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Dr Romesh Japra

'India Now 2013' to showcase modern India Details on page 16

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

VOL 18, No. 972

May 3, 2013

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U.S. TOLD OF CONCERN ON H1B VISA ISSUE

Promoter of Bollywood concerts jailed

Former CJI J S Verma passes away Details on page 5

Three arrested for blast in Bangalore

Details on page 16

Details on page 6

600 million Adhaar cards by 2014: Nilekani Details on page 6

Obama praises Meghana Rao’s science project

India has $ 1tn deficit in infrastructure

Details on page 6 Details on page 12

Mittal tumbles to 4th rank in UK rich list Details on page 10

Interim govt refuses to put Musharraf on trial

DIFFERING VIEWS: Finance Minister P. Chidambaram with US Secretary of Treasury Jacob J. Lew at their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of IMF's Spring Meetings in Washington, DC on April 19

WASHINGTON: Flagging concerns of Indian companies on the H-1B visa issue in the latest US immigration bill, Indian Finance Minister P Chidambaram told his American counterpart Jack Lew that temporary relocation of knowledge workers should not be confused with immigration.

"There are some provisions related to the H-1B and L1 visas, which require a higher visa application fee, if certain threshold is crossed in employing Indians on site. I

Senator accuses Indian companies of abusing H-1B

Details on page 10

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

Is the US targetting Indian outsourcing firms?

Last week’s result

Boston a lesson in terrorism for US? YES 63%

NO 37%

did flag it in my meeting with Secretary Lew. Just made the point that temporary relocation of knowledge workers should not be confused with immigration," Chidambaram told a select group of journalists here.

Noting that the bill is about immigration, Chidambaram said that temporary relocation of knowledge workers on site to service a client should not be confused with immigration.

Details on page 5

Senator Richard Durbin

WASHINGTON: Amidst Congressional debate on the comprehensive immigration reform, a top US Senator has accused big Indian IT companies - TCS, Infosys and Wipro - of abusing the H-1B visa system.

"There are some specific abuses of H-1B," Senator Richard Durbin, said during a Congressional hearing on immigration reform by the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, during which the lawmakers discussed threadbare the H-1B visa issues.

Details on page 5

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Dzhokhar used his cell phone to blow up bomb Details on page 7

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 26 Community Post -------------- 16-24 Date Book -------------------------- 27 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-36 Horoscope ------------------------- 52 Immigration Post ------------- 44-47 Life Style ----------------------- 48-52 Philosophy ------------------------- 53 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 30-31 TechBiz Post ------------------- 11-14 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 39-43

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Publisher’s Diary

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dozen years after 9/11, Boston has demonstrated that America has learnt how to cope with a terrorist attack and track down the perpetra tors with quiet efficiency. The hospitals are also better prepared and equipped for disaster response, having learnt from treating the wounded from war-torn Iraq and Afghanistan. It is still to be ascertained what drove the brothers from Chechnya to such a pointless act, but the public response and coordination with the authorities in the aftermath must be lauded for helping to get a dangerous job done.

Also worthy of praise was the quick assistance provided by Indian American surgeon Vivek Shah to the blast victims, before the arrival of emergency physicians. Shah himself was a part of the marathon and was heading towards the finish line when it all happened and he saw "people with traumatic amputations, one leg, both legs, it just looked like everyone was in shock. I've never seen that quantity of injury in one place," he said.

It is a matter of gratification that unlike 9/11, there was no panic and hysteria.

However internet users joining in the hunt for the Boston bombers ended up identifying wrong people as culprits and for hours together innocent people were fearing for their safety. The family of Sunil Tripathi of Pennsylvania had to undergo double trauma as the missing Brown University student was identified as the suspected bomber. Although some of the users apologized later, the case brings to light the risks involved with citizen/Internet based journalism where any picture, taken from a smartphone or even CCTV camera can become evidence in a giant-witch hunt.

"A tremendous and painful amount of attention has been cast on our beloved Sunil Tripathi in the past twelve hours," read a message from the family posted to a Facebook group. Still the family continued to have faith in the Internet users and hoped "that you continue to raise awareness and to help us find our gentle, loving, and thoughtful Sunil."

The message here is for Internet users to be extra careful in their amateur forays lest they cause grievous hurt to innocent people.

Romesh K Japra

rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Quiet dinner Kat is often spotted at Ranbir's place but this time Ranbir was invited to Kat's residence for a romantic candle light dinner.

Cover Story: Concern on H1B Chidambaram told US that temporary relocation of knowledge workers should not be confused with immigration.

Community: Modern India An event “India Now2013" will present today's India to America on June 22 and 23 at Santa Clara Fairgrounds.

Immigration: Boston effect The Boston bombings cast a shadow over the start of debate on legislation to remake the U.S. immigration system

Life Style: A 9/11 story Pakistani writer Mohsin Hamid's novel The Reluctant Fundamentalist has been turned into a film by Mira Nair

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US told of concern on H1B visa issue WASHINGTON: Flagging concerns of Indian companies on the H-1B visa issue in the latest US immigration bill, Indian Finance Minister P Chidambaram told his American counterpart Jack Lew that temporary relocation of

that temporary relocation of knowledge workers should not be confused with immigration," Chidambaram told a select group of journalists here.

Noting that the bill is about immigration, Chidambaram said

Noting that the bill is about immigration, Chidambaram said that temporary relocation of knowledge workers on site to service a client should not be confused with immigration."I hope the point is taken," he said in response to a question knowledge workers should not be confused with immigration.

"There are some provisions related to the H-1B and L1 visas, which require a higher visa application fee, if certain threshold is crossed in employing Indians on site. I did flag it in my meeting with Secretary Lew. Just made the point

that temporary relocation of knowledge workers on site to service a client should not be confused with immigration.

"I hope the point is taken," he said in response to a question on his meeting with Lew. During his meeting with Lew, Chidambaram said the two dis-

cussed a range of bilateral issues of mutual interests. They also discussed the possible dates for the next India-US Economic Dialogue.

Chidambaram proposed that the next India-US Economic Dialogue be held in July along with the CEO Forum meeting in Washington on July 11 and 12. The US has not confirmed the dates yet.

"We generally exchanged views on matters of mutual interest," he told reporters during a news conference.

Responding to questions, the Finance Minister said the growth of Japan is good for India.

Chidambaram is currently in Washington to attend the annual spring meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. During his trip, he also held road shows in Toronto, Boston and New York to attract foreign investors to India.

"Message is that we are committed to key issues like fiscal

consolidation, containing inflation, improving the supply side, project implementation, independent regulators for critical sectors.

It is always useful to talk to foreign investors," he said.

From the CEOs, he said, he heard,

profit," he said.

"There are some drawbacks in our system, which we need to fix," he added.

The Finance Minister said the potential growth rate of the country is eight per cent. He exuded

"I think, everybody recognizes that India is an attractive market. Everybody recognizes that India is a market in which you can do business and make reasonable profit," he said. "There are some drawbacks in our system, which we need to fix," he added slowness of decision making, obstacles to implementing projects, some ambiguity in tax laws and some ambiguities in policies.

"I think, everybody recognizes that India is an attractive market.

Everybody recognizes that India is a market in which you can do business and make reasonable

confidence that India would soon achieve its potential growth rate.

Meanwhile, speaking at the at the Peterson Institute, the Finance Minister, said that in the long run it is in the interest of India to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US.PTI

Senator accuses Indian Former CJI J S Verma passes away companies of abusing H-1B WASHINGTON: Amidst Congressional debate on the comprehensive immigration reform, a top US Senator has accused big Indian IT companies - TCS, Infosys and Wipro - of abusing the H-1B visa system.

"There are some specific abuses of H-1B," Senator Richard Durbin, said during a Congres-

Infosys, Wipro, Tata and others Americans would be shocked to know that the H-1B visas are not going to Microsoft; they're going to these firms, largely in India, who are finding workers, engineers, who will work at low wages in the US for three years and pay a fee to Infosys or these companies," Durbin alleged.

sional hearing on immigration reform by the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, during which the lawmakers discussed threadbare the H-1B visa issues.

In fact, Senator Durbin went on to brand the top Indian IT companies as outsourcing firms.

"These outsourcing firms like

"I think that is an abuse of what we're trying to achieve here. Most people would think, well, Microsoft needs these folks, and they'd be shocked to know that most of the H-1B visas are not going to companies like yours; they're going to these outsourcing companies," Durbin alleged.

He said this during the hearing in which two Indian Americans testified before the committee and supported the allegations of the Senator against Indian IT firms.

Brad Smith, general counsel and executive vice president, legal and corporate affairs, Microsoft, too supported the Senator on the issue.

"I personally think it's important that we both recognize the need for these firms to evolve their business model - I've had these conversations myself with them in India that encourages them to focus on hiring more people in the US," he told lawmakers in response to a question.

The proposed comprehensive immigration bill if passed by the Congress and signed into law by the US President would bar companies from hiring people on H1B visa if 50 per cent of their employees are not Americans.

The US India Business Council and Confederation of Indian Industry have opposed such a move and said that this is against the spirit of India US strategic relationship. -PTI

NEW DELHI: Former Chief 2012. Most of the recommendaJustice of India J S Verma, who tions of this committee, which headed a panel to frame a tough also had Gopal Subramanian and law to combat crimes against Leela Seth as members, were acwomen in the wake of the Delhi cepted by the government. gangrape incident, died of multiThe Verma panel favored organ failure here. comprehensive amendments to Verma was 80. He is survived criminal laws seeking minimum by his wife and two daughters.

20 years imprisonment for Dr Yatin Mehta, a senior doc- gangrape and life term for rape tor at Medanta hospital where and murder but refrained from Verma was admitted, told PTI that prescribing the death penalty. the eminent jurist breathed his Condoling the death of Verma, last at 9:30 pm.

"He was The Verma panel favored brought in with liver failure and comprehensive amendments bleeding from to criminal laws seeking stomach," minimum 20 years imprisonMehta said.

J u s t i c e ment for gangrape and life Jagdish Sharan term for rape and murder Verma, who also served as the Chairperson of the National eminent Jurist Soli Sorabjee said Human Rights Commission he was a man of "unquestionable (NHRC, was the 27th Chief Jus- integrity" and one who always tice of India and served from supported a good cause.

March 25, 1997 until his retireVerma was also part of the ment on January 18, 1998. nine-judge bench in 1994 which He has deliberated on close dealt with the S R Bommai case to 470 cases since becoming an relating to proclamation of apex court judge in June 1989.

President's Rule under Article 356 He headed the committee of the Constitution in Karnataka. formed by the government to In this judgment, the Sugive suggestions for a stringent preme Court held that Presidenanti-rape law after the brutal tial proclamation can only be Delhi gangrape of a 23-year-old imposed after Parliament apphysiotherapist on December 16, proval. -PTI

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Three persons arrested in Bangalore blast case CHENNAI: Chennai Police have arrested three persons in connection with last week's blast near the BJP office in Bangalore

that left 16 persons injured.

According to top police sources, Karnataka Police were assisted by their Tamil Nadu counterparts in a late night operation,

in which two persons - Peer Mohideen and Basheer hailing from Tirunelveli were arrested from a lodge here.

The third person was arrested from Madurai, they said, adding the trio facilitated the blast while the main culprits were still at large.

Four men were recently de-

tained in Kerala for their alleged involvement in the case.

The arrested are being taken to Bangalore for further investigation, sources said.

T h e Karnataka government had announced a reward of Rs five lakh to those who provide information on the culprits responsible for the April 17 blast.

A Madurai report identified the third person as Kichan Bukari, an activist of banned AlUmma.

36-year old Bukari was picked up at the central bus stand here when he was on his way to Tirunelveli from Chennai.

He was also a convict in the

case relating to the 1998 serial bomb blasts in Coimbatore that claimed 58 lives and left more than 200 injured during the visit of senior BJP leader L K Advani to the city to address an election rally.

Bukari, hailing from Melapalayam in Tirunelveli Dis-

lice seized 32 abandoned vehicles in the city last night during a vehicle check.

Thirteen cars, 15 motorcycles and four rickshaws were seized, a police release here said.

The check comes against the backdrop of a stolen motorcycle being used for the Bangalore blast.

He was also a convict in the case relating to the 1998 serial bomb blasts in Coimbatore that claimed 58 lives and left more than 200 injured during the visit of senior BJP leader L K Advani to the city to address an election rally trict, had undergone 10 years jail term in the blast case, a report from Coimbatore said.

He was accused No.133 in the case in which several Al-Umma activists were convicted.

Besides he was also sentenced to life in three murder cases against him but released by Supreme Court. Meanwhile, po-

Based on the license plates, rightful owners of such vehicles were identified and 15 vehicles have been handed over to them, it said.

Steps have been taken to identify the owners of the remaining vehicles which have been handed over to local police stations, it said.

-PTI

Obama praises Indian-American 600 million Adhaar cards student's project by 2014: Nilekani WASHINGTON: US President high school students with under- one-hour after school science Barack Obama has praised a 17- privileged youths through col- programs, participate in science year-old Indian-American student laborative hands-on science ex- fairs and attend summer science for her science project at the third periments, with the aim of inspir- programs. annual White House Science Fair ing all participants to pursue "Her hard work helped her earn here. higher education. a 2013 Young Naturalist Award "We're so proud of you. Keep Meghana started PJS in 2011, from the American Natural History up the good work," Obama said to Meghana Rao from Portland, Oregon, after she explained her project based on 'biochar' (charcoal) to the US President at the fair in which around 30 student teams from across the country exhibited their projects.

American Natural History Museum Young Naturalist Award w i n n e r , Meghana, is a JePresident Barack Obama speaks with American Natural History Museum Young Naturalist suit High School Award winner Meghana Rao from Portland Oregon in the East garden of the White House during the White House Science Fair April 22 student who, in addition to researching the ability of 'biochar,' after learning that severe budget Museum, and brought PJS a USD also directs a student-run non- cuts where forcing local elemen- 5,000 grant from the Pepsi Refresh profit organisation, Portland Jun- tary schools to cut back on sci- Project and an USD 11,500 grant ior Scientists (PJS). ence curricula. from the Case Foundation's FindAccording to the White Through her organization, lo- ing Fearless program," the White House, her organization connects cal students can attend weekly House said. -PTI

WASHINGTON: Nearly half of India's population would have the Aadhaar card by 2014 and nearly one in three Indians by the end of this year, Chairman of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) Nandan Nilekani said here.

The ambitious project - which has issued unique identification numbers to more than 380 million people, which is large than the population of several large countries in just a few years - would still take a few more years before every Indian resident is issued with this unique number and the card having the biometric information of the individual, Nilekani told a Washington audience.

Delivering the Eighth Annual Richard H Sabot Lecture 'Technology to Leapfrog Development: The Aadhaar Experience' organized by Center for Global Development, a Washington- based think-tank, Nilekani said UIDAI has leveraged the state of the art technology of the present days to provide unique identification number to every resident of the country.

"Today we have enrolled 380 million of the 1.2 billion people.

Our daily processing is about a million people a day.

Our goal is to reach 400 million this year and 600 million by 2014," he said, adding there are between

25,000 to 30,000 enrolment centers in the country.

Noting that this unique identification number is now becoming "an internal passport and gateway" to various services for Indians, Nilekani said by working with various regulators they have ensured that this ID is sufficient to

Nandan Nilekani

get their services.

It enables one to get services quick and hassle free, he said.

"People see this as a gateway to many services," he said, adding over the next few years he expects this to be used for different kinds of services including the ambitious direct cash transfer scheme of the Union government. -PTI

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Dzhokhar used his cell phone to blow up bomb BOSTON: Chechen-origin teenager Dzhokhar Tsarnaev apparently used his cell phone to blow up the pressure cooker bomb at the Boston Marathon last week that killed three people and wounded nearly 200 others, according to a criminal complaint filed by the FBI in a US court.

In the complaint, the FBI alleges that the suspect appeared calm while there was chaos all around after the blasts at the finish line of the marathon on April 15.

The FBI filed the complaint against 19-year-old Dzhokhar, as he was produced before a district court which temporarily was his hospital room where he is being treated of injuries.

The court fixed May 30 for Dzhokhar's first hearing in Massachusetts District court.

Dzhokhar is charged with conspiring to use "weapon of mass destruction" and faces death pen-

Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev - were first spotted near the bombing site 11 minute before the first bomb explosion.

While Tamerlan was wearing a dark-colored baseball cap, sunglasses, a white shirt, dark coat and tan pants, his brother was wearing a white baseball cap backwards, a gray hooded sweatshirt, a lightweight black jacket, and dark pants.

Thereafter, the two were seen moving towards the Marathon finish line, which was occupied by thousands of people, which is reflected through various security cameras.

At some point Dzhokhar appears to look at his phone, which is held at approximately waist level, and may be manipulating the phone, Geneck said.

"Approximately 30 seconds before the first explosion, he lifts his phone to his ear as if he is

"Virtually every head turns to the east (towards the finish line) and stares in that direction in apparent bewilderment and alarm," Geneck said, adding that Dzhokhar, virtually alone among the individuals in front of the restaurant, appears calm alty if convicted.

In the 10-page complaint, FBI special agent Daniel Geneck gives the sequence of events and the information sufficient to establish the requisite probable cause. "It does not include each and every fact known to me," he said.

Based on the information obtained from the security cameras, Geneck said, the two suspects -

speaking on his cell phone, and keeps it there for approximately 18 seconds. A few seconds after he finishes the call, the large crowd of people around him can be seen reacting to the first explosion," the complaint said.

"Virtually every head turns to the east (towards the finish line) and stares in that direction in apparent bewilderment and alarm,"

Geneck said, adding that Dzhokhar, virtually alone among

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev

the individuals in front of the restaurant, appears calm. According to the video footage, the two brothers are seen standing about one half block from the restaurant where the bombing appeared.

Approximately seven minutes before the first explosion, Tamerlan can be seen detaching himself from the crowd and walking east towards the Marathon finish line.

Fifteen seconds later, he can be seen passing directly in front of the Forum Restaurant and continuing in the direction of the location where the first blast occurred.

His knapsack is still on his back, the FBI agent said.

Around 2:45 p.m., Dzhokhar can be seen detaching himself from the crowd and walking east toward the finishing line. He appears to have the thumb of his right hand hooked under the strap of his knapsack and a cell phone in his left hand.

"Approximately 15 seconds later, he can be seen stopping di-

rectly in front of the Forum Restaurant and standing near the metal barrier among numerous spectators, with his back to the camera, facing the runners. He then can be seen apparently slipping his knapsack onto the ground," the FBI agent said, adding that a photograph taken from the opposite side of the street shows the knapsack on the ground at Dzhokhar's feet.

The Forum Restaurant video shows that Dzhokhar remained in the same spot for approximately four minutes, occasionally looking at his cell phone and once appearing to take a picture with it.

"Thirty seconds before the first explosion, he lifts his phone to his ear as if he is speaking on his cell phone, and keeps it there for approximately 18 seconds. A few seconds after he finishes the call, the large crowd of people around him can be seen reacting to the first explosion," he said.

It was only three days later on April 18 that the FBI published video and photographic images of the two suspects on its website. Those images were widely rebroadcast by media outlets all over the country and the world.

It was near midnight on April 18 they received information that an individual carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

A victim of the carjacking told law enforcement officials that while he was sitting in his car on a road in Cambridge, a man approached and tapped on his passenger-side window.

When the victim rolled down the window, the man reached in, opened the door, and entered the victim's vehicle. The man pointed a firearm at the victim and stated, "Did you hear about the Boston explosion?" and "I did that." The man with the gun forced the vic-

“He walks away without his knapsack, having left it on the ground where he had been standing. Approximately 10 seconds later, an explosion occurs in the location where Bomber Two had placed his knapsack," "He glances to the east and then calmly but rapidly begins moving to the west, away from the direction of the finish line. He walks away without his knapsack, having left it on the ground where he had been standing. Approximately 10 seconds later, an explosion occurs in the location where Bomber Two had placed his knapsack," the FBI agent said.

tim to drive to another location, where they picked up a second man. The two men put something in the trunk of the victim's vehicle.

The gunman took the victim's keys and sat in the driver's seat, while the victim moved to the front seat. The second man entered the vehicle and sat in the rear seat.-PTI

Chopper deal: CBI freezes bank account of ex-IAF chief NEW DELHI: CBI has frozen bank accounts of former Indian Air Force chief S P Tyagi and other Indians named as accused for allegedly receiving kickbacks in the Rs 3,600 crore VVIP helicopter deal.

Agency sources said here that "certain bank accounts of all the Indian accused" named in the FIR have been frozen by CBI. The bank accounts of Indian companies named in the alleged scam - Aeromatrix Info Solutions Private Limited and IDS Infotech - have already been frozen by the agency, they said.

The sources said bank accounts of Tyagi's cousins -

Sanjeev alias Julie, Rajeev alias Docsa and Sandeep - have also been frozen as part of the investigation.

S P Tyagi

Other Indians named in the FIR whose accounts have been fro-

zen by the agency include former Union Minister Santosh Bagrodia's brother Satish Bagrodia, who is also Chairman

Aggarwal, Aeromatrix CEO Praveen Bakshi and legal advisor Gautam Khaitan, the sources said.

CBI in its FIR has booked all the accused under the provisions of the IPC relating to cheating CBI in its FIR has and criminal conbooked all the spiracy and the Prevention of Corruption accused under the Act. provisions of the IPC Tyagi is the first chief of the Indian Air relating to cheating Force to be named in a and criminal corruption or criminal case by CBI. conspiracy CBI has alleged that during his tenure of IDS Infotech, the company's as Air Chief, Tyagi and "with his Managing Director Pratap approval" the Air Force "con-

ceded to reduce the service ceiling for VVIP helicopters from 6000 meters to 4500 meters as mandatory to which it was opposing vehemently on the grounds of security constraints and other related reasons".

According to the FIR, "Haschke Guido and Gerosa Carlo (middlemen) managed to send Euro 5.6 million through Mohali- based IDS Infotech and Chandigarh-based Aeromatrix Info Solutions Private Limited to India and kept the remaining amount out of about Euro 24.30 million received from AgustaWestland with themselves in the account of IDS Tunisia".-PTI

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Walmart continues US lobbying on 'FDI in India' WASHINGTON: Walmart continued to lobby with the American lawmakers over Indian retail FDI rules during the first quarter of 2013, even as a probe is underway into the global retail giant's US lobbying activities for facilitating its India entry.

In its latest lobbying disclosure report filed with the US Senate and

the House of Representatives for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the various lobbying issues of Walmart during the period included "discussions related to FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in India".

During the quarter, Walmart lobbied on close to 50 issues before various government departments and agencies and spent a total amount of USD 1.84 million on these activities, shows the 17 page lobbying report filed on April 22, 2013.

The other lobbying issues were related to overseas invest-

ments, tax-related matters, cybersecurity, data security and privacy issues related to e-commerce, immigration reforms, "discussions regarding retail sales practices, compliance, and background check process related to

firearms transactions", and issues related to domestic sourcing and manufacturing.

Despite an intense political opposition, India last year approved 51 per cent FDI in multibrand retail, paving way for Walmart and other global retailers to set shop in India.

However, many global companies are still concerned over various clauses in the regulations, which include certain amount of sourcing being made mandatory from within the country. Besides, the state government and union territories have been allowed to take their own decisions on whether or not to allow FDI in their respective areas.

Amid a continuing political debate on FDI in multibrand retail sector, the disclosures about Walmart's lobbying activities in the US for facilitating its entry into India created a major controversy in December 2012, leading to the government ordering a probe into the matter.

A one-man inquiry committee was set up in January to investigate the lobbying disclosure reports and was asked to submit its report by April 30, 2013. However, the government last week decided

to extend the tenure of this probe panel by one month till May 31.

Set up under former Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana Court Justice Mukal Mudgal, the panel in its last meeting earlier this month sought fresh details from the US-based global retailer and said that investigations might take some more time to be completed.

Earlier also it had sought clarifications on various issues from Walmart.

Besides lobbying disclosure re-

Lobbying is legal in the US, but the companies and their lobbyists are required to make a quarterly disclosure about it to the Congress.

The panel, to which the Corporate Affairs Ministry is providing administrative support, has also discussed responses received to a public notice, wherein information was solicited from the general public on the matter.

As per Congressional records of lobbying disclosure reports,

As per Congressional records of lobbying disclosure reports, Walmart spent a total amount of USD 6.13 million (about Rs 33 crore) on lobbying for various issues, including on "discussions related to FDI in India", during entire 2012 ports, the committee is also looking into "whether Walmart undertook any activities in India in contravention of any Indian law", and any other matter relevant to this issue.

The company has denied any wrongdoings in its lobbying activities in the US and has said that the disclosures have been made as per the legal framework there.

Walmart spent a total amount of USD 6.13 million (about Rs 33 crore) on lobbying for various issues, including on "discussions related to FDI in India", during entire 2012.

Separately, the regulatory agencies here are also probing allegations of bribery against Walmart in India.-PTI

Chit fund depositor commits suicide KOLKATA: A 50-year-old woman, who had deposited money in chit fund company Saradha Group, succumbed to her injuries after she set herself on fire, while a man tried to poison himself, even as political parties traded charges over the scandal.

Urmila Pramanik, a resident of Baruipur in South-24 Parganas district, who had invested Rs 30,000 with the chit fund company,

said.

With charges and counter charges flying thick and fast over the scam, Trinamool Congress said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party had no link with chit fund company Saradha Group even as CPIM demanded a CBI probe into the scandal and rubbished claim that such firms had mushroomed during the Left Front rule.

After the chit fund company went bust, the state government ordered arrest of its chairman and managing director Sudipta Sen, who is absconding. Hundreds of depositors had laid siege to Mamata Banerjee's residence demanding return of the money invested with the group set herself on fire at her home after coming to know that the company had gone bust.

She was taken to Baruipur subdivisional hospital with serious burns and later shifted to Chittaranjan Hospital in Kolkata where she died.

Lakshman Ghorui of Diamond Harbour consumed poison, but his condition was stable, police

"The Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress have no link with Saradha Group. All allegations are baseless," Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Kunal Ghosh said.

Ghosh, who was CEO of the media unit of group, which has closed shop failing to repay hundreds of depositors' money, said, "I was a salaried journalist of the

group's media unit. When Saradha ventured into media business, I was not there. I only joined the media unit after the tie-up between Bengali daily 'Sambad Pratidin' and Saradha, not as an MP, but as a professional journalist."

Ghosh, who earlier worked as a journalist in Sambad Pratidin said, Saradha Group started its operation during the previous government. "There is no question of TMC patronizing the Saradha Group," he said.

After the chit fund company went bust, the state government ordered arrest of its chairman and managing director Sudipta Sen, who is absconding.

Hundreds of depositors had laid siege to Mamata Banerjee's residence demanding return of the money invested with the group. Protests by depositors were also reported from the districts.

Brushing aside TMC allegations that the businesses of chit funds had mushroomed during the Left Front regime, former state Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta sought Center's intervention in the chit funds scandal and, if necessary, ask the CBI to investigate the matter.

"Why did this Trinamool Congress regime not take any action against these chit funds? Why did they take so long to issue arrest warrant against the director of Saradha Group? The government should have taken strong steps against it," Dasgupta told reporters here.

secretary Mukul Roy, meanwhile, threatened to file a defamation suit against CPI-M leaders for alleging that he had received crores of rupees from absconding Saradha Group chairman Sudipta Sen. "These are baseless allegations. I will file a defamation suit

Protest againist the state government over the chit fund scam in Kolkata on April 23

The CPI (M) leader said that his government had taken strong steps against chit fund companies in the early 90s and had also passed a bill in the state Assembly, which was later sent to the President for approval.

Trinamool Congress general

against them (CPI-M leaders)," Roy said, adding that the erstwhile Left regime had allowed chit funds to mushroom in West Bengal while the Centre remained a mute spectator when these fraudulent companies fleeced people.-PTI

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Mini Indian Rupee futures launched in Dubai DUBAI: In a bid to further expand the reach of its Indian Rupee product offering, the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) has launched a Mini Indian Rupee Futures Contract (DINRM), it has been

Rushdie relives magic of 'Midnight's Children' NEW YORK: Thanks to the printed word and the moving image, Salman Rushdie has recaptured the worst part of his life and relived one of the best.

Last fall, the 65-year-old author published the best-selling memoir "Joseph Anton" about his years in hiding that followed the 1988 publication of "The Satanic Verses" and the call for his death by Iran's Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Rushdie is now promoting the film adaptation of his breakthrough novel, "Midnight's Children," winner of the Booker Prize in 1981 and one of the most highly praised works of fiction of its time.

"It was cathartic to write 'Joseph Anton,'" Rushdie explained during a recent interview, wearing a gray suit and no tie, sipping coffee at a hotel rooftop garden in midtown Manhattan. "And 'Midnight's Children' was the book where I really became a writer."

Much of the world only learned about Rushdie after "Satanic Verses," which was condemned by the Ayatollah and others as blasphemous and made him an author far more talked about than read. Forced to live under an assumed name, Joseph Anton, he felt as if he had lost control of his own life's narrative. In his memoir, he turns himself into a kind of literary character, referring to himself in the third person, and uses narrative to get his own back.

"Now that time belongs to me," he said.

"It's not just something that happened to me."

In the literary community, Rushdie's had long been an honored name because of "Midnight's Children." More than 500 pages, it's a multi-layered narrative about Saleem Sinai, a child born at the very moment of India's independence from Britain, and his terrifying, exhilarating and fantastic adventures that join his story to the story of his country.

Widely regarded as a landmark of neocolonial fiction, the novel follows Saleem through India's independence and internal conflict, war with Pakistan and the 1970s "State of Emergency" declared by thenPrime Minister Indira Gandhi. It is a journey with a beginning, middle and end, but also one with countless detours and special effects, from powers of mind-reading to a nose with the most profound sense of smell.

"Midnight's Children" was a coming-ofage story for Saleem, and for Rushdie. Born in India, he had spent much of his 20s working in advertising in London and writing fiction he came to regard as "unbearable amounts of garbage." -AP

announced.

"The Mini Indian Rupee futures contract has been designed to meet increasing demand from market participants for a smaller product that allows them to execute trading strategies without making high capital investments.

"Developed after close consultations with our Members and market participants, we believe the contract will particularly benefit SMEs, retail players and traders who import into and export from India, as well as others who remit funds to India regularly," said Gary Anderson, CEO of DGCX.

The first of its kind to be introduced in the region and outside of India, the mini contract is one-tenth the size of the existing DGCX Indian Rupee futures contract.

The smaller size of the contract will support retail remitters, individual investors and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in cost-effectively managing currency risk exposure to the Indian Rupee, a statement released here said.

The innovative new contract is priced at Rs 200,000 per lot compared to two million rupees per lot for the existing regular DGCX Indian Rupee contract. -PTI

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Court to Musharraf: cooperate Interim govt refuses to put Musharraf on trial in Bhutto murder probe ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has directed former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, a "proclaimed offender", to cooperate with investigators probing the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Musharraf was driven to the Rawalpindi-based court from his plush villa on the outskirts of Islamabad where he is under house arrest for charges dating back to his 9-year rule.

The former president appeared before Judge Chaudhry Habibur-Rehman for the first time since the Rawalpindi-based court began hearing the case in 2008.

His lawyer asked the judge to withdraw an order declaring Musharraf a fugitive and to lift a freeze on his bank accounts and assets.

The court, which is conducting hearings behind closed doors for security reasons, had declared Musharraf a "proclaimed offender" or fugitive and frozen his assets in 2011 after he failed

to cooperate with sleuths investigating the assassination.

The former army chief's lawyer said these orders should be withdrawn as he was now appearing in the court.

Chief prosecutor Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali of the Federal Investigation Agency told reporters that Musharraf had not cooperated with investigators.

"While he was on bail for a month, he did not join the investigation” Musharraf, 69, was accused of providing inadequate security to Bhutto after she returned to Pakistan from self-exile in late 2007.

She was assassinated during a

political rally in Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007.

The judge directed Musharraf to cooperate with investigators and adjourned the case till May 3.

Chief prosecutor Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali of the Federal Investigation Agency told reporters that Musharraf had not cooperated with investigators.

"While he was on bail for a month, he did not join the investigation. Today was the first time he appeared in the court," he said.

Musharraf has been living at his farmhouse at Chak Shahzad, which was declared a "sub-jail" after he was remanded to judicial custody for a fortnight.

After the hearing, he was driven back to his farmhouse amidst tight security.

Outside the court, scores of lawyers scuffled with a group of Musharraf's supporters. The lawyers beat the former dictator's supporters with sticks and damaged several cars.PTI

Mittal tumbles to 4th rank in UK rich list LONDON: Steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal's wealth has plummeted but the Hinduja brothers have become the richest Asians in the UK, while Lord Swraj Paul has emerged as the wealthiest Peer, according to the Sunday Times Rich List.

Mittal, 62, who spent eight

against 8.6 billion pounds last year.

Noting that "the Hinduja brothers are on a roll," the Rich List 2013 said, in the past year "the stock market value of their IndusInd Bank shot up from USD 2 billion to USD 4.6 billion, while the acquisition of the American com-

“The 40 per cent stake Mittal and his wife Usha hold in the steelmaking giant ArcelorMittal has plummeted from 28 billion pounds at its peak to 5.95 billion pounds” years at the top of the list, has dropped down to fourth position this year, with a fortune of 10 billion pounds, 2.7 billion pounds less than last year.

"So, after eight years on top of The Sunday Times Rich List, the steel maharajah is no longer No.1," the report said.

It said, "the 40 per cent stake Mittal and his wife Usha hold in the steelmaking giant ArcelorMittal has plummeted from 28 billion pounds at its peak to 5.95 billion pounds."

Srichand (77) and Gopichand Hinduja (73), the Chairman and coChairman of the Hinduja group respectively, take the third place.

The Hinduja brothers are worth 10.6 billion pounds in 2013 as

Leonard Blavatnik, who ranks second with his wealth of 11 billion pounds.

According to the list, Lord Paul, Chairman of the Caparo Group, is the richest Peer in the House of Lords with a fortune worth 2 billion pounds. He stands at 38th position.

Lord Paul's fortune has been boosted by profits from his Caparo steel and engineering firm, the report said.

The highest placed UK-born person is Gerald Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, who is worth 7.8 billion pounds and ranked eighth.-PTI

pany Houghton International by their Gulf Oil for USD 1.1 billion was the largest Indian investment outside India last year."

Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, 59, who has a near 30 per cent stake in Arsenal Football Club, is the richest person in Britain with a fortune worth 13.3 billion pounds.

The list's biggest gainer over the past year is another Russian tyc o o n

Lakshmi Mittal

ISLAMABAD: In a temporary relief to former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan's interim government has refused to put him on trial for treason for violating the Constitution, saying such a move was not part of its mandate.

The caretaker administration, formed last month to conduct the May 11 general election, conveyed its position in a reply submitted to the Supreme Court.

Several lawyers have filed petitions seeki n g Musharraf's trial for treason and the apex court had asked the government to state its position on the issue.

In its reply, the caretaker government refused to put Musharraf, 69, on trial for treason under Article 6 of the Constitution.

The government said considering, deliberating or commencing any legal proceedings under Article 6 will be a move that is not part of its mandate.

The reply further said the government was busy providing security to candidates contesting the upcoming polls to the national and provincial assemblies.

An apex court bench headed

by Justice Jawwad Khwaja, which is hearing the petitions against

Musharraf, expressed its displeasure at the interim government's reply.

Khwaja observed that the court had been seeking an answer from the government for the past eight days and now the administration has said that it can do nothing.

Pervez Musharraf

Khwaja further remarked that in the future, the interim government might even say that it cannot file an FIR against Musharraf.

In Pakistan only the state can initiate charges of treason, which can carry the death penalty.

Meanwhile, Musharraf's lawyers were not allowed to meet him at his residence, which has been declared a sub-jail, despite an order issued by the Supreme Court.

Prison officials posted at Musharraf's five-acre farmhouse at Chak Shahzad on the outskirts of Islamabad said the lawyers could meet their client only if they got a "no-objection certificate" from the Punjab government.-PTI

Pakistan court allows Ashraf to contest polls LAHORE: A Pakistani court today cleared former premier Raja Pervez Ashraf's candidature for the May 11 general election, setting aside an election tribunal's decision to reject his nomination papers over allegations of corruption.

A full bench of the Lahore High Court observed that there was no court declaration against Ashraf that declared him "non-profligate, non-righteous or non-sagacious", and he could not be barred from participating in the polls.

The Pakistan People's Party leader will now be eligible to contest the polls from a parliamentary constituency in his hometown of

Gujjar Khan, located 125 km from Islamabad.

The bench said neither the Returning Officer nor the election tribunal had jurisdiction to exercise powers under Article 62 of the Constitution to bar the former premier from the polls.

The bench ruled that this Article could be used only against those who have a court declaration against them.

A lawyer for one of Ashraf's opponents, Raja Irfan Aziz, argued that the former premier should be disqualified as the Islamabad High Court had passed a judgment against him for illegally awarding a contract.-PTI

Tech News Crimes against women affect business NEW DELHI: The business environment gets affected due to lack of security of women as they account for a large chunk of workforce, industry body Assocham said here.

"In the absence of a safe environment in the metropolitan city and the NCR as a whole, productivity will suffer drastically as employers would not feel safe to make them (women) work after sun-set," the chamber said in a statement.

It said lack of security to women would strike at the root of the business environment. "It is the women who largely influence buying decisions.

Moreover, in a large number of activities and sectors, women form a large chunk of workforce," it added.

Assocham said India Inc is watching helplessly the worsening law and order situation in the national capital region as confidence of women workforce stands completely shaken, following a spate of barbaric incidents of rapes in Delhi where the Police has totally fallen short of its duty to protect citizens.-PTI

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'Internet & entrepreneurial ingenuity will turn science fiction into reality' SAN FRANCISCO: Some illuminating books already have been written about Google's catalytic role in a technological upheaval that is redefining the way people

visions of digitally driven change and of a radically different future in his book ``The New Digital Age.'' It's a technology treatise that

tural phenomenon that didn't exist a decade ago.

The ability for anyone with an Internet-connected device to broadcast revelatory information and video is one of the reasons why Schmidt and Cohen wrote the book. The two met in Baghdad in 2009 and were both struck by how Iraqis were finding resourceful ways to use Internet services to improve their lives, despite warzone conditions.

They decided it was time to

tary of State Henry Kissinger, Mexican mogul Carlos Slim Helu, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and the former prime ministers of Mongolia and Pakistan. They also drew on the insights of a long list of Google employees, including co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin.

The resulting book is an exploration into the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as the lines blur between the physical world around us and the virtual

The resulting book is an exploration into the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as the lines blur between the physical world around us and the virtual realm of the Internet.

Schmidt and Cohen also examine the loss of personal privacy

Food Security Bill estimates subsidy of Rs 1.23 lakh cr NEW DELHI: Implementation of National Food Security Bill (NFSB), aimed at providing legal entitlement to food to around 67 per cent population, is likely to cost the exchequer around Rs 1.23 lakh crore, the Government of India has said.

"As per the provision of the Bill, estimated annual requirement of food-grains at 2011 population is 60.74 million tonnes and the corresponding estimated food subsidy at 2013-14 costs is about Rs 1,23,084 crore," Food Minister K V Thomas said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha, Upper House of the Indian parliament.

However, he added, the actual requirement would depend upon the final shape of the Bill and the time by which NFSB comes into force.

Finance Minister P Chidambaram had allocated Rs 77,740 crore as food subsidy in the budget estimates for the current fiscal and kept Rs 10,000 crore over and above the normal food subsidy, towards the incremental cost.

The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha in December, 2011, and then referred to a Standing Committee on Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution for examination. -PTI

Actress Anushka Sharma at the launch of a new range of Canon cameras in New Delhi on April 23

Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt

work, play, learn, shop and communicate.

Until now, though, there hasn't been a book providing an unfiltered look from inside Google's brain trust.

Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt, who spent a decade as the company's CEO, shares his

Schmidt wrote with another ruminator, Jared Cohen, a former State Department adviser who now runs Google Ideas, the Internet company's version of a think tank.

The book is an exercise in ``brainstorming the future,'' as Schmidt put it in a recent post on Twitter - just one example of a cul-

delve into how the Internet and mobile devices are empowering people, roiling autocratic governments and forcing long-established companies to make dramatic changes.

The three years they spent researching the book took them around the world, including North Korea in January over the objections of the U.S. State Department.

They interviewed an eclectic group that included former Secre-

realm of the Internet. Schmidt and Cohen also examine the loss of personal privacy as prominent companies such as Google and lesser-known data warehouses such as Acxiom compile digital dossiers about our electronic interactions on computers, smartphones and at check-out stands.

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US budget tightening not hurting business NEW YORK: Washington's budget tightening is having a minimal effect on businesses, a survey of business economists shows.

The National Association for Business Economics survey asks how higher taxes and lower government spending effected businesses in the first three months of 2013.

Ninety-three percent of respondents say the political developments had no effect on employment levels in the first quarter, and 95 percent say they had no impact on capital spend-

ing plans.

Overall, the results paint a picture of businesses feeling better than they were in the fourth quarter, but not as good as they were a year ago.

The NABE did caution, how-

ever, that businesses might have already accounted for the higher taxes and lower government spending in the fourth quarter, and adjusted their hiring and spending plans before the end of 2012.

The NABE surveyed a small

Businesses might have already accounted for the higher taxes and lower government spending in the fourth quarter, and adjusted their hiring and spending plans before the end of 2012

sample, 58 members, between March 19 and April 2. They represent a variety of sectors, including finance, transportation, health care and manufacturing.

Among the results: • Fifty-five percent of respondents reported rising sales - up from 37 percent in the fourth quarter, but down from 60 percent a year ago.

• Twenty-nine percent reported rising profit margins - up from 25 percent in the fourth quarter, but down from 40 percent a year ago.

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India has $ 1 trillion infrastructure deficit WASHINGTON: India has a USD 1 trillion infrastructure deficit over the next five years, Indian Finance Minister P Chidambaram has told the World Bank, which wants private sector participation to bridge the funding gap.

Chidambaram met World Bank President Jim Yong Kim on the sidelines of the annual Spring meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Fund and the World Bank.

"Now, at the World Bank Group, we have the International Finance Corporation, and specifically what they do is they say, 'We want to be sure that private investment, in infrastructure in ports, in roads, in telecommunications actually has the greatest development impact'".

"So, our team at IFC, if they get extra credit, they get better evaluations of the investments they make and the investments they bring in actually have a development impact," Kim said.

He said the World Bank has World Bank President Jim Yong Kim zero tolerance for corAt a public event here along ruption. with UN Secretary General Ban Ki"You have to have an absolute moon, Kim stressed on the impor- zero tolerance for corruption, and tance of private sector participa- that's exactly the way we've done tion on meeting such a massive it," he said, as he referred to funding need.

Bangladesh where the Bank had "I just met with the Finance Min- to suspend work on a bridge and, ister of India this morning, and he in the process, debarred a comtold me that, in India, they have a pany.

USD 1 trillion infrastructure deficit "We just did that, and it was just for the next five years," Kim said. the longest debarment in our his"So, all of the official develop- tory. They are now prohibited for ment assistance combined won't working on any of our projects for even meet half of India's infrastruc- 10 years, and you have to have a ture development needs. So, we've complete, zero-tolerance approach got to get the private sector in- and that is what we do in the volved," he said.

World Bank Group," he said.

Chidambaram is in Washington To address the concerns of the to attend the annual Spring meet- Indian economy, the authorities ing of the International Monetary have taken several measures in the

recent period, Chidambaram pointed out.

The policy focus in recent months has been, on containment of fiscal deficit, along with measures that would boost investment levels in the economy and help raise the growth rate, he said.

A Cabinet Committee on Investment (CCI) has been set up to remove blockages and fast-track the implementation of large projects, especially infrastructure projects, the Finance Minister said.

Informing the IMF meeting that a plan is being implemented to gradually roll out direct cash transfers using Unique Identification Numbers (UID) beginning 2013, Chidambaram said eventually, cash transfers will be the preferred mode for the disbursement of subsidies and other monetary benefits to improve efficiency and avoid duplication and leakages.

Efforts are underway to pen the laws and implement the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Direct Tax Code (DTC) as early as pos-

has provided space to the Reserve Bank of India for some monetary easing. To address growth con-

Public debt continues to follow a downward trajectory with the

Indian Finance Minister P Chidambaram

cerns, the Reserve Bank has cut its policy rates twice during the last three months," he said.

Observing that the authorities in India are concerned with the

Informing the IMF meeting that a plan is being implemented to gradually roll out direct cash transfers using Unique Identification Numbers (UID) beginning 2013, Chidambaram said eventually, cash transfers will be the preferred mode for the disbursement of subsidies sible, he said.

Inflation in India has begun to moderate, he said, noting that core inflation, in particular, has moderated significantly.

"Together with the measures taken for fiscal consolidation, this

14.

twin deficits and are taking measures to contain them, the Finance Minister said the gross fiscal deficit has been reduced from 5.8 per cent in 2011-12 to 5.2 per cent in 2012-13 and it has been budgeted still lower at 4.8 per cent for 2013-

central government's gross debt declining to 45.9 per cent of GDP during 2012-13, the Finance Minister pointed out.

India's current account deficit has remained elevated during the last several quarters mainly due to widening of the trade deficit reflecting weak external demand and large imports of oil and gold, he said.

"Although the current account deficit has been financed by increased capital flows, the government is committed to bring it down over time. Various measures taken by the government combined with recent monetary policy easing by the Reserve Bank of India are expected to revive investment activity and help take the economy to a high growth trajectory," Chidambaram said.-PTI

Indian govt spent Rs 1-cr on US lobbying WASHINGTON: Continuing its lobbying among the American lawmakers over Indo-US bilateral relationship, the Indian government has spent USD 180,000 (about Rs 1 crore) to its lobbyists here in the first quarter of 2013.

Cumulatively, the Indian government has paid its lobbyist firm, Barbour Griffith & Rogers LLC (BGR), close to USD 5 million (over Rs 25 crore) since it began lobbying in the US in September 2005, shows the Congressional records of lobbying disclosure reports filed here.

Lobbying is a legal activity in the US, but the lobby firms are required to mandatorily submit the disclosure forms with the Senate for each of their clients.

The latest quarter lobbying disclosure report on behalf of the Indian government was filed by BGR, wherein it has disclosed an income of USD 180,000 on issues related to the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

On behalf of India, BGR has lobbied at the US Senate, the

ment of Commerce in the area of Indo-US bilateral relations, while its lobbying issues in the past have included the US-India civil nuclear deal.

Other Indian entities having lobbied in the US during the quarter ended March 31, 2013, included ONGC Videsh Ltd, soft-

Cumulatively, the Indian government has paid its lobbyist firm, Barbour Griffith & Rogers LLC (BGR), close to USD 5 million (over Rs 25 crore) since it began lobbying in the US in September 2005 House of Representatives, US Trade Representative (USTR), Department of State and Depart-

ware industry body Nasscom and Sterling Biotech.

ONGC Videsh, which began lob-

bying in the US this year itself, paid USD 20,000 to its lobby firm Patton Boggs LLC, which has disclosed having lobbied on "issues related to GAO Report regarding Iran sanctions issues".

The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) in its December 2012 report on Iran's energy sector had listed ONGC Videsh among the "foreign firms reported in open sources as engaging in commercial activity in Iran's energy sector at some point between June 1, 2011 and September 30, 2012".

"Open sources reported ONGC Videsh Ltd as having a 40 percent interest in the Farsi Block, an Iranian gas field.

"However, the firm notified us that although negotiations were

held, no agreements had been reached and no contracts to develop the field had been signed, and it had decided not to pursue further work on the Farsi Block gas field under the present circumstances," GAO report said.

Various Indian companies have been lobbying for their business interests among the US lawmakers, although some including Reliance Industries recently stopped doing so.

A number of US companies are also lobbying with their own lawmakers to seek their help in pushing further their business interests in India, which is emerging as a major market for various businesses for global companies. -PTI

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Clinical trials in India plummet Panel seeks fresh law to give legality to UIDAI with tougher norms NEW DELHI: Clinical trials of drugs in India have seen a drastic fall this year after toughened norms were introduced following Supreme Court directives.

Not only have the number of trial approvals in the country reduced, there has also been a significant reduction in the number

around 12 approvals have been granted by the DCGI for trials of drugs in India. Pending applications for trials as of today are just 70.

This is in sharp contrast to the past when the number of Global Clinical Trials (GCTs) approved for conduct in India was in hundreds Though in 2008 the DCGI had

Singh told PTI, "The safety and well being of Indian subjects participating in clinical trials is the foremost in our minds.

"This is why the Government has tightened the norms putting the onus of safety of participants on firms conducting the trials. It is for the first time that such norms

As many as 2,262 people died in these trials during the past five years, leading to a public outcry and Supreme Court intervention for stricter norms for holding drug trials. The apex court had rapped the Health Ministry for allowing Indians to be used as "guinea pigs" of sponsoring pharma firms applying for such approvals.

Official Health Ministry data shows that until January 31 this year, only six trials had been approved. Even these pertained to older applications where the Drug Controller General of India had asked the applying firms to make some amendments.

Sources say until April, only

granted just 65 approvals for trials, the number in 2009 rose sharply to 391.

The trend continued with a whopping 500 GCTs being allowed in 2010 and 325 in 2011 followed by 262 approvals in 2012.

Admitting that there has been a drastic fall in fresh applications for conduct of global clinical trials of drugs in the country, DCGI GN

have been put in place."

As many as 2,262 people died in these trials during the past five years, leading to a public outcry and Supreme Court intervention for stricter norms for holding drug trials. The apex court had rapped the Health Ministry for allowing Indians to be used as "guinea pigs" in the conduct of drug trials. -PTI

CCI clears 25 oil blocks with $ 4.61 billion investment NEW DELHI: After clearing five "No-Go" areas for oil and gas exploration, the Cabinet Committee on Investment (CCI) has eased stringent conditions imposed by Defense Ministry on another 25 blocks, freeing USD 4.61 billion investments.

"The CCI at its meeting cleared 25 exploration and production blocks for continued exploration of oil and gas, out of 31 blocks where work had been stopped on account of security restrictions imposed by Ministry of Defense," an official statement said here.

While the statement did not give break-up of the blocks cleared, the 31 blocks where restrictive conditions were imposed included 13 of Reliance IndustriesBP combine, 15 of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) or its lead consortium, two blocks of Santos of Australia and one block of Cairn India-led consortium.

For these blocks, the Defense ministry had imposed stringent conditions like asking companies not to locate any pipelines or structures on sea surface in the blocks cleared for exploration and production activities.

Subsea/submerged permanent structures, if any, were to be located more than 100 meters below sea surface or outside the Defense Research and Development Orga-

"Out of 31 blocks, 9 blocks have been fully cleared and 16 blocks have been cleared with specific conditions. Due to clearances given at this meeting, in-

nization (DRDO)/Indian Air Force (IAF) danger zone area (on sea surface) or Naval exercise areas.

The oil industry saw these conditions as impractical and after discussions, the conditions have been substantially diluted now.

vestment already made to the extent of USD 2.71 billion will be put to use and further investment to the extent of USD 1.9 billion will be made in the exploration activities in the next 3-5 years," it said. PTI

NEW DELHI: Concerned over the functioning of UIDAI in its current form, a Parliamentary Panel has asked the government of India to come out with a fresh legislation to provide legality to the Authority.

"The Committee strongly feel that in the absence of legislation, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is discharging its functions without any legal basis," the Standing Committee on Finance headed by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Yashwant Sinha said while presenting a report in Parliament.

The Committee in its earlier reports had urged the government to reconsider and review the UID scheme to bring a fresh legislation before Parliament.

The Committee said it is also concerned that during the last three financial years (up to January, 2013), a huge sum of Rs 2,342 crore has been spent on the scheme and Rs 2,620 crore has been allocated in BE 2013-14, out of which Rs 1,040 crore is earmarked for 'Enrollment Authentication and Updation' pending legislative sanction of the scheme.

The Committee has asked about cost per card incurred by the government to generate Aadhaar cards by UIDAI. That apart, the report said, de-

spite an average growth rate of 7.9 per cent in the 11th Five Year Plan, there was no substantial increase in employment opportunities.

"The Committee is of the view that skill development is a highly serious area of concern and need to be given priority ... The mismatch in terms of demand and supply of skilled workforce is widening rapidly."

It said the government needs

Yashwant Sinha

to more than double its existing skill training capacity of 45 lakh to achieve the ambitious target of skilling 5 crore people in the 12th Plan (2012-17) including 90 lakh in 2013-14.

"The Committee also recommends that like Right to Education there should be compulsory skill development program," it said.

The Committee was, however, satisfied that 173 of centrally sponsored schemes (CSSs) at the end of 11th Plan will be restructured into 70 schemes. It will help streamline, restructure and rationalize such schemes to enhance their productiveness, it added. -PTI

14

TechBiz Post

India Post

May 3, 2013

www.indiapost.com

'Internet & entrepreneurial ingenuity will turn science fiction into reality' Cont’d from page 11

``This will be the first generation of humans to have an indelible record,'' Schmidt and Cohen predict.

To minimize the chances of youthful indiscretions stamping children with ``digital scarlet letters'' that they carry for years, online privacy education will become just as important - if not more so - than sex education, according to Schmidt and Cohen. They argue parents should consider having a ``privacy talk'' with their kids well before they become curious about sex.

Not surprisingly, the book doesn't dwell on Google's own practices, including privacy lapses that have gotten the company in trouble with regulators around the world.

Among other things, Google has exposed the contact lists of its email users while trying to build a now-defunct social network called Buzz. It scooped up people's passwords and other sensitive information from unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Last year, Google was caught circumventing privacy controls on Safari Web browsers, resulting in a record $22.5 million fine by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. European regulators have a broad investigation open.

Google apologized for those incidents without acknowledging wrongdoing. Schmidt and Cohen suggest that is an inevitable part of digital life. ``The possibility that one's personal content will be published and become known one day - either by mistake or through criminal interference - will always exist,'' they write.

The book doesn't offer any concrete solutions for protecting personal privacy, though the authors suspect that calls for tougher penalties and more stringent regulations will increase as more people realize how much of their lives are now in a state of ``near-permanent storage.'' ``The option to `delete' data is largely an illusion,'' Schmidt and

Cohen write.

People can choose not to put any of their information online, but those that eschew the Internet risk becoming irrelevant as online identities become increasingly important, the book asserts. Schmidt and Cohen foresee an option that will allow all of a person's online accounts - Facebook, Twitter,

LinkedIn, Netflix and various other subscriptions - to be merged together into a ``constellation'' that will serve as a one-stop profile.

If this book is right, there is no turning back from the revolution that is making Internet access as vital as oxygen and mobile devices as important as our lungs.

As much disruption as there already has been since Google's inception in 1998, Schmidt and

vinced that holograms will enable people to make virtual getaways to exotic beaches whenever they feel the need. Nasal implants will alert us to the first signs of a cold.

Virtual assistants - the kind Google is developing with Google Now and Apple with Siri - will become constant companions that influence when we shop and what we buy. Those assistants will generally steer us in directions drawn from an analyses of our personal preferences vacuumed off the Internet and stored in vast databases.

These aren't far-out concepts to the tech cognoscenti, or even younger generations who can barely remember what it was like to surf the Web on a dial-up modem, let alone use a typewriter.

The ideas will be more unnerving to older generations still trying to figure out all the things that their smartphone can do.

Schmidt, who turns 58, can remember the days before there were personal computers. But he has been studying tech trends for decades, long before he became Google's CEO in 2001 and became a mentor and confidant to company co-founders Page and Brin.

That collaboration established him as one of the world's best-known executives and minted him as a multibillionaire. Before joining Google, he was chief technology officer at Sun Microsystems and CEO of software maker Novell Inc. Many of the book's themes expand upon topics that Schmidt regularly mused about in speeches and interviews that he gave as Google's CEO. Some of his past remarks, particularly about the loss of privacy, rankled critics who believe Google had become too aggressive in trying to learn more

Schmidt, who turns 58, can remember the days before there were personal computers.

But he has been studying tech trends for decades, long before he became Google's CEO in 2001 and became a mentor and confidant to company co-founders Page and Brin Cohen contend that the most jarring changes are still to come as reductions in the cost of technology bring online another 5 billion people, mostly in less developed countries. At the same time, the combination of more powerful microprocessors, much-faster Internet connections and entrepreneurial ingenuity will turn the stuff of science fiction into reality.

Schmidt and Cohen are con-

about people's individual interests so it could sell more ads, its chief source of revenue.

Schmidt also won plenty of admirers in powerful places, including President Barack Obama, who called upon Schmidt's advice during his 2008 campaign. Political pundits once considered Schmidt to be a leading candidate to join Obama's cabinet, though Schmidt has said he never had any interest in a government job.-AP

Sahara pulled up for 'manipulating' courts NEW DELHI: The Sahara group and its promoter Subrata Roy faced a tough time in the Supreme Court which pulled them up for not refunding Rs 24,000 crore to its investors and accused them of "manipulating courts" by approaching different forums for relief.

A bench comprising Justices K S Radhakrishnan and J S Khehar

Subrata Roy

slammed the group and its chief for not filing response on SEBI's contempt plea against them and also issued notice to them on the market regulator's plea to detain Roy and the two male directors Ashok Roy Choudhary and Ravi Shankar Dubey - to get investors' money back from them.

The bench, which at one time asked Roy's counsel to make statement that he will not leave the country or it will pass directions, however refrained from doing so and granted one week time to him

and his two companies to file their response.

The bench also expressed its anguish when the SEBI informed that Sahara India has filed a petition in Allahabad High Court after the apex court had passed the order for attaching the properties of the group's two companies if they failed to deposit Rs 24000 with the market regulator.

"You are manipulating courts which is going on," the bench said when Sahara's counsel submitted that SEBI is attaching Roy's personal property despite he being not a party in the case in which apex court had passed the verdict on refunding Rs 24,000 crore.

"We are not interested in parties.

If you have done this (moving HC) then it is a contempt of this court. Even approaching SEBI is contempt. It is very strange that you seek extension of time from SEBI after Supreme Court's order and you file appeal after appeal," the bench said, adding "You must remedy your mistakes instead of repeating the mistakes.

Senior Advocate Arvind Dattar, appearing for SEBI, however, contended that Roy was very much part of the order passed by the apex court which had also indicted Sahara India in its order on August 31, 2012. -PTI

US budget tightening not hurting business Cont’d from page 11

• Thirty-one percent said wages and salaries are rising - up from 27 percent in the fourth quarter, but down from 44 percent a year ago.

The improving quarter hasn't translated into more jobs. Only 22 percent said they added employees. That was down from 25 percent in the fourth quarter, and 28 percent a year ago.

Expectations for the future followed a pattern similar to many of the other results - better than the fourth quarter, worse than a year ago. Sixty-five percent said they expect the economy to grow by more than 2 percent over the next

year, up from 50 percent in the fourth quarter but down from 78 percent a year ago.

Overall, they listed global economic conditions, the possibility of further government spending cuts and the ``regulatory environment'' as their biggest concerns for the next three months.

The services industry, including retail, health care and restaurants, was most concerned with the possibility of further government spending cuts. The finance industry and goods producers, such as manufacturing and construction companies, were most concerned by global economic conditions. AP

May 3, 2013

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India Post 15

Desi News Asian American Heritage Awards Gala at NEIU SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: The Asian American Heritage Committee (AAHC) of Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) held its annual Asian American Heritage Awards Gala, the third in row, on Friday, April 12 at Alumni Hall in its main campus in Chicago.

With Rohit Joshi and Saba Ayman-Nolley as co-chairs, the main theme this year was "Sharing Traditions, Celebrating Excellence." One of the highlights was the distribution of seven awards to prominent Asian Americans. This was followed by Asian music and dance performances. Yasmin A. Ranney, a prominent classical Indian dancer, emceed the event gracefully. NEIU students Ana Ren and Xiaoxuan Wu kept guests entertained on piano and guitar respectively during the reception.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA www.indiapost.com

16 India Post

At the time of death, the soul changes bodies Details on page 18

May 3, 2013

'India Now 2013' to showcase modern India in Silicon Valley

Details on page 20

Tracy City Council opens with Hindu mantras SONIA SIDHU India Post News Service

TRACY, CA: Tracy City Council in California, founded in 1910, had its first historic Hindu invocation on April 16 with verses from the world's oldest existing scripture being recited.

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, delivered the invocation from ancient Sanskrit scriptures before the City Council. After Sanskrit delivery, he then read the English translation of the prayer. Sanskrit is considered a sacred language in Hinduism and root language of Indo-European languages.

Details on page 19

FIA Convener and Chairman Dr Romesh Japra adressing the gathering India Post News Service

FREMONT: For long India has been seen as the home of outsourcing. There are other outstanding facets of this country

RITU MAHESHWARI

FREMONT: One day a famous Bollywood concert pro-

ARVIND P & ASIAN MEDIA USA

CHICAGO: Telugu Association of Greater Chicago (TAGC) celebrated Ugadhi and Sri Rama Navami at Elgin High School, Elgin on April 13 with a big attendance, grand cultural program and lot of enthusiasm.

The program kicked off with Siva Pasumarthi welcoming the audience on behalf of TAGC cultural committee followed by Annamacharya Keertana.

Details on page 23

and CEO of WomenNow TV and Shalini Raj Singh, Founder and CEO of Aminez Entertainment, in association with Federation of Indo Americans (FIA) of Northern California, a non profit umbrella

Concert promoter jailed for arranging attack on ex-wife India Post News Service

TAGC celebrates Ugadhi and Rama Navami

which are not well known to the world. To showcase these aspects an event "India Now 2013" will be held on June 22 and 23 at Santa Clara Fairgrounds. It has been organized by Ena Sarkar, President

organization of over 40 regional associations, The event will bring modern India right here in the Silicon Valley. "India Now2013" will present today's India to America. Trade, culture, crafts and fashion from various states will be represented here.

The two day event will showcase Indian history, culture, cuisine, fashion, entertainment, and tourism and demonstrate the infinite possibilities and tangible opportunities for cultural and economic partnerships between India and America.

The press conference to announce the event was attended by Bay Area entrepreneurs such as Satish Gupta and others.

Council Person Ash Kalra stressed the importance of this event that will bring India and USA closer. FIA Convener and Chairman Dr Romesh Japra said that the FIA team will help make this event as successful as the Festival of India and Parade event that draws over 100,000 attendees. FIA was represented by FIA President Rajesh Verma and Chairman Chandru Bhambhra.

Rakesh Paul Singh

moter and next, an arrested criminal with horrible allegations of conspiring to attack his ex-wife.

Rakesh Paul Singh, 54, of Milpitas, was a well known concert promoter, known for arranging super hit Bollywood events in Bay Area. He is accused of arranging an attack on his Morris ex-wife. She was beaten in the face with a mallet in the driveway of her Greenhills Way home on February 11 at 9am.

She suffered multiple facial wounds and has been told by her doctor that the scars could be permanent.

She was assaulted by two

strangers from behind while opening the driver side door. As she cried for help, the men continued

Kurtz

Donald Harbaugh

to maim her, beating her with the mallet in the face and head. She suspected her ex-husband to be behind the attacks as she had recently turned down his request to reconcile the differences.

Witnesses to the attack provided police with the license plate

number of a jeep that drove away from the scene. Police used the license plate to trace

Ricardo Rivera

the driver as Morris Paul Kurtz, 52, of San Jose, a registered sex offender with 16 convictions for crimes including drug and weapons possession, receiving stolen property, indecent exposure, burglary and auto theft.

Cont’d on page 17

May 3, 2013

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Dr Nanda recognized by Indian college & AAPIO RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

Dr Navin C. Nanda, M.D., Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease and Director of the Echocardiography Laboratories at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), has been named "Father of Echocardiography" by the Indian College of Cardiology in Bangalore, India. Dr Nanda, a nationally and internationally renowned cardiologist, was lauded for representing the "global face in the field

Dr Navin C. Nanda, M.D

of echocardiography and grand ambassador for India from USA." Dr Nanda also has been named chairman of the Cardiology/Lipid Initiative Committee of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI). He was president of AAPI for the 19891990 term.

Dr Navin Nanda is a nationally and internationally renowned cardiologist and echocardiographer whose" pioneering contributions have changed the way we practice cardiology in the world". He

was the first to discover the pulmonary valve by echocardiography, diagnose a bicuspid aortic valve by echo, invent treadmill exercise echocardiography, introduce color Doppler in the USA, invent the techniques of transpharyngeal and transgastric ultrasound, develop the technique of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography as well as pioneer the use of echocardiography in cardiac pacing and electrophysiology.

For his discoveries and inventions, he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor which is sanctioned by the United States Congress and the American College of Cardiology's International Service Award for being a "role model for others to follow in his footsteps" and for "enhancing cardiovascular care throughout the world.''

While a medical resident in Mumbai, he did early pioneering work demonstrating a high incidence of acute myocardial infarction in young Asian Indians under the age of 40 years. He also demonstrated the relationship of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus to acute myocardial infarction and this research was published in the New England Journal of Medicine with an accompanying editorial which cited this work as "an important contribution" and "a thorough study of an Asiatic population".

While in Birmingham, Alabama, his group was the first to show a much higher prevalence of small high density LDL cholesterol as well as serum fibrinogen levels in Asian Indians living in this country as compared to whites. Dr Nanda also led the first large scale survey of Asian Indians settled in

Concert promoter jailed for arranging attack on ex-wife Cont’d from page 16

Kurtz's cell phone records led police to two other suspects, Donald Harbaugh, 54, of San Jose, who is on parole for kidnapping for ransom, and Ricardo Rivera, 27, of Sunnyvale, police said.

A mallet was found in Kurtz's car, and Harbaugh told police that Rivera had hired him and Kurtz to attack the victim for $500.

Singh had previously been accused of hiring people to attack a

former business partner in Tracy (San Joaquin County), Fremont police Detective Armando Magana wrote in an affidavit filed in Alameda County Superior Court. Investigators also linked Rivera to the crime as an organizer.

All four men, including SIngh were arrested on April 3 and are being held at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin without bail and will appear in court on May 7 at the Fremont Hall of Justice.

It was during his tenure that the CADI (coronary artery disease in Indians settled in the USA) study was initiated.

He was one of the four physicians who incorporated AAPI

the United States for cardiovascular risk factors. This survey demonstrated a higher prevalence of stroke, diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease in this group as compared to other ethnic populations.

He is the Founding President of the American Association of Cardiologists of Indian Origin (AACIO) and also a past President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin

(AAPI). It was during his tenure that the CADI (coronary artery disease in Indians settled in the USA) study was initiated. He was one of the four physicians who incorporated AAPI in 1991. He received the unique Bridge Award from the Association of Black Cardiologists for "building bridges across cultures, particularly among African American and Asian Indian cardiologists."

Cont’d on page 19

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At the time of death, the soul changes bodies

I

t is said that the fear of death is one of the biggest fears human beings face in their lives, yet when it comes to one's own death, we choose not to accept this inevitable truth. Some cultures believe death to be the end of a person's journey of life, whereas some others believe that the individual continues his journey to another world.

At the commencement of the Bhagavad Geeta, Arjuna finds himself in an emotional turmoil, unable to think clearly and choose a course of action. He turns to Lord Krishna in search of the Absolute Truth so he may overcome his fears and dilemma.

Lord Krishna begins by instructing the knowledge of the soul: Dehinosminyathadehe‌ (Bhagavad Geeta 2.13) "The soul changes bodies in this life itself, from childhood to youth, to old age.

Similarly, at the time of death, the soul changes bodies. The wise are not bewildered by it."

The soul is eternal; it is neither born nor does it die. What we call death is the soul leaving the body that had become too dysfunctional and uninhabitable for it. The soul is then given a new body to continue on its journey. This changing of bodies by the soul is called reincarnation.

This knowledge of the soul is a pre-requisite to delve into the science of spirituality as described by the Vedas. After accept-

SWAMI MUKUNDANANDA

Swami Mukundananda

ing that we are the soul, we move beyond the bodily conception of life and realize the value of a human body. The concept of reincarnation is widely discussed. Some questions on this subject are answered here: Question: The Western world believes that this is the only life we have, and the reli-

gions that have originated in India say that we keep taking births, until we are liberated from Maya. Since we have not seen the past or future lives, how can we be sure that the concept of rebirth is correct?

Swami Mukundananda: The NyayaDarshan gives the following argument in support of rebirth: Jatasyaharshabhayashokasampratipatteh (NyayaDarshan 3.1.18) It says that if you observe a little baby, you will find that without any apparent reason it sometimes becomes happy, sometimes sad and sometimes fearful. The NyayaDarshan explains that the little baby is remembering its past life, and hence experiencing these emotions.

The NyayaDarshan gives another argument in support of rebirth: Stanyabhilashat (NyayaDarshan 3.1.21) It says that a new born baby has no knowledge of language. How can a mother teach it to suckle the breast when it is inserted in its mouth? However, the baby has experience of drinking milk from the breasts, teats and udders of innumerable mothers in infinite past lifetimes, even in animal forms.

Hence, when the mother puts her breast in

the baby's mouth, it automatically starts suckling, from past practice.

Without accepting the concept of rebirth, it is difficult to explain the disparity between human beings. For example, let us suppose someone is blind from birth. If that person asks, what did he do that he was punished in this way, what answer can you give him?

If you say it was a result of his karmas, if this is the only life, then there were no past karmas at the time of birth. If you say, it was the will of God, it would be incorrect, since God is all-Merciful. Why would God unnecessarily want someone to be blind? The only logical explanation would be that it is the consequence of that person's karmas from past lives.

Most of the Eastern religions accept the principle of rebirth. Actually, many famous intellectuals and thinkers in the Western hemisphere have also believed in rebirth, such as: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Schelling, James Frazer, Henry Jones Kant and Renan.

Most early Christians accepted it, but in the sixth century, in the Council that took place, King Justinian rejected the concept of rebirth, and took out all reference to it.

He banned belief in it, and said that if anyone mentions it, he or she will be punished.

The Sufi tradition of Islam believes in rebirth. The famous Sufi Saint Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi said: "I had many many births before I became human." Ahmed bin Savit, Ahmed bin Yavoos, Abu Muslim, Khurasani, are other Sufi Saints who have talked about rebirth.

Also, the Shias amongst the Muslims believe that the soul is born repeatedly.

Q: If we have already lived many lives, why don't we remember any? Why did God make such an arrangement where we forget our past lives? Are there any exceptions to this rule?

SM: Memories of past lives are wiped out in the process of birth. It is said that birth is such a painful experience for the soul that it erases memories of the previous life. Some residual memories do remain, but usually not for long. As the child grows up, the impressions of the present life are so strong that they erase lingering memories of the past life.

Cont’d on page 20

May 3, 2013

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Tracy City Council opens with Hindu mantras SONIA SIDHU India Post News Service

TRACY, CA: Tracy City Council in California, founded in 1910, had its first historic Hindu invocation on April 16 with verses from the world's oldest existing scripture being recited.

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, delivered the invocation from ancient Sanskrit scriptures before the City Council. After Sanskrit delivery, he then read the English translation of the prayer. Sanskrit is considered a sacred language in Hinduism and root language of Indo-European languages.

Zed recited from Rig-Veda besides lines from from Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita. He started and ended the prayer with "Om", the mystical syllable containing the universe. He sprinkled few

Dr Nanda recognized by Indian college & AAPIO most respected echocardiographer" designation by the Chinese Society of UltraSome of the other awards Dr Nanda has sound in Medicine. received for his pioneering contributions in He was designated as cardiology and echocardiography are the "Echocardiographer of the Millennium" by Navin C. Nanda Young Investigator Award the United Arab Emirates, Argentinian Soestablished by the Cardiological Society of ciety of Cardiology and Columbian Society India to be given annually to a young cardi- of Cardiology." He was honored as "Father ologist with the best scientific research pre- of Echocardiography" by the Emirates Carsentation, establishment of Dr Navin C. diology Society, the Indian College of CarNanda National Institute of diology, the Indian Cardiology Society, the Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Re- Indian Academy of Echocardiography, search by the Moolchand Hospital in Delhi, World Congress of Clinical, Preventive and India, first recipient of the Tufts University Geriatric Cardiology, Punjab Medical Coun(Boston) award in echocardiography, the cil and in Jaipur by Ashok Gehlot, the Chief Andreas Gruntzig Award from the Swiss Minister of Rajasthan.

He was honored as "Father of Modern He was honored as "Father of Modern Echocardiography" by the Chinese Medical AssociaEchocardiography" by the Chinese tion, the largest medical asMedical Association, the largest sociation in that country, the medical association in that country Mexican Society of Echocardiography as well as and the Mexican Society of the Indian Association of Echocardiography as well Cardiovascular and Thoracic Anesthesiologists.

Society of Cardiology, Pro Merito award The Indian College of Cardiology and the from the Romanian Society of Cardiology, " Cardiological Society of India also desigPrince of Echocardiography of the Heart nated him as the "global face in the field of and Great Vessels" by the Italian Society of echocardiography and brand ambassador Echocardiography, Citizen of Rome desig- for India from USA". nation by the Mayor of Rome, the Maharlika Two Echocardiography Laboratories Award in Science by the Philippine Heart have been named after him in India, one at Association, the International Academy of the NRI Medical College and Hospital in Cardiology's Melvin L. Marcus Memorial Guntur District and the other in Jalandhar, Award for distinguished contributions as a Punjab. One of his Fellows from the PhilipGifted Teacher in Cardiology, Special Award pines named his son after him as Navin Pasia by the Government of Egypt, Life Time who was born in 1998 in Birmingham, AlaAchievement Award by the Government of bama.

India, the "Jewel of India Award" by the Dr Nanda has been cited in the book "The Government of Delhi, "Friend of Best Doctors in America" consistently since Bangladesh" by the Bangladesh Minister 1994. Dr Nanda has over 1000 publications of Health and a "Life-time Achievement to his credit including eight books, three of Award for contributions to development of which have been translated into Italian, echocardiography and geriatric cardiology French, German and Turkish languages and in Bangladesh and "the world's best and six video text books and CDs. Cont’d from page 17

Just before the Tracy City Council had invocation in Sanskrit - L to R Council member Nancy Young, Council member Charles Manne, Rajan Zed, Mayor Brent H. Ives, Mayor Pro Tem Michael Maciel and Councilmember Robert Rickman

drops of water from river Ganga of India, considered holy by Hindus, around the podium before the prayer.

Reciting from Brahadaranyakopanishad, Rajan Zed said, "Asato ma sad gamaya, Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, Mrtyor mamrtam gamaya", which he then translated as "Lead me from

the unreal to the Real, Lead me from darkness to Light, and Lead me from death to Immortality." Council members, city employees and public were seen standing in prayer mode with their heads bowed down during this invocation.

Zed presented a copy of Bhagavad-Gita to Mayor Brent H. Ives.

20 India Post

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Asian American Heritage Awards Gala at NEIU SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: The Asian American Heritage Committee (AAHC) of Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) held its annual Asian American Heritage Awards Gala, the third in row, on Friday, April 12 at Alumni Hall in its main campus in Chicago.

With Rohit Joshi and Saba Ayman-Nolley as co-chairs, the main theme this year was "Sharing Traditions, Celebrating Excellence." One of the highlights was the distribution of seven awards to prominent Asian Americans. This was followed by Asian music and dance performances. Yasmin A. Ranney, a prominent classical Indian dancer, emceed the event gracefully. NEIU students Ana Ren and Xiaoxuan Wu kept guests entertained on piano and guitar respectively during the reception.

Lamp-lighting ceremony (L to R) NEIU Provost Richard Helldobler, Prof. Saba Ayman-Nolley and Rohit Joshi.

Pics Asian Media USA

Richard Helldobler, Provost and Vice President of NEIU, joined Rohit Joshi and Saba AymanNolley in lighting the traditional lamp signaling the start of the program. Joshi mentioned the significance of lighting the lamp - it dispels darkness, ignorance and negativities and symbolizes gaining peace within. Saba Ayman Nolley underlined NEIU's status as the most diverse campus in the Midwest.

Among the dignitaries present were Murrell J. H. Duster, the founder of the Heritage programs and Angelina Pedroso, Professor Emeritus. Richard Helldobler, Provost and Vice President of NEIU, praised the efforts made by the organizers to make the event a great success.

Cont’d on page 21

At the time of death, the soul changes bodies Cont’d from page 18

If God's design had been different, and we could have remembered the past lives, we could not have lived normally in the present.

If a child could remember that he was his mother's grandfather in his previous life, how would he behave like her child?

However, there are exceptions to the rule. Occasionally, there are children who continue to remember their past life even as they grow up. Their statements about their previous life have been corroborated by scientific investigations.

A British scientist, Harry Price, did research on this for fifty years.

He then presented evidence about rebirth in his book "Fifty Years of Psychical Research." Another scientist, Dr Richards, has also given many evidences in his book, "Thirty Years of Psychical Research."

An American scientist, Professor Stevenson, came to India three times to check evidences. He wrote that he came across actual cases of children who remembered their past life. In fact, such children have existed in all cultures, even in countries that are primarily atheistic.

Q: The scriptures tell us that the human birth is very rare. How is the next birth decided, and what should we do to get a human birth again in our next life?

SM: There are 8.4 million species of life in existence. In the species below human beings - animals, birds, fishes, insects, birds, etc. - there is no free will. Hence, upon death the soul is naturally and sequentially promoted to the

next species. But human beings possess free will to act according to their volition, and hence, they are responsible for their actions.

Their next birth is decided by their karmas in the present birth.

The facility to do karmas is given to the human species, not for animal-like activities, but for God-realization. The scriptures state: Aharanidrabhaya…

(Hitopadesha) "Eating, sleeping, defending and mating are activities that animals can do as well as humans."

The human form is special, be-

Occasionally, there are children who continue to remember their past life even as they grow up. Their statements about their previous life have been corroborated by scientific investigations cause through it, we can attain God. If however, some human being focuses his or her consciousness merely on eating, then the body of a pig becomes more suitable for such a person, and the soul is allotted that body in its next life. If someone makes sleeping the goal of life, God says that the body of a polar bear is more suitable for such a consciousness, and allots it to the soul in the next life.

In this manner, one of the factors determining our next birth is our consciousness at the time of death.

Another factor determining our next life is the law of karma. The GarudPuran states: Urdhvagatistudharmenaadharmena…

(GarudPurana 2.46.35) "One who performs pious deeds goes to the higher abodes in the next life; one who does sinful activities is demoted to the hellish abodes." "As you sow, that shall you also reap" is what the Bible also says.

However, the Law of Karma and the determination of our consciousness are so complex that we cannot analyze and determine our next birth by ourselves. The allknowing God alone has the ability to determine and allot our next birth.

Q: It is said that the mind and intellect go along with the soul.

What role do they play when the soul takes on a new body?

SM: First understand that there are three kinds of bodies: 1. Gross body: This consists of the five gross elements - earth, water, fire, air and sky.

2. Subtle body: This consists of the eighteen elements - five prans (life airs), five working senses, five knowledge senses, mind, intellect and ego.

3. Causal body: This includes the sanchit karmas (the account of our karmas in endless lives).

At the time of death, the soul leaves the gross body behind, but the subtle body and causal body go along with it.

Sayadaasmat… (Vedas) "When the soul departs from

the body, the subtle and gross bodies depart with it." So the mind and intellect continue with the soul from life to life. That is the reason why someone who is blind from birth is able to see dreams, since impressions exist in the subconscious mind from past lives.

This also explains why some people have gifted intellects in certain fields, from childhood itself. For example, by the age of six, Mozart became an accomplished performer on the clavier, violin and organ, and was highly skilled in sight-reading and musical improvisation. This was pos-

For example, by the age of six, Mozart became an accomplished performer on the clavier, violin and organ, and was highly skilled in sightreading and musical improvisation sibly a consequence of the musical IQ developed in his previous life.

At the same time, God adjusts the mind and intellect upon rebirth to make them suitable to the new body. Thus, you would not expect a baby to possess every aspect of the intellect developed in its previous life, but the general tendencies are carried forward.

When the material world is an-

nihilated, all the elements of the material energy Maya are absorbed back into God. During Mahapralaya, or dissolution the materially bound souls reside in a state of inanimation. In this state, both the subtle body and gross body of all the souls in the material world are destroyed.

But the causal body remains, containing information about all past lives. Hence, when God creates the material world again, the souls that were in a state of inanimation again receive subtle and gross bodies according to the information in their causal bodies.

Upon God-realization, all three bodies are destroyed, and the soul gets a Divine body with Divine mind and intellect, with which it participates in the eternal leelas of God in His Divine abode.

Swami Mukundananda is a world renowned spiritual teacher from India, and is the senior disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and founder of JK Yog. He has received his degrees in engineering from world renowned institutes in India, IIT and IIM. He has inspired people all over the world on the path of spirituality, holistic health, yoga, meditation, service to society and God realization. This year, Swamiji will be conducting weeklong programs in 30+ cities of USA from April onwards. For more information visit: http:// www.jkyog.org/ or contact: secretary@jkyog.org To attend Swamiji's Yoga, Meditation and Spiritual Discourses in USA, see the schedule for your city: www.jkyog.org/ 2013

May 3, 2013

Community Across America

India Post 21

www.indiapost.com

Asian American Heritage Awards Gala at NEIU tion was needed for equitable mainstream representation.

He offered his support for holdThe awards presentation was ing such programs in future. NEIU conducted by Simin HemmatiBoard of Trustees member Jin Lee Rasmussen, Masami Takahashi, and Uma Patel. Administrator Award of Excellence went to Chair of NEIU psychology department, Prof. Saba AymanNolley, whose dual focus has been on developmental and educational psychology.

Alumni Award of Excellence went to Arab American artist, architect, and community activist Hamza J. Salim. He is project director of the 12th Chicago Palestine Film Festival, and coowner/design director of HJS Arts and Interiors.

Keynote Speaker Laura Kina Community Award of Excellence went to Bhailal Patel, VP followed with his own remarks. of Parikh Worldwide Media LLC, Delivering the Keynote ad- which publishes five periodicals dress, Laura Kina, Vincent de Paul including Desi Talk Chicago and Professor at DePaul University, News India Times, a national talked about the origin of the term weekly newspaper.

Faculty Award of Excellence went to Yi Hao, associate professor/co-coordinator of Early Childhood program at NEIU. Staff Award of Excellence went to Uma Patel, Office Manager of Yasmin Ranney (C) receives an orange sash from Saba Ayman-Nolley (L) and Rohit Joshi (R) for her services Political Science Depart"Asian American" and urged all ment, where she has worked since. those present to recognize and As a McNair scholar, Savani is invalue their ancestral legacy and volved in numerous research ensure transmission of these tra- projects including studies evaluditions to the next generation. ating health benefits of compleGiven the often invisible "bamboo mentary medicine, assessments of barrier," greater political participa- social schema, and a film examining the social impact of sculpture in Chicago neighborhoods N E I U alumni Mai Kato Riggins read a translation of Japanese poe t r y .

Kalapriya Center for Indian PerformKalapriya dancers Cont’d from page 21

ing Arts presented two dances as dinner was winding down. Sisters Meghana Sharma and Monika Sharma performed a lively Bhangra which was followed by Kinnari Vora's serpent dance (Kal Beliya).

The evening concluded with outgoing cochairs, Rohit Joshi and Ayman-Nolley, receiving plaques of Distinguished Leadership Award and literally handing over the torch to Malti Rathore (New Student & Family

Graduating students 2012 -2013

Programs) and Prof. Shenchen Xu (NEIU Art Department), the cochairs of the 2014 Asian American

Heritage Awards Gala. Rohit Joshi and Saba Ayman-Nolley offered a vermillion sash to Yasmin.

22 India Post

Community Across America

May 3, 2013

www.indiapost.com

Baisakhi with bhajans and folk dances

Outgoing Youth group President Devanshu Bharel being felicitated for winning the third place in Skill USA Illinois in computer science Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Hari Om Mandir in Medinah, a north side suburb of Chicago, celebrated Baisakhi on Sunday, April 14 with bhajans and staging folk dances.

Also known as Vaisakhi, Vaishakhi, or Vasakhi, the festival is celebrated across the Indian subcontinent. It is the start of the solar New Year, and is observed with requisite bathing, partying, and worshipping. Many plant poles (wrapped in flags of goldembroidered silk) in front of their homes, and hang pots of brass, copper or silver on top.

Tulsidas, Meera, and other classical and film bhajans were

being sung continuously already from forenoon. Monica Sharma and Meghna Sharma danced Bhangra and were praised for their contributions to Indian dance and to the community in general.

Outgoing President of the youth group Devanshu Bharel was felicitated for winning the third place in Skill USA Illinois in computer science for whole of Illinois State. Tushar Sharma, the incoming President, introduced his new youth committee, which consists of Rhidhima Sharma, Devanshu Bharel, and Aman Bhardwaj.

The Singhla family was honored for cooking for the entire congregation once every month.

Incoming youth group President Tushar Sharma (at podium) introducing his new committee (L to R): Devanshu Bharel, Aman Bhardwaj, and Rhidhima Sharma

Women devotees performing Gidha before puja

Before the gathering was adjourned for afternoon with the collective worship (arati), Mona

Sharma and group performed Gidha followed by Bhangra by Dipak Sharma and group. Devo-

Facts about water wastage at Holi function

I

read with amusement your article in India Post about the Holi Celebration by Sant Shri Asaramji Bapu. It is hard to blame the channels when they fool even suave professionals.

Before you start ranting and raving about the wastage of water on Holi, Here are some facts you need to consider and publish when you are so selfrighteous and concerned about water shortage and about presenting both sides of the story.

I was personally in India and if the water used was hundreds of thousands of liters as some of your partners claim, there would have been flooding on the ground. In realty though, the ground did not even get wet. Moreover, the programs did not take place in the areas of Beed, Usmanabad etc but Mumbai, Surat where there isn't drought.

Now let's see in contrast some other water wastage happening in the drought regions

towards which media has stayed tongue-tied even with your clearly laudable concern about water shortage for the common people.

1. Slaughterhouse in Dewnar (Maharastra) consumes 18,00,000 liter every day, for cleaning up blood! Any concerns with that, sir?

2. Wastage by Beer Distillery in Maharashtra 20,14,00,00000 li-

ters. That is 7 zeros, after the 14.

More facts: • Millennium Beer India Ltd has been approved to be given 2014 crore liter water and increase from 1288 crore • Indo European Breweries has been approved an increase of water to 470.1 crore liter from 252.1

crore liter • Fasters India Limited has been approved an increase of water to 1000.7 crore liter from 888.7 crore liter • Aurangabad Brewery approved to be given water of 1462 crore liter, increased from 1400 crore lire water Any comments?

3.

Water wasted by Maharashtra for IPL for three grounds only 64,80,000 liters. I do not see any concerns raised by you.

4. Water wastage by one single cold drinks company (Pepsico) is 51680, 00,000 liters. To Make 1 liter cold drink, 55 liters of water is consumed.

5. Drinking water wasted when a pipeline recently burst in Mumbai 6,50, 00,000 liters.

6. Playing Holi with dry chemical colors is harmful to health. And do you imagine some water will be needed to remove the dry colors?

In contrast here Holi was celebrated with flower colors that benefited hundreds of thousands of people.

tees socialized over lunch in the basement dining hall before leaving the temple.

Readers Write... www.indiapost.com 1. In Surat, for about 10 lakh people, the water used was 1.5 tankers. That comes out to about 30-60 mili liter for one person, less than a half glass of water.

2. In Mumbai, for about 60000-70000 people, the water used for Holi was about 3500 liters - less than 1/2 tanker. And that water was purchased and paid for by the event organizer the cost less than Rs 1000!

3. Ayurveda texts clearly state the benefits of Palash flower water in the areas of allergies, Pitta Dosha, sleeplessness, depression.

4. A lot of the media and channels are funded directly or indirectly by Vatican and have clear vested interest in maligning the most popular saint of the masses. Clearly this tirade fell flat as you can see from the picture taken in Surat of the hundreds of thousands attending the Holi Celebration.

Rajesh Nandwani San Jose, CA

May 3, 2013

Community Across America

India Post 23

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TAGC celebrates Ugadhi and Rama Navami ARVIND P & ASIAN MEDIA USA

CHICAGO: Telugu Association of Greater Chicago (TAGC) celebrated Ugadhi and Sri Rama Navami at Elgin High School, Elgin on April 13 with a big attendance, grand cultural program and lot of enthusiasm.

The program kicked off with Siva Pasumarthi welcoming the audience on behalf of TAGC cultural committee followed by Annamacharya Keertana. Ramesh Garapaty, President of TAGC, released a new Telugu calendar designed by Srinivas Pedamallu with famous Indian women featuring on the cover page of each month in commemoration of TAGC's celebration of first-ever women's day.

Tammareddy Bharadwaj, President of AP Film Chamber of Commerce, was Chief Guest along with Shanti Swarup of Doordarshan fame.

ATA president Karunakar Madhavaram and other TADC activists felicitated Tammareddy Bharadwaj and Shanti Swarup.

On behalf of TAGC,

Tammareddy honored Mimicry artist Ramesh Jallarapu with Dhwanyanukarana Tapasvi award in recognition of his over six thousand performances across the world. Ramesh impressed all those present with his performance that brought laughter and happiness.

Tammareddy and Ramesh Garapaty awarded prizes to the winners of photography competition, ping pong, bowling and chess tournaments conducted during this year.

During the event a special raffle was conducted to give away Air India economy class ticket, Samsung galaxy tablet and several other prizes.

Many local performances highlighted Chicagoland talents. The Pandagalu theme dance featuring over twenty kids showcased many Telugu festivals such as Sankranthi, Ugadhi, and Diwali. A skit performed by the TAGC youth committee was highly appreciated by the audience for its creativity

A section of the audience

Mimicry artist Jallarapu Ramesh after being conferred with "Dhwanyanukarana Tapasvi" award.

Pics TAGC & Asian Media USA

and ingenuity.

Another highlight was K. Viswanadh Movie Hits involving

dance performances that had a fusion showing songs with the unique touch of both classical and semi-classical dances. The Jaya Jaya Swamin was an Ode to Ganesha through the marvelous dance of Kuchipudi. Little kids performed for the song Ramayya Tandri. The night ended with Jana Gana Mana.

Children and young ones presenting cultural performances

President Ramesh Garapaty thanked his cultural team and all the other volunteers who have helped make the Ugadhi and Rama Navami Celebrations a grand success. He also made a specific mention of sponsors from NY life Nilesh Patel, Bharathi Rameswaram, Air India and Ashok Lakshmanan of PMSI.

Community Across America

24 India Post

May 3, 2013

www.indiapost.com

Song writing competition Nevada varsity holds Hindu on Telugu language Baccalaureate Service ANGELA LEE

DALLAS, TX: Telugu poets and song writers now have a wonderful chance to demonstrate their love for their language. As part of the overall lead up to the 19the

TANA convention, TANA has announced a song writing competition about the Telugu language.

ABN/Andhrajyothi is acting as the media partner for this competition. Any interested poet or song

writer is welcome to participate.

The theme of the song should be the Telugu language. Winners will be chosen by a panel of eminent lyricists The top three winning entries will be awarded a cash prize of Rs. 10116, Rs. 5116, and Rs. 3116 respectively. These and other good songs will be set to music, recorded and uploaded on the TANA website and will be published in the TANA and Andhrajyothi magazines.

Entries must be sent by May 3, in pdf, jpeg or Unicode formats to the literary@tana2013.org email address.

The three days TANA Convention is slated to be held at Dallas Convention Center in Dallas TX from May 24 to May 26.

India Post News Service

RENO, Nevada: Unique, one of a kind baccalaureate service in the world, was held at University of Nevada-Reno (UNR) in USA on April 21 evening.

"Sixth Annual Hindu Baccalaureate Service of UNR (Dikshant Utsav)" blessed the graduating class in the traditional Hindu style, complete with applying tilak (religious mark) on the foreheads of

blessing number.

Besides Vedananda, those who blessed the graduating class in their own traditions included Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church Presiding Priest Fr. Stephen Karcher, Deacon Rigoberto Ruano Mireles of Saint Thérèse Church of the Little Flower, Toni de Salvo of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Nicholas F. Frey of LDS, Suhayb Alsharekh of Muslim community, Hindu leader Rajan

USOH President Rajan Zed, who recited Gayatri Mantra (the most sacred mantra of Hinduism from oldest scripture Rig-Veda) in Sanskrit and audience repeated after him, said on the occasion that the purpose of this baccalaureate service was to root the graduating class in divine spiritual tradition so that they had a spiritually meaningful life in addition to material success.

Education in Hindu tradition

Religious representatives belonging to different traditions blessing some of the graduating students at the Baccalaureate Service.-Pic George Anastassatos

graduates, participatory reading of Gayatri Mantra in Sanskrit, keynote address by a Swami and kirtan (sacred chant). In addition, it also included blessings by Christian (various denominations), Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, Native American, Baha'i, etc., representatives who recited prayers in Arabic, Pali, Hebrew, Paiute, Spanish besides English.

Organized by Universal Society of Hinduism (USOH) in collaboration with UNR Diverse Organization of South Asians and UNR Interfaith Students Club (ISC), it started with lighting traditional lamp before the statue of goddess Saraswati, patron of learning and the arts, and included blessing of the upcoming graduates with wisdom from Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gitaall ancient Hindu scriptures, by well-known Hindu monk Swami Vedananda from California (USA).

Prominent musician Jim Eaglesmith chanted Mahatma Gandhi's favorite bhajan "Vaishnav jan to…"

Special certificates were issued to graduates with the parting advice "dharma chara" (practice righteousness). Renowned dancer L. Martina Young blessed the graduating class with a dance item, while Wingfield Hills Sparks Ward Choir of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) directed

by Angela Knight presented a

Zed, Buddhist Priest Jikai' Phil Bryan, Barbara B. Weinberg of Jewish Temple Sinai, Native American elder of Paiute Tribe Ralph E. Burns and Baha'i Roya Galata.

Reciting a universal prayer, all these religious representatives raised their hands blessing the graduating students who stood in front of them and all other upcom-

Special certificates were issued to graduates with the parting advice "dharma chara" (practice righteousness). Renowned dancer L. Martina Young blessed the graduating class with a dance item ing graduates in absentia.

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd gave a musical number "Here I am, Lord" from Isaiah Chapter six of The Bible directed

by Gloria Melms. Associate Dean Marcelo Vasquez thanked on behalf of UNR. Miss Washoe County Chelsea Ann Mihaylo was master of ceremonies, while ISC President Daniel R. Sanchez concluded.

had been deep rooted; Rajan Zed pointed out and added that after many important universities in ancient India, like Taxila, Nalanda, Sarnath, Amaravati, Banaras, Kanchi and Ujjain; great Indian universities also flourished in medieval period, like Odantapura (745 CE), Vikramasila (810 CE), Somapura (480 CE), Jagaddala (1090 CE).

Washoe County had issued a special Resolution to mark the significance of First Annual Hindu Baccalaureate Service of UNR. Baccalaureate service basically means service where a sermon is delivered to the graduating class.

In use since at least the eighth century, origins of the baccalaureate service point to an Oxford University statute of 1432, which required each bachelor to deliver a sermon in Latin as part of the academic exercise.

UNR, the flagship institution of the state established in 1874, which has over 18,000 students, is known for helping to create the world's most accurate atomic clock, earthquake expertise, highly ranked MBA program, several Pulitzer Prize winners and for "study of the behavior of matter at extremely high temperatures and densities". About half-a-dozen Hollywood films were shot here and it is home to one of the largest earthquake-simulation labs. Marc A. Johnson is the President.

Horoscope

May 3, 2013

India Post

25

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar

MAY 3 RD - MAY 9 TH 2013 (March 21 to April 20)

Y

ou will have a big opportunity to make money little unorthodox way, but conscious will stop you from going that way on the last minute. You will be quickly rewarded as money will pour in from totally unexpected places. You will be surrounded by admirers at the party. This is the right time to approach a government official and seek favor.

(November 23 to December 22)

C

ombination of Sun, Mars and Mercury in fifth is still helpful. Grab the business proposal offered by a close friend. Few reminders will get you at least most part of the payment. You may be slowly working towards a long distance journey. A child will need your help in filling up some applications in colleges out of state.

(April 21 to May 20)

P

resence of Venus and Jupiter in first is a sure sign of divine protection. You may escape some trouble seconds before it may happen. You may have to wait for little more time for that big contract, but its going to happen. Chances of a favorable outcome in litigation become clearly visible because of new development taking place this week.

(December 22 to January 19)

C

ombination of Venus and Jupiter in fifth will cause more improvements in life. Property deal can finalize. Some of you may replace one of your vehicle with a newer model. You will make some very useful friends at the party this weekend. If appearing for any highly competitive exam, you will pass it with flying colors.

(January 20 to February 18)

(May 21 to June 20)

F

eeling kind of burnt out with busy schedule, you may take a short break and visit a nice place with family this week. There will be some more positive development in ongoing litigation and one of your appeal will be accepted by a government agency. You will continue to look for a new avenues to make more money to keep up with expenses.

P

lanets will bring energy back. You will continue to move closer to your financial goals. Some of you may start paper work to buy another franchise. There is no harm in going with the partnership if you can not manage it alone. People connected with high tech industry will benefit most from favorable combination of planets.

(February 19 to March 20)

(June 21 to July 22)

P

lanets are still in good shape to help you achieve your goals easily. Any property deal that takes place this week will be very lucky. Some of you may buy another vehicle for a family member.

Value of stocks will continue to appreciate. You may invite or arrange a small get together with close friends or colleagues from work.

(July 23 to August 22)

C

hanges you had been waiting for will finally take place. Things will get more relaxing and you will enjoy the company of a new colleague. Just maintain a fair distance. Business will continue to grow at fast pace this week. People working as brokers will do very well. You will benefit from a dark color and tall person.

(August 23 to September 22)

S

uddenly things will brighten up. Financial pressure will kind of disappear and you will come across a new opportunity to make big money for long time to come. You may change your mind on last minute and decide not to attend a party this week. Some one will offer a too good to be true proposal, do not fall for it.

(September 23 to October 22)

S

ome one will send or bring some nice and valuable gifts for you this week. You may need to do some serious juggling in order to meet recent financial commitments. Party will be entertaining but stay away from a well known trouble maker. You may misplace some important item in the house but will ultimately find it also.

(October 23 to November 22)

S

ome one close will try to hurt your image but will not succeed.

There is no harm in being ambitious but this may not be the best time to gamble with what you have, stay with the sure thing. Money wise you will stay comfortable. You may meet an interesting personality during the course of a trip or visiting some office for business.

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

510-886-4370 website: www.parashar.com

B

ig relief on its way. Expenses and liability will come down all of a sudden. You may be spending more time away from home in connection with business this week. Planets are still strong to help you money through stocks or win some money through lottery even.

You may call an old friend and seek his idea to start a business together.

26

Classifieds

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ASSISTANT FINANCE MANAGER IS HIGHLY WANTED REQUIREMENTS: GOOD TYPING AND COMPUTER SKILLS MUST BE ACCURATE AND HAVE A FOCUS OF IMPROVING THE COMPANY. JOB EXPERIENCE DOESNT MATTER AS ANY JOB EXPERIENCE CAN APPLY .

SALARY IS $3300 MONTHLY. Email me at karenjeffersupply@gmail.com if interested

May 3, 2013

Datebook

May 3, 2013

India Post 27

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NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming

Fri, May 10

Sat, May 4

• Dr. Kumar Vishwas - "Koi Deewana Kehta Hai"

• Jersey Rhythms Musical Bonanza for Mother’s Day Celebration

Venue: Hilton, 120 Wood Ave S, Iselin, NJ 08830 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 732-277-6687

Sun May 12 • Paresh Rawal is Back in HINDI - DEAR FATHER Venue: Ritz Theater, 1148 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07201 Time: 5:00 pm Contact: 732-921-7350

Sun May 19 • Soorya Festival Sangamam Venue: Woodbridge High School, 750 St Georges Ave, Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095 Time: 5:00 pm Contact: (800)-213-7080

Venue: Queens High School of Teaching, 7420 Commonwealth Blvd, Bellerose, NY 11426 Time: 5:00 pm Contact: 516-620-3748

Sun May 5 • Masters of Indian Music Venue: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, NY 10025 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 212-545-7536

Fri May 10

Fri May 3 • A Buster Keaton Silent Comedy Venue: Smith Center at Ohlone College 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 510.659.6031

Sat April 27 to Fri May 3 Discourses by Swami Mukundananda • Bhagavad Geeta for Everyday Living Venue: Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, 420-450 Persian Drive, Sunnyvale CA 94089 Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

• Soorya Festival New York Venue: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 832 643 9131

• Essence of Spirituality Venue: Fremont Hindu Temple, 3676 Delaware Drive, Fremont, CA 94538 Time: Sat: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Sun: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Tue: 8:15 pm to 9:15 pm Prasadam: Prasadam will be served after the program May 4th (Sat) to May 10

• Regular

On-going Bal-mukund Class Venue: 3839, Heriatage Terrace #232, Fremont, CA Contact: 510-794-3368, Email: babitarpur@gmail.com • Regular On-going Satsang: Contact: 408-594-8197 Email: lisamousum@gmail.com, 510-573-2288 Email: karuna101_sharma@yahoo.com

Sun May 5 • CDDC Celebrates National

Dance Week with Free Intro Venue: Fremont Time: 12:30 - 1:30 pm Higheght: Special Class with Artistic Director Pandit Das

Sat, May 11

Sat May 4

• Vaanga Pazhagalaam

• South Asian Classical Music

Venue: Hoover School Auditorium, 3501 Country Club Dr, Lakewood, CA 90712 Time: 3:00 pm Contact: 310-213-7342

Venue: DePaul University Concert Hall 800 W. Belden, Chicago Time: 3:00 p.m Contact: email: sacms.chicago@gmail.com

Sun, May 12 • Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch with live music Venue: Tanzore Restaurant, 50 North La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Time: 11:30 am Contact: 310-652-3894

Sat May 18 • Antakshari Venue: Haveli Cuisine Of India, 17221 Pioneer Blvd, Artesia, CA 90701 Time: 3:00 pm Contact: 818-749-6360

ATLANTA Upcoming Sat May 4 • Super Star Bharat Suresh Gopi's American Dreams at Rialto Art Center Atlanta Venue: Rialto Center of Arts, 80 Forsyth Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 Time: 4:30 pm Contact: 404-482-3434

Sun, May 12 • Mother's Day Extravaganza Venue: Corner of Santa Fe Mall, 3750 Venture Dr, Duluth, GA 30096 Time: 2:00PM Contact: 404-806-1429

Fri, May 17 • Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan live in Chicago Venue: Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates - Chicago, IL 60192 Time: 8:30 pm Contact: 773-262-1222

Sut, May 18 • Sunidhi Chauhan & Ali Zafar's Krazy live in Chicago Venue: Veluchamy Auditorium, Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple, 1145 Sullivan Rd, Aurora, IL 60506 Time: 5:00 pm Contact: 312-560-1074

• J K Yog, Chicago - Swami Mukundananda Chicago Satsang Information: J K Yog Satsang and Bal Mukund Hindi Classes are held every 2nd and 4rth Sunday of Month 330pm-530pm @ Clarion Inn/ Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630561-4807 -Website: www.jkyog.org

• Dr.Kumar Vishvas Live in Concert

Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes- Bal Mukund Classes are held every 1st and 3rd Sunday of Month 11am-1pm @ Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership)

Venue: Corner of Santa Fe Mall, 3750 Venture Dr, Duluth, GA 30096 Time: 2:00 pm Contact: 404-806-1429

Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630561-4807 - Website: www.jkyog.org/balmukund

Sun, May 12

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Sapna Mera Toota: Nautanki Saala 2 Mera Mann Kehne Laga: Nautanki Saala 3 Taki Taki: Himmatwala 4 Aaja Meri Jaan: I Love NY 5 Judaai Unplugged: I Love NY 28

India Post

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May 3, 2013 6 Aake Tere Kareeb: Ammaa Ki Boli

K

atrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor's love life is going great. Despite hectic schedules, the couple makes sure that they spend quality time with one another. Kat is often spotted at Ranbir's place but this time Ranbir was invited to Kat's residence for a romantic candle light dinner.

Though the couple head over heels in love denies being in a relationship, there is no denying that they are dating. Katrina invited Ranbir to her place for a quiet dinner. While preparing the dishes, she made sure that she makes all of Ranbir's favorite dishes.

Kat and Ranbir's love story started on the sets of 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahini' and ever since they are going strong. Kat is also the choice of 'Ranbir's parents and it is believed that Neetu and Rishi gave nod to Ranbir's choice.

7 Kaali Kaali: Aake Tere Kareeb 8 Meethi Boliyaan: Kai Po Che! 9 Yaaram: Ek Thi Daayan 10 Manjha: Kai Po Che!

Kat and Ranbir's love story started on the sets of 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahini' and ever since they are going strong. Kat is also the choice of 'Ranbir's parents and it is believed that Neetu and Rishi gave nod to Ranbir's choice

K

T

he Force actor Vidyut Jamwal's Commando-Rambo act in director Dilip Ghosh's Commando has been received with heartwarming gusto by the public. And as it becomes clear that Jamwal is the new action hero of Bollywood, plans to carry the Commando tale forward are now being concretized.

South African action director Franz Spilhaus (of Dredd fame) who worked on all the breathtaking stunt pieces of Commando has been asked to take Jamwal's action to the next level. Spilhaus has asked producer Vipul Shah to send video-recorded stuntpieces performed by Jamwal.

Producer Vipul Shah admits that the sequel is in the process of being quickly formulated.

Vidyut is quite taken up with the idea, though he admits there is a lot of pressure to take the stunts to the next level.

alki Koechlin wants to try out different, hatke roles but she doesn't want to be a showpiece in any of them.

There's much talk about her lipsyncing for the first time in the song Yaaram. She says, "This is the first time I've done a whole song. I learnt the guitar for the role, so then I played that song properly during shooting.

It is something different for me. I am not used to seeing myself smile so much on the screen. It's a nice and refreshing change from the usual intense stares I give people!"

And what about the dancing that she's doing in Badtameez Dil in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani? "Oh God, Ayan (Mukherjee) was ready to hang himself from the ceiling because it was so difficult for me to keep up with the two pros - Deepika and Ranbir.

And they didn't even give us any time to rehearse! I was screwed, I had no experience and these two were picking it up like that. So finally Ayan was like, 'do your own thing'. It was very tough. I definitely need more practice," she says.

May 3, 2013

Bollywood

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R

anveer Singh, 27, is a complete softy and a mama's boy, whose mother is the centre of his universe. However here he assesses three of his co-stars - Anushka, Sonakshi and Deepika: Anushka is naturally talented and is born to be an actor. She is brutally honest and has taught me a lot. I would be so hyper about work and would work myself up into a frenzy. She made me aware that I was holding it too tight and I should let go. It's like holding sand. If you hold it too tight, it will flow out of the hand. And if you let go and not be so uptight, then your performance will be more effortless and you will enjoy the process. I am learning to get less hyper and enjoy the process.

Sonakshi acts like a veteran even though we started working in the same year and that shows in her performance.

There is so much to admire about Deepika. She is an independent girl running her own house and staff in Mumbai. She is so driven and productive and manages to do so much work.

She is also warm, kind and gentle.

G

ovinda will be seen playing a negative character in an upcoming YRF film for the first time.

Apparently, Govinda has been roped in for Aditya Chopra's Kill Dil. Though the actor has played a grey role earlier in Shikari, Kill Dil will be his first out and out negative role, while the film will be helmed by Shaad Ali. Elaborating on the role Govinda states that unlike a totally negative character, the role will be more of a realistic character. On the other hand, YRF's spokesperson confirms saying that Govinda will be seen in a pivotal role in the film.

Though the actor has played a grey role earlier in Shikari, Kill Dil will be his first out and out negative role

Realty Tidbits

K V Developers to invest up to Rs 300 cr to build 800 flats NEW DELHI: Realty firm K V Developers will invest up to Rs 300 crore to build 700-800 flats in a group housing project in Greater Noida over the next three years.

The project, which is yet to be launched, will offer the apartments between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 45 lakh.

"This is our first real estate project and we have already acquired the land. The project will entail a total investment of Rs 250300 crore in the next three years," K V Developers Pvt Ltd Director Aman Agarwal told PTI. The project will be developed in a 5-acre plot, he added.

When asked about the funding of the project, Agarwal said: "The K V Group has a strong balance sheet. So mostly it will be financed through internal accruals, but we will raise some amount of debt also.

We are talking to some banks now." -PTI

ChandigarhManali journey to be shorter by 40 km MANDI, Himachal Pradesh: The four-laning of the 84-km-long Kiratpur-Ner Chowk section of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway (NH)-21 will cut down the distance by 40 km. It will be completed in three years.

The Rs 1,818-crore project has been given to a Mumbai-based firm, Indian Lease and Finance Service Transport Ltd, after the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) accorded the environment clearance to the project.

It still awaits forest clearance.

"The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), which is executing the project, has awarded the project to the company on a design, build, finance and transport mode," said NHAI engineers.

The four-lane highway will not only cut down the distance by 40 km between Kiratpur and Ner Chowk, but also ease up the traffic congestion and hassles created by thousands of cement-carrying trucks traveling from cement plants at Darlaghat, Barmana and Bhagha to Rorpar and Nalagarh daily.

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May 3, 2013

Sonepat-Kundli to be developed as urban complex CHANDIGARH: Keeping in view its strategic location and advantage of close proximity to the National Capital, the Haryana Town and Country Planning Department (HTCPD) has planned the Sonepat- Kundli area as a multi-functional urban complex. The state government is also considering allotting land to set up a Tourism University in the area. A spokesman for the HTCPD said the Development Plan proposes to equip the town with necessary infrastructure required to serve its own population as well as the surrounding region.

Home improvement costs for 5 problems

M

any homeowners are perplexed when they see defects in their homes. If there is a water spot on the ceiling, does it mean a few shingles on the roof need to be replaced?

Or does an entirely new roof need to be purchased?

Reggie Marston, president of Residential Equity Management Home Inspections in Springfield, Va., says it is important to thoroughly assess any defects in a home. Call in experts as necessary to help decide whether the repair is a major or minor expense, he says.

"Homeowners should have some method of determining the extent of the problem and how to have it corrected," Marston says.

Relatively common defects such as cracks in concrete or worn wooden decks - may offer clues as to whether they can be solved with a quick, cheap fix, or whether they require a long, costly remodel, Marston says.

Homeowners need to use these clues in order to spend their repair budget dollars wisely.

Cracked concrete Thin cracks along a concrete foundation could be the result of settlement in the concrete and may not necessarily be a cause for concern, says Kathleen Kuhn, president of HouseMaster Home Inspections in Bound Brook, N.J. However, homeowners need to pay attention to the shape and direction of the divide. Long, horizontal splits in the concrete could indicate pressure from the outside -- possibly from saturated soil -that needs to be repaired.

"Normal settlement doesn't

MARGARETTE BURNETTE

generally cause horizontal cracks," says Kuhn.

Regardless of shape, any cracks that leak water or are wider than one-fourth of an inch (some experts put the limit at one-sixteenth of an inch) should be inspected by a structural engineer immedi-

If the expert finds major structural damage, the repair would be costly.

"Typical bills range from $10,000 to $30,000," he says.

Worn out decks One low-tech way to test the firmness of a wooden backyard deck - assuming it's safe to stand

Relatively common defects - such as cracks in concrete or worn wooden decks - may offer clues as to whether they can be solved with a quick, cheap fix, or whether they require a long, costly remodel, Marston says.

Homeowners need to use these clues in order to spend their repair budget dollars wisely ately, says Kuhn.

Even if a crack appears to be minor, it should be repaired, Marston says.

"If moisture gets inside a small crack, it can cause the steel inside to rust, which could cause further deterioration," he says.

Cost: According to Marston, the cost for a structural engineer to assess a property is about $300.

on - is to hit it hard with your foot and listen to the sound it makes, says Dean Bennett, president of Dean Bennett Design and Construction in Castle Rock, Colo.

"If you hear the board beneath your foot vibrate, the deck is still probably solid," Bennett says.

Marston says if the deck is fairly new, it's probably structurally sound.

"When the wood is under 5 years old, then even if the lumber is discolored and there's a little cracking, it's generally not a cause for concern," he says. "The solution could be as simple as cleaning it, re-securing the nails and adding a sealant."

Cost: Marston says the cost of a cosmetic repair could range from $200 up to about $1,000, depending on whether the owner makes it a do-it-yourself project or hires a contractor.

If the deck is older than about 15 years, however, it is probably past its life expectancy and should be inspected by an experienced, licensed landscape contractor, Marston says. Replacement cost ranges from $5,000 to about $20,000, he says.

Ceiling water stain After spotting a water stain, homeowners should consider where the possible source of the stain is, Kuhn says. If there's a bathroom above the water spot, the leak may be a plumbing issue.

That could be a costly repair, she says, because a plumber may need access to an interior wall to repair the leaking pipe.

If the water spot appears to be rainwater coming through the roof, it's not necessarily a major expense, especially if the roof is fairly new, Marston says. It could simply be a nail that popped through a shingle on the roof, or flashing (which secures pipes to a roof) that hasn't been caulked properly, he says.

"Those problems are relatively simple to fix," Marston says.

"They usually cost a couple hundred dollars for a roofer to repair."

Cont’d on page 31

Real Estate Post

May 3, 2013

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Shilpa Shetty enters realty sector MUMBAI: Shilpa Shetty, the slim and tall Bollywood actor and owner of IPL Rajasthan team, is once again entering a field dominated by men - real estate development. The actor has launched a company, Groupco Developers, in partnership with her friend and first generation entrepreneur Hem Tejuja, to develop housing projects in collaboration with land owners across the country.

"Whether it is an ad or a business it must be something I believe in. I cannot do something simply for the money. It must connect with me because I want to be a catalyst to make people's lives happier," says Shetty who already counts health and wellness, sports and entertainment in her business portfolio.

What connects her to the new business is her emotional connect with the middle-class and people's aspiration to own a home.

"I have been very fortunate that I can afford certain things today,

joint venture between Shetty and Tejuja, who is also a partner in her online property brokerage business. Shetty holds her stake t h r o u g h Kundra Constructions, a joint venture between her and husband Raj Kundra.

She is the chairperson of the company, which will follow an asset-light m o d e l wherein it will form alliances with local developers on revenue share basis, but keep majority stake with itself.

Tejuja, managing director of Groupco Developers, says a special project vehicle will be formed for each project. "Our local part-

"I have been very fortunate that I can afford certain things today, but deep down I am still a middle class person from Chembur and therefore I can connect with people's dream of owning a decent house that is affordable," but deep down I am still a middle class person from Chembur and therefore I can connect with people's dream of owning a decent house that is affordable," she says.

The elegant dancer from Mangalore, who shot into international fame when she won the British reality show Big Brother in 2007, is a regular fix at the IPL matches of Rajasthan Royals team that she and her husband Raj Kundra own.

Known more for her body, health and fitness, Shetty has already demonstrated her business acumen by running a chain of spas, monetizing power yoga, and even launching a portal for group buying in the real estate sector.

Shetty has clearly come a long way from her days as a commerce student at Mumbai's Poddar College when she thought her subject did not have much applicability in life. "I would ask my dad how trigonometry's cosec and cosine would ever apply to my life? I guess it was destiny that after being an actor, I eventually became a businesswoman, which I think is what I was meant to do," she says.

Groupco Developers is a 50-50

ner will be responsible for land parcels and approvals while Groupco Developers will execute

the project and also market the same," he says.

The first two projects will come up in Navi Mumbai and the an-

Shilpa Shetty

cient port city of Lothal (near Sanand) in Gujarat. It targets a revenue of nearly Rs 700 crore in the next three years through residential projects with total saleable area of around 1 million sq ft in Navi Mumbai and 150 acre project at Lothal.

Its Navi Mumbai portfolio includes a 75,000 sq ft project in Taloja, and another one in Kharghar with 60,000 sq ft saleable space.

Groupco is in talks to form alliances for three more projects in Mumbai Metropolitan Region and is looking for projects in Pune and Gurgaon.

Redevelopment in Mumbai needs to be pushed

W

ith the availability of land in Mumbai dry ing up, real estate experts believe redevelopment is the only way forward for the megapolis.

"Availability of land is scarce. Due to sky-rocketing prices and limited expansion possibilities, redevelopment has become the need of the hour," says Nikhil Bhatia, head of real estate consultant CB Richards Ellis' Western Region.

There are "hundreds of old buildings" in the city which are beyond repair, he said.

Big developers are now pursuing redevelopment projects to leverage the incentives offered by state. For redevelopment, the government offers

floor space index of 2 (for MHADA- cessed buildings, it is 3).

DB Realty, Tata Housing, Unitech, Godrej Properties, Kalpataru group, Omkar Realtors, Hiranandanis, Oberoi Realty, Hubtown, Kumar Urban Development, Vakratunda group, HDIL and S Raheja are some of the leading players who have entered the redevelopment space now.

"Such incentives provide necessary boost. It becomes a viable proposition for builders as they do not have to spend on purchasing the land, which forms a major portion of cost.

It becomes a win-win for developers as well as the buyers," PWC Associate Director Bhairav Dalal said.

Home improvement costs for 5 problems Cont’d from page 30

efficiency that newer models will have.

New HVAC units cost about $5,000, with high-efficiency models starting at about $10,000, Marston says.

Basement wall spots If a basement wall spot appears to be mold, there's probably a moisture problem, Marston says.

"Call a soil engineer or home inspector to help determine where the moisture's coming from," he says.

If water is coming from leaks in the interior water pipes, the repair could cost thousands.

Other problems could be more expensive to fix. For example, if the roof is 15 years old and several shingles have blown off, the roof is probably in poor condition and requires a complete replacement, Marston says.

"Most builder-grade asphalt roofs have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years," he says.

Cost: According to Marston, new roofs cost from $5,000 to $12,000, depending on their size.

Inefficient HVAC If a home's heat source or air conditioning unit isn't working well, homeowners need an in- However, if the problem is spection by a heating, ventilating and air con- poor water flow around the ditioning, or HVAC, pro- house, the exterior of the fessional, Bennett says.

The technician will house may just need simple look for problems and regrading, Marston says likely perform general maintenance on the system, which may include cleanHowever, if the problem is poor ing the burners, tightening con- water flow around the house, the nections and checking the system exterior of the house may just controls, Bennett says. need simple regrading, Marston After the heating and cooling says. unit is repaired, homeowners still "The owner could hire a landneed to budget for regular mainte- scaper for a couple hundred dolnance on their systems to keep lars to add more shrubs and to them in good condition, Marston make sure the dirt that's beside says. the house is 6 inches higher than "If the system isn't efficient in the level of dirt that's 10 feet the first place, it's probably be- away," Marston says. This crecause the owners didn't keep it ates a hill for water to drain away properly maintained." from the house.

Cost: Common problems that If you live in an arid climate, a HVAC technicians discover - such wall spot may not be moisture at as defective igniters and fuses - are all. Bennett, who lives in Colorelatively cheap to fix, Bennett says. rado, says: "Out west, in our part "Homeowners can expect to of country, it's very dry. We don't pay a few hundred dollars for see a lot of water filtration, so we these types of repairs," he says. don't run into mold issues often.

However, Marston says if the So a spot could just be dirt." unit is older than 10 years and isn't The solution? Soap and water.

Cost: Anywhere from a few working properly, it's probably best to buy a new one. Otherwise, dollars to several thousand doleven after it's been repaired, it lars. probably won't have the energy Courtesy Bankrate.com

Health

Line

Judge won't dismiss whistleblower suit CHARLESTON, W.Va: A jury should hear allegations that West Virginia officials retaliated against two Department of Health and Human Resources lawyers for raising concerns about an advertising contract, a Kanawha Circuit judge has concluded.

Judge Jim Stucky also questioned the public release of a search warrant request targeting lawyers Susan Perry and Jennifer Taylor in his April 9 ruling refusing to dismiss their whistleblower lawsuit.

Taylor and Perry allege the warrant request was meant to harm their reputations. Stucky agreed that its lengthy details presented them and a third department official ``in what only can be construed as an embarrassing and humiliating light.'' -AP

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India Post

BOSTON: Kaitlyn Greeley burst into tears when a car backfired the other day. She's afraid to take her usual train to her job at a

every day in other countries. But I'm not used to it here,'' said Greeley, 27, a technician at Tufts Medical Center who was on duty

NC starts campaign for weight loss, nutrition RALEIGH, N.C: North Carolina health organizations are launching a campaign to promote weight loss and better eating habits.

Broadcasting group NC SPIN announced ``A Healthier NC'' campaign with state officials and health care leaders. NC SPIN has also started a website with the goal of signing up 1 million North Carolina residents.

Visitors to www.ahealthiernc.com can access health information and free health journaling tools to keep track of lifestyle habits. -AP

the emergency room.

Anger, crying jags and nightmares are all normal reactions for both survivors of the Boston Marathon bombings and witnesses to the mayhem. While the injured and those closest to the blasts are most prone to psychological aftershocks, even people with no physical injuries and those like Greeley might feel the emotional impact for weeks afterward as they struggle to regain a sense of security. What's not clear is who will suffer lingering anxi-

said Dr. Catherine Mogil, co-director of the family trauma service at the University of California, Los Angeles. ``People who tend to be able to make positive meaning out of tough situations are going to fare better.''

Among the typical reactions that psychologists say anyone who witnessed the bombings or their aftermath might experience include difficulty sleeping or eating; sweats or stomachaches; anxiety or fear - especially in crowded situations that remind

Among the typical reactions that psychologists say anyone who witnessed the bombings or their aftermath might experience include difficulty sleeping or eating; sweats or stomachaches; anxiety or fear - especially in crowded situations

TULSA, Okla: More than fivedozen patients of an Oklahoma oral surgeon whose clinics were deemed unsanitary have tested positive for infectious diseases, but health officials cautioned that it would be highly unusual for many of them to have contracted the illnesses at his clinic.

Authorities urged Dr. W. Scott Harrington's roughly 7,000 patients to get tested last month after finding unsanitary conditions at his two Tulsa-area clinics, including varying cleaning procedures for equipment, needles reinserted in drug vials after their initial use, drug vials used on multiple patients and no written infection-protection procedure, among others. -AP

Details on Page 36

Anger, fear, tears normal response to disasters

No confirmed link between Okla. clinic, diseases

May 3, 2013

connecticut lawmakers under pressure to restore cuts

Kaitlyn Greeley

Boston hospital, walking or taking cabs instead. She can't sleep. ``I know this is how people live

when part of the hospital was briefly evacuated even as victims of the blast were being treated in

ety, depression or even post-traumatic stress disorder.

But specialists say that how resilient people are helps determine how quickly they bounce back. The resilient tend to be people who share their emotions before becoming overwhelmed, who know how to cope with stress, and who have the ability to look for a silver lining - such as focusing on bystanders who helped the wounded.

Focusing on the horror, ``that's harder on our body and our mind,''

people of the bombing. People may have a hard time focusing on work or other everyday activities.

They may feel numb, anger easily, or cry often.

Priscilla Dass-Brailsford, a psychologist at Georgetown University Medical Center, said that if those symptoms don't fade in about a month, of if they are bad enough to impair function, people should seek help.

Cont'd on Page 35

Vibrating fork to combat obesity WASHINGTON: An electronic fork that vibrates when you eat too fast went on sale on Kickstarter with its French inventors claiming it can help combat obesity and digestive issues.

Those who contribute at least USD 89 on the crowd-funding website will get a HAPIfork, which comes in blue, green and pink, ahead of its planned general release to consumers in the United States and Europe later this year.

"While our product is still a

prototype, we're thrilled by the global response so far," said Fabrice Boutain, founder of the product's California-based developer HAPILABS, in a statement.

"We believe this is affirmation of the growing consumer health awareness movement to gain better control of issues impacting weight and digestive issues as well as more serious issues such as diabetes and other chronic conditions."

Cont'd on Page 33

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May 3, 2013

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Victimizing rape victims with mother terminology KATHLEEN HOY FOLEY

A

female impregnated against her will is not responsible for the pregnancy, to the pregnancy, and is not mother to the ovum fertilized by force. Characterizing as mother - birth mother, biological mother, first mother, real mother - an im-

Kathleen Hoy Foley

her; shame her. It punishes: remind her, call her mother. It demands: receive motherhood as compensation for sexual violence.

It preaches: upholding mother fantasies is more important than tending to a living, brutalized female. It rebukes: she cannot hide; she cannot flee. It declares: she is forever obligated.

Mother terminology mocks an impregnated rape victim. It mocks her injury. It mocks her trauma. It mocks her terror, her revulsion at the rapist inhabiting her body. An impregnated rape victim is the lowest form of sexually brutalized female, forbidden to claim injury or crime even within her own self reference. She is not permitted victim status. The catastrophic injury of pregnancy is negated. She is discarded and labeled a mother with child.

The sexual violence she was subjected to is irrelevant. What was forced into her body cavity is now designated as hers. The rapist now is her rapist.

Any rescue from his tyranny, any disconnection from his enforced maternity, from his lifetime tie to her - his victim is viewed as her cold abandonment of a helpless child - of her baby; of her son; of her daughter. Mother terminology victimizes a girl, a woman impregnated against her will in the most sickening way possible: it imposes emotional suicide.

Appropriate vocabulary exists to replace mother terminology: biological source; biological origin; biological female; biological carrier. Terms that allow for dignity and self determination. Terms that help protect a sexually victimized woman from social, reli-

pregnated rape victim, any female impregnated against her will is a deliberate act of social violence against her.

To label as mother someone who battled profound sexual trauma, who struggled with her deepest, personal fidelity, who clutched the disintegrating parts of her body and spirit and grasped at the rescue line of termination to all connections with an unwanted pregnancy, whether through abortion or confidential adoption, is An impregnated rape victim is the lowest cruelty in its purest form - form of sexually brutalized female, forbidcasual, quiet, den to claim injury or crime even within her and invisible.

And is an in- own self reference. She is not permitted sidious attempt victim status. The catastrophic injury of pregto subjugate, nancy is negated control, and stigmatize women. gious, and legal mob rule. Civilized lanCouched in the sentimental, the term guage that does not incite cultural emomother feigns benign as it draws upon the tion, words that ease social prejudice and collective heartstrings of society with no- reduce the abuse perpetuated against imtions of warmth, protection and hunger ful- pregnated rape victims - any woman impregfillment: a candle in the window, a fire in the nated against her will - language that does hearth, apple pie in the oven. It is not be- not minimize and maternalize violence and nign. Used against a girl, a woman emanci- target a victim can be employed as easily pated from a forced pregnancy, mother ter- as not. minology is a sly, saccharine weapon.

Mother terminology is the exact oppoIt instantly prejudices: she is contempt- site of a humane gesture. It is a hammer in ible, immoral, disgraceful. It abuses: shun the velvet hand. A sucker punch. A quick

Vibrating fork to combat obesity Cont'd from Page 32

First shown at the Consumer Electronics Show, the HAPIfork - brainchild of French inventor Jacques Lepine - is based on research that suggests people living in a fast-paced world can lose weight by eat-

ing more slowly.

The gadget, which is dishwasher safe, includes LED warning lights, a USB connector and software for computers and smartphones enabling users to monitor their progress towards a healthier pace of eating. -PTI

kick in the broken ribs. Mother terminology permanently shackles the impregnated rape victim to the rapist.

My question is: "why do you treat me like this?"

Kathleen Hoy Foley is the first and only woman in New Jersey to shed her anonymity to publicly reveal herself as a woman who, along with her family, was traumatized by the breach of confidential adoption records. Foley and her husband, Philip, established Women In Hiding Press, an independent publisher committed to encouraging, celebrating and publishing the voices of silenced women. Foley also initiated the social art project Silenced Women Speak, an anonymous, safe way for women to break the taboo of silence and have their voices heard.

Currently, Kathleen is completing a follow-up book to Woman In Hiding, titled, Breaking Silence; Recognizing the Living Damage of Old Wounds.

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May 3, 2013

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Hookah not a harmless alternative to cigarettes WASHINGTON: Smoking tobacco through a hookah, popular mostly among the college crowd, is not a harmless alternative to cigarettes, scientists warn.

Smoking tobacco through a hookah is believed by many to be less harmful than smoking ciga-

search chemist, and Neal Benowitz, a UCSF tobacco researcher, both based at San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, said hookah use exposes smokers to higher levels of carbon monoxide, especially hazardous to those with heart or

"We found that water-pipe smoking is not a safe alternative to cigarette smoking, nor is it likely to be an effective harm-reduction strategy," Jacob said.

Levels of a benzene byproduct doubled in the urine of volunteers after using a hookah in comparison to after smoking cigarettes rettes.

In a new study by University of California, San Francisco, researchers measuring chemicals in the blood and urine concluded that hookah smoke contains a different - but still harmful - mix of toxins.

Peyton Jacob III, a UCSF re-

respiratory conditions, and to higher levels of benzene, long associated with leukemia risk.

"People want to know if it is a lesser health risk if they switch from cigarettes to smoking a water pipe on a daily basis," Jacob said.

"We found that water-pipe smoking is not a safe alternative

to cigarette smoking, nor is it likely to be an effective harm-reduction strategy," Jacob said.

Compared to non-smokers, if an individual is smoking from a hookah daily, he or she is more likely to be at increased risk for cancer, Benowitz said.

The UCSF study included eight men and five women, all of whom had previous experience smoking cigarettes and using water pipes. Benowitz and Jacob had the volunteers smoke an average of three water pipe sessions or 11 cigarettes per day.

Levels of a benzene byproduct doubled in the urine of volunteers after using a hookah in comparison to after smoking cigarettes.

Occupational exposure to benzene has been shown to increase the risk of developing leukemia.

Furthermore, the researchers measured carbon monoxide in the breath over 24 hours and found levels 2.5 higher after water pipe use in comparison to cigarette

smoking.

The differences in the slew of toxins that ended up in the bodies of volunteers were due largely to the fact that the smokers were smoking two different materials, according to Benowitz.

"You're basically burning a charcoal briquette on top of the tobacco and most of what you're smoking is a moist fruit preparation, which is mixed with the tobacco. It smells good and it tastes good," Benowitz said.

"In addition to delivering toxic substances from the charcoal and tobacco, the heat causes chemical reactions in

(VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Some PAHs are highly carcinogenic and can cause lung cancer," Jacob said.

The study found that intake of nicotine, the addictive component of to-

the mixture which produce toxic volatile organic compounds

bacco, was less with water pipe use, Benowitz said.-PTI

New technique may detect Senate OKs $3 billion for health and education cancer early BEIJING: Scientists have developed a new technique of weighing microscopic particles such as

for early detection of cancer cells.

"The mass of cancer DNA molecules should be different from

"Those techniques cannot be used to measure uncharged particles. For example, the DNA molecules will be destroyed if they are charged," Zhu said single atoms or protons, as well as cancer DNA, which may lead to early diagnosis of the disease.

Researchers led by Zhu Kadi from the Shanghai Jiaotong University, proposed the optical mass sensing technique to measure the masses of tiny objects, a method several times more sensitive than previous techniques.

The technology may be used

that of normal ones. So the technology could be used to find these cells," Zhu predicted.

"The technique is still theoretical. We are looking for partners to carry out experiments," said Zhu. Traditional measurement method can only weigh a bunch of atoms, and then estimate the mass of a single atom, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

"We propose a system consisting of a nanoscale vibrating bar containing an embedded quantum dot and a metal nanoparticle sphere.

"When a tiny object, such as an atom or a strand of DNA, is placed onto the bar, the extra mass of the tiny object will change the bar's vibration frequency, which could be measured with lasers," Zhu said.

"There is no new physical theory being applied. But nobody has thought about the measurement in this way," Zhu said.

"Using lasers, rather than wires, is the key of the new technique," said Zhu. In recent years, many researchers have been exploring nanotechnologies to create more sensitive measuring instruments, but they have all relied on electrical circuitry to communicate with the sample.

"Those techniques cannot be used to measure uncharged particles. For example, the DNA molecules will be destroyed if they are charged," Zhu said.

Also, electric wires can soak up energy by heating up, and they don't work well at the highest frequencies, where measurements often have the best sensitivity to small changes.

The study was published in journal Physics Reports. -PTI

DES MOINES, Iowa: The $210,000 toward creating 10 EnDemocratic-controlled Iowa Sen- glish language learning centers ate approved about $3 billion of for legal refugees in the state. their state budget plan, approvThe Iowa Health and Human ing budgets for higher education Services budget creates a $1.9 biland the Health and Human Ser- lion budget for the state departvices agency. ments of Health and Human SerBoth bills passed out of the vices and Public Health.

Senate on party-line votes, 26 to The Senate version gives new 22 with two Republicans absent. money to youth programs, such In education spending, the as $3.3 million for a new autism Senate-backed budget spends treatment program and $4 million $964 million on Iowa's state universities, institutions for the blind The Iowa Health and Huand deaf and some of man Services budget crethe money for Gov. ates a $1.9 billion budget Terry Branstad's proposed K through 12 for the state departments of education reforms.

Health and Human Services Earlier, the House approved an $895 mil- and Public Health lion budget for those programs. for tobacco prevention.

The Senate plan makes $10 milThe Senate budget also revives lion available for student financial a suicide prevention program that aid, known as a tuition set-aside, died in the House as a stand-alone though that's less than the $39 bill earlier in the session. It would million the Iowa Board of Regents require that teachers undergo suirequested in exchange for freez- cide prevention training as part of ing in-state undergraduate tu- their license renewal. ition. The House hasn't acThe House hasn't yet apcounted for any of this aid. proved a Health and Human SerThe Senate also makes $12 mil- vices budget. lion available to fund a program Democrats rejected an amendfor early childhood literacy as- ment by Republican Sen. Amy sessments in the state.

Sinclair of Allerton, which would At the request of Sen. Matt have outlawed abortions funded McCoy, D-Des Moines, the bud- through Medicaid in cases of get was amended to direct rape, incest or fetal deformity. -AP

May 3, 2013

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NY advises counselors on reporting under gun law ALBANY, N.Y: New York mental health officials have contacted thousands of clinicians statewide about their responsibility for reporting potentially dangerous patients under the state's new gun law, result-

gun licenses should be reviewed and possibly suspended or revoked. Officials didn't know how many licenses or guns were surrendered. ``With respect to initial reports made by

ing in reports on at least 30 patients in the first month.

The law requires reporting by doctors, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers and registered nurses to advice authorities. Since that provision took effect March 16, state police say county officials have received 30 letters back about people whose

mental health professionals, the reporting standard is `likely to engage in conduct that will cause serious harm to self or others,''' the state Office of Mental Health said in its formal guidance. The agency's outreach to 432,000 mental health professionals included their professional associations, direct email to 3,381 clinicians, Web seminars and posting online both requirements and reporting forms. ``The law specifically provides that men-

Anger, fear, tears normal response to disasters Cont'd from Page 32

``Most people are having a lot of flashbacks,'' and thoughts of the bombing interrupt their days and nights, said Lisa Allee, who directs the Community Violence Response Team at Boston Medical Center. ``These are very typical, normal, expected emotions after any traumatic event or disaster.''

Beyond hospitalized patients, part of coping is awareness about how to take care of the psyche - turning off scary TV coverage and reading a book, going out for a quiet dinner, anything to temporarily cut the stress, says Dass-Brailsford, the disaster specialist.

But for most, ``time is a great healer,'' said Dass-Brailsford, who served on disaster mental health teams that counseled survivors of 9/11 in New York.

Specialists say only a small number of people are expected to be so severely affected that they develop PTSD, a disorder that can include flashbacks, debilitating anxiety, irritability and insomnia months after the trauma. Even among veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the best estimate was that just under 20 percent returned with symptoms of PTSD or major depression.

More at risk for lingering psychological effects are people More at risk for lingering psywho've previously been exposed to trauma, whether from the chological effects are people battlefield, a car crash or a hurri- who've previously been excane.

During two stints in Iraq as a posed to trauma, whether from Marine, Eusebio Collazo of the battlefield, a car crash or a Humble, Texas, was gravely hurricane wounded and today runs regularly to help deal with PTSD. Running with a veterans group called Team That's especially true for parents who Red, White & Blue, he was at mile 25 of the are trying to calm their children, added marathon when the bombs detonated - and UCLA's Mogil, because kids take their emoadrenaline fueled his frantic race to find his tional cues from the adults around them. wife, Karla, at the finish line. She was un- Younger children especially don't need to harmed. see repeated footage of the blasts, because ``My wife keeps asking me, `I don't know they may think it's happening again. how I should be feeling. I want to cry but I For a lot of people, psychiatrists say, talkcan't.' And then I want to cry, and I can't ing about their experience can be cathartic. cry either. So, there's a lot of weird, differA cashier's routine ``how are you?'' was ent feelings going on,'' Collazo said. It's enough for Anndee Hochman to tear up in a harder, he said, to handle explosions on the Philadelphia hardware store. Hochman and home front than in a war zone. her 12-year-old daughter had traveled to In Boston's hospitals, teams of counse- Boston to watch her partner run the maralors and social workers are telling patients thon - and all three were in different places and their families what to expect in the dif- when the bombs exploded, Hochman herficult days and weeks ahead. self just a few blocks from the finish line.-AP

tal health professionals will not be subject million residents and is seeking a federal to any civil or criminal liability of the court injunction to block new restrictions professional's decision with respect to on legal semi-automatic weapons and magawhether or not to report was made `reason- zine loads. ``The mental health provisions ably and in good faith,''' the agency said. we're not touching,'' attorney Brian There's an exception where a clinician be- Stapleton said. lieves reporting will heighten danger to The New York Psychiatric Association potential victims or endanger themselves. remains concerned about the new reportThe guidelines for psychiatric and other ing standard it has tried to change legislatypes of hospitals say each shall designate tively and some of the guidance from the a staff member to coordinate reporting. Fed- Office of Mental Health, said Richard Gallo, eral patient privacy rules permit disclosing the group's lobbyist. Most of the reports otherwise protected health information, so far appear to have come from hospitals, without the patient's consent, when ``required by The National Rifle Association's New law,'' the agency said.

The Cuomo administra- York affiliate regards many of the tion pushed through the provisions as an imposition on the law after the December killrights of about 4.75 million gun owners ing of 20 schoolchildren and six educators in among New York's 19 million resiNewtown, Conn. Police dents and is seeking a federal court said a troubled 20-year-old injunction to block new restrictions with a semiautomatic rifle and high-capacity magazines killed them after slaying his mother and it's possible that none have come from and then killed himself. private practitioners, he said. ``It will save lives,'' Gov. Andrew Cuomo The standard for making such excepsaid of the law in a radio interview. He said tions to patient confidentiality and contactthe purpose is to keep guns away from crimi- ing authorities - under existing state mennals and the mentally ill. tal health law for psychiatrists and psyThe National Rifle Association's New chologists working in state or state-licensed York affiliate regards many of the provisions facilities - is ``imminent danger,'' Gallo said. as an imposition on the rights of about 4.75 ``We've argued in favor of having that stanmillion gun owners among New York's 19 dard used here.''-AP

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Beloit police consider envelope scare case closed MILWAUKEE: Beloit police ended their investigation into an envelope dropped off at a health clinic that prompted quarantines and precautionary hospital visits after tests showed it contained

no powder or anything hazardous, Beloit Fire Chief Brad Liggett said.

As a precaution, 15 people had been decontaminated and taken to local hospitals, and 56 others were put under quarantine in the

Beloit Fire Department personnel set up a decontamination tent outside the Beloit Area Community Health Center Wednesday, April 17.

Pic Beloit Daily News, Shaun Zinck

nothing dangerous, officials said.

Employees called 911 after three people who touched the envelope reported seeing a powder and having burning in their eyes and nose. Investigators tested the envelope, its contents and the work area at the Beloit Area Community Health Center, and found

building. All had been released.

The envelope contained a patient's bill and check payment.

The man who dropped off the envelope at the clinic was forthcoming and said he didn't put anything in the envelope, Police Capt. Vince Sciame said. Police don't believe he had criminal intent. After drop-

ping off the payment, the man sat down and waited for a doctor's appointment, Liggett said.

The state's 54th Civil Support Team of the National Guard did tests in its mobile crime lab, Liggett said. They had considered doing more at the state crime lab, but decided against it. They were confident the envelope was not dangerous, Sciame said. ``The substance will remain classified as unknown and symptoms experienced as unexplainable,'' he said in a news release.

Sciame said police would review how they handled the situation. ``We'll critique ourselves to see if we could have done something different,'' he said. ``But we always going to err on the side of caution and public safety is our key concern here.''

Beth Jacobsen, assistant to the city manager, said she wouldn't have wanted the employees to do anything differently. ``They did the right thing. They called 911 and we reacted,'' she said. ``We're struggling. I think everyone wanted to pinpoint something or someone to say what happened but we don't know what caused the symptoms at this time.''-AP

Aerobic exercise can curb food cravings

A

erobic exercise that involves vertical move ments of the body such as rope-skipping can curb feelings of hunger and fatty food cravings, a new study has found.

In the study published in the journal Appetite, researchers set to find out whether the "gut disturbance" that happens during exercise that moves the centre of mass up and down would change levels of hormones like ghrelin more than other types of exercise, MyHealthNewsDaily reported.

Ghrelin is a hormone released when we're hungry.

Previous studies have found that running suppresses appetite more than cycling and jumping rope moves the whole body up and down more than running. There is also no movement in a horizontal direction, so jumping rope is a more weight-bearing exercise than running.

Therefore, it's possible that jumping rope "leads to greater gut disturbance than running," and could induce greater suppression, the researchers said.

Researchers looked at 15

healthy men whose average age was 24 to test their idea. On separate days, the men either skipped rope for 30 minutes or rode a stationary bicycle, or rested.

Researchers measured levels of appetite hormones at several points during and after the exer-

trol, resting sessions. This feeling of less hunger continued until 15 minutes after they stopped exercising. Moreover, the men reported feeling less hungry when they were jumping rope, compared with when they were cycling, at 25 minutes into the exercise ses-

cise, and asked the men how hungry they felt, along with how much they wanted to eat salty, sweet, sour and fatty foods.

Results showed that the men reported feeling less hungry during both the cycling and the rope skipping, compared with the con-

sions.

The researchers also found a similar trend in the men's desire to eat fatty foods - the men reported less craving for fatty foods while they were exercising, and this was more pronounced during the ropejumping session. -PTI

Conn. lawmakers under pressure to restore cuts HARTFORD, CONN: ``I wouldn't be surprised if Whether it's from the hospitals they put that decision off to the or parents who rely on state second year of the budget and health insurance, Connecticut play games with the first year,'' lawmakers are feeling heavy he said, predicting members of pressure to find the money nec- the Democratic majority will essary to restore cuts in Gov. push for the higher income tax Dannel P. Malloy's proposed rate on the wealthy. budget.

McKinney and other ReAnd some of those groups publicans contend the legislaare suggesting the Democratic- ture should instead focus on controlled General Assembly cutting spending to balance raise taxes to replenish those re- the budget. ductions, a move that's at odds House Majority Leader Joe with the Democratic governor's Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, said he opposition to higher taxes. ``would not take revenues off ``What else are we going to the table'' during the final buddo? We have to do something. get talks, predicting ``substanWe can't keep cutting food, tial changes'' will ultimately be health care and public educa- made to Malloy's budget. tion,'' said Nancy Boone, a ``I don't think there's any project coordinator for the Con- member of the General Assemnecticut Alliance for Basic Hu- bly that wants to raise taxes, man Needs, during a rally for but faced with the difficult dethe estimated 37,500 parents who will lose their ``I think some of us just see HUSKY A insur- raising taxes as one of the ance coverage beginning Jan. 1 things that you can do in under Malloy's particular right now, the budget. The governor contends thing that would help with the parents will the situation,''he said. be able to take advantage of federal subsidies to buy private insur- cision of losing important serance under the new federal vices to their communities, health care law. people look at it slightly differBoone's organization is part ent,'' he said. of a coalition advocating for a Rep. Gary Holder-Winfield, higher income tax rate for the D-New Haven, also believes state's top income earners and lawmakers might have to resist requiring multistate corpora- the governor and consider raistions to pay taxes on profits ing taxes. earned in Connecticut, among ``I think some of us just see other revenue changes. raising taxes as one of the Rep. Patricia Widlitz, D- things that you can do in parGuilford, co-chairman of the Fi- ticular right now, the thing that nance Revenue and Bonding would help with the situation,'' Committee, said her tax-writing he said. ``The governor has a panel is trying hard to ``work different perspective. I underwithin the parameters of the stand that. But from the pergovernor's proposal'' and not spective of those of us who raise taxes. She acknowledges, have to deal with this budget, however, there are mixed opinions taking options off the table is among House Democrats and it not the approach.'' has been a difficult process.

Holder-Winfield has heard ``It's just that we have to from two hospitals in his disstrike that balance and it's a trict that could lose millions of tough one given the revenue dollars in state support for unstream,'' she said. ``When we compensated health care did raise taxes substantially costs. Malloy's budget cuts two years ago, it just hasn't pro- state aid to hospitals by $208.1 duced the revenue stream. So, I million in the first year and don't think piling more on at $342.4 million in the second. this point is going to help the His administration has argued overall economic situation.'' that uncompensated care costs But Senate Minority Leader are expected to decline once John McKinney, R-Fairfield, the state expands Medicaid said he believes there ultimately and insurance can be purwill be a push by Democrats to chased through the new health increase taxes. care exchange. -AP

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C

ompared to other hill stations, Dalhousie, 80 winding kilometers from Pathankot, is markedly different and off the beaten track. Spread over five hills, Dalhousie has a serenity with its own distinctive flavor. Attractive cottages and villas cling to the deodar and pine mantled hills. Nothing seems to matter except the beauty and the moment.

Pink and red rhododendrons are in bloom. The trees are dressed in different shades of green. There is no swirl of traffic. The shops are small and trim. Whistling softly to himself, a shopkeeper arranges embroidered Chamba shawls in his showcase. Tourists appraise Chamba chappals embroidered with gold thread, cane baskets, colorful woolens, and lifelike Chamba dolls - all specialties of the region. Piles of walnuts and red, black and green Chamba chilies adorn many shop

fronts. Children joyfully pick strawberries from a hillside decorated with alpine flowers.

Dalhousie is an ideally located tourist place. Lined against the railings, several people admire the exquisite views that are its special feature. The clouds come skimming down and dally amongst the mountains for a moment. The next moment, they begin playing hide and seek with the Dhauladhars, changing the shape of the skyline with astonishing rapidity.

Cont’d on page 43

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5 free things in Cincinnati, from bridges to parks CINCINNATI: With dueling nicknames of The Queen City for its beauty and Porkopolis for its love of, well, pork, Cincinnati cannot be pigeonholed.

After decades of declining growth, Ohio's third-largest city is on a huge upswing, pumping billions of dollars into new develop-

plenty of cash on a Reds or Bengals game, gambling in a brand-new $400 million casino, or eating some of that much-loved pork, arguably the best things to do in Cincinnati are absolutely free.

Over-The-Rhine This picturesque neighbor-

Roebling Suspension Bridge over the Ohio River

ment and revitalization. In less than 10 years, the city has transformed itself back into a growing, bustling destination as businesses and residents flock to downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods.

Although visitors can drop

hood, named and settled by German immigrants in the 19th century, has more buzz than anywhere else in Cincinnati. Over-the-Rhine sits just on the edge of downtown and was the site of the city's race riots in 2001. But block by block,

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the city and developers have retaken the neighborhood that was once dubbed the most dangerous in America and transformed its shabby but beautiful buildings into some of the city's best bars and restaurants.

Over-the-Rhine has the most Italianate architecture still standing in the U.S., and to many outsiders, it looks more like it belongs in Brooklyn than Cincinnati. A must-see in the neighborhood is Washington Park, which reopened in July after undergoing a $48 million overhaul to become one of the city's favorite spots for concerts, outdoor movie viewings, food trucks and flea markets.

Findlay Market Cincinnati residents have been getting fresh meat, produce and homemade bread at Findlay Market since 1855, making it the oldest continuously running public market in the Buckeye State and one of the most beloved historic landmarks in the city. Families, hipsters, yuppies and tourists alike stroll through and shop at the more than two dozen indoor vendors and, from spring through fall, the outdoor farmers market. Winetastings, the best barbecue in the city and a popular Vietnamese restaurant are definitely not free, but the people-watching - which rivals any of Europe's public squares - is.

The bridges Of the many bridges that span the Ohio River between Cincinnati and northern Kentucky, two are worth crossing on foot. The Roebling Suspension Bridge, which sits between the Bengals and Reds stadiums in a bustling spot along the riverfront, is the most recognizable of all of Cincinnati's landmarks and was the model for New York City's Brooklyn Bridge. Pedestrians can walk across the bridge into Covington, Ky., and head due east into the quaint and beautiful Licking Riverside Historic District. From there, they can cross the Fourth Street Bridge over the Licking River and into Newport, Ky., and head back across to Cincinnati over the Purple People Bridge, a pedestrian-only span and a favorite among locals.

Fountain Square The heart of downtown Cincinnati, Fountain Square underwent a $49 million renovation and reopened in 2006. From Reds and Bengals game-watching parties on a massive high-definition television screen, live salsa-dancing lessons that attract hundreds of people of all skill levels, to neardaily concerts during nice weather,

Baseball diamond floral display set up on Fountain Square in Cincinnati

practically the only thing in Fountain Square that isn't free is the beer.

Mount Adams

thy Presidential Grove, where each U.S. president has a tree named after him, before strolling

by Mirror Lake and heading up the hill to Mount Adams.

Findlay Market in Cincinnati

A beautiful stroll in Cincinnati begins in lovely Eden Park - so named for the biblical paradise and ends atop Mount Adams, which offers a stunning view of downtown Cincinnati and northern Kentucky. Walkers would be advised to begin in the picnic-wor-

At the top is the Cincinnati Art Museum, which houses more than 60,000 works and is, remarkably, free. From here, one can walk around the picturesque streets of Mount Adams, visit two historic churches and take in some of the best views in the city. -AP

NM motel where Microsoft began being redeveloped ALBUQUERQUE, N.M: A Route 66 motor lodge in Albuquerque where Bill Gates and Paul Allen lived while launching Microsoft Corp. is being redeveloped into apartments as part of a neighborhood revival project.

Officials broke ground on the redevelopment of the Sundowner Uhuru Apartment Complex, one of many projects sought to help revive a once busy area of Albuquerque.

The federally-funded project will create 70 apartments for veterans, the homeless, mixed-income residents, and residents with special needs.

The Sundowner was built in 1960 during the heart of Route 66 tourism.

Gates and Allen later lived at the Sundowner Motel when they wrote a version of the programming language BASIC for the Altair 8800 computer, invented in 1975 by the Albuquerque-based company MITS. The motel was used as a base camp in the mid1970s before the pair moved Microsoft to the Seattle-area.

Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry says the motel was ``ground zero'' for the personal computer revolution and needs to be redeveloped for history.-AP

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Las Vegas Strip to get New Tour operators, hotels allowed York-style public park to import cars LAS VEGAS: Las Vegas is trying to beat its reputation as a shut-in.

MGM Resorts International announced that it will sink $100 million into building a park and public promenade outside of its New York-New York and Monte

Carlo casinos.

The project runs counter to casinos' long-held strategy of trying to keep people inside, losing track of time as they buy more chips and flit from one pricey attraction to the next. ``It's what customers were really excited about in the `80s and `90s - the convenience of being in a single environment when you could sample so many different kinds of entertainment,'' MGM

CEO Jim Murren said in a telephone interview. ``Tomorrow's consumer doesn't want that limitation. They are far more spontaneous.''

To that end, MGM is transforming the congested sidewalks in front of its New York City and European-themed casinos into an outdoor plaza featuring trees, benches, food trucks and shops. Construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks and last through 2014.

Murren said he was inspired

by New York City's small and cosmopolitan Madison Square Park, as opposed to the more sprawling Central Park. ``We're not going to play Frisbee on the Great Lawn, but I would describe it as a city park with a dramatic boulevard,'' he said.

Tourists will be able to stroll over a replica of the Brooklyn Bridge, relax in a beer garden, and enjoy a cone of frozen custard from Shake Shack, an upscale burger stand that has become a New York favorite. -AP

Indian travelers third most likely to nick hotel items: study MELBOURNE: Indians have ranked third in the list of nationalities that nick items from a hotel room as 38 per cent of them confessed they have stolen from a hotel, according to a new global survey.

The survey by an online accommodation booking service found that 35 per cent of global travelers steal hotel amenities such as a plush robe, gourmet coffee and luxury bedding.

Holidaymakers from Columbia are most likely to steal from their hotel, the survey found, with 57 per cent confessing to having done so at some point, followed

by those from Mexico (40 per cent) and India (38 per cent).

Magazines and books emerged as the most commonly taken items.

A majority of hotel guests globally (65 per cent) said they've never pilfered an item from a hotel room but Danish travelers come out on top as exceptionally honest with 88 per cent saying they've never pocketed a hotel amenity.

Around 34 per cent of travelers from US and China have stolen items from a hotel room, the survey by Hotels.com found.

Linens or towels were the items most pocketed by guests from US, Sweden, Italy, Hong Kong, Canada, Norway and Ireland but Chinese preferred to take furnishings including lamp, clock or artwork with them.

Twenty-six per cent of travelers from UK also admitted to stealing from the hotels they have stayed in.-PTI

NEW DELHI: In a move likely to be cheered by the hospitality sector, the government has allowed hotels and tour operators to import cars and SUVs under the Served from India Scheme (SFIS).

"I am allowing use of SFIS scrips for import or domestic procurement of motor cars, SUVs, all purpose vehicles for hotel, travel agents, tour operators, companies owning/ operating golf resorts for tourist purposes," Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma.

Announcing the supplementary Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) for the fiscal, he said this is being done to encourage export of services, especially in the tourism sector.

The FTP document said the

SFIS scrips can be used for payment of import duties.

The service providers are entitled to duty credit scrips under

Users of the scrip to import vehicles will be required to submit proof of registration for tourism purposes within 6 months.

SFIS at the rate of 10 per cent of free foreign exchange earned during a financial year.

However, Sharma said the en-

titlement would now be calculated on the basis of net free foreign exchange earned (meaning after deducting foreign exchange spent from the total foreign exchange earned during the financial year).

However, users of the scrip to import vehicles will be required to submit proof of registration for tourism purposes within 6 months.

Further, these vehicles will not be allowed to be imported under EPCG scheme, Sharma added.

In another step to facilitate import of motor vehicles, the FTP said the import of cars and vehicles will also be allowed at Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Faridabad and Ennore Port.-PTI

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'Milwaukee Museum Mile' celebrates anniversary

Milwaukee Museum

MILWAUKEE: Five small and medium-sized museums in Milwaukee are celebrating the oneyear anniversary of working together to promote each other.

The museums have created what they call the Milwaukee Museum Mile, since all are within a mile and often are overlooked by visitors.

They are The Jewish Museum Milwaukee, The Charles Allis Art Museum, Museum of Wisconsin

Art at St. John's On The Lake, The Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum and the North Point Lighthouse at Lake Park.

They are planning an anniversary event May 5, where they will all offer free admission or reduced admission. The four museums will be free and the lighthouse will offer two for one admission.

A free shuttle bus will also travel between the museums.-AP

SAA ties up with Jet Airways NEW DELHI: South African Airways (SAA) has tied up with Jet Airways to operate non-stop flights between Mumbai and Johannesburg with the African carrier assessing the Indian market to expand its presence here.

Announcing a code-share agreement with Jet, Sajid Khan, SAA's Country Manager here, told PTI, "Our load factor on the MumbaiJohannesburg route has been over 80 per cent. It is one of the highest on SAA's global network."

Under the agreement which is already in place, Jet would codeshare on SAA flights between Mumbai and Johannesburg and beyond to Cape Town and Durban, while SAA would codeshare on Jet operations between Mumbai and Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram.

The frequent flyer program of Jet and SAA would be applicable to both airlines, that is a person traveling on a Jet flight would be able to earn and redeem mileage

for use on SAA network and viceversa.

Asked about expansion of SAA's India operations which are currently only out of Mumbai, Khan said, "We are currently look-

choices for customers, whether originating in India or Africa, through seamless and convenient connections and frequent flyer mileage opportunities."

Referring to a recent study of

ing at Delhi as an additional destination and assessing the market.

Since we cannot start this in the next 1-2 years, we went in for this code-share agreement."

He said the code-share with Jet would "effectively enhance flight

the South African Tourism Department, Khan said the number of Indian tourists to South Africa has steadily increased by over 122 per cent between 2005 and 2010 and a further 29 per cent between January and September 2011. -PTI

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Off the beaten track, spread over five hills Cont’d from page 39

Soaring up to 21,000 feet, the Dhauladhars themselves are con-

stantly changing color - smoky blue, gray green, orchid blue, violet. On the nearer hill slopes, every tree stands distinct and green and lordly. In the valley below, the rice fields glint in the sunshine.

History: In 1851, the princely state of Chamba was approached

by Lord Napier of Magdala. The British wished to establish a sanatorium for Europeans on the outer slopes of the Dhauladhar range.

There, the sun shone warmly on scented forests of pine and oak, the air was crisp and invigorating, the scenery beautiful. Negotiations were carried on with the Raja

of Chamba and in 1853, the plateau of Kathlog, Portreyn, Tehra and Bakrota were transferred to the Government of India against a

compensation of Rs 2000 to be paid as an annual tribute to Chamba state. On the recommendation of Sir Donald McLeod, the new sanatorium was named Dalhousie, after Lord Dalhousie, the first British Governor General of India. In 1866, the cantonment area of Balun was also taken over and remains a cantonment to this day.

Tourist attractions Though spread over five distinct hills - Kathlog, Portreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun, covering an area of 13 sq km - the main center continues to be at Portreyn.

Hotel soap to be purified and recycled WESTON, W.Va: What do hotels do with bars of soap that guests leave behind? Stonewall Resort in Lewis County is having

them recycled.

Stonewall and the Weston WalMart are partnering to make old into new.

Resort community outreach director Samantha Norris says Stonewall will collect used soap from guest rooms and ship it to the nonprofit Global Soap Project processing center in Norcross, Ga. The Weston Wal-Mart plans to cover shipping costs.

Impurities are removed from the soap, which is reformed into new bars and distributed worldwide to needy populations.

Norris estimates the resort could supply more than 600 pounds of soap for reprocessing this year.

According to the Global Soap Project, more than 2 million bars of soap are discarded every day

by US hotels. -AP

The Figure of Eight of Portreyn is the most popular walk in Dalhousie. Starting from the Portreyn Mall, it crosses the meeting places of Subhash Chowk and Gandhi Chowk. Along the rocks on the way, Tibetans have carved colorful pictures in relief.

One of the best views of the glorious surroundings of Dalhousie can be obtained from Kalatope, 8 km from the center of Dalhousie. At Panchpulla (Five Bridges) - a good spot for picnic one can, with luck run into an old Dalhousie resident to hear interesting snippets that intertwine India's freedom struggle with Dalhousie. Satdhara has long been known for its mineral water which was once shipped to England on a regular basis. Dalhousie also has Dainkund - the Singing Hill. The passage of mountain winds through the forest at Dainkund produces a series of effects - depending on the wind's velocity - ranging from a gentle humming to an eerie wail.

Places around Khajjiar: Around Dalhousie is a wealth of places which beckon those who have an eye for beauty or a nose for adventure. Khajjiar, just 7 kilometers from Dalhousie is an enchanting saucer shaped meadow fringed by cedar trees of great antiquity and stateliness. In the center of the grassy meadow at Khajjiar lies a small lake. And on it, are two floating islands, sometimes hidden from view by the tall grass that grows on them. Khajjiar, known as one of the "most charming spots in the Himalayas", derives its name

it is said from its ancient, golden domed temple of Khajinag. A nine hole golf course is an added attraction at Khajjiar.

Baijnath: Set like a jewel against the splendid backdrop of the legendary Dhauladhars, the spired temple of Baijnath - the abode of the Lord of Physicians continues to attract people from all corners of India, and the world.

Built by two merchant brothers Manyuka and Ahuka - more than a thousand years ago, in 804 A.D., the temple of Baijnath has acquired an aura of mystic invincibility. Inside, the 'lingam' of Vaidyanatha Lord Shiva has long been a symbol of veneration for the vast numbers who journey to this temple year after year.

The temple priests claim a lin-

drink only water obtained from Baijnath.

Bir and Billing: Above Baijnath, touching the foot of the mighty Dhauladhars, is the ancient, picturesque village of Bir. Once the seat of the powerful Pal Rajputs, Bir is now the venue of an annual fair, traditionally a part of the Holi Festival.

The beautiful oak forest of Bir resounds with the joyous sound of dancing and singing and carefree laughter, as Gaddis and Kanets pour in from the mountains around. They bring with them their gods dressed in all their finery, ceremoniously placed and carried in colorful palanquins.

Worship is an im-

Baijnath temple

eage as old as the temple. Month after month, they have observed the motley crowd of people who become unified by the sheer strength of faith as they approach the 'lingam'. Many travel to Baijnath in the hope that the Lord of Physicians will grant a boon and free them of ailments. The water at Baijnath is reputed to possess remarkable digestive properties and it is said that till the recent past, rulers in Kangra Valley would

Dainkund - the Singing Hill

portant part of the festivities during which huge quantities of lugri (rice beer) are consumed.

14 km from Bir lies Billing - the venue of an annual hang gliding tournament and reputedly one of the finest sites for hang gliding in the world.

How to reach Rail - The nearest railhead is Pathankot, 80 kilometers downhill.

In Brief Irish nanny pleads not guilty in US baby death WOBURN, Massachusetts: An Irish nanny accused of killing a baby who died of what prosecutors say was ``abusive head trauma'' while in her care pleaded not guilty to a murder charge.

Aisling Brady McCarthy, 34, was ordered held without bail at her arraignment on charges of murder and assault and battery on a child.

McCarthy was caring for Rehma Sabir at the baby's family's apartment on her first birthday, Jan. 14, while her parents were at work.

That afternoon, an ambulance was summoned to the apartment in Cambridge, just outside Boston, after Rehma was found to be unresponsive. Rehma died two days later at Boston Children's Hospital of what an autopsy found were blunt-force head injuries, prosecutors said.

State police said in court documents that a pillow, a blanket and baby wipes that were stained with blood were found in the baby's bedroom. Authorities have accused McCarthy of ``violently injuring'' the baby, causing her death.

They said a neighbor reported hearing the baby crying for nearly an hour on her birthday, followed by more intense crying, but knocks on the family's door went unanswered.-AP

2 ‘sold fake’ immigration docs in NM ALBUQUERQUE, N.M:AMexican couple has been arrested in New Mexico for allegedly selling fraudulent immigration documents.

Federal prosecutors say 40year-old Carlos Chico-Salcedo and his 45-year-old wife, Juana Marin-Sandoval, were taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations agent.

Authorities say the couple is living illegally in the country. They made their initial appearances in federal court in Albuquerque and remain in custody pending preliminary and detention hearings.

Prosecutors say Chico-Salcedo and Marin-Sandoval allegedly sold a fake Social Security Card and a fraudulent immigration green card to undercover HIS agents last month for $150.

They say Chico-Salcedo and Marin-Sandoval each face up to 10 years in prison if they're convicted in the case plus deportation.-AP

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May 3, 2013

McCain: Immigration law won't negate Ariz.

Law Details on page 47

Boston bombings cast a shadow over immigration bill WASHINGTON: The Boston Marathon bombings cast a shadow over the start of debate on legislation to remake the U.S. immigration system, as some Republicans argued that the role of two immigrant suspects raised questions about gaps in the system.

There was no suggestion that the two suspects, brothers who had lived in Dagestan neighbor-

immigration system and the changes proposed in the new bill.

And there were concerns among supporters of the legislation that, even if it turns out that the bombing suspects did not violate US immigration laws, the events could inflame anti-immigrant sentiment just as Congress confronts the already formidable task of getting a far-reaching immigration bill

laws, including this new bill?''

Others went further. ``It's too bad Suspect No. 1 won't be able to be legalized by Marco Rubio, now,'' conservative commentator Ann Coulter wrote on her Twitter account, after one

gration in the wake of the bombings, focus on national security and put on hold any question of a path to legalization.

Supporters of the legislation disputed such arguments. ``I'd like to ask that all of us not

``Given the events of this week, it's important for us to understand the gaps and loopholes in our immigration system,'' Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the Judiciary Committee's senior Republican, said in his opening statement at the hearing ing Chechnya in southern Russia, had entered the US illegally. And authors of a sweeping new immigration bill, which got its first hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, argued that their legislation would improve US national security because the estimated 11 million people now living here illegally would have to come forward and undergo background checks.

Still, a number of Republicans seized on the events in Boston to raise questions about the existing

through the House and Senate and to the president's desk. ``Given the events of this week, it's important for us to understand the gaps and loopholes in our immigration system,'' Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the Judiciary Committee's senior Republican, said in his opening statement at the hearing. ``How can we beef up security checks on people who wish to enter the United States? How do we ensure that people who wish to do us harm are not eligible for benefits under the immigration

Sen. Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida, flanked by Sen. Charles Schumer, Democrat of New York, left, and Sen. John McCain, Republican of Arizona, right, April 18, on Capitol Hill in Washington

of the suspects was killed in a firefight. Rubio, a Florida Republican, is one of the principle Senate authors of the legislation.

Earlier, Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, told the National Review that Congress should be cautious on immi-

jump to conclusions regarding the events in Boston or try to conflate those events with this legislation,'' Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said at the hearing a few minutes after Grassley spoke.

Cont'd on Page 47

Against interests of Indian companies: CII WASHINGTON: Industry body CII has urged the US to reject provisions of the Comprehensive Immigration Bill related to H-1B visas, which it alleged

"CII is of the opinion that the provisions on H1-B visas in particular would be against the interests of Indian companies, and create an unequal playing field for

"Any such restrictions, including new ones, on non-immigrant visas, if adopted, should apply uniformly to all applicants. Action specifically targeting Indian companies would not be in accord with our growing strategic partnership," are discriminatory in nature, target Indian companies and therefore, is against the spirit of the growing India-US strategic partnership.

them. CII urges the US Congress to reject such discriminatory provisions," Chandrajit Banerjee, director general, CII said.

"Any such restrictions, includ-

ing new ones, on non-immigrant visas, if adopted, should apply uniformly to all applicants. Action specifically targeting Indian companies would not be in accord with our growing strategic partnership," he said.

The CII statement came after the bipartisan group of eight Senators - called the Gang of Eight - introduced a Comprehensive Immigration Bill in the US Congress.

The Bill also spells out pathway to

citizenship for some 11 million illegal immigrants, including some 3,00,000 Indians.

Cont'd on Page 46

Chandrajit Banerjee

Immigration Post

May 3, 2013

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Bill offers both opportunities, challenges: TCS MUMBAI: The country's largest software exporter Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has said the proposed US Immigration Bill offers both opportunities as well challenges, but stated it is too early to arrive at a conclusion.

"It is too early to comment. We will have to wait and watch...but it has both opportunities and concerns. Our goal is to engage in the process as the bill is being debated," TCS executive vice-president and head of global human resources Ajoy Mukherjee told reporters during a post earnings media round-table here.

"Good that it is comprehensive but what are going to be the restrictions

are some of the concerns," he said.

Officially called the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and

Ajoy Mukherjee

Immigration Modernization Act, 2013, the Bill being pushed by the Obama administration gives the domestic IT professionals in the US a 60-day period to find a new job after they lose the existing one, among several other sweeping reforms.

Obama has already backed the Bill that seeks to put curbs on the use of H-1B visa for those companies which have a higher ratio of work force under this category.

Out of the USD 108 billion software exports from the country, as much as USD 46 billion comes from the US alone and most of the domestic IT companies fall under this classification. As a result, these companies will also have to shell out more fees to get H-1B visas, if the draft legislation is

Procedural impact of bill worries Wipro

cleared by the Congress and is signed into law by Obama.

The bill specifies that if an employer has 50 or more employees, and over 30 per cent but less than 50 per cent are H-1B or L-1 employees (who do not have a green

more employees and more than 50 per cent of these workers are H1B or L-1 employees who do not have a green card petition pending, then the companies will have to pay a USD 10,000 fee per additional worker in either of these two

Obama has already backed the Bill that seeks to put curbs on the use of H-1B visa for those companies which have a higher ratio of work force under this category card petition pending), the employer will need to pay a USD 5,000 fee per additional worker in either of these two statuses, the outline of the bill said.

In case the employer has 50 or

statuses.

As such, domestic companies like TCS, Infosys and Wipro will have to pay USD 10,000 for each additional H-1B employee they would be hiring. -AP

PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law

Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc.

1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1

BANGALORE Wipro has expressed concern over the likely procedural impact of the proposed immigration reform bill in the United States, which accounts for more than 50 per cent of its IT services revenues.

The IT major said compliance to procedures itself will create compliance cost and higher turnaround times, which would fundamentally affect competitiveness.

"What we all are worried about is procedural impact that will have on us", Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company's IT business, T K Kurien, told reporters in response to queries.

"It's not so much about cost; the procedure itself has a way of, kind of slowing you down and that's what is worrying", he said.

"Compliance to procedures itself will create compliance cost and higher turnaround times, which will fundamentally affect competitiveness".

According to the Bangaloreheadquartered, New York Stock Exchange-listed company, 36 per cent of employees in the US are locals, and Wipro Chairman Azim Premji said this would eventually go up to 50 per cent.

"Good thing is it (immigration

"Compliance to procedures itself will create compliance cost and higher turnaround times, which will fundamentally affect,competitiveness"T K Kurien, told reporters in response to queries reforms) is going to be operational only next year", Premji said, and expressed hope that some clauses, particularly relating to visas, would

be made "practical" as it affects as much to American companies as Indian ones.

Officially called the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act, 2013, the Bill being pushed by the Obama administration gives the domestic IT professionals in the US a 60-day period to find a new job after they lose the existing one, among several other sweeping reforms.

Obama has already backed the Bill that seeks to put curbs on the use of H-1B visa for those companies which have a higher ratio of work force under this category.

The bill specifies that if an employer has 50 or more employees, and over 30 per cent but less than 50 per cent are H-1B or L-1 employees (who do not have a green card petition pending), the employer will need to pay a USD 5,000 fee per additional worker in either of these two statuses, the outline of the bill said. -PTI

1

http://www.proy-singh.com

2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659

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May 3, 2013

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Hispanic conservatives embrace Jeb Bush praises Senate immigration reform immigration bill CORAL GABLES, Fla.: As debate heats up around the Senate immigration bill, Latino Republican leaders are calling on fellow conservatives to refrain from harsh rhetoric, focus on the issues and embrace a fair but practical solution for the 11 million people living in the U.S. without legal permission.

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., told audience members at the Hispanic Leadership Network conference that he was proud of the socalled ``Gang of Eight'' Republican and Democratic senators who drafted the legislation and expects a bill to be introduced soon in the House.

The bill would allow immigrants in the U.S. illegally to obtain a provisional status after 10 years and later apply for citizenship. The measure is contingent on meeting certain border security goals first.

It would also allow tens of thousands of new high and low-skilled workers into the country while requiring employers to verify their legal status. ``Having them in this status that we know they're here, but we don't want to deal with it, does nothing to support our economy,'' Diaz-Balart said.

The annual gathering of conservative Latinos was notably more quiet than a year before, when several immigrant activists interrupted U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and demanded to know why he refused to support existing proposals through the so-called Dream

Act for youth in the country illegally. There were no protesters outside and former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez recognized a young immigrant leader who was brought to the U.S. illegally as a child. ``It's about time to deal with those kids based on their merit,'' Diaz-Balart said.

Latino Republicans like Rubio are now playing an important role in immigration reform, and party

At the gathering at the Biltmore Hotel in Miami's Coral Gables neighborhood, conservative lawmakers urged leaders to turn down the rhetoric and focus on the issues. “The extremes do not represent either the Democratic Party or the Republican Party,�

Diaz-Balart said leaders hope they can help recapture the Latino vote. Some Republicans have been showing signs of coming around to a more moderate stance on immigration after losing the Hispanic vote in the 2012 election.

Matt Barreto, a University of

Washington political science professor, said Republicans appear to be making some inroads with the Hispanic electorate. ``The critical issue is going to be whether or not they support the immigration bill,'' he said.

There are still Republican factions strongly opposed to any measure that would allow immigrants in the country illegally to gain a legal status and remain in the U.S. At the gathering at the Biltmore Hotel in Miami's Coral Gables neighborhood, conservative lawmakers urged leaders to turn down the rhetoric and focus on the issues. ``The extremes do not represent either the Democratic Party or the Republican Party,'' Diaz-Balart said.

Both Rubio and Bush have been mentioned as possible 2016 presidential candidates. Bush opened the conference with praise for the Senate immigration bill. He said it struck a good balance between the immigrant experience and respect for the rule of law. ``They've come up with a comprehensive, really detailed approach that I applaud,'' Bush said.

Bush, whose wife is MexicanAmerican, switched between English and a strong Spanish during his appearances. He left office with high ratings among Hispanic voters. ``I think that Jeb has lots of potential to help the Republican Party back in the running with Latino voters,'' Barreto said.-AP

Pa. city low on funds to defend immigrant law HAZLETON, PA: A northeastern Pennsylvania city has burned through nearly $500,000 in private donations and might have to use taxpayer funds as it continues to defend its landmark but never enforced crackdown on immigrants in the U.S. illegally.

Hazleton collected money from thousands of individual donors around the country as it tried to fend off a legal challenge brought by opponents of the Illegal Immigration Relief Act of 2006. But contributions made through the city's Small Town Defenders website have long since dried up, and the legal defense fund is down to its last couple hundred dollars, Mayor Joseph Yannuzzi said.

The last donation, in the amount of $100, arrived in July, he said.

Hazleton still owes about $20,000 to its lawyer. Without a fresh infusion of donor cash, taxpayers in the economically struggling city will wind up footing the

legal bill. ``It's going to have to come out of the general fund. That is something we just don't want to do,'' Yannuzzi said. ``But if we have to, we have to. We do have this obligation to pay it and we have an

Without a fresh infusion of donor cash, taxpayers in the economically struggling city will wind up footing the legal bill obligation to follow through.''

The law, which would deny permits to businesses that hire people in the country illegally and fine landlords who rent to them, has been tied up in federal courts for seven years.

Former Mayor Lou Barletta advocated for the crackdown after two such immigrants were charged in a fatal shooting. Barletta, who rose to national prominence as a result of his stand and is now a congressman, argued that illegal immigration brought drugs, crime and gangs to the city and overwhelmed police, schools and hospitals.

Hazleton's ordinance, and a companion measure that would require prospective tenants to register with City Hall and pay for a rental permit, spurred similar laws around the country.

Opponents of the local laws say they usurp the federal government's exclusive power to regulate immigration.

The U.S. Supreme Court considered the Hazleton case two years ago and threw out a ruling by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that prevented the city from enforcing the immigration regulations.-AP

MIAMI: Former Fla. Gov. Jeb Bush opened the annual Hispanic Leadership Network conference with praise for the bipartisan Senate immigration bill, which some conservatives are criticizing as being too weak on border enforcement and security.

Bush said the bill attempts to balance both the immigrant experience and respect for the result of law. ``They've come up with a comprehensive, really detailed approach that I applaud,'' Bush said.

The legislation was formally unveiled in Wa s h i n g ton. It calls for a path to citizenship for the 11 million people already in the United States illegally as long as certain border security goals are met first. It also would allow tens of thousands of new high- and low-skilled workers into the country while requiring employers to verify their legal status.

Two Republican senators and several law enforcement officials

publicly criticized the bill's border enforcement and security measures.

Many Republicans have taken a hardline stance on immigration though some have started to change their viewpoints. Hispanics are a growing segment of the electorate and the Republican

Jeb Bush

party has been trying to make inroads into capturing the Latino vote once again.

Bush said immigrants bring a love of country and ``injection of optimism'' that the nation needs.

He also said there needs to be a fair way for those who have taken a legal route to entering and residing in the U.S. to become citizens before those who did not.-AP

Against interests of Indian companies: CII Cont'd from Page 44

However, the provisions of the bill related to the conditions on issuing H-1B visas is being opposed by Indian companies, who heavily rely in this category of work visas.

During the negotiations period, CII had also made all efforts to bring to the notice of the 'Gang of Eight' its concerns about H-1B visas.

In a letter to the group last month, David J Delie, chairman of CII-India Business Forum, had expressed concerns about reports that suggest the Senate may be considering proposals that seek to put a flat ban on visas or place additional visa related restrictions on H-1B and L-1 visas based on companies' work force ratios.

"We are concerned that if enacted, such a provision would be

against the interests of Indian companies, and create an unequal playing field for them. We would urge you to reject such discriminatory provisions," said the letter.

"We feel that any restrictions, including new ones, on non-immigrant visas, if adopted, should apply uniformly to all applicants.

We feel that any action targeting Indian companies would not be in accord with our growing strategic partnership. It will also impact the deeper involvement of the Indian companies in the US economy," the CII said.

"The US is looked upon by many as the leader in free market economics. Our hope is that it will, through immigration reform, once again re-affirm the commitment to free trade and globalization," Delie said in the letter to 'Gang of Eight'.PTI

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McCain: Immigration law won't negate Ariz. Law PHOENIX: A federal immigration overhaul would trump state law but wouldn't necessarily nullify Arizona's first-in-the nation crackdown on illegal immigration, said Senator John McCain, an Ari-

844-page bill is designed to secure the border and allow tens of thousands of new high- and low-skilled workers into the country.

It's won support from big business, labor, conservative and lib-

Senator John McCain

zona Republican leading the effort to change the nation's immigration policies.

McCain said the sweeping immigration bill would prevent future waves of illegal immigration while also create a path toward citizenship for the 11 million immigrants living illegally in the country. The

eral groups.

A spokesman for Gov. Jan Brewer said she is still reviewing the bill. Brewer has blasted any efforts to extend citizenship to immigrants living illegally in the country while also urging the federal government to make the U.S.Mexico border more secure.

Brewer signed Senate Bill 1070 into law in 2010 and has served as its chief defender. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down sections of the law in 2012, including the requirement that immigrants obtain or carry immigration registration papers. It upheld a requirement that Arizona officers question the immigration status of those suspected of being in the country illegally.

McCain said the federal overhaul wouldn't change the Supreme Court ruling. ``Whatever law we pass, a federal law obviously would be the law applied to all states,'' McCain said. ``But I don't necessarily know that it would negate parts of SB1070.''

Arizona is the only state with both of its U.S. senators included among the so-called Gang of Eight pushing the legislation through Congress. Lynn Marcus, an immigration law professor with the University of Arizona in Tucson, said the federal overhaul wouldn't address the racial profiling debate triggered by the state's so-called ``show me your papers'' statute. ``The original concerns about racial profiling don't go away,'' she said. ``We've seen a number of

Oregon immigrant driver's card bill heads to Senate SALEM, Ore.: More than 84,000 immigrants and others could take advantage of a program that would grant four-year Oregon driver's licenses to people who are unable to prove they are legally in the United States under a bill passed by a legislative budget committee.

The Joint Ways and Means Committee approved the bill 19-5, sending it to the Senate floor.

The proposal would allow immigrants, among others, who have lived in Oregon for at least a year and meet other requirements to apply for driver's licenses without proving legal presence. The card would be valid only for four years - half as long as a standard Oregon license - and could be used only for driving privileges. The card could not be used to vote, board a plane or purchase a firearm.

A driver's card would cost $64 and $44 to renew. A standard Oregon driver's license costs $60 and $40 to renew.

Lawmakers were told the licensing program, which would begin Jan. 1, 2014, is expected to pay for itself.

``Revenue from customers paying the fee is expected to cover the cost of implementation'' and other costs, Amy Joyce, a legislative liaison for Oregon Department of Transportation, said in testimony.

The nonpartisan Legislative

Homeless people, elderly people or veterans, among others who have lost or never had a birth certificate would also qualify for a driver's card under the bill Revenue Office estimates the driver's card program will generate $5.3 million in revenue for the state in the budget year that ends June 30, 2015, and $2.7 million in the 2015-2017 budget year.

ODOT estimates the cost of implementing the program, including additional staff and operational costs, will be $4.7 million.

ODOT expects as many as

84,000 people to apply for the new driver's cards during the first nine months of the program, if the legislation is passed. The initial influx accounts for people who lost their licenses or let them expire because of a 2008 law that required driver's license applicants to prove U.S citizenship or lawful residency.

As many as 30,000 more immigrants and others who have never applied for an Oregon driver's license might also apply for a driver's card over a period of 18 months under the proposed licensing program, ODOT officials say.

Homeless people, elderly people or veterans, among others who have lost or never had a birth certificate would also qualify for a driver's card under the bill.

The bill has sparked controversy because it would extend driving privileges to immigrants who are not living in the country legally. Proponents of the bill say it will improve public safety, because more Oregon drivers would be trained and insured. Opponents say it's unfair to reward someone who is breaking the law with driving privileges.-AP

people questioned by police about their immigration status when they were merely passengers in a vehicle. That would seem inappropriate because there is no reason to suspect unlawful status just because someone is sitting next

James Garcia, an activist with the Arizona Comprehensive Immigration Reform Coalition, said many of the immigrants targeted

by Arizona's law would likely gain legal status under the federal plan. ``It becomes a moot point,'' he

Lynn Marcus, an immigration law professor with the University of Arizona in Tucson, said the federal overhaul wouldn't address the racial profiling debate triggered by the state's so-called ``show me your papers'' statute. ``The original concerns about racial profiling don't go away.'' to a driver who made an illegal stop. So I think the concerns of racial profiling, even pretextual stops by some police officers who may be gung-ho by immigration law, would still be in place.''

said. ``If 70 percent of the people are able to obtain legal status, the system that is designed to essentially enforce the restriction of their movements becomes largely obsolete.''-AP

Boston bombings cast a shadow over immigration bill Cont'd from Page 44

tion system is incapable of accomplishing today.''

Rubio's spokesman, Alex Conant, said in a statement that ``legitimate policy questions'' could be asked about whether the immigration system played any role in what happened in Boston.

But he added that ``Americans will reject any attempt to tie the losers responsible for the attacks in Boston with the millions of law-abiding immigrants currently living in the US and those hoping to immigrate here in the future.''

Frank Sharry, executive direc-

``In general, we're a safer country when law enforcement knows who is here,'' and has photos and background checks, Schumer added - steps that would be taken in regard to people living here illegally under the legislation Schumer sponsored with seven other senators.

Schumer also said the US refugee and asylum programs have been ``significantly strengthened'' in the past five years so that authorities are more careful about screening people coming into the country, but he said if that more “Immigration reform will changes are needed, he's committed to mak- strengthen our nation's secuing them. Some reports rity by helping us identify indicated the suspects' family sought asylum exactly who has entered our in the US after leaving country and who has left� their conflict-torn home region.

Republican Sens. John McCain tor of America's Voice, a pro-immiof Arizona and Lindsey Graham of gration reform group, argued that South Carolina released a state- those making connections bement decrying efforts to use the tween the Boston attacks and the Boston events to stop the immi- immigration legislation are motivated by politics. gration push. ``Those exploiting this tragedy ``Some have already suggested that the circumstances of this ter- in hopes of derailing immigration rible tragedy are justification for reform were opponents of reform delaying or stopping entirely the long before this week,'' Sharry said.

The immigration legislation effort for comprehensive immigration reform. In fact the opposite is would strengthen the border with true,'' McCain and Graham said. Mexico, allow tens of thousands ``Immigration reform will of new high and low-skilled workstrengthen our nation's security ers into the country, mandate that by helping us identify exactly who all employers verify their workers' has entered our country and who legal status and provide an evenhas left - a basic function of gov- tual path to citizenship for those ernment that our broken immigra- living here illegally. -AP

30 India Post

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May 3, 2013

RAS H. SIDDIQUI

E

very once in a while a story comes along which needed to be told from another perspective. Pakistani writer Mohsin Hamid's novel The Reluctant Fundamentalist was one such post 9/11 tale. Published in the year 2007, it made its appearance on the American literary scene and earned him recognition here. Little did we envision at the time that his fictional story would be re-told through a film that Indian director Mira Nair would direct.

Mira's past work has already brought her much critical acclaim with successes like Salaam Bombay, Mississippi Masala, Monsoon Wedding and The Namesake to name a few. One day we will have to ask her why she chose The Reluctant Fundamentalist to make a film (we just missed her as she flew to India for the 25th Anniversary of Salaam Bombay and other events). Our deadline intervenes so that answer will have to wait for a future writing.

The story by Mohsin Hamid here is a complex one, certainly quite a challenge which Mira took on and overcame. But let us first hear from Mohsin (MH) since we were able to catch up with him for this review. He has recently been on the road so to speak promoting his latest novel "How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia" and responded to my (RHS) questions below:

lia ic Jil id. P m a sin H Moh

els n Ed

tein

RHS: How does it feel to see your book story converted into a movie?

MH: It's exciting and strange. Movies and books are very different things. So for me the main thing was to pick a film-maker I respected and allow her to make her own film, without trying to insist on complete fidelity, which is impossible.

RHS: Do you think that releasing The Reluctant Fundamentalist more than 11 years after 9/11 will be of benefit, helping in the healing process between cultures or is that too ambitious a goal to strive for at this point?

MH: I don't know. But I do think it is different from almost every other film that has come out in America related to 9/11. This one has a Pakistani protagonist, so it looks out the other end of the telescope, so to speak. I think that's very important.

RHS: How was it working with Mira Nair on this project?

MH: It's been wonderful. Mira is brilliant and generous. She has also become a good friend. She is a very special director and human being.

Without too many "spoiler alerts" we now move on to the movie itself, one which Mira Nair has handled with a keen eye. It starts off in Lahore with the haunting vocal/spiritual number "Kangana" sung by Fareed Ayaz Qawwal.

But during this enriching musical experience a kidnapping of an American "educator" takes place.

Subsequently a grainy video er on ib about the hostage is delivered e r Sch Liev n Nair d to the press. n aa ir a

Na Ish Mira set. Pic

Cont’d on page 31

Changez takes Erica by the hand.-Pic Quantrell Colbert

May 3, 2013

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Miss Lovely is IFFLA best film India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES, CA: The 11th annual Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) concluded on Sunday April 14 with a red carpet and gala fete that included the Los Angeles premiere of Deepa Mehta's Midnight's Children, and the presentation of the festival's Grand Jury and Audience Choice Awards, followed by an after

party.

This year the festival showcased more than 35 film features, documentaries, and short films at ArcLight Hollywood, home of IFFLA since its inception. "The awards are always bittersweet for all of us in the programming team as we truly believe in the exceptional talent and relevance of each

Best Feature, with an honorable mention for Ship of Theseus directed by Anand Gandhi. The Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary went to Sushrut Jain for Beyond All Boundaries, and for Best Short to Unravel directed by Meghna Gupta, with an honorable mention for Tatpaschat directed

by Vasudev Keluskar.

Grand Jury Awards Best Feature: Miss Lovely, di-

rected by Ashim Ahluwalia Honorable Mention: Ship of Theseus, directed by Anand Gandhi Best Documentary: Beyond All Boundaries, directed by Sushrut Jain Best Short Film: Unravel, directed by Meghna Gupta Honorable Mention:

"The awards are always bittersweet for all of us in the programming team as we truly believe in the exceptional talent and relevance of each film which has been so carefully chosen," said Lead Programmer Terrie Samundra. "That being said, we wholeheartedly share the enthusiasm of the audience and our prestigious jury� film which has been so carefully chosen," said Lead Programmer Terrie Samundra. "That being said, we wholeheartedly share the enthusiasm of the audience and our prestigious jury. A huge congratulations to the winners!"

Ashim Ahluwalia's Miss Lovely took home the Grand Jury Prize for

Tatpaschat, directed by Vasudev Keluskar Audience Awards Best Feature: Filmistaan, directed by Nitin Kakkar Best Documentary: Beyond All Boundaries, directed By Sushrut Jain Best Short: Unravel, directed by

Anupam Kher honored with Asian Award

Meghna Gupta The 2013 feature film jurors were International Director of the Feature Film Program at the Sundance Institute Paul Federbush, director/editor/writer Kanika Myer (Halo, Heart Of India), and Assistant Curator of Film Programs at LACMA Bernardo Rondeau. The Best Documentary Award was decided by The Hollywood Reporter and Los Angeles

Times film critic Sheri Linden, Senior Programmer at Film Independent Maggie Mackay, and Producer Nadine Mundo (Chelsea Settles).

Judging the short films were filmmaker and IFFLA alum Prashant Bhargava (Patang), Film Curator and Director of Industry Programming at Palm Springs ShortFest Kathleen McInnis, and actress Sheetal Sheth (ABCD, Looking for Comedy In The Muslim World).

About IFFLA Now in its 11th year, the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) is a nonprofit organization devoted to a greater appreciation of Indian cinema and culture by showcasing films, honoring entertainment industry business executives, and promoting the diverse perspectives of the Indian Diaspora.

The six-day festival is the premiere platform for the latest in cutting edge global Indian cinema and bridges the gap between the two largest entertainment industries in the world - Hollywood and India.

LONDON: Anupam Kher Chinese American martial was honored with the Asian artist, actor Bruce Lee won the Award here for his perfor- founders' awards, while English mances in movies like Silver actor Ben Kingsley received the Linings Playbook, Bride & fellowship award.

Prejudice, and Bend it Like Anupam is proud he was Beckham. The actor, who was chosen for an award the same not present, thanked the orga- year as Kingsley, who has so nizers through a video mes- far dedicated over four decades sage. to showbiz.

In a statement, Kher said, "I "It is also an honor to be am truly humbled and honored given this award the same year for being awarded the Asian as Sir Ben Kingsley. Makes me Award for my work as an actor. feel very proud," said Anupam.

As an actor, all we do and want English playwright, screento do is to make people laugh, writer and filmmaker, novelist cry, and persuade many other emotions by our craft. The Asian Awards is the only Our achievement at the end of the event in Britain's calendar day is when the that celebrates achieveaudience really ments of individuals originatdoes understand what we are do- ing from the Asian continent, ing." including those residing in The Asian Awards is the Britain, India, China, only event in Japan, and Singapore Britain's calendar that celebrates achievements of individuals and short story writer Hanif originating from the Asian con- Kureishi CBE won in the art cattinent, including those residing egory and British actress Nina in Britain, India, China, Japan, Wadia received an award in the and Singapore. television category.

It recognizes and applauds Indian industrialist and phithe finest talent from a wide lanthropist Adi Godrej got the plethora of fields, including the entrepreneur award. arts, business and entrepreOther winners include Indian neurship, technology and businessman and Infosys cosports. founder Narayana Murthy, The Asian Awards took place Japanese racing driver Kamui at the Grosvenor House Hotel Kobayashi, Ravi Ruia vicePark Lane. It was hosted by Lon- chairman of Essar Group and don 2012 Olympic mastermind Indian-American computer arLord Sebastian Coe, KBE. chitect Ajay Bhatt.

50 India Post

May 3, 2013 www.indiapost.com

A 9/11 story from Pak perspective Cont’d from page 48

The Asal Mujahideen terrorist cell is the entity responsible, one which is active at a Lahore University campus where Changez Khan (Riz Ahmed) is a teacher of radical (left wing) ideas and becomes "a person of interest" in this kidnapping (Yes, it appears that one can become a person of interest even while living in Lahore).

America is extremely resourceful, and its penetration into the Pakistani political and security landscape is shown to be extensive.

We are introduced to Bobby Lincoln (Liev Schreiber), an American media man/writer of articles who knows Urdu and interviews Changez at a tea house looking for information on the kidnapping.

The place is buzzing with Pakistani security personnel. "Police become very animated when it is an American who has been kidnapped," says Changez.

The Reluctant Fundamentalist has two major characters, the prime focus of this story is the interaction between Changez the

powerless man (his only support appears to be his students) who only has his keen intelligence to defend himself and his family.

Changez agrees to the interview (he really has no other choice) with Bobby but on the one condition that he listen to his whole story not just bits and pieces of it.

Changez comes from an educated Lahori (old money but broke) family which is struggling to keep up with its newly rich upstart neighbors.

His dad Abu (Om Puri) is a poet and Ammi (Shabana Azmi) who is dealing with their reality the best way she can. His high maintenance sister Bina (Meesha Shafi) dreams about going to America so that she can have a loft in Soho, a weekend in the Hamptons and a pair of fake American assets.

'God Bless America," she says.

Changez who has gained admission to prestigious Princeton University later adds, "God bless America indeed. God bless its level playing fields. God bless winning."

America provides an opportunity for Changez to bring back fi-

The Reluctant Fundamentalist has two major characters, the prime focus of this story is the interaction between Changez the Pakistani and Bobby the American, and neither of them are what they appear to be Pakistani and Bobby the American, and neither of them are what they appear to be.

This interview is about a news story but in reality it is much more.

Bobby is representing a super power and Changez is a basically

nancial security to his family. He is certainly bright and gifted. Nearing graduation, while being interviewed for a job by his future mentor Jim (Kiefer Sutherland) representing Underwood Samson & Company a Wall Street valuation

Changez and Bobby Lincoln talking at tea house. Pic Ishaan Nair

firm he is asked why he came to America? "In America, I get an equal chance to win," says Changez.

Changez joins and becomes a rising star at Underwood Samson and finds this success by being ruthlessly efficient. He also meets his love interest Erica (Kate Hudson) a young photographer still grieving about a love she has lost. Changez and Erica become an item.

Things are going great till Jim and Changez go to the Philippines on a company assignment where Changez once again shows his magic for saving corporations money by drastically reducing their work force. It is on television in a Manila hotel room that Changez sees the twin towers fall on 9/11/2001 and it is from there that his American dream starts to unravel.

At the airport on his return to America he shows his Pakistani passport, is separated from his coworkers, asked to strip and is cavity searched. In many drastic ways (and some subtle ones) the America that Changez came to find success and refuge in has

changed, and that change transforms him too slowly but surely.

Changez, the once open-minded clean shaven (drinking) progressive starts growing a beard and the rest is the story of The Reluctant Fundamentalist.

The perpetrators of 9/11 killed many innocent people. But the results of their actions also caused misery for countless others worldwide. The war on terror (WOT) is indeed deep and dark in this story

ested in the bottom line. Guilt and innocence is exposed here. And in the end the increasing trust deficit between countries and cultures is questioned.

This film will encounter many critics on both sides of the divide created by 9/11. But let us hope that besides South-Asians and Muslims, more people from mainstream America will take the time to go and see The Reluctant Fundamentalist. It is worth watching

The perpetrators of 9/11 killed many innocent people. But the results of their actions also caused misery for countless others worldwide. The war on terror (WOT) is indeed deep and dark in this story and Mira Nair has handled it with the focus and care that it deserves. This is film-making at its best (flaws and all).

Imagine that the city of Lahore has almost lost its usual vibrancy and color in this movie (although Istanbul thankfully fares better).

The American corporate world is equally colorless and only inter-

especially if one really wants to know what life is like from the perspective of someone in the crosshairs of America's security establishment.

The Reluctant Fundamentalist is slated for a late April-early May release here in the US. It contains some violence, Punjabi-Urdu-English profanity and sexual situations.

May 3, 2013

India Post

51

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Truth behind the turmoil in Punjab NAVDEEP KAUR

I

n most contemporary mov ies, Sikhs and Punjabis are the center of jokes. Movies coming out of the Punjabi Film Industry follow the trend as well. You will often see a Punjabi man characterized as the disgusting guy with an overgrowth of facial hair, carelessly wrapped turban, a bottle of homemade liquor hidden in his dirt-covered kurta, and a constant need to talk loudly.

The Punjabi woman is the one decked out in a heavily embroidered salwaar kameez, long braid in hand, loudly saying things like "party-sharty," "food-faad," "dance-vance." You get the picture.

We laugh, holding our stomachs, memorizing the comedy so we can repeat it. This is perhaps the Punjabi culture we are encouraged to observe and then replicate.

Our true heritage is not represented in modern media because that heritage has the power to awaken sleeping lions.

When we talk about the history of Punjab, it is nearly impossible to segregate it from Sikh history because they are intertwined like body and soul. It has taken nearly two decades for someone to talk about the true history of Punjab after 1984 and that movie has been banned by the Punjab government - which has only encouraged a larger, worldwide audience.

Sadda Haq (Our Right) is a revolutionary movie that focuses on the story of a fictional charac-

ter, Kartar Singh Tara, imprisoned and labeled as a "terrorist."

Sharon Gill, a Canadian student, travels to Punjab to conduct research for her PhD thesis, "Minorities at War." Her research allows her the opportunity to meet Kartar Singh in prison and learn his life story.

Along with Sharon, the audience gets a chance to witness the various circumstances that gave birth to the "terrorists" that wreaked havoc in Punjab in the 1990s. Sadda Haq provides insight into a corrupt governmental system, where the protectors of the people are the ones who deliver inhumane torture.

For those who are not familiar

with the history of bloodshed in Punjab, this movie will take you through it from a perspective that has been suppressed for several decades.

If you are Sikh, you will understand why we pray in every gurdwara for the well-being and release of Sikh prisoners on a regular basis. The non-Indians will go home knowing why so many Sikhs and other minorities from the world over are seeking shelter in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and all other countries that are not their homelands. Sadda Haq unveils the dark side of the world's largest democracy on a very small scale.

While the overall nature of the movie is quite intense, the audience is eased into it with a romantic opening. Though seamless, the music seemed to have allowed me enough time to step out of the story and simply reflect for a few moments-I did not go home humming any of the tunes, which I always do when I hear something

actors also execute satisfactorily, though there are slight moments of over and under acting by some novices.

with you because of graphic scenes." I say, take them. That is the only way for them to understand where their roots really lie

Sidhu, however, gives a flawless performance; his eyes, his demeanor, and his speech are captivating to a degree that one truly begins to feel the weight of the story. Humor is interjected in a

and what their responsibilities are towards the Sikh community. The message of Sadda Haq is exactly that; find out what your history is and use contemporary knowledge to amend past wrongs and regain stolen rights.

The truth is that we are responsible for passing on our own history; the sooner parents begin this process, the better it will be for their children as they try to grow up in multicultural settings throughout the world.

Sadda Haq is a must watch for everybody, especially Sikhs. The movie does not take any religious or political sides; it simply shows the truth behind the turmoil of late twentieth century Punjab. Perhaps you will leave re-defining the word terrorist or reorganizing your life's priorities to make room for small acts that will help us in retrieving our rights to justice.

Navdeep Kaur is a Sikh American writer currently obtaining her Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from San Jose State University.

The message of Sadda Haq is exactly that; find out what your history is and use contemporary knowledge to amend past wrongs and regain stolen rights.

The truth is that we are responsible for passing on our own history; the sooner parents begin this process, the better it will be for their children unique, catchy, or ingenious. But that's not a drawback to the film as a whole.

The music is okay and falls into the backdrop because the story itself commands complete attention. Kuljinder Singh Sidhu, producer and lead actor, is definitely the star of the movie - the other

very tasteful manner and counters the mainstream comedy circus depiction of the Sikh-Punjabi culture. Caution, take a few tissues with you because I know a lot of people in the theater shed tears during certain scenes.

Some people say, "If you have young children, don't take them

52 India Post

May 3, 2013 www.indiapost.com

Gala screening for Bombay Talkies at Cannes India Post News Service

MUMBAI: Bombay Talkies has officially been selected for a Gala screening at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2013. The

film produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures & Flying Unicorn Entertainment is directed

by India's leading filmmakers including Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar and Dibakar Banerjee.

The film is a celebration of the commemoration of 100 years of Indian Cinema and encapsulates the array of emotions through which millions of fans across the country are unanimously connected. The movie is a collection of four stories in one film told by India's finest young filmmakers. It includes an eclectic cast of Rani Mukerji, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Randeep Hooda and Saqib Saleem; including cameos by Amitabh Bachchan and Katrina Kaif.

This would be the second year in a row that Viacom 18 Motion Pictures has struck it big at the Cannes. In 2012 the studio stormed its way in with Anurag Kashyap's critically acclaimed and much loved 'Gangs of Wasseypur' becoming the talking point of the festival.

Karan Johar who has been known for his larger than life cinema, comments on the news, "Extremely honoured that our omni-

bus endeavour has been officially selected at Cannes‌. Can't wait to walk the red car-

Rani Mukerji

pet with Dibakar, Anurag and Zoya".

Zoya Akhtar says, "I have never been to Cannes and I always felt if I go it should be with a film. Things worked out even better as it's not just a film but also 3 friends Karan, Dibakar and Anurag with me. It's going to be a blast".

Dibakar Banerjee says, "Thrilled to walk the red carpet following Karan, Zoya and Anurag leading the way and representing Indian cinema!"

Anurag, the only director from the quadruple who debuted at the Cannes back in 2011 says, "I am so happy our film is screening at Cannes. Happy to be back there."

Commenting on the announcement, Ashi Dua of Flying Unicorn Entertainment, the co-producer of the film said, "Our film Bombay Talkies has made it to one of the most prestigious film festivals - Cannes. I am extremely happy that the film has received such an overwhelming response internationally. This means many more people across the globe will be celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema with us".

Huma delighted to work with Madhuri

O

nce she was a big fan of Madhuri Dixit and now Huma Qureshi is her co-star in Dedh Ishqiya and her happiness knows no bounds.

Known for her bold role in Gangs of Wasseypur, Huma praised her co-star.

"Madhuri is so beautiful. I never thought I will be part of 'Dedh Ishqiya'."

"It's a pleasure to be part of such an ensemble cast. I am very excited to work with Madhuri," said the actress.

Director Abhishek Chaubey and Dedh Ishqiya team is currently shooting in Mumbai.

"I can't reveal much about my look or my role. All I can say is Abhishek is a wonderful director. I was an admirer of

Ishqiya. I never thought I will be part of the sequel. For me, it's like a dream come true," said Huma.

A sequel to 2010 black comedy Ishqiya, the film also stars Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi who were in the original.

Akshay in new venture 'Gabbar' India Post News Service

A

kshay Kumar, is set to reunite with Rowdy Rathore producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali in their new venture 'Gabbar'. Akshay will star in the lead role in Gabbar, the remake of the successful Tamil film 'Ramanaa' (2002).

The box office breaking duo hit the elite 100 crore bench mark in 2012 with Rowdy Rathore.

Akshay's involvement in his film projects such as Special Chabbis most recently have proved him not only to be worthy of his successes but demonstrates his ability to perfect every genre of film that he stars in.

Behind the camera, Akshay is also proficient as a producer, and together with his business partner Ashvini Yardi for Grazing

Goat Pictures, has expertly sought out and made critically acclaimed films to tap the niche regional Indian cinema genre, amongst which was the National award-winning OMG: Oh My God. His next cinematic venture is a film with eclectic director Karan Johar, titled 'Gutka'.

Akshay's involvement in his film projects such as Special Chabbis most recently have proved him not only to be worthy of his successes but demonstrates his ability to perfect every genre of film that he stars in

Akshay Kumar

Philosophy

May 3, 2013

India Post 53

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis ANANDAMAYI MA

B

e it the perusal of Sacred Texts, listening to religious discourses, engaging in kirtan - God must be the alpha and omega of whatever is done. When reading, read about Him, when talking, talk of Him and when singing, sing His praises. These three practices are intrinsically the same; but because people respond differently, the same is expressed in three different ways to suit each person's temperament and capacity for assimilation. Essentially there is only He and He alone, although everyone has his own individual path that leads to Him. What is the right path for each, depends on his personal predilection, based on the specific character of his inner qualifications.

First comes listening, then reflection, and last of all the translation into action of what has been heard and pondered over. This is why one has first of all to listen, so that later on each may be able to select Vedanta or kirtan or whatever else be in his own line.

Have you never come across people making light of kirtan, saying: "What is there to be gained by it?" Nevertheless, after listening to it for some length of time, they actually develop a liking for it. Therefore one must listen before one can reflect, and then later, what has been heard and reflected

JEAN KLEIN

T

he fact that you are sincere means that you have al ready searched in many directions. The longing to search for life in many directions, to discover your true being, comes from an inner urge to find the truth, the inner urge to discover yourself.

If you really seriously search in all directions you become exhausted and speaking psychologically, bankrupt.

You feel completely helpless: you are in despair; you no longer know where to turn; all streets are dead ends; your thinking can no longer help.

This crisis is the most important moment in your life. You come into a state of complete not-knowing. You have no hope or expectations anymore.

It is a rare occasion in which the thinking is confronted with its limitations, and because it is useless as such, the thinking gives up, then you are open, open for nothing, only open for openness.

This openness is the threshold of your true nature. Remain there in not knowing and you will see what happens.

We are accustomed to using thinking and feeling in order to understand, so we have to go to

upon will take shape in action suited to the person concerned.

To listen to discourses on God or Truth is certainly beneficial, provided one does not allow oneself to be moved by a spirit of faultfinding or disparagement, should there be differences of outlook to one's own. To find fault with others creates obstacles for everyone all around: for him who criticizes, for him who is blamed, as well as

religious meeting (satsang) is a contradiction in terms.

Question: When will there be peace on earth?

Sri Ma: Well, you know what the present state of affairs is; things are happening as they are destined to be.

Q: When will this state of unrest come to an end?

Sri Ma: The fact that many of you feel concerned about it and

those who are close to you will also benefit through the helpful influence of your presence. In order to develop a taste for meditation you have to make a deliberate and sustained effort, just as children have to be made to sit and study, be it by persuasion or coercion. Even if you do not feel inclined to meditate, conquer your reluctance and make an attempt.

The habit of countless lives is

There can be no rest in Jagat of ceaseless movement How could there be peace in perpetual coming and going? Peace reigns where no coming exists and no going, no melting and no burning. Reverse your course

If you would know the reality of Nature, you must destroy the appearance, and the farther you go beyond the appearance, the nearer you will be to the essence.

-Meister Eckhart

Anandamayi Ma

for those who listen to the criticism. Whereas, what is said in a spirit of appreciation is fruitful to everybody.

For only where there is no question of regarding anything as inferior or blameworthy (asat) can one call it Satsang - a play upon words: Sat means True Being, the Good; satsang the company of the good, and also a religious gathering. Asat, the opposite of sat, means non-being, wrong, evil.

Therefore to find fault (asat) in a

ask: 'When will it end?' is also one of the ways of His Self-manifestation.

Jagat (world) means ceaseless movement, and obviously there can be no rest in movement. How could there be peace in perpetual coming and going? Peace reigns where no coming exists and no going, no melting and no burning. Reverse your course, advance towards Him then there will be hope of peace.

By your japa and meditation

pulling you in the opposite direction and making it difficult for you - persevere in spite of it!

Some severe blow of fate will drive you towards God. This will be but an expression of His Mercy; however painful, it is by such blows that one learns one's lesson.

Excerpted from 'Words of Sri Anandamayi Ma,' translated and compiled by Atmananda. The 117th birth anniversary of Anandamayi Ma will be celebrated on April 30.

the end of thinking, to the moment of total exhaustion. Said differently, the human mind needs to know its limitations. By means of this a completely relaxed state arises.

Thinking operates in time and space, but what we actually are stands outside of time.

Thus time, thought, can never understand what lies beyond time.

When thought is exhausted we are

understanding, which is a global perceiving. When we speak about being understanding it is this global perceiving.

You know moments in your daily life when you are completely absent as a person. You cannot think this absence, you are it. If you consider yourself to be a person, then you make an object of yourself, and as such you are con-

you see thesurroundings without reference, out of your totality, out of your all encompassing oneness.

There is no reaction anymore, there is only action. There is no entity in the cosmos. There is only functioning. There is not anyone who functions.

Observing in the right way changes the patterns in your body-thought- feeling. See what

Remain in the not knowing and see what happens

Jean Klein

on the threshold of our true nature. This threshold is a global perception, free of mental concepts.

Intellectual understanding dissolves in silence, and this silence is our true nature.

Maybe we have a clear mathematical idea in our thinking, but this understanding is still objective; the mathematical idea has to completely dissolve in being the

By seeing only one part nothing else can arise except reactions, and reactions can only create conflict. But if you are free of yourself, free of the idea of being a person, in this absence, you are actually presence nected as an object with objects.

Then you occupy a part of yourself, and a part can only be a part. By seeing only one part nothing else can arise except reactions, and reactions can only create conflict. But if you are free of yourself, free of the idea of being a person, in this absence of yourself, you are actually presence, allencompassing presence. Then

effect it has in you to be the observing. When you think of the past, that is the present, a thought in the now. Thus, in reality there is no psychological past. There is a chronological past, but this is only a very small percentage of what we call 'the past'.

Excerpted from 'Open to the Unknown' talks in Delphi that Jean Klein held in Greece in 1990.

Realisation is our nature.

It is nothing new to be gained. What is new cannot be eternal.

-Ramana Maharshi

Perfect awakening is possible here and now for every human being regardless of background, practice or personal circumstances.

You are already free!

-Sri Poonjaji

Faith, no doubt, is a great and mighty ally to the seeker; but blind faith, born from fear and thriving in ignorance is a chain of slavery.

-Swami Chinmayananda

There is no place for effort in reality. It is selfishness, due to self-identification with the body, that is the main problem and the cause of other problems.

-Nisargadatta Maharaj

Human effort consists in creating bondage for oneself, clinging fast to it, and wanting to become free without giving up bondage itself.

-Atmananda Krishna Menon

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Pakistan elections 2013: Will things change?

PR CHARI

A

week, Harold Wilson once famously said, is a long time in politics.

May 11 is when the next Pakistani general elections are scheduled but speculation about what will happen is rife amongst the concerned elite in Pakistan and India.

There is general wonderment in India and elsewhere that the Zardari government has lasted its full five-year term despite its many travails. On the socio-political front, its most serious problem has been the planned attacks on Pakistan's minority population, especially Shias, opposition leaders and, now, polio vaccinators.

Promoting liberal views in Pakistan provides fair game for its extremist groups, who may lack electoral support, but have no dearth of street and goonda power. The economic front should cause even greater concern to Islamabad with annual growth averaging less than 3 percent over the last three years, which is somewhat less than its population growth over this period.

Inflation, however, was around 11 per cent, with power shortages crippling Pakistan's fledgling manufacturing sector.

The result is growing unemployment and frustration in Pakistan's younger generation, not unlike the situation obtaining in many parts of the Arab world.

This depressing scenario furnishes the backdrop for the upcoming elections in Pakistan.

There is some speculation in India on whether the elections will be free and fair, and the short answer is "Yes, within reason." But, there might be allegations of defective electoral lists, booth capturing, voters being either bribed or intimidated and so on, which is par for the course in South Asian elections.

The question is one of scale, and one can safely prognosticate that electoral malpractices will not be of much significance in the Pakistani elections, especially with a caretaker government overseeing the process.

There is natural curiosity regarding the political parties and personalities in the fray, and who shall win. Here, we must concur with the general belief that the main contest lies between the Pakistan People's Party led by Zardari (father and son) and the Pakistan Muslim League (N) led

by the Sharif brothers. Both are cadre-based parties and enjoy firm bases in rural Sindh and Punjab respectively. The PPP, however, suffers from the liability of incumbency, while the PML (N) faces a strong PPP challenge within its secure base in south Punjab.

Important 'others' in the electoral battle are the Pakistan Tehrike-Insaaf (Imran Khan), Awami National Party (Wali Khan), and Mohajir Qaumi Movement (Altaf Hussain). The religious parties (JEI, JUI) have vociferously agitated sectarian issues in Pakistan, but are yet to demonstrate their

the Pakistan Army in vital areas like relations with India, Kashmir issue, nuclear weapons and the defense budget. Hence, there is no reason to believe that the Army would choose to dislodge the PPP from office, since it has proven its pliancy.

Does this also hold true of the PML-N? Nawaz Sharif's anathema towards General Musharraf is well known, but there is no reason to believe that he would choose a confrontation with General Kayani. The odds, therefore, are that both the PPP and the PML-Q would be perfectly willing to let

Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan addressing thousands of his supporters at an election rally

ability to translate religious fervor into electoral seats. In this milieu, Musharraf's homecoming has become a non-event with his house arrest; it did not arouse any support for his All Pakistan Muslim League or the Pakistan Muslim League (Q), which was the King's party during his regime.

Consequently, there is fair consensus that the smaller regional and sectarian parties cannot achieve power on their own, but must link their fortunes with either the PPP or the PML (N), which will happen after the seats won by the different political parties emerges after the elections. The question of present relevance is how the 'others' might erode the electoral support base of the PPP and PML (N) in various parts of Pakistan, and how this will impact on the two major parties. Naturally, the situation remains quite fluid and uncertain at the moment.

A question of huge significance for India is the likely role of the Pakistan Army, which is the dominant force in Pakistan. The PPP had subordinated its policies to

the present arrangements continue after the elections, with the Pakistan army remaining the Praetorian Guard behind the civilian government. In other words, they would be content to function in subordination to the Pakistan army on issues of interest to the latter.

Finally, the resemblance between the electoral scene in Pakistan and India is worth flagging.

A polarization of political parties around two nodes - UPA/NDA has occurred in India. They have revealed their preference also for dynastic succession - prominently, Rahul Gandhi in India and Bilawal Bhutto in Pakistan. Political parties in both countries are perfectly capable of using the sectarian card, while speaking of lofty secular principles. And, in both countries, corruption and mis-governance are hardly major electoral issues; so, at the end of the day, we shall only be witnessing "great sound and fury, signifying nothing."

The writer is Visiting Professor, IPCS

Boston & Bangalore

I

t is tempting to compare the response of the authorities and the public to a bomb blast in the US and the one occurring in India. Bomb blasts have become routine in India and the response to them is also on expected lines. We all know how swiftly the perpetrators of the Boston blasts were tracked and brought to book with the public fully co-operating with and later applauding the law enforcement authorities. Such trust between the governing and the governed is not available in India. There is no sympathy with each other. In fact the police and the politician treat the public as adversaries.

After the recent Bangalore blasts the political parties started blaming each other and the police trotted out the name of the same accused who was allegedly responsible for the earlier Hyderabad blasts. This fellow then must be omnipresent. At best a conjecture, the fact remains the police have not been able to find the culprit of either of the two blasts.

Three hours after the Boston blasts, the President of USA came on TV and assured the countrymen that the terrorist will be found and vowed that those responsible will "feel the full weight of justice." In sharp contrast, the Prime Minister of India remained silent and the Home Minister appeared non-serious when encountered in a TV studio. Soon after the blasts, a Congress MP worried that the blasts outside the BJP office will give a boost to the opposition party on the eve of elections in Karnataka.

Instead of helping those affected by the blast, politicians were busy making irresponsible comments. Going by the number of bomb blast that have occurred in India, it would seem the police and other law enforcement authorities would have become wise to the ways of the terrorists and would provide tips to the US from their own experience. But actually the Indian police have learnt no lessons and it is quite possible the next bomb attack may be on its way.

In great contrast, not only the cops in US went about their job with great efficiency, the medical personnel and others were quick to respond to the injured and the hospitals were better equipped to deal with victims of the disaster. In India, it is commonplace to find a crowd collecting at the place of an incident and no one coming forward to help the injured. And the hospitals are also found to be inhospitable caring only if the injured are well-connected or able to shell out money. The ordinary folks are left to their own devices.

One would imagine that after the infamous Delhi gangrape last December, the law enforcing authorities would pull themselves up and put in place a system whereby such incidents do not happen again. But it seems the rapes have only increased in the capital city of India. When the family protested recently the gruesome rape of a five-year old in Delhi, the cops tried to hush up the case by trying to offer money to the family and then went on to bash some women protestors. Anti-rape protests were first met with derision in Delhi's rooms of power and then the shell shocked politicians lied and bungled through it. Although the Prime Minister and the Congress president expressed their anguish and called for action, they do not seem to know how to proceed with the action. It has to begin with reforming the police whom they prefer to keep under their thumb. Their main job seems to be protecting the politicians.

The lives of ordinary people don't seem to matter to the oldstyle politicians. They continue to think that their vote base is in predominantly rural areas where people are generally illiterate and can be easily fooled. A recent survey in Hindustan Times should alert them to the fact that the mobile phone has invaded the rural areas as well and they are beginning to think like their urban brethren demanding accountability.

May 3, 2013

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May 3, 2013