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India offers defense aid to Afghanistan

VOL 20, No. 1076

May 1, 2015

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Periodical Postage

INDIA RUSHES MASSIVE AID TO NEPAL

Details on page 6

AAPI welcomes Dr Vivek Murthy's elevation

Details on page 6

US concern on Ford Foundation crackdown

Details on page 16

Details on page 8

CONTENTS DEVASTATED: Rescue workers remove debris as they search for victims of earthquake in Bhaktapur near Kathmandu, Nepal, April 26

Details on page 6 India Post News Service

survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Is there India-China competition over aid to Nepal? Last week’s result

Is China’s corrider through Pak a threat too India? YES 67%

NO 33%

New York gets India-born woman judge

US Defense Secy to visit India in June

Communities gear up to help quake victims

INDIA POST SURVEY

Details on page 12

Details on page 7

Details on page 17

Sim Bhullar to visit India from May 2

Kumar Barve: Inspiring pioneer in politics

of the affected states in India. India launched a national disaster helpline 1078 as it intensified relief and rescue operations by deploying more aircraft and military helicopters which have brought back over 5,400 people from the Himalayan nation. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said the rescue operations have been stepped up despite "severe constraints" while noting that ministries concerned are working in tandem to provide all possible support to the survivors. Thousands of tonnes of relief material has already been sent and special teams of disaster management are on ground helping the people of Nepal. Details on page 5

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May 1, 2015

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May 1, 2015

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Publisher’s Diary

ive decades since the first influx of Indian doctors to America, the Indian American medical community has produced one of its own to serve as America's doctor. Last week, Dr. Vivek Murthy took oath as the US Surgeon General ending the more than a year-long rancorous confirmation process. It's not 50 years too long, but rather, I would say, in just one generation, we have the first Indian American Surgeon General, and the country doesn't even have its first woman President yet! Needless to say the more than 100,000 strong Indian American physician community represented by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), is euphoric. As the AAPI president Dr. Jahagirdar says, this appointment cements the reputation physicians of Indian origin have across America. AAPI, it must be said, played a big role in lobbying lawmakers to confirm Dr. Murthy's appointment. America's doc has a lot of national ailments to take care of, if he hasn't already got down to it. There's the gun lobby led by the National Rifle Association to be dealt with (after they desperately tried to scuttle his appointment) because he thinks guns, and by extension, violence of any kind, are a healthcare issue; then there's the never ending issue of abortion rights; and the rising debate over the need for vaccination. I wonder if he would involve himself in this little immigration related issue where Indian physicians who are scheduled to serve their residencies at American hospitals are facing extremely long delays in obtaining J-1 visas leading to shortage of doctors in rural and underserved communities across the country. More importantly, Dr. Murthy has the huge responsibility of keeping Obamacare going because he will still be in office long after President Obama's stint at the White House ends. The good doctor's mantra for the nation is set in the oldest of adages: Prevention is better than cure. And for those who want to know more about Dr. Murthy: He is next-generation, single, incredibly smart and thinks marijuana has its benefits as a medicine. Now that's as eligible as anyone can get. Here's to America's health!

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: New confidence With her confidence boosted, Jacqueline Fernandez wants people to relate to her character on screen and not to her name

Cover Story: Aid to Nepal India has pulled in all its resources in evacuation of Indians and foreigners and rushed massive aid to quake-hit Nepal

Community: Help from US Members of the Indian and Nepalese communities have geared up to extend all possible relief to Nepal quake victims

Visa for physicians Two US lawmakers have introduced a legislation that would speed-up visa approval for international physicians

Life style: Seychelles Carnival At the Seychelles Carnival the streets of Victoria were cluttered with tourists, gawkers, tableaux and performers

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May 1, 2015

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India rushes massive aid to Nepal India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Within an hour of the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal (and not so strongly some eastern Indian States) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on the phone line to India's northern neighbor offering assistance and first shipments of Indian aid arrived in Nepal within six hours. Since then India has pulled in all its resources in evacuation of Indians and foreigners, rescue and search missions and providing medical relief. The Prime Minister is regularly in touch with the Prime Minister and President of Nepal as well as chief ministers of the affected states in India. India launched a national disaster helpline 1078 as it intensified relief and rescue operations by deploying more aircraft and military helicopters which have brought back over 5,400 people from the Himalayan nation. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said the rescue operations have been stepped up despite "severe

constraints" while noting that ministries concerned are working in tandem to provide all possible support to the survivors. Thousands of tonnes of relief material has already been sent and

West Bengal and other states is taking place on war footing and the Prime Minister is personally monitoring the situation. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Member-Sec-

"Anybody can use this number by dialing 011-1078 and whatever request we get will be shared with agencies concerned involved in the operation," he told reporters. The National Disaster Management Authority has also appointed a nodal officer to process requests for relief and rescue. The Foreign Secretary said so far over 5,400 Indians including 30 foreign nationals have been evacuIAF and NDRF personnel on their way to earthquake-hit Nepal on April 27 to carry ated includout rescue operations ing 2091 by special teams of disaster manage- retary R K Jain said the National the Indian Air Force. ment are on ground helping the Disaster helpline - 1078 - has been Home Secretary L C Goyal said people of Nepal. made operational to help people there have been 72 casualties reRelief operations in affected seek information about their near ported from four states of Bihar states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and dear ones. (56), Uttar Pradesh (12), West Bengal (3) and Rajasthan (1). The Foreign Secretary said various countries have requested India to rescue their citizens struck in Nepal. "We have received refected. Nearly 80 per cent of the Nyalam County with Zham has quests for overflights also." Defense Secretary Mathur said houses in the three counties have been blocked by multiple landthe government was considering collapsed. slides. The number of casualties is Rescuers are still working to involving Gorkha ex-servicemen likely to increase as access and clear an important tunnel that in Nepal to help the rescue teams. He said four C-17 communication returns to normal, winds through high mountains. Globemasters, three C-130J Super a spokesperson of the headquar- PTI Hercules, three IL-76 and two ANters said. 32 aircraft were pressed into ser"We worry most about Zham vice. Extensive helicopter operaTown. Rescue work there is particularly difficult because the road to the town is blocked," Mayor of Xigaze City Zhang Hongbo said. Zhang added that Zham Town has felt more than 20 aftershocks, BEIJING: China is providing which have caused landslides and regular update of weather to avalanches. quake-hit Nepal with latest satelThe town is in short supply of lite images and forecast provided food and bottled water. by Chinese Meteorological AdWASHINGTON: The US has Food stocks will last likely only ministration. announced fresh aid of USD 9 for three days. Nepal has been checking the million for quake-hit Nepal as it A 37-km highway linking FY2E image series and the generlaunched relief and rescue misated forecast of South Asia region sion in the Himalayan nation, round the clock through its resending a disaster response ceiver in Kathmandu, at a time team alongwith rescue dogs to when the Himalayan nation has search for survivors. been getting aftershocks after a "We are working very closely major earthquake, state-run with the government of Nepal Xinhua news agency reported. to provide assistance and sup"We have direct access to the port. I am announcing that the image and forecast of Chinese US will provide an additional Meteorological Administration USD 9 million for Nepal earthand we are in regular updates," quake response," Secretary of Subash Rimal, weather expert at State John Kerry told reporters Meteorological Forecasting Diviin New York. sion of Nepal said. This is in addition to the USD Also the Chinese military has 1 million already provided to the set two IL-76 transport planes for quake victims in Nepal. Nepal to help with rescue operaThe funding will be used to tions.-PTI

Tibet earthquake toll keeps rising BEIJING: The death toll in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region due to the earthquake and its aftershocks climbed to 25 even as rescuers continued to reach out to the affected people in the remotest of areas. Besides, a total of 117 have sustained injuries, state- run Xinhua news agency reported. The 7.9 Richter Scale temblor that struck Nepal also affected parts of Tibet. The two border posts to Nepal were seriously affected. The earthquake also affected the south-western part of Tibet, especially Xigaze City. The city has 18 counties and prefectures, and a population of more than 700,000. The counties of Gyirong, Nyalam and Tingri were most af-

Family members break down during the cremation of an earthquake victim in Bhaktapur near Kathmandu, Nepal on April 26

Chinese satellites providing weather data

tions have also commenced. The Foreign Secretary said water, food, medicines, milk products, communication sets and oxygen regenerators have been sent to Nepal by five military aircraft. He said communication systems are "badly needed" there. Jaishankar said two separate teams of Power Grid Corporation and Indian Oil Corporation have also reached Nepal to help authorities in restoring power and fuel supply respectively. Home Secretary Goyal said about 150 buses and 21 trucks carrying relief material are going to Nepal from various border points in India. "Railways has agreed to add additional boogies at Gorakhpur and Raxaul in order to facilitate further movement of people coming from Nepal," he said. Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that India will augment fuel supply to the neighboring country to meet its requirement. "We have come to know that requirement of petro products has increased in Nepal postquake...we will ensure adequate supply of fuel...," he told reporters. Responding to a question, the Home Secretary said the Centre was ready to relax rules for NGOs to facilitate relief materials to Nepal. "I have not come across any complaint. But we are ready to look into any rules which might come in the way of NGOs in extending support to the affected people," he said.-With PTI inputs

US announces fresh aid of $9 million address immediate, life-saving priorities, including search-andrescue efforts, the provision of emergency shelter, clean water, sanitation, and additional needs that emerge in the coming days, USAID said. "This emergency assistance builds on our years of support for risk reduction partnerships in Nepal," said Jeremy Konyndyk, Director of USAID's Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance. The US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said two C-17s of the US Air Force were dispatched to Nepal with USAID support, search-and-rescue personnel and supplies on board.-PTI

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India offers support in defense to Afghanistan NEW DELHI: India has offered assistance to war-ravaged Afghanistan in diverse sectors including defense as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held extensive talks during which both leaders stressed the need for concrete action to dismantle terror networks. According to sources, Indian side told the Afghan delegation that Afghanistan should "let their defense requirements be known" to India. Significantly, Ghani's predecessor Hamid Karzai was strongly pushing for supply of military hardware by India to enhance Afghan defense capability. In the meeting, Modi and Ghani, who is here on his first visit after assuming office in September last, discussed host of key issues including connectivity and security, with the Prime Minister making a strong pitch for a positive and constructive approach from neighbors of Afghanistan including to end support for violence. Asserting that Indo-Afghan partnership has blossomed despite barriers of geography and hurdles of politics, Modi said the success of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process within the framework of the Constitution of Afghanistan, without the shadow of violence was in their shared interest. After the comprehensive talks with Ghani on entire gamut of bilateral ties as well as on key regional and international issues, Modi, at a joint press event with the visiting leader, said he conveyed India's support for his vi-

sion for peace and stability in Afghanistan. "We have a shared interest in the success of an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process. This should be conducted within the framework of the Constitution of

Without naming Pakistan, which has been accused by the previous Afghan government of supporting violence in Afghanistan, Modi said, "Its (process) success requires a positive and constructive approach from

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani shake hands during their joint statement at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on April 28

Afghanistan, without the shadow of violence. "It should reinforce the political, economic and social progress of the last fourteen years. And, it should protect the rights and aspirations of all sections of the society, including Afghan women," Modi said. The Afghan President identified terror as a major challenge facing the region and said his government was determined to make Afghanistan the "graveyard of terror".

neighbors, including an end to support for violence." Noting that India deeply values its friendship and goodwill with Afghanistan, the Prime Minister said the country stands with the people of Afghanistan as they build a united, stable, democratic and prosperous nation. "This comes from the responsibility of our friendship. It also stems from our commitment to regional peace and progress.... And, it will not be limited to the period of transition or the decade of

Sim Bhullar to visit India from May 2 MUMBAI: Sim Bhullar, who earlier this month became the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA, will visit India from May 2-7 to promote the growth of basketball in the country. The 7'5 feet tall center player will help train top 140 youth from across India, who participated in the Reliance Foundation Junior NBA program, the NBA's premier grassroots event. "I am very excited to travel to India to see firsthand how basketball's popularity has grown and to meet young basketball players across the country," said Bhullar. "Hopefully sharing my story will help inspire young Indians to pursue their dreams on and off the court, just as I have." The 22-year-old Bhullar will first travel to Mumbai on May 2 to in-

transformation. This is an enduring commitment," Modi added. On his part, Ghani, who has visited China and Pakistan before coming here and has proIslamabad approach, appreciated India's contribution in reconstruc-

teract with fans, tour the city and appear on Sony SIX's IPL Extra Innings show on Sunday, May 3. Bhullar will then travel to Noida to inaugurate the Reliance Foun-

dation Junior NBA Elite National Camp on May 4. On May 5, Bhullar will travel to Amritsar to visit the Golden Temple and Pingalwara, a home for individuals suffering from incurable and terminal diseases, to which the player's family will make a contribution. On May 6, he will visit Chandigarh to conduct a Reliance Foundation Junior NBA clinic for 150 children at New Public School. Bhullar will then return to Noida on May 7 to celebrate the final day of the Reliance Foundation Junior NBA Elite National Camp. The inaugural Reliance Foundation Junior NBA Elite National Camp, which consists of skills training, competitions, games, fitness training and team building exercises, will be held in Noida from May 4 to 7.-PTI

tion efforts in his country as also massive human resource development projects for Afghan youths, sources said. India has so far contributed over USD two billion for various projects including in social sector. "The relationship between India and Afghanistan is not just between two countries or governments. It is a timeless link of human hearts," Modi said, adding "India will walk shoulder to shoulder with you and the Af-

ghan people in a mission of global importance." The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude to the Afghan security forces, who protect Indians in Afghanistan as their own people. "We share Afghanistan's pain over persisting terrorism and extremist violence that destroy lives and derail progress. I thank him for cooperation against terrorism," Modi Ghani said peace was the main goal of his government as "the shadow of terror haunts our children, our women, our youth". "Terror must be confronted and must be overcome.... Our will must not be underestimated and we will not be beaten to submission," Ghani said, adding terror must be "contained if the disease is to be cured". The Afghan President also said the "state systems" must "rise" to understand the challenge as "terrorism cannot be classified into good or bad". "It can not be differentiated. We must have a unified approach. We must be united both in the region and globally to contain terror," he added. The Afghan President also underlined the need to have a regional framework to deal with the menace. Asserting that India was prepared to continue its support for capacity building of Afghan security forces, Modi said, "I am pleased that we have delivered three Cheetal Helicopters to Afghanistan, which will add to the growing capabilities of the valiant Afghan forces." -PTI

US Defense Secy to visit India in June NEW DELHI: The new US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter will be visiting India in June and will sign the enhanced Defense Framework Agreement for the next ten years between the two countries. Also on the agenda will be the nearly USD 2.5-billion deal for 22 Apache and 15 Chinook heavylift helicopters besides taking forward the talks on proposed codevelopment and co-production of military technology, ranging from aircraft carrier launch systems to mini drones. Pointing out that India and US are tracking some 77 different line of effort that came out of President Barack Obama's visit here, US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said, "We have re-ener-

gized or launched 30 new initiatives, 30 different dialogues". He said that the US Embassy here has every element of American government and at any given day, they are interacting with some element of the Indian government, adding "we are not going to let the momentum go". "I think that is a very good thing and a very positive thing. We are not going to let the momentum go and we are not going to slow down what has been accomplished," he said, adding that he was looking forward to the next high-level dialogue between the two governments in June. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 7

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New York gets India-born woman judge NEW YORK: Raja Rajeswari has been sworn-in as a criminal court judge here by Mayor Bill de Blasio, becoming the first India-born woman to be appointed a judge in the New York City. Rajeswari, 43, who had immigrated to the US from India as a teenager, previously worked with the Richmond County District Attorney's Office for her entire career in several bureaus including Criminal Court, Narcotics, Supreme Court, and the Sex Crimes Special Victims Bureau, where she last served as Deputy Chief. Rajeswari took the oath of office at a ceremony here along with 27 other judges appointed earlier this month to the Family Court, Criminal Court, and Civil Court, which are part of the New York State Unified Court System. The mayor appoints judges to 10-year terms in the New York City Criminal Court and the Family Court within the city. "To ensure New Yorkers have access to a fair, equitable justice system, we need judges who are qualified, honest and reflective of the people of this city," said Mayor de Blasio. "With their wealth of legal experience, these appointees represent all five boroughs and all walks of life. From the first female South Asian-American judge in New York City to a former NYPD First Deputy Commissioner, these talented leaders truly reflect the diverse range of communities that make up our great city," he said. The mayor said Rajeswari has an "extraordinary, extraordinary empathy for others." He lauded her ability to speak in Indian,

US Defense Secy to visit India in June Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 6

He said Carter will be here in early part of June and US was looking at signing a new 10-year defense agreement, agreed to during Obama's visit. "We are looking to do more in terms of exercises and joint training, interoperability with our Indian counterparts and hopefully provide more in terms of increasing India's indigenous capability to make defense products right here in India," he said at the first US-India Think Tank Summit. Verma said that during Obama's visit, both countries have reoriented how they cooperate with each other. He said it was not just about cooperation in South Asia but both countries now have a "very robust architecture" for East Asia as well. He said the two countries will work together on maritime cooperation, keeping sea lanes open, combating weapons of mass destruction, supporting humanitarian assistance to disasters as well as increasing trade and economic integration across Asia. "The strategic premise of that is that if US and India are the closest of partners, not just in South Asia, but across Asia and globally, the world would be a safer and more prosperous place.â&#x20AC;? -PTI

Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian languages, saying she put her history as an immigrant and ability to speak all these languages to work, "helping to reach immigrants" in the Staten Island communities

Raja Rajeswari

where she served as an Assistant District Attorney. "And she saw as her mission to give them confidence in the justice process," de Blasio said. Rajeswari had said in a report earlier this month that she is

"honored and humbled" by her appointment. "It's like a dream. its way beyond what I imagined," she was quoted as saying in the media report. "For someone like me, an immigrant who comes from India, I'm beyond grateful," she said. "I told the mayor this is not only my American Dream, but it shows another girl from a far away country that this is possible," Rajeswari had said. Rajeswari has served in the district attorney's office for the past 16 years and has been the deputy chief of the Special Victims Unit for more than four years.-PTI

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US concern on Ford Foundation All-party meet to discuss voting rights to NRIs crackdown WASHINGTON: The US has expressed concern over India's crackdown on funding to foreign NGOs operating in the country Ford Foundation and Greenpeace, and said it is seeking "clarification" in the matter. "We are aware that the (Indian) Ministry of Home Affairs suspended the registration of Greenpeace India and has placed the Ford Foundation on a prior permission watch list," State Department Deputy Acting Spokesperson Marie Harf told reporters here. "We remain concerned about the difficulties caused to civil society organizations by the manner in which the Foreign Contributions Regulations Act has been applied," she said in response to a question.

"We are concerned that this recent ruling limits the necessary and critical debate within Indian society and we are seeking a clarification on this issue with the appropriate Indian authorities," Harf

said. In a crackdown on foreign findings to NGOs, the Indian Union Home Ministry has put the Ford Foundation of the US on its "watch list" and ordered that all funds coming from the international organization have to be

routed only with its nod due to "national security concerns". The Home Ministry said it has decided to keep a watch on all activities funded by Ford Foundation because it wanted to ensure that funds coming from Ford Foundation are utilized for "bonafide welfare activities without compromising on concerns of national interest and security". The move came after Gujarat government asked the Home Ministry to take action against Ford Foundation as it alleged that the US-based organization was "interfering in the internal affairs" of the country and also "abetting communal disharmony" through an NGO run by social activist Teesta Setalvad.-PTI

NEW DELHI: The government while adding that it was necessary has agreed to convene an all-party for legislation on voting rights for meeting to discuss its proposal to migrant voters traveling across give NRIs the right to exercise the country in search of work. their franchise by e-postal ballots Minister of State for Parliamenor through proxy voting. tary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Law Minister D V Sadananda said there was a broad consensus Gowda accepted the demand of at an all-party meeting called by opposition parties in the Rajya Election Commission on the issue Sabha that their views should be of voting rights for NRIs and the taken into consideration while government would work in this enacting legislation to grant vot- direction. ing rights to NRIs and domestic migrant labor. Replying to a calling attention motion moved by Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Law Minister made it clear that the government was acting on the Election CommisInitiating the debate after callsion report regarding voting rights ing the attention of the Law Minof over one crore NRIs and not as ister, Azad said they were not opdirected by the Supreme Court. posed to voting rights for NRIs During the debate, Opposition through e-postal ballots or by members charged the government proxy voting, but the way the with taking up the matter against Government has moved the prothe backdrop of the Supreme posal without holding discussion Court's directions, with Leader of with the political parties. Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad "Today government has said saying they were not opposed to goodbye to all consultation provoting rights for NRIs but the way cess. Parliament is being made the Government has moved the aware of developments from proposal without discussing it newspaper reports. It has become with the political parties. the habit of the government to The Minister said the report bypass the Parliament and the had recommended the options of the e-postal ballot system and proxy To ensure that secrecy and voting and the government had submitted be- methodology is maintained, fore the Supreme Court accepting the recom- Gowda said "e-postal and mendations. postal ballot voting To ensure that secrecy and methodology methodologies are being is maintained, Gowda said "e-postal and worked out for the voting postal ballot voting methodologies are be- rights of the NRIs" ing worked out for the voting rights of the NRIs". standing committees. When we However, he agreed for an all- object, we are being criticized," he party meeting as demanded by said. several opposition parties like He voiced concern over castAIADMK, DMK, BJD, CPI, SP ing of votes through e-postal baland JD-U. lots, saying they are prone to hackOn the crucial issue of voting ing and cited the recent example rights for domestic migrant labors, of US President Barack Obama's he said the Election Commission e-mail account being hacked. would convene a meeting of the Azad also accused the governpolitical parties to gather their ment of adopting a discriminatory views on this issue also. approach in granting voting rights "I (will) request Election Com- to NRIs through e-postal ballots mission to hold all party meeting but ignoring the rights of migrant to get their feedback," he said workers.-PTI

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Indian uses invisible ink to cheat bank customer LONDON: A 37-year-old Indian-origin woman bank executive was spared jail by a court here after she was found guilty of using invisible ink while drawing more than 14,000 pounds from a customer's account. Vaijawanthi Aneet, a senior Barclays Bank manager kept meticulous notes of more than 20 withdrawals while raiding the customer's account between May and November 2013. Judge Richard Marks, the Common Serjeant of London, gave her a three month jail sentence suspended for a year, and ordered her to pay 2,300 pounds court costs.

Vaijawanthi Aneet

"This has obviously been an extremely traumatic event for you, which has taken a very heavy toll on you and your husband," the judge told her. "I'm quite satisfied this is an offence completely out of character, and not something that will ever occur in the future. You could and should have done something about this when first it happened. "The matter is sufficiently serious it can only be dealt with by a sentence of imprisonment, but having regard to the unusual circumstances here, it's a case where a suspended sentence is appropriate," the judge

said. According to a report in The Telegraph, Aneet, a premier relationship manager at Barclays branches in Holborn and Fenchurch Street, set up a new savings account for customer William Giles in order to carry out the fraud. She then moved the funds to a dormant account before withdrawing the money from a cash machine, the Old Bailey heard. In order to keep track of the transactions, she used invisible ink, writing entries such as, "To pay back with good interest, asap." The court heard that when she had eventually been confronted over the allegations, she had produced a notebook which appeared to be blank. But after coloring it in, the Old Bailey heard that writing had become visible which tracked the withdrawals along with the amount taken. Aneet admitted the fraud, but claimed she had been forced into it by a man who had assaulted her and demanded money from her. "In the course of more than 20 transactions, it was put into an account she had opened on his behalf without his knowledge," he said. Blunt said Aneet was attacked as she left the branch in Fenchurch Street and again outside the Holborn branch by the man who forced her to commit the frauds. The court heard she gave 11,000 pounds to an unknown man and kept 3,400 pounds for herself. Blunt said Aneet is now five months pregnant and has been bedridden since she found out she was expecting a child, having suffered three previous miscarriages. He said Aneet came to the UK in 2009 on a work visa, and an application to stay longer is currently with the Home Office. -PTI

PM entitled to his comments abroad: Jaitley NEW DELHI: Members from Opposition and treasury benches had a heated exchange of words in Rajya Sabha over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on foreign soil that he wanted to clean the dirt of 60 years forcing three adjournments in the pre-lunch session. Rejecting the Opposition charge that Modi was lowering the dignity" of the country by making such remarks abroad, Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the Prime Minister was "perfectly entitled" to say that his government will break away from what happened in last 60 years and give a clean government. He also took potshots at both Janata Dal (United) and CPI(M) wondering

whether they thought that India is not defamed by "acts of corruption" but by referring to those acts. Congress Deputy Leader Anand Sharma raised the issue through a notice for suspension of business under rule 267 to discuss Modi's remarks in Germany and Canada alleging that the Prime Minister lowered the prestige and dignity of the country, a contention which was supported by members from other Opposition parties including Sharad Yadav of JD-U. Vehemently countering the charge, Jaitley while he can understand the Congress benches getting upset with the talk of cleaning up corruption, he was suprised at the remarks of JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav and those of the CPI-M leaders.-PTI

FBI warrant for Indian wife-killer NEW YORK: A 24-year-old Indian na- back room just before midnight on April 12. tional suspected of killing his wife inside a Patel, born in India, was in the United Dunkin' Donuts earlier this month has been States legally but his visa had expired in declared "wanted" by the FBI here which March this year. is offering a USD The FBI's 20,000 reward for infor"Wanted" poster has mation leading up to three photographs of his capture. Patel with details Bhadreshkumar about his age, place of Chetanbhai Patel is birth, employment and said to have been last physical features. seen in the New York It says Patel is area after allegedly wanted for "unlawful having fled from Newflight to avoid prosark in the neighboring ecution" and has been New Jersey state. charged with first deThe US Attorney's gree murder, second Office in Maryland degree murder, first has issued a federal degree assault, secwarrant against Patel ond degree assault, in the murder of his 21and dangerous year old wife Palak weapon with intent to Bhadreskumar Patel. injure. The FBI is offering Cautioning that Bhadreshkumar a reward of up to USD Patel "should be conChetanbhai Patel 20,000 for information sidered armed and leading to Patel's ardangerous", the FBI rest. Detectives say the Patel couple worked poster further says that allegedly struck his at a Dunkin Donuts restaurant in Maryland. wife multiple times with an object inside They believe Patel killed his wife in a the restaurant and then fled the scene.-PTI

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India may adopt US-style law to block M&As NEW DELHI: India may adopt an American-style mechanism where the head of the government has the authority to block or unwind mergers and acquisitions by foreign companies that could threaten national security. The issue has come up in inter-ministerial discussions on Chinese investment in sensitive sectors like seaports, airports, telecom, aviation in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make-in-India" campaign. Ahead of Modi's visit to China next month, a note was prepared by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) to discuss security-related concerns applicable

The issue has come up in inter-ministerial discussions on Chinese investment in sensitive sectors like seaports, airports, telecom, aviation in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make-in-India" campaign

to FDI in some 'sensitive and strategic' sectors. During the meeting, it was suggested that the country needs legislative measures similar to Exon-Florio Amendment to the US Defense Production Act 1950 under which the US President can block or unwind mergers and acquisitions. "It has been expressed in certain quarters that India needs legislative measures similar to the Exon-Florio Amendment to the US Defense Production Act 1950 which provides the US President the authority to block or unwind mergers and acquisitions by foreign companies that could threaten national security," the note said.

As per existing regulations, government or FIPB approval is required for transfer of ownership or control of Indian companies in those sectors which have caps for foreign investment. "However, if a foreign investment is found to be working against national interests, presently we do not have any legal framework to address the same," the note said and drew the attention towards a decision of Committee of Secretaries in March 2010 which had favored an appropriate legislation to act in cases where national security issues arise post-investment. The Exon-Florio Amendment was brought in force in 1988 under which the President of the United States may block the investments from foreign countries if it is found affecting national security or pose a threat to security. "Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) may consider taking up the matter with legislative department of the Ministry of Law and Justice to work out an appropriate legislative framework," the note said. During the NSCS meeting, Indian security agencies expressed the view that some sectors like seaports, airports, aviation, telecom, Internet service providers, petroleum refining, hydrocarbon exploration, shipping, roads pharmaceuticals, defense and metallurgy are sensitive from security point of view.-PTI

China to provide 110 fighter jets to Pakistan ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will acquire 110 latest JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from China as the two countries forge closer economic and defense cooperation following President Xi Jinping's visit here earlier this week, a media report said here. Radio Pakistan reported that China will deliver the first batch of 50 jets over a period of three years. The Head of Chinese Aircraft Industry told a Chinese daily that under the contract signed between the two countries, Pakistan will receive a total of 110 JF-17 Thunder

fighter aircraft from China. It is not clear when the delivery of the remaining 60 jets will be completed. The JF-17 Thunder is also built in Pakistan as China has already transferred its technology. But Pakistan needs more fighter jets at faster pace due to its fight against Taliban militants.-PTI

May 1, 2015

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Making a Difference

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May 1, 2015

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A monthly column highlighting the achievements of Indian Americans locally and beyond.

ith this monthly column, we intend raising political awareness and become an inspiration for each of us to excel, reach greater heights. We Indian Americans are going through a transitional evolution in this country, as we get entrenched in doing some good; as entrepreneurs, high tech geeks, doctors, lawyers, imposing our goodwill upon this fantastic country. But as we all discover, our involvement can run deeper and wider to impact issues near and dear to our hearts. It starts with simple contribution and involvement in our local community. There are few who are already beginning or have made their mark - we want to highlight these SatyAgrahi souls as learning for all of us. We invite success stories you have observed around you, provide us your in-

sights on Indian Americans locally and nationally who made things happen. The ones who helped address a simple issue in the community to make life a bit better; perhaps got elected to the school board, appointed to the planning commission or library commission. The one common theme that you may discover, the experience is rewarding and transformative at the same time - there is value in being involved and being an engaged citizen. These perspectives will help construct roadmaps for our community to empower ourselves, to represent our local communities as leaders, and make this glorious country of America a better place. You can email your recommendations for this spotlight coverage to Rishi at Rishi@RishiKumar.com

Kumar Barve: Inspiring pioneer in mainstream politics RISHI KUMAR

elegate Kumar Barve, 56 is a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 17 in Montgomery County. He was the first Indian-American to be elected to a state legislature in the United States, and has served since 2002 as the Majority Leader of the House of Delegates. His legislative work has focused largely on healthcare and promotion of the high-tech industry in Maryland. He is running for Congress in 2016 in the 8th district. Early in his career, Delegate Barve was a co-sponsor and primary architect in 1993 of Maryland's landmark reform of health insurance. Appointed chairman of the Technology Subcommittee in 1996, Barve established himself as a leader in technology policy for Maryland. He was the sponsor of the Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and Maryland's technology tuition assistance program. In 2000, Barve was the prime architect of the landmark "ecommerce" Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (UCITA). Kumar attended public school in Silver Spring, MD and received a Bachelor of Sci-

Kumar, you were a pioneer running for elections to the house of delegates in 1990 when Indian Americans as a community were still trying to establish ourselves in the country. What were some of the highlights from that run back then? What did you have to deal with? In 1990 it was gratifying that so many non-Indian-Americans were so supportive. Unfortunately most Indian-Americans were very dismissive. Most Indian-Americans assumed I would lose and lose badly. Many didn't even turn out to vote for me! Average Americans had absolutely no qualms about my candidacy or about supporting me. In fact, on election day a Republican precinct official congratulated me for being the first person of Indian origin elected to a state legislature. He said he was proud of me even if he didn't vote for me! What is the one incident (if any) that set the tone, that perhaps emboldened you onto this path? I decided to run for office in the 10th grade. I worked on the (unsuccessful) campaign of a candidate for the House of Del-

politics as a great side interest that could turn into something big. The road not traversed by many is never

Religion and politics don't intermix usually. There is a recent aversion by Indian American elected leaders to Hinduism - even claiming other affiliations. What is your take on it? I have NEVER hidden the fact that I am Hindu. What is the point of running for high office if you have to run away from your identity in the process?

Kumar with his wife Maureen Quinn

easy. What were some of the challenges along the way? How has it tempered your approach to politics and life - to making a difference in your community? For me, there wasn't anything out of the ordinary because of my background or religion. I was always upfront about being of Indian origin and being Hindu because those were the s on which I wanted to win. The problems I had in running for office were just the same as experienced by all other candidates. Tell us about your 2016 run for Congress. What are some of your key priorities? My top priority is work to "rebuild our middle class" through, increased national R&D investment, economic development, worker training and targeted tax cuts.

At the anti-Fracking campaign

ence in Accounting from Georgetown University. He lives in Montgomery County with his wife, Maureen Quinn. Kumar is the Chief Financial Officer of an environmental waste remediation company in Rockville, MD.

egates. That's what really got me interested. And, unlike most Indian-American parents, I got a lot of encouragement at home to pursue this. I got a degree in accounting from Georgetown University, so they knew I'd always make a good living. They saw

been a source of pride and inspiration and has been the "green light" for candidates since then.

You have been a source of inspiration for Indian Americans in Maryland, with so many recently elected Indian Americans. Do you take credit for it? What else can we as a community do to seed leadership with the next generation? My election in 1990 proved that a person with a name like Kumar Prabhakar Barve could win an election in a district with almost no Indian-American voters. This has

What roadmap do you have in mind with respect to our Indian American community - where do you see our community in 25 years? As a state legislator I worked hard to have Indian-Americans run for state and local office. As a member of Congress I will work equally as hard to accomplish the same result at the federal level. Rishi is Silicon Valley's energizer bunny deeply engaged in local causes to make his community a better place. He is an elected city councilmember in Saratoga, CA who continues to follow his passion for community service and community building. Rishi's day job is as a Silicon Valley hi-tech executive. Rishi Kumar is also the founder of the Bay Area Indian American Democratic Club whose charter is to further the interests and values of Indian Americans, work towards political empowerment and advance ethical standards in the political system. You can reach him via his website www.RishiKumar.com. He would love to get your recommendations for coverage of engaged Indian Americans who are demonstrating leadership in the community. Email your recommendations to him at Rishi<at>RishiKumar.com

Tech News BoB, UAE Exchange tie up for money transfer DUBAI: Bank of Baroda, a leading Indian public sector bank, has tied up with UAE Exchange to offer an instant cash transfer facility to NRI customers. UAE Exchange, a global remittance and foreign exchange company, serves over 7.9 million customers worldwide and currently has over 750 branches across 32 countries. Following the agreement, customers can send money to their desired bank accounts in Bank of Baroda in India, within minutes. "We have a long relationship with Bank of Baroda. I am sure that this special tie up will further strengthen this relationship. This service enables our customers to get the money transferred to the desired bank account within minutes. They also get a SMS notification the moment the amount is credited in the bank account," B R Shetty, Managing Director & CEO, UAE Exchange, said. Bank of Baroda has a network of more than 5,000 branches across Europe, US, Africa, Asia and Australia and in financial centers like New York, London, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore. -PTI

Airtel launches unlimited call schemes NEW DELHI: In a bid to boost its landline business, country's largest telecom operator Bharti Airtel will be launching unlimited voice calling schemes for its broadband customers. The company will come out with two plans offering unlimited local calls for Rs 49 per month and unlimited local and STD calls for Rs 99 per month. The company has about 14.89 lakh broadband customers at the end of December last year. "In an industry first, it will announce that its broadband customers can enjoy free voice calls to any network in the country 24x7," the company said. State-run BSNL has also announced free voice calling from landline phones during night hours starting from May 1. "Customers can enjoy unlimited free local calls with the pack priced at Rs 49 per month and unlimited free STD+local calls at Rs 99 per month to any network, anywhere in the country to both landlines and mobile phones round the clock," the company said.-PTI

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GM CEO's compensation triples to $15.8M DETROIT: General Motors CEO Mary Barra's compensation more than tripled in 2014 to $15.8 million in her tumultuous first year in the automaker's top job. Barra and other top executives got only 74 percent of the cash incentives they could have received, because GM fell short of goals set by the board. But her stock awards more than doubled from 2013 when she was senior vice president for product development and purchasing.-AP

Mary Barra

India detects over Rs 7,800cr black money; gets record STRs NEW DELHI: Government detected a whopping over Rs 7,800 crore of illegal monies within the country and abroad during 201314 as the elite Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) found all-time high cases of suspicious transactions in the country's economic channels. As per a latest report prepared by the Finance Ministry, the FIU's action led to the "detection of unaccounted income of Rs 7,078 crore by the Income Tax department while the Customs and Service Tax departments detected evasion of Rs 750 crore" during the said period. After the premier technical snoop wing under the Finance Ministry processed country-wide Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) it obtained from various financial institutions, the report said, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) also "detected proceeds of crime to the tune of Rs 20 crore and seized assets to the tune of

Rs 17 crore." The report, accessed by PTI, said as a result of this electronic intelligence generated by FIU, the "I-T department seized assets

tion the ED registered as many as 105 fresh criminal FIRs under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) apart from its regular operations against money launder-

worth Rs 163 crore and the Service Tax department sealed assets worth Rs 17 crore during the same period." Also, as part of the same ac-

ers and hawala operatives in the said time period. The total black money detected by FIU stands at Rs 7,848 crore during the last year, a senior Finmin

official said who did not wish to be quoted. The huge amount of black money could be detected during 2013-14, the official said, as the FIU witnessed an about 100 per cent jump in receiving the STRs at 61,953 dossiers as compared to a mere 31,731 STRs received by it during 2012-13. The agency also received a total of 87,79,082 Cash Transaction Reports (CTRs), 3,01,804 Counterfeit Currency Reports (CCRs) and 80,616 Non-Profit Organization Transaction Reports (NTRs), the latest updated report also submitted to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on black money, said. STR is defined as a transaction which gives rise to a reasonable suspicion that it may involve proceeds of a crime or appears to be made in circumstances of unjustified complexity or gives reasonable grounds to suspect that it may be linked to terrorist activities. -PTI

Ratan Tata picks up stake in Xiaomi NEW DELHI: Iconic business leader Ratan Tata has acquired a stake in Chinese handset maker Xiaomi, the first investment by

close the quantum and value of the stake, which Tata Group's former chief has picked in his personal capacity.

Ratan Tata, chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, poses with Hugo Barra (left), Vice President of Xiaomi Global, and Manu Jain, Head of Mi India Operations, in Mumbai on April 26

any Indian in the smartphone maker. The company declined to dis-

"We are truly excited to have Mr Tata on board. We will seek his advice in our journey to be-

coming an Indian company," Xiaomi India Head Manu Jain told PTI. Tata, who retired as head of over USD 100-billion conglomerate in December 2012 and currently serves as chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, has emerged as a major venture capital investor since his retirement. He has already made personal investments in homegrown ecommerce players like Snapdeal, Urban Ladder, Bluestone and Cardekho.com. In March this year, he also invested in mobile commerce firm Paytm. "India is our biggest market outside of mainland China and also an extremely important one. Our goal is to become number one in the next 3-5 years and we are keen on partnerships here,"

Xiaomi co-founder and President Bin Lin said. Last week, Xiaomi announced its first 'made for India' handset Mi 4i, priced at Rs 12,999. " M r Tata is one of the most well-respected business

leaders in the world. An investment by him is an affirmation of the strategy we have undertaken in India so far. This is just the start of an exciting journey, and we are looking forward to bringing more products into India," Xiaomi CEO Jun said. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 15

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Biz leaders want tax forms simplified NEW DELHI: India Inc has disfavored tax man seeking details about foreign trips and bank accounts in income tax returns after a controversy erupted over the new ITR forms which have been put on hold. This was conveyed by business leaders during a meeting with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who had sought the opinion of leading industry chambers Competition Commission of India (CCI), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Assocham on the new 14page ITR, which had drawn flak from various quarters. The industry representatives said after the meeting that Jaitley assured them that the government will look into simplifying the ITR and make them simpler so that the process of filing returns gets quicker. Among other issues, they raised concerns over the requirement of providing details of all foreign trips, including company-paid ones, as also the mandatory reporting of every bank account that could make the return-filing process cumbersome. They felt reporting of all fixed deposits as unnecessary as tax on

interest was as such deducted by banks and PAN was already mandatory for FDs, sources said. Jaitley told them that the intention behind the new form was to check black money and not to put

opined that the requirement for reporting expenses incurred on all foreign trips was difficult, as collecting information on company-paid business trips was cumbersome. They said that the requirement

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

the salaried class through any inconvenience, sources said. The Minister is also believed to have sought views of the industry on steps required to check the black money menace. The industry representatives

should either be withdrawn or at least be limited to personal foreign travels. They also wanted only specific information to be sought in the ITRs, rather than 'lengthy, ambiguous and detailed information on bank accounts'. -PTI

Diageo asks Mallya to quit USL board NEW DELHI: Alleging fund diversion to Kingfisher and other UB group entities, United Spirits' new owner Diageo has asked Vijay Mallya to step down as Chairman and Director of the Indian liquor firm, a demand he outrightly rejected. Diageo, which has bought con-

into loans given by USL to various UB Group companies. However, Mallya refused to resign and said the inferences and allegations are unjustified and false. USL, the erstwhile flagship firm of Mallya-led UB Group, has already seen a number of exits from

Vijay Mallya

trolling stake in United Spirits from UB Group, asked Mallya to step down following "various improprieties and legal violations" were found after a probe it conducted

its board and top management since the probe was launched by UK-based Diageo. "At its meeting held on April 25, the Board discussed and

considered in detail the report submitted by the MD and CEO in relation to the inquiry... "The inquiry revealed that between 2010 and 2013, funds involved in many of these transactions were diverted from the company and/or its subsidiaries to certain UB Group companies, including in particular, Kingfisher Airlines Ltd," USL Board said in its inquiry report. It further said: "The inquiry prima facie revealed that between 2010 and July 2013, certain transactions entered into on behalf of the company appear to have been undertaken to show a lower exposure of the Company (and its subsidiaries) to United Breweries Holdings (UBHL) than that which actually existed at the relevant time, that is prior to July 2013." "All of the dues owing to the Company and its subsidiaries from UBHL aggregating Rs 1,337 crores on July 3, 2013, were consolidated into a single loan agreement dated 3 July 2013 entered into between the Company and UBHL," it added.-PTI

Govt mulling high level panel on tax issues LONDON: Seeking to contain took before NDA government the adverse fall out of MAT came to power. levy on foreign investors, FiExplaining the levy MAT on nance Minister Arun Jaitley has foreign portfolio investors, said the Indian government will Jaitley said the decision was set up a high-level committee to taken not by the government sort out the taxations issues of but by quasi-judicial bodies, the past and make the system which were created - well before predictable. the present government came to "Even though it is only the power - to reassure investors legacy issues (concerning taxa- that the tax system would be free tion) that haunt us, we recog- of political interference. nize that we must put a quick Following a ruling by the end to them. "I am considering a high-level commit- Even though it is only the tee to explore what legacy issues (concerning can be done to retaxation) that haunt us, we solve the past, and move beyond it in a recognize that we must put way that would pro- a quick end to them vide real predictability and certainty to investors," he wrote in an opin- AAR, the revenue department ion piece in Financial Times. has sent notices to 68 foreign "This committee will be in- institutional investors (FIIs) for structed to report back expedi- payment of dues totaling Rs tiously so that early actions can 602.83 crore towards Minimum be taken. We have fashioned tax Alternate Tax (MAT). policies for the 21st century. Our "However, we have made tax administration cannot afford clear that these rulings can be to lag behind. We will not let it," contested in higher courts, Jaitley said. which will respect due process He said the disputes now at- and have the power to quash tracting attention are legacy faulty decisions. We also made cases, which are tax demands clear that our international tax arising from actions that the tax treaties cannot be overridden by authorities and the judiciary these rulings," Jaitley said.-PTI

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May 1, 2015

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Apple Watch begins global launch NEW YORK: The Apple Watch made its global debut in a launch aimed at making the California giant the overnight leader in wearable technology. The event was noticeably low key compared with the fanfare of other Apple product launches: None of the smartwatches were available in Apple stores in New York or around the world, meaning no long queues. Walk-up sales of the wristwear were limited to specialized and luxury boutiques in the nine launch countries. Some customers were expected to get delivery of the Apple Watch if they were among the first to preorder when Apple opened online sales on April 10. At the Apple flagship store on New York's Fifth Avenue, it was just another day. "Is it launching today? Really?" said Swiss national Francesco Maisano at the New York store, adding that he would

a line of some 200 people outside its doors. Some Parisian enthusiasts perched atop stools or on lawn chairs - said they began forming a line outside the ritzy central Paris shop. Twitter users spread word that a store in Tokyo's Akihabara quarter had deliveries of the watch, allowing several customers to walk away with Apple Watches of their choice - without waiting in line. have liked to take one home to his country, where no sales data has been announced. Also in New York, Elizabeth Stone said she didn't mind the delay -Understanding that Apple will not be shipping most watches before June. "Good things come to those who wait," she said. "It makes it more exciting, it's like Christmas." In Paris, online chatter that luxury boutique Colette might have unclaimed watches produced

Adani shareholders clear biz rejig plan NEW DELHI: Adani Enterprises says its shareholders and creditors have approved the restructuring of group businesses involving ports, power, mining and transmission assets. Under the rejig plan, announced in January this year, Adani group would consolidate its ports, power and mining assets into three separately listed firms and would list a new company for transmission business. In a regulatory filing, Adani Enterprises, the group's flagship company, said equity sharehold-

ers as well as secured and unsecured creditors have approved the scheme with requisite majority. Following directions from the High Court of Gujarat, the meeting of equity shareholders, secured and unsecured creditors was convened on April 20. The composite scheme of arrangement involves Adani Enterprises, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, Adani Power, Adani Transmission and Adani Mining and their respective shareholders and creditors.-PTI

Ratan Tata picks up stake in Xiaomi Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 13

"We want to become an Indian company. That is why we are building an R&D team here and setting up data centre. We want to manufacture and also invest in start ups in India," Lin said. Indian corporate honchos have been aggressively investing in the burgeoning online retail sector. Wipro Chairman Azim Premji has investments in Myntra and Snapdeal, while his rival and Infosys co-founder Narayana

Murthy (through Catamaran Ventures) started a joint venture with Amazon to help small and medium businesses come online. In December last year, Xiaomi raised USD 1.1 billion, valuing the firm at USD 45 billion. Often touted as the 'Apple of China', the company has grown to become a major competition to global giants like Samsung and Apple. While the company already ranks at the top in Chinese market, in India it is among the top five players as per the estimates of research firm Gartner. -PTI

"I'm happy. I want to wear it all the time," said Makoto Saito, 23, wearing a giant cardboard Apple Watch on her head. While most buyers at the Softbank store in Tokyo's posh Ginza district pre-ordered the watch, 39-year-old programmer Yuichiro Masui said he had been waiting outside since the night. "I want to try the fitness application because I'm concerned about my weight," he said. -AFP

Desi News Comedy King Raju Srivastav brings the house down India Post News Service

SAN JOSE: 'Hil Hil Hilarious' a full house show by comedian Raju Srivastav brought the house down on Saturday April 18. He was accompanied on the show by multitalented Sugandha Mishra of the famed Great Indian Laughter Challenge, Rana Chatterjee and Sangeeta Melekar. King of comedy Raju Srivastav is also known as Gajodhar Bhaiya and PM Modi's Golden Boy for Swacch Bharat campaign. The show was brought by Bollywood Events in Association with Instant Karma in the City National Civic auditorium. Bollywood Events is Bay Area's premier entertainment company covering all aspects of the entertainment spectrum including live concerts, dramas, Bollywood parties, personal celebrations and networking events. Details on page 24

NRI Federation launched in New York NALA SINGHAM

Candle Light Vigil for Nepal quake victims RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

FREMONT: Federation of IndoAmericans (FIA) of Northern California and Fremont Hindu Temple are organizing Candle Light Vigil to support the Nepal Earthquake victims. Here are the facts: • Lives changed in blink of an eye. • Over 4,000 dead and hundreds of thousands without a roof • 40,000+ people in dire need of medical attention Medical supplies are in severe short supply • Many heritage landmarks razed to the ground Details on page 25

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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A God-realized soul is selfcontented Details on page 26

Indian & Nepalese communities gear up to help earthquake victims RAMESH SOPARAWALA & SURENDRA ULLAL

Chicagoland for donations in Dharbhanga, Madhubani etc,), Assocaitons (FIA) said that they kind," he told this paper. Call 773 Patna district, Munger Division have offered their heart felt con710 3795 / 312 362999 or drop check (south of Ganges), West Bengal, dolences to the victims' families and have assssured the Indian payable to and Nepalese governments that Education they would make all efforts to raise foundation of funds for the affected persons in Nepal at CHINorth East India and Nepal. CAGO curry Nimesh Jain of BAPS said that house a magnitude 7.9 earthquake cenThe fury of tered less than 50 miles from nature in this Kathmandu struck Nepal with Himalayan devastating force, toppling country has homes, temples, and historic buildbeen so devings. astating and BAPS Charities prays for all deadly that who have been affected by the the tremors earthquake in Nepal and India. flattened evBAPS Charities Nepal Earthquake erything - rerelief efforts have made strong vered ancient appeal to send donations for the shrines, benefit of victims and their famihomes, apartlies information for which will be ment buildfound at http:// ings, cars, and Nepalese pray in Chicago downton w w w. b a p s c h a r i t i e s . o r g / people. Fears nepalearthquake2015/ are that the In this moment of unspoken casualties may rise to 10,000 as Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim tragedy and human suffering, rescue workers work their way were also affected. Art of Living spokesman Sewa International has appealed through the debris. Triggered avalanches in the Himalayas point to Vinesh Virani said that AoL along to everyone to open their hearts with International Association of and wallets to help the people in Human Values and Gurudwara distress. Sewa has released Sahiba of Chicago have an- $10,000 (ten thousand dollars) tonounced plans to collect dona- wards immediate relief. The relief tions in kind and cash. "We prefer efforts will continue for weeks and cash-check donations as it would months to come. Through its sisbe easier to remit but we will also accept food, clothing and medicine which would be shipped to India and Nepal thru Air India which has A victim being helped agreed to do it cost free. The cash-check donation will ter organization, Sewa International, Nepal, and its volunteers be tax exempt," he said. Art of Living Nepal Center has on ground, it assures all donors provided shelter to hundreds of that their contributions will reach Art of Living volunters help victims and families people. Its volunteers have been the affected people directly. Donate generously at rendering yeomen services providing food & water to the resi- www.sewausa.org or call us at We can be reached at Curry House casualties there. 708-USA-SEWA or email at in Chicago downtown and we will In addition to Nepal, Northern dents of affected areas. Iftekahr Shareef, Trustee Chair info@sewausa.org. try to reach out to any organiza- districts of Bihar (Champaran reCont’d on page 19 tion and individuals in gion), Mithilanchal (districts of the Federation of Indian CHICAGO: Members of the Indian and Nepalese communities have geared up to extend all possible relief to the victims of one of the worst natural disasters - the 7.9 on Richter scale earthquake which destroyed life and property of hundreds of thousands of people in Nepal and North East regions of India. Chicagoland Nepalese Friendship Society held an emergency relief meet at Curry House in Chicago Downtown attended by close to 100 members and well wishers. The meet helped raise over $3000 on the spot,. Bala Ghimre, a spokesman for the Society, said the members of his community will be making intense efforts to raise at least $51,000 from this area and will be tying up their efforts with non resident Nepalese across USA. He said that the CNFC is also seeking to collect clothes and medicine for the affected people. "We welcome cash or check donations which could be tax exempt but will also collect clothes and medicine.

May 1, 2015

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AAPI welcomes Dr Vivek Murthy's elevation AJAY GHOSH

WASHINGTON, DC: Dr Ravi Jahagirdar, president of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has commended the decision of President Obama in making Dr Vivek Murthy as America's Surgeon General. He said in a statement, "President Obama has made the right choice in naming highly qualified physician Dr Vivek

Dr Vivek Murthy with AAPI president Dr Ravi Jahagirdar

Murthy to serve as America's Surgeon General. Dr Vivek cements the reputation physicians of Indian origin have across America. We are proud of Vivek and his many accomplishments and look forward to supporting him throughout the confirmation process." The Association represents over 100,000 physicians of Indian origin in the United States. Dr Jahagirdar had led a delegation of AAPI leaders to witness the historic oath tak-

ing ceremony of Dr Vivek as the US Surgeon General at Fort Myer in Virginia across from Washington DC on Wednesday, April 22. Murthy, 37, is the first Surgeon General of Indian-American descent. "Surprisingly mature for his age, his restlessness young protoplasm wants to be energetically relevant during his tenure," added Dr Jahagirdar, who had met and urged US Senators from both the parties to support and vote to confirm his nomination in the Senate. The 51 to 43 vote by the US Senate December 15th, 2014 ended more than a year of uncertainty over Murthy's nomination. The oath ceremony led by Joseph Biden, Vice President, was in a large hall like a school stadium, with flags in abundance, rigged in from the ceiling and leaning in from the sidewalls. Dr Vivek Murthy marched in to the accompaniment of a roll of drums and a clash of cymbals, with just a shirt and tie on, to be draped over with a military uniform with the rank of Vice Admiral. The Oath of Office for the Surgeon General of the United States of America was delivered, and a change of command followed with the posting of the colors. Vivek's acceptance speech was remarkably mature, very sincere and ambitious, and reached out to every heart in the crowd. Dr Seema Jain, President-Elect of AAPI, stated that with Dr Murthy assuming g office as "America's Doctor" she is "looking forward to bringing the experience and perspective of everyday doctors to the table.

Community Reception for Telangana MP K Kavitha A.Q. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Members of Indian community, led by Iftekhar Shareef, a community activist and Trustee chair of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), hosted a dinner reception for Kalvakuntla Kavitha, an activist for women and Indian parliamen-

tary member from Telangana last week at his residence in Lennon Park. It was attended by elites from Indian American community. Indian Consul General Dr Ausaf Sayeed and Indian American candidate for US Congress, Raja Krishnamurthy were guests of honor for the event. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 20

Ms K Kavitha with members of Indian community led by Iftekhar Shareef, second from left, and Indian Consul General Dr Ausuf, third from left

His ethics, quiet leadership style and impeccable credentials make him a smart choice for this position." "Vivek represents the next generation of Indian American physicians," said Dr Ajay

Murthy, stated in a letter to Dr Jayesh B. Shah, immediate past president of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI). The Surgeon General, known as

Dr Vivek Murthy with AAPI delegation after his oath ceremony as the US Surgeon General

Lodha, Vice President of AAPI. "I am proud of our community of Indian physicians for all the progress that we have made over the years, and I know that AAPI has been a critical force in making this process possible. The advice you shared and assistance you kindly offered were important pieces of this journey," Dr Vivek

"America's doctor," represents the Health and Human Services Secretary and Assistant Secretary in addressing public health practice in the nation. This young talented and inspiring Indian American physician's long journey has just begun. As Dr. Murthy says "I study people's journeys to find inspiration in their work."

Community Across America

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May 1, 2015

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Jains celebrate Anniversary of Lord Mahavir SURESH GODIWALA

CHICAGO: The Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago's (JSMC) Bartlett recently held a weeklong festival on the occasion of Birth Anniversary of Bhagwan Shri Mahavir.

April 13. Jain devotees from all walks of life took part in this spiritual journey. Pooja for the occasion was performed by 30 families in the presence of over 100 attendees.

Winner receiving trophy from Avinash Patil (R)

The 16th annual declamation contest for various age groups was organized in the afternoon. The contest was witnessed by Chief Guests Shri Sunil Shah and Ashwin

Dhiren Solanki (L) the 1st place winner of adult group receiving trophy from Sunil Shah (R)

including the Pratimaji (Idol) of Shri Mahavir Swami, the main deity at the JSMC Temple. Maha Poojan of Vissthanak was performed by 50 devotee families and was attended by more than 500 Jain attendees. The Birth Anniversary Celebration continued in the evening with MJK Cultural Night. During this celebration, over 150 artists from 3 years to 40 years in age gave enlightening performances that were enjoyed by over 2,000 community members A Digambar Mahavir Janma Kalyanak Pooja was organized morning of Sunday

teachings taught mankind the true path of happiness. His teachings of non-violence, importance of austerity and multitude views have shown us the path to achieve salva-

Contestants along with JSMC board members

Chief Guest Sunil Shah addressing the gathering

The celebration started with discourses by Shri Shrenikbhai Gala, a scholar of Jainism from Mumbai. On this occasion the entire facility was magnificently decorated

contestants in Group 2, Age 10 to 13, topic was "How Pathshala and JSMC affected my life". Winners were #1. Sneh Shah, #2. Rishabh Shah, #3. Om Gandhi, #4. Riya Shah, #5. Riya

Jain, #6. Siddhi Jain and #7. Labdhi Jain. Group 3 contestants Age 14 to 18, the topic was: "My connections to Jainism", Winners were #1. Satej Shah, # 2. Priyal Gosar, and #3. Priya Shah. For group contestants 4, ranged in Age from 19 and above, the topic: "Parasparopgraha Jivanam (Souls Render Service to one another)" winners were 1. Dhiren Solanki, 2. Reshma Shah and 3. Harsh Shroff. Bhagawan Mahavir was a Winner receiving trophy from JSMC great teacher, His invited Guest Gala Saheb philosophies and

Patel along with close to 600 JSMC Members. About 100 contestants participated in the competition that lasted for almost five hours. The contest brought out the best in all and provided the audience with diverse views and perspective of various aspects of Jainism and the activities at JSMC. In group 1, performed by contestant Age 8 to 9, the subject was "Messages from Life of 24 Tirthankars", Competition winners were #1. Nehal Jain, #2. Rujul Shah and #3. Harshi Shah. Among

tion and spirituality. His message has stood the test of time. Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is regarded as one of the most important Jain festivals of the year and this year the Janma Kalyanak was on Thursday, April 2. This marks the 2,614 years since the birth of the apostle of peace who is worldwide regarded as the founder of Jainism. Bhagwan Mahavir was born in 599 BC. This year the celebrations came at a very auspicious time of Ayambil Oli. Ayambil is a sacrament where the observer eats only one Jain Vegan meal a day. The Ayambil Oli is observed over the course of 9 consecutive days. Over 70 community members observed penance for the entire 9 days. Founded in 1970, the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago has a membership of over 1,700 families, the largest membership representation of the Jain Centers in North America.

NRI Federation launched in New York NALA SINGHAM

NEW YORK: The Indian American community in New York witnessed the launching of one more organization, the "NRI Federation" on Friday, April 17 at the Hindu Temple Auditorium in Flushing. The event was graced by Bollywood's star musician Bappi Lahiri and the Home Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Gulabchand Kataria. Over 500 attendees were present at the launch. The abbreviation "NRI" stands for NonResident Indians and the Federation came into existHonoring Home Minister of Rajasthan Shri Gulabchand Kataria ence in September, 2014 (L-R) Surbhi Kavadia, Deepak Kavadia. -Pics Nala Singham after a meeting that two New Yorkers Deepak and Surbhi Kavadia Modi during his last visit here. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 20 had with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra

May 1, 2015

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India Post 19

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Tristate Telugus celebrate Ugadi & festivities Students Aananda Dance Theater presented "Mallari" and "Natesha Kautham" in classical CHICAGO: The Tri State Kuchipudi dance style and was Telugu Association (TTA), Chihighly praised for it. Gopala cago, organized the 2015 Ugadi & Krishna Garimella brought the alSreeramanavami celebration on most forgotten art form of April 11 at Sama Rathi Auditorium "Harikatha" - Lord's story in a at the Hindu Temple of Greater rhythmic song form to the audiChicago (HTGC), Lemont, a southence received great appreciation. west suburb of Chicago, was a Mrs Madhuri Hari's melodious grand success with members and Karaoke performance of popular guests packing the hall to its caTelugu hit song was very well repacity. ceived. The final presentation was It was a medley of various Members of Telugu community with TTA office bearers, participants and children. -Pics Asian Media USA a tribute to Late Dr D. Ramanaidu styles of Indian classical and mod- scion of Telugu movie industry. ern art forms performed by local The emcee for the evening, Ms talented children and adults alike. "Lava" & "Kusa" (Sri Rama's two (6 different tastes - sweet, salty, Gopala" - contemporary fusion. A The cultural show started with the sons) and paid homage to yester- sour, bitter, spicy & tangy) - ca- skit called "Taralu Digivachina Padma Sonti did a marvelous job. TTA is a non-profit incorporated offering of "Prayers" to Lord Sri years favorite "Devude Mechindi tered by "Cool Mirchi" restaurant Vela" - a comedy of what would organization of people of Rama and a welcome address by movie song choreographed by of Schaumburg, The evening session comTelugu origin residing in Mrs Pranathi Kaligotla along with Mrs Anusha Venigalla. Guru Mrs states of Illinois. Its Board the introduction of emcee - Ms Poonam Mahesh's disciples per- menced with invocation of Lord of Directors are Dr. Padma Sonti. Students of Mrs formed a classical dance to Ganesh with a semi-classical voBhaskara Reddy Karri, Soumya Kumaran danced in clas- Annamacharya Krithi in praise of cal performance of "Eka Mrs Chandini Duvvuri, sical style to "Achutam Lord Sri Rama. A group of young Danthalaya". Ms Shreya Addanki Jagadish Kanuru, Mrs Keesavam" elegantly. Ms Poonam kids 'Tollywood Talukulu' danced sang a melodious tune from recent Srilakshmi Duvvapu, Mrs Mahesh's group danced to to an exciting medley of Telugu Telugu movie hits. The Musunuri sisters returned with their signature Neelu Mylavarapu, Mrs performance of classic Telugu hits. Pranathi Kaligotla, Prasad Aananda Dance Theater presented Jasti, Raghu Moturi, Mrs a very popular "Okapari" Rajani Akurati, Annamacharya Keerthanam in Ramakrishna Korrapolu, Mohiniyattam style. The dance Ravi Tammana, Sai depicting Annamaya's wonderYandamuri, Dr Srinath ment of the different Kalaas twinVasireddy, Mrs Swapna Students of Mrs Sangeetha Rangala kling again and again on Lord Pula, Mrs Vaidehi Sriram, performing Kuchipudi dance Venkateswara's face was pure bliss. Mrs Radhika Garimella, Next was a skit - an interpreta- happen if Telugu movie stars au- Hemanth Pappu, Prasad Maruvada. tion of the story of "Bhakta dition / interview for software jobs Aparna Ayyalaraju & Veeraswamy Prahalada" with 18 little kids par- in an attempt to take over the soft- Achanta. ticipating. This was followed by ware industry, was a laugh riot and Its next event will be the 2015 four ladies dancing to a mĂŠlange enjoyed by all. Annual Summer Picnic. of popular songs about Lord Sri Krishna choreographed in semiclassical style. Mrs Pavani Koduri's group's performance to TTA Board Members at the celebrations - Mrs Srilakshmi Duvvapu, Mrs fusion - classical & modern instruChandini Duvvuri, Mrs Pranathi Kaligotla, Ms Padma Sonti, Mrs Swapna Pula mental music with a mix of semi& Mrs Aparna Ayyalaraju classical, folk & modern dances Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16 the occasion in times of crisis, it movie songs was an interesting attempt to "Annamacharya Krithi" with great undertook two additional flights Following this was another present something different. A rare poise followed by Ms Soumya Sree Sreenath, President Sewa to and from Kathmandu to fly Kumaran's second group perform- dance on Telugu movie songs. performance of a classic folk International said that it is a non- Nepali people wishing to reach ing dance on "Garuda Gamana Mrs Soumya Kumaran's students dance "Mokkajonna Thota" was profit charity registered under the home to their families, and for Rara" which was appreciated enthralled the audience with their a reminder of village life in India. Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) people stranded in Nepal to fly out. Tri-State Telugu Association with its mission to serve humanwidely. Next was a solo rendition performance of classical dance to India's National Disaster ReBoard was ity in distress, aid local communi- sponse Force (NDRF) team was of "Thyagaraja Keerthana" while approached ties, and promote volunteerism. sent to Katmandu from Kolkata by Yenugula and Geethika Velaga to do an im- Sewa volunteers across 38 chap- Air India special flight AI-1247 on sang the famous "Chinni Chinni p r o m p t u ters in 22 states performed more emergency duty. Aasa" song that sent the audience fundraiser to than 130,000 hours of community down the memory lane. Air India is carrying relief mahelp pur- work in 2014. "Rajaveena School of Music" terial free of charge on priority chase emerstudents presented a mellifluous basis on its flights to Kathmandu, gency sup- Air India swings rendition of "Sri Ramadasu both from Delhi and Kolkata. The plies to aid in Keertanalu". This was followed by regular scheduled operations from the relief ef- into action a live music rendition for a classiDelhi and Kolkata have also reforts of April Rishikant Singh,Regional Man- sumed after opening up of the cal dance by Guru Mrs Sangeetha 9 tornado ager-Americas, Air India , said that Kathmandu airport. Rangala as her students performed Tollywood Tigers performing to Telugu songs medley victims in Air India along with the people of beautifully. Students of Mrs Air India operates two daily F a i r d a l e , India grieve for the families in flights out of Delhi. From Kolkata, Vanitha Veeravalli captivated the Nepal, India, Tibet and there is a flight every Monday, audience with their performance of "Thodaya Mangalam" followed Rochelle & Kirkland of Illinois. by "Thillana" presentation by stuA short presentation on "Re- Bangladesh affected by the earth- Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. "Maragadha Manimaya." Mrs Sushmita laxation by Yoga" by Ms Sheri quake in Nepal past Saturday. The Potluri brothers danced to dents of Charge of booking fees, cancellaSchmitz - a yoga instructor at After Yemen, Libya, Tunisia, tion and refund charges for travel "Cheliaya Cheliya" choreo- Arunkumar. Guests were treated to a HTGC Temple was a welcome di- Lebanon and several other evacu- on Air India to/from Kathmandu graphed by Ms Sushmita Kilaru. This was followed by two ador- scrumptious traditional Ugadi version. Following the presenta- ations and national emergencies, for travel up to 2nd May will be able boys Harshith Venigalla and feast complete with Ugadi Pachadi tion the audience was treated to a national carrier Air India has waived with travel agents advised Vivek Yandamuri dressed as - a unique mix of "Shadruchulu" dance "Sway to the Rhythm of swung into action again. Rising to of suitable waiver code for use. India Post News Service

Indian & Nepalese communities gear up to help earthquake victims

20 India Post

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May 1, 2015

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'Sahiyaru Abhiyan' initiates Swachh Bharat program SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: "Sahiyaru Abhiyan" set up here in the wake of a clarion call from Indian PM Narendra Modi for Swachh Bharat, is a charitable, tax exempt organization registered in Ahmadabad, Gujarat and is incorporated in the State of Illinois. For the last five years it has been providing a number of services to residents of tribal areas in India like free ration to needy, health care, clothes and linen for residential schools in the tribal areas, scholarship, distribution of fruits to children and seniors in hospitals, providing blankets and trying to find work for families to make them self supporting.

While these activities are ongoing, "Sahiyaru Abhiyan" has now turned its focus on provid-

ing sanitation and water supply to the remote villages. "Sahiyaru Abhiyan" has started providing toilet facilities in a village Bhiloda near Modasa in Gujarat. The work is in progress for one hundred units. An order has been placed for hundred more but the need for this particular village is at least five hundred more. The team in the US approached Dr Bharatbhai Barai and he expressed

NRI Federation launched in NY Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 18

They felt the need for an umbrella organization to represent all overseas Indians living across the globe, with the aim of assisting NRIs through various programs namely Adoption & Donations for Smart Village, Health & Medical Cultural Heritage Fairs, Preserving Vedic Cultural Heritage & Education, Youth Development & Education Program, Disabled & Underprivileged Child Support Program, Senior Center & Programs, Women Empowerment & Safety, etc. The launch started with the American & Indian National Anthem by Pallavi Jain & group. Prominent Indian Americans TV Asia Owner H.R.Shah, Dr Sudhir Parikh, Dr Ajay K. Lodha, Prabha Golia were honored for their services to the community. Dr Ajay Lodha offered his individual support as well as any help wherever needed on behalf of AAPI. Late Shri Dr Banad N. Viswanath of ITV was remembered and honored for his life time dedicated services to the community. An audio recording touched upon NRI Federation's projects and initiatives including the goal to develop at-least 101 smart villages. The audio recording was followed by a slide show.

Several well wishing letters from top BJP leaders like Lal Krishna Advani, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, NJ Governor Chris Christie, Congresswoman Grace

"NRIs are sandwiched between their mother country, India, and the country that they live in. They often run into problems either at immigration, travel, investments,

Live singing and dancing with Bappi Lahiri

Meng etc were received and read. An amazing fashion show and beautiful dances by Pallavi Jain, Arushi Shrimal, Maahika Naheta, Mihika Naheta, Karatika Bamb, Ashna Jain and Ishita Jamar, choreographed by Shreya Dhadda added a touch of sophisticated

litigations, pilgrimage, real estate or matrimonial disputes. Living abroad, it certainly becomes very difficult and often impossible to fathom the problems and resolve them. Ultimately, one has to get prepared to give up the hard earned money, investments and property.

Fashion show - 2nd Right Jinal Pandya

elegance. Bappi Lahiri's musical night was the highlight of the event that rocked the audience through the evening. Deepak Kavdia observed that

Through the NRI Federation, everyone affiliated with the organization will be able to travel and invest with a renewed sense of confidence and security," he said.

his full support for this humani- been in place for executing this tarian activity. In fact, Bharatbhai program. An equally devoted team helped to secure the help from consisting of Arvindbhai Thakkar, Government of Gujarat for the amount of Rs 12,000 per toilet. The total cost of a single toilet unit is approximately Rs 16,000. Thus "Sahiyaru Abhiyan" has to come up with Rs 4,000 per unit. This cost includes a soak pit for each toilet so that the sewage water gets absorbed in the ground. Eventually a centralized sanitary collection and treatment system can be provided. But right now the priority is to serve as many families as rapidly as possible. It may be noted Toilet project in full swing in Gujarat villages that water supply to the toilet facilities will be provided by WASMO (Wa- Rajanikant Modi, Rameshbhai ter and Sanitation Management Thakkar, Rajubhai Chauhan and Organization), a unit of Govern- Rajivbhai Desai is working on the ment of Gujarat. R.K.Sama, a re- project's execution and funding tired IFS (Indian Forest Service) from USA. Dr Bharatbhai is an officer, will be providing water advisor. supply to each house from the reFinally, if generous donors in sources of WASMO with the help America can provide help of $ 100 of a team of engineers and volun- per toilet, this humanitarian work teers in India. can continue and progress rapThis way a good set up has idly, said Arvind Thakkar.

Community Reception for Telangana MP K Kavitha Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 17

Welcoming and introducing the MP, Iftekhar Shareef also offered his thanks to all for joining the reception. Shareef said that K Kavitha is the daughter of Telangana Rashtra Samithi leader and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. Kavitha is also known for her active participation in Telangana separation movement. She is also founder of Telangana Jagruthi, a women development movement initiated for education and financial emancipation of women, which is now a household name in the Telangana region. MP K Kavitha thanked Iftekhar Shareef and Indian Consul General Dr Ausaf Sayeed for giving her an opportunity to meet and know Indian American community in Chicago. She said she was working on research and development projects and seeking investments

from Indian Americans. She briefly dwelt on her active political and development programs for Telangana state. Jagruthi played a pivotal role in restoring the glory of Bathukamma festival and transforming it into a cultural symbol of Telangana. Iftekhar Shareef remarked that it was an honor meeting a dynamic woman activist who is visiting Chicago and seeking investment for the development of Telangana. He also informed members of Indian community that Kavitha planned to bring famous Telugu fun festival Bangaru Batukamma in popular liking as the Gujarati Dandiya festival. Later, Indian Consul General Dr Ausaf Sayeed, FIA President Keerthi Kumar Ravoori and Iftekhar Shareef honored the visiting guest MP Kavitha with a flower bouquet and a Kashmiri shawl.

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'Hand In Hand' hosts successful fundraiser Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: A Chicago-based non-profit humanitarian or-

to provide further facilities to these children. The cultural performance by Srutilaya Orchestra was captivating. A vote of thanks was given by Mihir Dash, a

Executive Board members and volunteers

ganization Hand in Hand USA (HIH USA) hosted its 13th annual fundraising dinner at Waterford Banquet Hall in Elmhurst last week. Hariharananda Balashram, a residential charitable school,

Krishna Ramachandra

Durga Chunduri (President)

Puneet Mansharmani

is one of the many projects of Hand In Hand USA that provides home, food, healthcare and outstanding education to society's most vulnerable members. The service projects include multiple charitable health clinics that provide free medical and dental care to thousands of patients monthly in rural villages and financial support to natural disaster relief efforts around the world. Welcoming all those Mahendra Shah and Suganya Prathap present, Durga Chunduri, president of HIH, updated the audience about the achievements of the organization. A short but informative documentary on the Hariharananda Balashram was screened. Master of ceremony Suganya Pratap kicked off the program with the introduction. Puneet Mansharamani, a member of HIH USA, who recently visited India, shared several lively photos of Balashram and urged all the supporters to contribute more

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longtime member of HIH USA which dropped the curtain on an evening of socializing, music and great food that had all come together for a great cause.

Artists from Srutilaya Orchestra

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VJMNA celebrates Sudhanshuji's Hindi play for Bhartiya 60th birthday Senior Citizens JAYANTI OZA

JAYANTI OZA

CHICAGO: More then 250 Bhartiya Senior Citizens (BSC) members enjoyed Hindi Play 'Udan Khatola' performed by Mandi The-

All senior members enjoyed the 45 minute play. Hanmi Bank of Carol steam branch's Vice President Eve Pool

The Mandi Theater group artists performing Hindi play 'Udan Khatola'

Cake cutting for Sudhanshuji Maharaj's birthday

CHICAGO: Vishwa Jagruti Mission of North America (VJMN), Chicago celebrated Sudhanshuji Maharaj's 60th birthday and 25th Anniversary of Vishwa Jagruti Mission on April 25 at Arya Samaj Center, West Chicago, IL.

live on internet by hundreds of thousands people around the globe. This program was put together by Sudhir Kumar, Vandana Jhingan, Krishna Bansal and a group of devotees. All those attending this three

VJMNA chapters. A special cake cutting and lamp lighting ceremony was performed. There was a presentation Kathakali dance by Mega Bhargav, while Pravin Sharma sang classical songs.

ater Group at Rana-Regan on Saturday April 18 at Community Center in Carol Stream, a northwest suburb of Chicago. The program started with

and Bank's associate Sangita Patel gave information regarding this newly opened bank and distributed gifts to all senior citizen members. AARP's Akhilesh Gupta

BSC President Haribhai Patel and Vice President Pursotam Pandya with Mandi Theater Group Artists

Participants enjoying live broadcast from India

More then 60 people participated in this celebration. There was a live simultaneous Webcast of exciting programs and celebrations in USA, India, Canada, Dubai, Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore. This program viewed

hours program enjoyed live on big screen the message by Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj. There was also Baal Ashram students live program on the Internet. Sudhir Kumar welcomed all participants and presidents of

At the end of this program, Director of VJMNA and TV Asia's Mid-west Bureau Chief Vandana Jhingan proposed vote of thanks. At the end of it, participants enjoyed snacks and dinner.

Women performing Aarti-Puja for Sudhanshuji Maharaj

Ganesh Vandana sung by BSC secretary Rakshika Anjaria. Vice President Purshotam Pandya, Executive Committee members Damini Patel and Pratima Shah extended welcome to the Mandi Theater Group artists Alka Sharma, Rachita Trehan and Mohan Rawat. It was comedy play and the theme was about one middle class couple dearly yearning to buy 'Udan Khatola' to fulfill their life.

gave information about seniors driving safety program. Air Tour, a prominent tour operator in Chicagoland, gave information about South Africa and Bahamas cruise tour organized for Bhartiya senior citizens for August 2015. The President of BSC Haribhai Patel thanked each and every one for the successes of this program. All seniors enjoyed Kathiwadi dinner at the end of this program.

BSC members enjoying Hindi Play

May 1, 2015

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Comedy King Raju Srivastav brings the house down India Post News Service

Sugandha Mishra

Raju Srivastav

nium Masti with Salmaan Khan and Apne with The Deols. The company has brought acclaimed singers Ustad Gulam Ali, Gurdas Mann, Sukhwinder Singh, Mahinder Kapoor and the latest singing sensation Kanika Kapoor to the Bay Area. Not to mention the array of A-list celebrities like lleana D'Cruz, Madhuri Dixit and Sushmita Sen. "I want to bring the Non-Resident Indians close to their home, and Bollywood Events is my way of bringing the rich Indian culture of art and music to them" Says Bikram Jeet Singh, Founder Bollywood Events LLC. Coming from humble beginnings, Bikram has built successful business conglomerate diversified in automobiles and event management. Bollywood Events next mega coming show is Comedy with Kapil and Family on August 1 in Bay Area.

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Divine Vastu tips to enhance career opportunities

areer or 'Karma' indicates the effect of our actions upon the world, the status we are able to achieve in life, regardless whether it is a service or business. The 'Occupation' becomes more benefic when it is motivational, gives you space to grow in financial and other aspects such that sky is the limit. However, this is not always the case and this is where Vastu Shastra can help. The ancient Indian Vedic science of Vastu Shastra is related to the truth which is very important for creating a natural balance in the life of human beings. Vastu not only helps in your personal growth but also helps in creating a prosperous environment all around you. Every person wants to enhance their career opportunities in order to gain excellent benefits in future. Vastu is a science that helps you in many ways, it makes your house and the surroundings around you completely positive, and this in turn helps in improving your career objectives to a great ex-

tent. According to the Vastu principles every person should follow certain rules and regulations in their study and working norm. In this article, you will find some tips and tricks that you must follow for a bright career as per Vastu. • Different professionals have different styles of offices. If you are a writer, an artist or a research scholar, an ideal location for your office would be along the back wall of the office. Such an office should not have a direct and immediate contact with the main entrance. • A residential office should not be located next to a bedroom. • The offices of government officials and heads of corporate houses should be located far from the main entrance. An office that is protected from interrupting visitors flourishes. • Do not sit cross-legged at your workplace. • Avoid pointed edges of tables at business meetings.

• While you are in a conference room, negotiating with your business colleagues, try to be seated farthest from the main door of the chamber. • At your work place, do not sit with your back exposed to the en-

Rewa Kumar

trance. Go for a chair with a high back and an armrest that provides balance as well as support. • Overhead beams are considered inauspicious and should be avoided. • Oval-shaped, L-shaped or Ushaped desks are not favorable for growth in career. Keep smooth rectangular desks in your office. • Wo o d e n desks are the most profitable of all. Go for a glass-topped desk if your office is in the West direction. • Keep a vase of fresh flowers on the East side of your desk. Make sure to have a few buds in the flower arrangement, as they represent emergence of new life. On the other hand, wilting petals signify gradual demise. So, keep changing the flowers in your vase, replacing the stale flowers with fresh ones. • Keep plants in the South-East

in the South-East corner and make sure that the wires are not visible. • Face the North when you work, for boosting concentration. If these changes are implemented then you can really carve out a good career path for your future. If you want you can also take the help of Vastu experts who would guide you about the rules and principles in the right manner. Divine Vastu tips for businesspersons and bureaucrats Basically four important 'Factors' are necessary to be a successful bureaucrat or a businessman are: Knowledge, Efforts, Sincerity and Luck. • Your work place should be in the South-West. This is extremely necessary for a successful business. • The North-East is abode of God which should be open, with light weights which takes your success to grand excellent stage. Open space here will get more 'Ultra-Violet' light. The main entrance, living room and bathroom or underground water storage is recommended in North-East for best results. • In the living room, host should seat in the South-West, facing North-East. Therefore, that confidence from South-West & positive energy of North-East makes his communication impressive & effective. Similarly, Abode of God in North-East helps to create positive energies and develops sanctity of mind to develop positive attitude. North-West is area of 'Air Element', where we are supposed to have restroom, storage, dining, study room, bedroom for elder son or guest. Air element (Ventilation) helps to maintain to improve positive pleasant energy vibrations, which enhances proper co-ordination and harmony among the members at domestic as well as at workplace.

Different professionals have different styles of offices. If you are a writer, an artist or a research scholar, an ideal location for your office would be along the back wall of the office. corner of your office, as it promotes financial growth. • Light, in the Southern corner of your table, ensures good business. It is mandatory to keep your office well-lit. • Quartz crystals in your office are good for a smooth career and also bring in more opportunities. • Keep the computers, the telephones and other electronic items

In fact, North-West is corner known for relationship, co-ordination and harmony. So perfect North-West always helps to improve relationships and better work atmosphere due to harmony & coordination among the people. It also helps in improved communication skills, which are necessary for bureaucrat or a businessperson.

• To stay ahead of others, you have to be dynamic. The 'Fire Element' is very important in this respect. Fire denotes energy, and energy denotes motion, which leads to reach destination of success. • The 'Center Point' i.e. 'Brahmasthan' is the place of 'Sky Element' which acts like a binding force for all elements involved in Vastu Shastra. This factor is responsible for progress. Its acceleration, stability, leadership, harmony & coordination, all are made to work with proper coordination with

each other so that proper implementation solely depends on perfectly balanced 'Center' region as per Vastu. Any disturbance in this region leads to total chaos in implementation of tasks & schedules. Thus, addition of 'Fifth Factor' i.e. 'Vastu Shastra' to Knowledge, Efforts, Sincerity & Luck 'Factors', takes every businessperson & bureaucrat to the assured path of success & glory. This collectible article on Vastu Shastra is provided by Rewa Kumar of Divine Vastu Consultations & Research Center.

Candle Light Vigil for Nepal earthquake victims RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

FREMONT: Federation of Indo-Americans (FIA) of Northern California and Fremont Hindu Temple are organizing Candle Light Vigil to support the Nepal Earthquake victims. Here are the facts: • Lives changed in blink of an eye.

Join us to show your support at Fremont Hindu Temple, 3676 Delaware Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 on Thursday, April 30th from 7.00 pm - 9,00 pm FIA has launched a Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund with the goal of raising funds to contribute to the Earthquake relief efforts in Nepal. Please donate generously as you can to help

Join us to show your support at Fremont Hindu Temple, 3676 Delaware Dr, Fremont, CA 94538 on Thursday, April 30th from 7.00 pm - 9,00 pm • Over 4,000 dead and hundreds of thousands without a roof • 40,000+ people in dire need of medical attention Medical supplies are in severe short supply • Many heritage landmarks razed to the ground

rebuilding efforts. Help will be needed not for just days and weeks, but relief and reconstruction will be an ongoing effort for years.100% of your donations will go towards relief and reconstruction efforts. Visit www.FIAonline.org or www.fremonttemple.org

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fter hearing Shree Krishna's explanation of karm yog and the state of perfect yog or union with God, Arjun enquires about the characteristics of a God realized (sthitapragya) soul. Arjun wishes to know how God-realized personalities talk, sit, and behave in the world (chapter 2, verse 54). 'Sthitapragya' means one whose mind is always established in pure knowledge, and never forgets Shree Krishna even for a moment. Characteristics of an Enlightened Soul Here it is important to note that in response to Arjun's question, Shree Krishna describes the internal characteristics of a sthitapragya individual, not any external attributes. He says that one who is sthitapragya is free from desire, attachment, fear and anger, has control over his senses and mind, and is selfcontented (chapter 2, verses 55 & 56). Why is a God-realized soul free from desire? Upon attaining God, Who is the very form of happiness, the God realized soul experiences perfect, unlimited happiness at all times, and there is nothing left for him/her to desire. They are also devoid of attachments. The fundamental reason behind attachments is repeated contemplation upon an object of desire. Since a God-realized personality is situated in perfect bliss at all times, he does not have any further desires and thus, does not form any attachments. We all experience constant fear - fear of losing the people and objects we are attached to. Fear is born out of ignorance. When we believe ourselves to be the body, then we fear death; when we believe the things of the world belong to us and are the source of happiness, then we fear losing them. The sthitapragya individual is free from such delusions - he understands that he is not the body but the soul within, that material possessions are only temporary, and that God is the source of true happiness. Thus, he neither fears the death of his physical body, nor the loss of material possessions or relations. One of the common questions that I encounter is "Swamiji, why do I get angry?" The reason is simple. When we form a desire, there can be only two scenarios. The desire may either get fulfilled or remain un-

A God-realized soul is self-contented SWAMI NIKHILANAND

fulfilled. If the desire gets fulfilled, we expe- the person is still the same as they were berience greed or the hankering for further de- fore they became God realized - they have sires. In the second case when our material only changed internally (as described above). desires go unfulfilled, we naturally experience There is no color of cloth or style of clothing anger or frustration. Since the sthitapragya that is worn by a God realized person. individual is free from desire, there is no quesThere is no requirement to shave the tion of anger ever arising. head, or grow the hair, or grow a beard. There How does an enlightened soul gain con- is no requirement to live in the jungle, or a trol over their senses and mind? It is only the cave, or an ashram. There is no requirement desire for material enjoyment that attracts the to be a sanyasi, to leave the family, or to senses and diverts the mind. This makes it leave the world. So if someone were to rely difficult for an ordinary person to control his on these external markers to judge whether senses and mind. Since the sthitapragya per- another is God realized or not, they would be son is free from wrong more times desire, he has than not. complete control Shree Krishna over his senses even states that and mind. someone may reWhy is the nounce the world sthitapragya soul physically (deny self-contented? themselves material The God realized enjoyments and person enjoys a comforts), yet their permanent experimind will continue ence of Divine to harbor thoughts bliss which is indeof worldly pleapendent of any exsures. They will ternal stimulus. only be free of such Swami Nikhilanand Upon becoming desires when they God-realized, the have attained God connection with God is internal, and cannot (chapter 2, verse 59). Thus, it would be wrong be disturbed by any outside influence. Such to conclude that just because a person has a a soul is contented in and of himself, and high degree of physical renunciation, that doesn't require any input or experience from they are God realized. the outer world to make him happy. Conversely, the God realized individual, Shree Krishna describes one more char- although free from attachment and desire, acteristic of the sthitapragya individual when still makes use of the material things (chapHe says that such a person is neither de- ter 2, verse 64). They may live an ordinary lighted upon receiving what is favorable, nor life in the world, with a job and a family. They upset upon receiving what is not favorable may even live an extraordinary life in the (chapter 2, verse 57). This is possible be- world, like Prahlad, Dhruv, Ambarish and cause the individual is self-contented. Janak, all of whom ruled great kingdoms. External attributes of an enlightened soul Therefore, to recognize a God realized perare unreliable son requires getting to know what is in their Why did Shree Krishna not describe any heart and mind, not just observing their exexternal characteristics of a God realized per- ternal lifestyle and behavior. son? Because there are no reliable outer atIn the end, Shree Krishna tells that just as tributes which could be defined. Externally, the ocean is unmoved even as water from

various rivers enters into it from all sides, similarly, one whose mind is fixed in God remains undisturbed, even while in contact with all the objects of enjoyment of this world. Only such a person attains ultimate peace, not the one who wishes to fulfill material desires (chapter 2, verse 70). He says that this is the state of one who has realized God. Upon achieving this state, one is never deluded again. Being fixed in this state even at the moment of death, one is freed from the cycle of birth and death and attains Divine bliss forever (chapter 2, verse 72). Even after hearing this explanation from Shree Krishna, Arjun still had more questions. At the beginning of the third chapter, he questions why it is necessary to fight the war if the ultimate goal is to go beyond this world. We will discuss Shree Krishna's answer in the next article. Disciple of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj: Swami Nikhilanand Ji is a Canadian born Hindu spiritual leader based in Austin, Texas. He is a sanyasi disciple and pracharak of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Attracted to the teachings of Hinduism from a young age, Swamiji eventually let his deep spiritual longing lead him to India, where he was most fortunate to come under the guidance of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Thereafter, living in the ashrams of JKP, he extensively studied Hindi, the philosophy of the prime Sanskrit scriptures (Vedas, Darshan Shastras, Gita, Bhagwatam), and practiced meditation in the tradition of raganuga bhakti. In 2003, he was given sanyas. Swamiji conducts weeklong Family Gita classes across various cities in the U.S. Through these enlightening sessions, Swamiji imparts the true knowledge of the Hindu heritage, tradition and universal principles to children and adults alike. For more information regarding upcoming Family Gita classes in your city, please visit http://www.familygitaclass.org/

Stress indicates you are fighting with something

tress is when you feel you are in a hurry, and there is a fear of starting and anxiety of the result of what you are doing or what you have done. There can be positive and negative stresses. The art of wise living is the ability to use what life gives you rather than be miserable of what you want from life. Stress is an indication that you are fighting with something. Rather learn how to use creatively what is available. For example, if you can't sleep, instead of fighting with it by forcing yourself to sleep or internally complaining and feeling miserable, learn to walk, learn to do some exercise and use that energy. In fact, if you have lived your stress life wisely and creatively, then relaxation will happen automatically. Whenever you are in stress, don't be miserable, don't get angry or anx-

SWAMI SUKHABODHANANDA

ious but use it, accept it, welcome it, then that energy prepares you to act. Such an action is born out of the fullness. Look at stress in another way. One feels the situation is giving you stress. Is situation giving you stress, learn to question it. Then one can find, it is not the situation but one's interpretation of a given situation which is giving one stress. Situation has nearly 10% impact but 90% is psychological. 75% of snake's bites are non-poisonous, but if a non-poisonous snake bites one, 75% of the time people faint or even die. So it is not the snake but fear of the snake which has crippled you. Fear is a movement of thought. Hence, impact of thought is more than the impact of the situation. In a humorous way, I say, more than heart attack people die of thought attack. Learning to manage one's thought

is an effective way to deal with stress. When the boss scolds, one gets hurt and hurt creates stress. The words of your boss are just words, is it not? How can words hurt? The word "idiot" is just a word, and so the word "idiot" cannot hurt. What hurts is what meaning you give to words, and how you interpret those words and the interpretation is yours. If your wife scolds you, the scolding is nothing but words, don't strongly interpret it in a hurting way. This way you will not be hurt. Hurt or upset, whether you justify it or not, is self-damaging. So learn to refuse to get hurt and that decision will give you more power. One has targets to reach in the corporate world, and if one starts worrying about it then there is stress. Worry is like a rocking chair; it keeps you busy, but leads you no-

where. Learn to be a part of the solution rather than be a victim to the problem. So if there are high targets, feel passionate about it, bring in the emotion of enthusiasm and passion, and then your corporate goals will inspire you. Emotion is energy in motion. Learn to bring the best emotion and that will make you feel fabulous. A student asked the master, "In order to be enlightened, what should I do?" "As much as you can do to make the sun rise or sun set", replied the master. "Then what is the use of all the spiritual practices," asked the student. "Only to make sure you are awake when the sun rises or sets," replied the master. Learn to be inwardly awake, and then you will minimize stress and maximize joy. Please visit www.swamisukhabodhananda.org

May 1, 2015

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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

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

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fter the blockbuster Kick (2014), Jacqueline Fernandez has a truly in teresting bunch of movies ahead. Apart from Brothers and Bangistan, the gorgeous-looker also has a Hollywood horror-thriller Definition Of Fear and a Sri Lankan indie in English, According To Matthew. She'll soon start work on Rohit Dhawan's Dishoom with Varun Dhawan and John Abraham, followed by Remo D'Souza's next with Tiger Shroff. Talking about Brothers, her first film with producer Karan Johar, she says, "It is an intense drama with many layers. One major aspect deals with a couple (Akshay and I), their trials and tribulations. I'm happy that filmmakers are confident that I can deliver in such a challenging role." She is also gung-ho about According To Matthew because "it was incredible bringing a real-life incident to screen. It's a suspense thriller and my character is very intimidating." She concludes, "My upcoming films are the kind of work I want to focus on now. Earlier, it was more about being glamorous and working with big names. Now, I want people to relate to my character on screen, not to Jacqueline."

"It is an intense drama with many layers. One major aspect deals with a couple (Akshay and I), their trials and tribulations. I'm happy that filmmakers are confident that I can deliver in such a challenging role."

6 Tu Hai Ki Nahi : Roy 7 Judai : Badlapur 8 Tu Har Lamha : Khamoshiyan 9 Chhil Gaye Naina : NH10 10 Dard Karaara : Dum Laga Ke Haisha

here is a clamor to get Farhan Akhtar to sing for other leading men. One hears Ranveer Singh was very keen that Farhan sing for him in Zoya Akhtar's Dil Dhadakne Do. But Farhan Akhtar is not biting the bait. In fact he reveals he has resolved not to sing for anyone but himself. Says Farhan, "In all honestly playback singing is not my scene. I see singing as an extension of my performance on screen. So no, I can't sing for anyone else. I am also doing independent music, not connected with film music. For me to sing for another actor is not an exciting thought." Farhan Akhtar confesses he is mighty kicked by his singing career. "I cannot begin to tell you how joyous it is to go on stage and perform. Like skydiving, it's an experience that can't be explained, only experienced. On stage, there is an instant connect with the audience."

eepika Padukone, the reigning Bollywood star de sires to become a mommy. Deepika, who is rumored to be dating Ranveer Singh, wants to become mom of not one or two kids but 10. She loves kids and wants to have many of them. But the million dollar question is when. Deepika wishes to settle down after 10 years, as said earlier. She is busy with her movies and looking forward to do more quality movies in future. Deepika Padukone who spoke her heart out and never hides her emotions has invited criticism when she shot for 'My Choice' video; she also spoke openly about battling against depression.

I can't sing for anyone else. I am also doing independent music, not connected with film music

May 1, 2015

Bollywood

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ovebirds Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor who headed to Maldives for a romantic gateway had to break their summer vacation mid-way for professional commitment. Katrina flew back to Mumbai to shoot a commercial for two days. After wrapping up the shoot, she was to join Ranbir in Maldives again. A source says, "They have taken a break from work to spend quality time together. Katrina has just wrapped up her shoot for 'Fitoor' and has some time in hand before flying to Cannes for her red carpet debut." Katrina is expected to join Ranbir back in Maldives and continue their holiday. Another source informs, "Her dates for the ad shoot were locked in advance so she could not cancel it. She will fly out immediately after finishing her work." Ranbir and Katrina were clicked at the Maldives airport and the photo of the duo went viral.

nushka Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor are paired in the upcoming and ear nestly-awaited film 'Bombay Velvet'. Recently the two met their fans at an organized event to promote the song "Mohabbat Buri Bimari" of their film. Their easy friendship and cool camaraderie was more than obvious to one and all. The duo even accepted the fact that they have become good friends since the shooting for the film. In one snap Anushka is seen pinching Ranbir's nose. "He's easy to work with as he's my friend." Anushka said. The fact that the two have established a comfortable space to work together is true. But initially owing to the brat-like and mischievous nature of Ranbir, and Anushka being a person who likes to be on her own, she did accept that she had once ended up crying for being the butt of his jokes. "We would fight. I even cried once. I didn't want to fight with him because we were going to shoot a romantic scene. I couldn't even fight with him. I started to cry like a chick." admitted Anushka in an interview.

nil Kapoor is set to take part in yet another International and his second American project-the American cartoon franchise 'Family Guy'. The veteran actor after starring in the Oscar-winning film 'Slumdog Millionaire', 'Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol' starring Tom Cruise, American TV series '24' as 'Omar Hassan', is about to lend his voice for a guest character in the animated comedy show 'Family Guy'. "My character will appear with the show's famous Griffin family. It is a new experience for me. And you know how much I like going into new experiences" the actor said. Family Guy is a popular American adult animated show. It was first aired in the year 1999 and ever since then it has been having an uninterrupted and successful run. It is the recipient of the prestigious Emmy award.

Producer ROLE A

long with Anushka Sharma and Priyanka Chopra, it is Tapsee Pannu who is all set to join the producers' league. The young South actress has decided to co-produce a Bollywood film along with the award winning director-producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The film in question is a remake of the Tamil film Kanchana which released in 2011 with Lawrence Raghavendra in the lead. Excited about her new role as a producer, Tapsee Pannu expressed that she is really happy with the way things are shaping up.

Â&#x201E; Health

Line

Patients want say in suit challenging Medicaid PHOENIX: Lawyers representing patients who've gotten insurance coverage through Arizona's Medicaid expansion are asking a judge to let their clients have a say in a lawsuit challenging the legality of the plan. Court filings made by advocacy groups say the patients should be allowed to make their case because Republican Gov. Doug Ducey has repeatedly said he's opposed to President Barack Obama's health care overhaul law. It's a major piece of that law that former Gov. Jan Brewer embraced when she got the Legislature to approve Medicaid expansion in 2013. Arizona's share of expansion costs is funded by a hospital assessment. Republicans who control the Legislature argue the assessment required a 2/3 vote and the bill passed with a bare majority. A judge hears arguments in the case in July. -AP

Health Science

health exchange signs up 170,000

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Details on Page 34

Embryonic twin removed from Indian woman's brain LOS ANGELES: In a shocking discovery, doctors in the US have found an embryonic twin complete with bone, hair and teeth in the brain of a 26-year-old Indian woman undergoing surgery for a suspected tumor.

medical help last September after she started having trouble reading and talking. At one point Karanam, from Hyderabad, could barely eat and pain ran from her head throughout her body.

Â&#x201E;

Smoking inside bars is officially off-limits

NEW ORLEANS: Bars and gambling venues in this notoriously libertine city are adapting to a big change: the start of a smoke-free ordinance was being marked as a historic step in making the city healthier. Smoking inside the city's more than 500 bars and gambling venues - including the major downtown Harrah's New Orleans casino - became off-limits and smokers across the city's bars lit up their last cigarettes with much fanfare. At the downtown casino, employees handed out lollipops to smoking gamblers at the stroke of midnight and removed ashtrays from the casino's gambling floors. At a news conference, antismoking advocates and City Council members LaToya Cantrell and Susan Guidry, who led the push for the ban, celebrated the start of the prohibition. ``April 22, 2015, will forever be written in the books of the history of New Orleans,'' Cantrell said. ``We together stood tall to protect our workers, to protect our musicians, our cultural bearers, and to protect all citizens of our great city.'' Guidry, however, warned that the tobacco industry and casino lobby was continuing to fight the ban by seeking exemptions from state lawmakers in Baton Rouge. The ban was passed over the objections of bar owners and Harrah's New Orleans. -AP

Washington

Yamini Karanam, a PHD student at Indiana University, was undergoing surgery for a suspected tumour when the doctors found an embryonic twin

Yamini Karanam, a PHD student at Indiana University, sought

Karanam was diagnosed with pineal tumor after doctors spot-

ted what they thought was a cyst on Karanam's pineal gland, a tiny pea-like structure in the centre of the brain, 'The Washington Post' reported. In March this year, Karanam connected with Hrayr Shahinian, a doctor performing radical 'keyhole' brain surgeries at the Skullbase Institute in Los Angeles. Shahinian made a tiny incision in the back of Karanam's head, then strung an endoscope into her skull and through a natural channel in her brain to the site of the suspected tumor. However, Shahinian was shocked to discover that the tumor was actually a teratoma: a clump of bone, hair and teeth. Some doctors believe teratomas are twins that never quite

Now, get your eye exam on a smartphone WASHINGTON: A new smartphone-assisted gadget that can examine your eyes in the comfort of your home without the presence of a doctor has been developed. The USD 75 service called Blink can be administered by a technician who uses a trio of handheld devices. The screening process takes about 20 minutes, said David Schafran, cofounder and chief product officer for Blink. In case the user needs an eyeglass prescription, the technician will send results of the screening to an optometrist, who will send back a prescription within 24 hours, according to MIT Technology Review. Developed by the US start

up EyeNetra, Blink's eye exam tools include a black device which takes the place of an autorefractor for measuring the level of focusing error.

The device uses a Blink app shown on the smartphone's display to shine red and green beams of light at a user's eyes. The users line up these beams with a dial and the app figures out their refractive error by measuring the difference between

where the beams are on the screen and how much they adjust them. Another device also uses a smartphone to act as a lensmeter, which measures the prescription strength of a user's existing glasses. To do this, a smartphone running the app is placed in the device, eyeglasses are slid between the phone and the device, and a picture is taken of a pattern beneath the eyeglass lens with the phone's camera. A third device acts as a phoropter, which helps determine the specific strength of the lens prescription the users need by letting them try different lenses and settings while looking at an eye chart. -AP

develop and are instead absorbed into the surviving baby's body. Shahinian successfully removed the teratoma and now expects Karanam to make a full recovery.

Yamini Karanam

Karanam told NBC 4 that she was stunned to learn that her tumor wasn't just a lump of cells, but her "evil twin sister who's been torturing me for the past 26 years." -PTI

SD hospitals receive high marks from patients SIOUX FALLS, S.D.: Federal health officials say South Dakota hospitals were among a small number of facilities across the nation that received high ratings in patient satisfaction surveys collected over one year. The Argus Leader reports that 14 South Dakota hospitals received at least one five-star rating from patients in one of about a dozen categories that measure patient satisfaction. The data released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services come from samples of surveys answered by adult patients between July 1, 2013, and June 30, 2014. The surveys measured various patient experiences including communication with nurses and doctors, how well a patient's pain was managed and the cleanliness of a hospital room. South Dakota hospitals along with those in Maine, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Minnesota had the highest average scores. -AP

May 1, 2015

Health Science Post

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Cloth masks may up risk of infections: study MELBOURNE: The use of cloth masks by healthcare workers may actually put them at increased risk of respiratory illness and viral infections and their global use should be discouraged, according to a new study. The findings come from the first randomized clinical trial to study the efficacy of cloth masks conducted by the University of New South Wales (UNSW). The trial split 1,607 hospital healthcare workers across 14 hospitals in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, into three groups: those wearing medical masks, those wearing cloth masks and a control group based on usual practice, which included mask wearing. Workers used the mask on every shift for four consecutive weeks. The study found respiratory infection was much higher among healthcare workers wearing cloth masks. The penetration of cloth masks by particles was almost 97 per cent compared to medical masks with 44 per cent. Professor Raina MacIntyre, lead study author and head of UNSW's School of Public Health and Community Medicine, said the results of the study caution against the use of cloth masks. Cloth masks remain widely used globally because they are a cheaper option especially in areas where there are shortages of protective equipment, including in Asian countries, which have historically been af-

fected by emerging infectious diseases, as well as in West Africa, which was the epicenter of the recent Ebola epidemic, researchers said. Researchers speculate that the cloth masks' moisture retention, their reuse and poor filtration may explain the increased risk of infection.

MacIntyre said emerging infectious diseases are not constrained within geographical borders. "Effective controls of outbreaks and pandemics at the origin impacts us directly, so it is important for global disease control that the use of cloth masks be discouraged in high-risk situations," MacIntyre said. The study was published in the journal BMJ Open. -PTI

Genes make one more attractive to mosquitoes LONDON: The likelihood of being bitten by mosquitoes could be down to genes responsible for body odor, according to a new study. Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found, for the first time, an underlying genetic com-

ponent to how attractive we are to mosquitoes and this is likely to be caused by genetic control of our body odor. The findings could result in the development of better ways to control mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit. The study is built on previous research

where it was shown that attractiveness to insects is based on differences in body odor. People who are less attractive to mosquitoes produce natural repellents. It seems that this trait is genetically controlled, researchers said. A series of trials using 18 identical and 19 non-identical female twins showed that identical twin pairs were more similar in attractiveness to mosquitoes than non-identical twin pairs. The extent to which genes play a part - the level of heritability - in the trait for being attractive or not to mosquitoes was found to be at a similar level as that associated with height and IQ. The pilot study was carried out in collaboration with the University of Nottingham, Rothamsted Research and the University of Florida. TwinsUK assisted with recruitment of the sets of twins. In the experiment, Aedes aegypti, dengue mosquitoes, were released into a Yshaped tube which divides into two secCont'd on Page 35 tions.

Brain chemical not behind depression LONDON: The widely held belief that depression is due to low levels of serotonin in the brain - and that effective treatments raise these levels - is a myth, according to a leading UK psychiatrist. David Healy, Professor of Psychiatry at the Hergest psychiatric unit in North Wales, points to a misconception that lowered serotonin levels in depression are an established fact, which he described as "the marketing of a myth." The serotonin reuptake inhibiting (SSRI) group of drugs came on stream in the late 1980s, nearly two decades after first being mooted, Healy wrote in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). After concerns emerged about tranquillizer dependence in the early 1980s, drug companies marketed SSRIs for depression, "even though they were weaker than older tricyclic antidepressants, and sold the idea that depression was the deeper illness behind the superficial manifestations of anxiety," he said. The approach was an astonishing success, "central to which was the notion that SSRIs restored serotonin levels to normal,

a notion that later transmuted into the idea that they remedied a chemical imbalance," said Healy. "In the 1990s, no one knew if SSRIs raised or lowered serotonin levels, they still don't know. There was no evidence that treatment corrected anything," he noted. Healy suggested that the myth "coopted" many, including the complementary health market, psychologists, and journals. But above all the myth co-opted doctors and patients, he said. "For doctors it provided an easy short hand for communication with patients. For patients, the idea of correcting an abnormality has a moral force that can be expected to overcome the scruples some might have had about taking a tranquillizer, especially when packaged in the appealing form that distress is not a weakness," said Healy. Meanwhile more effective and less costly treatments were marginalized, he said. Healy stressed that serotonin "is not irrelevant" but this history "raises a question about the weight doctors and others put on biological and epidemiological plausibility. -PTI

34 India Post

Health Science Post

May 1, 2015

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Washington health exchange signs up 170,000 SEATTLE: About 170,000 Washington residents bought insurance through the state health care exchange during open enrollment that ended last week, officials reported. That's about 40,000 more people than bought insurance during the first year the exchange was open, but it's still about 40,000 fewer than the goal state officials set this year for Washington Healthplanfinder. About 16,000 people signed up for private insurance during the two-month extension of open enrollment. About 97,000 people renewed their insurance during open enrollment and the extension, which means many of the 130,000 who bought insurance last year didn't renew. Exchange spokesman Michael Marchand said officials were still examining the numbers. But he had a long list of reasons why they failed to meet their enrollment goals of full renewals and 85,000

new customers. He said more people secured free insurance through Medicaid than expected, more got jobs with health benefits, and more bought

lows year-round enrollment. The office of the state insurance commissioner estimated 170,000 people bought private insurance outside the state market-

insurance through the open market. Medicaid numbers were well above the goals set by the state, with 534.000 adults now getting Medicaid through Washington Apple Health. That program al-

place during the open enrollment period. That's about the same as last year. A Gallup poll found Washington's uninsured rate had dropped to 10 percent by December 2014.

New treatment for asthma in 5 years LONDON: In a first, scientists claim to have found the root cause of asthma, a breakthrough which could pave the way for a new treatment for the disorder within five years. Researchers described the previously unproven role of the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) in causing asthma, a disease which affects 300 million people worldwide. The team used mouse models of asthma and human airway tissue from asthmatic and non-asthmatic people to reach their findings. Researchers also highlight the effectiveness of a class of drugs known as calcilytics in manipulating CaSR to reverse all symptoms associated with the condition. These symptoms include airway narrowing, airway twitchiness and inflammation - all of which contribute to increased breathing difficulty. "Our findings are incredibly exciting," said principal investigator, Professor Daniela Riccardi, from Cardiff University School of Biosciences. "For the first time we have found a link airways inflammation, which can be caused by environmental triggers - such as allergens, cigarette smoke and car

fumes - and airways twitchiness in allergic asthma," said Riccardi. "Our paper shows how these triggers release chemicals that activate CaSR in airway tissue and drive asthma symptoms like airway twitchiness, inflammation, and narrowing. Using calcilytics, nebulae directly into the lungs, we show that it is possible to deactivate CaSR and prevent all of these symptoms," Riccardi

added. Riccardi and her collaborators are now seeking funding to determine the efficacy of calcilytic drugs in treating asthmas that are especially difficult to treat, particularly steroid-resistant and influenza-exacerbated asthma, and

to test these drugs in patients with asthma. The latest breakthrough has provided researchers with the unique opportunity to re-purpose these drugs, potentially accelerating the time it takes for them to be approved for use asthma patients. "If we can prove that calcilytics are safe when administered directly to the lung in

people, then in five years we could be in a position to treat patients and potentially stop asthma from happening in the first place," Riccardi said. The study was published in Science Translational Medicine journal. -PTI

State officials estimated nearly 1 million people in Washington state did not have insurance before the state expanded Medicaid eligibility and opened the health exchange under the rules of the Affordable Care Act in fall 2013. State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler said his office estimates the number of uninsured in the state has dropped to about 8.6 percent of its 7 million residents. ``Real progress is being made here,'' Kreidler said, but added, ``There's a lot of people out there who still don't have insurance.'' The next step will be gathering more information from people who are still uninsured and figuring out how to reach the rest, Marchand said. ``The end goal for us is to reduce the un-insurance rate as much as we possibly can,'' Marchand said. Kreidler said the exchange still needs to do a better job of explaining why people should buy

insurance through the exchange, offer the best product possible, including adult dental insurance, and improve customer service. Marchand said his main disappointment with the exchange to date is that it still isn't offering the level of customer service people in Washington should be getting. ``I'm disappointed that we haven't been able to improve as quickly as I would like to,'' Marchand added. Many hope a recent decision by the exchange board to step out of the role of a middleman and have people pay their insurance companies directly will eliminate many of the problems the exchange has had since it opened. In February, 13,000 customers of the exchange had an incorrect amount taken out of their bank accounts to pay their insurance premiums. Last year, 24,000 accounts reported billing problems, some of which prevented people from using the insurance they had purchased. -AP

Malaria on decline in India, half a million die globally GENEVA: India has seen a "major" decline in the number of deaths caused by Malaria in the last three years even as more than half a million people die globally of the deadly mosquito-borne disease, the WHO said. Malaria killed 584,000 people across the world in 2013 with children under five accounting for at least three-fourths of those deaths, it said. However, global incidence of malaria has plunged 30 per cent and mortality rates have fallen 40 per cent between 2000 and 2013. "The incidence of malaria decreased 30 per cent globally, the mortality rates by 40 per cent globally between 2000 and 2013," said Richard Cibulskis, Coordinator, Strategy, Economics and Elimination, WHO Global Malaria Program. "The data that we have received suggests major decreases in the incidence of malaria in the last three years in India. The key will be those populations that are hardest to reach will be reached or not," Cibulskis added. He said if states like Odisha and

other eastern states, where malaria is very intensely transmitted, are compared with others there is a "huge difference". "For some states transmission is almost as intense as some parts of Africa and where cases and deaths will be concentrated on children under five is just like in sub- Saharan Africa," Cibulskis told PTI. "It is particularly difficult to

control because it is focused on tribal population where you don't have access to health facilities. The government has expanded its Asha program so its much better access has increased the outreach," he added. As per the WHO statistics for 2013, the working number for deaths due to malaria in India is 28,000 but could be as high as 46,000 per year. -PTI

May 1, 2015

Health Science Post

India Post 35

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Sweet potato naturally 'genetically modified' LONDON: Sweet potatoes all over the world contain 'foreign' DNA sequences, according to a new study which concludes that the popular food can be seen as naturally 'genetically modified'. Researchers from Ghent University in Belgium and the International Potato Center (CIP) in Peru found that sweet potatoes naturally contain genes from the bacterium Agrobacterium. The researchers discovered the foreign DNA sequences of Agrobacterium while searching the genome of sweet potato for viral diseases. The sequences appeared to be present in each of the 291 tested sweet potato cul-

tivars and even in some wild related species. Different research methods confirmed

JK govt strengthens health care in Kishtwar JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government has posted 11 medical specialists to Kishtwar in a bid to strengthen the health sector in the mountainous district of the state.

The doctors have been appointed in four to five departments of the hospital which were vacant for past one decade, the BJP leader said. The health department has posted 11 senior doctors to the only major hospital of this mountainous district which was facing huge shortage of medical practitioners for years, BJP leader Sudesh Singh said.

He also said this was made possible with the tireless efforts of Minister of State for Roads and Buildings and local MLA Sunil Sharma. Doctors specializing in surgery, anesthesia and gynecology were posted in Kishtwar's district hospital. The doctors have been appointed in four to five departments of the hospital which were vacant for past one decade, the BJP leader said. Sharma thanked Health Minister Choudhary Lal Singh for his concern towards the health sector in the district and hoped that these doctors will work hard and provide relief to the common people of the district. The government is fully committed for uplifting the remote and backward regions of the state and these steps will go in a long way in establishing the faith among the poor masses of the state, the minister said. -PTI

Genes make one more attractive to mosquitoes Cont'd from Page 33

They were allowed to fly down either side towards the odor from the study participants' hands to see which twin they were most attracted to. Female mosquitoes display preferences for the smell of certain people when they choose who to bite to feed on the blood which they require to reproduce. For example, pregnant women are more attractive to Anopheles gambiae (the principal malaria vector in Africa) than their non-pregnant counterparts, and people with a greater body mass also appear to be more attractive to mosquitoes and midges. Diet is often suggested as an explanation, with anecdotes about eating garlic or drinking beer to keep mosquitoes away. However, there is no clear and consistent dietary explanation.

"By investigating the genetic mechanism behind attractiveness to biting insects such as mosquitoes we can move closer to using this knowledge for better ways of keeping us safe from bites and the diseases insects can spread through bites," said senior author Dr James Logan, Senior Lecturer in Medical Entomology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. "If we understand the genetic basis for variation between individuals it could be possible to develop bespoke ways to control mosquitoes better, and develop new ways to repel them. "In the future we may even be able to take a pill which will enhance the production of natural repellents by the body and ultimately replace skin lotions," Logan said. The findings are published in the journal PLOS ONE. -PTI

the same conclusion: the specific sequences are not due to contamination, but they are part of the sweet potato genome. T h e genes in the foreign DNA sequences were also shown to be active in sweet potato, which can indicate that they provide a positive characteristic which was selected for by the farmers during domestication. It is not the first time that researchers find bacterial, fungal or viral DNA in the genome of plants or animals. High throughput genome analyses in recent years has found more and more examples of possible "horizontal gene transfers." In a horizontal gene transfer there is exchange of genes between different species - in contrast to normal gene transfer from parents to progeny which occurs within one species. Finding similar sequences is not a full proof that they are the result of horizontal

gene transfer, but in the case of sweet potato there are strong indications that this has happened, researchers said. Agrobacterium is specialized to transfer a part of its own DNA, the so-called TDNA, to plants. And it is this T-DNA that has been found in sweet potato. The mechanism that Agrobacterium uses to incorporate its own T-DNA in the genetic material of plants forms the basis of the genetically modified organism (GMO) technology. While Agrobacterium traditionally introduces its T-DNA only in a few plant cells, biotechnologist have succeeded to regenerate plants from these cells. The finding of T-DNAs in sweet potato shows that this extra step has also occurred in nature thousands of years ago. "The natural presence of Agrobacterium T-DNA in sweet potato and its stable inheritance during evolution is a beautiful example of the possibility of DNA exchange across species barriers," said Lieve Gheysen, one of the study researchers. "It demonstrates that genetic modification also happens in nature. In comparison to "natural" GMOs, that are beyond our control, human-made GMOs have the advantage that we know exactly which characteristic we add to the plant," Gheysen said. -PTI

36 India Post

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May 1, 2015

Horoscope

May 1, 2015

India Post

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar May 1st - May 7th 2015 (March 21 to April 20)

right ideas will come to your mind one after an other and you will not wait another second to work on them. You will save tons of money in the process. You may take a trip with family to see some relatives. Just be little careful and do not sign any contract in a hurry. You may temporarily develop a taste for hot and spicy food.

(April 21 to May 20)

eople prone to blood pressure should be on their guards for next few weeks and keep an eye on diet. Efforts will bear fruits and you will lay your hands on some easy money. Choice will be tough but you will make a very calculated move in career. You may buy some nice item for the house during your rare trip to a shopping mall.

(May 21 to June 20)

njoy life but within legal parameter as the plea sure seeking activities could get you in some trouble at home. Help will come from totally unexpected source. Expenses will stay at rock bottom and you will start to see bank balance growing rapidly. You may start the application process to buy another business. Just remember one important thing that if you lack confidence, it will be difficult to get the job done.

(June 21 to July 22)

hance of hitting some kind of financial jackpot still strong for another couple of weeks. You will put all worries aside and make good use of extra time on hands and take family out to nice places. Planets are very favorable for those looking for an addition in the family. You may also try to get out of medication with help of meditation.

(July 23 to August 22)

(November 23 to December 22)

ou may replace one of your old vehicle. Money wise looks like another fortunate week, as most of your ideas and plans will hit the bulls eye. Past actions will make you popular in social circle. Some visitors may conform their date of arrival. You may stretch your limits in order to help a needy friend this week.

(August 23 to September 22)

new opportunity will knock at your door and you may start working on it quickly. Money wise you will continue to stay in comfortable zone. You may plan a short trip or vacation with a colleague. There will be tremendous progress in ongoing projects overseas. Spouse may have some health concerns and may visit a doctor.

(September 23 to October 22)

ositive developments will bring confidence back. Keep an eye as spouse may end up buying some unnecessary items. An old health issue will flare up again and over the counter medication and cutting down on spices will be helpful. Running around will increase as you may have hard time in getting the commitment in first shot.

(October 23 to November 22)

ou may be in touch with an elderly person to seek his help and guidance in order to accomplish your goal. Still it will take some time to get the final commitment and funding you need to float your ideas. Some one close may try to take undue advantage of your good nature. You may dispose off some asset or stocks and pocket the money.

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

ou will be desperately looking for new avenues to make money. Some of you may replace one of your vehicle with new economical model. You may also attend a party with family this week. Just remember you can achieve your professional goals only if you stick to your guns and put your foot down. Some one will call from overseas.

(December 22 to January 19)

tress about a child will increase and you will be looking for a easy solution. Some of you be seriously thinking about changing your job and may even start applying outside. You will receive some valuable advice from a learned person. Some of you may be taking a short trip to attend an important meeting this week.

(January 20 to February 18)

oss will pay attention to your reasoning and assign the post or project you deserve quickly. You may get something important done from a government agency this week. Expenses will stay under check and bank balance will grow slowly. You may buy or have some nice plants planted around your property this week.

(February 19 to March 20)

ou will have to be little aggressive in case you want the job to be done fast, other wise other side is ready to give you run around. Some of you may sign up for a short term course or training to update your knowledge. You may reluctantly attend a party with family. Do not hesitate to buy few lottery tickets.

510-886-4370 www.parashar.com

Â&#x201E;

Realty Tidbits

Plantation owner envisions Maui town development WAILUKU, Hawaii: The owner of a plantation on Maui wants to turn the 1,600 acres into a development with homes and small businesses. The Maui News reports 66year-old Mike Atherton is making plans for the area near the small town of Waikapu, which was once an epicenter for sugar cane production and commerce on Maui. Atherton calls his dream the Waikapu Country Town project. An environmental report outlines construction of retail stores, restaurants, an elementary school and nearly 1,500 homes in two, five-year phases on both sides of Honoapiilani Highway. Atherton says the tropical plantation would serve as the ``village center'' and remain relatively untouched. He says home construction would be a mix of single-family, multi-family, rural and country town mixed-use homes around the village center. -AP

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Housing for all by 2022 a great challenge: Naidu

NEW DELHI: Terming the target of housing for all by 2022 a "great challenge", Union Housing and Poverty Alleviation Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said public and private sector cooperation is needed to make it possible. "States and the Centre must work together and it is the need of the hour. Private sector involvement is also required for it," Naidu said at the function organized to mark the 45th foundation day of Hudco here. Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd (HUDCO), a PSU under the ministry, provides technical and financial assistance for housing with special focus on the economically weaker sections in both rural and urban areas. We have a participatory system and public-private participation should be worked in a way to deliver good results, he said. 'Housing for All'-a new urban housing mission, has been approved by the Union Cabinet with the goal of constructing about 2 crore houses in all the 4,041 statutory towns and cities of the country by the year 2022, coinciding with the historic occasion of 75 years of independence of the country. "Land is required for development. You need land for building airport, road, rail line. You also need land for housing," he said, adding, "lot of projects are held up due the problem of land acquisition." -PTI

Real Estate 38 India Post

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May 1, 2015

Private equity in realty sector dips 5.6% NEW DELHI: Private equity (PE) investment in the real estate sector fell by 5.6 per cent to Rs 5,170 crore in the first quarter this year, over the previous three months, says property consultant Cushman & Wakefield. It was, however, up by 84 per cent over the January-March period of last year. -PTI

India to become 4th largest infrastructure market by 2030 NEW DELHI: India would become fourth largest infrastructure projects market in the world by 2025 as real estate and construction sector is continuously evolving in the country, according to a RICS report. "Recent reports commissioned by RICS found affordable housing was an acute problem in some BRICS nations including Brazil, China and India, exacerbated by growing urban populations," Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) said in its report. At present, India is at sixth position with 5.3 per cent share in the global infrastructure market and by 2025 its share will go up to 9.8 per cent and it will be at fourth position, the report added.

"Real estate and construction sector in India is continuously evolving at a rapid pace. All stakeholders of this profession

need to come together to attract high quality talent in this sector," RICS Global MD - Emerging Business Sachin Sandhir said.

More than 50 per cent of urban growth will come from just seven countries: India, China, Nigeria, Indonesia, the USA, Pakistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, it said adding that China and India will contribute more than one-third of the total growth. It also added that Indian government has announced plans to not just create REITs but also investment infrastructure trusts (InvITs). Therefore, investors, and the construction and real estate sectors more broadly, need to monitor changing policy landscapes to ensure they are ready to take advantage of new opportunities, the report said. RICS is a global body for setting standards in property sector.PTI

US home sales bounced back in March WASHINGTON: U.S. home sales bloomed in March after a brutal winter, a sign of possible newfound momentum for housing. Sales of existing homes jumped 6.1 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.19 million, the National Association of Realtors said. The gains were solid enough to suggest that housing might be returning to stable footing after enduring a boom, a bust and a stubbornly tepid recovery over the past dozen years. ``We may be seeing the beginning of things getting close to what we would call a normal market,'' said Tom Lawler, a housing economist. Still, it remains unclear whether March's robust gains can be sustained. Much of last month's sales growth came from the Northeast and Midwest - the areas that were hardest hit by winter storms and that were bound to recover as the weather warmed. It's possible that the

March increase might amount to just a one-month blip. That possibility makes next week's release of the Realtors' monthly report on pending home sales - which covers upcoming purchases - a crucial barometer of

ket has just 4.6 months of supply, compared with six months in what economists consider a healthy market. The limited supply has caused prices to rise at a pace that hurts affordability. The median U.S. home price rose 7.8 percent

the industry's strength. On top of that, there might not be enough homes on the market to meet buyer demand. A shortage of available homes would limit sales. Nationally, the real estate mar-

over the past 12 months to $212,100. By contrast, average U.S. pay has risen just 2.1 percent over that time. This sets up a tension between rising demand and limited availability of homes. To build on the

current sales momentum, more houses must be listed, said Richard Moody, chief economist at Regions Financial. ``While improving labor market conditions have fostered sturdier income growth and first-time buyers are coming back... we nonetheless continue to harbor concerns that lean inventories could pull the plug on a potentially promising spring selling season,'' Moody said. In states like California, the imbalance between the number of would-be buyers and homes for sale has become more pronounced. The supply of homes slid in March to 3.5 months. That's giving sellers the edge in places like San Diego County, where many homes have been selling for very close to full asking price, said Patrick Marelly, an agent with Realty ONE Group in northern San Diego County. ``It's really more of a seller's market,'' Marelly said. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 39

Real Estate Post

May 1, 2015

India Post 39

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San Fran housing rent up a sizzling 14.8% WASHINGTON: Almost no one is moving to San Francisco to save money. They might come for the tech jobs, the artisanal espressos or the weather. But average home rent has jumped nearly 15 percent

Americans into rentals, a trend that has driven up rents. Over the 12 months that ended in March, rents nationally climbed a seasonally adjusted average of 3.7 percent nationally, Zillow reported. The improving economy is

A sign indicates a house for rent in Zelienople, Pa. Home rental prices nationally climbed a seasonally-adjusted 3.7 percent in March from 12 months earlier, real estate data firm Zillow said

in the past year - to $3,129 last month - according to real estate data firm Zillow. Across the country, rising home prices have been shifting many

largely to blame. Employers have added 3.1 million jobs over the past year, an influx of paychecks that being spent on apartments. But builders have been unable to ramp

US home sales bounced back in March Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 38

Some economists predict that the March upswing will lead to more listings of homes. ``We should not be worrying too much about tight inventories,'' said Brian Parker, an economist at Navy Federal Credit Union. ``Rising prices and more buyers will bring an increase of sellers into the market, thus keeping inventory stable.'' Real estate continues to recover from the crash that triggered the 2008 financial crisis and dragged down prices through 2012. But the sluggish pace of the nearly sixyear recovery has kept wages from rising much, thereby putting homes out of reach for many as prices head higher. Many potential sellers are still ``underwater'' on their mortgages, meaning that they owe more than their home could fetch. This restricts the number of listings. The March sales rate topped 5 million for the first time this year and suggests that sales should improve from the 4.94 million in 2014. Still, in a healthy market, sales would average roughly 5.5 million a year, economists say. Home-buying improved in all four geographic regions last month. The largest gains came

from the Northeast and Midwest, the areas where fierce weather in the prior two months delayed sales. First-time buyers are also creeping back. They accounted for 30 percent of March purchases, up from 29 percent in February. Even so, first-time buyers usually compose about 40 percent of sales in a healthy market. The sales figures reinforce other indicators that suggest a strengthening housing sector. The real estate brokerage Redfin reported that sales jumped 10.1 percent in March compared with 12 months earlier. That's close to the 10.4 year-over-year increase tracked by the Realtors. Redfin also found that the majority of homes in San Francisco sold for more than $1 million last month, while Denver homes were staying on the market for just six days. Yet fewer homes nationwide were listed for sale in March versus last year, likely limiting sales growth and lifting prices higher. Still, job gains over the past year mean that there are an additional 3.1 million people working who have paychecks to spend. This has increased confidence within the real estate sector of a sales surge this year. -AP

up construction to meet this new demand. So the shortage of apartments has helped fuel higher rents. ``It's very hard for housing supply to respond quickly to increases in demand,'' said Skylar Olsen, a senior economist at Zillow. Exacerbating the squeeze, rents are rising faster than most people's pay. This means that all the new jobs are producing both more people able to spend on housing

and more of an affordability squeeze. San Francisco epitomizes the trend. The influx of tech money helped fuel an average 14.8 percent increase in housing rent in the San Francisco metro area over the past 12 months. In the nearby San Jose area, the jump was 12.3 percent. Rents average more than $3,000 a month in these areas. That's roughly $600 more than

rent in the Los Angeles area, $800 more than metro New York City, and $1,000 more than the Washington, D.C., area. Houses and condos are so expensive in San Francisco that tech employees with comfortable sixfigure salaries often have no choice but to rent. Home purchases are often driven by startup companies issuing publicly traded stock, which employees than use to finance a home purchase. -AP

40 India Post

ubra Valley, in Ladakh, was once on the trading route that connected eastern Tibet with Turkistan via the famous Karakoram Pass. Nubra invites you to a trip back in time into a nearly forgotten 'Shangri La'. With breathtaking views and delightfully hospitable inhabitants, it is quite an experience. Best time to visit: Ladakh's harsh winter makes this crossing possible only during the summer months-from June to August. The valley itself lies at a lower elevation than the Leh Valley, making it very fer-

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tile with cultivation of grains and fruits like peaches. The valley lies 150 km from the city of Leh. Perched at a height of 10,000 feet above sea level, it is a popular tourist destination. Travelers are required to obtain an Inner Line Permit from Leh. One passes through some of the most scenic locations in the region en route Nubra Valley. There are many small villages along the valley. These small settlements are known for their pristine beauty. Some of the villages are Sumur, Paramik and Tirith. The Paramik village is renowned for its hot

May 1, 2015

natural springs. The people are predominantly Buddhist and there are many monasteries that can be seen along the Nubra Valley. The Samstanling Monastery located near the Sumlur village and the Diksit Monastery in the Diksit village are the important monasteries located here. The village of Baighandu is renowned for its goats whose rich coat is used to produce the famous Pashmina Shawl. There are also many trekking spots near the Nubra Valley tourists can indulge on Kashmir holiday packages. Diskit is the administrative center of the

Nubra Valley. It nestles on the edge of a desert on the Shyok-side valley, eight hours away, on the other side of the Khardong La (La means Pass). To reach this place one should carry along plenty of water, because the increase in height by over 2000 meters, can give anybody severe headache and nausea. The road is paved till south Pulu, a military check post, where the permits are checked and the details entered. This is an unforgettable excursion that makes Indiana Jones look like a kindergarten excursion. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 42

Travel & Hospitality Post

May 1, 2015

India Post

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Mufti urged to lead campaign Amazon starts travel service Amazon Destinations for Kashmir tourism SRINAGAR: With tourist arrivals in Jammu & Kashmir "hitting the bottom", a trade body has urged Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to take charge

Federation (KHAROF) G M Dug told reporters here. Dug appealed to Sayeed, who also holds the charge of Tourism Department, to personally lead the

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed

of the promotional activities himself to revive the tourism sector. "Tourism sector is once again bleeding. Tourist arrivals have hit the bottom. There have been 40 per cent cancellations for the month of May," President of Kashmir Hotel & Restaurant Owners

promotional campaign. "We are sure it will make a huge impact. The government should come forward to clear whatever misconceptions the intending tourists might have," he said. Dug said that instead of pondering over the situation seri-

MakeMyTrip acquires travel guide startup Mygola NEW DELHI: Online travel services provider MakeMyTrip has said it has acquired Mygola, a startup travel guide firm, and the latter's entire team has joined the firm. The acquisition is done

through the company's earlier announced innovation fund, which is formed to invest in start up or early-stage companies in the travel technology space, MakeMyTrip said in a statement. The firm did not disclose financial details of the deal. MakeMyTrip Group CEO Deep Kalra said the company has acquired 100 per cent of Mygola. "I've known the Mygola team for over four years now and they have fantastic product expertise, especially in the mobile space," he added. Mygola, founded in 2009 by Anshuman Bapna and Prateek Sharma, has raised capital from Helion Ventures, Blumberg Capi-

tal and 500Startups, among other angel investors. "Mygola team's deep understanding of travelers' planning and in-destination experience preferences will be very valuable in strengthening our proposition in these and related areas of customer eng a g e m e n t , " MakeMyTrip India Co-Founder & CEO Rajesh Magow said. Mygola CEO Anshuman Bapna said: "Our team is super excited to bring all the knowledge to the millions of MakeMyTrip travelers." MakeMyTrip's services and products include air tickets, customized holiday packages, hotel bookings, railway tickets, bus tickets, car hire and facilitating access to travel insurance.-PTI

ously in consultation with professional consultants and stakeholders on how to do promotional activities, the government has embarked upon "non-productive" activity. "At present, non-productive promotional activity has been embarked upon by the Department of Tourism by holding road shows or fairs from where we do not receive even one per cent of the tourists. "While they have neglected the potential places like Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Kolkata, from where we receive more than 80 per cent tourists as holidays in these places have begun," he said. Dug also accused a section of media of negative reporting about the situation in the Valley. "That has hurt us more. It had its effect on the sector which is fragile," he said and appealed to the media to consider the damage "such misreporting" can do. "We appeal to the media to help us in putting Kashmir back on the tourist map of the world," Dug said. -PTI

NEW YORK: The site that sells everything from toilet paper to toys can now send you on a romantic getaway. Amazon is expanding its travel service online, dubbed Amazon Destinations, the latest effort by the e-commerce site to bolster its service offerings. The travel service offers deals on hotels and getaways in three metro areas, Los Angeles, New

York and Seattle, and their surrounding regions. Amazon has offered travel deals since 2012 but those were mainly flash deals with discounted rates. Now, hotels can offer rooms at published rates as well as deal packages and dis-

counts. Some examples of hotels included are Suncadia Resort near Seattle, which has a golf course and hiking trails, or Two Bunch Palms, a hot springs spa resort in Los Angeles. The travel service is part of Amazon's local site which offers discounts on restaurants, entertainment, travel and other offerings from local businesses. It pits Amazon against travel service sites like Expedia a n d TripAdvisor. Amazon has been broadening its online service offerings across the board. Last month it launched Amazon Home Services, where businesses can sell to customers services like house cleaning and small renovation projects like TV wall mounting and garbage disposal installation.-AP

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Nubra Valley Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 40

Surrounded by majestic Himalayas, it has the distinct smell of smoky kitchens, goats, chang (local brew) and butter tea and the fatal edge of the 100-meter sheer cliffs always closer than one really appreciates. One can spot various modes of transportation hundred meters below, at their final resting place. Surrounded by the rising mountains of Himalayas and superb views down the Leh valley, the thrill is replaced by a feeling of utmost beauty. Snow lingers all year round on the mountains with prayer-flag topped peaks. A breathtaking experience indeed. Descending into the valley, only the first few km are tricky. Soon, following a mellow stream, one would come into a surprisingly green landscape with rugged stone formations rising up into the sky with the peaks in the background. They look like they have been poured over with sugar. A real fairy tale landscape. As drastically as the landscape had changed from 'moon-land' on top of the Khardong La to a green oasis, one would enter a desert, easily comparable to the Thar in Rajasthan. Diskit seems like a ghost town, an oasis of tranquility. An enjoyable day's walk brings one to Somoor, half way to Panamik. Army trucks are the only means of transportation in the valley.

A nearly fo r go tten 'Sha ngri La' A Ladakhi meal is served sitting around the massive black stove in the kitchen, the most important room in any Ladakhi house. It is the place to warm up on a freezing winter night, the place where the family meets, the homework is done and the prayers are said. Tiger is only another three km towards Panamik. It makes an easy afternoon stroll, inhaling the beauty and the calmness of the impressive, stimulating countryside. Coming across a local, one can be sure to be greeted with a warm smile and a joyful Julee. The furthest place the permit allows one to visit in the valley is Panamik, the last settlement of any size before the Tibetan border. It's not very wise to proceed further than the provided barrier at the

northern edge of the town since this is a rather sensitive border area. It is completely controlled by the Indian Army, usually with very friendly soldiers. The 250 years old Ensa Gompa, nestled on top of a rock overlook-

Festival of the Scapegoat - Dosmoche

ing snow-peaked mountains across the valley is much further away than it looks. It takes at least a six-hour walk to reach, which involves crossing the river at Hargam. The hot springs on the outskirts of Panamik invite one for a literally sizzling bath experience,

which will most probably be the first contact with hot water since one leaves Leh. The Nubra Valley is one of the last treasures of our planet, living in sheer isolation for most of the year in the heart of the great Himalayas. A real Shangri La, with no 'Baywatch', no mobile phones and no Ray Ban sunglasses. Tourist attractions Panamik: Perched at a height of 3183 m above sea level, the scenic village of Panamik in Nubra Valley is located around 140 km from Leh. It is situated at the Indian border before the Tibetan territory. The village is known for its curative hot water springs which are located on its outskirts. Panamik commands the stunning views of the surrounding snowcapped mountains.

Yarab Tso Lake: Yarab Tso Lake is considered to be holy and is also often referred to as hidden lake. It is situated near Sumur village, around 15 km from Diskit in Nubra Valley. It offers a magnificent serene surrounding that will truly capture heart and mind of any visitor. A 15-20 minutes hike uphill on a hillock will get you to the banks of this holy lake. Diskit Monastery: One of the oldest & largest Buddhist monasteries in the Nubra Valley, the Diskit Monastery or Diskit Gompa was founded by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, a disciple of Tsong Khapa in the 14th century. Festival of the Scapegoat Dosmoche: One of the most popular prayer festivals in the Nubra Valley, the Dosmoche or Desmochhey - also known as the 'Festival of the Scapegoat' is celebrated at the Diksit Monastery. The same festival is also celebrated in Likir in Leh, but since it is celebrated in the peak winter of February when the Khardon peak is snowbound, all the locals gather at the Diksit Monastery to celebrate. Hundur Monastery: Also known as Hundu Gompa, the Hundur Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located near the Diksit Monastery & Lachung temple. It is located near the bridge on the main road in the Nubra Valley. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 43

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Ratnagiri Tourism Mahotsav from May 2 MUMBAI: With the aim to attract domestic and international tourists to Ratnagiri district, its guardian minister Ravindra Waikar has initiated a three-day long Ratnagiri Tourism Mahotsav which will begin on May 2. Tourists can enjoy Konkani food and fish while reveling in folk music and 'Balya' dance, Waikar told reporters here. "Earlier the tourism Mahotsav was held every year but it stopped since the last 15 years. Ratnagiri has clean and untouched beaches, even better than that of Goa and facilities like scuba diving can attract a lot of tourists," Waikar said. "From this year, the Mahotsav will be held ev-

ery year in various tehsils of the district," the minister said.

Ravindra Waikar

The government has decided to provide transport facilities to attract tourists to the Mahotsav, he said. For this, we have allocated Rs 500 crore to develop road and infrastructure projects. He said that during the Mahotsav, state transport and private transporters will facilitate a day tour to tourist spots within Ratnagiri on a concession fare basis. The tourist spots will include Thiba palace, birth place of Lokmanya Tilak, Swatantryaveer Sawarkar memorial, Ganpatipule, Pawas and Marleshwar. Marathi TV and theatre artistes will perform cultural programs at Bhatye beach and at the ground of Gogte-Joglekar College. "Tourists will also be given a concession at private hotels," the minister said. The festival will conclude on May 4.-PTI

Uber to return - legally to Portland, Oregon PORTLAND, Ore.: It's been dubbed ``Taxis Gone Wild,'' and for the next 120 days Oregon's largest city will see a big shakeup in an old-school industry. The Portland City Council narrowly approved a fourmonth experiment allowing ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft to operate legally while deregulating the existing cab industry. Uber allows prospective customers to use a phone app to hail and pay a driver who uses his own car. It launched Portland service in December, but suspended operations after the city took legal action. A city task force then spent months developing recommendations for Uber to operate legally, and that led to the 3-2 vote. Though Uber has a global reputation for flouting government regulations, the company agreed to several conditions to operate in Portland. Uber drivers must have liability insurance, undergo background checks, obtain a business license and have their cars inspected. They won't be allowed to accept

street-hailed fares or park in taxi lines. Uber agreed to guarantee service to people with disabilities, something it hasn't done elsewhere, and won't be able to reject

trip requests just because the length of the journey isn't lucrative. Existing cab companies, meanwhile, will be allowed to hire as many drivers as they want and set fares without regulation. Though the vote was a split decision, the council was largely united in its dislike for Uber. ``I appreciate that they've been behaving themselves a bit lately

but until they fire the guy who said he wanted to create a slush fund to blackmail journalists, I'm going to keep on saying I don't like Uber,'' Commissioner Steve Novick said. ``But,'' he added, ``we're not voting on whether we like Uber. We're voting on whether to allow a particular business model to operate.'' Commissioners Amanda Fritz and Nick Fish voted no. ``I don't like bullies, and I don't care for people in businesses that act like the rules don't apply to them,'' Fish said. The city intends to collect data on wait times and ride requests, and decide in a few months whether to make the pilot project permanent. If the experiment goes poorly, the council could make revisions or boot Uber and Lyft out of the city. Regular cabs have been operating in a system in which they can't charge more than $2.60 per mile. They were not cheering their newfound freedom, concerned that Uber - with few fixed costs and billions of dollars in capitalization will undercut prices.-AP

Indian passport 48th out of 50 most powerful LONDON: The Indian passport has been ranked 48th in a list of 50 most powerful travel documents in the world, according to a global survey topped by Sweden. Germany-based Go Euro travel comparison website ranked the top 50 countries of the world based on their passport's eligibility for visafree entry, cost of application as well as number of hours worked to acquire the document. India, which came towards the bottom of the ranking, offered visa-free entry to 52 countries and cost USD 24 and 87 hours of working time. Sweden topped the chart with 174 visa-free countries, costing USD 43 and just one hour of working time. Finland, Germany, the UK and US completed the top 5 with 174

visa-free countries all round. "As any avid traveler knows, passports are the key to adventures. "Passports are the ultimate 'don't leave home without it' item, but the nationality on one's passport can have a major effect on travel plans and time abroad," Go

Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley lured many tourists, with camel safari being the main attraction. It is the place where one can enjoy Bactrian camel ride through the sand dunes. Unlike single-humped camels found in Rajasthan and other parts of India, Bactrian camels in Hunder have two humps and joyride on these camels would be a memorable experience in the Himalaya with a difference.

A nearly forgotten 'Shangri La' Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 42

Lachung Temple: One of the oldest temples in the region, Lachung temple has a statue of Tsong-kha-pa standing tall with a Gelugpa yellow hat crowns the image. It is located near the Diksit Monastery. Maitreya Buddha: At the foothills of the Nubra Valley is the official residence of the Chief of Lamba of Nubra. Along with this stands the impressive 32 m Maitreya Buddha statue. Perched atop a hill, the statue faces the Shyok River towards Pakistan. Samstanling Monastery: Founded by Lama Tsultim Nima around 140 years back, the Samstanling Monastery is located in the Sumlur village of the Nubra Valley region. Located 124 km north of the capital of Ladakh, Leh; around 50 monks reside in this monastery whose daily needs are taken care of by the monastery governing body. Camel Safari in Hunder Sand Dunes: Sand dunes that lie between Hunder and Diskit in

Euro said in a statement. Iraq and Afghanistan were ranked the least useful nationalities for passports with Pakistan not even making to the top 50. PTI

How to reach There are regular buses run by the Jammu and Kashmir State Transport Corporation to cover the distance of 150 km from Leh to Diskit, the administrative headquarters. The roads are maintained by the army and sudden changes in weather are common. One should be prepared to face natural hazards when visiting Nubra Valley. There is only one pass that vehicles can travel through. The travel time takes around 5 hours due to the difficult road and steep passes. Only certain vehicles can pass through this road. SUV's and four wheel vehicles are the best option to travel this road and it also requires experienced drivers. There are many streams that flow through the Khardung La pass. Leh is the closest airport and has the closest railway station.

In Brief Jordanian family charged in activist's death HOUSTON: A Jordanian immigrant bent on revenge over his daughter's marriage to a Christian killed a female Iranian activist who persuaded the woman to go through with the marriage, then later killed his despised son-in-law, according to charges revealed in Houston. Ali Awad Mahmoud Irsan, 57, is charged with capital murder in the 2012 deaths of Gelerah Bagherzadeh and son-in-law Coty Beavers. Shmou Ali Alrawabdeh, his 37-year-old wife, and his 21year-old son, Nasim Irsan, are charged with murder for assisting in Bagherzadeh's slaying, according to prosecutors. Nadia Irsan, 30, another of Irsan's daughters, is charged with felony stalking for tracking her estranged sister for her father, according to court documents. Father, mother and daughter are in federal custody awaiting sentencing in an unrelated disability fraud case. The son is being held on $500,000 bond, said family attorney John Floyd of Houston. The family had nothing to do with the slayings, Floyd said. He criticized the Harris County District Attorney's Office for accusing Ali Irsan of a religiously motivated crime, saying it would inflame the public and make it hard for the Irsans to get fair trials. -AP

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PHOENIX: There won't be nearly as many immigrant children who cross the border on their own this summer as there were last year, top officials say. Daniel Ragsdale, deputy director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said authorities expect far fewer migrant children and families than the influx last year that gained worldwide attention and left Border Patrol agents unable to process so many people. ``I'm happy to say all the work we've done last year is bearing fruit,'' Ragsdale said. Ronald D. Vitiello, the Border Patrol's deputy chief, agreed. ``This year is far better off than last year,'' he said. Vitiello and Ragsdale made the remarks at the Border Security Expo in Phoenix. Authorities were overwhelmed last year with an influx of unaccompanied minors and families with children last year. More than 68,000 youths from mostly Central America crossed the border without a parent last fiscal year. Cont'd on Page 46

Details on page 45

Legislation to speed up visa for docs from India, Pak WASHINGTON: Two US lawmakers have introduced a legislation that would direct the State Department to speed-up the visa approval process for international physicians who are slated to work

in obtaining J-1 visas from US Embassies in their countries, particularly in India and Pakistan. The holdups have resulted in major dilemmas for those doctors and the US hospitals - many in

Â&#x201E;

Officials say summer won't see surge in kids

May 1, 2015

Demonstrators condemn attacks on immigrants

Grace Meng

at hospitals in America. The legislation has been introduced by Congresswoman Grace Meng and Congressman Tom Emmer. Currently, foreign physicians scheduled to serve their residencies at American hospitals are encountering extremely long delays

rural and underserved communities - at which the physicians are set to work, the two lawmakers said. In many instances, the delays have forced hospitals to withdraw offers from foreign physicians who had already accepted, they said. "The excessive delays in ap-

proving visas for international physicians is causing unnecessary havoc for those doctors and the American hospitals that are depending on them," said Meng. "This ineffective approval process must be improved so that these doctors can enter the US as planned, and provide the critical medical care needed in many communities throughout the country," she said. "Not resolving this dilemma would be extremely unfair to all and a disservice to the millions of Americans who seek treatment from these hospitals, especially in areas where there is a shortage of doctors. Our bill would finally fix this problem and that's why Congress needs to pass it," Meng said. "As American hospitals face doctor shortages, this important legislation will increase healthcare access across the country by eliminating the persistent backlog of J1 Visas," said Emmer. "By improving oversight and training at US Embassies we can ensure our Foreign Service Offic-

ers have all the tools they need to properly process each application in a timely manner," Emmer said. Entitled the Grant Residency for Additional Doctors (GRAD) Act of 2015, Meng and Emmer's bill would require the Secretary of State to designate a State Department officer or employee to facilitate the expedited review of J-1 visa applicants slated to travel to the U S for graduate medical educa-

tion or training. The measure would also require that the expedited review be the sole responsibility of this officer or employee from March to June, since the majority of residency programs begin each July. In addition, the legislation would mandate that Foreign Service officers at relevant embassies receive training related to medical graduates and medical graduate programs. -PTI

Bill requires citizenship S. Africa's image suffers after anti-immigrant attacks test to graduate NASHVILLE, Tenn.: Tennessee students would have to pass a partial version of the U.S. citizenship and immigration services' civic test before getting a high school diploma under legislation headed for Gov. Bill Haslam's consideration. The bill sponsored by Senate Republican leader Mark Norris of Collierville was approved on a 30-0 vote. The House had passed its version on an 85-8 vote earlier. Under the bill, school districts would select 25 to 50 questions from the citizenship test, and stu-

dents would need to answer at least 70 percent correctly in order to pass. Students would be allowed to retake the test as often as needed. The legislation is similar to other measures being proposed across the country.-AP

JOHANNESBURG: Only a few kilometers (miles) separate Alexandra, a gritty Johannesburg township where South Africans attacked immigrants, from Sandton, a district jammed with high-end stores, restaurants and gleaming office towers symbolizing the upper reaches of the prosperity that attracted so many jobseekers to South Africa. Adding to South Africa's allure was its image as a ``rainbow nation'' of diversity and inclusion after white racist rule ended in 1994. Now a nation that seeks to lead in Africa is struggling with perceptions that some of its com-

munities breed intolerance toward foreigners, many from elsewhere in Africa. The violence against immigrants and the looting of their shops that erupted this month in parts of Johannesburg and the coastal city of Durban appear to have abated after the deaths of three South Africans and four foreigners. This week Alexandra was bustling as uniformed students walked home after school and a few police cars patrolled streets lined with shacks made of sheet metal. Cont'd on Page 46

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Demonstrators condemn attacks on immigrants JOHANNESBURG: Several thousand people marched through South Africa's largest city in a demonstration against recent attacks on immigrants that killed seven people. Demonstrators walked through the center of Johannesburg, passing high-rise neighborhoods that are home to many immigrants, a large number of whom come from other African countries. The crowd sang, whistled and beat drums. Children in school uniform mingled with activists. The marchers carried placards with slogans including "Africa

Unite" and "Say No To Xenophobia." The violence against immigrants in South Africa this month occurred in Johannesburg and another major city, Durban. The attacks stemmed from a perception among some South Africans that immigrants are taking jobs and opportunities at their expense. One speaker at the march, Bishop Paul Verryn, told the crowd that the wide income gap between the poor and the wealthy in South Africa would lead to more anger among citi-

zens. "We will begin to fight amongst ourselves because we are embedded in violence and hatred," said Verryn, who housed many fearful immigrants at the Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg after a bout of antiimmigrant violence in 2008 that killed about 60 people. Adria Kayitare, a Rwandan immigrant who has lived in South Africa for nine years, said she joined the march because she believed it would send a strong message to South Africans who took part in the violence and loot-

Volunteers fill void in European migrant crisis ABOARD THE PHOENIX: From the bridge of their 130-foot refitted yacht, Christopher and Regina Catrambone are stepping in to fill the void they say has been left by an ineffective European response to the Mediterranean migrant crisis. The Malta-based insurance entrepreneurs are among legions of volunteers working with the Italian coast guard, non-governmental groups and others to save lives and meet the basic needs of migrants who survive treacherous crossings from Libya. The European Union as a whole will be asked to do more at an emergency summit. The couple founded the Maltabased Migrant Offshore Aid Station in 2013 after the drowning of 366 people off the island of Lampedusa, and are gearing up for a six-month tour of duty rescuing migrants in need. ``Nobody deserves to die out at sea in such desperation,'' Regina Catrambone said from the Phoenix, docked in the Marsa boatyard near Valletta, Malta's capital. The Catrambones are joined in the volunteer effort by people like Dr. Giuseppe Pomilla. The medic with the Knights of Malta Catholic aid organization was aboard the Italian coast guard cutter Gregoretti as it provided first aid to the 28 survivors of the Mediterranean's worst-ever migrant disaster, a shipwreck that killed an estimated 800 people over the weekend. Only 24 bodies have been recovered. Pomilla, 30, recalled seeing a boy among them and not being able to tell if he was alive or dead. ``We only realized he was alive when he grabbed us suddenly,'' he recalled once on shore in Catania.

``We took him aboard the Gregoretti ship and he exploded in tears.'' The volunteers also include 21year-old Ibrahima D'Amic, a Muslim refugee from Senegal who was rescued from a rubber dinghy in 2013 off Sicily and now spends his free time handing out sandwiches and helping new arrivals in his

life. ``But if someone ask me `What are the things you did in your life which you regret most,' it is coming through the sea.'' The Catrambones hope to give more people like him a chance. They founded the Migrant Offshore Aid Station in response to Pope Francis' call for ordinary people to reverse the ``globalization of indifference'' that has long confronted refugees seeking a better life in Europe. ``We believe search and rescue is the number one priority,'' Christopher Catrambone said. ``More assets should be put out there because more deaths are going to happen.'' With the Phoenix and two rigid-hulled rubber boats, the team will head out into the Mediterranean May 2 along with two doctors and a nurse from Doctors Without Borders. MOAS works with local search and rescue authorities, using its own drones to locate and Ibrahima D, Amic, a Muslim refugee from photograph ships in distress Senegal who was rescued from a and relay the coordinates to rubber dinghy in 2013 off Sicily, smiles during an interview with The Associated authorities. The MOAS teams Press at the Sant'Egidio Community in respond themselves when diCatania, Sicily, Italy. rected to do so, providing initial rescue and medical care adopted hometown of Catania. until authorized ships arrive on `À poor guy helping a poor,'' the scene. D'Amic says of himself. `Ì wish I The team is headed by a former could do more.'' Maltese defense chief and conD'Amic works with the sists of about 20 people. In its first Sant'Egidio Community, a Catho- year of operation, some 3,000 lic aid group that helps refugees. people were rescued over 60 days, He is often seen at night deliver- said Christopher Catrambone, a ing food to the homeless on native of New Orleans who moved Catania's streets, though these to Malta with his Italian wife and days as he waits for his asylum their daughter in 2008. application to be reviewed, he is In its first year, MOAS was also helping to prepare welcome funded entirely by the Catrambone kits of toothbrushes and other family. Last fall, they launched a necessities for new arrivals. crowd-funding initiative to help `Ì have been so grateful,'' defray the 600,000 euro ($644,000) D'Amic says of his chance at a new a month operating costs. -AP

People attend a march against xenophobic attacks in downtown Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday, April 23. Police officers and soldiers raided a hostel considered a hotspot for anti-immigrant attacks for the second day running in Johannesburg as South Africa continued a crackdown on xenophobic violence.

ing of immigrant-owned shops. "At least people will see not

everyone is xenophobic," she said. -AP

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S. Africa's image suffers after Officials say summer won't see surge in kids anti-immigrant attacks lomatic mission in Lagos decided to close for two days because of demonstrations against the antiforeigner violence.

filled the world with hope is being reduced to a grubby shadow of The unrest, however, has been itself more likely to make the news a public relations disaster for for gross displays of callousness South Africa, a country that a visthan for the glory that defined our iting Zambian said had been perMore than 300 suspects in the transition to democracy under ceived as a ``heaven of Africa'' be- unrest have been arrested, the Nelson Mandela,'' said a statement cause of its relative wealth, stabil- South African government said, from a foundation named after reity and freedom. including several people accused tired Archbishop Desmond Tutu The Zambian, Dennis Nyati, of attacking a Mozambican man in and his wife Leah. Tutu and was attending a Johannesburg Alexandra while a local photojour- Mandela were both awarded the conference hosted by African nalist took pictures of the fatal Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts Monitor, a South Africa-based assault. to end apartheid. group that promotes development. Namibia's chamber of comSouth Africa's national parks Another delegate, Yoadan merce and industry canceled a trip service, a key driver in the tourism Workneh Shiferaw of Ethiopia, to South Africa that was sched- industry, said some bookings from neighboring countries had been canceled because of the anti-immigrant attacks. ``A large proportion of guests to our national parks are international visitors and we appear to be sending a message that foreigners are not welcome in our country,'' the parks agency said in a statement. Tensions with immigrants, accused by some South Africans in poor areas of seizing economic opportunities at their expense, set off attacks that killed about 60 people in 2008. Several people died in similar attacks in Johannesburg's A man holds a placard, center, reading 'Africa is all for Africans' prior to a march Soweto area in January. against immigrant attacks in South Africa, in Cape Town, South Africa. High unemployment, a deep gulf between rich and poor and speculated that South Africans uled for May because of the anti- one of the highest rates of violent involved in the attacks had forgot- immigrant attacks, the Namibia crime in the world cause social tenten ``how cruel it was during Press Agency reported. No offi- sions in South Africa, even apartheid,'' when the country's cial business delegation from though it has one of the biggest white minority rulers harshly sup- Namibia will visit until ``we are economies on the continent. The pressed dissent. assured that the South African recent attacks mostly targeted She said: ``Now they're doing government is in full control of its low-income areas where immiit to someone else.'' unruly citizens,'' the agency grants are embedded in the comThe Secretary-General of the quoted chamber head Tarah munities, and wealthy areas such United Nations, Ban Ki-moon con- Shaanika as saying. as Sandton were untouched. demned ``the wave of xenophobic Many South Africans have orSome South Africans wonviolence in South Africa'' and ex- ganized marches, concerts and dered what happened to the early pressed his condolences to the social media campaigns to con- promise of post-apartheid South families of the victims. demn the violence. It is a bitter time Africa, recalling a comment by In a statement, he said he welcomes the public expressions of the many South Africans who Tensions with immigrants, accused by some have been calling for peaceful coSouth Africans in poor areas of seizing ecoexistence and harmony with foreign nationals. He also urged that nomic opportunities at their expense, set off all efforts are made to avert future attacks that killed about 60 people in 2008. attacks. More than 2,000 Mozambicans Several people died in similar attacks in have returned home from South Johannesburg's Soweto area in January. Africa because of the violence, Mouzinho Saide, Mozambique's deputy health minister, said. Hun- for a country that was the focus Mandela during his inauguration dreds of immigrants have also of international attention in De- in 1994. taken buses back to Malawi and cember 2013 when foreign leaders Mandela said at the time: Zimbabwe. As many as 7,000 im- traveled to Johannesburg to pay ``Never, never and never again migrants are living in South Afri- tribute to Nelson Mandela, the shall it be that this beautiful land can refugee camps after fleeing anti-apartheid leader who became will again experience the opprestheir homes, according to Doctors South Africa's first black president, sion of one by another and suffer Without Borders. after he died at the age of 95. the indignity of being the skunk In Nigeria, South Africa's dip``Our rainbow nation that so of the world.'' -AP

Cont'd from Page 44

But the numbers have tapered off, and authorities expect fewer migrants this summer. Immigrant advocates have been critical of the government's response, saying most of the children were fleeing extreme violence and threats and should have been granted asylum. ``The federal government's response to the large influx of Central American children coming in has been noth-

Central American countries has slowed the influx. For example, Mexican authorities apprehended 22,000 Central American children in the first 11 months of 2014. That's almost three times as many as in all of 2013. Mexican authorities deported 18,000 Central American children last year, compared with 7,000 the year before. The United States also stepped up enforcement, sending more Border Patrol agents to south

Detained immigrant children line up in the cafeteria at the Karnes County Residential Center, a temporary home for immigrant women and children detained at the border in Karnes City, Texas, last year September.

ing short of a policy that undermines our basic humanitarian and asylum laws,'' said Greg Chen, director of advocacy for the American Immigration Lawyers Association. A study released by the nonpartisan, nonprofit Migration Policy Institute found increased enforcement by the governments of the U.S., Mexico and some

Texas, where the vast majority of children and families crossed. The government began detaining families seeking asylum and opened several facilities for detained families with children, some temporary. A federal judge in February issued a preliminary injunction against the policy of detaining families who seek asylum.-AP

Datebook

May 1, 2015

NEW JERSEY Upcoming Fri, May 1 • Madhura Delights Presents Girls night out ! Venue: RASOI III, 620 Geoges Road, Manmouth JN, NJ 08852 Time : 7:00 pm

Sat, May 2 • Kavita Krishnamurti & Dr. L Subramaniam Venue: Newark Symphony Hall, 1030 Broad St., Newark, NJ 07102 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 732-331-9105

Fri, May 8 • Mothers Day Celebration Venue: VB3 Restaurant & Bar, 475 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310 Time: 9:30 pm Contact: 609-440-6737

NEW YORK Upcoming Sun, May 3 • Kailash Kher Venue: The Town Hall, 123 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036 Time : 6:00 pm Contact: 917-409-7262

Thu, May 9

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CHICAGO

Upcoming

Fri, May 1 • Bollywood Club Party Venue: Agenda Lounge, 399 South 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95113, USA, San Jose, CA 95113 Time: 10:00 pm

• Ranjeet Rajwada Prince Of Ghazal

Sun, May 3 • Vivekananda Vedanta Society

Venue: Hindu Auditorium, 143-09 Holly Ave, Flushing, NY 11355 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 347-989-6104

of Chicago Sri Budha Smarana

Sat, May 23 • Demonstrators condemn attacks on immigrants Venue: Hunter College, 69th St. between Park and Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10065 Time : 7:30 pm

India Post 47

A special lecture : Swami Isharmananda

Time: 11:00 am Sat, May 9 2015

Sri Shivanama Sankirtan Time: 7:30 pm Venue: Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago 14630 Lemont Road, Homer Glen Contact: chicagovedanta.org

Fri, May 8 • Stand Up Comedy With OMI VAIDYA Venue: Spice-Affair Restaurant, 50 N La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Time: 7:30 pm

Thu May 7 and 8 • Ohlone College Playwrights

Sat, May 16 • Isayum Thendral - The Healing Breeze Venue: Marsee Performing Center, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90506 Time: 5:00 pm Contact: 2132191970

Sun, May 17 • Rahet Fateh Ali Khan live in Los Angeles Venue: Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 213-422-2475

ATLANTA Upcoming

1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services

Venue: Alpharetta, GA, 2 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 Time: 9:30 am

Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Festival (Bill 2) Venue: Smith Center at Ohlone College 43600 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA Time: 8:00 pm Contact: SmithCenter.com

Venue: The Fabulous Fox Theater, 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30375 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 404-576-8909

Sun, May 10

Mon, Aug 31 • MITHAS 2014 Membership

Venue: Bhimas Banquet Hall, 18726 Pioneer Blvd, Artesia, Ca 90701 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 714-397-7224

Upcoming

Sat, May 2 • 2 Day Weekend Spoken Samskrita Workshop

Sun, May 17 • Paracha Entertainment Shaan Live In Concert

• Happy Mothers Day

ILLINOIS

Venue: Wong Auditorium, MIT, 70 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02142 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 857-205-9731

Swami Ishatmananda • Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life Venue: Public Library-95th Street 3015 Cedar Glade Rd Naperville IL 60564 Time: 1st friday of every month 7-8 pm Contact: 630-637-0662

• India Eternal: From the Vedic Age to the Present Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 N. Main Street Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 630-655-8822

India Post

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May 1, 2015

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Philosophy

May 1, 2015

India Post 49

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis ADI SHANKARACHARYA

ust as fire is the direct cause for cooking, so without true knowledge no emancipation can be had. Compared with all other forms of discipline, knowledge of the Self is the one direct means for liberation. Action cannot destroy ignorance, for it is not in conflict with or opposed to ignorance. Knowledge does verily destroy ignorance as light destroys deep darkness. The Self appears to be finite because of ignorance. When ignorance is destroyed the Self which does not admit of any multiplicity truly reveals Itself by Itself: like the sun when the clouds pass away. Constant practice of knowledge purifies the Self, stained by ignorance and then disappears itself as the powder of the 'kataka-nut' settles down after it has cleansed the muddy water. The world which is full of attachments, aversions, etc., is like a dream. It appears to be real, as long as it continues but appears to be unreal when one is awake [i.e., when true wisdom dawns]. The universe appears to be true so long as Brahman, the ultimate Reality, the substratum, the basis of all this creation, is not realized. It is like the illusion of silver in the mother-of pearl. Like bubbles in the water, the worlds rise, exist and dissolve in the Supreme Self, which is the material cause and the prop of everything. ANANDAMAYEE MA

t is desire that causes sorrow; but the will to realize God is itself felicity. Be certain that He will cleanse and comfort you and take you into His arms. Sorrow comes in order to lead you to happiness. At all times hold him in remembrance. The sense of want, does it not arise because the desired object is not obtained? When one's desire remains unfulfilled, fruitless, to continue craving for the same thing and be disappointed time and again-surely it is futile. So long as there is desire, the experience of want and sorrow is - from the worldly point of view - but natural. Whatever you may desire that is of this ever-changing world will bring you sorrow, even though momentary happiness may be had at times. To seek THAT in which no sorrow is found, is man's sole duty. You are imperfect, something is lacking in you, this is why you feel the desire for fulfillment. 'Body' [the Bengali word for 'body' is 'sharir' and the verb shora means to move on, to slip away] signifies- that which slips away, which is continually changing. If

All the manifested world of things and beings are projected by imagination upon the substratum which is the Eternal all-pervading Reality, whose nature is existenceintelligence; just as the different ornaments are all made out of the same gold. The all-pervading Void or Emptiness appears to be diverse on account of its association with various conditionings [upadhis] which are different from each other. Space becomes one on the destruction of these limiting adjuncts. So too, the omnipresent Truth ap-

of the five elements - that have gone through the process of "five-fold self-division and mutual combination" [pancheekarana] - are born the gross-body, the medium through which pleasure and pain are experienced, the tent-of-experiences. The five vital energies [pranas], the ten organs and the mind and intellect, formed from the rudimentary pure elements before their "five-fold division and mutual combination with one another" and this is the subtle body, the instruments-of-experience of the individual.

Through discriminative selfanalysis and logical thinking one should separate the pure Self within from the sheaths as one separates the rice from the husk, bran, etc., that are covering it. The Self does not shine in everything although It is all-pervading. It is manifest only in the internal organ, the intellect: just as the reflection in a clean mirror. One should understand that the Self is always like the king, distinct from the body, senses, mind and intellect, all of which constitute the causal matter; and

Action cannot destroy ignorance; knowledge can Through discriminative self-analysis and logical thinking one should separate the pure Self within from the sheaths as one Adi Shankaracharya

separates the rice from the husk, bran, etc.

pears to be diverse on account of Its association with the various upadhis and becomes one on the destruction of these upadhis. Because of Its association with different conditionings such ideas as caste, color and position are super-imposed upon the Self, as flavor, color, etc., are super-imposed on water. Determined for each individual by his own past actions and made up

Ignorance [avidya] which is indescribable and beginningless is the causal body. Know for certain that the Self is other than these three conditioning bodies. In its identification with the fivesheaths the immaculate Self appears to have borrowed their qualities upon Itself; as in the case of a crystal which appears to gather unto itself color of its vicinity [blue cloth, etc.].

is the witness of their functions. The moon appears to be running when the clouds move in the sky. Likewise to the non-discriminating person the Self appears to be active when It is observed through the functions of the sense organs. Excerpted from Atma Bodha (meaning 'Knowledge of the Self'.) The 1227th birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya was observed on April 23

there is no want, no desire, then this kind of body that is ever in the process of perishing does not persist. Thus, after God-realization one can no - longer speak of such a body for the Self stands revealed. Human-birth - does it not ordinarily mean experiencing desire, passion, grief, suffering, old age, disease, happiness, pain and so on? Yet it is man's duty to bear in

of them exists in fact to fulfill a particular need. Yours is the give and take of the universe, yours the need, and yet you yourself are the fulfillment that hidden inner process is generated by you. The sense of want arises spontaneously -it is the Divine that awakens it. To lose all is to gain all. He is merciful and compassionate. Whatever He does at any moment

times. The endeavor to awaken to his real nature is man's duty as a human being. In the field of His play even getting means losing. This is but the nature of its movement. Think of Him Who cannot be lost. Meditate on Him alone, on Him, the Fountain of Goodness. Pray to Him; depend on Him. Try to give more time to japa and meditation. Surrender your mind at His Feet.

It is the Divine that awakens the sense of want Your body, which is part of and depending on this illusory world, is the expression of a hidden inner process. You are yourself the many, appearing in various aspects, forms and modes. mind that he exists for God alonefor His service and for the realization of Him. Your body, which is part of and depending on this illusory world, is the expression of a hidden inner process. You are yourself the many, appearing in various aspects, forms and modes. Each one

is all-beneficent, though certainly painful at times. When He manifests Himself as all-loss, there is hope that He may also manifest Himself as all-gain. To pine for the One Who helps towards the light of Truth is salutary, for it kindles the awareness of Truth. Verily, He is everywhere at all

Anandamayee Ma

Endeavor to sustain japa and meditation without a break. Excerpted from Matri Vani Volume 1 translated from Bengali by Atmananda. It contains answers to questions sent to Sri Ma by mail. The 119th birth anniversary of Anandamayee Ma was celebrated on April 30

The body is like the horse, and the Atman, the true Self, the Soul is like the rider. The rider is lost, the horse is there. -Swami Rama Tirtha Know the Self to be one, ever the same, changeless. How can you say: "I am the meditator, and this is the object of meditation?" How can perfection be divided? -Avadhuta Gita Yama said: The good is one thing; the pleasant, another. Both of these, serving different needs, bind a man. It goes well with him who, of the two, takes the good; but he who chooses the pleasant misses the end. -Katha Upanishad Your first priority is the question "Who am I?" Once you have discovered that, you will know the real nature of all the other things and people that you see. -H.W.L. Poonjaji All appearance is illusion and the witness is Reality. The seen is false because it is visible. -Siddharameshwar Maharaj How can any evil attach itself to him who knows himself to be others and the others to be himself? -Ellam Ondre

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May 1, 2015

The only Hindu temple in Seychelles

PREETI VERMA LAL

here he stood. A giant. Dark brown. Fat. A thick carapace as armor. The world's largest. No, this big, fat, brown fella was not sitting in a restaurant digging into Creole food. He was ahead of everyone with beauty queens side straddle on his back. He was leading the 5th edition of Carnaval International de Victoria (Seychelles Carnival) in Victoria, the island nation's capital. He is Aldabra, the giant land tortoise, a native and symbol of Seychelles. It was the first day of the Seychelles Carnival and the streets of Victoria were cluttered with tourists, gawkers, countless tableaux and performers from various countries. An Indian contingent doing the Garba dance and a man flying the Indian national flag. Samba dancers from Brazil with feathers in their hair and fishnet on their long legs. Martial artists from Korea somersaulting in the air. Dancers/singers from Swaziland thumping their feet to the beat of drums. Chinese classical performers. Sami tribeswoman. Dancers from Ghana. Miss USA. Miss World Australia. Miss Seychelles 2014. The Princess of Swaziland. His Highness King Otumfuo Osel Tutu II, the King of Ghana. The President of the Republic of Seychelles. Tableaux were depicting various aspects of

the island nation - Coco de Mer, the world's largest coconut with seeds weighing up to 15 kgs; La Digue, an island with only 2,800 inhabitants; 5-star resorts; construction companiesâ&#x20AC;Ś Not merely from the host nation, tableaux from various countries and corporates were walking through the streets. The crowd around me was delirious with distractions. Selfies were multiplying by the second, music was pounding in the ears, there was a whiff of street food in the air and the

din of the Carnival was even getting the mountains woozy. The annual carnival had begun and in Victoria, the world's smallest capital, and Aldabra tortoise was reigning over fun. And the gay abandon of a three-day fest that aims to showcase the island and its culture. It was my first Seychelles Carnival and the parade started at Bois de Rose Avenue passing through Latanier Road, Clock Tower, STPC bus terminal, Orion Mall and culminating in Sta-

dium car park where the parade ended in a party. The festivities were not restricted to the main thoroughfare. At Stad Popiler, straight lines were turning into an animated story; the Waterfront was hosting a Cabaret Marathon and Hype Party while the Stadium car park had turned into a grand open air discotheque. Mr Alain St Ange, Minister of Tourism and Culture, harked back to the day when the Carnival began as a dream. "You may say I am a dreamer but I am not the only one", he quoted John Lennon. From the first beat of the drum and the tapping of the foot five years ago at the first Seychelles Carnival, the festival is turning into one of the biggest draws in the Indian Ocean.

Indian Garba performers at the Seychelles

India Post 51

May 1, 2015 www.indiapost.com

Shun rapist, embrace survivor, says Aamir NEW YORK: Aamir Khan says the 'balance of power' needs to change in India and the 'definition of masculinity' should be redefined while addressing the sixth annual 'Women in the World' summit presented by renowned journalist and author Tina Brown in association with the New York Times here. "Rape is a big issue in India," Mr Khan said in a session titled Tackling India's Taboos. The 'PK' star said that often a rape survivor is neglected by police and medical staff. Justice should be prompt in such cases. "The balance of power in India needs to change. Unless convic-

tion becomes swift and certain, things are not going to change in India. And very importantly, as a society we have to shun the rapist and hold the survivor close," Mr Khan said in a conversation with Iraqi-American humanitarian Zainab Salbi Regarding ban on the documentary India's Daughter in India, Mr Khan said it was "unfortunate" that the film was banned in the country. Aamir Khan feels that mentality of the society needs to change. Since childhood, boys should be allowed to cry, express their emotions and they should also feel scared.

"Is a real man someone who goes and beats up people, is a real man a person who is the protector. Unless we re-look at and hopefully re-define what a man is, things are not going to change," the actor received huge round of applause from the audience. He said if a boy from childhood was taught not to cry then he would become insensitive. "A boy grows up feeling that I'm not supposed to cry. When you tell a child not to cry, you are removing him further and further away from his emotions. And then you are surprised why he is beating up his wife."-PTI

Shahid's 'Haider' bags six awards at IIFA MUMBAI: Vishal Bhardwaj's 'Haider', an adaptation of William Shakespeare's famous dramatic masterpiece Hamlet, has swept six awards out of eight nominations in the technical awards category at this year's International Indian Film Festival (IIFA). The critically acclaimed film, a yet another adaptation work from Vishal Bhardwaj, has won the highest number of awards at India's' premier and most prestigious international award function. This year's International Indian Film Rocks and Technical Awards have been scheduled to take place on June 5 in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. This year's Videocon D2H International Indian Film Awards Weekend celebration is also scheduled to commence from June 5-7 in Kuala Lumpur. Haider won a total of 6 technical awards including: Costume Designing (Dolly Ahluwalia); Back-

ground Score (Vishal Bhardwaj); Sound Mixing (Debajit Changmai); Sound Design (Shajith Koyeri); Production Design (Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray); Makeup (Preetisheel Singh and Clover Wootton). The film Haider starring Shahid

Shahid Kapoor

film Haider have received much adulation and recognition from the critics. Aside from Haider, Kangana Ranaut starring successful film 'Queen' has bagged two awards at the IIFA. The two awards won are for Screenplay (Vikas Bahl, Chaitally Parmar and Parveez Shaikh) and Editing (Anurag Kashyap and Abhijit Kokate) The Salman Khan starrer box office hit 'Kick' has also won two awards in two different categories at the IIFA this year, Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead with Shahid playing the leading role of Haider has already won a national award. The story, though an adaptation of Hamlet, has been executed in keeping with the sense of aesthetics and creative sensibilities of the Indian audience. The film has already come across as a huge box office hit. Both Shahid Kapoor and the

the first one being one for Choreography (Ahmed Khan) and the other for Special Effects Visual (Reupal Rawal). Amir Khan and Anushka Sharma starrer 'PK' has bagged one IIFA award in the category of Dialogue (Abhijit Joshi and Rajkumar Hirani). Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif starring film 'Bang Bang' has also won one award for Action (Parvez Shaikh and Andy Armstrong). Shraddha Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra starrer 'Ek Villain' has won one award at the IIFA in the category of Song Recording (Eric Pillai). Another screen adaptation work, Chetan Bhagat's '2 States' starring Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor has won one award in the category of Cinematography (Binod Pradhan).

52 India Post

May 1, 2015 www.indiapost.com

Shruti Haasan: I'm an absolute workaholic

fter some minor career hic cups, the candid and ir reverent Shruti Haasan is now in the big league. Excerpts from an interview she had with Bombay Times: You've called Gabbar Is Back a unique film, what role do you play? Any film that can entertain and has a message and cannot be slotted into any genre, is unique. I play Shruti, a junior lawyer in the film. Your grandfather was a lawyer too. Did you ever go to court as a child? Both my uncles (my dad's brothers) are also lawyers. So, I can say (with an attitude) ki law mere khoon mein hai, mujhe prepare karne ki zaroorat nahin padi (laughs). But no, I have never been to court because my grand-father stopped practicing when I was very young. Neither of my uncles practices either. One of them is an actor and the other runs my dad's production house.

No. Do you? I don't. Of course, there could be genetic hints but when I look myself on screen, I see just me. What do you want to take from them? Mum has discreet spontaneity, she has an ease in front of the camera, which comes naturally, whereas dad is a kind of an acting ninja. He attacks you with his acting which is overwhelming. Who do you discuss your work with?

How was it working with Akshay Kumar? He's one of the most positive actors to work with. He's a team player and believes in bringing out the best in his co-actors. He's also a lot of fun to work with. Are you equally passionate about singing and acting? One is like my wife and the other is like my girlfriend. It is hard to say which one I love more. Your Gabbar Is Back and your dad's film Uttama Villain are clashing at the box office, what did he have to say? Nothing...he just said, 'Oh, cool'... it wasn't like, 'Ohhh, ghar mein Diwali'... no such drama. Also, in South they don't go all out to promote their films, they don't believe in hard-selling as such. Which of the two movies Gabbar or Uttama Villain will you watch first day, first show? My movie ya, please... Bachpan se I have seen been watching papa's films. Now I can start watching mine. I have a lot of catching up to do. And what about your dad, which one will he watch first? He will also watch his film first (laughs uproariously). That way we are very clear. We love and support each other but we are all obsessive about our own work. Both your parents are very fine actors, do you see any of their qualities in yourself?

What I am signing and what I'm not, I do not discuss with either of my parents. I decide. But when it comes to cinema, it is probably more with my dad. Who are your friends in the industry? I have acquaintances. I speak to people my age whether senior or junior. But my friends per se are not from the industry, they are not actors. There is no particular reason for that, nothing to do with competition, just that actors are often found busy. And then we will end up talking about the same stuff as we lead similar lives and it won't be an interesting equation. Who is more fun to hangout with, actors or musicians? Musicians will win hands down, unless he or she is an actor who loves music. Then it is a complete package. No offence meant to actors, today I am also an actor but musicians are kind of cooler people. Your sister Akshara has also joined films. Did you have any advice for her? Not really. My parents have never told us how to go about our careers. She is smart and she will

figure it out her way. Whenever she needs me, I am there for her. You started off as a pop singer, how easy or difficult was the transition from singing to acting? It was not at all easy. When I went on set earlier it was usually to pay my parents (who are actors) a visit. It is very different when you are visiting or assisting someone. And it is very different when you are the one who is the actor. Acting was a completely different world I was not prepared for. It took me two to three films to actually realize where I was and what I was doing. The initial phase of your career must have been slightly disappointing because some of the films you did then didn't exactly take off. Do you feel more confident today? When my first film flopped, I got damn depressed. I told my best friend that I will quit acting and go back to singing. He was the one who put sense into my head. He told me that he knew me well enough and that I wasn't a quitter. He asked me to either stick around and do it right, or pack up and leave without any regrets. And even though I'd stumbled into acting randomly, I decided to stay back, which paid off. I never ever lost confidence, nor did I cry saying, 'People don't love me.' I have always had a large reservoir of confidence which cannot be shaken easily. What happened to the album you were working on? I am doing seven films this year, it is impossible balancing three careers. I'm greedy and I don't want to let go the opportunities that are coming by. The independent music scene interests me and I want to be a big part of it. I need to put in more effort and time into it. I can't dip my toe just for fun. As of now, I would rather concentrate on acting. So, the album is on hold. Do you do your riyaaz everyday? Not everyday. However as and when I get the time, I do practice for around half an hour. Are you a workaholic? Yes, I'm an absolute workaholic.

My dad has just given me lectures on the importance of vacations. Maybe it is an OCD in me. I don't have any life other than work, so I might as well work 24/7. I should probably take dad's advice and think in terms of a vacation. But frankly, when I lounge around even for two days, I'm so bored that I feel like killing someone. I want to keep doing something and that's why I say that when I get married, I will immediately have children so I can be busy with them. What kind of a guy do you want to marry? I have not thought about it. The idea of marriage positively freaks me out. Hopefully, it should be something like what I call soul-kidnapping... unawares of me he will come and win my soul over and will put up with everything I don't like about him. (Hurriedly) But given a choice, I would not marry.

bar Rice and the other is Sushi. Recently, I had Dimsum for one week and then I didn't want to see it at all. So I have to be sure that my husband is the Sambar Rice of my life, otherwise I'm going to have issues. I have to make sure this is the person I can be with throughout my life, and if I don't have that feeling I won't get married. It will be terribly unfair to myself first and then to the other person. Would you like to marry someone from the industry? Yes, I would prefer marrying someone from the industry. There may be few disadvantages, but there are lot of advantages in it too. Both my parents belong to the industry, so it makes sense. You just mentioned that you would not want to converse about films with friends or with people around you. What I meant was that he should not be an industry person who

I would prefer marrying someone from the industry. There may be few disadvantages, but there are lot of advantages in it too. Both my parents belong to the industry, so it makes sense. It is complicated. I am not against the institution. Some of my friends have the most beautiful marriages. I feel it is like a bouquet of flowers but then I tell myself - 'No Shruti, don't believe it, you might get a basket of fruits and nuts'. Why do you find marriage complicated? Now my focus is only work and I can't imagine diverting my interests. I have few favorite things in my life. I have very few friends and there are just two types of food I have learnt to like in the past 20 plus years of my life. One is Sam-

talks only movies. Someone who does that is a mere caricature. I don't talk films with my friends, so he has to be somebody like me. It is about having varied interests and people expanding out of 'I'm an actor' or 'I'm a singer'. They should have a fat, comprehensive personality. I have lived in Los Angeles and been around actors and singers whose aim in life is to be more than what profession they are in. And is there that someone like you in the industry? I have not met him yet.

Red light cameras could be finished in Texas AUSTIN, Texas: Texas could put red light cameras in the rearview mirror under a bill that has cleared the Texas Senate. Republican Sen. Bob Hall says that red light cameras ``have failed miserably'' before his bill was sent over to the House. Dozens of Texas cities have contracted companies to install red light cameras, which generate millions in revenue for municipalities.

The companies photograph vehicles that run red lights, and then send the vehicle owner a $75 ticket. Texas lawmakers now want to prohibit a camera system on anything other than toll roads. Hall said studies show the devices don't improve overall traffic safety as advertised. Also, since ticketed drivers can't confront their accusers, Hall said the cameras violate citizens' due process rights. -AP

India Post 51

May 1, 2015

Christina Tosi lives the way she cooks & eats MIAMI: Christina Tosi is just trying to show how mundane her day-to-day pantry staples really are. Thing is, she can work a sort of magic with mundane that most of us can't even dream off. Tosi - who came to fame for her exotic sweets like crack pie and compost cookies at New York's Momofuku Milk Bar - tends to live the way she cooks and eats. Life and food are fun, and there is inspiration lurking everywhere, even in the half moldy cheese in your refrigerators or the Ritz Crackers in the cupboard. Which is why her new cookbook, ``Milk Bar Life,'' is aimed at helping people make an adventure of weeknight dinner, even after a long day of work. Think recipes for ``desperation nachos'' and ``pickle juice-poached fish.'' ``I'm going to have to get a little ghetto out of this,'' Tosi - who is chef and co-owner of Milk Bar with David Chang - says of her weeknight refrigerator-raiding brainstorming sessions. And ``Milk Bar Life'' is as much a cookbook as it is Tosi's coming out about her savory side. The dessert chef whose cereal milk ice cream and cornflake marshmallow cookies have earned her a cult following wants people to know she's more than ``just a chick that bakes.'' And so the book is jammed with the potluck-y, homey recipes she grew up eating. Plus, she's going to teach you something about savoring the little moments along the way. ``It's also really important to celebrate the everyday, the ordinary when all you have is some Tang, some margarine and a slice

of bread.'' (Yes, Tang toast really is part of her world). This isn't a cookbook that requires trips to three different specialty markets to complete your shopping list. This Midwestern gal, who was the James Beard rising star chef of the year in 2012, loves big box supermarkets and includes recipes that call for SpaghettiOs, boxed cake mix and Velveeta. Did you know you can make a cake with grape jelly, defrosted whipped topping and Ritz Crackers? But don't let Tosi fool you. She still busts out a fur vest and skull cap and blasts R Kelly for her weekend cooking when she freestyles with miso butterscotch

ter of her new book starts with a dessert recipe, and an entire section is devoted to cookies, which include everything from basic chocolate chip to her favorite salt and pepper cookies and Fruity Pebble meringues with passion fruit curd. For savory weekends, there's a dozen chicken recipes (she's usually got one roasting in the oven), with tips on how to repurpose it all week, plus several marinades and sauces, potpies, burgers, a Chinese takeout twist on brisket and broccoli, and gooey mac and cheese pancakes. Oh, and Tosi really wants you to make jam because smoked cantaloupe jam and blueberry-miso jelly will give your

Christina Tosi

sundaes, kimcheez-its with blue cheese dip and slow cooker cake, which she calls ``my ode to what my dinner came out of as a child.'' ``I have a little bit more time to be clever and technical and creative, so I'm going to go down the rabbit hole a little bit more.'' True to her roots, every chap-

fridge a cool neon glow. Tosi, who is an upcoming judge on the Fox TV series ``Masterchef,'' also shares unfussy recipes from her family holidays and quickie meals like her beloved cornbake (a marriage of cornbread and corn pudding), Aunt Mary's white bread and

apple dumplings. But the cookbook is more about the lifestyle than the food. After all, this is the woman who pitched a tent inside her New York apartment and hosted a campout. Again, see life recipe. Fun plus campfires, sleepovers and spontaneity equals crack pie. ``If you're not careful, you end up taking yourself way too seriously and not laughing and not smiling and not appreciating all the little things that make you smile ... and that is the antithesis of what we do at Milk Bar.'' MISO BUTTERSCOTCH SUNDAE ``When I was first navigating my way through creating desserts for the Momofuku restaurants, I made this concoction of intentionally burnt shiro miso (shiro means white; it's the most common type of miso) and other basic savory pantry ingredients,'' Christina Tosi writes in her new cookbook, ``Milk Bar Life.'' ``I was trying to create desserts that incorporated the restaurant's standard flavors, so there wouldn't be a huge disconnect between dinner and what came after it. Knowing that toasting and browning give added depth and character to otherwise one-note flavors led me to this amazing sweet, salty, umami butterscotch-like spread that works equally well for a plated dessert as it does for awesome ice cream sundaes at home!'' Start to finish: 20 minutes Servings: 4 1/4 cup shiro (white or yellow) miso

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1/4 cup mirin 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar Vanilla ice cream Toasted pecans and cinnamon sugar, to serve Heat the oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with kitchen parchment. Spread the miso in a thin, even layer over the parchment. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes. The miso should be on the blackened side of browned (don't be a wuss) and have an appetizingly burnt aroma. Let the miso cool briefly so it's easier to handle, then scrape it into a blender. Add the butter, brown sugar, mirin and vinegar, then blend until the mixture is homogenous and smooth. You've got miso butterscotch! Scrape it into a bowl, or store in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for weeks. Really need instructions to make a sundae? Fine! Grab bowls or fancy fluted glasses. Put a dollop of miso butterscotch in the bottom of each, then add a scoop of ice cream, a fun garnish, and repeat: miso butterscotch, ice cream, garnish. Build it high to the sky! Nutrition information per serving (based on using 1/2 cup of ice cream per serving): 410 calories; 220 calories from fat (54 percent of total calories); 25 g fat (12 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 60 mg cholesterol; 44 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 34 g sugar; 5 g protein; 710 mg sodium. (Recipe adapted from Christina Tosi's ``Milk Bar Lilfe,'' Clarkson Potter, 2015) -AP

Bruce Jenner says 'I am a woman' NEW YORK: In the 1970s, Bruce Jenner was a symbol of American masculinity as an Olympic champion. Nearly 40 years later, in an extraordinary television interview, Jenner told the world that he identifies as a woman and has felt gender confusion since he was a little boy growing up in the New York suburbs. Jenner let his hair down - literally loosening a ponytail and letting his hair flow past his shoulders - in a symbolic moment at the start of his two-hour interview with ABC News' Diane Sawyer. ``Yes, for all intents and purposes, I am a woman.'' For the transgender community, it was a moment as significant as Ellen DeGeneres' coming out as a lesbian was for gays nearly 20 years ago. DeGeneres tweeted support to Jenner, saying

the former Olympian was ``saving lives and opening minds.'' ``My whole life has been getting me ready for this,'' said Jenner, 65, known to a younger generation as the patriarch of television's omnipresent Kardashian clan. ``It's not just the last few years as they've been treating me as a joke.'' The interview was filmed in February in Los Angeles and New York, before a fatal car accident in which Jenner was involved. Jenner said he self-identifies as ``her,'' not a specific name. But he told Sawyer he felt comfortable using the pronouns ``he'' and ``him,'' a designation that is an important issue for many in the transgender community, which believes that transgender people should be referred to by the pronouns with which they choose to identify.

Jenner said his ``brain is more female than it is male.'' He said he began gender reassignment therapy in the 1980s - taking hormones, having surgery to make his nose smaller and having hair removed from his face and chest but gave it up. As Jenner got older, he realized that if he got sick and faced death without facing up to this issue, `Ì'd be so mad that I didn't explore that side of my life.'' As a young boy, Jenner felt an urge to try on his mother's and sister's dresses. `Ì didn't know why I was doing it,'' he said. `Ìt just made me feel good.'' Jenner said he has never been sexually attracted to men, and he wanted to make clear to viewers that gender identity and sexuality were separate things. `Ì am not gay,'' he said. `Ì am,

Bruce Jenner

as far as I know, heterosexual. I've always been with a woman, raising kids.'' Jenner said he has not decided whether he will undergo sexual reassignment surgery.

``These are all things that are out there in the future for me to explore,'' he said. ``There's no rush for that. And I would do it so quietly that nobody in the world would know.'' -AP

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Why the Rafale deal must be welcomed

India Post

AMIT GUPTA

hile the naysayers and conspiracy theorists in India have already begun their spin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken the correct decision to buy 36 off-theshelf Rafales from France rather than wait for the interminable negotiations with Dassault for licensed production to reach a conclusion. For several reasons, the off-the-shelf buy is in the best interests of broader Indian defense and economic policy. In the field of arms sales, there is a growing sense of "India fatigue" because of the lengthy delays that mark Indian weapons procurement. The officials of British Aerospace joke that it took one-fifth of the first 100 years of flight to sell the Hawk trainer to India. In this day and age when corporations have to show continuous profits, such lengthy negotiations tend to put off prospective sellers. This is especially true when

for Modi, for if he cannot deliver economic benefits to India's increasingly impatient youth bulge he is likely to lose the next general election. Secondly, those who complain about how Modi has torpedoed the "Make in India" have to have a serious reality check about what, realistically can be made in India given the country's technological level and its track record in arms production. Indian arms production efforts have been marked by tall claims that are not matched by corresponding results. Instead, the country's arms producers have not been able to absorb existing technologies and develop a higher level of weapons systems. Thus, despite close to 60 years of arms production in the country, the indigenous arms producers have been unable to develop a power plant for an aircraft, tank, or ship. The Tejas fighter and the Arjun tank both depend on im-

year. Given how the Rafale deal called for the domestic manufacture of 108 planes, it would have taken HAL close to 14 years to complete the order and this would not have allowed the Indian Air Force (IAF) to rapidly modernize its fleet-which was the rationale for buying the Rafale in the first place. Lastly, the Rafale purchase has opened up the possibility of buying aircraft from elsewhere since it will free up funds to buy an offthe-shelf plane in place of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. HAL has spent decades to deliver what is considered an unsatisfactory aircraft to the IAF. It will take the mid-2020s before HAL produces the Tejas Mark 2, the plane that the IAF actually wants. Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parikkar has opened up the debate on this possibility by letting the executives at HAL know that if they cannot deliver

other countries such as Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states can take quick decisions to make multi-billion dollar arms purchases. An off-the-shelf purchase made sense, therefore, since it made India a more attractive market for international arms companies. This in turn has broader implications for India's economic policy, which depends on external investments to kickstart various sectors of the domestic economy. In order to acquire such investments, however, the Modi government had to show that it was willing to take steps to change the perception amongst foreign investors that India was a difficult place to do business in. A rapid transformation of the Indian economy is also important

ported power plants. Furthermore, India does not have the necessary machinery or technology to domestically produce the Rafale. India would have had to import these production capabilities and this was the reason the price of the domestically-produced Rafale was skyrocketing. Nor was it possible to get Dassault to guarantee the quality and reliability of the aircraft that were being produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), since the French company could not realistically guarantee the end product when it did not have supervisory control over the factory. Also, HAL has a terrible record for producing aircraft as it normally makes up to eight aircraft a

more planes quickly, India will go for an external supplier. Finally, it fired a shot across the bows of HAL and shook the aircraft manufacturer's complacency that the government would always allow the company maintain its jobs program. The Rafale deal, therefore, should be welcomed rather than second-guessed by arm chair strategists and politicians who are putting false nationalistic pride over hardcore and pragmatic security decisions. Amit Gupta is an Associate Professor at the USAF Air War College in M ontgomery, Alabama. The views expressed in this article are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of the USAF or the Department of Defense.

Development model

he recently celebrated 125th birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of India's Constitution, has once again opened up the controversy about the development model India should follow. The issue would not have arisen if the policies practiced by previous governments had made a significant dent on removing poverty and reducing rural distress. Noticing the poor productivity in small farms, the Modi government proposes making it easier and rewarding for the farmers to sell their land where factories could be started providing jobs to the children of farmers and making it possible for them to shift from agriculture which is no longer a viable profession. The old Congress policies of doles and subsidies to farmers have failed to take them out of distress. The attempt by Rahul Gandhi to put these old policies in a new bottle has only served to frighten the farmers by propaganda and lies that the government seeks to snatch their land and give it to rich industrialists. The rush for urbanization has proved Dr Ambedkar right when he proposed modernization of villages 65 years ago at the time the Constitution was being framed. He was a big critic of the Gandhian model of preserving the status quo of villages as leading us to antiquity. Quite like the common habit of eulogizing the past and deriding the present, (which he identified with Gandhi) Ambedkar in the 1950s felt that in the "old age" leaders like "Ranade, Tilak, Gokhaleâ&#x20AC;Śstruggled to modernize India" but " in the age of Gandhi, the leaders are making her a living specimen of antiquity." "In the age of Ranade," he said, "leaders depended upon experience as a corrective method to their thoughts and their deeds. The leaders of the present age depend upon their inner voice as their guide..." Referring to Gandhi's method of clothing himself like the villagers, Ambedkar felt that he should instead be attempting to take them out of their poverty so that they could afford better clothes. He should try to improve their condition and not romanticize it. Alluding to this trait of Gandhi, he said, "Leaders of the old age took care to be well clad while the leaders of the present age take pride in being half cladâ&#x20AC;Ś" Calling the "Gandhi age" as "the dark age of India," he felt that it was "an age in which people instead of looking for their ideals in the future are returning to antiquity. It is an age in which people have ceased to think for themselves and as they have ceased to think they have ceased to read and examine the facts of their lives." This criticism can be leveled against the present Gandhi family and its scion of resisting improvement of the conditions of villagers at a time when the children of farmers are rushing to towns to crowd the already creaking slums. Its own land bill that the Congress seems to be defending makes it extremely tough for the farmers to sell their land and because of it there has been a sharp fall in land sales. Rahul Gandhi version 2 seems to be promising farmers that their land will remain protected (and unproductive) as it has been for the last 67 years with no future hope for their children. And they have full freedom to hang themselves in their own land. Whatever the controversy about land sales it is certain that the status quo allowing farmer suicides cannot continue. All political parties must get together and sincerely chalk out a solution to end farmers' woes. Narendra Modi has a plan. His vision is to create 100 smart cities to prepare for the growing influx from villages. To start skill creation programs in villages to provide alternative employment to those depressed by low farm incomes. It is in line with the vision of Ambedkar to improve the lot of villagers mostly inhabited by dalits.

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