, who was Co-Chair for this program. On behalf of the Mandir, Ranjana Wanchoo, current Festival's Committee Chair, awarded a book of Krishna poems and a beautiful bouquet of flow-
The function concluded with Hanuman aarti followed by Shri Lakshmi Narayan aarti and Mahaprasad. This annual event, which celebrates the birthday of Hanuman Ji, has been growing in popularity every year and now attracts a record number of bhaktas.
Ugadi & Ram Navami celebrated in St Louis ContĂd from page 16
Children with Vedic Day Care Center teachers and director ContĂd from page 16
Amongst the many that financially supported the Center are Dr Agrawal, Dr C.M. Modi, Yogesh
Dave, Ms. Kamlesh Saini, Hansa Ben (Swati Restaurant), Vallabbhai (Jai Hind Restaurant), Raju Patel, Kalpesh Patel and Mina Patel.
Sri Ramanavami was celebrated on April 14 with Sai Utsavam and Sita Rama Kalyanam. Souramana Ugadi was celebrated on April 14 with Ganesh Pooja and Panchanga Sravanam. Annadanam was served for Sri Ramanavami and Souramana Ugadi. The temple management announced that Bhoomi Pooja for Shri Ayyappa and Kanyakaparmeshwari shrines and ground breaking ceremony for North and South expansion will be conducted on May 5 at 6.30 am at the Temple Hindu Temple will be hosting Health Fair at Mahatma Gandhi Center on May 7 from 9 am to 2 pm with support of Mahatma Gandhi Center.
Celebration of Ugadi in St Louis
„
Realty Tidbits
False claim by developers complaints on rise
Real Estate
W
hen Swati Jain, an executive with a private bank booked her flat in Noida, she was promised an area of 1,250 sq ft and allinclusive cost of Rs 48 lakh. However, when her flat was ready for possession, to her dismay the actual carpet area was just 975 sq ft. When she contacted the developer, they said the brochure mentioned built-up area and not the carpet area. She felt cheated and moved a consumer court where she has been fighting a case against the developer for the last two years. "We had done the realty check. Their brochure clearly mentioned the carpet area of 1,250 sq ft and when I got my flat, I felt cheated. That was just one issue. They were equally evasive on the payment of service tax, leave aside so many unfulfilled claims," Jain said. There are thousands of consumers who are victims of such false claims made by developers. Many are resorting to moving consumer courts. Last week, when the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (Credai) announced that it would impose a code of conduct on its members to adopt best practices, it brought the focus back on the lack of transparency plaguing the industry in general and hurting customers interests in particular. By signing code of conduct, developers will commit to the sale agreement they sign with buyers Realtors will need to specify the carpet area of dwelling.
„ Real estate companies feeling cash squeeze
I
ndian real estate firms, hit by a shortage of funds and a drop in property sales, are feeling the squeeze in cash flows and consequently their ability to repay bank loans. By a conservative estimate of the industry, at least half a dozen companies are finding it difficult to meet repayment commitments, according to four persons familiar with the situation. Two of them are senior bankers and others are real estate industry officials. Around Rs20,000 crore of repayments were due by real estate companies by 31 March after loans were restructured by banks following the 200809 slump, but at least half a dozen of them have been unable to meet this deadline. "They are likely to default," the chairman of a large public sector bank said, adding that some of these firms already have overdue interest repayments. He declined to be named.
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April 29, 2011
CREDAI Gujarat ends protest
R
eal estate developers across Gujarat heaved a sigh of relief as the government decided to give a 50% relief on increased jantri rates. With the revision in the rates, Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association of India (Credai)-Gujarat, which is the apex body of developers in the state, has sought an end to the state-wide agitation against the increased jantri rates. Developers were to refrain from registering documents until May 5 as part of the agitation.
16,118 lucky applicants to get DDA flats in Delhi NEW DELHI: Over seven lakh people had lined up to try their luck at owning a house in Delhi and a majority of them were disappointed. But for the 16,118 people who finally got an address of their own, it was nothing short of a miracle. Though DDA had published the list in newspapers and also uploaded it on its website, many turned up at Vikas Sadan to ensure that it wasn't a mirage. "My wife, Sudha, and son Arun, accompanied me to Vikas Sadan as we wanted to be sure of having got the flat," said Suresh Kumar Kher, who has been allotted an LIG flat in Narela. "We had checked the DDA website in the morning and I had asked a friend of mine to check to be doubly sure. My wife's prayers have been answered. We live in rented accommodation at INA now and can't believe we finally have a house of our own in the city. We will go to the flat to take a look. This is the first time I thought of applying and just got lucky." Suresh works at the airport and said he loves the city. Kameshwar Nath Mahato, who came to the Capital from Jharkhand 15 years back, works as a supervisor at United Coffee House. He had to live in suspense till the morning as he couldn't access the DDA website because of the heavy traffic. "The flat is in the name of my wife, Anita Kumar Mahato, and I have worked very hard for this. We have already
called our relatives in Jharkhand to share the news with them. I am going to pick up my wife and my two-year-old daughter and go to see our LIG flat in Rohini's Sector28. The house is affordable, about Rs 13 lakh, " Said Kameshwar Nath. Vikas, who had come to check on behalf of his brother, Sandeep Kumar, said the family was going
coaxed by his girlfriend and his father to take a chance. "I've never been lucky and wasn't expecting much from this scheme. I applied at the last minute and didn't even look at the paper in the morning. I am thrilled," he said. Ranjan Chopra didn't bother to go to the DDA headquarters. He lives in Munirka. Proud owner of an HIG Flat in Vasant Kunj, he said:
now be shifting. "It's because of my faith in god and the blessings of parents that I have been able to get it," he says. Neeraj Chawla, 37, who also lives in rented accommodation, said he couldn't have thought of buying a house in the city if he hadn't been allotted one. "How can one even think of buying private property? Delhi's such an expen-
to Sirsa to pray at a gurdwara and thank god for the good luck bestowed on them "We live on rent in Karol Bagh but now I can tell my friends that I have a house of my own. Also, we brothers can finally think of marriage now that we have a house," said Vikas, whose brother has been allotted an LIG flat in Narela. Mahesh Kumar had been
"We are living in a two-roomed flat in Munirka. It was a necessity for us because my children are in Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj. We could have landed in Rohini, Jasola or Narela." Chopra, who has lived in Delhi all his life, was staying with his parents. But with two children - in Class XI and VIII - it was time to move to bigger accommodation. The entire family will
sive city to live in," he said. He had applied for a flat in 2006 but had failed. This time he has got a ground-floor flat in Sector 28, Rohini. "The only thing that he is worried about is the location, "I haven't seen the flat with my own eyes, but I hope that it's in a safe neighborhood," he said. His family consists of his daughter, who studies in Class II, and his wife.
MHADA to scout for land for affordable homes MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) plans to acquire over 102 hectares of land from the market in 2011-12 for constructing affordable houses. The state government has set aside Rs 8.55 crore for this purpose in its budgetary estimates for the current fiscal. Only 16.02 hectare of land was acquired in 2010-11. Officials said that the move is influenced by an acute shortage
of developable land at its disposal. Officials said that there was virtually no land available for development with Mhada in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, which extends up to Virar and Raigad. The availability of land in and around other cities in the state was also scarce. According to a disclosure made in a budget document related to the housing department, the Mumbai board of Mhada has no land remaining for development, while
only 86.30 hectares could be used for mass-housing projects in Pune. Minister of state for housing Sachin Ahir said that the new land could either be purchased from the market from private owners or acquired at reasonable rates from other government agencies. For the Mumbai and Thane belt, Mhada is also trying out a third option, which entails entering into a joint venture with private land owners. Ahir felt that this was a more feasible option. He said ap-
plications from three private owners in Thane had been processed and were pending with the urban development department. Even as its eyes to create a land bank, Mhada has plans to churn out 3,255 new affordable houses in Mumbai in 2011-12. These would include 92 houses for the high income group, 753 for the middle income category, 467 for the low income group and 1,943 for economically weaker sections.
Real Estate
April 29, 2011
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All property deals to come under tax lens NEW DELHI: Under pressure to unearth black money, the Income Tax department has decided to review all recent property deals to check for use of cash. The plan is to start the scrutiny from Delhi and the National Capital Region, comprising Gurgaon and Noida, and subsequently turn it into an all-India exercise. Officials in the tax department, who announced the move on Monday, did not elaborate on the period for which the review would be undertaken. However, indications are that transactions starting in 2010-11 would come under the scanner. The initiative has been taken by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to unearth black money in property deals which largely going undetected due to differences in market price and registry rates set by state governments. The use of cash in secondary market transactions is very high though tax officials have also come across several instances even in the sale of property by builders. It has become commonplace for buyers to under-report the trans-
action to save on registration cost. For sellers, especially those who do not intend to use the money to buy new property, it means a capital tax burden, which they want to evade. In fact, the real estate sector has been identified as a key generator of black money in the economy.
The use of cash in secondary market transactions is very high though tax officials have also come across several instances even in the sale of property by builders This is despite the fact that registrars across the country have to report all real estate transactions of Rs 30 lakh or more. The tax department then uses the software available with it to match the data with the tax returns using the per-
manent account number (PAN) furnished by taxpayers while registering property. It is unclear if the department plans to match all returns filed by registrars with the PAN numbers available with it. At present, the department has data for 2009-10 available with it, while information for 2010-11 will only be available starting August this year. Officials admitted that the challenge would be to review transactions of less than Rs 30 lakh. The government is likely to depend on developers to track these transactions. Under pressure from the Supreme Court on dealing with black money, especially wealth stashed away in tax havens, the government is keen to show that it is doing its bit to address the concerns. CBDT chairman Sudhir Chandra said the finance ministry has initiated steps to stop roundtripping. Already, 22 tax havens have been identified by the government and six Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs) have been signed with jurisdictions such as Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Island, Cayman Is-
land and Isle of Man. At a press conference, Chandra also said the I-T department had cleared a record 85 lakh refunds in 2010-11 to make manpower available to crack down on tax evaders and money launderers. "In the fiscal ended March 31, we have unearthed more than Rs 30,000 crore
He said this year, direct tax collection had been the highest so far. The government has collected an all-time high income tax of Rs 4.50 lakh crore in 2010-11, at least Rs 4,000 crore undisclosed income," he said. This certainly will go up as a large part of business income still goes unreported, he added. While CBDT made its stance of wielding the stick for tax evades clear, it also had some goods news
for the honest taxpayer. Chandra assured taxpayers that if they filed e-returns, refunds could come within a month as most of the backlog had been cleared. He said this year, direct tax collection had been the highest so far. The government has collected an all-time high income tax of Rs 4.50 lakh crore in 2010-11, at least Rs 4,000 crore more than the revised budget estimates of Rs 4.46 lakh crore. Add to that Rs 78,000 crore of refunds issued in the 2010-11 fiscal and it comes up to Rs 5.28 lakh crore. In previous years, tax collection figures were bloated by delayed refunds, giving a wrong picture of net direct tax collection. The early refunds have also saved the government nearly Rs 4,500 crore towards interest payments. Simplified tax return forms have been launched this year for the convenience of taxpayers. While small businesses with less than Rs 60 lakh annual turnover will have to file a Sugam form where they can calculate their tax at flat 8% and pay the tax, for individuals, a much simplified Sahaj form is available.
M3M ropes in L&T for 7-Star residence M3M India Ltd has appointed Larsen & Toubro, one of the leading construction firms, for building their finest 7-star luxury residence - M3M Golf Estate in Gurgaon. The project will also be constructed by L&T in association with LERA International, which is one of the world's leading consulting firms, providing modern and innovative structural engineering designs. The estimated worth of this deal for phase1 is around Rs 400 crore, out of a total investment of over Rs 2,000 crore. The project will be completed in 33 months, much before the scheduled time of 42 months, the company said in a press release.
Spread over a sprawling 75 acres, the project is strategically located on the Golf Course Road (Extn.) in Sector 65, Gurgaon, 30
minutes drive from the Indira Gandhi International Airport. M3M Golf Estate boasts of luxury apartments built around a 9 hole
State looks at auction for cluster redevelopment MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government is planning radical changes to the cluster redevelopment policy, which is aimed at rebuilding old Mumbai. Rather than allowing developers to enter into private contracts with the residents, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan plans to auction cluster redevelopment rights among companies. This change is aimed at rooting out two key problems in the existing policy - irregularities by builders, and delays in implemen-
tation. Chavan, who had put the scheme on hold earlier this month, has asked his administration to work out the details for such an amendment to the norms. As per Chavan's plan, the government would invite bids from developers for each cluster where redevelopment had been sanctioned. "Instead of the developer approaching residents and trying to get their consent, the government would invite developers to bid for
the cluster," said Chavan. "Whoever offers better options for residents and a greater premium to the government could get the right to develop that cluster." Though this means the residents would not be able to choose their developer, the proposed norms would ensure that they were not defrauded, since the builder would have to answer to the government if he did not provide the promised flats and amenities.
reversible 'In City' golf course designed by the world famous architect, Graham Cooke. The architecture is a perfect synthesis of green eco-friendly green landscapes and cutting edge designs. The project is designed by world renowned architects ARCOP headed by Ramesh Khosla. The project has received awards internationally, as 'Best Upcoming Golfing Lifestyle Residences in India' in USA, Dubai and UK. Speaking on the occasion, Basant Bansal, chairman and managing director, M3M Group said, "In line with our commitment to give the best of quality and timely delivery, we are happy to appoint L&T which is one of the world's
best construction groups. "M3M Golf Estate" is our much awarded project, internationally acclaimed, and we have designed this, keeping in mind the taste, class and the requirements of our target audience. We ensure the use of latest technology and safety of structures." M3M Golf Estate offers stateof-the-art ultra luxury apartments with modern amenities and an aesthetically designed golf course. It will feature world class amenities, phenomenal outdoor and indoor living spaces, state-of-the-art kitchens, replete with fittings and high-end fixtures. Wi-Fi in all buildings, roof- top jogging tracks, and world class club houses.
TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Mit Jaaye Ghum: Dum Maaro Dum 2 Char Baj Gayi : F.A.L.T.U 3 Teri Justaju (Saaware): Shor In The City 4 Jiyein Kyun: Dum Maaro Dum
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April 29, 2011
5 Saibo: Shor In The City 6 Maine Yeh Kab Socha Tha: Game 7 Ringa Ringa Roses: Yeh Dooriyan 8 Tum Bin Yeh Dil Ghabraye: Zokkomon 9 Dilli Ke Deewane: Hair Is Falling 10 Chalo Dilli: Chalo Dilli
T
he organizers of the first Tattoo Convention in India have chosen Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone as the "tattoo queen". The sexy star sports two tattoos. One is her former boyfriend's initial and another of an anklet. "With her own much-written about RK tattoo at the base of her neck and the cutting-edge Dum Maaro Dum tattoo she's seen sporting in the movie, she would have been the perfect ambassador for this tattoo expo," the organizers said. As Deepika was shooting in London for Desi Boyz, she could not attend the event, but forwarded the invitation to her Dum Maaro Dum team. Abhishek Bachchan, Prateik and Rohan Sippy attended the convention instead. The cast of the film launched the special Dum Maaro Dum tattoo at the convention.
French honor C
ritically acclaimed actressturned-director Nandita Das has been conferred with the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, one of the highest civilian awards of France, for her contribution to the development of Indo-French cooperation in cinema. The actress, known for her performances in films like "Fire", "Earth" and "Bawander", received the award from French Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont. Looking stunning in a pink saree, she said: "Every time I receive an award it brings an element of surprise. It makes me feel fortunate to get recognized for the work that I love doing. "I had received the letter three years back, but somehow due to commitments, the ceremony got so delayed. But I feel more than happy today because I have my eightmonth-old son also in my arms, who saw his mom getting the honor. The ceremony didn't let her stay away from her son. She was spotted cuddling and playing around with him.
April 29, 2011
Bollywood
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A
fter four years of marriage and an equal number of headline grabbing appearances on the French Riviera, Aishwarya Rai will be going solo at the Cannes red carpet this time, thanks to husband Abhishek Bachchan`s packed schedule. The Bollywood beauty won`t have Abhishek on her arm this time around as he will be busy shooting in Russia. "I can`t go this year to Cannes with Aishwarya. We were there together last year to promote
A
Koena
in Hollywood K
oena Mitra was last in news when she had a milkshake named after her. Since then, the girl had shifted her base to LA and was hunting hard for a Hollywood project. After putting in a lot of efforts, the girl has started her first Hollywood film, Story of Naomi, being produced by Michael Hirshenson of the When Harry Met Sally fame and directed by the ace fashion photographer Ash Gupta. The movie has Koena play a bisexual girl who gets attracted to men and women equally. The movie also features actor Kevin Sorbo and Chris Devicchio. The first poster of the film shows Koena getting intimate with another girl. Producer Hirshenson is all praise for Koena and says, "She looks international and her discipline and hard work can take her places. It all depends on how much she's ready to learn." The model-turned-actress has worked on her accent and was taking classes for it as the West puts more stress on dubbing and other technicalities.
fter receiving accolades for her performance in the critically acclaimed film "Phas Gaye Re Obama", Neha Dhupia is now looking forward to her forthcoming release "Dear Friend Hitler", a film that has been in the news for its controversial theme. Directed by debutant Rakesh Ranjan Kumar, the film is expected to hit the screens after the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament ends in May. "I am very excited about the project and I have challenged myself with it," Dhupia said in Macau. "Preparation goes in everything you do in life, whether it is promoting a project like City of Dreams or doing a film like 'Dear Friend Hitler'," said Neha. In the film, Neha plays Eva Braun and is paired with Raghubir Yadav who will be seen as Adolf Hitler. The international cut of "Dear Friend Hitler" will be released in German, French and English without the songs. "I am playing Eva Braun who has been a mysterious character forever. It was definitely a challenging role but I would say that I will express myself through my eyes. I have worked very hard on my look and it took time to perfect it," said Neha.
`Raavan`. But this year I will be shooting in Russia that time," Abhishek said. This will be the actress` tenth consecutive Cannes outing and Abhishek is proud of the achievement. "I am very proud of her. I think she is the only Indian actress to have that," said the 35-year-old actor. The couple made their debut at the coveted film festival in 2007, while Aishwarya`s first appearance was in 2002 with her `Devdas` co-star Shah Rukh Khan.
Hitler's Eva
LOS ANGELES: The 2011 edition of the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) named Udaan by Vikramaditya Motwane as the best narrative feature as the festival came to an end. Over 7,000 visitors attended the six day long festival. It closed with a gala celebration that included the world premiere of Walt Disney Pictures' Zokkomon that opened in North America on April 22. The festival screened 32 features, documentaries and short films at ArcLight Hollywood. In the words of IFFLA Executive Director Christina Marouda, "This year's festival broke previous year's attendance proving there is a major audience fan base for Indian cinema in the U.S. Our audiences were captivated by the diversity of our offerings. We are thrilled at the enormous response to this year's program. We look forward to celebrating our momentous 10th year in 2012 in Los Angeles and have already begun preparations.' 'IFFLA's industry-related events continued to connect Hollywood and Indian executives and educate filmmakers through our Seminar Day. We were also proud to honor the outstanding contributions that Sony Pictures Television Networks President Andy Kaplan, Chief Executive Officer - Multi Screen Media Private Limited Manjit Singh, and Chairman and Managing Director, PVR Cinemas, Ajay Bilji have made to the industry as this year's Industry Leadership Awards recipients', added the organization's Chairman of the Board Arnold Peter. Here is the complete list of winners.
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India Post
Best Narrative Feature Udaan by Vikramaditya Motwane
Our audiences were
Best Documentary Feature
captivated by the diversity of
I Am by Sonali Gulati
our offerings. We are thrilled
Honorable Mention Ganesh Boy Wonder by Srinivas
at the enormous response to
Krishna
this year's program. We look
Best Short Film
forward to celebrating our
The Eclipse Of Taregna by Rakesh Chaudhary Honorable Mention Tubelight's Moon (Tubelight Ka Chand) by Shlok Sharma Audience Awards Narrative Feature I Am Kalam by Nila Madhab Panda Documentary Big In Bollywood by Kenny Meehan, Bill Bowles Short Tubelight's Moon (Tubelight Ka Chand) by Shlok Sharma
momentous 10th year in 2012
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April 29, 2011
April 29, 2011
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A refreshing and exciting experience SEAN OWENS
LOS ANGELES: The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) brought Bollywood and independent film makers/actors to the Arclight Theatre in Hollywood, California recently, and it was as refreshing and exciting as the talented directors and actors that graced the glimmering white screens of the Arclight Theatre. IFFLA created an experience with Indian Food trucks, live entertainment at the courtyard and sold out screenings. Entering the magnificent Arclight theatre brings about excitement that you can feel down to your core just by walking through its doors. But to attend a special event like the IFFLA at the Hollywood Arclight is truly a special experience. The festival included great fusion music in the courtyard from bands like Elephants with Guns by Jayson Joseph and the band. Elephants with Guns rocked the courtyard, who played a mix of Indian music that also incorporated some western beats and world music which had people wanting more at the end. After watching movies & dancing away at the courtyard, your hunger can be satisfied by the gourmet food trucks offering tasty Indian delicacies with minimal pricing and lines, sorry debit card holders, cash only at these trucks, but its well worth it. Independent movie "Troublemaker" was an extremely entertaining film that had the audience thoroughly impressed with its truly original story of a non-traditional tough Indian girl struggling to make sense of her life. No money, job or any bright outlook in her future causes the lead character Rekha, played by Pranidhi Varshney, to leave her tough life behind to try and find her estranged father, so that she can acquire some money from him, or so she thought.
No money, job or any bright outlook in her future causes the lead character Rekha, played by Pranidhi Varshney, to leave her tough life behind to try and find her estranged father, so that she can acquire some money from him, or so she thought. Along the way, she discovered herself and learn some hard lessons in life. Movie gives a surprise ending while "WOW"ing the audience along the way with an amazing story line and good acting Pranidhi Varshney of ëTrouble Makerí
Along the way, she discovered herself and learn some hard lessons in life. Movie gives a surprise ending while "WOW"ing the audience along the way with an amazing story line and good acting. "Troublemaker" was beautifully directed by Geeta Malik and her cast was equally amazing. If there was one film that should have been seen this past weekend at IFFLA, it was the independent film "Troublemaker", just as long as you do not mind a few "F" bombs, Rekha has a little bit of a potty mouth.
ëTrouble Makerí Pranidhi Varshney and Geeta Malik
The IFFLA event came to a close with a glamorous Gala at the Cabana Club (catered by Chakra) attended by the most famous and influential Indian TV and film stars. They were seen mingling with the local young Indian talent while also being entertained by trendy beats
Elephants W Guns Band members with Anchel
The IFFLA event came to a close with a glamorous Gala at the Cabana Club (catered by Chakra) attended by the most famous and influential Indian TV and film stars. They were seen mingling with the local young Indian talent while also being entertained by trendy beats and mouth watering cuisine. The Galla went long into the night
into the wee hours of the morning which brought an end to an amazing weekend. Faint echoes of voices, laughter, music and applause surrounded the Arclight Theatre even after everyone had departed. Those wonderful echoes will slowly fade away until they return again when IFFLA arrives next year.
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Lady Gaga's latest hit in a Bollywood remix the Indian flavor? And the first thing we did was bring in a sitar, and that changed the flavor a little bit. We kept the aggression but changed the style and made it a little more four on the floor, a little more house."
India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Pop world's most talked about sensation Lady Gaga has become the latest to go the Bollywood way. Collaborating with famous Indian music composer duo Salim and Suleiman, Lady Gaga has now released a Bollywood-inspired remix of her smash hit single "Born This Way". Produced by Salim and Sulaiman, Gaga said in a tweet that she made the song to show "all the little monsters in India that I appreciate you." "We collaborated with Indian music producers from across the globe to show our respect and appreciation for our Desi fans and the music community," said Lady Gaga's manager Troy Carter. "We're looking forward to more Desi collaborations in the near future." The song features distinctly Indian sounds, bringing a Punjabi style to the electro-
dance hit that was no. 1 in over 23 countries, according to MTV news. "The sitar was the instrument of choice for us when it came to creating a melodic riff," Sulaiman Merchant told MTV News. "Of course there was the dholak and the dhol that always create the atmosphere of party and euphoria, but what really rocked it all was Salim's voice to add that Indian flavor."
"It was kind of difficult to start with," Sulaiman said crediting entertainment website Desi Hits for helping to curate the collaboration. "It's been such a big track, it's been very popular, and when you consider the style, it's very aggressive. It's got all the stuff that's required to make it a nice clubby track, so for us, the most important thing was: How do you get it into a zone where it's palpable to
While Gaga is a global superstar, Sulaiman said she has yet to really permeate India's pop culture. Lady Gaga hasn't been as popular as we would like it to be over here’ Salim Merchant added that "we wanted to bring in an Indian sound ... and give a Sufi touch as well." He explained that after getting over some initial nerves, "It's fantastic how it all turned out.
Miss India-Canada to be crowned July 23 India Post News Service
TORONTO: The 21ST Annual Miss India-Canada Event will be held on Saturday, July 23 at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Toronto. The Miss India-Canada event has become very popular and a well-known event in Canada. With the continuous support from the business community and the positive feedback from contestants and their parents, the
and their ability to speak in public. The show is focused on Indian arts and culture and at the same time blending into the Canadian mosaic. Some of the past winners-Kamal Sidhu, Ruby Bhatia, Gita Bali, Rishma Malik, Poonam Chhibber, Melissa Bhagat, and Komila (Kim) Jagtiani-have appeared on the covers of many leading magazines and newspapers in Canada, India, and other countries. The winner of the
first Miss India-Canada pageant, Kamal Sidhu, starred in the lead role with Jackie Shroff in "Aar Ya Paar". Moreover, Miss India-Canada 2001, Neelam Verma, was crowned Miss Canadian Universe. She represented Canada in the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico and was selected amongst the Top 10 in the world. Also, Rishma Malik, Miss India-Canada 1996 starred in Deepa Mehta's "Bollywood Hollywood" movie. Furthermore, Sangeeta Virmani, Miss India-Canada 2003 met Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. Last year, Parul Sharma, Miss India-Canada
NEO Cricket broadcasts IPL 4 live in US India Post News Service
The reigning Miss India-Canada, Anchal Sharma has completed her undergraduate in Kinesology & Health Science and went on to attain a Bachelor of Education. As the current title holder, she has donated her time to help underprivileged children Miss India-Canada event continues to grow by leaps and bounds each year. The show is proudly supported by: OM Financial, India Tourism, and Bigen Speedy Hair Colour, to name a few. The prestigious title carries with it numerous prizes courtesy of show sponsors. Included are a cash scholarship of $1,000; round trip ticket to India; hotel accommodation; cell phone; laptop, jewellery set; and many more prizes. Several prizes will also be presented to runners-up. The Miss India-Canada Event is unique in many ways. Contestants are judged on their Indian Costume, Evening Gown, Talent,
There was this little pressure because the song was #1. I guess once we put that baggage behind ... it was magical. Once we started it, everything came into place. It became a celebration." While Gaga is a global superstar, Sulaiman said she has yet to really permeate India's pop culture. "Lady Gaga hasn't been as popular as we would like it to be over here, so this track wasn't as big before," he said. "We finished the mix, and now it's getting into the zone where it's gaining popularity. It's a great way to get eyeballs and ears onto Lady Gaga." Asked by MTV News if Gaga has given them any indication of how she feels about the track, Salim said, "She has liked it. She did mention she really loves it. When we did send her the final version, we did get a big very, very positive response. She really loved it. That's what she mentioned. I'm really happy. Finally the artist is ga ga about the song."
2004 sang the Canadian and US national anthems before a sold out Toronto Raptors NBA basketball game. The reigning Miss IndiaCanada, Anchal Sharma has completed her undergraduate in Kinesology & Health Science and went on to attain a Bachelor of
Education. As the current title holder, she has donated her time to help underprivileged children in India and charitable organizations in Canada. Entries for the Miss IndiaCanada Event will be accepted until Friday, June 3.
NEW YORK: For the first time, NEO Cricket, the world's first cricket centric TV channel, is broadcasting live Indian Premier League 4 to all cricket fans in the US. NEO Cricket will showcase a select package of 35 live matches of the fourth season that began April 8. S. Venkatasubramanian, President of NEO Broadcast America, Inc, said, "NEO Cricket is the world's first cricket-only channel. Through its dedication to cricket and high quality programming, NEO Cricket has redefined what it means to be a cricket television channel. We are glad to continue our commitment towards bringing world class cricket to cricket fans in the USA by broadcasting IPL 4." NEO Cricket is available on Comcast, Cablevision and Dish Network. NEO Broadcast America, Inc owns and operates the Neo Cricket channel in the US, which showcases the BCCI Indian cricket rights comprising all Indian bilateral international cricket matches played in India (including ODIs, T20 and Test matches), the Indian domestic cricket season, the Asia Cup and a host of other cricket centric programming shows.
29 India Post
Pindari Glacier in Uttarakhand is a must-have trekking experience for any trekking enthusiast
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amous as a trekker's paradise, the Pindari Glacier in Uttarakhand is a must-have trekking experience for any trekking enthusiast. For those seeking an easier and achievable trek in Himalayan glaciers, the Pindari Glacier trek offers an opportunity to experience trekking in Himalayas with lesser challenges than most other glaciers. Situated between the snow capped Nanda Devi and Nandakot mountains, the glacier marks the origin of the Pindari River. The glacier is picturesque with an altitude of 3353 meters. The entire trek tour route is gifted, brimming with enchantments of natural beauty and vivacity. As the name suggests, the idea of the Pindari Glacier trek is to go up to the Pindari glacier, which is at the edge of Nanda Devi - one of the world's great peaks (7816 meters). Nanda Devi stands tall and glorious in the center of a seemingly elevated platform of 110 kilometers circumference. The circumference comprises high
April 29, 2011
mountains and Pindari glacier is at the lower edge of the platform. Along the way, from Kathgodam one can see the mighty trees, feathered and festooned with ferns, pines, rhododendrons, and the forest floor a veritable carpet of flowers. Legions of long-leaved pines line the narrow road as it begins its snaking journey into the hills. The famed temple-town of Bageshwar stands aloof on the banks of the Gomti and Saryu rivers. Once upon a time, the priests here were famed Tantriks. Best time to visit: April to June and September to November Tourist attractions: The crunchy balmithais sold at the shops at Bageshwar take some of the bad taste of one's mouth. It is a sweet unique to the Uttarakhand region and one will not regret trying it. Cont’d on page 30
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Egypt awaiting tourism revival after protests CAIRO: Two months after creating history by a popular pro-democracy uprising, Egyptians are awaiting the return of tourists, including from India, to help revive the country's ailing economy. Though the ancient civilization and world famous pyramids continue to be a draw, the Egyptians are hoping that the tourists will now flock to the iconic Tahrir Square - the nerve centre of recent uprising. Tourism in Egypt known for pyramids, colorful markets and the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh has all but come to a halt since the uprising began in January and eventually overthrew the regime of longtime President Hosni Mubarak. The Egyptian authorities are also counting on tourists from India to help revive the economy which earned USD 12.5 billion in 2010 from tourism. "India could be a major source of tourism to Egypt," new Egyptian Tourism Minister Mounir Fakry Abdel Noor told a group of visiting Indian journalists here. Tourism revenues constitute around 11 per cent of Egyptian economy which took a hit as between January 25 and February 1; at least 1 million tourists cut short their visits short or cancelled them. "Egypt is a golden destination. Once security is restored - and to a large extent it has been restored - it won't be a problem to bring back the tourists," he said. Tourism in Egypt has been prone to problems over the last decades, whether political problems or security problems, but the effect was not as significant as is after the January 25 democracy movement, he said. The world witnessed a revolution which lasted for 18 days and it was all over the country, Noor said, referring to popular uprising. "What happened is unique. Youth, who believed in a cause defeated armored vehicles. They have gained admiration of the world," he said. "We are doing everything that is in the book to revive tourism. We are also think-
ing outside the box," he said. "In June, we are hosting a fortnight-long international festival, where we are inviting global figures, music bands, actors to catch the attention of the world and to confirm that security is prevailing and that Egyptians are rejoicing in a new Egypt where everybody has the right to express opinion," he said. The other steps being taken to revive tourism include advertising, book promotion, subsidized chartered flights, visit to countries from where a large chunk of tourists come, direct connection with large tour operators. "I spent the first two weeks in office contacting ambassadors to waive travel advisories and we succeeded. I went to Mos-
Asked what was tougher, reviving tourism or building democracy, the minister said, "obviously, building democracy. It is a much longer process. The road to democracy is a bumpy one and a long one. The danger is to lose the track" cow and Berlin to convince the authorities. Last year, we received 2.8 million tourists from Russia which tops the list of countries from where Egypt gets maximum tourists," he said. England (1.5 million), Germany (1.3 million) and France (0.6 million) are the other countries from where maximum tourists visit Egypt, he added. Egypt awaits tourism revival after prodemocracy uprising Tourism accounts for one of every seven jobs in Egypt and makes up about 11 per
cent of the nation's economy. Tahrir Square, where millions of Egyptians thronged to overthrow a 30-year-old regime, is a selling point in the new Egypt, the minister said. "All tourists coming to Cairo want to go there. Even foreign dignitaries, immediately after arriving here, want to visit the Tahrir Square," he said. "People want to go there not only out of curiosity but also to express solidarity with the young Egyptians." Asked what was tougher, reviving tourism or building democracy, the minister said, "obviously, building democracy. It is a much longer process. The road to democracy is a bumpy one and a long one. The danger is to lose the track." Director of the Egyptian Tourism Authority in India, Adel El Masry, said that Egypt is the ideal destination for the Indian tourist and plans are afoot to make it high on the honeymooners list. "We are planning increased interaction with tour operators to project Egypt as a favored destination," Masry said, adding over a lakh Indians traveled to Egypt last year and their number is increasing, he said. The few (and the numbers are increasing slowly), who have made the trip to Egypt wonder why anyone would stay away. "We cannot fathom the reason why anyone should be scared of visiting Egypt," said Barbara, a teacher from England, who was visiting the Giza pyramids. For the visitors who have braved travel advisories to be in Egypt, however there is an unintended benefit of the security scare after the revolution: no crowds at the major tourist attractions. This has also meant that there are more insistent peddlers selling their wares. Ahmed, a souvenir shop owner near the Karnak temples at Luxor, said that with the tourists dwindling, he was forced to lay off most of his staff. "I hope things are back to normal," he said. -PTI
Incentivise hospitals for health tourism: FICCI JAIPUR: The government should provide tax incentives to hospitals to promote India as a health and wellness tourism destination, a study has said. A study conducted by industry chamber FICCI and private sector lender Yes Bank has spelled out a 10-point agenda for boosting health and wellness tourism in India. "Encouraging medical tourism in the country by offering tax-breaks and export incentives to participating hospitals can be an important aspect of the policy framework," the FICCI-Yes Bank study said. It said that focus should be to market the country's health and wellness product in a way that would attract maximum tourist, especially from America and Europe. Tourist flocking in from these two countries are relatively less than those coming from other regions. "Marketing of alternative forms of wellness packages as follow up practices to surgery will lengthen the stay of the tourist in the country. Ayurveda and Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani are just a few of the ways of recapturing," it added. It also called for mandatory quality accreditations for Indian hospitals. "Marketing of alternative forms of wellness packages as follow up practices to surgery will lengthen the stay of the tourist in the country," the study noted. It highlighted the need of providing good quality accommodation, hospitals and post treatment recuperative centers to the tourists. "Developing Health Care Medicities to integrate the services required by health tourists is one way to address these needs," it added. The study also suggested setting up of a collaborating body, such as a medical tourism facilitator or travel and tour operator, to provide support to foreign patients traveling to various Indian hospitals. -PTI
Pindari Glacier: An easier and achievable trek in Himalayas cade in multitude of waterfalls, as one moves on towards Phurkia. Now the destination is just another two-and-a-half thousand
The primal forces are at work. The Great Sculptor has used his tools of ice here to carve a deep gorge into the face of the mountain and the waters have done the rest Cont’d from page 29
But the mountains call out and what a host of them: Nandakot (7,878 m) and Pawali Dwar (6,663m) while flanking the actual glacier are Kafini and Sunderdhunga glaciers. Moving westwards, at Namik gla-
cier one can see the headwaters of the Ramganga long before it becomes the mass of water flowing through the Corbett National Park. Under the shadow of Nandakot, on the slopes too sharp to catch a foothold, the trail climbs
towards Dhakuri Pass at 9,300 feet. Going towards Khati, just eight km away, one can hear the roar of the Pindar Ganga River. Ahead is a maple-lined thicket en route to Dwali at 8,900 feet. Molten streams of quicksilver cas-
feet to climb. The ascent is steep till one gets to around Martoli, where there is a small shrine dedicated to the goddess Nanda Devi, the one who keeps a watchful eye
on her devotees. Ice-bridge spans the river, which has to be crossed most gingerly. Six hours later, after several breaks for rest, one arrives at Pindari and what a sight it is. The primal forces are at work. The Great Sculptor has used his tools of ice here to carve a deep gorge into the face of the mountain and the waters have done the rest. The magnificent peak of Nandakot rises to 22,500 feet above the glacier's edge. It is a sight fit for the gods and one has no trouble understanding why the poets of ancient India waxed eloquent about the mystical beauty of the Himalayas. How to reach Air: Nearest airport is Pant Nagar, 206 km. Rail: Nearest railhead is Kathgodam, 180 km. Road: Bageshwar is well connected with all the major towns of the state.
April 29, 2011
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Taj Group hotel inaugurated in Srinagar Home stay scheme clicks in Himachal Pradesh
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed hope that peace will prevail this summer in the Valley and allow the tourism sector to reap full benefits of the upcoming season. Inaugurating 'Vivanta by Taj' the first Hotel by the Taj group in the Valley, Omar said "I hope the opening of this property brings with it peaceful and better times, which are remembered for the completion of the tourism season rather than its abrupt end." He appreciated the Taj group for its decision to invest in Kashmir despite three consecutive trouble-torn summers in the Valley since 2008. The hotel sits atop a hillock
overlooking the Dal Lake and Asia's largest tulip garden in the heart of Srinagar. "Credit to Saifco group (the local partner) and Taj group for investing in tourism," he said. Omar said an earlier agreement between a local partner and a leading hotel chain did not turn into reality, but times and situation in Kashmir have changed to give hope that such endeavors can succeed. "The situation has changed in the past decade. The coming of Taj proves that the opportunity for other big groups to invest is very much alive," he said. The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction that 80 per cent of the staff at the hotel will be recruited
from the state. The state government would like big hotel chains to develop similar properties in other parts of the state, he said. "We would like greenfield projects at tourist destinations in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh, where the state government does not have to do much but facilitate," he said. Union Minister Farooq Abdullah, in his address, appealed to the Chief Minister to take up with the Maurya Group the issue of Nedous Hotel project on Maulana Azad Road. "I would request you (Omar) to take up the issue with Maurya group as it will add to the high end hospitality sector in the state," Abdullah said. -PTI
Great India Travel Bazar witnesses overwhelming response JAIPUR: As many as 230 overseas travel industry professionals engaged in business-oriented meetings with 220 Indian counterparts during the two-day Great India Travel Bazar 2011 (GTTB) fair here. "The fair is going from strength to strength and has now emerged as the biggest travel mart of South Asia ... the demand of Indian Tour Operators (ITOs) for an additional day at the fair from next year will be considered," Principal Secretary & Commissioner, Rajasthan Tourism, Usha Sharma, said. Sharma said that Rajasthan
Tourism department proactively promoted rural tourism of the state during the event. The GTTB witnessed foreign buyers from 55 countries doing business at 7,000 plus prefixed meetings during event. This marks a huge increase compared with 2010 event which saw the participation of FTOs from 49 countries, 176 Indian sellers and 5,000 B2B meetings, an official said. Amongst the 230 FTOs at GTTB 2011, the US had the largest contingent of 20 FTOs, followed by the UK (14 FTOs), Canada and
Poland (12 each) and Italy (11), France and the Netherlands (9 each), Russia and Japan (7 each), Singapore, Australia and Thailand (6 each) and Belgium, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain the Philippines and Vietnam (4 each) and Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Finland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and UAE (3 FTOs each). General Secretary of the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA0), Randhir Singh Mandawa, said that the heritage properties of the state as well as the country found in GTTB an ideal platform. -PTI
Gujarat, Rajasthan to jointly attract tourists JAIPUR: Gujarat and Rajasthan have decided to jointly attract tourists from Europe and the US to western India. A memorandum of understanding for this is expected to be signed soon, said Vipul Mittra, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation, government of Gujarat, at a press conference here at Great Indian Travel Bazaar 2011. Mittra said this was decided when he met his counterpart, Usha Sharma, Principal Secretary, Tour-
ism, government of Rajasthan. He said the Gujarat Tourism Department is also in talks with Maharashtra government for a joint western India tourism promotion strategy. Mittra said Gujarat government was taking steps to improve air connectivity so that foreign tourists can fly to Ahmedabad or Surat and fan out to other destinations in the state. For this purpose, the tourism department has tied up with Air Deccan which will run two ATR flights daily
from Ahmedabad and Surat to 11 other airports in the state. He said it has also been decided to promote film tourism in the state in a big way and the tourism department is talking to Bollywood producers to take advantage of Gujarat's conducive environment for film shooting by way of hospitable and cultured people and law and order in the state. He identified Kutch and Mandvi as ideal locations for filmmakers. -PTI
SHIMLA: Home stay scheme in Himachal Pradesh, launched to provide quality accommodation at reasonable rates to tourists during the peak season, has clicked with more and more visitors preferring such accommodations to hotels. The scheme was launched in 2008 to provide clean, comfortable and affordable supplementary accommodation to tourists in rural areas in the vicinity of famous tourist destinations when hotels and guest houses are packed to capacity. Home stay units have evoked overwhelming response in Kullu, Manali, Shimla, Dharmshala, Palampur and Dalhousie regions with a very large percentage of tourists preferring to stay in small accommodations in clean homely environment instead of costly luxury hotels, a senior tourism department official said. The occupancy of these units was nearly 100 per cent in peak season, Director Himachal Tourism Arun Sharma said. 'Home stay' has become preferred choice of environmentally conscious domestic as well as foreign tourists as the facilities provided in these units are comparable with any good hotel.
Almost all Home Stay units in state are located in the midst of orchards and lush green valleys and tourists staying in these units enjoy being close to nature and environment. Ever since the scheme was launched, 338 home stay units with a capacity of 891 rooms have been registered in the state, out of which 113 were in Kullu Manali region alone while Shimla and Dharamshala regions registered around 90 units. The snow bound tribal areas of Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur which experienced heavy snow fall during winter, had become preferred destinations for summers mainly for foreign visitors and local people have registered 75 units. In the last two years, 18156 Indian and 1485 foreign visitors were greeted with warmth and care by the rural folks in home stay units set up in the lap of nature. The scheme also enabled the local community to get directly involved in the tourism industry. An estimated 3000 people have been connected to the travel and tourism industries in rural areas due to this scheme during last two years and it has generated economic activity of around Rs 4 crore. -PTI
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Tech News Toshiba submits report on Manesar ecocity CHANDIGARH: Japanese firm Toshiba has submitted its pre-feasibility report on Manesar eco-city project to Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) here. The feasibility report would now be studied and analyzed in detail after which and suggestions would be submitted for the final inputs and to chalk out the road map for implementation of the project, HSIIDC Managing Director Rajeev Arora said in an official release. The feasibility study covered areas such as water, water recycling, power, logistics, solid waste management and transportation and that the same had been funded by the Ministry of Economic Trade and Investment, Government of Japan, he said. He explained the implementation for the project would be through a Special Purpose Vehicle comprising Japanese and Indian sides, which would be finalized after approval of the state government. The eco-city project was conceived during the visit of Prime Minister of India to Japan as a part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor initiative. Contíd on page 36
India to get $5.4 billion World Bank funding for 2012-14 India Post News Service
TechBiz 34 India Post
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April 29, 2011
Awards for Delhi Metro and chief E Sreedharan NEW DELHI: Delhi Metro and its chief E Sreedharan have been awarded the 'Best Urban Infrastructure Project' and 'Infrastructure Leader of the Year' respectively. The awards were given at the 3rd Infrastructure Excellence Awards organized by CNBC TV 18 and Essar Steel here. Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar gave away the awards in 14 different categories related to India's infrastructure such as urban infrastructure, highways and flyovers, railways, ports, energy and gas, and telecom. -PTI
American industry bids farewell to CII's US Head Kiran Pasricha India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Kiran Pasricha, Deputy Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is returning to India after nearly 18 years of serving the CII's North America office, this month. The US-India Business Council hosted a farewell reception in Washington DC April 18, to honor Pasricha's exceptional 16year tenure in the capital. Pasricha, who is also the Executive Director & CEO of Aspen Institute India, has been associated with CII for more than 25 years and she has held a number of positions within CII including Head of Department of Membership Services and the President's Office. Pasricha took over the respon-
sibility of the CII North America Desk in 1993 and moved to Washington, DC in 1995 to establish
Kiran Pasricha
the CII US office. As Head of CII USA, she has been instrumental in initiating key programs such as
the US-India Strategic Dialogue, CII's Congressional Program, and the India Business Forum (IBF).
As industry representatives - both American and Indian American - bid farewell to Pasricha, Sandhya Satwadi, Regional director of CII Western Region in India, will be taking over as CII Country Director The CII US office serves as a focal point of contact for US businesses, the US Administration,
Celebrities connect with fans through Bubbleblog
Capitol Hill, Industry Associations, Universities, Think Tanks, State Governments and CII counterpart organizations in the US. At Aspen Institute India, an initiative of CII, Pasricha was focused on leadership development and consensus building through a broad array of programs such as the India Leadership Initiative, Track II dialogues with different countries, and policy dialogues among others. Pasricha is a graduate from Kolkata University and also has the experience of working in the private sector in Kolkata. As industry representatives both American and Indian American - bid farewell to Pasricha, Sandhya Satwadi, Regional director of CII Western Region in India, will be taking over as CII Country Director.
USIBC collaborates with Indian entertainment India Post News Service
NEW YORK: In a significant development, the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) has sanctioned continued assistance to India to the tune of almost $5.4 billion of concessional funding over the next three years. India will continue to remain as an important recipient of the IDA funds, which India aims to use for project activities in the social sectors and in the most backward regions. The Development Committee endorsed the replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA16) for the next three years (2012-2014), which is now for $49.3 billion -almost 20% more than its previous reserves. At the Development Committee meeting held April 16 in Washington DC, R. Gopalan, India's Secretary (Economic Affairs) addressed some of the major challenges that the World Bank needs to address in coming years. Contíd on page 35
India Post News Service
DELHI | MUMBAI | SINGAPORE: Mobile voice communications leader Bubble Motion has released its April 2011 rankings of India's most popular 'bubblers' - a list of who's hot in India's social media scene. With millions of subscribers now using BubbleBlog across India, the service has become the best way for celebrities to connect with fans in an authentic and intimate way. BubbleBlog is a social messaging service where people share voice updates ('bubbles') with friends, family, fans and followers. Like 'Twitter with a voice', BubbleBlog brings social networking to mobile phones with a very
simple interface. Fans can follow their favorite stars in India by dialing easy short codes like *5000* for Amitabh Bachchan, *5148* for
BubbleBlog is currently available to phone subscribers on Reliance Communications, Bharti Airtel, and other operators across India Lara Dutta, and so on. The April 2011 BubbleBlog rankings demonstrate India's addiction to film with the Top 10 bub-
blers including the likes of Amitabh Bachchan, Lara Dutta, Pooja Gandhi, Priyanka Chopra, Madhavan, Ravi Kishan, Radhika Pundit, and John Abraham. A recent addition to the Top 10 is cricket hero Yuvraj Singh, who kept his fans updated throughout the sensational World Cup cricket victory. BubbleBlog is currently available to phone subscribers on Reliance Communications, Bharti Airtel, and other operators across India. To follow a celebrity bubbler, fans simply dial the corresponding short-code on their phone, pay a subscription fee, and are notified by SMS whenever a voice update has been recorded by the bubblers they're following.
NEW YORK: A high-level Executive Mission of the US-India Business Council (USIBC) to the 12th FICCI FRAMES conference in Mumbai, India, last month, committed to accelerating US-India entertainment collaboration as a priority. The Delegation included senior executives from USIBC's top media, entertainment, and technology companies. "The FRAMES Conference provides a unique opportunity to further strengthen the growing ties between the American and Indian media and entertainment sectors," noted Michael DiPaulaCoyle, Director of Policy Advocacy at USIBC. "Our mission is to hold substantive meetings with both Indian government and industry leaders to discuss important issues related to entertainment collaboration, including antipiracy activities. Contíd on page 36
TechBiz Post
April 29, 2011
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Columbia School gets funding for US-India project India Post News Service
NEW YORK: With India home to one of the world's fastest-growing economies, there is an increasing recognition that its energy needs must come from cleaner sources to help counter the effects of climate change from greenhouse gases. It is a potentially lucrative market for outside investment, but high costs and bureaucratic and legal roadblocks have stymied most efforts. Now, a project run by the Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School seeks to change that. Funded by a $485,000 grant from the Sujana Group, an Indian producer of steel, power and energy, the Clean Energy Investment-US- India Project will help facilitate US investment in the clean-energy sector by developing contracts and other legal instruments designed to become standards in the industry. "There is enormous potential for US companies to not only help India reduce greenhouse gases, but to take an active role in investments that can provide an excellent rate of return," said Michael Gerrard, the Andrew Sabin Professor of Professional Practice and Director of the Center for Climate Change Law. "But time is of the essence. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to keep greenhouse gas levels within target ranges." The project also aims to:
*facilitate access of US equipment manufacturers as India begins increasing its power capacity by 80 percent to meet its energy needs in 2030; *allow US banks and investors to profit from clean-energy investment while fulfilling compliance requirements. For example, the US Export-Import Bank and the Overseas Private Investment Corpora-
“Right now, there is a strong desire to pursue many clean-energy projects in India, but too often companies haven't moved forward because of transaction costs that are both perceived and real," said Aarthi S. Anand, the project's director tion have entered into judicially approved settlement agreements to each establish a $250 million facility devoted to renewable energy projects; and *facilitate access to what a 2009 McKinsey report estimated was $1.1 trillion in investment needed by India to install clean power and reduce substantial CO2 emissions using al-
ready-available technologies. "We recognize that as important as it is for India to grow, it needs to do so in an environmentally sustainable fashion," said Y.S. Chowdary, chairman of the Sujana Group and a member of the Indian Parliament. "It's vital that we figure out the most cost-effective ways to achieve that." The legal tools developed by the project will be drafted by US and Indian attorneys in consultation with experts in investment, project finance, and clean energy. The aim is to make the contracts and other documents available for free online so they can be readily adapted for projects throughout India. "Right now, there is a strong desire to pursue many clean-energy projects in India, but too often companies haven't moved forward because of transaction costs that are both perceived and real," said Aarthi S. Anand, the project's director. "This is a way to streamline the process, so companies don't have to draft contracts from scratch for each project." A lawyer trained in the US and India, Anand was previously a director at EcoSecurities Group, a carbon-trading firm and is an expert in alternative energy investment. Besides the contract-drafting efforts, the 18-month project will also include two international symposiums, in July 2011 and March 2012, to bring together major players in this sector.
India to get $5.4 billion World Bank funding for 2012-14 Contíd from page 34
He spoke on the future directions that the Bank should take, the need to enhance its lending capacity and the need to invest more in agriculture. Further Strengthening the Financial Capacity of the World Bank Gopalan spoke of the need to improve the financial capacity of the Bank further as the world has been "moving from one crisis to the other - first fuel, then food, then financial and economic, and now the return of fuel and food crises." "While these crises demand global efforts to mitigate adverse effects, the World Bank Group needs to have sufficient financial resources not only to tackle crises, but also to support long term
growth," he said. "In this regard, we are concerned that Bank lending will decline starting from next year. We need to deliberate now and in future on how we can strengthen the financial base of the Bank further. We need to take steps to ensure that just as it did over the last two years, the Bank has the capacity to respond to crises, play a counter-cyclical role that can make a difference and help in long term growth." Gopalan also wanted measures to be taken to enhance the lending limits which are constraining the ability of India and other developing countries to utilize World Bank resources more. Future Activities and Core Focus On the expansion of the Bank's work into areas like climate
change, the Secretary said that "the core mandate of the Bank of poverty reduction and support to long term growth of developing countries requires that the Bank should continue to have larger focus on such global public goods as education, health, financial inclusion and agricultural research rather than climate change alone." On the main theme of Food Security, the Secretary pointed out that "the structural dimension of agricultural production has moved from the surplus of the past three decades to a constrained scenario." And that "tackling food security requires both short term and long term measures on many fronts - research, dry land farming, irrigation and most importantly public investment. Contíd on page 36
India Post
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Aston Martin launches in India
Lalit Choudary, Director Performance Cars, Bill Donnelly-Director, Sales & After Sales, Marek Reichman-Director Design at the launch announcement Aston Martin in India India Post News Service
GAYDON, UK: Aston Martin has officially opened the doors to its first dealership in India, bringing the British marquee's luxury sports cars to the city of Mumbai. This important move in the luxury manufacturer's expansion plans further strengthens the company's representation in this growing region, bringing the Aston Martin brand to India for the first time. Aston Martin will commence its presence in India with a new dedicated facility in Mumbai in partnership with Performance Cars (a division of Infinity Cars Pvt. Ltd.), who have enjoyed a strong reputation in the Indian luxury car market for several years. Aston Martin's Chief Commercial Officer, Michael van der Sande said, "India represents a new opportunity for us and as part of our programme of growing the reach of the global Aston Martin dealership network this expansion brings our brand to a different audience in a new market. "Our decision to bring the
Aston Martin brand to India is driven by a strong level of interest and enthusiasm from potential customers in an emerging luxury market. We have taken our time to find the right advocates for Aston Martin and I am confident that we have selected strong partners with whom we look forward to starting a successful relationship." On his part Performance Cars, Managing Director, Mr. Lalit Choudary said, "Partnering Aston Martin offers us an unique opportunity to bring one of the world's iconic brands to one of the world's most discerning and fast growing markets. We are confident about the brand's success in India given the range of models, the comfortable ride quality the cars offer on our roads and the exclusivity they accord." The Aston Martin dealership in Mumbai is located at Kemp's Corner at the junction of the ultra-premium Peddar and Altamount Roads and will offer customers a premium boutique environment wherein they can custom specify the cars to their exacting needs. Contíd on page 36
TechBiz Post
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Toshiba submits pre-feasibility report on Manesar ecocity Contíd from page 34
An MoU was signed between two sides for such projects subsequently in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Haryana were identified as the sites for this project. An MoU was signed between HSIIDC, DMICDC and a consortium of Japanese's companies led by Toshiba including NEC,Tokyo Gas, Energy Advanced Companies Ltd. Based on the survey and discussions held with the officers, IMT Manesar was chosen for the pilot initiative. Between May, 2010 and April, 2010, Japanese consortium held series of meetings with HSIIDC, Power, Irrigation, Town & Country Planning departments and based on their internal assessment, prepared the feasibility report. The feasibility report includes
the basic concept, the institutional framework and business plan for the eco-city pilot initiative at IMT Manesar.
It is recognized as a unique model of sustainable industrial development where different wastes are recycled through various private companies A Smart Community or eco-city is defined as a City in which citizens, business and Government sustainable work, live and inter-
act through delivery of integrated, low carbon products and services. The objectives of this project is to build a new Industrial Community to maximize welfare of the people and minimize carbon emission and the above vision can be achieved by integrating technology across water, waste, energy, transportation and safety infrastructure. Japan has successfully implemented the concept in Kitakyushu town and developed it as a smart community. It is recognized as a unique model of sustainable industrial development where different wastes including automobiles, home appliances, medical instruments, construction waste, food waste etc are recycled through various private companies. Kitakyushu town of Japan, which has been developed as a Smart Community. -PTI
Aston Martin launches in India Contíd from page 35
The after-sales facility in nearby Worli is a first of its kind dedicated, air conditioned workshop in the high luxury segment. The showroom and after-sales facilities have been specially designed to follow the international design elements that have timelessly identified the elegance of the Aston Martin brand worldwide. Aston Martin customers and enthusiasts will be able to view and test-drive selected models from the entire range of V8 Vantage Coupe, V8 Vantage Roadster, V12 Vantage, DB9 Coupe, DB9 Volante, DBS Coupe, DBS Volante and the four-door sports car; Rapide. These models will also be joined by the recently launched V8 Vantage S and the new Virage. The opening of the Aston Martin Mumbai showroom strengthens the company's global dealership network to a total of 134 deal-
ers in 42 countries. As part of the company's ongoing expansion plans Aston Martin has recently entered into Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Czech Re-
The opening of the Aston Martin Mumbai showroom strengthens the company's global dealership network to a total of 134 dealers in 42 countries public, Greece, Taiwan and Turkey whilst seeking continued growth in new markets as well as emerging markets including China and the Middle East.
USIBC to collaborate with Indian entertainment industry Contíd from page 34
We remain committed to accelerating cooperation on a range of issues including: enhancing anticounterfeiting efforts in both countries, addressing regulatory and tax barriers, and fostering meaningful technology collaboration. These efforts are designed to support the growing convergence between our two industries, which is one of the great success stories of the new US India partnership." USIBC's FRAMES Mission
was sponsored by Intel Corporation, one of USIBC's leading technology member companies. During the FRAMES conference, senior Intel executives and technology specialists announced a host of new technology agreements with Indian companies and studios. Among these agreements, Intel announced the deployment of Intel Insider, a new hardware feature of the 2nd Generational Intel Core processors that will allow Indian consumers to purchase and rent the latest high definition (HD) movies on
During the FRAMES conference, senior Intel executives and technology specialists announced a host of new technology agreements with Indian companies and studios
their personal computers. Until now, online movie services could only offer a subset of movies in HD for the PC due to security concerns. With Intel Insider's hardware-based protection, consumers will have access to a larger and growing library of movie titles in the most advanced HD. Moreover, Intel Insider will enable Indian film content to be distributed legitimately and safely to Indian film fans around the world. "Intel Insider is just one of a number of cutting edge technolo-
gies that we are bringing to the Indian Market," announced Intel Executive Jeff Lawrence. "With the introduction of the 2nd Generation Intel Core processorpowered systems, we see the PC becoming a major platform for all types of entertainment. The greatest winner will be the Indian consumer, who will have even greater access to the latest new releases in full HD. Intel Insider underscores our long-term commitment to India and in particular to the Indian entertainment sector."
India to get $5.4 billion World Bank funding for 2012-14 Contíd from page 35
The Bank needs to rev up its agricultural activities." Secretary Gopalan also brought in the issue of Trust Funds which have now grown so large that they account for 20% of the Bank's budget. He said "Trust Funds have emerged as an important source of finance and policy advice to the developing countries and also within the Bank. We think that proper oversight of trust funds is required to protect Bank's reputation and to align trust fund activities with the strategies and priorities of the Bank to ensure that Trust Funds are working as per the mandate of the World Bank."
Reiterating the continuing relevance of the World Bank, he said "The WBG has done well in helping developing countries in the past. The series of crises have shown that it has continuing rel-
strong, yet flexible Bank and we need to work in that direction. The Bank needs to continue to maintain its core focus on poverty alleviation without a proliferation of goals. The Bank is an important
‘Proper oversight of trust funds is required to protect Bank's reputation and to align trust fund activities with the strategies and priorities of the Bank’ evance in the future. Addressing the needs of the poor is a challenge that will also remain for a long time to come. We a need a
Global Public Institution we have in the development arena and we need to preserve and strengthen it for our future generations."
In Brief Another event planned on Mass. immigration checks WALTHAM, Mass.: State officials are hosting another community meeting with immigrant advocates over a controversial federal program that checks the immigration status of people who are arrested. Gov. Deval Patrick called on state officials to hold a number of meetings on the program after facing criticism from immigrant advocates over his plans to join the federal program. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement program allows arrestees' fingerprint information to be checked against FBI criminal history records and biometrics-based immigration records kept by the Department of Homeland Security. -AP
Kansas county vying for detention center WELLINGTON, Kan.: Sumner County in south-central Kansas has been trying to win a contract for a federal immigrant detention facility. Sumner County Sheriff Gerald Gilkey said he received a letter from the department of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement saying it was looking for a regional civil detention facility to house illegal immigrants while their status is being evaluated. Gilkey told The Wellington News that ICE wants to have a stand-alone facility that would hold up to about 400 people. He said the department now uses a variety of facilities, including county jails, to hold detainees. ICE is in the selection process and has not said when a selection would be made. -AP
Gutierrez: Support for Obama depends on reform CHICAGO: US Rep. Luis Gutierrez told a group of immigration reform supporters he's not sure he could back President Barack Obama in 2012 if he doesn't step up efforts to change deportation policy and education opportunities for illegal students. Speaking to a large crowd at Lincoln United Methodist Church in Chicago, the Democratic Illinois congressman said Obama should use his executive power to enact policy that stops the deportation of people with children who are US citizens. -AP
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Disconnect between status and work authorization Details on page 38
Federal Court protects H-1B employees from wrongful arrest India Post News Service
NEW YORK: In a decision that can have implications for several Indian-origin employees who are on H-1B visa status, a recent ruling from a federal judge in Connecticut confirmed that the government may not arrest H-1B employees whose timely-filed extension applications remain pending. The American Immigration Council (AIC) and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) argued in an amicus brief in the case of a Lebanese national who was arrested by federal agents for allegedly "overstaying" after his H-1B visa expired. The decision in El Badrawi v. United States, by US District Judge Janet C. Hall, recognized that a federal regulation allows H1B employees to continue working for 240 days pending the adjudication of their extension applications, and that "work authorization is part and parcel of their authorization to be in the country,
not a separate matter." Permitting the initiation of removal proceedings during this period would thus be unfair to employees and employers alike, according to the decision. The plaintiff, a Lebanese national, was gainfully employed as a medical researcher when his employer requested an H-1B exten-
edly "overstaying" his initial period of admission. He was placed in removal proceedings and detained for nearly two months. In their amicus brief, AIC and AILA argued that the relevant law, which provides for work authorization while a timely-filed extension application is pending, necessarily authorizes H-1B employ-
‘If H-1B employees can continue working while extension applications on their behalf are pending, it defies logic to argue that they can be arrested, detained and removed without notice’ sion in early 2004, more than a month before his H-1B status expired. Though his employer paid a $1,000 fee for premium processing of the application, the government never adjudicated it and refused to respond to requests for information. Nearly seven months after the request was filed, immigration agents arrested Badrawai for alleg-
ees to remain in the United States. Accordingly, they cannot be arrested solely for staying in the country while extension applications are being adjudicated. With supporting declarations from three companies that rely on H-1B workers, the brief argued that arresting non-citizens with pending extension applications would threaten
to disrupt key sectors of the US economy and undermine the goals of the H-1B program. In her decision, Judge Hall said the AIC-AILA brief "highlights the substantial interest that employers have in the administration of the H-1B visa program, the lack of notice provided by the regulation at issue, and the hardship that the government's proposed interpretation would impose upon them." Judge Hall's ruling is a victory for the rule of law and for common sense," said Melissa Crow, Director of the American Immigration Council's Legal Action Center. "If H-1B employees can continue working while extension applications on their behalf are pending, it defies logic to argue that they can be arrested, detained and removed without notice." The plaintiff was represented by the Worker and Immigrant Rights Advocacy Clinic at Yale Law School and the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.
B-1 visa misuse by Infosys alleged SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Alleging misuse of the B-1 (business) visa in a bid to circumvent the H-1B visa program's cap and wage requirements by employers, Republican Senator from Iowa Charles E. Grassley has asked for a thorough investigation by the Departments of State and Homeland Security. "When unemployment remains at a staggering 8.8 percent, we should be focusing our oversight efforts on employers who are taking advantage of the system and importing foreign workers to the detriment of Americans," Grassley said. In his letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Grassley questioned the "B-1 in lieu of H-1B" policy currently in place. He wrote, "Under this low threshold (of the B-1 visa), a company could import workers via the B-1 business visitor visa and evade the H-1B visa cap and prevailing wage requirements that
would otherwise apply to such workers so long as the workers could show that their paychecks were still coming from the foreign company." Grassley also referenced a formal complaint against Indian IT major Infosys that details how Infosys management in India decided to use the B-1 business visi-
described ways that Infosys, one of the top ten H-1B petitioning companies, had worked to "creatively" get around the H-1B visa program in order to bring in low-skilled and low-wage workers, resulting in visa fraud against the US Government. The plaintiff alleges that Infosys was importing foreign workers as B-
Grassley also referenced a formal complaint against Indian IT major Infosys that details how Infosys management in India decided to use the B-1 business visitor visa program to get around H-1B program restrictions tor visa program to get around H1B program restrictions. On February 23, 2010, a U.S. employee of Infosys Technologies Limited, Inc. ("Infosys") filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of Lowndes County, Alabama, alleging that his employer was "sending lower level and unskilled foreigners to the United States to work in full-time positions at Infosys' customer sites in direct violation of immigration laws." The plaintiff
1 business visitors under the guise of attending meetings rather than working for a wage as an employee of a US company, which is forbidden under the statute and regulations governing the B-1 visa program. In his letter to Secretaries Clinton and Napolitano, Apr 14, Grassley further said Infosys, by its own admission, is an "H-1B dependent employer." Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, H-1B dependent employers must take good faith
steps to recruit US workers and to offer them compensation that is at least as great as that required to be offered to H-1B non-immigrants. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a B-1 visa holder may not come to the US "for the purpose of‌performing skilled or unskilled labor." Under State Department regulations, a B-1 visa holder may not engage in "local employment or labor for hire." If the allegations against Infosys are substantiated, American workers will have been hurt by this company's fraudulent actions, and the integrity of both the B-1 and H-1B visa programs will have been compromised. Grassley argues that American workers should be given first consideration by companies looking to import foreign workers. He has led the effort to close loopholes and enact reform in the H-1B visa program. He introduced legislation in previous Congresses to reform the H-1B and L visa programs and is planning on introducing a bill again in the 112th Congress.
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Disconnect between status and work authorization CYRUS D. MEHTA
I
n El Badrawi v. USA, 07-cv1074 (D. Conn. Dec. April 11, 2011), http://bit.ly/eKuTqS, the United States District Court in Connecticut ruled that an H-1B worker who had timely sought an extension of that visa status, and who was authorized to continue working under 8 CFR § 274a.12(b)(20), could not be arrested or subjected to removal. Although a district court decision may not have precedential value beyond the plaintiff in the case, it is nevertheless extremely significant as it provides the stepping stone for other courts to also be similarly persuaded. The Department of Homeland Security, and the former Immigration and Naturalization Service, have always taken the position that being authorized to work in the US is not the same thing as being in a lawful status. Moreover, the benefits granting agency within the DHS, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, has long drawn a distinction between maintaining lawful status and being lawfully present in the United States, See Unlawful Presence v. Out of Status, http://bit.ly/ahjXpj. For example, an applicant for
adjustment of status, whose underlying nonimmigrant L or H status has expired, will not be considered unlawfully present for purposes of triggering the 3 and 10 year bars under INA § 212(a)(9)(B) but will still not be considered to be in lawful status even though this applicant is authorized to work. This unfortunate individual might even be amenable to removal as a deportable alien pursuant to INA §237(a)(1)(C), see USCIS Consolidated Guidance on Unlawful Presence, http://bit.ly/c9xHs9. The holding in El Badrawi is narrow, and has been rendered in the context of a claim against the government for a false arrest of an employee while he was seeking an extension of his H-1B visa status. In dismissing the government's motion for summary judgment, the court reaffirmed its prior holding in Badrawi v. DHS, 579 F. Supp. 2d 249 (D. Conn. 2008) (El Badrawi 1), http://www.bibdaily.com/pdfs/ El%20Badrawi%209-22-08.pdf, where the plaintiff claimed he was falsely arrested while an extension to extend H-1B status filed by his employer, University of Connecticut, was pending. The court in El Badrawi 1 found the government's position "bewildering" that the
plaintiff was entitled to work in the United States pursuant to 8 CFR § 274a.12(b)(20) but not entitled to be physically present in the United States. In its most recent holding, which we will refer to as El Badrawi II, the court came down more strongly in favor of the plaintiff. The court's opinion revolves around the meaning of 8 CFR § 274a.12(b)(20), which the court aptly summarized as follows:
The government contended that this regulation only applied to an alien's authorization to work in the US but it did not extend to the alien's authorization to remain in the US A nonimmigrant alien [who was admitted under one of various forms of work-based visas, including an H-1B visa] whose status has expired but who has filed a timely application for an extension of such stay….[is] authorized to continue employment with the same employer for a period not to exceed 240 days beginning on the date of the expiration of the authorized period of stay. The government contended that this regulation only applied to an alien's authorization to work in the US but it did not extend to the alien's authorization to remain in the US. The government also asserted that
it always had the discretion to arrest, detain and remove such an alien. However, Judge Janet C. Hall, who wrote the opinion, gave short shrift to the government's interpretation of this regulation. Although a government agency is entitled to its interpretation of its own regulation, such deference can be set aside if it is "plainly erroneous or inconsistent with the regulation." Auer v. Robbins, 519 U.S. 452, 461 (1997). According to Judge Hall, "[t]he fact that section 274a.12(b) pertains solely to aliens whose immigration status is based and conditioned upon their need to work in the country strongly indicates that the two rights go together here. An extension of only the right to work, without the right to remain in the country, is at odds with the nature and purpose of the affected work-based visa programs." In the absence of any policy guidance from the government on this issue, Judge Hall also relied on a USCIS "Customer Guide" pamphlet, which clearly advised the public that if the application for an extension is received before one's status has expired, "you may continue your previously approved activities in the United States (including previously authorized work) for a maximum period of 240 days." This permission, according to Judge Hall, was not just limited to work but also to all "previously approved activities," such as being present and temporarily residing in the US. More significantly, the court
also held that the government's proposed interpretation raised "grave" due process concerns. The fact that the DHS could arrest a law abiding alien who was complying with the rules was tantamount to a deprivation of liberty without due process under the Fifth Amendment. Here, the plaintiff, a Lebanese national, was arrested and detained from October 29, 2004 until December 22, 2004, when he was escorted out of the country after receiving a voluntary departure order from an Immigration Judge. Moreover, here there was no pre-enforcement notice provided to the plaintiff, and if there was any notice through the USCIS Customer Guide, it "plainly supports and fosters the expectation that aliens in El Badrawi's position may remain in the country while awaiting a determination on their timely filed extension applications." Judge Hall also noted the amicus brief of the American Immigration Council and the American Immigration Lawyers, which "highlights the substantial interest that employers have in the administration of the H-1B visa program, the lack of notice provided by the regulation at issue, and the hardship that the government's proposed interpretation would impose upon them." (To be continued) * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com
Democrats in Senate reject immigrant crackdowns DENVER: Colorado Democrats drove nails in the coffin of this year's illegal immigration crackdowns pushed by Republicans when a Senate committee rejected two of the last proposals promoted by the GOP. The Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee voted 3-2 along party lines against the final bills to buckle down on ille-
gal immigration. The first would have shut off state funds from towns that don't implement a federal immigrant fingerprinting crackdown called "Secure Communities." The other would have given the Republican secretary of state broader powers to suspend voters who can't prove their citizenship. Latino and immigration advocates testified against both measures, which passed the Republican House earlier this term. At times the hearing grew heated. One immigrant advocate, Hans Meyer of the Colorado immigrant rights coalition, blasted the entire fingerprinting program. "It's a mass deportation dragnet program, pure and simple," Meyer said. Republican Sen. Ted Harvey, sponsor of both the immigrant bills, bristled at another
opponent's suggestion that the fingerprinting program is racist. Harvey challenged one opponent, Kenia Morales of the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights. Morales testified that the fingerprint bill was "racist" and "bigoted." "Can you explain how fingerprinting all arrestees black, white, yellow and red - is a racist program?" Harvey asked. Morales stood her ground. She replied, "We can't lie to ourselves and say that this is not a racist bill." Democrats on the committee avoided that dispute. But they laid into Republican Secretary of State Scott Gessler, who asked for the voting registry bill allowing him to identify possible non-citizens on state voting rolls and block them from casting ballots unless they can prove they're citizens. -AP
Immigration Post
April 29, 2011
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Non-citizens can re-open cases from outside US India Post News Service
NEW YORK: A federal appellate court recently reversed a Board of Immigration Appeals' (BIA) decision that would have prevented non-citizens from presenting new evidence in their removal cases evidence that potentially could change the outcome - because they are outside the United States. As the Legal Action Center of the American Immigration Council and the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild argued in an amicus brief, Congress enacted laws that allow non-citizens to pursue their cases from outside the US. The decision from the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit is the latest in a series of decisions rejecting the government's position that immigration judges and the BIA lack jurisdiction over such cases. Federal law gives non-citizens 90 days to file a "motion to reopen," a procedural mechanism for sub-
mitting new evidence after a removal order becomes final. But the BIA has long maintained that it cannot consider a motion to reopen if a foreign national is outside the United States. The court rejected
It is the latest in a series of decisions rejecting the government's position that immigration judges and the BIA lack jurisdiction over such cases the government's position, emphasizing that allowing the immigration courts to refuse to hear motions in these cases enables the Department of Homeland Security to unilaterally restrict the opportunity to seek reopening by deporting a person before the deadline for filing a motion to reopen. As the court
concluded, the government's position "completely eviscerate(s) the statutory right to reopen provided by Congress." "Five appellate courts have found that the bar to motions to reopen from outside the US is unlawful. It is past time for the government to withdraw this outdated regulation rather than proceed with costly litigation," said Beth Werlin of the American Immigration Council's Legal Action Center. "This is a victory for those who care about a fair process to ensure that immigrants are not unlawfully separated from their families," said Trina Realmuto of the National Immigration Project, who argued this case on behalf of amici curiae. The Legal Action Center and National Immigration Project have coordinated litigation on this issue nationwide and call on the BIA to abandon its misguided regulation barring review of motions filed by non-citizens outside the United States.
EEOC joins fight for Signal workers India Post News Service
NEW YORK: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has followed the wake of several civil liberties organizations in fighting for the rights of hundreds of Indian-origin workers who were allegedly discriminated upon by Signal International. A lawsuit filed April 20, by the EEOC against Signal International for abusing hundreds of foreign guest workers lured to work in the US after Hurricane Katrina reinforces similar claims brought on behalf of the same workers by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Louisiana Justice Institute and the law firm Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP in a class action lawsuit pending against the same company. The EEOC's lawsuit against Signal charges that the company discriminated against hundreds of Indian guest workers lured into forced labor in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and Orange, Texas. The EEOC case alleges that Signal forced the workers to live in overcrowded, unsanitary and racially segregated labor camps; assigned them the most dangerous and difficult jobs; subjected them to hostile treatment based on their race and national origin; and retaliated against two workers for complaining about the discriminatory treatment. The EEOC alleges that Signal
violated the rights of the Indian guest workers under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The former guest workers continue to litigate a class action lawsuit against Signal and other related defendants alleging, among other things, human trafficking and racketeering. Later this week, the attorneys will seek to join the EEOC's case on behalf of some of the same workers. Signal, a marine and fabrication company with shipyards in Mis-
‘American workers would never be forced to endure what Signal did to us. Signal thought they could get away with the abuses because we're from India’ sissippi, Texas and Alabama, is a subcontractor for several major multi-national companies. After Hurricane Katrina scattered its workforce, Signal used the US government's guest worker program to import employees to work as welders and pipe fitters. Between 2004 and 2006, hundreds of Indian men paid Signal's recruiters as much as $20,000 for travel, visa, recruitment and other fees after they were told it would lead to good jobs, green cards and permanent US residency. Many of the workers sold their
houses and other valuables and took out high-interest loans to come up with the money. When the men arrived at Signal in late 2006 and early 2007, they discovered that they wouldn't receive the green cards as promised, but rather 10-month guest worker visas. Signal forced them to pay $1,050 a month to live in crowded company housing in isolated, fenced labor camps where as many as 24 men shared a trailer with only two toilets. When the guest workers tried to find their own housing, Signal officials told them they would still have the mancamp fees deducted from their paychecks. Visitors were not allowed into the camps. Company employees regularly searched the workers' belongings. Workers who complained about the conditions they faced were threatened with deportation. Sabulal Vijayan, a plaintiff in the human trafficking and racketeering lawsuit and a charging party in the EEOC's case: "All I wanted was a better life for my family. That was why I came to America. Instead, I was subjected to discrimination and abuse I never thought I'd experience in this country." Another plaintiff Jacob Joseph Kadakkarappally said: "American workers would never be forced to endure what Signal did to us. Signal thought they could get away with the abuses because we're from India." The EEOC's case was filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.
PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law
Former Assistant State 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
40 India Post
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April 29, 2011
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Sikh spirit and pageantry at Baisakhi celebration
Kanwal Prakash Singh
LOS ANGELES: The Baisakhi celebration at the Los Angeles (LA) Converntion Center, sponsored by the Sikh Community of Southern California, is the largest Khalsa Day celebration in the US. The sprawling LA Convention
nies in a colorfully decorated and created large Darbar Hall. Throughout the day, many youth and professional groups performed shabad keertan before an audience of thousands. These groups represented major local gurdwaras. Along with the continous religious services, be-
meeting area. One could find religious books and art, jewelry, festive clothing, Sikh music and sacred articles of faith, and other items and ideas of interest (Sikhpoint Interfaith Calendar, music, and books on Sikh faith, culture, and history by famous Sikh authors in the booth of Bicky
people searching to take something home and a marketplace for social exchange. A very dedicated group of sevadars (volunteers) served langar (blessed food, prepared at different temple kitchens in the area and brought to the Convention Center) served the traditional
Gobind Singh, and events surrounding Baisakhi, one of the holiest days on the Sikh religious calendar. Several honored guests: members of US Congress, representatives of cities and the State, law enforcement officials, and religious leaders each assuring the members of the Sikh American
Center was alive with excitement, religious activities and associated festivities with several thousand people in attendance, some having traveled long distances from across the USA and beyond, to be a part of this historic 312th Baisakhi Celebration. The focus of Baisakhi Day was on the traditional religious ceremo-
ginning in the early hours of the morning continuing until late in the afternoon, there was langar service provided by dedicated volunteers in a separate hall of the Convention Center. No religious gathering would be complete without creating the aura of a Punjabi bazaar with cultural displays, shopping, and
Singh and exquisite art by Jot Singh Khalsa). There were also displays inviting people to participate in worthy causes such as bone marrow registry and donating funds for gurdwaras (Sikh temples) in California and other places across the US. This was a busy gathering place for
Punjabi vegetarian food to nearly 18,000 people throughout the day. One could feel some thanksgiving that in this group were some LA residents who had joined in for langar. The focus of the day was clearly on the religious presentation and hymns that celebrated the life and the spirit of the Tenth Guru,
community, in their remarks following the traditional Sikh honor with a siropa, about their respect for the Sikhs and their achievements and concern for their rights and safety due to issues of mistaken identity surrounding their sacred articles of faith. ContĂd on page 42
April 29, 2011
Community/California
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Ahmadis praise Mormons for example of love & service
Imam Shamshad presents plaque of Appreciation to Chino-area Mormon president Daniel Stevenson India Post News Service
CHINO HILLS, CA: On Friday, April 8 a dinner was hosted by representatives from four Southern California chapters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to declare their praise and appreciation for the Christ-like example shown by Mormons towards Ahmadi Muslims. The two religions have places of worship not far from each other in Chino. The dinner was an informal event attended by a cordial mixture of more than 70 Ahmadi Muslims and Mormons to honor area members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for their many years of friendship, love and support for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. After dinner, Imam Shamshad A. Nasir, the Ahmadiyya S.W. regional missionary in charge of the Chino Mosque, officially welcomed the Mormon guests and thanked them for being such steadfast friends and neighbors. He then presented a plaque of appreciation to Mormon Chino Stake President Daniel Stevenson that contained a verse from the Muslim Holy Book, the Quran, which read: ". . .And thou shalt assuredly find those who say, 'We are Christians' to be nearest to the believers in their love for God. That is because among them are savants and monks, and because they are not proud." Below this verse from the Quran, an inscription read: With humble thanks and deepest affection tothe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. . . We, the members of the L.A.area chapters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at Baitul Hameed Mosque, hereby extend our sincerest gratitude and appreciation for all the assistance, respect, friendship and love which your members have bestowed upon us throughout the years.
May God Bless and keep you always in His Grace and Mercy. Presented this 8th day of April in the year of our Lord 2011." Imam Shamshad also presented three Mormon Church leaders with copies of the Muslim Prayer book. He then spoke briefly about some similarities the two faith communities shared, including a zeal for preaching their message to the world and a selfless dedication to serving humanity in times of tragedy and need. Such a time came in April of 2003 for the Chino-area Ahmadiyya Mosque, when a fire destroyed the attic of the singlestorey main office structure, causing extensive damage. It was during the mosque rebuilding phase from 2007-2009 when the Mormons in Chino offered their facilities to the Ahmadis so they could
Mormons and Ahmadis group photo
of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Pres. Stevenson also referred to the common element of religious persecution suffered by Ahmadi Muslims and Mormons. And while violence directed against Mormons was largely confined to the 19th century, Ahmadi Muslims have faced murderous attacks periodically throughout their 122-year existence as a community. He decried the fact that as recently as May 28th of 2010 until Feb. 6th of this year, over 100 Ahmadis were murdered by Muslim extremists in Pakistan and Indonesia. He called on God to protect and provide for all the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The event closed with a brief question-and-answer session
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is never depicted with her head and body uncovered. Islam teaches that all women should be self-respecting and respected, just like the mother of Jesus, which is why Muslim women are required to dress modestly and cover their heads hold their weekly Sermon and Islamic Prayers every Friday, as well as other religious gatherings. This continuing act of generosity extended for nearly two years, until Oct. 2009 when the Chino mosque reconstruction was completed and the building re-opened for use by the large community of nearly 700 Ahmadi Muslims. Mormon Chino Stake President Stevenson in his remarks from the podium said that Mormons and Ahmadis both believed in continuing divine revelation from God for the purpose of reforming people and bringing them back to righteousness. He read a quote illustrating this belief from the book "The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam" written in 1896 by the Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder
and group photo. One of the questions by a Mormon guest, which was answered by Imam Shamshad, dealt with the status and duties of women in Islam. "Women's status in Islam was not second-class to men," the Imam answered. "In fact, in many ways a woman's status and duties were greater than those of men because women are given the capacity and responsibility for not only having children but for raising them and giving them vital spiritual and moral training for the success and betterment of society." Another question frequently asked was why Muslim women had to cover their heads. Imam Shamshad responded that the Bible requires Christian women to
cover their heads as well, and that even today in the Middle East and South Asia, a Christian woman in church or in public will always cover her head as a sign of respect, modesty and devotion. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is never depicted
with her head and body uncovered. Islam teaches that all women should be self-respecting and respected, just like the mother of Jesus, which is why Muslim women are required to dress modestly and cover their heads.
Patels in alleged prostitution ring plead not guilty ContĂd from page 21
A 10th person was indicted in that case 18 months ago, but a federal judge immediately dropped charges against him at the request of federal prosecutors. That same person was charged in the current case. Three other names from the 2009 case also popped up as defendants in this case. Six of those charged in the 2009 case pleaded guilty to charges related to prostitution. Two others saw their cases dropped. Trial is pending for two others. In the older case, the alleged crimes happened between January and November 2008, and an
Oceanside police lieutenant said a continuing investigation could turn up more victims. "This has the potential to be significant," Lt. Joe Young said at the time. Some of the evidence in the 2009 case came after a search of Room 118 at the Oceanside Travelodge. During the 2009 search, police seized three laptops and spoke to women in the room. The room was searched because it was connected to Devon Sutton, a known probationer whom police watched loitering around the hotel on Nov. 5, 2009, according to court filings. Call staff writer Teri Figueroa at 760-740-5442.
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Sikh spirit and pageantry at Baisakhi celebration ContĂd from page 41
Invited distinguished Sikh leaders addressed the gathering and voiced the need to network, seek interfaith cooperation, and to vigorously continue the work of mainstreaming our efforts to serve America, honor American values, and make America our home, much like generations of immigrants before us. KP Singh of Indiana honored with "The Spirit of Baisakhi" Award, expressed deep humility for the honor and added the following as a reminder to himself and the gathering about the great legacy and message of the Sikh Gurus: "Nanak-Guru Gobind legacy, teachings, echo a Universal Spirit: Seeing diverse cultures and communities of faiths As God's beautiful composite Commonwealth; United at the Source, Their origin threaded and interfaced into Oneness by the Creator.
floats that carried the holy Skih scriptures, groups of famous Ragis (religious singers), and banners and displays from Sikh history and culture. Many people along the streets and from highrise buildings greeted the procession along the three-mile route. By some estimates, nearly 10,000 people participated in the Khalsa Day parade with great reverence and enthusiasm. Throughout the
that momentous gathering at Anandpur Sahib, Punjab in 1699. It was wonderful to see that commemoration thousands of miles away from the original occurrence and generations later in Los Angeles. Over the last fifty years, the Sikh community, along with other ethnic and religious communities, has made a major impact on the cultural and spiritual fabric of
Security Administration's frequent, excessive intrusions into the religious articles at America's airports, workplace harassment and discrimination, and bullying of Sikh school children due to the problems of mistaken identity. First and foremost, we must challenge ourselves to do more and prevail upon public officials, interfaith leaders, educational institutions, and others to help us
nity, to be productive and encouraged to seemlessly thread his/her dreams and visions with those of the Nation that is his/her home. In this endeavor, we have to carry the main load and passionately advance our legitimate concerns as an act of faith and reminders of guaranteed promises by laws and spirit of this Nation, our Nation, one Nation. We have to step outside our
He reminded us of God's unmistaken Commandment: "Recognize this Oneness, Unity, and Divine Spirit in all beings." Sikh faith embraced, defended universal rights and basic freedoms Centuries before these global concerns and cultural renaissance Stumbled into global human affairs; welcomed in advanced nations." He further added: "Gurus light spirit since has guided generations of Sikhs and others. Today, their lives, spiritual radiance light the farthest reaches of humanity." Nagar Keertan At the close of the day's religious services, the Sikh congregation joined in the religious procession through the streets of downtown Los Angeles. The procession was led by decorated
procession, the traditional Jakaras (joyous acclaimation), and Nagaras (drums) resounded through the streets. Baisakhi, as many see it, is one of the most important Sikh High Holy Day celebrations, yet not well known, transforming events in world history and the sacred journey of faiths. The message and the events of that day 312 years ago on March 30, 1699 had set new divinely mandated spiritual markers for the place of human dignity, inalienable rights and freedoms for all beings and the personal responsibility to defend and honor it as an act of faith and a commandment so justice and peace may prevail throughout the lands for all people and cultures everywhere. The amazing testimony is timeless and its essence has been embraced at many levels in many places since
America. We have contributed much to the life, liberty, and happiness of the Nation. Yet, there is much work to be done to end racial profiling, Transportation
dispel unfounded stereotyping of an entire group of law abiding and hard working US citizens. Every citizen deserves the right to be safe, to be accorded dig-
own comfort zones before we can persuade others to advocate on our behalf. Let us engage in and honor the lessons and commandments of our Gurus as enshrined in Siri Guru Granth Sahib that we will work to bring hope and healing to all humanity and see ourselves not as Sikh Americans, but as proud Americans and citizens of one world. For me, that is the message of Baisakhi, and it was so beautifully illustrated at the LA Baisakhi celebration. Much like many others, I have carried home some very special memories and a renewed commitment to do my part to understand the message of our Gurus and all those who toiled, suffered, and shaped the values and vision of this great Nation that offers a rare promise for the entire human civilization.
Health
Line
Countries agree to share flu virus samples
GENEVA: The World Health Organization says countries have agreed on a deal to share flu virus samples after almost four years of fractious talks on the issue. The WHO says diplomats haggled through the night before reaching agreement. The deal must still be approved at the WHO's annual meeting in Geneva next month. Developing countries had for years refused to freely share samples of viruses such as bird flu because they claimed drug companies would profit from vaccines their own citizens wouldn't be able to afford. The deal foresees that drug companies either share the vaccine formula or reserve some of their vaccine production for poor countries in case of a future pandemic. -AP
Rehoboth panel approves park smoking ban REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.: Rehoboth Beach commissioners have voted to ban smoking in parks and playgrounds but stopped short of prohibiting smoking on the beach and boardwalk. After the 5-2 vote, the ban will take effect in 30 days. The commissioners said it would be difficult to inform the city's transient population about a smoking ban on the beach and boardwalk. Commissioners Bill Sargent and Dennis Barbour objected to the more limited ban. Sargent says he would prefer statewide legislation on smoking restrictions. State law already restricts smoking in most indoor public places. -AP
Possible Norwalk virus outbreak on Oahu HONOLULU: Hawaii health officials are investigating what appears to be an outbreak of Norwalk virus possibly from a large bicycle ride where people reported being sick. The Honolulu-Star Advertiser reported at least 10 have symptoms resembling norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus. Health department officials say Norwalk virus is an infection that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, but without fever. Officials say laboratory confirmation is pending. A large bicycle ride was held in Haleiwa, where food and drinks were served and where large groups of people congregated. -AP
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Location announced for new VA clinic in Colorado Springs COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.: A new veterans outpatient clinic in Colorado Springs will be built on the city's west side between Interstate 25 and Garden of the Gods Park. -AP
April 29, 2011
AAPI Charitable Foundation launches Sevak project India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: At the Tri-State AAPI Charitable Foundation fundraising gala held recently in New Jersey, prominent healthcare industry chiefs such as David Norton, Company Group Chairman of Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceuticals, Dr John
Addressing the gala and awards night, Norton said IndianAmerican physicians in AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin) excelled not only in their profession but also in giving back to the community Brennan, CEO Beth Israel Hospital Center, Newark and local politicians Upendra Chivukula, Deputy Speaker of New Jersey State Assembly, Mayor Wayne Smith of Irvington, NJ lauded the organization's efforts of for its
Dr Hemant Patel presents the willow to David Norton while Anwar Feroze of J & J and Haresh Kaneriya look on
benchmark programs both in the US and India. Addressing the gala and awards night, Norton said IndianAmerican physicians in AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin) excelled not only in their profession but
also in giving back to the community. "Sevak project in Gujarat is a classic example of how dedicated physicians looking for simple grass root solutions to address complicated health issues. Your contributions will make Sevak project a grand success."
"I am aware of the excellent work done by AAPI at the national level, tri-state and in India, thanks to Anwar Feroze of Johnson and Johnson who introduced me to this great organization a decade ago," he said. Cont’d on page 44
Sunita Kanumury to be next AAPI President India Post News Service
NEW YORK: New Jerseybased allergist and immunologist Dr. Sunita Kanumury has been elected President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) for 2011-2012. Dr. Narendra Kumar has been elected president-elect; Dr. Jayesh Shah - vice president; Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar - secretary, Dr. Seema Jain -treasurer and Dr. Satish Anand- Chair of Board of Trustees for the same period. Dr. Kanumury, a native of Andhra Pradesh, will take over the reins of one of the largest and influential Indian-American organizations from Dr. Ajeet R. Singhvi at the end of AAPI Convention to be held at Hilton New
lergist. She is a diplomat of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and fellow member of the American College for Al-
Dr Sunita Kanumury
Dr Kanumury, a native of Andhra Pradesh, will take over from Dr Ajeet R. Singhvi at the end of AAPI Convention in New York between June 22 and 26
York Hotel in Manhattan, New York between June 22 and 26. Dr. Kanumury has been in private practice in the field of allergy and immunology for the past 18 years as practicing consulting al-
lergy and Immunology. Currently serving presidentelect of the outgoing committee, Dr. Kanumury has served the organization in various capacities
such as Member, Board of Trustees; Regional Director, Mid-Atlantic AAPI (NJ, NY, PA); Chairman of Alumni Committee for AAPI Convention in 2007; Member, Benefits Committee and Ethics & Grievance Committee; Vice President & Founding Member, AAPI Northwest New Jersey; Member at large, Federation of AAPI (Tri-State) She is active in the community and served as President of Association of Allergists & Immunologists from India; Vice President and Secretary, Telugu Fine Arts Society of New Jersey; Trustee, Vasavi Society of New York & New Jersey, and Board of Directors, Federation of Indian Associations (FIA). Cont’d on page 44
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Volunteers help uninsured Arizona cancer patients PHOENIX: An uninsured patient who had breast-cancer surgery contacted the Desert Cancer Foundation of Arizona to say, ``You saved my life.'' It's a story the band of hard-working volunteers has heard before. The Arizona Republic reports that 1,000 people without insurance have been screened for cancer with mammograms and prostate exams thanks to the foundation. The group raises money through donations, grants and fundraisers. The foundation also works with physicians and health agencies to provide follow-up care, and it's soon expanding to provide screening for skin cancer. Five out of 25 men at one prostate screening went on to get biopsies. The foundation has no paid staff and no office. So with no overhead, the funds directly help patients. There is only the cost of a cell phone
that volunteers answer. ``It sounds disorganized, but we accomplish amazing things,'' said Paula Wirth, a former board president who survived a bout with a rare, aggressive cancer.
``We know the struggles,'' Wirth said. ``Some of us are cancer survivors and we know the disease itself, but add on to that, these folks don't have insurance and ... it would be overwhelming. When I was go-
Flu counts going down in SD PIERRE, SD: The flu appears to be losing its punch in South Dakota. The Health Department reports no deaths and only 23 hospitalizations in the past two weeks. The number of people getting a flu test at a doctor's office also is falling. It's
down from nearly 2,400 a week in mid-March to 489 in the latest reporting period. The flu outbreak peaked in mid-February. So far, 17 people have died from the respiratory flu and 273 have been hospitalized. -AP
ing through mine, I can't imagine having to pay for things in addition to getting well.'' Since the economy soured, fundraising has been difficult, and the need is greater since so many people have lost jobs and health insurance. Still, the foundation raises $50,000 a year, ``and we pretty much spend it,'' Wirth said. The group also has an endowment of more than $100,000. The organization began on a shoestring 14 years ago, crafted by four women in a service organization, Soroptimist International of the San Tans. The founding president was Carole Weishaar of Mesa, who had survived late-stage ovarian cancer. She led the group for five years and is still active. ``What I need to do is make my life count,'' Weishaar said. ``I need to do something to give back for the life I got back.'' The first physician to sign on to help the foundation was Edgar Hernandez, who is still the group's chief medical adviser.
The group raises money through donations, grants and fundraisers. The foundation also works with physicians and health agencies to provide follow-up care, and it's soon expanding to provide screening for skin cancer Hernandez, who several years ago was chief of staff, chief of surgery and a board member at Chandler Regional Medical Center, praises the foundation volunteers. ``You should see the energy these women have,'' he said. ``They're so limited in how much they can do, but to look at them work so hard for people that have nothing, I could never say no to them.'' -AP
AAPI Charitable Foundation launches Sevak project Cont’d from page 43
Norton also offered his congratulations to the Indian-Americans present on the occasion for winning the prestigious World Cup in Cricket. A native of Australia, Norton is an avid cricket enthusiast and encourages the game among colleagues. The Foundation leaders presented him with a cricket bat on stage much to his happiness. Chivukula, in his address, said the Sevak project exemplified the dream of Swami Vivekanand who put service to the poor above everything. He said the Foundation has been reaching out to the unfortunate sections of society in a big way earning the praise of people living in both the US and India, a testimony to their selfless service. Dr. John Brennan hailed the service-
minded Indian-American physicians and recalled their contribution to society. Mayor Wayne Smith of Irvington, NJ in whose city the Foundation has launched the Healthy New Jersey initiative to conduct two ongoing community projects with public-private partnership to screen for diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease, said the 7,000 residents of the township are thankful to the Foundation for the well begun initiative. He said the public-private partnership would lead to a healthier New Jersey. Sevak was deployed in the first quarter of 2010 with the help of over 50 volunteers. The project started with a three-year period timeline at an estimated project cost of $150,000, was funded by AAPI Charitable Foundation of NY/NJ to the tune of $50,000 that came through corporate contributions.
Sunita Kanumury to be next AAPI President Cont’d from page 43
Outlining her vision, Dr. Kanumury said she would empower AAPI politically to protect professional survival, make AAPI financially stable, promote accountability and transparency to foster unity and shun parochial tendencies to help improve AAPI's image in public. Dr. Narendra R. Kumar, currently serving as vice president will become presidentelect for the new committee. A resident of Freeland, MI, Dr. Kumar has served the AAPI in various positions such as secretary, treasurer, chair of the journal resource
committee, regional director and past president of Association of Kerala Medical Graduates (AKMG). The new vice president Dr. Jayesh Shah is wound care, hyperbaric medicine physician in San Antonio, Texas. The Medical Director of South West Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, he was elected for a second term on the American Medical Association International Medical Graduate (AMA -IMG) Governing Council. Dr. Shah was recently selected to serve as Chair of the AMA IMG Governing Council for the 2009-2010 year. He was earlier secretary and treasurer of national AAPI.
April 29, 2011
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Health lecture on nutritional needs for vegetarians
India Post News Service
LOS ANGELES: Community members at over 50 locations across North America attended a local Health Awareness Lecture on the topic of Nutritional Considerations for Vegetarians. The lecture was organized by BAPS Charities in support of First Lady Michelle Obama's initiative, "Let's Move". Facing the current reality that one in three kids is overweight and is part of the first generation expected to be outlived by their parents, Mrs. Obama's 'Let's Move' initiative, now in its second year, is diligently working to end childhood obesity. Attempting to tackle the problem head on, the BAPS Charities Health Awareness Lecture focused on educating parents on the healthy vegetarian changes they could make
in children's lives. Both the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada have stated that at all stages of life,
efits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases." However, of the many millions of Americans who follow a vegetarian-
dietary planning. "I turned to vegetarianism when I was 16, in the middle of varsity basketball season," said Dr. Yogi Mehta, a general practitioner and volunteer in Ohio. "I
It is most important for vegetarians to maintain regular habits of drinking milk, an adequate source of B-12
a properly planned vegetarian diet is "healthful, nutritionally adequate, and provides health ben-
based diet, certain populations still tend to have some level of nutritional deficiency due to improper
wanted to live a more spiritually centered life as a Hindu, and my diet had to change. To keep up my stamina and muscle mass I needed to make sure my diet was
rich with protein and iron to compensate for the absence of meat." Vegetarians commonly face a B-12 deficiency because, unless fortified, plants are not rich in this necessary vitamin. It is most important for vegetarians to maintain regular habits of drinking milk, an adequate source of B-12. Another common pitfall is that even though people may eat FDA recommended amounts of grains, fruits, and vegetables, some often negate the nutritional intake with excess amounts of hydrogenated and saturated fat - butter, oil, heavy cream, and cheese. Vijay Desai of Dallas, Texas talked to an audience of visitors about his triple bypass surgery. "Too many years of eating meats, full of fats and cholesterol, had my arteries fully blocked. Cont’d on page 46
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Health lecture on nutritional needs for vegetarians
Cont’d from page 45
The thought of allowing food to cause this much stress and potentially take my life was enough to change my lifestyle." Desai said that his experiences have led to a change at home, now he enjoys exploring vegetarian cuisine with his wife and kids as they cook together as a family. BAPS Charities invited dieticians to offer healthy alternatives for families practicing vegetarianism. A similar health awareness forum has also been implemented for the youth wing of BAPS. Following First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" campaign, the youth are encouraged to understand the importance of eating fruits and vegetables, prepare healthy vegetarian meals, and
embrace a daily exercise routine. "Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins and nutrition, but more importantly, they are easy on the human di-
gestive tract," said Dr. Neha Shah, a dietician in Washington, D.C. "The human intestine is longer than that of a carnivore and digesting meat or poultry prevents
the intestine from functioning at its optimal level." BAPS Charities structured the seminars around educating attendees on preventative medicine, eating healthy to avoid future diseases, and illnesses. In addition to nutrition, working with the American Cancer Society, BAPS Charities stressed the importance for both men and women over the age of 50 to begin regular colon screenings for early detection of issues and even earlier for those who have a family history of colorectal cancer. BAPS Charities hosts a number of medical initiatives year round. Medical camps are set up in rural communities overseas, and mobile testing sites for blood screening are set up regularly in North America. Medical educa-
tion is a major component of prevention, and in 2010, more than 12,000 people attended informational seminars on health topics ranging from women's health to eye care.
HIV cases up 32 % among Tenn.'s youth NASHVILLE, Tenn.: The number of Tennessee residents 15 to 24 years old who were newly diagnosed with HIV jumped by 32 percent between 2005 and 2009, the last year for which statistics are available, according to state health statistics. "I remember holding the hands of people dying of AIDS in my 24 years of being in this field, but the young people I talk to have not held the hands of folks dying with AIDS," Victoria Harris, director of education for the Vanderbilt Comprehensive Care Center, which specializes in HIV treatment, told The Tennessean. "They don't have a reality of this virus." Deaths in Tennessee for people with HIV dropped almost by half from 1995 to 1997, after Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy was introduced. The
success of those drugs may have made some people complacent, but Scott Bryan, with the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, said people "cannot assume
HIV is detected and what mutations of the virus that person has contracted. "There's a big myth out there that people who have HIV can
Men who have sex with men still make up the majority of new infections nationwide at 53 percent. Among that group, black men between 13 and 29 had more new infections that HIV is always, and certainly not easily, treatable." For one thing, how well medications work depend on how soon
have unsafe sex with other HIVpositive people. That it's OK," said Robertson Nash, a nurse practitioner with Vanderbilt Com-
prehensive Care Center. "It's actually very dangerous." People having unprotected sex can make it worse by spreading mutations of the virus that are drug-resistant. Almost one in six newly diagnosed people in 2007 was infected with a form of the virus that was resistant to at least one class of the drugs used to treat HIV. But 1 percent had mutations that were resistant to all three classes of drugs. And there's no guarantee that the government will continue to subsidize the drugs for those who cannot afford them. The drugs have been made widely available through the federally funded Ryan White program, but in 2009, the state temporarily put new applicants on a waiting list when the Tennessee AIDS Drug Assistance Program reached capacity.
And there is still confusion about what behaviors are safe, said Donald Alcendor, a professor with Meharry Medical College who works with the Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research. He said that in talks with high school seniors about half of them wrongly think they can't get HIV from oral sex. Men who have sex with men still make up the majority of new infections nationwide at 53 percent. Among that group, black men between 13 and 29 had more new infections than any other group. The CDC has designated HIV a crisis in African-American communities. Among Hispanics, the most infections also occurred in the youngest age group. But among white men, the most new infections were found in those between 30 and 39. -AP
April 29, 2011
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HELP WANTED Seeking individuals to work as Secretary/Bookkeeping/Accounts/Mail dispatcher/PayRoll Specialist Clerk, Typist and sale rep. qualification,verbal/written comm skills, extremely organized. Interested candidate should contact
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ACCOUNTING MANGER & SALE REPS As part of our expansion program, our company is looking for part time work from home account managers and sales representatives, it pays $4,000 a month plus benefits and takes only little of your time. Requirements should be a computer Literate. 23 hours access to the internet weekly. Must be Efficient and Dedicated. If you are interested and need more information, Contact Ray Clark.
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WANTED A team player and a shopper for MYSTERY GUEST INC. Requirement: Should be a computer Literate. 24 hours access to the internet weekly. Must be Efficient and Dedicated. If you are interested and need more information, Contact Nick Evarsman, Email:
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NEW YORK
ILLINOIS
Upcoming
Upcoming
Fri April 29
Fri April 29
• Rahat Fateh Ali Khan In NY
• Bhangratheque Presents Delhi 2 Dublin Venue: DarkRoom, 2210 W Chicago, Chicago, Ill Time: 8pm Contact: info@bhangratheque.com
Venue: Colden Centre Auditorium, Queens College 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY Time: 8pm Contact: 516-692-8690
Sun May 1 • Vaisakhi Dhamaka 2011 In NY
Sat April 30
NEW JERSEY
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Upcoming
Upcoming
Sat April 30
San April 30
• Vaisakhi Dhamaka 2011
• Youthsava 2011 - Registration
Venue: Rancocas Valley Regional High School, 520 Jacksonville Rd, Mounty Holly, NJ Time: 7:30pm Contact: 718-610-9799
Venue: India Community Center, 525 Los Coches St, Milpitas, California Time: 9am Contact: 408-934-1130
• Ugadi Habba Celebrations
Venue: HBQVB Park, 236-02 Hillside Ave, Bellerose, New York Time: 1:30pm to 6pm Contact: 718-610-9799
Venue: The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Sama Rathi Auditorium, 10915 Lemont Road, Lemont, Illinois Time: 5pm to 10pm Contact: 847-962-6847
Thurs May 5
Sat May 14
• The Big Brown Comedy Hour
• The Festival of Colors
Venue: Broadway Comedy Club, 318 W. 53rd Street, (off 8th Ave), New York Time: 8pm Contact: 917-607-4047
Venue: Naperville Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 500 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville, Illinois Time: 11am to 4pm Contact: 630-355-5468
Sun May 1 Sun May 8
• Ekal Bollywood Musical 2011
• Musik Waves Presents EK Sham Maa Ke Naam
Venue: Concert Hall, Sunnyvale Temple, 420 Persian Drive, Sunnyvale, California Time: 5pm Contact: 408-509-9445
Venue: Holiday Inn, Edison Hotel, 3050 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, New Jersey Time: 7pm Contact: 732-277-6687
Thu May 5 • Fund raising Volleyball tournament
WASHINGTON DC
Upcoming Fri May 20 • Athirudram-2011 Venue: Sanatan Dharma Temple, 15311 Pioneer Blvd, Norwalk, California Time: 7am Contact: 714-759-2511
Mon July 4 • Rathyatra, Festival of India Venue: National Mall (in front of Air & Space Museum), Washington, DC Time: 10:30am to 9pm Contact: 301-299-2100
Fri April 29 • Musical Evening With Manoj Mishra & Group @ Baltimore Venue: Greater Baltimore Temple, 2909 Bloom Road, Finksburg, Maryland Time: 7pm Contact: (202) 247-7434
Venue: Ponderosa Park, Sunnyvale, CA Time: 8am to 5pm
Sun May 8 • Swarabhishek: Pt. Shaunak Abhisheki Venue: Jain Temple Auditorium, 722 S. Main St., Milpitas, California Time: 3pm Contact: 408-243-9110
Sat May 7 • Masters Of Indian Music: Shahid Parvez & Tarun Bhattacharya Venue: Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Suite 3800, Clarice Smith Center, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, CA Time: 7pm to 11pm Contact: 410-747-3950
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Sat April 30 • Festival of Books Venue: University of Southern California, 3551 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles Contact: 866-790-5813
Sun May 8 • Yanni in Concert May 8th, 2011 at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE Venue: Nokia Theatre LA Live, 777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles, California Time: 8pm Contact: 323-930-7158
Sat May 7 • A Nostalgic evening of your favorite greet film songs ghazals and latest hits Venue: The heritage forum, 201 E Broadway Ave, Anaheim, California Time: 5pm to 6:30pm Contact: 949-552-0907
Sat May 28 • Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Live in Los Angeles Venue: Terrace Theater, 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, California Time: 7pm Contact: 510-610-0750
Sun July 17 • Indian Cruise to Mexico from Long Beach
Sat Nov 12
Venue: Carnival Splendor, 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, California Time: 4:30pm Contact: 858-925-7806
• Hello Namaste Salaam Satsriakal Masti
Mon Aug 1
Venue: Chandni Restaurant, 5748 Mowry School Rd, Balentine Plaza, across Hilton Hotel, Newark, CA 94560 Time: 7pm Contact: 510-299-1138
• Yogalicious! Venue: Art of Living Center Los Angeles, 948 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, California Time: 6:30pm to 9pm Contact: 310-820-9429
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amanujacharya revealed the philosophy of vishishtadvaita vedanta or qualified nondualism, which was opposite to Jagadguru Shankaracharya's philosophy of advait vedanta. He stated the God is one, but with internal differences, represented as the souls and the material creation. God has qualities. He is an ocean of Divine knowledge, bliss, compassion and other unlimited attributes. The world, comprised of the souls and lifeless inert matter, is a part of His being. He is referred to as 'nirgun', without any qualities, but what this indicates is that God is without the 'mayic' qualities of sattva, rajas and tamas. The material creation arose from God, therefore it is not an illusion. Maya is a power of God and established in Him. A soul is an infinitesimal fraction of God, just as a spark is a part of a fire. It remains at one place at a time, whereas God is omnipresent. The soul is ignorant, but God is omniscient and omnipotent. Being a fraction of God, the soul will always remain in existence. The soul could be considered equal to God only with respect to the experience of Divine bliss. The only means for a soul to be liberated from maya is selfless, whole-hearted devotion to God. The soul is an eternal servant of God. To refer to himself as God is
a great sin. Maya is a power of God and dependently established in God. Mayic ignorance can delude a soul, but not God. Ramanujacharya gave special emphasis to selfless surrender to God, which he called 'prapatti'. He said to renounce all material attachments, remove one's prideful ego, and to entrust one's everything to God. It is only through God's grace that a soul can attain ultimate divine happiness.
He said that God resides in the heart of every soul as a witness. He is the supreme Divine personality. He alone is the Creator and Lord of the universe. Worldly happiness is an illusion in the same way that a rope may be mistaken for a snake. God is our Mother and Father, therefore the duty of the child is to attain the grace of His Divine Mother and Father. A bhakta (devotee) should re-
all qualities or manifestations that can be perceived are unreal and temporary. Ramanuja believed them to be real and permanent and under the control of the Brahman. God can be one despite the existence of attributes, because they cannot exist alone; they are not independent entities. They are Prakaras or the modes, Sesha or the accessories, and Niyama or the controlled aspects, of the one Brahman. In Ramanuja's system of phi-
Viseshya or that which is qualified. Ramanuja opines, wrong is the position of the Advaitins that understanding the Upanishads without knowing and practicing dharma can result in Brahman knowledge. The knowledge of Brahman that ends spiritual ignorance is meditational, not testimonial or verbal. The 3028th birth anniversay of Ramanujacharya is being celebrated on April 29.
PAUL BRUNTON
ant, forgiveness applies only to a specific sin or a specific group of sins. With the adept, it applies to the totality of all his sins. For the first is still carrying his unfulfilled self-earned recompense entwined round his neck, because he is still carrying his ego. But the second is liberated from the burden because he is liberated from its hidden core, the ego.
forgive those who wrong us, we have no right to expect the remission of our own sins. This in fact is a spiritual law. All those who seek forgiveness for themselves, should follow the rule of forgiveness in their dealing with others. Every time they have to endure hatred from men, they are given the chance to learn goodwill towards men. Where others find only poi-
nious, not destructive, negative and discordant. Darkness has no positive existence in itself. It is simply the lack of light. Just so, ignorance is simply the lack of knowledge and evil is simply the lack of good. And just as the only way to get rid of darkness is to bring a light into it, whether by switching on a lamp or opening a window, so the only way to re-
T
he law of recompense (karma) is not a vindictive one. It does not, as some believe, express the Hebraic "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth". If it did there would be no hope that humanity could expiate its dark karma or escape from the tangled web which it wove around itself in the past. The actuality is that as soon as it comes to the full understanding and deep conviction that wrong-doing must be abandoned and as soon as its character, conscience, intelligence and balance are sufficiently developed, it frees itself from the consequences of its mistaken past. In other words by changing itself, its mentality and its feelings it creates a new and powerful cause, while the law itself produces the new effect of that cause, which is to bring an end to the dark karma inherited from its ignorant past. In this sense there is a forgiveness of its sins, which is a different sense from the merely sentimental form of wishful thinking that, in religious circles, misuses the idea of forgiveness. The past cannot be totally wiped out, even when its legacy can be modified. With the aspir-
member God's name and serve God with his body, mind and wealth. Ramanujacharya said that a soul should sincerely and humbly beg for the forgiveness of his sins; then God, who is causelessly merciful, will forgive him and grace him with supreme Divine bliss. Ramanuja's philosophy is referred to as Vishishtadvaita because it combines Advaita (oneness of God) with Vishesha (attributes). Differences with Shankara Adi Shankara had argued that
losophy, the Lord (Narayana) has two inseparable Prakaras or modes, namely, the world and the souls. These are related to Him as the body is related to the soul. They have no existence apart from Him. They inhere in Him as attributes in a substance. Matter and souls constitute the body of the Lord. The Lord is their indweller. He is the controlling Reality. Matter and souls are the subordinate elements. They are termed Viseshanas, attributes. God is the
Material creation, arising from God, is not an illusion Matter and souls constitute the body of the Lord. The Lord is their indweller. He is the controlling Reality. Matter and souls are the subordinate elements
Ramanujacharya
Forgive others, if you seek forgiveness for yourself With the aspirant, forgiveness applies only to a specific sin or a specific group of sins. With the adept, it applies to the totality of all his sins Paul Brunton
In dealing with those people who have fallen victims to the suggestion of malevolent forces; whether continuously or intermittently, we must remember not to condemn, resent or hate. We all carry a load of wrongdoing out of the far past yet we are always ready to seek forgiveness of this heavy recompense. If we are not ourselves prepared to
son, they are to find its antidote. But these are not the only grounds for such an attitude. There is another and one not less solid. Each man's thought contributes its little mite to the world's store, makes it better or worse. He is responsible for his own thoughts and if he is on the spiritual path he must try to keep them constructive, positive and harmo-
move evil from the world's thinking and eliminate the ignorance that promotes it, is to bring more good thought and spread more spiritual knowledge in the world. As man unfolds his diviner characteristics, he sheds his grosser ones. By his own labors in self-improvement, he prepares the way for the entry of God's redemptive grace.
Be Content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. -Lao Tzu Thought runs you. Thought, however, gives false info that you are running it, that you are the one who controls thought. Whereas actually thought is the one which controls each one of us. -David Bohm Your daily life is your temple and your religion. Whenever you enter into it take with you your all. -Khalil Gibran "Error runs down an inclined plane, while the Truth has to laboriously climb its way up hill." Old truisms are often the wisest. -Helena Petrovna Blavatsky What is love?" "The total absence of fear," said the Master. "What is it we fear?" "Love," said the Master. -Anthony de Mello The very purpose of religion is to control yourself, not to criticize others. Rather, we must criticize ourselves. -Dalai Lama
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April 29, 2011
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Maulana Showkat Shah: One more dead; how many more to go? D SUBA CHANDRAN
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very death in the Kashmir Maulana was assassinated as a nation in 1994. If one has to exvalley is interpreted in warning signal to the moderates pand this pattern to include the myriad ways - from murder, in the separatist camp. The state- assassinations of the separatist assassination, conspiracy, admo- ment made by Hafeez Saeed, in a political leaders including Abdul nition to internal strife, depending memorial meeting in Islamabad for Ghani Lone (2002), one will obon who is expressing it and from the Maulana is extremely impor- serve that the moderate voices are where it is being expressed. Many, tant and needs further analysis in being targeted. In fact, the trend including some of his critics, ar- this regard. He was quoted in the is becoming progressively self gue today that the Maulana has local news papers in Pakistan stat- evident. been martyred. However, estab- ing - "We don't believe in cricket While the above analysis may lishing his martyrdom raises three diplomacy or any other backdoor implicate the non-state actors led simple questions: by whom, for channel that the government by the Lashkar as the main culwhat purpose and how many more adopts with India," and prits, the state cannot be totally will have to be 'martyred', before "Mujahideen (freedom fighters) absolved from these assassinathe Indians stand up as a tions. Even if state, nation and people? there is a small Meanwhile, how is chance for peace, Maulana Shaukat Shah to the state is oblibe understood in the backgated to play a drop of his varied opinions role (perhaps an articulated in the recent indirect one) in years? As a leader of the silencing the Jamiat-e-Ahli Hadees, he trouble-makers, remarked on several relimost often by not gious issues; as a politicoproviding them religious being he tried to enough space blend religion and politics; and scope to as a personality he has mobilize believbeen closely identified with ers in violence. Yasin Malik; and recently The moderate The Namaz-e-Jinzah of Maulana Showkat Shah (inset) he was dubbed as an Indian voices in any agent by a faction within Kashmir, are determined to continue their conflict situation which speak for especially following the controver- struggle till the logical end of the peace need to be strengthened by sial fatwa statement - 'stone throw- Kashmir movement." expanding their constituency. ing by the youth is un-Islamic'. What does the above stateUnfortunately no major actions Then, who really was Maulana ment reflect? Is it the usual rheto- have been taken by the union govShaukat Shah? The unfortunate ric or Hafiz Saeed making a state- ernment in recent years which can truth about Kashmir valley is that ment in memorial meeting of be construed as an effective stratonly an individual himself knows Maulana Showkat? Worse, is he egy to strengthen the moderate what he really believes in and how highlighting what is likely to be voices. For New Delhi, the abfar it is different from what he the Lashkar strategy vis-Ă -vis sence of violence has meant esspeaks in the public. It is possible Kashmir? tablishment of peace. Since there that perhaps the Maulana himself Shaukat Aziz's killers may or has been less violence, it has been may not have known or foreseen assumed that normalcy has rewho would kill him and for what turned to the Kashmir valley and It is probable that the reasons. Thus it is significant to hence there is no further need for reflect on what actually might have action. Reduction in infiltration Maulana was assassicaused his death. along the LoC has been automatinated given his perThe first possibility is that cally taken to mean that terrorism Maulana Shaukat Shah was killed has declined in Kashmir. ception being an because of an internal conspiracy. Moreover, the civil society has Indian agent. A secA section in Kashmir believes that also lacked initiative in eliminattion within Kashmir the schism between Sufism and ing this lack of concern. It watches the puritanical versions is increas- believes that the the entire process guardedly - proingly getting violent. Jamiat-e-Ahli testing vociferously against whom Hadith which the Maulana Maulana was a part of it can and remaining silent on the headed, is itself divided into varipower-wielders. And the few who the pro-indepenous factions and there were indictraise their voices are silenced, dence movements ments about how the Maulana led most often brutally. since 2007 and had the movement since his take over The fact remains that Maulana in 1999. It is not a mere coinciShaukat was assassinated in April changed his mind dence, that his predecessor -Pro2011. But it will be difficult to unonly after his arrest fessor Mohammad Ramzan was cover the truth behind this fact. It also assassinated. is hard to say how long this cycle in 2008 Second, it is probable that the will continue given the current reMaulana was assassinated given alities. And even more disconcerthis perception being an Indian may not be nabbed, but a clear ing to imagine how many more agent. A section within Kashmir pattern is emerging since the people will die before the Indians believes that the Maulana was a 1990s. Ever since the killing of the wake up as a state, nation and sopart of the pro-independence Mirwaiz in 1990 ciety and say enough is enough. movements since 2007 and had Maulvi Mohammad Farooq, The writer is Director, IPCS & changed his mind only after his there has been a series of assassi- Visiting Professor, Pakistan Studarrest in 2008. nations of religious leaders, in- ies Program, Jamia Millia Third, it is likely that the cluding Qazi Nisar Ahmed's elimi- Islamia
India Post Debate on corruption
T
he way the crusaders against corruption, led by Anna Hazare, are being targeted proves there are the guilty ones in the establishment who do not want the "clean up" operation to succeed. Some ministers have spoken in innuendos, a few Congress functionaries, favourites of Sonia Gandhi, have taken potshots at the members of the civil society spearheading the campaign and, not surprisingly, some business houses who gain from their dealings with the government and fear exposure, are doing their best to discredit the persons behind the movement. Anna Hazare has even written to Sonia Gandhi pointing out the role of some senior Congress functionaries in this campaign. He wondered in the letter what would be the outcome if the government nominees in the Lokpal Bill drafting committee were subjected to "similar scrutiny or witch hunt" because "those in power have much more to explain." Indeed, questions are not being asked of ministers in the drafting committee about their wealth and property. Instead the focus of the pliable media has turned on members of the civil society. Leading members of the drafting committee, the father and son duo of lawyers Shanti Bhushan and Prashant Bhushan, have not only been maligned in a suspicious CD, they are also alleged to have been gifted farmhouses by UP government at very cheap rates. The two lawyers are veterans in the fight against corruption and will competently deal with the charges cropping up almost every day. What it reveals however is how tough is their mission and how elements in the media, bureaucracy, the government and commerce are ranged against them. An even tougher fight for them is yet to come. It is believed they won an easy victory that within the days of Anna Hazare's fast, the government buckled and conceded all their demands. This is partly attributed to the assembly elections in five states now on. The Congress did not want to harm its chances by being seen as being on the side of the corrupt. But as soon as the elections are over, one can expect the government to get obdurate and block the chances of the Lokpal Bill getting successfully drafted. There will be many hurdles, many objections leading to delay in the drafting which will suit the government. It is the case of many constitution-minded experts that a crucial bill like this should not be rushed and all aspects of its impact must be studied. While this is a valid point, it can also serve the government's intention to stonewall and ensure that the bill doesn't get drafted easily. The latest attempt by the government has been a tepid bill. The one proposed by the civil society though vests too much power in the Lokpal and is also not a perfect one. But a happy outcome of this agitation is that a nationwide debate has begun on its provisions. Constitutional experts, former judges and lawyers have joined the debate forcing politicians to get serious on moving ahead on this bill to tackle corruption. An interesting contribution in this debate has been made by the Chief Election Commissioner of India, SY Qureshi. In an interview with Shekhar Gupta of Indian Express he says the Lokpal has a limited role in the sense that it will only prosecute the corrupt. "What we're saying is don't allow the corrupt in the first place to come to power. Criminals, rapists, murderers, dacoits become MLAs, ministers. Law breakers become law makers, which is the reason why they would not allow such amendments to be passed in the legislature." This is a valid point to ponder.
April 29, 2011
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April 29, 2011