India-Post_05-08-2015_e-paper by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Tejal among top 25 women in healthcare Details on page 32

Indian woman shot dead at gas station

VOL 20, No. 1077

May 8, 2015

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MODI TO VISIT CHINA FROM MAY 14-16 BEIJING: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially announced his visit to China from May 14 to 16 on the microblog website Weibo, saying he is looking forward to have productive discussions with top Chinese leadership. "Looking forward to visiting China from 14-16 May to strengthen friendship between our two ancient civilizations and the two largest developing countries," Modi wrote on the Chinese microblog that has over 500 million users. "Eagerly awaiting my visit to Xi'an, Beijing and Shang-

hai and my productive discussions with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang," he said in another post. This is the first time his visit has been officially announced. Modi earlier made his debut on Sina Weibo, the popular Chinese microblog akin to the Twitter and Facebook, ahead of his visit, saying "Hello China! Looking forward to interacting with Chinese friends through Weibo." Details on page 5

Details on page 6

US lawmakers meditate with Ravi Shankar Details on page 6

White House summit on AAPIs on May 12 Details on page 6

'Sikhs need to explain turban significance' Details on page 9

Four Indians in America to get Ellis honor

Patels lift State Bank of Texas to the very top

Details on page 8

Details on page 16

Dalal Street veteran dies in US car accident

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 30-31 Classifieds ------------------------- 48

Details on page 6

Community Post -------------- 16-23 Date Book -------------------------- 47

INDIA POST SURVEY

Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-35

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Horoscope ------------------------- 48

This week’s question

Immigration Post ------------- 44-46

Do you agree with Arun Shourie’s criticism of Modi? Last week’s result

Is there India-China competition over aid to Nepal? YES 57%

NO 43%

Life Style ----------------------- 50-52

YOGA ON THE HILL: After the White House and Pentagon, Yoga has conquered the last bastion in the US - the Congress. With the support of Embassy of India, the newly founded Congressional Yogi Association organized the first-ever "Yoga on the Hill" on May 1 at the Cannon House Office Building of the US Congress. Keith Mitchell, former US National Football League (NFL) pro and a celebrity yogi, is seen leading the first ever "Yoga on the Hill" event. (Details on page 8)

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Philosophy ------------------------- 49 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 36-38 TechBiz Post ------------------- 24-27 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

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nyone who has ever watched Jon Stewart's Daily Show on Comedy Cen tral knows how much this comedian-political satirist-media critic de spairs the excesses of the 24x7 television channels. As one who shares Stewart's frustrations, I can only say he has seen nothing if he thinks the American news channels are bad when it comes to breaking news or disaster coverage because to truly understand the definition of media overkill he needs to watch some of the eminent Indian news channels. It can't get any more pathetic than when the people of another country simply ask you to get out because you lack situational sensibilities. And I am talking about the devastated and traumatized Nepali citizens who are so sickened by the vulture-like, drama hungry and insensitive Indian media that is ravaging the aftermath of the recent earthquake in that country, that some locals have actually started a social media movement called #GoHomeIndianMedia. Taking after the Western media, the Indian media covering the earthquake in Nepal has been accused of being patronizing, insensitive, relentlessly aggressive and of running a public relations exercise for the Indian government; which is sad because it undermines the Indian army personnel who are genuinely conducting rescue and relief operations at great risk to their own lives. Are these really newsrooms that let loose such locust-like reporters, I wonder. Journalism schools still teach prospective journalists about the phenomenon called the CNN Effect, where 24-hour coverage of developing events shaped world opinion and sometimes led to policy change. But today, disaster coverage by news channels holds the potential drama of a daily soap and the shock value of a reality show It is called the "Murdochisation" of news, which in the developed as well as emerging economies like India, has nullified all "effects" to give rise to media freak shows. If anything, all that these channels seem to be aiming for is the "viral effect". Well, device and social media empowerment, and increasing citizen reporting are undeniable pressures on news reporters. So, perhaps the stricken Nepali people should cut the Indian reporters some slack - at least they are not taking selfies with the rubble and bodies. Romesh K Japra

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Height of shame Shruti Haasan reveals, "Appa (Kamal Haasan) gets really irritated while walking with me because of my height.”

Cover Story: Visit to China Narendra Modi has officially announced his visit to China from May 14 to 16 on the Chinese microblog website Weibo

Community: SBT on top Chandrakant Patel has proved his business acumen by lifting his State Bank of Texas (SBT) in Dallas to the very top

Praise for immigrants Jeb Bush has told Puerto Ricans that conservatives should be proud that America is ``an immigrant nation''

Life style: Best book Kerala-based Anees Salim has won the Raymond Crossword Book Award for his book "The Blind Lady's Descendants"

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Easy procedure In a move aimed at improving the ease of doing business, government has eased the procedure for setting up companies

Bomdila Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh is known for its scenic environs along with its Buddhist monasteries and apple orchids.

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Modi to visit China from May 14-16 BEIJING: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially announced his visit to China from May 14 to 16 on the microblog website Weibo, saying he is looking forward to have productive discussions with top Chinese leadership. "Looking forward to visiting

has been officially announced. Modi earlier made his debut on Sina Weibo, the popular Chinese microblog akin to the Twitter and Facebook, ahead of his visit, saying "Hello China! Looking forward to interacting with Chinese friends through Weibo." He followed it by another post

File photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi

China from 14-16 May to strengthen friendship between our two ancient civilizations and the two largest developing countries," Modi wrote on the Chinese microblog that has over 500 million users. "Eagerly awaiting my visit to Xi'an, Beijing and Shanghai and my productive discussions with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang," he said in another post. This is the first time his visit

later in the day highlighting the links forged by Buddhism between India and China and its potential to make this an Asian century. "I would like to convey my greetings to all of you on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. Today, we remember the august ideals & mission of Lord Buddha, who spread the message of harmony & brotherhood & envisioned a peaceful world. Buddha is a binding force that connects

us, Asian Nations. It can emerge as a strong unifying force to make this century an Asian Century." His posts drew wide response with over 25,000 commenting on them. Modi would kick off his visit to China as the Prime Minster from ancient Chinese city of Xi'an where he would be hosted by President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan to reciprocate the hometown bonhomie displayed by the Indian leader when the Chinese leader visited Ahmadabad in September last year. Xi'an is the provincial capital of Shaanxi province, the home province of President Xi. It is rare for Chinese leaders to receive foreign guests in cities other than Beijing and according to officials, Xi was keen to reciprocate warm and innovative welcome extended by Modi when he visited India. Besides entertaining Xi and Peng with a Jhula ride, which topped the collection of their photo album of foreign visits last year, Modi also took them to Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram where he and Xi spun the Charkha in Gandhian style. "Warmly recall my conversations with President Xi Jinping and his invitation to visit Xi'an in his home province; looking forward to visiting this historic city associated with Xuan Zang (famous Chinese Buddhist scholar) and his journey to India in his quest for knowledge," Modi said in another post. "I am confident my visit will lay

the foundation for further enhancing economic co-operation with China in a wide range of sectors. I also look forward to meeting the captains of industry in Shanghai and sharing with them the wonderful opportunities India has to offer. "(I) Am certain that my visit to China will strengthen stability, progress and prosperity in Asia," he said. Hectic preparations Hectic preparations are under-

he would arrive in Beijing where he would hold in depth talks with Xi and Li on May 15 on the sticky issue of border dispute and improvement of bilateral ties with large Chinese investments. Besides holding talks with Chinese leaders in Beijing, Modi was expected to attend an event alongwith Li featuring Yoga and Chinese martial art Thai Chi at the Temple of Heaven. On the third day, he would visit Shanghai where he would address business meeting to highlight the

Officials say Xi may accompany Modi to the Wild Goose Pagoda, a spiritual structure build to highlight famous Chinese Buddhist monk Xuan Zang's journey to India in 645 AD through the ancient Silk Road and his return after a 17-year long sojourn way for Modi's visit. While officials were tight lipped about the program, the visit was expected to be high on optics with rare outings of Chinese leaders accompanying the visiting dignitaries. Officials say Xi may accompany Modi to the Wild Goose Pagoda, a spiritual structure build to highlight famous Chinese Buddhist monk Xuan Zang's journey to India in 645 AD through the ancient Silk Road and his return after a 17-year long sojourn with precious Buddhist scriptures. The Xi couple will host a banquet for Modi in Xi'an after which

importance of 'Make in India' campaign. He would also address a big get-together of Indians working in China similar to the meetings he addressed during his recent visits abroad. Indian associations in different Chinese cities have sent out invitations to their members to take part in the meeting. This is the first time an Indian leader will be addressing such a meeting in China. According to official estimates about 45,000 Indians, mostly professionals, businessmen and students currently stay in China. -PTI

Modi scores big hit with microblog: China media BEIJING: China's official media has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to open an account on the popular Chinese social microblog Weibo, saying he scored a "big hit" ahead of his visit here next week. "Modi scores big hit with micro blog in run-up to visit," read the headline in the staterun English language China Daily, while another official newspaper Global Times headline says 'Modi debuts on Weibo ahead of state visit to China'. The China Daily said Modi's account on the Sina Weibo, akin to Twitter and Facebook, "attracted thousands of Internet users". Modi, who is scheduled to

start his three-day visit to China from May 14, posted his first post in Chinese, saying "Hello China! Looking forward to interacting with C h i n e s e f r i e n d s t h r o u g h Weibo." His post was immediately forwarded more than 4,700 times and attracted over 7,800 comments within three hours, it said. Some welcomed Modi's "positive ges-

ture", while many others raised issues that have posed obstacles to ties between the two countries

for decades, it said. One post read: "I suggest improving the social status of Indian women and protecting the safety of females! Or we foreign women will not dare travel to India." The post attracted more than 700 "likes", the report said. It is not the first time that a foreign leader has opened a micro-blog account before making an official trip to China. In September 2013, Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro opened a micro-blog account before visiting China, it said. Over 200 leaders of foreign countries and international organizations, including British Prime Minister David Cameron, had opened micro-blog ac-

counts as of April last year, it said. It quoted Le Yucheng, the Chinese ambassador to India, as saying that Modi will have the chance to communicate with China's businesspeople, young students and the public during his visit. The Global Times said Modi has been welcomed by Chinese internet users with his first post, getting more than 14,217 hits and 26,406 followers as of press time. More than 10,000 internet users commented on his first post as of press time, it said. "Aside from expressing curiosity on who runs this account for Modi, some Net users made references to territorial disputes between the two countries," it said. -PTI

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Indian woman shot dead at gas station NEW YORK: An Indian-origin woman working at a gas station died after being shot in the face in an attempted armed robbery in South Carolina, the third such incident in which an Indian-American has been killed in the US within a month. Mradulaben Patel from Gujarat, 59, was the coowner of a store at a BP gas station in Powdersville. An unidentified man is believed to have shot Patel in the face on April 30 night. Police has asked for help to identify the assailant. Patel, who underwent surgery, later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital. Police said surveillance video footage shows a man walking into the store and buying a pack of cigars. Investigators said they believe the man shot Patel during an attempted robbery and it was not a case of racial attack. They said after the shooting, a customer Michael Wheat found Patel lying on the floor and called 911. "I saw her lying there on the floor, bleeding pretty bad," said Wheat, adding that Patel had

blood all over her head and on the floor. Wheat said he left the store and got in his truck from where he called emergency assistance number 911. He said he ran back into the store without knowing whether or

Mradulaben Patel

not the shooter had already left the scene of the incident. "She was kinda moaning as she was breathing," said Wheat. Patel holds American and British citizenship. "Our deepest condolences at the unfortunate demise of Ms. Mridulaben Patel, a PIO, after

an attempted robbery at a gas station in S. Carolina," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted. The Indian Consulate in Atlanta has extended all possible assistance to the family of Patel and is in touch with police regarding the investigation, he said. Officials of the Indian Consulate in Atlanta have spoken to her husband as well. However, sources said, Patel's family had not sought any assistance from the Indian mission. Customers of the shop remembered Patel as a friendly woman. "She always asked how everybody was, their day was, (and) she asked how my daughter was every day that I came in here," said Shalynn Zarczynski, a frequent customer of Patel's shop. Two Indian-Americans Sanjay Patel (39) and Rajesh Madala (35) -were killed during apparent robbery attempts in two separate incidents at gas stations in the US last month, sending shock waves among the local population.-PTI

Dalal Street veteran dies in car accident in US

US lawmakers meditate with Ravi Shankar WASHINGTON: Indian spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has held a rare meditation session at the Capitol Hill here, attended by several US lawmakers many of whom described it as a self-empowering experience. "We now know as a matter of science that (meditation) produces empirical benefits to our

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar addressing U.S. Congressional Leaders in Capitol Hill

society, to our country, to the world," Congressman Steve Israel said, adding that there is no better spokesperson than Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for it. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky termed it a "beautiful and self-empowering experience". Congressman Tim Ryan, a long time meditator, commended the effectiveness of Ravi Shankar's techniques and his commitment to social causes.

investing," Quantum AMC Chief Executive Jimmy Patel said. "He practiced good ethics in the business of fund management. He had great stock picking skills too. Among his top param-

Parag Parikh

eters for investing in a stock was the credibility of its management. He would only invest in stocks whose managements treated minority shareholders well. It was

always nice to know that there were people who believed that investors come always first," he added. Parag Parikh Financial Advisory Services Asset Management C o m p a n y (PPFAS), which became operational in 2013, has a single product, known as PPFAS Long Term Value Fund, a diversified equity scheme. The AMC is a mid-sized mutual fund house which was having total assets under management of Rs 572 crore as on March 31. As of now, the company is having 4,000 folios and it employs 35 staff at present, a company executive said. -PTI

letting go," Ravi Shankar said in the presence of war veterans and policy leaders. "Stress arises when we have too much to do, and not enough energy or time to do it. We can neither change time nor the number of things we need to do. So, the only option is to increase energy levels. And this can be accomplished through breathing techniques and meditation," he added. -PTI

White House summit on AAPIs on May 12 India Post News Service

MUMBAI/NEW YORK: Noted investor Parag Parikh, founder of mutual fund house PPFAS, died in a car accident in Omaha in the US on May 3. Parikh's office in Mumbai confirmed his demise. He was in the US to attend the annual shareholder meeting of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Corporation. "Parikh had a very good understanding of the market and he was a seasoned value investor. He was very much committed and talking to him was very good learning experience for me," Union KBC Mutual fund Chief Executive G Pradeep Kumar told PTI. "It's a big loss for the AMC industry. As a Dalal street veteran, Parekh tried to make investing a simple business for investors by having just one simple product. "He was one of the few investment experts, who saw a potential in the direct-to-investor route of

"Sri Sri (Ravi Shankar) has an approach that can solve a lot of problems. He is very much an inspiration," he said. "It is just wonderful to have Sri Sri come to Congress and remind us of the power and beauty within us," said Congresswoman Katherine Clark. "The secret of meditation is in

WASHINGTON, DC: The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) will host an unprecedented and historic White House Summit on AAPIs at The George Washington University on May 12. Convening senior federal government officials, community leaders, and members of the public from across the country, the Summit will recognize the growing influence of AAPIs and celebrate the Obama Administration's policies and programs that continue to support this community. Now the fastest growing racial group in this country, the AAPI

community is increasing over four times as rapidly as the total U.S. population and is expected to double to more than 47 million by 2060. Recognizing the diverse needs of the growing AAPI population, President Obama re-established the White House Initiative in 2009 to improve the quality of

life for all AAPIs through increased access to federal programs. In honor of this leadership, the Summit will be part of the main celebratory week of events during AAPI Heritage Month and will be free and open to the public.

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4 Indian-Americans to receive Ellis honor India Post News Service

NEW YORK: On Saturday, May 9, four members of the American-Asian Indian community will receive the 2015 Ellis Island Medals Of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of OrganizationsNECO. Dr Rajdeep Dhami, Physician at Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur, Illinois; Meera Gandhi, CEO and Founder of The Giving Back Foundation; Dr Rahul M. Jindal, Transplant Surgeon and Professor at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and KV Kumar, Managing Partner at Kumar & Talvadkar Associates

currently works as a hospitalist physician in Illinois and is a mentor and role model to ethnic women and children. Dr Dhami works actively in the community, supporting and organizing health screening fairs in regions with poor access to healthcare. These fairs provide medical information and screen patients for hypertension, diabetes, podiatry, dental, and proteinuria, and offer flu immunizations. She works with the American Lung Association to improve asthma education in the state and with the Michael Cuccione. Meera Gandhi was born in Mumbai, India. She is the CEO

The Ellis Island Medals of Honor embody the spirit of America in their celebration of patriotism, tolerance, brotherhood and diversity. they recognize individuals who have made it their mission to share with those less fortunate their wealth of knowledge LLC. Other prominent honorees will include: Journalist Meredith Vieira, New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera, U.S. Representative Ted Poe (R-TX), twelve members of the U.S. Military and Washington, D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier. The 29th Annual Ellis Island Medal of Honor Ceremony will be held on Ellis Island at 6:30 p.m. The Ceremony will be followed by a Gala Dinner in the historic Great Hall. Emmy-winning Senior Correspondent Marvin Scott and fellow Emmy-winning Nightly News anchor Tamsen Fadal, both of WPIX-11, will be the Masters of Ceremony. Dr Rajdeep Dhami immigrated to the United States in 2007. She

and Founder of the Giving Back Foundation, whose mission is to support and educate girls. The Giving Back Foundation supports many entities with scholarships and grants. The children of St. Michael's School in India, through the foundation's five year commitment, are being provided with daily meals and have had their entire school and grounds refurbished. Additionally, the foundation awards teenage students at the Eleanor Roosevelt Leadership Center program on an annual basis, one of the many programs that the Giving Back Foundation supports. Gandhi's motto is "We are to the Universe only as much as

we give back to it." She launched her own film, television and internet production company and recently completed the production of the film Giving Back, nominated in the category of best documentary film at the Woodstock Film Festival. Dr Rahul Jindal is a Professor in the Department of Surgery and Division of Global Health, USUHS Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery and Medicine at George Washington University. Dr Jindal has been recognized for his contribution to global health issues, in particular, his work in Guyana, South America. There he mobilized a team of physicians and nurses and successfully performed the first living kidney transplant in Guyana, South America. He also played a crucial role on the medical team that conducted groundbreaking surgery at Walter Reed Medical Center on 21-year old senior airman, Tre Porfirio, who was shot three times by an insurgent in Afghanistan and received the first ever pancreas islet cell transplant after trauma. Dr Jindal has provided CME activities for the past two decades and is in the process of organizing a Global Kidney Support Network that integrates medical professionals and patients in developing countries so that they can deal with the challenges of kidney diseases, renal failure and kidney transplantation. He is the Director of "Hindus Gift of Life," which conducts The National Hindu Temples Blood and Bone Marrow Campaign sponsored by about 600 HinduAmerican temples throughout the United States. Dr Jindal has taken a lead in organizing and increasing the reg-

istration and donation rate of bone marrow in ethnic communities in the U.S. by organizing and conducting numerous bone marrow registration campaigns throughout the U.S. and by promoting education and creating awareness of the need of marrow/ blood stem cell donors especially in the ethnic communities KV Kumar serves as the Managing Partner at Kumar & Talvadkar Associates, LLC. He has turned around many projects including a privately held healthcare company in Southern California. In three short years, with Kumar's support, the company was sold for nearly three

fluential Multi-Cultural Business Leader" and "Lifetime Achievement Award" for Outstanding Public Service, U.S. Indian American Chamber of Commerce, among others. Chairman of NECO Nasser J. Kazeminy states, "NECO seeks to inspire America to embrace diversity, tolerance and respect for all of its citizens by celebrating those who have given so much of themselves to the betterment of our nation and our world. Each of these honorees represents traits that I admire in great Americans: the vision of a better world for all, the tenacity to overcome challenges, and the leadership and imagination to blaze their own trail.

He is the Director of "Hindus Gift of Life," which conducts The National Hindu Temples Blood and Bone Marrow Campaign sponsored by about 600 Hindu-American temples throughout the United States times the original estimated value. He was recently appointed to the Small Business Council of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the California State Bar Board of Examiner's Committee and California District Board of Appeals for the Selective Service, appointed by the President. KV is the President of U.S. India Foundation and serves on the Advisory Boards of Hispanic 100 and the Latino Coalition. KV was awarded the Millennium Award by the Brain Injury Association of America for Advocacy on behalf of victims of brain injury which led to the passing of the 1996 Traumatic Brain Injury Act by the U.S. Congress. He was also awarded the "2009 Most In-

And most importantly, they have the humility and self-reflection to appreciate the amazing opportunities that America has given them. They inspire me and we honor them so they can inspire others as well." The Ellis Island Medals of Honor embody the spirit of America in their celebration of patriotism, tolerance, brotherhood and diversity. they recognize individuals who have made it their mission to share with those less fortunate their wealth of knowledge, indomitable courage, boundless compassion, unique talents and selfless generosity; all while maintaining the traditions of their ethnic heritage as they uphold the ideals and spirit of America.

Yoga fever reaches Capitol Hill WASHINGTON: After the White House and Pentagon and mushrooming of several studios across the nation, Yoga has conquered the last bastion in the US the Congress. Ahead of the first International Yoga Day on June 21 - a move initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly - a group of US lawmakers and hill staff have come together to form the first ever and one-of-its kind "Congressional Yogi Association". The inaugural event at the historic Cannon House Office Building of the US Congress was attended by a number of top

American lawmakers. Prominent among them were Tim Ryan, Charles Rangel and Barbara Lee. Organized by the Congressional Yogi Association with support of the Indian Embassy here, the first-ever "Yoga on the Hill" on May 1 was attended by Brennan Mullaney (Team RWBveterans' welfare organization) and Tom Voss (Iraq War veteran). Around 60 Congressional officials participated in the yoga and meditation session. Congressman Tim Ryan from Ohio, who performed yoga and meditation along with others, said an important issue faced by Americans is extremely high lev-

els of stress. "I have found that mindfulness and the practice of yoga help to reduce stress, improve concentration, and increase feelings of well-being," he said. "I am happy to support the first annual Yoga on the Hill event and the Congressional Yogi Association in raising awareness for the many benefits a yoga practice can bring to individuals across the country," Ryan said. "As a Korean War Veteran, Yoga on the Hill's mission to promote wellness among the veteran community is close to my heart," said Congressman Charles B Rangel. -PTI

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Nepal needs 1 million tents for rehabilitation KATHMANDU: Quake-hit Nepal urgently needs one million tents to provide temporary shelter to thousands of victims of the devastating temblor that killed over 7,300 people, Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh said. According to the Nepalese government, the earthquake has so far destroyed 1,60,786 houses and damaged 1,43,642, forcing thousands of people to stay in the open battling bad weather. "Nepal urgently needs around one million tents to provide shelter to the affected people as more than 300,000 buildings have collapsed during the earthquake," Singh, who is also the general secretary of the ruling Nepali Congress, told PTI. Hundreds of buildings have developed cracks and people are scared to return to their houses, he said. Singh said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Benerjee will hand over some one lakh tarpaulins to the government of Nepal as relief material. Minister for Urban Infrastructure Development Narayan Khadka has left for Jhapa district near Kakarbhitta to receive the tarpaulins, he said. "As you know the monsoon season is fast approaching and it takes months to begin reconstruction works, so we need tents to

shelter people. There is no tent manufacturing plant in Nepal, so we are seeking help from possible

by some leftist leaders, who termed foreign assistance pouring to Nepal as interference in our af-

American Medical Team consisting of 3 doctors and 2 paramedics at Kathmandu airport after being evacuated from Dhunche by an Indian Air Force (IAF) MI-17 V5 helicopter following the recent massive earthquake in Nepal

areas including India, Thailand and Pakistan for tents," Singh said. He said the government is making all efforts to provide relief to the people. He asked people not be taken away by rumors aimed at tarnishing the image of the government. He dismissed comments made

fairs, saying "We need foreign aid, foreign experts and relief materials at this moment and those offering such help cannot be taken as interference." "We also need specially trained foreign manpower to carry out rescue of the victims of the earthquake," he insisted.

1,60,786 houses destroyed in Nepal's quake KATHMANDU: The number of houses destroyed in quake-hit Nepal is over 1,60,000, nearly twice the number of households wrecked in the 1934's deadly temblor that has been the country's worst disaster of all times. In worst-affected districts like Gorkha and Sindhupalchowk, the damage is even more extensive, with up to 90 per cent of houses destroyed, according to a situation report released by the United Nation's humanitarian agency OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs). "According to the government, the earthquake destroyed 1,60,786 houses and damaged 1,43,642 (as of May 1). The government is currently projecting this caseload to increase to a total number of 5,00,000 houses destroyed," it said.

On April 25, a powerful 7.9magnitude earthquake, with its epicenter located at about 80 km north-west of Kathmandu, hit the country and left a trail of death and devastation, killing over 7,000 and injuring 14,123 others. Among the affected districts,

Sindhupalchowk has reported the maximum casualties with over 2,000 deaths, and several hundreds have died in Gorkha, where the epicenter of the deadly quake lay that fateful day. The report has also estimated USD 415 million as needed for vital humanitarian relief in the

quake-ravaged country. According to the report, the number of houses wrecked in the earthquake 81 years ago stood at 80,893. The 1934 Great Nepal-Bihar Earthquake, with its epicenter about 9.5 km south of Mt Everest, had killed several thousands people on both sides of the Himalayas and practically flattened Kathmandu Valley besides leveling several districts in Bihar like Munger, Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga, destroying houses and grand palaces. The April 25 quake has in many ways become an eerie reminder to the 1934 quake, which too has robbed the culturally-rich country of its architectural jewels, including the iconic Ghantaghar (clock tower). The Dharhara tower, a veritable landmark of the city was destroyed in 1934 as well, but was rebuilt later, only to meet a more cruel fate this time. In Sindhupalchowk, a train of flattened houses sends a chill down the spines of visitors and rescue workers.-PTI

He dismissed media reports that Indian aircraft involved in rescue and relief operations in Nepal

have crossed the border and entered into the border of the northern neighbor. "All the foreign aircraft are operating under the command of the Nepal Army and there is no such possibility," he said. "Aircraft have arrived not only from India but also from China and USA for relief works and all of them are functioning under the command of Nepal Army," he added. He appreciated government of India for the assistance provided to the quake-hit Nepal. The government has made request to international communities for assistance and we need quick response as time is running out for the relief works, he said. "We are getting very positive response from all over the world including India," he added. -PTI

'Sikhs need to explain significance of turban' WASHINGTON: Sikhs need to explain to Americans the significance of the turban, the most visible sign of their identity, an influential US lawmaker has said, amid reports that a majority of children wearing turbans are bullied in schools. Congresswoman Judy Chu,

Judy Chu

founder and vice chair of the Congressional American Sikh Caucus, said despite the fact that Sikhs have been woven into the fabric of American culture for more than a century, there is a need to educate Americans about it. Chu was speaking at the Capitol Hill after receiving a report on "Sikhs in America" from the National Sikh Campaign (NSC). The report has been prepared by Geoff Garin, head of the Hart Research Associates. "The most significant finding here is that most Americans do not know much about the Sikh community," Chu said. Chu said that though it is disappointing, it can also be a posi-

tive because it can be a way to educate people about Sikhs. "It's an opportunity to tell your neighbors about why Sikhs wear turbans and have long beards and that these are articles of a loving and peaceful faith." "But there're also some things in this report that show there are issues that need some serious attention," she said. "In particular it has to do with the fact that more than half the Sikh children endure bullying in school and this number is worse for children who wear turbans," she said. Chu said: "It is important for us to be able to communicate what is happening to Sikh children with regards to bullying, and communicate to a wider audience." Briefing lawmakers on the report, Garin, a former political strategist for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, said one of the main points taken from the findings was that Sikhs "have to explain to American people what turban means because that is the immediate source of identification." Sikhs, he said, have to explain what it symbolizes and what values it represents. "This will have a very powerful impact [on the broader American public]," he added. -PTI

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Largest ever disaster relief operation by India KATHMANDU: Over 2,600 earthquake victims in Nepal have been treated so far by Indian medical teams, the Indian envoy said here while providing details of the largest ever relief operation mounted by India in response to a natural disaster abroad. 1,170 of the victims have been treated at Barpak, the epicenter of the earthquake, Indian ambassador to Nepal, Ranjit Rae, said while briefing the international community about rescue and relief work carried out by India. "Operation Maitri is the largest ever support operation by India in response to a natural calamity abroad. It represented not only the deepest commitment at the high-

est political level in India but also overwhelming outpouring of support from the people of India and over a dozen Indian states including those bordering Nepal," Rae said. Reiterating India's stand, he stated that India was Indian Air Force (IAF) Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT) and the Indian Army Hospital team in action at a makeshift hospital, at Lalitpur near Kathmandu

ready to offer any support to the government of Nepal within its means and rescue and relief efforts carried out by India are being closely monitored in India and are also being coordinated with the international community. After the devastating earthquake hit the Himalayan nation, India sent the first air force flight which landed in Kathmandu with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescue teams and relief material within six hours of the quake. Thereafter, IAF 32 flights brought in 520 tonnes of relief materials containing tents, blankets, medicines, cooking material, food, water, heavy engineering equipment, ambulances, RO plant, oxygen generators, two full-fledged army field hospitals with 18 medical teams, 18 army engineering teams and 16 NDRF teams. These teams have been working roundthe-clock since their deployment in close coordination with the government of Nepal. Reacting to the Nepal government asking foreign rescue teams to leave the country, an Indian Embassy spokesperson told PTI, "We have received a letter from the Nepal government regarding this and our rescue teams will be soon leaving the country. The Nepal government has issued similar letters to all the embassies". -PTI

'Leave' order not aimed at India: Nepal NEW DELHI: Quake-struck Nepal has clarified to India that its decision to ask foreign rescue personnel to leave was not directed at it but encompassed all other 33 countries present in the Himalayan nation which was now moving into next phase rehabilitation. Underlining that his country was thankful to India for responding within "6-7" hours and saving lives following the devastating earthquake, Nepal Ambassador here Deep Kumar Upadhyay indicated that India will remain engaged in the rehabilitation process. He said Nepal Army, police and other local organizations had expertise to handle the situation but lacked equipment. "We have to thank the Indian government since within 6-7 hours of time, a flight reached Kathmandu with all the necessary equipment. It helped many people survive," he said. He asked the media to take the situation very positively and added that rescue work in Nepal was about to be completed. "This (rescue) is the first phase. Now we have to clear all the debris also. Kathmandu is a monumental city...Nepal army is coordinating all these things. They are the experts and if they need any kind of equipment, personnel, they will make their request and government will do accordingly," he said emerging from his meeting with Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar. Nepal's decision asking foreign rescue workers to leave had led to speculation that it was directed at India.-PTI

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How India slammed into Eurasia at record speed WASHINGTON: India set a continental speed record as it crashed into Eurasia 80 million years ago due to a double subduction, a new MIT study has found. In the history of continental drift, India has been a mysterious record-holder, researchers said.

Then, about 80 million years ago, the continent suddenly sped up, racing north at about 15 centimeters per year - about twice as fast as the fastest modern tectonic drift. The continent collided with Eurasia about 50 million years ago, giving rise to the Himalayas.

Now geologists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have found India was pulled northward by the combination of two subduction zones - regions in the Earth's mantle where the edge of one tectonic plate sinks under another plate More than 140 million years ago, India was part of an immense super-continent called Gondwana, which covered much of the Southern Hemisphere. Around 120 million years ago, what is now India broke off and started slowly migrating north, at about 5 centimeters per year.

For years, scientists have struggled to explain how India could have drifted northward so quickly. Now geologists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have found India was pulled northward by the combination of two subduction zones

- regions in the Earth's mantle where the edge of one tectonic plate sinks under another plate. As one plate sinks, it pulls along any connected landmasses, according to the study published just days after a devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal. The geologists reasoned that two such sinking plates would provide twice the pulling power, doubling India's drift velocity. The team found relics of what may have been two subduction zones by sampling and dating rocks from the Himalayan region. They then developed a model for a double subduction system, and determined that India's ancient drift velocity could have depended on two factors within the system: the width of the subducting plates, and the distance between them. If the plates are relatively narrow and far apart, they would likely cause India to drift at a faster rate, researchers said. -PTI

France minister to discuss Rafale deal PANAJI: Days after Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi announced purchase of 36 Rafale jets from France in fly-away condition, its Defense Minister JeanYves Le Drian will be visiting India next week to "set up" negotiations for the crucial deal. "He will be in India during next week. It will not be for signing the contract because the agreement is just two weeks old, but he will set up negotiations with India," French Ambassador to India, Francois Richier, told reporters here. He was in Goa to participate in the Indo-French Naval exercise. The diplomat said purchase of

the aircraft by India, Qatar and Egypt is a testimony to the importance of fighter planes in these countries which are facing a real security challenge. "It is also recognition that Rafale is the pertinent plane for a country which has a real security challenge. And the fact that it was recently purchased by Egypt or Qatar, which are countries in areas which present strategic challenges," he said. Richier, however, did not assign any deadline for winding up the deal. "It is always better to be prudent when one speaks about setting timelines," he said. "Thanks to the negotiations,

we have worked out a lot of details on the specifics of technology. All this is there. All that work is not lost. It will serve as a basis for negotiation of this deal," the ambassador said. During his visit to France last month, Modi had signed an agreement to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets for over USD 6 billion. Richier said France's relations with India date back to 1953 when "Hurricanes" aircraft were supplied to Indian Air Force. The plane was later used by the military to liberate Goa from Portuguese colonial rule. -PTI

India-origin billionaires offer quake-resistant houses KATHMANDU: Two Indianorigin billionaires in the UK have offered to build 1,200 quake-resistant houses in the affected villages of the country. Mukesh Kumar Sehgal, managing director of UK-based SISMO Company offered 1,000 quake-resistant houses, while, Shree Prakash Lohia, founder and chairman of Indorama Corporation offered to build 200 houses through his Lohia Foundation. Sehgal met Nepal's Acting Ambassador to Britain, Tej Bahadur Chettri, and offered to build 1,000 quake-resistant houses in Nepal, Ekantipur reported. "Our company is well experienced in building houses with new technology and if Nepal government accepts the offer, he will start construction of houses in remote areas that are severely hit," Sehgal said. "Initially we will construct

temporary houses so that affected people can be relocated. Later once debris is cleared, we will build the new settlement," Sehgal said. Meanwhile, Nepali billionaire businessman Upendra Mahato has announced Rs 150 million in assistance for the relief and rehabilitation of the earthquake victims. Mahato is the founding President of Non Resident Nepali Association. "Rs 30 million will be spent on immediate relief package such as tents, food stuff and clothing. He said Rs 120 million will be spent for the construction of quake-resistant school buildings in the highly affected region," he said. The number of houses destroyed in quake-hit Nepal is over 1,60,000, nearly twice the number of households wrecked in the 1934's deadly temblor that has been the country's worst disaster of all times.-PTI

Indian flavor in UK poll campaign

Abhishek Bachchan campaigning for UK MP Keith Vaz

LONDON: Besides the closest election battle, the May 7 general election in Britain is also set to go down in history as the one with the most Indian flavor. From the release of a Bollywood-style campaign song singing the praises of Prime Minister David Cameron in Hindi to visits to gurdwaras and temples across Britain, all major parties are doing their best to woo the nearly 1.5 million Indian Diaspora based in the country. Even Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan was roped in by one of Britain's longest serv-

ing Indian origin MPs, Keith Vaz, who attracted large crowds in his constituency of Leicester recently. As NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul points out, these are all attempts to sway every last vote. "Indians look at which party does the best for the whole community. So far, the record of the Labor Party has been better. But ultimately every little helps when you are desperate, and Mr Cameron needs all the help at the moment," he said, predicting a tough battle ahead for the ruling Conservative party. -PTI

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Kerry calls up Sushma Swaraj NEW DELHI: US Secretary of State John Kerry called his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj and the two discussed the overall situation in the region, specially the relief efforts in quake-devastated Nepal. "Secretary of State John Kerry today called External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. They spoke on overall situation in region and specially on relief efforts in Nepal", Spokesman of External Affairs Ministry Vikas Swarup tweeted. India and the United States are going to hold strategic dialogue later this year. The United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Wendy Sherman, was here recently and held talks with Foreign

Secretary S Jaishankar on IndoUS ties and implementation of decisions taken at the summit between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January. They also reviewed the security scenario in the region. -PTI

India seeks UN intervention on Lakhvi release UNITED NATIONS: India has sought UN's intervention in the release of Mumbai terror attack mastermind and LeT commander Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, saying it was in violation of the norms of the global body and it should raise the matter with Pakistan. In a letter to the current Chair of the UN Sanctions Committee Jim McLay, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Asoke Mukherjee said Lakhvi's release by a Pakistani court was in violation of the 1267 UN resolution dealing with designated entities and individuals. The sanctions measures apply to designated individuals and entities associated with terror groups including al-Qaeda and LeT, wherever located.

In the letter by the Indian envoy, it was also mentioned that

Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi

even the bail amount provided was against the sanctions' committee rule which calls for freezing the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities. The sanctions' committee has five permanent and 10 non-permanent UN member-states in it. The release of Lakhvi had also raised concerns in the US, UK, Russia, France and Germany with Washington calling for him to be rearrested.-PTI

Lakhvi is innocent, says Hafiz Saeed LAHORE: Claiming that Zakiur-Rehman Lakhvi is innocent, chief of banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa Hafiz Saeed has said India is trying to put pressure on Pakistan through the UN and the US to punish him for the 2008 Mumbai attack. "India has no evidence against Lakhvi. Out of desperation it has contacted the United Nations and the US to pressure the Pakistani government to give punishment to Lakhvi. India and the UN have

no right to intervene in the judicial system of Pakistan. India had never accepted the decisions of the Pakistani courts in the past," he said. Lakhvi is "innocent" as there has been no evidence against him for his involvement in Mumbai attack case, the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was quoted as saying by Dunya TV. His comments came after India took up Lakhvi's matter with the UN.-PTI

Bangladesh probing AlQaeda links in murder DHAKA: Bangladesh has said it has launched investigations into the involvement of Al-Qaeda's Indian Subcontinent unit in the killing of American atheist blogger Avijit Roy and other secular bloggers. "Our intelligence agencies do not have any information that AlQaeda had killed the three bloggers, including (BangladeshiAmerican) Avijit Roy. However, investigations have been ordered to verify if the video tape released in the name of AQIS was genuine," state Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told media here. The Minister's comments came a day after Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) claimed responsibility for the murder of Bangladesh-born US blogger, Roy. "We earlier came to know the

link of Ansarullah Bangla Team with Roy's murder and this outfit may have relations with AlQaeda," Kamal said. AQIS has posted a video on jihadist fora claiming responsibility for the murder of Roy in Bangladesh as well as other "blasphemers" there and in Pakistan, according to SITE Intelligence Group in the US. "AQIS leader Asim Umar claimed credit for the murder of American citizen Avijit Roy in Bangladesh as well as other 'blasphemers' there and in Pakistan," according to SITE, a US website that monitors extremist groups. Roy, a prominent writer and secular activist, was hacked to death by two assailants with machetes on the streets of Dhaka in February as the 45-year old blogger returned from a book fair with his wife.-PTI

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Australian Alumni Excellence Awards in India COIMBATORE: Recognizing outstanding achievement in various fields by Australian alumni of Indian origin, the Australian Alumni Association (AAA) India has announced that awards would be presented on June 6 in Chennai. Australian Alumni Excellence Awards India 2015 recognize outstanding achievement in Entrepreneurship and Industry Excel-

lence, Education and Public service, Science and Technology, sports, art and culture, food, travel, leisure, young Achiever award and community service (Citizen of the Year). AAA connects Indo Australian alumni for fellowship, professional networking and development and mentors future students and young alumni who are repatriated after their studies in Australia, an

'Dawood Ibrahim's location is not known' NEW DELHI: Underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's location is not known to the government and once he is located, his extradition process will be initiated, Lok Sabha was informed today. Minister of State for Home

Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary said Dawood is an accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case and a red corner notice has been issued against him. "The United Nations Security Council has also issued a special notice against him. The subject has not been located so far. Extradition process with regard to

Dawood Ibrahim would be initiated once the subject is located," he said in reply to a written question. The government has been maintaining for a long time that Dawood Ibrahim is living in Pakistan with the patronage of Pakistani security establishment. India had handed over to Pakistan several dossiers on Dawood, India's most wanted fugitive, giving details about his locations in Pakistan. On December 27, 2014, Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said in Lucknow that Dawood is India's most wanted terrorist and India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to hand him over to it. On the same day, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju had said in New Delhi that India asked Pakistan to hand over Dawood as enough evidence had been given to it on the prime accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.-PTI

TALL TRIP: NBA player of Indian descent Sim Bhullar at Golden Temple in Amritsar on May 5

AAA release said here. The awards will be presented by the Australian Alumni Association Trust and the event, supported by the Australian Consulate General and Austrade, will reach out to business and industry, Indo Australian alumni, educational institutions and the public sector, it said. The Awards for each category will be decided by a high profile jury, comprising leaders in indus-

try, business, science and technology, sports and arts including Kiran Mazumdar Shah, Chairman and Managing Director, Biocon Ltd, Michael Kasprowicz, Former Australian Test Cricketer, Prof Ravi Subrahmanyam, Director, Raman Research Institute, Sheba Nandyeolkar, National Vice Chair, Australia India Council. Alumni can nominate themselves, but must provide a contactable referee who will sec-

ond the nomination, it said. If nominating someone else, the nominating party must acknowledge consent from the Australian alumna/alumnus being nominated. Nominations close on May 15 and are open to Australian alumni currently based in India (must spend at least 50 per cent of their time in India) or those who have worked in India for the past 12 months leading up to the awards. -PTI

Desi News Candle light vigil held for Nepal quake victims India Post News Service

FREMONT: Fremont Hindu Temple and Federation of IndoAmericans (FIA) of Northern California organized candle light vigil on April 30 to show support and sympathy for Nepal earthquake victims. Shocked by the misery of the Nepalese, Bay area community poured in with their open hearts and showed up in huge numbers. Many local politicians and Nepali leaders attended the event to show their support. FIA has launched a Nepal Earthquake Relief fund to raise funds for aid to Nepal. Details on page 22

IACS women's conference a big success DAVE VASUDEVAN

CHICAGO: Indo American Community Services (IACS), an Illinois based no profit organization, hosted its fifth South Asian Women's conference on Sunday April 26 at Marriott Hotel, Naperville, a northwest suburb of Chicago. This leadership and networking event was fully packed and was a confluence of women leaders from corporations, community development organizations, small and medium women owned enterprises and potential women leaders seeking to build connections. IACS has been hosting South Asian Women Conferences for the past four years Details on page 18

Chicago community honors K. B. Jindal JAYANTI OZA

CHICAGO: Members of the Indian Community organized a function at residence of Krishna Bansal in Naperville, (a south west suburb of Chicago) to honor KB Jindal, a philanthropist from Pune. More than 30 front ranking community activists and leaders of organizations attended the event held on April 16. KB Jindal has donated $250,000 to the Rotary Foundation. In addition, he contributed to many charitable causes relating to water, disease, health and education. Details on page 20

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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Can inaction liberate one from bonds of Maya?

May 8, 2015

Details on page 23

Patels lift State Bank of Texas to the top in SNL listing RAMESH SOPARAWALA India post News Service

CHICAGO: A Dallas based Indian businessman, Chandrakant Patel, has proved his business acumen one more time by lifting his State Bank of Texas (SBT) in Dallas to top the list of best performing community banks of 2014 in the entire country. SBT had very recently had taken over a Chicago based National Republic Bank owned by another Indian businessman and, according to analysts, the strong performance of the bank is attributable to its strong existing platform combined with the purchase of NRB of Chicago in October 2014 SNL Financial released its annual ranking of 2014's top 100 best performing banks with assets between $500M and $5B. Of these, State Bank of Texas earned the top place. SBT ended 2014 with total assets of $835 million, a return on assets (ROA) of 11.43% (tax-adjusted of 12.28% due to Sub S status), a return on equity (ROE) of 55.29%, and an astronomical Tier 1 Risk Based Capital Ratio of 23.29%.

SNL Financial headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, is the premier provider of breaking news, financial data and expert analysis on business sectors

nancial was originally founded as "S&L Securities" in New Jersey in 1987 with an initial focus on the savings and loan industry. New Jersey statutes forbade the

The SBT management team - Chan Patel with sons Sushil and Rajan

critical to the global economy: Banking- financial services, insurance, real estate, energy and media/communications. SNL Fi-

incorporation of a non-bank with "S&L" in the official company name. So the "&" was replaced with an "N" to create "SNL." It is

serving more than 5,000 client companies and 100,000 users worldwide The continued success of State Bank of Texas (SBT) is in no small measure due to the strong leadership by the Patel family and its continued lending focus in the lodging industry. Chan Patel, President and CEO, states "We know what we know and we know what we don't know. That is a key to our lending startegy." Even before the acquisition of the NRB, in 2014, State Bank of Texas was named as the top performing community bank in the United States by Sageworks based on an analysis of more than 4,500 banks that had between $100 million and $10 billion in assets. The Patel management of NRB has also done wonders with NRB in that a losing propsotiion that induced an intervention by FDIC and the federal banking authorities has turned into a money making business. In a talk to this paper, Chan Patel pointed out that NRB has been in green now making a reasonably good amount of profit at $3 million a month. The Bank now fully shifted to mini-India Town on Devon Ave has been slowly moving back to its fresh lending operations which were put on a hold for a while. Chan Patel said that the most important factor that has helped the Bank's turnaround can be attributed to an overhauling of its operaitons. The bank has hugely cut down its bad loans and has now imrpoved refurbishing from the past ledings. The bank has resumed entertaining new loan applications from small and big businesses, inlcuding hospitality industry. Yet another contributory factor is cost cutting. SBT in Chicago fully shifted its headquarter to its Devon facility and this had resulted in huge saving in rent. The staff is also trimmed. " We hope to do much better in coming months," said Chan Patel with huge confidence. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 19

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Indian CG honored with GOPIO Award India Post News Service

Indians will always remember Gov Walker SURENDRA ULLAL

Chicago: Many in Illinois will remember Dan Walker as a former governor who fought establishment and walked miles winning the Governor race and also spending time in federal prison for bank fraud. However, to Indian Americans who faced numerous problems four decades ago, he proved to be a benefactor. Madhu Patel, founding president of NRI Press Club was an official in Walker administration and had relative easy access to the Governor's office. He found to his dismay that Indians were classified as Caucasians and were not classed as a minority group. All the specific advantages and benefits accruing to the "Minority" groups - preferences in job and starting business - were denied to them. Madhu says, "Walker needs to be credited for timely signing the declaration in Illinois to bestow on us the newly proposed "Asian plus Pacific islanders" status that would ensure us the minority category. We were considered Caucasians prior to that."

Former Illinois Governor Dan Walker

"In 1976, he signed the declaration of the new category against the then misguided FIA board's wish that, in a Palmer house's lunch meeting was not in favor of the new category.

Dan Walker on campaign trail

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 19

to promoting the well being of the Indian Diaspora in the Midwest as Dr Sayeed. He makes it a priority to attend the celebrations & functions of the Indian community, listen to their grievances & and tries genuinely to solve their problems. "He has taken several initiatives to promote trade and economic relations between India and the Midwestern states. He is a wonderful speaker, writer, intellectual and community leader. Dr Sayeed has endeared himself to the Indian community through

CHICAGO: Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India Chicago was given the Distinguished Community Leader of the Year 2015 Award by the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Chicago Chapter. The award was presented to him by Congressman Danny Davis at the Business Conference and Annual Gala of GOPIO Chicago held on Saturday, April 18 the Marriott Oak Brook. Among the distinguished guests present at the award ceremony were Congresswoman Tammy He has taken several initiatives to Duckworth, Congressman Danny Davis, Former Illi- promote trade and economic relanois Deputy Treasurer tions between India and the MidwestRaja Krishnamoorthi, Illinois State Senators, Don ern states. He is a wonderful speaker, Kotowski, Tom Cullerton, writer, intellectual and community Michael Nolan, Illinois Treasurer Michael leader. Dr Sayeed has endeared Frerichs, Padmasree Dr himself to the Indian community Bala Balachandran & Oak Brook Mayor, Dr Gopal his humility and accessibility and this award Lalmalani. GOPIO's Community Leadership Award recognizes his innumerable services to our recognizes an individual who demonstrates, community" Dr Ausaf Sayeed took charge as the Coninitiative-driven leadership impacting the Indian community in the Midwest Region. sul General of India, Chicago in August Commenting on the award given to Dr 2013. He has nearly 25 years of diplomatic Sayeed, Gladson Varghese, President of experience. His father Awaz Sayeed was a GOPIO Chicago said "I can think of no other renowned Urdu writer and humorist with individual who has shown such commitment seven books to his credit.

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IACS women's conference a big success DAVE VASUDEVAN

lenges faced by women in the current landscape of wage disparities between men and women at work in a predominantly maledominated corporate and business world. Sujata in her presentation mentioned a study that current wage disparity between men and women in corporate world, for the same job will even out in the year 2079. State of Illinois is faring a little better in this respect, where the wage disparity may even out by 2065. But the irony is that majority of us will not live to see that day! As a society we cannot progress unless women are equally successful. Equal pay and opportunities for women not only help them empower but also helps society and community as a whole. Sujata listed some of the initiatives planned by her foundation to ben-

(L-R) Sujata, Amy Best and Sarita Rao

Speakers and IACS Organizing Team (L-R) Amy Best, K. Sujata, Sharda Bharatula, Lakshmi Nagamohan, Chandini Duvvuri, Suman Alur, Saily Joshi, Sarita Rao and Sarita Mahapatra

efit women. Amy spoke about women taking up opportunities with calculated risks, even though they may not be popular or 'cool'. She recounted her own moves at the beginning of her career where she had to take some risks in moving to a new location, adjusting herself to new environment without impacting her family. Amy also mentioned that communication is

respect of colleagues, 2) think diversely; do not limit and work across groups to expand horizons and 3) thank people who worked with or for you and make it personal; send a handwritten greeting card instead of sending an email or text message as people value not only the mutual feeling but the form of expressing it, which will have long lasting benefits. The presentation was followed by a short question and answer (Q&A) session in which panelists addressed questions from participants and pointed them to training opportunities and resources on leadership and career development. Another interesting aspect at the conference was the stalls set up by three

members of the conference. The panelists at the event were from three distinct fields from corporate and community organizations and consisted of Amy Best, SVP human resources, Exelon, K. Sujata, CEO and President, Chicago Foundation for women and Sarita Rao, President AT&T Wi-Fi services. Each panelist did a short presentation about their educational, family and career background and challenges they faced and continue to face in reaching where they are in their career. The common themes which emerged from each of the presentations were 1) addressing the common challenges women face in starting, 2) growing and 3) nurturing their individual careers without compromising work-life balance. All panelists acknowledged the chalA section of Conference participants

one of the key factors which may help women. Communications could be about their success, need for growth, support, mentoring and any other issues faced by women. Unless women speak up they cannot progress. Sarita Rao narrated her own experience of working on a merger and acquisition project in her job which was deadline driven and highly stressful. She had to work with various cross-functional groups within AT&T to see the merger through. The key learning she shared with the participants are viz. 1) be yourself; develop your own personality and express opinions fearlessly after a good background work to earn the

Chicagoland based women owned businesses at the event. These three women business owners introduced their firms to the participants after the Q&A session, with their short speeches. The first one was Niketa Jhaveri, CEO & Co-Founder of Brave Champs. Brave Champs is a 'monopoly' like game which helps kids in identifying various professions such as Pediatrician, Firefighter, Carpenter, Architect etc. This game has dual-purpose of entertaining kids and also educating them on what each professional does and prepare them for their future. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 19

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Hindu Students Council plans to raise $ 1mn NILA PANDYA

NEW JERSEY: Hindu Students Council hosted its first Global Dharma Conference fundraiser and awareness dinner on April 25 at Royal Albert's Palace in Edison, New Jersey. The event was the first in a series of fundraisers to be held by the organization across North America. Prominent members of the New York and New Jersey Hindu community as well as students from Rutgers University came together to support the youth organization's mission. The fundraiser commenced with a two minute silence in honor of the victims of the tragic earthquake in Nepal. The program then began with an invocation to Lord Ganesha, sung by nine-year old Sanjana Balaguru.

Nikunj Trivedi, Chairman of Dharma and how to appropriately Hindu Students Council (HSC), and sensitively engage with it," announced an ambitious goal of explained Ravindra Jaishankar, raising $1 million to support the ongoing activities of the organization and the conference. HSC is organizing the Global Dharma Conference, which will be held September 11-13 in Edison, New Jersey in commemoration of HSC's 25th Anniversary. "The conference aims to provide a platform for Hindus to reconnect to the deeper aspects of their heritage and to give others a hoHSC Co-Founder Gokul Kunnath delivers listic understanding of keynote address

Members of the Global Dharma Conference Planning Team

President of HSC. Attendees watched a recorded interview of Trivedi with ITV Gold Anchor Ashok Vyas. In the interview, Trivedi spoke about the Global Dharma Conference's goals, his experiences as a former student of Rutgers University and HSC's activities at the local and national levels.

IACS women's conference a big success Cont’d from page 18

An interesting fact about this game is that it is not integrated with any iPhone or Android 'App' as the objective of this game is to keep the kids away from any gadgets. Brave Champs is targeting schools, especially schools which cater to kids with special needs. The second presentation was from Deepa Salem, Founder and CEO of 'WotNow' App which is free and works on iPhone and Android. In today's technology driven world, every individual receives multiple emails about events and tasks related to their personal life. Whether the email is about a parent-teacher conference at school or a doctor appointment or a social event, it is challenging for individuals to keep track of events. WotNow app enables users to sign up for events and organizations the user chooses and synchronizes event calendar for the user in a single interface. About

500 Chicagoland organizations partnered with WotNow to push notifications to users. WotNow aims to scale this app nationally once it is successful in Chicagoland. The third presentation was

Love of art and helping artists is the motive of this firm. Profit is currently not the motive as a lot investment and costs go in coordination and logistics to get artworks from India. from Manvee Vaid, Founder and Curator of Deccan Footprints. Deccan Footprints is an online catalogue of art and paintings. This firm connects the artists in India with art galleries in USA. Contemporary or folk artists in In-

dia, lack exposure to the tastes and demands of customers in USA. Deccan bridges this gap by helping artists fill out the relevant paperwork to enable them to participate in galleries, make the artwork 'sellable' and pass on the remuneration back to artists in India. Love of art and helping artists is the motive of this firm. Profit is currently not the motive as a lot investment and costs go in coordination and logistics to get artworks from India. Participants enjoyed participation in the event and appreciated IACS for hosting such event. Sreenivas Katragadda, president of IACS thanked all the participants, volunteers and sponsors of the event. All the panelists were presented with mementos by Vekat Majeti, CEO of Loment Inc. one of the sponsors of the event. Other sponsors included Grainger, ITW and L&T Infotech. All the participants had postevent network opportunity over dinner.

Members of the conference case on the need to support HSC's Core Planning Committee pre- activities and projects on college sented an overview about the con- campuses. ference objectives, program format "The future of Hindu youth in and available sponsorship oppor- America is directly connected to tunities for individuals and corpo- the future of HSC," emphasized rations. The keynote speaker for the evening was The conference aims to Gokul Kunnath, one of provide a platform for Hindus the original founders of to reconnect to the deeper HSC and the President of United States Hindu aspects of their heritage and Alliance (USHA). Shar- to give others a holistic uning his experiences derstanding of Dharma based on his leadership during HSC's founding years and his thoughts on chal- Kunnath, as he concluded his prelenges faced by Hindu youth, sentation and appealed for funds Kunnath presented a convincing from the community.

Indians will always remember Gov Walker Cont’d from page 17

The change in the categorization of Indians paved the way for their relative access to government jobs and business ventures," Madhu said. Walker was an early example of a new breed of Illinois politician not kowtowing to a traditional political organization. He won office in 1972 virtually on his own campaigning on foot and walking across the State. As Governor, however, he alienated Republicans and his fellow Democrats. After leaving office, Walker became the head of suburban Chicago Savings and Loan, where he allegedly used the position to support his lavish lifestyle. Walker pleaded guilty to fraud and perjury. He wrote eloquently about the trauma of life behind bars. ''I was disliked by the profes-

sionals in both parties holding leadership positions as well as by the lower-echelon party regulars from Chicago,'' he wrote. ''Daley and the Chicago machine certainly did not want to see me succeed. The legislative leaders of both parties made no secret of their desire to 'get Dan Walker,' as they openly put it.'' Former governor Pat Quinn often recalled Walker as a mentor focusing on his service in the Navy and noted his ''patriotism.' ''He fervently believed in the power of democracy and the importance of including everyone in our democracy,'' Quinn said. Walker died at the ripe age of 92 leaving behind his wife and seven children." I heard the news that one of the best friends of then Indian community, Gov. Dan Walker passed away. May God bless his soul to Rest in Peace," added Madhdu Patel

Patels lift State Bank of Texas to the top in SNL listing Cont’d from page 16

About State Bank of Texas and its Executives SBT was founded by Chan Patel in 1987 with the vision of supporting the entrepreneurship of other fellow Indian immigrants here. It has a strong niche lending focus in the lodging industry. Under the leadership and guidance of Chan Patel, a graduate of Stanford University and Johns Hopkins University graduate pro-

grams, and the expertise and execution of his two sons, Sushil Patel and Rajan Patel, Patels operate the bank with a strong family ethic and assist other immigrants in obtaining loans in order to build their business and realise their American dreams. His sons joined in 2004 after obtaining degrees in Business and Finance (Sushil - an MBA from the University of Chicago; and Rajan - a Masters in Banking from the Southwest Graduate School of Banking).

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Grand Vishu celebration in St Louis ASHWIN PATEL

ST LOUIS: Ohmkaram, a St. Louis based non-profit voluntary organization aimed at promoting Kerala Hindu tradition and values, celebrated Vishu, the Malayalee New Year, in a grand manner at the Mahatma Gandhi Center in Ballwin, MO on April 18. The function was attended by more than 100 people. Observed on the first day of the Medam month (the ninth month in a traditional Malayalee calendar), Vishu is not only the Zodiac New Year, but also a harvest festival. A cultural program for the evening was preceded by the viewing of Vishukani, a ritual arrangement of auspicious articles intended to signify prosperity, which includes a picture of Lord Krishna, a traditional Keralite lamp, grains, fruits and vegetables, metal mirror and yellow flowers. Following this, M. Krishnan distributed kaineetam (gold coins) to the children of

Ohmkaram kids steal the show

Ohmkaram family members. The cultural program was very well

Ohmkaram ladies perform the traditional Thiruvathirakali

received by the audience, a feast for the eyes and ears. Also featured for the evening was the ever popular, traditional Vishu Sadhya with over 25 delicacies a feast for the taste buds. In line with its objective of promoting Kerala Hindu culture, the program theme was aimed at creating awareness about the festivals celebrated in each month of the traditional Malayalee calendar. The various performances depicted these monthly festivities from Onam in the first month of Chingam, to the pious month of Karkadakam (the Ramayana masam). The performances included traditional and folk dances, sing-

ing of popular film songs, recitation of shlokas and a saxophone recital. Children of all ages, as well as adults, participated in these performances with great enthusi-

in the background, adding to the traditional ambience of home town Kerala. "Thanks to everyone, it turned out to be a wonderful Vishu celebration", summed up Madhu Madhavan, All the while, a meticuvice-president of Ohmkaram. lously hand made coconut Post event, free famtree swayed in the backily portraits were also ground, adding to the tradi- offered, capturing guests dressed in their tional ambience of home traditional finery. town Kerala. Ohmkaram formed in 2006, aims to encourage asm while keeping the crowd en- participation in Kerala traditions tertained. (especially amongst the youth) All the while, a meticulously and foster unity and cooperation hand made coconut tree swayed within its community in the area.

Chicago community honors K. B. Jindal JAYANTI OZA

CHICAGO: Members of the Indian Community organized a func-

tion at residence of Krishna Bansal in Naperville, (a south west sub-

Amrit Mittal giving Award to K.B. Jindal

urb of Chicago) to honor KB Jindal, a philanthropist from Pune. More than 30 front ranking community activists and leaders of organizations attended the event held on April 16. KB Jindal has donated $250,000 to the Rotary Foundation. In addition, he contributed to many charitable causes relating to water, disease, health and education. On behalf of the Indian community Amrit Mittal presented an Award to Jindal. Prominent activists like Narayan Chandak, Vandna Jhingan (TV Asia), Anil Deshpande, Ram Saini (Association of Rajasthanis in America, Chicago), Haribhai Patel

(Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago), Krishna Bansal, Sohan Joshi (President National Federation of Indian Associations),

Vasant Pandav and representatives of organizations congratulated the Indian philanthropist and his family.

Community leaders with K.B. Jindal

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Research proves benefits of meditation DR ALEXANDRA EMMONS

ost of us have been told at one point or another in our lives to "take a deep breath and relax." Turns out, there is scientific evidence in the context of meditation to back up that advice. But what exactly is meditation anyway? There are different ways to meditate, and because it is such a personal practice, there are many ways to go about meditating. When I write about meditation, I am referring to the act of relaxing with your eyes closed or open in a downward gaze, and focusing on

the flow of your breath. If a random thought arises, acknowledge the thought and then nonjudgmentally let it pass by gently bringing your attention back to the flow of your breath. It may sound easy, but keep in mind that it is a practice, it takes time and effort to cultivate this psychological stance. Some days, and with certain emotions, it will be easier than at other times to meditate. During those difficult times, remember to take a compassionate stance towards yourself; your struggle is perfectly okay.

Money and politics: We need change now! LEE H. HAMILTON

've seen a lot over my decades in politics, and not much alarms me. But I have to be blunt: Money is poisoning our political system. The people who matter most to a representative democracy - the ordinary voters in whose interests elected politicians are supposed to act - feel they've become an af-

Lee Hamilton

terthought in the political process. The tidal wave of money washing over our elections, with no end in sight, is causing Americans to lose faith in the system. Oddly, many politicians see no problem. They don't believe that they're selling their votes, or even that money influences their behavior. While it is a rare member of Congress who would change his or her vote because of money, there is ample evidence that when donors contribute heavily, they have a disproportionate influence over the legislator; that's not "corruption," but it means that the opinions of average citizens are diminished when it comes to policy-making. Thanks to a series of Supreme Court decisions over the last halfdecade, we've seen a surge in campaign spending that is beyond the ability of journalists and regulators to track. This money purchases attack ads that saturate the

airwaves with scant clue as to who is funding them. And it pushes our politics toward the extremes, emphasizing ideological purity, unremitting partisanship, and a political culture that exalts confrontation over consensus-building. In other words, it cripples representative democracy. So what can we do? The first priority is to find ways of boosting prompt financial disclosure - to trace the source of campaign spending on behalf of candidates and incumbents before an election so that voters know who is supporting whom, and can match candidates' positions on issues with the interests of their financial backers. Disclosure done after elections is meaningless. The second major reform is to make public funds available for financing campaigns, thus amplifying the contributions of ordinary Americans, freeing candidates to spend more time on substance rather than fundraising, and letting them engage more fully with voters rather than donors. The odds of action are not encouraging. Yet I'm heartened by something Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham told reporters in New Hampshire the other day. "You're going to have money dumped in this election cycle that's going to turn off the American people," he said. "There's going to be a need and a movement to try to control the money in politics." Let's hope he's right. Lee Hamilton is Director of the Center on Congress at Indiana University; He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

Most of us are familiar on a general level with the powerful effects of meditation on the mind and body. Physically, it can reduce

Dr Alexandra Emmons

blood pressure, bolster the immune system, and enable the body to thrive (Schneider et. al., 2012). This state of relaxation is linked to higher levels of happy chemicals, such as serotonin, and to the growth hormone that repairs cells

and regenerates tissue. of our "telomeres," which are the There is a growing body of re- ends of our chromosomes. search that has found brief periPsychologically, a meditative ods of meditative practice helpful stance can be helpful in achieving in reprogramming the mind emotional balance. Emotional bal(Moyer et al., 2011). Regular medi- ance is being able to remain tation can lead to structural changes in the brain, specifically, Emotional balance is bechanging the way that neurons communicate ing able to remain grouwith each other, creat- nded and healthfully cope ing new neural path- with our own neurotic beways for how we prohavior and challenging cess emotions. Meditation can also emotional states. increase gray matter in the brain, increasing the cortical thickness of your brain, associ- grounded and healthfully cope ated with decision making, attention, with our own neurotic behavior and and memory (Kurth, MacKenzie-Gra- challenging emotional states. As ham, Toga, and Luders, 2014). This we work through our own emotionleads to more positive emotions, ally-laden memories and experilonger-lasting emotional stability, and ences, we can achieve greater freeenhanced focus. dom and greater balance. Our reA meditation practice can re- sponses to events in our lives are duce the impact of aging on the then not as tainted by the burdens brain. This means that our cogni- we carry, but are more true, direct, tive functioning declines at a and appropriate to the situation. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 23 slower pace by greater protection

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Candle light vigil held for Nepal quake victims

Paying respects to Nepal earthquake victims

(L-R) Priest, Prakash Thapa, Ritu Maheshwari, Sewa representative, Chandru Bhambhra, Dr. Romesh Japra, Rajesh Verma and Manorama Joshi

numbers. Many local politicians and Nepali leaders attended the event to show their support. FIA has launched a Nepal Earthquake Relief fund to raise funds for aid to Nepal.

India Post News Service

Community leaders addressing the gathering

People in huge numbers attended the vigil

Dr Romesh Japra, Convener and President of FIA, said "In time of critical need of Nepal, we all stand united and will do a widespread fund raising. Our

short term objective will be to help provide medicines and medical aid. In the long term, we will aim to set up medical clinics and partner with credible NGOs".

Sant Nirankari Mission organizes Blood Drive PRAFULL LANDE

TRACY, CA: The Sant Nirankari Mission, a spiritual movement working towards universal brotherhood celebrated 'Manav Ekata Divas' (Human Unity Day) by organizing a blood donation camp on Sunday, April 26 in Tracy, California. The Delta Blood Bank conducted this blood drive. Representatives from the Delta blood bank as well as the volunteers of the Sant Nirankari Mission (sewadal) gathered at the Tracy Bhavan early in the morning to setup the blood camp. Sewadal members had worked hard for last few weeks spreading

the word about this blood camp. The blood camp received an overwhelming response and total blood collected exceeded everyone's expectations. More than 65 devotees registered and 51 units of blood was collected to support the noble cause to serve or safe human lives. One could see joy and satisfaction on the faces of volunteers conducting the event as well as blood donors some of whom had come from places as far as Reno, Fresno, San Jose, and Sacramento. Arrangements of snacks, water, fruits and juices were made for the

blood donors. Apart from that Langar (community lunch) arrangement was also made. The Sant Nirankari mission celebrates human unity day and organizes blood donation camps and health fairs as a tribute to Baba Gurbachan Singh's supreme sacrifice. A satsang program (spiritual congregation) was conducted from 11 am to 2 pm in the same hall and it was concluded with screening of the message to mankind by the head of the Sant Nirankari Mission, His Holiness Baba Hardev Singh ji. He reinforced the importance of human

unity. This message of human unity was not just listened to but being lived by the people who participated in the blood donation camp. All devotees and participant prayed for Nepalese earthquake victims who have lost so much and going through huge challenges. Blood drive was a gesture towards oneness of us all and such action along with prayers is needed for Nepalese brothers and sisters to withstand this tragedy with courage and strength. Such events remind us that the road of life is very subtle, not always

smooth one and it immediately wipes out our ego that we carry with us. The Sant Nirankari Mission today is one of the leading blood donating voluntary organizations in India. Scores of blood donation camps are organized in the month of April every year. These camps are held as per the wishes of the present Spiritual Head of the Mission Baba Hardev Singh who said that donation of blood would be the best tribute to Baba Gurbachan Singh who sacrificed his life for the sake of Truth and human values.

May 8, 2015

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Can inaction liberate one from bonds of Maya? SWAMI NIKHILANAND

n the first chapter, Arjun explained his dilemma to Shree Krishna, and told Him he did not want to fight the war. But he also admitted that his mind was clouded with emotion, and he was unable to clearly judge what his dharm was. Thus, he asked Shree Krishna to advise him on what was best for him to do in this situation. In the second chapter, Shree Krishna explained from three different perspectives why Arjun should arise and indeed fight the war. Convincing Arjun to fight the Mahabharat war Shreve Krishna provided three main explanations or reasons to Arjun to fight the war. He started with the "sankhya" explanation, telling Arjun that his true self is the soul, which is eternal and indestructible. Death is only the end of the physical body - the soul goes on to another birth. Thus, he should not fear that anyone is going to be killed in the imminent battle. He should do what is right regardless of the possibility of physical death. He followed up with the "karm" explanation, telling Arjun that it was his duty or dharm to fight the war. He explained the consequences for both, performing one's duties or not performing one's duties. He advised Arjun that fighting the battle would be considered good karm, for which he would be rewarded in the future, and not fighting the battle would be considered bad karm, for which he would be punished. Both good karm and bad karm are binding for the soul. Thus, Shree Krishna concluded with the "karm yog" explanation, telling Arjun that if he wants to be free from the bondage of all karmas,

go beyond this world. In other words, Arjun is under the misconception that if one takes refuge in the knowledge of the Divinity of

Swami Nikhilanand

God and the soul, then one does not have to engage in physical action on this mundane plane. If the goal is God-realization, what is the need for performing any actions in the world? Shree Krishna explains to him that it is not possible to refrain from physical action, even though the ultimate goal is to transcend material existence and attain God. As long as we are in this world, we inhabit a body and must engage in some kind of karm, at least to maintain that material body (chapter 3, verse 8). Even a God realized Saint must engage in physical action to support his physical body - for as long as he stays in his body he must also eat and sleep like the rest of us. Thus, we cannot negate the necessity of this physical world, nor our involvement in it. Just as it is not feasible to maintain a state of physical inactivity, it is impossible to maintain a state

Shree Krishna explains to him that it is not possible to refrain from physical action, even though the ultimate goal is to transcend material existence and attain God. As long as we are in this world, we inhabit a body and must engage in some kind of karm then he should perform his dharm while keeping his mind in God, and be unattached to the fruit of his actions. He should maintain equanimity of mind in both success and failure. Thus attaching his mind to God, he will attain ultimate peace and permanent Divine bliss. After hearing this explanation from Shree Krishna, Arjun was still confused about fighting the war. At the beginning of the third chapter, he questions why it is necessary to fight the war if the ultimate goal is to attain Divine bliss and

of mental inactivity. The human mind cannot remain still, even for a fraction of a second (chapter 3, verse 5). It is always driven to activity by our inner desire for happiness, so it always dwells on the objects of desire, thus keeping us in a constant state of inner activity. Even after a long day, we may be sitting on the couch and quietly relaxing, but internally our mind is still running at the same speed. These inner thoughts also count as karm. If someone thinks that by solely giving up their in-

volvement in the outer world that they have become action-less (and free from the bondage of karm), they are mistaken. Because internal worldly attachments still exist, and is the main cause of bondage (chapter 3, verse 6). Even if someone leaves all their possessions and goes to the jungle, he/she may still find themselves longing for the posh car and beautiful house they used to own. In that case, his inner activity hasn't ceased, and he is in the same state as when he was fully involved in the world. In this way, Shree Krishna explained to Arjun that one does not attain the state of being action-less just by ceasing physical activity. Nor does one attain the state of perfection just by abandoning one's involvement in the world (chapter 3, verse 4). We are bound to perform some physical actions, at least to maintain our body; and even if we renounce our involvement in the world, we cannot stop the activity of our mind - thus we are not free from the bondage of karm. How to liberate oneself from the binding effect of actions? There are two ways of freeing oneself from the binding effects of our karm (chapter 3, verse 3). One is called gyan yog, in which the person renounces the sense of doership by understanding that he is the soul, and not the body, senses or even the mind. It is the body, senses and mind which are the doers, not the soul. Thus, if you keep your mind established in this state of self-realization, the actions you perform will have no binding effect. The other way is called karm yog, in which a person keeps his mind established in a state of equanimity, unattached to the fruits of his actions, and unaffected by the success or failure of his efforts. Due to the absence of attachment, his actions will also have no binding effect. In either case, the person doesn't need to abandon the performance of his duties. Yet, this does not fully explain why Arjun should fight the war. Could he not practice gyan yog or karm yog in solitude somewhere far away from the battlefield? In

the next article, we will discuss Shree Krishna's explanation to this question. Disciple of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj: Swami Nikhilanand Ji is a Canadian born Hindu spiritual leader based in Austin, Texas. He is a sanyasi disciple and pracharak of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Attracted to the teachings of Hinduism from a young age, Swamiji eventually let his deep spiritual longing lead him to India, where he was most fortunate to come under the guidance of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Thereafter, living in the ashrams of JKP, he extensively studied Hindi, the philosophy of the prime Sanskrit scriptures (Vedas, Darshan Shastras, Gita, Bhagwatam), and

practiced meditation in the tradition of raganuga bhakti. In 2003, he was given sanyas. Now, with the blessings of his Guruji, he offers satsang programs throughout America, engaging audiences with his clear explanations of Hindu philosophy coupled with inspired chanting of Sanskrit mantras and shlokas and charming nam sankirtan. His informative and compelling speeches provide practical insight into how to adopt the teachings of Sanatan Dharm into our daily lives, and inspire us to awaken our inner spiritual potential. To stay in touch with Swami Nikhilanand Ji, like his Facebook page at https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / SwamiNikhilanand or follow him on twitter at https://twitter.com/ Swami_Nikhil.

Research proves benefits of meditation Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 21

Another psychological benefit of meditation is a greater state of calmness. In a meditative mind, upsetting thoughts can occur and be witnessed, rather than taking over entirely. Upsetting feeling states occur in all humans; however, through more self-awareness, old feelings that become triggered no longer have to consume the person. In some cases, therapy can be a wonderful place to help cultivate these mindfulness skills and learn how to tolerate and work through difficult feelings. A greater state of calmness and emotional balance is scientifically referred to as neuroplasticity, which is defined as the brain's ability to change, structurally and functionally, on the basis of envi-

ronmental input. In reality, you don't need hundreds or even dozens of hours of meditation training to have an impact on brain functioning. And that is welcome news for people who are intrigued by the benefits of meditation, but find the intensive practice undertaken by life-long meditators to be a daunting time commitment. Remember, seemingly small acts can have a great impact. The more compassionate you are with yourself along this meditative journey, the greater the effect of this relaxation practice. (The writer is a psychologist from Santa Monica, CA in private practice. Facilitating self-discovery to live a more free and inspired life. Psychotherapy for health, healing, and fulfillment.)

Tech News Standards for service sector will boost trade NEW DELHI: Fixing standards for the service sector will help India in improving competitiveness of businesses and enhance trade, a top government official has said. With increasing trade in services, standardization in the sectors such as education, ICT, tourism, retail and logistics are important, said Secretary in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Keshav Desiraju. "The national, regional and international standards in the service sector will improve enterprise competitiveness, boost trade and enhance safety and security," BIS said quoting Desiraju in a statement. He was speaking at the Pacific Area Standards Congress (PASC) workshop here, which was organized by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). PASC aims at framing a common strategy on international standardization. BIS is member of this Congress. Speaking at the occasion, Commerce Secretary Rajeev Kher said India's exports of services was USD 151 billion in 2014-15 and it contributes around 58 per cent to the country's GDP.-PTI

SBI Nepal opens rupee exchange counters NEW DELHI: State Bank of India's subsidiary in Nepal, which resumed operations the very same day earthquake hit the nation, has opened exchange counters at the Kathmandu airport to help Indians convert local currency into rupee. "After getting approval, we started exchange counters at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu to help Indians convert domestic currency into Indian rupee," said SBI Nepal Chief Operating Officer V K Tyagi. Stranded Indians are using benefits of these counters and getting their funds exchanged, he added. SBI holds 55 per cent shares in the subsidiary and the rest is held by a local partner, namely Employee Provident Fund (15 per cent) and general public (30 per cent). Besides, the bank has also opened Earthquake Victims Donation Collection (PM Disaster Relief Fund) account for collecting financial assistance or donation for the relief of victims of earthquake in Nepal.-PTI

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Minda group forms JV with US-based VAST NEW DELHI: Auto components maker Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group has formed a joint venture with US-based Vehicle Access Systems Technology (VAST) with an aim to widen global presence. The 50:50 joint venture is between Minda Management Services Ltd - an affiliate of Minda Corporation and Spark Minda, Ashok Minda Group - and the VAST Group. The new entity, Minda VAST Access Systems Pvt Ltd (Minda VAST) will have operations in Pune and Delhi-NCR, the company said in a statement.-PTI

India Govt eases procedures for setting up companies NEW DELHI: In a move aimed at improving the ease of doing business, government has eased the procedure for setting up companies by introducing an integrated electronic application form. The new e-form can be used instead of separately filling up at least five e-forms by entities seeking to incorporate a company in India. Corporate Affairs Ministry, which is implementing the Companies Act, has come out with the new form - INC 29. It also comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is making efforts to improve the country's overall ease of doing business. Through the new e-form, entities can apply for company name, Director Identification Number (DIN) and registration of company.

This single form would be in addition to other separate forms that are available for registering a

nificance of abbreviated or coined word in the proposed name". Besides, it should be men-

company. The form requires the interested entity to furnish the proposed name along with details about "sig-

tioned whether the proposed name contains names of any person other than the promoters or their close blood relatives.

Microsoft patents glasses that read emotions WASHINGTON: US technology giant Microsoft has been awarded a patent for smart glasses that allow wearers to detect and interpret emotions of people within their field of vision. The patent for 'a wearable emotion detection feedback system' was filed in October 2012, and has now been awarded, according to a public filing by the US patent office. The wearer of the glasses can determine who to analyze, whether an individual or a group, without their knowing. Sensors, including depth cameras and a microphone mounted on the nose bridge, will pick up visual and audio information from

a subject. This would be processed for things like subtle variations in speech rhythm and amplitude, choice of words, type and speed of gestures, eye focus and body posture. This is beamed to Microsoft's

databases, and an emotional determination is then relayed back to the wearer through the glasses, according to the 'Wall Street Journal'. If a subject plays with her hair

in a social situation, such as a date, this behavior may indicate friendliness or interest, according to the patent filing. However, the same behavior in a business situation may indicate boredom, it said. Some applications of the smart glasses could include interrogations and questioning at borders, where the device's sensors can measure changes in a person's body temperature, or can pick up very subtle shifts in voice quality. It is not confirmed whether Microsoft actually intends to build the glasses. "Microsoft regularly applies for and receives patents as part of its business practice; not all patents applied for or received will be incorporated into a Microsoft product," a spokeswoman said. -PTI

It also has to be disclosed whether the name is similar to an existing Indian or foreign company. While filling up the form, it has to be declared that the proposed name is not offensive to any section of people and also not in violation of the provisions of Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950. The government is looking at ways to improve India's position to top-50 in terms of ease of doing business globally. At present, the country is at the 142nd position, according to the latest World Bank report in this regard. As part of efforts to improve the ease of doing business in the country, the ministry has also proposed various changes to the new Companies Act, wherein most provisions came into force from April 1 last year. -PTI

Karunanidhi wants a new MSME policy CHENNAI: With the Centre removing all 20 items, including matchboxes and wax candles, from exclusive manufacturing list of MSME, DMK has alleged that the move would allow big corporates to take over small firms and urged the NDA government to come up with a new MSME Policy. Party chief M Karunanidhi said the Centre on one side had launched the Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency Ltd (MUDRA) Bank scheme to promote the Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, but on the other hand had removed 20 items from the exclusive manufacturing by them. "The government should withdraw such a contradictory approach, which impacts the small entrepreneurs and benefits only the big corporates. Considering the welfare of the crores of MSME professionals, Centre should come out with a new MSME Policy for their welfare," he said in a statement here.

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Modi takes stock of progress of infra projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing the high-level meeting on infrastructure sectors, in New Delhi on May 2

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on May 2 chaired a high-level meeting to review the status of various infrastructure projects in the country. The meeting also took stock of the progress in rural infrastructure, power, coal, renewable energy and petroleum and natural gas. "Besides a broad overview of the infrastructure scenario in the

country, the meeting focused on the specific sectors of rural infrastructure, power, coal, renewable energy and petroleum and natural gas," an official statement stated. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Road, Transport, Highways & Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari, Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal, Petroleum Minister

Dharmendra Pradhan and Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajpathi Raju were present at the meeting, it added. Senior officials from NITI Aayog as well as infrastructure ministries and PMO were also in attendance. "The Prime Minister reviewed the status of stalled projects in the infrastructure sector. He was apprised of the steps being taken to

'Ham-handed action against Snapdeal to hurt biz' NEW DELHI: Slamming "hamhanded enforcement" action against e-commerce major

Sachin Pilot

Snapdeal for online sale of prescription drugs, former Union Minister Sachin Pilot has said the move goes against the government's stated position of promoting businesses and homegrown entrepreneurs. Pilot also said that the action against Snapdeal and its top management was "akin to holding highway builders responsible for lane violations", while the real perpetrators are freely peddling drugs of dubious nature. The comments from the Congress leader, who was Minister for Corporate Affairs in the previous

UPA government, follows Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clamping down on Snapdeal with filing of FIR against the eretailer's CEO Kunal Bahl and other top management personnel for alleged online sale of prescription drugs on its platform. Pilot, who had voiced concern in the past during his tenure as Union Minister about arrest of direct-selling major Amway's CEO and other top executives in India, said it is no one's case that prescription drugs should be sold in a manner that is contrary to law. However, "action of Maharashtra FDA against Snapdeal and insinuations of similar actions against Flipkart and Amazon must make us all sit up and take notice," he said. Pilot said that law enforcement agencies must be clear about

whom to act against and e-commerce portals were merely enabling platforms for buyers and sellers. Pilot, who had also served as Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology in the previous government, said there is a need to bring out comprehensive guidelines for e-commerce, that balance liability with 'safe harbor' provisions." These provisions would require the definition of Internet Service Providers to include e-commerce portals, oblige them to take reasonable precautions against misuse of their platform for illegal transactions, and protect bona fide conduct of their businesses while acting against the real perpetrators, he emphasized. "The ham-handed enforcement that seeks to involve top management without first ascertaining their involvement in operational detail, making directors accused without examining the role of the

company boards in such decisions, and jeopardizing entire businesses over ambiguity in a few product lines is contrary to the stated aims of this government to promote business," he added.-PTI

enhance infrastructure creation in accordance with the Prime Minister's vision for the 75th year of India's independence," the statement read. Modi was given a detailed overview of plans of various Ministries for the completion of pending projects within the current financial year. He asked for specific data to be collected and presented on priority areas such as toilets, affordable housing and smart cities, it added. Modi stressed on the need for government departments to work towards initializing spending of the Budget in a focused manner right from the start of the financial year. He said that in urban areas, one of the priorities should be creation of waste-to-wealth and efficient systems for wastewater disposal

and solid waste management in 500 cities. Reviewing rural infrastructure, the Prime Minister directed that highest priority be accorded to the work envisaged under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. He said irrigation potential of all reservoir projects should be realised to the extent possible. In the power sector, the Prime Minister reiterated his emphasis on electrification of the unconnected villages at the earliest. A road map on this was presented to him. Modi also enquired about the progress on renewable energy goals and directed maximum focus on this area. He said public spaces such as railway stations should be priority areas for adopting energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy, the statement added. -PTI

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Open up Indian market to Ford Foundation 'has funded a political party' all investors: experts SINGAPORE: India will have to open its market to all investors, eliminate exchange control, remove subsidies and create certainty on tax issues, two leading investments experts here said. Though India is a country having a huge market with business potential, Jim Rogers, a renowned American businessman and investor, pointed out that it still remains a challenge to work in India as investors widely perceive the coun-

Executive Officer of New Yorkbased EM Capital Management, a global investment consultancy. Rogers, Chairman of Rogers Holdings, hoped Prime Minister Narendra Modi, having brought success to Gujarat State, would be able to do the same for the country. "I do not believe foreign investors have significant issues about setting up new subsidiaries in India. It is fairly inexpensive to have lawyers organize a new company,

The investment experts hoped that Modi would be able to clear such "distractive" cases and issues and introduce more investor friendly regimes in the Indian market as he completes his first year in office, backed by successful talks with global investors try having "an anti-business climate". "Open the market to all investors, eliminate exchange controls, dismantle protectionism and remove subsidies. These would make big differences in India," said Rogers told PTI. The investors would want India to create certainty on tax issues, said Seth R Freeman, Chief

obtain necessary approvals, taxrelated registrations, appoint directors, open bank accounts," said Freeman whose company has registered with the Security and Exchange Board of India since 2007. In spite of being a leading democracy, foreign investors have long viewed India's "country risks" to be relatively high, according to Freeman.

He pointed out that China, comparatively, was rated to be a better risk-adjusted place despite oneparty rule in Beijing. Adding to the investors' risk concern are a number of high-profile tax cases in India involving multi-national corporations, including the widely publicized Vodafone case. But these days adding to these cases were recent issues like the Company Act sections 396 and 397 which according to recent media reports were being considered for amalgamating a subsidiary into parent company and the power to replace the parent company's independent board. Freeman went on to point out that the use of Section 396 and 397 would have "very serious implications" on the Prime Minister's "Make in India" strategy. The investment experts hoped that Modi would be able to clear such "distractive" cases and issues and introduce more investor friendly regimes in the Indian market as he completes his first year in office, backed by successful talks with global investors and leaders of developed markets he has visited since taking office. PTI

NEW DELHI: US-based Ford Foundation has funded a political party and profit making organizations "illegally" which has resulted in the foreign outfit coming under the Home Ministry scanner and put on the "watch list". A senior Home Ministry official said an investigation has found that funds sanctioned by the Ford Foundation to an NGO have reached a political party which automatically makes the donor liable to face action. But the Ford Foundation has rejected the charge. The probe has also found that Ford Foundation has funded several organizations which do not fall in the category of NGOs, which are eligible for receiving foreign funds, as they make profits, the official said. The international donor strongly refuted the charge of funding political parties but accepted that it worked with various entities including those which work for profits. "We wish to affirm that the foundation does not fund political parties. The foundation does,

however, work with a range of other entities, including non-governmental organizations, government and quasi-government entities, universities, and for-profit entities, depending on the needs of the particular work involved. "This includes engaging forprofit entities to provide services to the foundation and its grantee communities," Ford Foundation spokesperson Joshua Cinelli told

PTI in a statement. Under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, no donor can fund political parties or any organization which makes profits. Following the investigation, the Home Ministry has put the Ford Foundation on its "watch list" and ordered that all funds coming from the US-based donor have to be routed only with its nod due to "national security concerns".-PTI

France to exchange expertise I-T dept collects Rs 6.96 in marine archaeology lakh cr revenue

PANAJI: The Government of France will collaborate with Western state of Goa-based the National Institute of Oceanography to exchange expertise in marine archaeology which is also a part of heritage cooperation decided during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to that country. "We have been developing cooperation with NIO for more than ten years now. It is very vital cooperation in oceanography, scientific research and others. We intend to take the cooperation further," its Ambassador to India Francois Richier said here. Richier, who recently met NIO officials in Goa, said the cooperation will cover areas like tropical cyclones in Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and maritime archaeology, which will involve a number of scientists doing common research. "It is something which is a boost for cooperation between

France and India," the diplomat said, adding that maritime archaeology will be one of the focus areas, which will involve learning of history through important wreckages.

Francois Richier

"Maritime archaeology requires specific means, particularly in the diving area. We lack the capacity to dive in particular depth. The expertise is with NIO," he said. Richier said the Indian institute has the requisite experience in

maritime archaeology. "They have experience in maritime archaeology. They have found some pieces which are dating 2000-years back. They have found stones and coins. There is a lot to discover off the coast of India from very ancient times down to the 19th century," he said. Richier said any period wreckage gives the idea of life during that time. "The technology of taking away sand, while keeping integrity of sand needs to be developed. When it is developed it will be very useful. We have already worked together in the archaeological domain," he said. It is also the part of heritage cooperation which was decided during the visit of Modi, the Ambassador said, adding, the idea is to work on a technique and subsequently to see whether both the nations can work on one particular wreck. -PTI

NEW DELHI: The Indian Government collected over Rs 6,96,200 crore revenue under the direct taxes kitty in the just concluded financial year 2014-15, about 14 per cent short of target. Officials said the I-T Department which collects a variety of taxes like Income Tax and Corporate Tax collected approximately Rs 6,96,200 crore in the fiscal ending March 31, 2015. The achieved collections are about Rs 9,000 crore or 14 per cent short of the projected target of Rs 7,05,000 crore. The collections are, however, 19 per cent more than the last fiscal. In FY14, the mop-up was Rs 5,83,000 crore. The government had revised the direct tax collection target to Rs 7,05,000 crore for the fiscal 201415 against the initial projection of Rs 7,36,000 crore in view of the sluggish economic growth. "The sluggish growth, especially in service sectors and the

Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) category took a toll on the direct taxes collection. The department, in spite of these challenges, achieved the best it could," they said. The tax department, the officials said, could register a growth of only 8 per cent in the most crucial TDS category as compared to 18 per cent under the same category during the previous fiscal. "The department tried to get as much as TDS from various sectors as possible. But a sluggish manufacturing and building sector has made it impossible for the I-T department to get any better revenue on this front," the officials said. The department, an earlier data in this regard had said, registered a low growth under the Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) category as it recorded only 18.5 per cent collections on this front as compared to the 24.5 per cent growth in the corresponding period last year. -PTI

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Regulatory body required for private participation: Prabhu NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has advocated the need for having a regulatory mechanism independent of the service provider for attracting private capital into Railways. "A regulatory mechanism is specifically required for it. That is why we are having regulatory framework so that private participation does not compromise public interest, does not hamper public function. Private sector also need not worry about the security of their investment. We have to trade off the balance between private and public," Prabhu told PTI in an interview. Asked about the contours of the proposed regulatory body, he said "like all regulators on telecom, power or Sebi." He further said, "Arvind Pangarayia has been requested to suggest a road map. He is independent, very intellectual, very competent and also part of our system as he is vice chairperson in NITI Ayog. "He met me recently and we discussed

Small, midsize SUVs drive US auto sales DETROIT: In April of 2014, the compact Chevrolet Cruze outsold the Equinox midsize SUV by more than a thousand vehicles. A year later, the Equinox trounced the Cruze by nearly 8,000 in sales. Those numbers pretty much sum up the shift in attitude among U.S. auto buyers: as they increasingly fall in love with SUVs, small and midsize cars are having a harder time getting a date. SUVs and trucks powered U.S. auto sales to a 4.6 percent gain last month, with several automakers reporting their strongest April sales ever. The stylish and practical new SUVs are pulling people away from cars, forcing automakers to discount sedans and even furlough workers to control growing inventories. A big drop in gas prices, to an average of $2.60 a gallon from $3.69 a year ago, also works in favor of SUVs. The Equinox posted a 42 percent sales increase to almost 29,000 in April, while Cruze sales fell nearly 4 percent to just under 21,000. Both vehicles are made by General Motors. The trend played out in other automakers' results. Ford's revamped midsize Edge SUV posted a 78 percent gain while Focus compact sales fell 5 percent. Honda's CR-V, the top-selling SUV, posted a 3 percent gain to more than 29,000, outselling the midsize Accord sedan, which saw sales drop 20 percent. ``The demand for crossover SUVs is off the charts,'' said Bill Fay, a group vice president at Toyota, which posted record April sales of the RAV4 and Highlander SUVs. Still, loyal followers weren't so quick to abandon Toyota's bread-and-butter vehicles. Sales of the Corolla compact grew 10 percent, and even though Camry midsize car sales fell from last April, it remained the topselling car in America.-AP

the issue. Once he is ready with the model, we will have wider discussion and we will put it on website for comments." Railways is offering projects relating to capacity augmentation, betterment of passenger amenities and

Suresh Prabhu

high speed service among others for private participation. On the recent CBI raid on the alleged under-reporting of the actual weight of loaded goods wagons through manipulation of software, Prabhu said it was a joint action to remove

corruption. "When we discovered that there could be possibility of under-weighing, we asked our vigilance to go into the root cause, investigate and take action. It's a joint action and we have given clear instruction to our vigilance department to go to the root cause. "Earlier I had lodged complaint with police for recruitment scam in railways. Somebody was sending letters that you have got the job immediately so deposit money in some account. FIR was filed at different locations. The whole idea is to bring in transparency and remove corruption." -PTI

May 8, 2015

India Post 29 www.indiapost.com

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

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

May 8, 2015

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

kshay Kumar and Shruti Haasan, who were promoting their release Gabbar Is Back, were walking into a suburban five-star hotel in Mumbai. While they were casually chatting, Akshay asked Shruti, who was struggling with her highheeled shoes, how tall she is. Shruti replied that she is 5 ft 7.5 inches. And before you knew it, she regaled everyone around, including Akki, with an account of how her father, the Tamil legend, Kamal Haasan gets truly irritated every time she wears stilettos, "Appa gets really irritated while walking with me because of my height. At times, he even tells me to walk on the other side and not with him!"

Ke Haisha

arine Khan, who will soon be seen in the third film of the erotic thriller franchise Hate Story, says she has no inhibitions about either inti macy or exposing on screen. "You guys just tell me a film that does not have any intimate scene and is not glamorous? I don't know why this film is being tagged as 'having a lot of exposure'," the actress said on being asked if she is ready to expose in the new film of the franchise. "Honestly speaking, if I see any of the films being made today, there is an exposure quotient. Anyways, this is something that I will be doing for the first time. As of now, we are working on the story and the character," she added. Hate Story 3 will reportedly see actors Sharman Joshi and Daisy Shah along with Zarine, and the film is likely to be at par with the previous two films in bold and erotic content. The Veer actress says enacting such scenes is part of an actor's life.

lated at having worked with a talented cast and crew in her first Bengali film Nirbaak, former Miss Universe and Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen said actors in the Hindi film industry are spoilt. "It has been a privilege and honor to work with the best actors not only from the east, but also in India... right from different age groups to their caliber... we are spoilt in Bollywood, I have to say. We look good and our job is done but then you work with a plethora of actors who not only get into the skin of their characters but despite having been a part of hundreds of films, are still moldable. They are like clay," Sushmita said of her co-actors while promoting the film here. Helmed by National award-winner Srijit Mukherji, Nirbaak (which means speechless) stars Jisshu Sengupta, actor-director Anjan Dutt and Ritwick Chakraborty. It was shot in 22 days. The trailer has garnered more than 100,000 views. Sushmita said she was very careful with her Bengali pronunciation since it was her father's biggest dream that the Bengali beauty does a film in her native language.

"It has been a privilege and honor to work with the best actors not only from the east, but also in India... right from different age groups to their caliber... we are spoilt in Bollywood, I have to sayâ&#x20AC;?

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May 8, 2015

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hat would have been just another Bollywood thriller catapulted into something bigger when Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino named Kaante as his favorite rip-off. The film was an adaptation of his 1992 crime drama, Reservoir Dogs. It featured Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Suneil Shetty, Mahesh Manjrekar, Lucky Ali and Kumar Gaurav as the six bank robbers who pull off a perfect heist only to discover that one of them is an under cover cop. Now, writer-director-producer, Sanjay Gupta, has confirmed that he is making a sequel to his 2002 film which will once again star Sanjay Dutt. "Kaante was a dream. Sanju and I shared with the late Raju Patel, (a Los Angeles -based producer and owner of Film Club) helped realize. The sequel is definitely happening, but not without Sanju," Gupta told Mirror. After Patel's death, it was reported that Pritish Nandy Communications (the third producer of the original), White Feather Films and Film Club, USA, were all battling for the rights to the film's sequel. Gupta dismisses these reports saying, "I have the IPR of the film and I have already spoken about rolling out with Kaante 2 with Raju's brother, Viju Patel. We've agreed that once Sanju is out, we will make the film."

"Kaante was a dream. Sanju and I shared with the late Raju Patel, (a Los Angeles -based producer and owner of Film Club) helped realize. The sequel is definitely happening, but not without Sanju,"

atima Shaikh, a Mumbai girl who has acted in a few films and a TV serial, along with a trained ballet dancer from Delhi, Sanya Malhotra, will play Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumar in the sports biopic to be helmed by Nitesh Tiwari. It is learnt that a couple of weeks ago, Mallika Sherawat auditioned for casting director Mukesh Chabbra. No, she wasn't vying to play either of the `betis'. Madam M was game to play their 'ma' and Aamir Khan's better half. A source revealed that Mallika turned up for the audition looking completely de-glam and almost unrecognizable in a simple salwar kameez. "She had no make-up and rattled off the pages of dialogue she knew by heart in shudh Haryanvi. The Jat accent that might stump other actresses, comes naturally to her since she's from the state," said the source. She gave a fine performance on camera but will have to wait a while to know if she will be a part of the project. Dangal is inspired by the story of former wrestler Mahavir Singh, from Haryana's Balali village, who built an akhara in his own house and coached his daughters to historic wins.

velyn Sharma, who will be seen with Mahaakshay Chakraborty in "Ishqedariyan", says she wants to explore herself as an actress. "I am being offered foreigner's role but each role is different from other," said Evelyn. "I am happy doing them but at the same time I would also like to explore myself as an actress. I would love to do something different as well," she added. Asked how was it working with Mahaakshay, son of veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty in the film, she said: "I had a great time shooting with him. He is very professional and despite being a star kid, he is so grounded and down to earth."

"I am happy doing them but at the same time I would also like to explore myself as an actress. I would love to do something different as wellâ&#x20AC;?

India Post 31

Â&#x201E; Health

Line

Bad backs due to chimp-like vertebrae LONDON: People who suffer from back pain may have vertebrae more like those of chimpanzees than of healthy humans, a new study suggests. Researchers said that bad backs may partly be the result of learning to run before we could walk, in evolutionary terms, with the rapid evolution of the ability to walk upright on two legs leaving some people vulnerable. The study compared the backs of 71 humans, 36 chimpanzees and 15 orangutans, and found that humans with a common form of vertical slipped disc - known as "Schmorl's nodes" - had vertebrae shaped more like those of chimpanzees. The study, published in the journal BMC Evolutionary biology, suggests that individuals with chimpanzee-like vertebrae are at greater risk of suffering a slipped disc. "Our study is the first to use quantitative methods to uncover why humans are so commonly afflicted with back problems compared to non-human primates," said lead scientist Dr Kimberly Plomp, from Simon Fraser University in Canada. "The findings have potential implications for clinical research as they indicate why some individuals are more prone to back problems. -PTI

Â&#x201E; Bill increases access to antioverdose drugs CARSON CITY, Nev.: Assembly members are reviewing a bill backed by Gov. Brian Sandoval that would increase access to drugs that can help reverse a potentially deadly heroin or painkiller overdose. Members of the Assembly Health and Human Services Committee held a hearing for SB459, which passed unanimously out of the Senate earlier this month. The so-called ``Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act'' would reduce criminal penalties for reporting drug overdoses. It would also make it easier for people to access the non-addictive drug naloxone, which can help reverse potentially deadly opioid overdoses. Doctors raised concerns about a section of the bill that required them to check a patient's prescription history before prescribing a painkiller, and use that information to determine whether to move forward with the prescription. -AP

Health Science

Smartphone turns into DNA-scanning microscope

32 India Post

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May 8, 2015

Details on Page 34

Top insurers navigate health overhaul to rising profits INDIANAPOLIS: Several of the nation's biggest health insurers have hiked earnings expectations for 2015 after blowing past first-quarter forecasts and heading into a much more stable future than they faced this time last year. A better understanding of the health care overhaul's impact, lighter Medicare Advantage funding cuts and old-fashioned business growth all helped deliver a confidence boost to much of the sector. KNOWING THE LAW The federal overhaul launched a major coverage expansion in the fall of 2013, when public insurance exchanges debuted with the promise of providing millions of new customers who receive help buying coverage through incomebased tax credits. But problems with those online exchanges slowed enrollment, and insurers still didn't have a full picture of who was signing up for their coverage deep into last year's first quarter. They also weren't certain about the risk they faced from this new

population. A year later, enrollment gains are more certain and companies are starting to understand those new customers. The Blue CrossBlue Shield insurer Anthem Inc.

``Overall costs have settled at a level that's been very consistent with our expectations,'' Aetna Chief Financial Officer Shawn Guertin said.

A portion of The UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s campus in Minnetonka, Minn.

says that it has signed up nearly 900,000 people on the exchanges. Competitor Aetna Inc. has added more than 950,000. Insurers also have a better understanding of how the law's costs, which include fees and medical claims, affect their income statements.

SURVIVING CUTS Privately run Medicare Advantage plans are a growing source of business for UnitedHealth Group Inc., Humana Inc. and other insurers, but they've been pressured for a few years now by funding cuts. The federal government is scaling back funding for the

coverage in part to help pay for the overhaul. In response, insurers have had to trim benefits and in some cases leave markets in order to preserve profitability. They had to do more of that heading into 2014, when plans faced cuts ranging from 5 percent to 7 percent, said Thomas Carroll, who covers the industry for the investment bank Stifel. This year, insurers are probably dealing with a reduction of around 3 percent, on average, although that varies by plan. ``The heavy lifting was done in 2013 getting ready for 2014,'' Carroll said regarding plan adjustments. ``That ... is probably enough to deal with this year.'' IMPROVING BUSINESS Operating earnings soared 35 percent for UnitedHealth's health insurance business in the first quarter. The nation's largest insurer also saw strong growth from its Optum segment, which provides pharmacy benefits management as well as data technology services and runs clinics and doctor's offices. Cont'd on Page 35

Tejal among top 25 women in healthcare BOSTON: An Indian-American Harvard Professor has been named as one of the Top 25 Women in Healthcare in the US by Modern Healthcare magazine. Tejal K Gandhi, president and chief executive officer of the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) has been named as one of the country's Top 25 Women in Healthcare in the sixth biennial list of women leaders compiled by the magazine. "I'm honored to be recognized by Modern Healthcare," said Gandhi in a statement. "Women certainly make up a large part of the health care workforce, and having that perspective represented at leadership levels is a trend that I hope

will continue to gain traction," she said. Gandhi was one of 200 women nominated for the list through an open call for nominations last

December. The list was published in the April issue of the magazine. A review board composed of senior editors of Modern Healthcare selected the finalists

Tejal K Gandhi

by judging the candidates on a broad range of criteria, including their willingness to share their expertise with others in the field, to serve as role models or mentors to others, and their ability and power to effect change. Gandhi also holds an appointment as associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. This is the first time she has appeared on the Top 25 Women in Healthcare list. Earlier this year, she was included in Modern Healthcare's list of 50 Most Influential Physician Executives and Leaders. In August 2014, she was included in the magazine's list of 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare. -PTI

May 8, 2015

Health Science Post

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National policy soon on accessible healthcare NEW DELHI: Asserting that there has been no reduction in allocation for Health Ministry, Union Minister J P Nadda has said the government would soon come out with a national policy to make healthcare accessible and affordable to the people. Nadda also stressed the government is committed to the matter related to increasing the size of pictorial warnings on tobacco products. In his reply to a discussion on the Demand for Grants of Health and Family Welfare Ministry, he said there was no reduction in budgetary allocation and only that more money is now being given to the states. "There are truths, half-truths and untruths ... it is wrong, totally wrong" to say there has been a reduction, he said after several members expressed concern about lesser money being kept aside for the Ministry in the Budget. "There is no reduction... there is no cut in Budget. We have a Prime Minister who is very sensitive to health issues and a generous Finance Minister," he said. According to Nadda, earlier states used to say they were not getting enough funds and now when they are given the money, it

is being said that allocations have been cut. "Very soon, we will come out with the (national health) policy" that would make healthcare accessible, affordable and also

Union Minister J P Nadda

of quality to people, Nadda said, adding that the government was deliberating the matter and the draft policy was already in

Apollo Hospitals to add 1,000 beds per year NEW DELHI: Healthcare major Apollo Hospitals is planning to add 1,000 beds per year in the next five years across the country and overseas as part of its expansion plans. "Our target is to add 1,000 beds per year in next five years in our existing and new hospitals. This year we will be opening super specialty hospitals at Navi Mumbai

and Vizag," Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Executive Vice Chairperson Preetha Reddy told PTI. The company is looking at both organic and inorganic routes for future expansion, she added. Reddy was speaking on the sidelines of

the public domain. With regard to pictorial warning on tobacco products, Nadda said the Ministry is committed and would go into the matter.

the National Leadership Conclave organized by All India Management Association (AIMA). When asked about the geographies the company is looking at for growth, Reddy said, "It will be both in India and outside." However, she did not name the countries where the healthcare provider is mulling expansion. Reddy further said, "We are there in every space in the healthcare chain. We are present from tertiary care hospitals to primary clinics. From medical education to standalone pharmacies we are there." Apollo Hospitals Enterprise has over 10,000 beds across 64 hospitals, more than 2200 pharmacies, over 100 primary care and diagnostic clinics, 115 telemedicine units across nine countries, health insurance services, global projects consultancy, 15 academic institutions and a Research Foundation. -PTI

"I want to take everyone along... Health issue is not to be compromised," he said and emphasized that the government should not be misunderstood. "We respect your sentiments," Nadda

told Opposition members who were demanding an explanation from him on keeping the notification relating to pictorial warning on tobacco products in abeyance. Government has put on hold its decision to ask tobacco firms to introduce pictorial warnings covering 85 per cent of packaging for tobacco products from the present stipulated 40 per cent after the Parliamentary Committee of Subordinate Legislation urged it to wait till it submits its final report. The rule was to come into effect from April 1. Congress member K C Venugopal wondered whether it is mandatory for the government to wait for the panel's report to issue the notification. Nadda said efforts are being made to increase the level of immunization of children to 90 per cent from current 67 per cent and the recently launched Indradhanush program would help in this regard. About 17 lakh children are completely immunized while 72 lakh are partially immunized, he said, adding that Indradhanush was one of the world's most elaborate health programs. He also said that more cancer research institutes are proposed to be set up. Cont'd on Page 35

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Smartphone turns into DNA-scanning microscope WASHINGTON: Researchers have developed a device that can turn any smartphone into a DNAscanning fluorescent microscope to diagnose various types of cancers and nervous system disorders, such as Alzheimer's. "A single DNA molecule, once stretched, is about two nanometers in width," said Aydogan Ozcan, from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). "For perspective, that makes DNA about 50,000 times thinner than a human hair. Currently, imaging single DNA molecules requires bulky, expensive optical microscopy tools, which are mostly confined to advanced laboratory settings. In comparison, the components for my device are significantly less expensive," Ozcan said. Ozcan's smartphone attachment is an external lens, thin-film

interference filter, miniature dovetail stage mount for making fine alignments, and a laser diode, all enclosed in a small, 3D-printed case and integrated to act just like a fluorescence microscope. Although other smartphoneturned-microscopes can image larger scale objects such as cells,

Ozcan's group's latest mobile phone optical attachment is the first to image and size the slim strand of a single DNA molecule. The device is intended for use in remote laboratory settings to diagnose various types of cancers and nervous system disorders, such as Alzheimer's, as well

A cheap smartphone attachment can resolve single strands of DNA for remote diagnostics

New vaccine may boost HIV treatment LONDON: A vaccine containing a protein necessary for virus replication can boost an HIV-infected patient's immune system and increase effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs, a new study has found. When people are first diagnosed with HIV they are put on antiretroviral drugs, also known as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). These drugs can stop the virus reproducing almost completely. When taking HAART,

tal tract, cannot be acted upon by HAART and can cause complications and deaths due to nonAIDS related diseases. The new vaccine targets the viral protein "Tat", which is produced early on in HIV infection. Tat has a key role in viral replication and progression of the disease by weakening the immune system. By designing a vaccine that included a small amount of the Tat protein, researchers were able to produce an immune response to

When people are first diagnosed with HIV they are put on antiretroviral drugs, also known as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

however, it is known that the virus can still replicate at low levels and accumulate in a latent form in what are called "reservoirs". These reservoirs, located throughout the body including the brain, bone marrow and geni-

prevent disease progression. "We prove for the first time that antiretroviral therapy may be intensified by a vaccine," said lead researcher, Barbara Ensoli, from the National AIDS Centre, Istituto Superiore di Sanita in

Rome, Italy. "These results open new scenarios to investigate, namely whether this vaccine may help with virus control where patients have low adherence to antiretroviral therapy, simplify treatment, and reduce transmission of the disease," said Ensoli. Researchers conducted a Phase II clinical trial that injected 168 HIV-infected patients with the vaccine that contained either 7.5 micrograms or 30 micrograms of the Tat protein. For both doses, the participants received the vaccine once a month over the course of either three or five months. None of the participants had anti-Tat antibodies at the start of the trial and it was anticipated that the vaccine would induce them. The patients also continued on HAART treatment. Patients were followed for three years (144 weeks). It was found that the vaccine induced production of anti-Tat antibodies. A significant growth of CD4+ T cells was also seen, which is a sign of the immune system's strength. There was also an increase in the T, B and other immune cells. The biggest response was seen amongst those who received the vaccine with 30 micrograms of Tat over the course of three months. These effects were found to persist for all the three years. -PTI

as detect drug resistance in infectious diseases. To use the camera it is necessary to first isolate and label the desired DNA with fluorescent tags. Ozcan said such laboratory procedures are possible even in remote locations and resourcelimited settings. To scan the DNA, the group developed a computational interface and Windows smart application running on the same smartphone. The scanned information is then sent to a remote server in Ozcan's laboratory, which measures the length of the DNA molecules. Assuming you have a reliable data connection, the entire data processing takes less than 10 seconds. In their lab, Ozcan's group tested the device's accuracy by imaging fluorescently labeled and stretched DNA segments.

It reliably sized DNA segments of 10,000 base pairs or longer. A base pair is the basic structural unit of DNA. Many important genes fall in this size range, including a bacterial gene notorious for giving Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria antibiotic resistance that is about 14,000 base pairs long. The smartphone microscope demonstrated a significant drop in accuracy for 5,000 base-pair or shorter segments, however, due to the reduced detection signalto-noise ratio and contrast for such short fragments. The problem could easily be remedied by replacing the device's current lens with one of a higher numerical aperture, Ozcan said. Ozcan's group next plans to test their device in the field to detect the presence of malaria-related drug resistance. -PTI

Pee can predict obesity risk LONDON: Scientists have identified chemical markers in urine associated with body mass that can help predict which people could be at risk of developing obesity and metabolic diseases. The new study, led by Imperial College London, shows that obesity has a 'metabolic signature' detectable in urine samples, pointing to processes that could be targeted to mitigate its effects on health. Urine contains a variety of chemicals known as metabolites, from a vast range of biochemical processes in the body. Technologies that analyze the metabolic makeup of a sample can therefore offer huge amounts of information that reflects both a person's genetic makeup and lifestyle factors. The Imperial researchers analyzed urine samples from over 2,000 volunteers in the US and the UK. They found 29 different metabolic products whose levels correlated with the person's body mass index, and how they fit together in a complex network that links many different parts of the body. Some of these metabolites are produced by bacteria that live in the gut, highlighting the potentially important role these organisms play in obesity. Altered patterns of energy-related metabolites produced in the muscles were also identified as being linked to obesity. "Obesity has become a huge

problem all over the world, threatening to overwhelm health services and drive life expectancy gains into reverse," said Professor Jeremy Nicholson, Director of the MRC-NIHR National Phenome Centre at Imperial College London and a senior author of the study. "Tackling it is an urgent priority and it requires us to have a much better understanding of how body fat and other aspects of bi-

They found 29 different metabolic products whose levels correlated with the person's body mass index, and how they fit together ology are related. "These findings provide possible starting points for new approaches to preventing and treating obesity and its associated diseases," Nicholson said. "Our results point to patterns of metabolic markers in the urine associated with obesity. It may be possible to identify non-obese people who have such patterns in their urine profile," said Professor Paul Elliott, Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Imperial. -PTI

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Louisiana panels reject Medicaid expansion BATON ROUGE, La.: Louisiana's lawmakers have turned back efforts to expand the state Medicaid program to give the working poor government-funded health insurance, the third year of defeats for the legislation. The Senate health care committee voted 5-3 against a coverage expansion bill proposed by Sen. Ben Nevers, D-Bogalusa. A few hours later, the House health care committee took a similar approach, voting 9-7 against expansion legislation by Rep. John Bel Edwards, D-Amite.

health industry. ``I believe that there is a moral imperative to do this. I believe that there is a fiscal imperative to do this,'' Edwards told the House committee. ``I don't think this is a partisan issue. I just think it's the right thing to do.'' Nevers said: ``People are dying and people are much more seriously ill today because we have refused to expand Medicaid.'' Opponents, including Gov. Bobby Jindal, say the increased coverage would be too costly for Louisiana and the federal government and would expand a broken, government-run health system. ``The state government has no money. The federal government is losing money,'' Sandra McDade with the conservative Louisiana Power Coalition told the committee. ``Quite frankly, we can't afford it.'' The health insurance coverage would have been offered to adults making up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level - less than $33,000 for a family of four. Disagreement about the cost of a Medicaid expansion absorbed much Efforts to expand Medicaid in the state once again of the debates. failed. Edwards cited the nonpartisan legExpansion backers hoped Louisiana's islative financial analysis that estimated the financial troubles and the offer of billions state would save $52 million next year if it of federal dollars could send more votes expanded Medicaid and would continue to their way this year. Most of the cost would save money for several years after that. have been paid by the federal government, Health and Hospitals Secretary Kathy which would put up an estimated $16 bil- Kliebert, a Jindal appointee, disagreed with lion over 10 years. the cost estimates provided to lawmakers But Republican opposition to the expan- by their budget analysts and said the state sion - and President Barack Obama's sig- in later years would face a sizable price tag. nature health care law that allows it - reRep. Richard Burford, R-Stonewall, quesmains strong in the GOP-led state Legisla- tioned whether the federal government ture. would shrink its payment rates in later years, Supporters of the Medicaid expansion leaving Louisiana to pay a greater share of say it would extend health insurance cov- an expansion it can't afford. erage to nearly 300,000 people, like waitPhillip Joffrion, director of the Louisiresses, construction workers and others in ana chapter of Americans for Prosperity, a minimum wage jobs who can't afford it. national tea party group, said other states They also said it would help health care have seen millions of dollars in increased, providers burdened with uninsured pa- unexpected costs when they expanded their tients and create thousands of jobs in the Medicaid programs. -AP

Top insurers navigate health overhaul to rising profits Cont'd from Page 32

Anthem recorded a 25 percent Medicaid enrollment gain compared with last year's quarter. The overhaul is helping to expand the state- and federally funded program for disabled people and those over age 65. In addition to booking business gains, insurers also are keeping medical costs under control. That's their biggest expense, and it continues to grow moderately, about as companies expected. Insurer profitability gets squeezed when medical costs grow faster than expected

after they've set coverage prices. That moderate cost growth could change by fall. People with high-deductible health plans tend to save bigger medical expenses for later in the year, after they've paid their deductibles and will have more of the bill covered by the insurer. Humana Inc., the only top insurer to miss analyst expectations so far this quarter, said that it saw signs that hospital admissions - a pricey form of care - were starting to pick up. ``Everybody is calling for cost trends to increase this year, but they still remain below longer-term trends,'' Carroll said.-AP

National policy soon on accessible healthcare Cont'd from Page 33

Noting that the government was sensitive to health issues, the Minister said it should be ensured that money allocated for health sector programs is utilized properly. Stating that National Health Mission (NHM) has given good results, Nadda said he does not want to bring politics as it has been a continuous program under different governments. To address the problem of tuberculosis, the Minister said that in one to two months, the government would start the facility for free consultations through mobiles. Besides, door to door surveys would be carried out to identify people affected with tuberculosis, he added. About tertiary healthcare, Nadda said that new AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) have been announced and in due course, every state would have an AIIMS-like institute. Sharing concerns of members about shortage of manpower in the health sector, Nadda said his Ministry is discussing the issue with various entities including healthcare professionals. Currently, about 55,000 doctors pass out

every year and this number has to be increased to 1,00,000, he added. Participating in the discussion, Dharamvir Gandhi (AAP) expressed concern over privatization of healthcare sector, saying it was happening at a fast pace. Kaushalendra Kumar (JD-U) said budgetary allocation for health sector is less

To address the problem of tuberculosis, the Minister said that in one to two months, the government would start the facility for free consultations through mobiles. Besides, door to door surveys would be carried out and added that there is shortage of doctors at hospitals in Bihar. E T Mohammed Basheer (IUML), Sirajuddin Ajmal (AIUDF), Ram Kumar Sharma (RLSP) and Thokchom Meinya (Cong) also spoke. -PTI

Realty Tidbits

DLF contributes Rs 2 cr towards relief to farmers NEW DELHI: Largest realty firm DLF has contributed Rs 1 crore to the Prime Minister's relief fund and another Rs 1 crore to Haryana Chief Minister's relief fund for welfare of the farmers affected by the unseasonal rains and hailstorms. "DLF, in furtherance of its commitment towards national causes, has contributed Rs 1 crore to Prime Minister's Relief Fund and Rs 1 crore to Haryana Chief Minister's Relief Fund," the developer said in a statement. The company said that the contribution is specifically to support the government efforts in providing relief to the farmers, who have witnessed significant adversities due to unfavorable weather conditions. The contributory cheques were handed over to Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal for the CM Relief Fund and to Union Coal and Power Minister Piyush Goyal for the PM Relief Fund. -PTI

Iowa City to buy more homes in flood plain IOWA CITY, Iowa: Since the 2008 floods, Iowa City has purchased and leveled more than 90 homes, and now the city hopes to expand the effort after last year's flooding. The Iowa City Press-Citizen reports the city wants to secure more than $1 million in state and federal money to buy nine floodprone properties along the Iowa River. In order to qualify for the roughly $1 million Federal Emergency Management Agency grant and $136,000 in state money, Iowa City has to put up $204,000 to cover 15 percent of the project. ``As our famous former public works director (Rick Fosse) used to say, the most significant flood control you can provide is moving occupants and businesses out of the path of the flood,'' City Manager Tom Markus said. ``I think that's a fairly accurate way of describing what this program attempts to do.'' After the 2008 floods, $22.5 million was spent on 94 properties in two rounds of buyouts. If this program moves forward, it will be the first buyouts since then. There are 26 eligible properties in the flood-prone area, and nine owners have expressed interest, said Tracy Hightshoe, who coordinates neighborhood services. If the city buys the homes, they will be removed. -AP

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St John housing gets 'substandard' grade EDGARD, La.: The St. John the Baptist Parish Housing Authority has received a ``substandard'' grade from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. That's an improvement after more than a decade on the ``troubled'' list. The latest assessment gave the authority 60 of a possible 100 points, The New Orleans Advocate reported.

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Green Homes are so 2010: The future is wellness communities

n 2000, Ray and Sarah Victurine bought a big house on 2.5 acres of Bainbridge Island. Like most Americans, they wanted space. With a 3,000-square-foot house and vast stretches of grass, their kids and dog were allowed to run freely. But, Ray Victurine said, his family felt isolated. There were neighbors in the distance, but the car was their primary connection to people and places-to the world beyond their home. "This is the United States," he said. "People don't just drop by other people's houses." So, about a year ago, the family traded it all in. They sold the house and the land, and they moved to Grow Community, a sustainable development on Bainbridge Island, about 35 minutes by ferry from Seattle. Having downsized to a 1,600-square-foot townhouse, they are surrounded by people-the community's 24 single-family homes and 20 rental townhouse units occupy just 3 acres.

CHRYSTAL CARUTHERS

Victurine said he welcomes the density. At his old house, he said, he spent so much time maintaining the property and mowing the lawn, it left little time for anything

• The emphasis here is on building an old-fashioned neighborhoodthe kind where neighbors know one another, kids play together, and spontaneous wine-and-cheese par-

else. At Grow, there are no front yards and residents share the community gardens.

ties break out all the time. "One night I come home from playing tennis, and neighbors are on the porch with my wife. Next thing you know, we're playing Name That Tune. A bottle of wine is opened. It's spontaneous fun," said Victurine. "We went from being isolated to having a really nice

movement-essentially improving the health of the planet-and is now expanding to encompass entire housing developments with the mission to improve the health and well-being of their residents. How? Through architecture. Gone are the things that make us lazy and isolated-elevators, attached garages, and winding streets without sidewalks, disconnected from the outside world. In these communities, there are sidewalks, gardens, and trails, with services ranging from bike- and car-sharing to fitness classes and potluck dinners. Healthy choices are easy to make, after all, when you're surrounded by them. And if Grow is any measure, these wellness communities are primed for success. Grow's first phase sold out in six months with very little advertising. Phase 2, which will expand the community to 8 acres and is expected to be completed in January 2016, is 75% reserved, said sales director Joie Olsen. It's seeing demand for singlelevel homes from retiring baby boomers. Prices in wellness communities are usually higher than average, "but when you really explain monthly costs here versus the average home, it's cheaper on

group of people." Grow, and other so-called wellness communities like it, is the logical result of Americans' shift toward sustainable lifestyles. What began with energy-efficient appliances and solar panels evolved into the green home

a monthly basis," said Olsen. For instance, the average electric bill is $8 per month, she said. It is the largest solar community in Washington. In Phase 2 of Grow, a new two- or three-bedroom, single-level home will range from $495,000 to $725,000.

Noida luxury housing project contract for L&T NEW DELHI: Wave Group's realty firm Wave Infratech has awarded a contract worth about Rs 200 crore to L&T for construction of its luxury housing project at Noida. The project is spread over 1.62 acres and is part of its 'Wave City Center' township. Wave Infratech Executive Director Amar Sinha said that construction of its housing project 'Eminence' has been awarded to L&T. The construction work would start shortly and it would be completed in 42 months. Sources said the contract to L&T is worth about Rs 200 crore.

Wave Infratech is developing the township spread over 152 acres, which the company had bagged through an auction for about Rs 6,500 crore. However, the total developable area of the township is 40 million sq ft and

will be developed in phases. The company is developing other realty projects in Noida, Ghaziabad and Mohali. Besides real estate, Wave Group is engaged in sugar, liquor and entertainment businesses.-PTI

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Dubai fund to focus on Indian real estate DUBAI: UAE-based oil firm Gulf Petrochem has inaugurated a property fund focused on Indian real estate to encourage foreign investments into the country by offering tailor-made solutions. The Fund is structured as a closed ended investment company in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) that aims at encouraging foreign investments into India by high net worth individuals and institutions, seeking to create value real estate exposure, Fund Director Shahin Alam said. Global real estate experts Cushman and Wakefield have been retained as property consultants for the Exempt Fund. "The time is now right to leverage Indian real estate assets for the benefit of our investors. GP (Gulf Petrochem) has committed USD 10 million as seed capital to

the Fund that aims to raise USD 100 million," GP's MD Sudhir Goyel said. Guaranteeing tailor-made solutions for professional and institutional investors, the DIFC Exempt Fund provides unique and tax efficient access to a di-

versified portfolio of professionally managed grade A-level real estate assets which are duly approved by India and work in compliance with the Foreign Direct Investment program. The DIFC is a jurisdiction with internationally recognized

the Lok Sabha, would provide relief to realty players who are planning to launch Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) for monetizing their commercial assets. "I propose to provide for exemption from levy of MAT on gains and losses arising from exchange of shares with the units of a business trust REIT/InvIT. "The liability under Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) will arise only on actual transfer of such units,"

Dinesh Bhasin, Fund Director at GP, said that the Fund's investment objective is to primarily invest in equity, equity related or debt securities in real estate and real estate- related projects based in India. "Specifically, the Fund will target investments in commercial, hospitality, residential and retail projects within proven geographies," he said. -PTI

Las Vegas hotel & casino to be sold for $360M

Relief for REITs on Minimum Alternate Tax NEW DELHI: The government has said minimum alternate tax would be applicable on the real estate and infrastructure investment trusts only when there is actual transfer of their units. The announcement, made by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in

regulations, favorable taxation and ease of establishment. Based on these key factors and our associations with clients such as Gulf Petrochem and Gateway Investment Management Services, we believe the DIFC can and will become the Fund Domicile of choice in the region," DIFC Authority's Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer, Chirag Shah said.

Jaitley said while replying to the discussion on Finance Bill 201516 which was later passed by the Lok Sabha. Earlier, MAT was also applicable on exchange of equity shares of a Special Purpose Vehicle for REIT or InVIT units.

REITs and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InVITs) are aimed at attracting funds in a transparent manner into the real estate and infrastructure sectors. Realty giant DLF, which is planning to float REITs, said the exemption removes a major policy hurdle and would give a significant boost to the establishment of these trusts. It has been clarified that MAT would not be applicable on no-

tional book gains, arising from exchange of shares in SPV with units of REITs/InvITs, DLF's Group CFO Ashok Tyagi said in a statement. DLF plans to set up its first REIT within this year itself subject to receiving requisite approvals. The easing of MAT applicability would make REITs and InvITS "far more viable and attractive", Tyagi said. Welcoming the move, CREDAI President Getamber Anand said it would encourage companies which are planning to set up such trusts. Jaitley said the Finance Bill 2014 provided for tax neutrality in respect of exchange of shares of a SPV with the units of a business trust. However, no neutrality/deferment of MAT liability was provided, he added. According to him, the liability under the MAT may arise due to recording of exchange of the shares with the units at fair value in compliance with the provisions of notified accounting standards by a shareholder, being a company. "This may result into cash flow problems for the companies," Jaitley said. These two trusts, which can be listed on stock exchanges, would help channels both domestic and overseas investments into real estate and infrastructure projects in the country. -PTI

LAS VEGAS: Penn National Gaming spent years shopping for a Vegas Strip property and it has finally found one. The company has announced that it is buying the 58-year-old Tropicana Las Vegas, paying $360 million to shareholders including private equity firm Onex Corp. Onex spent the past four years giving the Tropicana a $200 million face-lift after buying it out of bankruptcy in 2009. In five years, the property's losses have been cut more than half, dropping to $19.2 million last year, according to its annual financial report. Penn National said it plans to

being paid at the top of the market,'' Knott said. A price of $20 million an acre for a prime corner of undeveloped land might be on the horizon, but certainly not yet. For years, Penn National either encountered unwilling sellers or astronomical pricing on the Strip. ``We didn't want to overpay for an asset back when everyone was asking gigantic asking prices,'' said company spokesman Eric Schippers. The company even offered $50 million for the partially built Fontainebleau Las Vegas casino resort high-rise in 2010 but was outbid by billionaire investor Carl Icahn's.

Tropicana Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The property in Las Vegas is being sold for $360 million.

spend another $20 million in improvements at the revived 1,467room South Beach-inspired resort. The company, based in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, operates 26 casinos and hotels around the country. Its other Nevada property, The M Resort, is about 12 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. ``Overall it's a very good cost of entry for a prime location,'' said John Knott, global head of gaming for commercial real estate firm CBRE in Las Vegas. The market for buying and selling casino-hotels and land on the Strip has been slowly climbing since hitting bottom in 2013. ``We're a long, long way from the $36 million an acre that was

``We've been looking for a dozen years for the right resort in the right location,'' he said. ``Tropicana checks all the boxes for us.'' The 34-acre resort sits on the corner of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard across from MGM Resorts future 20,000-seat Las Vegas arena, which is expected to open next year. Schippers said a plan already in the works to develop a twostory retail and restaurant complex on the casino-hotel's corner is being reviewed by Penn National Gaming Inc. It could have a different mix of retail and restaurants than were first envisioned depending on what the company hears from customers. -AP

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Maharashtra plans to Rent Act may exempt commercial establishments start 'housing fund' MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has proposed in its yet to be released housing policy that all commercial and residential establishments will be excluded from the Maharashtra Rent Control Act which prohibits landlords from levying market rents. However, a Housing Department official, on condition of anonymity, said that Maharashtra Housing Minister Prakash Mehta was not kept in the loop while formulating the policy and that no establishment can be excluded from the Rent Control Act. "There are massive internal dif-

ferences between Prakash Mehta and Principal Secretary for Housing Satish Gavai. This policy, which has now been sent to the minister was not made keeping him in the loop. This case is before the Supreme Court from May 1, 1996 and is being heard by a 16member bench. Until the case is settled, the state government has no authority to amend the Act," the official told PTI. According to the proposed policy, all commercial establishments occupying more than 500 square feet and also those living

as tenants in residential homes bigger than 862 square feet will not be protected under the Rent Control Act. "However, tenants occupying more than 46.5 square meters of commercial area and 80 square meters residential area, shall be entitled to continue to occupy rented premises so long as he or she agrees to pay the market rent as per principles contained in the ready reckoner rate manual. The landlord will not be entitled to evict the tenant so long as the tenant pays the market rent," the report states. To ensure that the amendment does not lead to a sudden increase in rents, a provision has been incorporated that for the first three years the tenants will be liable to pay only 50 per cent of the market rent and 100 per cent of the market rent from the fourth year onwards. The landlord cannot levy a market rent that is more than 30 per cent of the annual income of the tenant The new amendment stipulates that senior citizen tenants will be liable to pay 50 per cent of the market rent or 15 per cent of his/her annual income, whichever is lower. -PTI

Square Yards raises $6mn from S'pore, Hong Kong NEW DELHI: Real estate advisory firm Square Yards Consulting has raised USD 6 million (approximately Rs 37 crore) from a clutch of investors based in Singapore and Hong Kong. Investors have valued the company in a range of USD 40-50 million. "Square Yards Consulting raised an amount of USD 6 million in pre Series A funding. Spread over the last few months, the funds have come from a clutch of investors in Singapore and Hong Kong," the Gurgaon-based company said in a statement. Square Yards, a 17 month old start-up, has facilitated real estate transactions to the tune of USD 250 million for India and USD 50 million for global real estate in the first year of its operations. "With the funding amount, we are aiming at 15 per cent of India's primary residential real estate market by the end of 2017.

"Also, we plan to scale-up our operations across multiple distribution platforms, including e-commerce," Square Yards CEO and CoFounder Tanuj Shori said. The company is in the process

erations and is a leading player in primary residential market. The company offers one-stop solution for all property related needs. The company has offices in Hong Kong, UAE, Singapore and

MUMBAI: In a bid to make homes more affordable for people in Maharashtra, the state government is planning to start a 'housing fund' in which one can contribute a fixed amount of monthly earning for a certain period. In its yet to be released housing policy, the state housing department has proposed a housing fund, where a self-employed person or a government or private employee desirous of becoming a member, can contribute a fixed percentage of his/her salary in this fund, which will be managed by a fund manager chosen through competitive bidding. "In case the qualifying person is employed in the private or government sector, then in such a

case the employee will have the option to make a matching contribution from his/her Provident Fund (PF) account up to 50 percent," the recommended policy states. "For example, if an employee contributes Rs 1,000 to the Housing Fund and his/her contribution to the PF is normally Rs 2,000 then he/she can reduce the PF Contribution to Rs 1,000 and contribute

St John housing gets 'substandard' grade Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 36

Square Yards had revenues of Rs 38 crore in its first year of operations and is a leading player in primary residential market. The company offers one-stop solution for all property related needs. of creating its own e-commerce portal, he added. Square Yards had revenues of Rs 38 crore in its first year of op-

UK and deals in real estate asset portfolios in India, US, UK, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Canada and UAE. -PTI

the balance amount of Rs 1,000 to the Housing Fund," it further states. An official from the housing department said the membership count of the housing fund will indicate the number of people in need of housing and added that the contributions shall be invested in RBI specified government securities. "After a period of 10 years of contribution, the employee can apply for a house in a government scheme and the balance in this fund to his credit shall be his share of the cost towards the house and the balance amount can be borrowed," the policy states. The official said this will encourage people to save for a house and to some extent housing finance will get a boost. The housing fund also proposes to offer interest equivalent to a PF account and the state government will approach the Centre to make contributions to it tax-free. According to the policy, the members of this fund will have priority in eligibility in Maharashtra Housing And Area Development Authority (MHADA) draw for sale of flats. In case the members of the 'Housing Fund' intends to buy a house from the private sector, the fund proceeds can be utilized for the same also.-PTI

Improvements included a perfect score on financial accounting and correction of several deficiencies cited repeatedly in previous years. ``When I came in, there was a lot of cleaning up that was taking place,'' said Trina Henderson, who took over as the agency's executive director in 2011. ``Now, I would like to say that, for the last year or so, the Housing Authority's actually managing.'' The report said the authority recently selected an Atlantabased developer to plan the re-

development of its 296-unit system, which consists of buildings in LaPlace, Reserve, Garyville and Edgard. About half the units are currently vacant. A 2013 study recommended tearing down most of the authority's buildings and offering residents vouchers so they could relocate to privately owned apartments in the meantime. ``Overall, the (public) housing stock is dilapidated and obsolete,'' said the report, paid for by HUD. ``It no longer provides safe, sanitary and decent housing for its residents.'' -AP

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he small town of Bomdila is perched amongst the panoramic settings of the lofty ranges of the eastern Himalayas. It is a remote destination and like few other Indian towns, it has escaped the virtual tourist invasion. Bomdila is known for its scenic environs along with its Buddhist monasteries and apple orchids. It also attracts the adventure seeker with its numerous trekking trails. Bomdila is located in the northwestern part of the state of Arunachal Pradesh, in the northeastern region of India. It is set amongst the mighty Himalayas

May 8, 2015

at an altitude of 2,530 m above sea level. The weather in Bomdila is alpine. Summers (April-June) are short and mild, while winters are cold (November-February). It experiences rainfall between July and September. The best time to visit Bomdila is between April and October The origin of Bomdila is lost in time. It was a part of the kingdom of Tibet in medieval times. Local tribal rulers and rulers from Bhutan generally ruled it from time to time. The Ahom rulers of Assam did not interfere with the local tribes except for retaliatory raids into the tribal territory.

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 42

Travel & Hospitality Post

May 8, 2015

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Mufti wants to promote Gulmarg as India's Davos MUMBAI: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said he has a vision to promote Gulmarg as India's Davos where country's top business and

Gulmarg

policymakers can hold annual summits. "Gulmarg is a world-famous tourist destination. We have state-of-the-art cable car, high-end hotels, skiing and heli-skiing ac-

tivities and great road connectivity. I wish we host Indian Davos at Gulmarg," Sayeed said during an interactive session with prominent tour and travel operators of the country here. Drawing a parallel between Davos in Switzerland, which holds annual summits of World Economic Forum (WEF), and Gulmarg, Sayeed said the Valley's premier resort has all the required paraphernalia to host the countries business and policymakers for similar economic summits. Unveiling his plans to reposition Jammu and Kashmir as country's top tourist and

Zoo elephants likely to get harder to see in future SEATTLE: Visitors flocked to the leafy enclosure at Seattle's zoo to watch the two elephants, Chai and Bamboo, as they used their long trunks to play with balls and snack on carrots and apples. The elephants would sometimes exhibit other behavior. Chai would pace from side to side and bob her head up and down - a sign, animal activists say, of the stress of being confined inside the 1-acre area. It is common behavior, and a growing number of people feel the giant animals - hard-wired

to roam free across thousands of square miles in Africa and Asia - don't have a place in American zoos. Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo recently made the difficult and controversial decision to close its popular elephant exhibit and move Chai and Bamboo to a larger zoo in Oklahoma so they can join a larger herd. Others, like the Bronx Zoo in New York City, say they are moving in the same direction, but will wait until one or more of their existing herd dies. And zoos like Detroit have already retired their pachyderms to one of two U.S. animal refuges.

Many zoos can't give elephants the space they need. They are also social animals that prefer to live in a herd, but that is hard to provide as elephant numbers dwindle, both in captivity and in the wild. As of December 2014, there were 159 African elephants at 39 North American zoos and 139 Asian elephants at 34 zoos in the U.S. and Canada, according to the Maryland-based Association of Zoos & Aquariums. The group In Defense of Animals says 21 zoos in North America have closed their elephant exhibits since 1991. At the same time, national guidelines adopted in 2011 would require some zoos to close their elephant programs by 2017 if they cannot increase their herds and expand their facilities. Some North American zoos have as few as one elephant, said Rob Vernon, spokesman for the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, which drew up the guidelines. The new rules encourage a herd of at least three elephants. Woodland Park Zoo, which has had elephants in its care since 1921, started discussing the future of its herd after a third pachyderm died in 2014. A community task force recommended in 2013 that the zoo bring in more elephants and expand its facilities, but zoo President and CEO Deborah Jensen said those goals were not achievable, in part because it's so difficult to obContâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 42 tain new elephants.

all-season destination, Sayeed sought cooperation from all to change the course of the state and remove the trust deficit. Terming the tour operators as the lifeline of JK Tourism, the Chief Minister also sought support of all behind-the-scene players to restore it to its original glory of being country's top tourist destination. He said the tourism sector had drifted away and with able support from premier tour operators of the country, it will be paddled back to the shores of its brilliant past. "J&K, right through the sixties to late eighties, remained country's premier film shooting and nature tourism destination," he added. He said besides the huge influx of pilgrim tourists to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine at Katra, steps have been taken to promote Jammu as an independent tourist destination.

"We can have travel and trade conferences at Patnitop and Bhaderwah. Jammu has a rich cultural history, a piece of which I saw for myself few days back when I visited Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex few days back," he said describing the state

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed

as a bouquet of three distinct cultures that comes on one platter. -PTI

In the end, Seattle decided their best choice was Oklahoma, where 36-year-old Chai and 48-year-old Bamboo may become the old ``aunties'' of the herd, Jensen said.

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May 8, 2015

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BOMDILA

Nubra Val-

Trekking in breathtaking mountainous terrain

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 40

The British had declared this area of Arunachal Pradesh as offlimits in 1873. The area has remained a cause of disagreement

between India and China since India gained independence in 1947. China invaded the area around Bomdila in 1962, but later withdrew its troops from the area. Tourist attractions:

for its apple orchids and travelers can take a walk through them. It also has a couple of Buddhist monasteries or gompas. The area around Bomdila has a number of trekking and hiking trails that attracts the adventure seeker. Places around: The small town of Tawang is located north of Bomdila and the journey from Bomdila to Tawang takes the traveler through some breathtaking mountainous terrain. Tawang is perched at a height of over 3,400 m above sea level, and

is world-renowned for its 400year-old Buddhist monastery. The origin of this monastery can be traced to the mid-17th century and is an important Buddhist center of northeast India. How to reach Road: Bomdila is located in a remote part of India. It does not have an airport or railway station of its own. It is connected by road with other towns in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Bomdila can be reached from the town of Tezpur by local bus or shared jeep.

Bomdila is the headquarters of the West Kameng district of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Bomdila offers to the tourist panoramic view of the awesome Himalayan terrain with its snowcovered mountains. It is famous

Zoo elephants likely to get harder to see in future Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 41

Activists who protested Seattle's decision believe the right place for older elephants to ``retire'' is at one of the nation's two sanctuaries, in California or Tennessee. Toni Frohoff, director of In Defense of Animals' elephant campaign, said the Seattle zoo could have made a worse choice than Oklahoma, but she thinks the best choice would have been a sanctuary. Chai and Bamboo are currently in San Diego, where they were temporarily rerouted because of bad weather on their way to Oklahoma. There's very little consensus - even among animal experts about what is the right choice to

make for the elephants currently in American zoos. Bringing more Asian or African elephants to this country no longer seems feasible and breeding programs have been minimally successful. Officials in Seattle, which was forced into court over its decision to move its elephants to Oklahoma, say they did what they thought would be best. Jensen was frustrated with the intense focus on Seattle's decision. ``The question is: Are we going to share the earth with elephants?'' she asked, noting that African elephants are being killed at the rate of 96 a day or 30,000 a year, for their ivory. ``Sadly, I am pessimistic.''

John Houck, deputy director of the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, has two Asian elephants,

Woodland Park Zoo

Carnival replacing liner with another ship CHARLESTON, S.C.: The Carnival Cruise Lines vessel Fantasy, which has been based in South Carolina for almost five years, is being repositioned and is being replaced with another vessel of the same size. The cruise line announced that, beginning next February, the

Carnival Ecstasy will be based in Charleston making four and sevenday cruises from the city. The Fantasy will begin operating out of Miami next year. It's been almost five years since the Fantasy was based in Charleston, giving the city a year-round cruise industry.

age 50 and 51. They are too dangerous to do well in a larger group and too old to move. After they die, Tacoma plans to replace

Before that, ships made port calls, but none were based in the city. Since the Fantasy arrived, there has been an ongoing debate and legal fight over plans by South Carolina Ports Authority to build a new passenger cruise terminal in Charleston. -AP

them with another endangered species, perhaps rhinoceroses. Looking out a decade or more, Houck does not see a future for Asian, and possibly African, elephants in this country. Keeping a small group of elephants in North America would require the birth of seven to nine calves each year. That is not happening, especially as more females become too old to reproduce. During a recent visit to the Seattle zoo with her two small children, visitor Rebecca Young said she was sad to see the empty enclosure where Chai and Bamboo used to live. ``I hope they find joy in San Diego or Oklahoma or wherever they land,'' she said. -AP

May 8, 2015

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IndiGo introduces 8 new Republicans want curb in travel to Cuba domestic services NEW DELHI: Low-cost airline IndiGo has said it has added eight new flights to its domestic network with additional daily services from Delhi to Chennai, Vadodara and Lucknow.

IndiGo will also connect Srinagar to Chennai with the introduction of its first daily flight via Delhi, the airline said. The addition of eight new services would take the total num-

ber of flights operated by the IndiGo to 633, the release said. With 633 daily flights connecting 38 destinations, these new flights will allow corporate and leisure travelers to experience the on-time performance, and further consolidate IndiGo's position as the fastest growing airline in India, it said. "In line with our endeavor to meet the requirements of both business and leisure travelers, IndiGo has commenced these new frequencies at affordable fares, which will provide even more flexibility of choice for our customers, and connect these destinations across India," IndiGo president Aditya Ghosh said in the release. -PTI

NYC Biblical Art Museum to close in June NEW YORK: New York City's Museum of Biblical Art has announced it will close in June after failing to find a new home. The museum, which opened in 2005, is located in the American Bible Society building in Manhattan. It has paid only $1 for the space. The building was sold this year. The Society is moving to Philadelphia. The museum is currently exhibiting its most successful show - sculptures by Donatello from the Duomo museum in Florence. Officials say they've been unable to raise enough funds to relocate to another space. The museum has no permanent collection or endowment. It is a secular institution that

examines the Bible's influence on Western art. One of its many exhibitions

looked at the ecclesiastical work of glass maker Louis Comfort Tiffany. -PTI

WASHINGTON: House Republicans are moving to sharply curb the Obama administration's recent moves to ease U.S. restrictions on travel to Cuba. A provision backed by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart would block new air flights and cruise ship travel to Cuba. It was added to a must-pass transportation spending bill that's coming to the House floor next month. The administration issued new

Tourism to get $1.25 mn more in ad dollars ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.: Advertising will make up close to three quarters of the state's tourism budget in the fiscal year starting July 1. The Albuquerque Journal reports Gov. Susana Martinez touted this and other ways the state is seeking to boost its tourism industry at a meeting with industry representatives. Tourism officials say the total budget for the coming year is at $13.6 million, including the

governor's $1.25 million boost in advertising dollars. In total, the state will be able to spend $9.3 million on advertising to bring visitors to the state. Martinez has tried skiing and kayaking, and has ziplining on her list of New Mexico adventures. She said people should have these experiences when they visit the state. A record 32 million people visited New Mexico in 2013. -AP

Disney told to rehire workers who refused costumes ORLANDO, Fla.: Walt Disney World must rehire three performers who were fired when they refused to wear soiled spandex unitards as part of their costumes for the ``Festival of the Lion King'' show after an arbitrator ruled they were dismissed without just cause.

The Museum of Biblical Art’s ‘Sculpture in the Age of Donatello: Renaissance Masterpieces From Florence Cathedral’ advertised on the exterior of its home at the American Bible Society

Skyscanner joins Google for flight alerts MUMBAI: Leading global travel search engine Skyscanner has said it has launched Now Card with Google, which will allow An-

rules in January that would significantly ease travel restrictions to Cuba and permit regularly scheduled flights for the first time since the revolution more than five decades ago. The Republican move would thwart the new flights but leave in place new rules permitting the import of limited amounts of goods like cigars and rum. The provision is sure to spark controversy and a veto threat from the White House. -AP

droid users around the world to get instant flight price alerts on their mobile device. The Skyscanner Now Card, available globally in over 30 languages, will enable travelers to monitor flight prices as they rise and fall on a selected route, which in turn will

help them make better decisions while booking their flights, the search company said in a release here. After downloading the Skyscanner flight app on an Android mobile or tablet device, one can select the preferred flight route or routes and set up a price alert. "You can also set up flight prices alert through e-mail via the Skyscanner website," it added. -PTI

Disney violated language in a collective bargaining agreement guaranteeing that all costumes be clean before performers use them, the arbitrator said. The agreement ``states unconditionally that all wardrobe shall be clean and dry, without reference to the existence, or not, of actual danger,'' Arbitrator Robert

Moberly wrote in his opinion. Disney said the workers carried out an unauthorized work stoppage when they refused to put on the wet unitards last June, forcing the cancellation of an evening show. The workers said their clean unitards became wet and soiled w h i l e hanging from a rack w h e r e sweaty costumes that had b e e n rained on w e r e pushed up against them. But Disney managers said that the two sets of costumes never touched and that the performers were given other options. The clean-costume provision was added to the agreement more than a decade ago after incidents of rashes, scabies and other infections. -AP

In Brief National Museum on Immigration at Ellis Island NEW YORK: A gallery opening next month at the Ellis Island Museum will complete the story of America's immigration history. The Peopling of America Center opens on May 20. The museum will then be renamed the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. The center's new exhibits focus on immigration after Ellis Island closed as a port of entry in 1954. The center also includes exhibits that explore the American immigrant journey before the island became a processing station in 1892. Those galleries opened in 2011. With the new gallery's opening, the museum will chronicle the American immigration experience through the centuries, from the 1550s to the present. The stories are told through audio stories, interpretive graphics, films and interactive displays. -AP

Â&#x201E; Obama invited Indian immigrant for Dinner WASHINGTON: An undocumented Indian origin-immigrant has attended the State Dinner hosted by US President Barack Obama at the White House for visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Bupendra Ram, who came to the US at the age of two from Fiji, attended the dinner along with his partner Kamala Ram. In fact, the list of guests indicated that Ram was the only Indian-origin person to have been invited for the most sought after dinner of the town. The invitation by Obama to an undocumented immigrant came as he fights the Republican-controlled Congress for comprehensive immigration reforms. With 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US, Obama's plan would let some 4.4 million who are parents of US citizens and legal permanent residents remain in the United States temporarily, without the threat of deportation. According to some estimates, there are 4.5 illegal Indian immigrants in the US. This was Obama's Administration's eighth State Dinner. Held in the East Room and of the White House, the State Dinner fused traditional American cuisine with a Japanese influence. This event showcased the diversity of American food as well as the delicate spring produce grown by farmers from across the country. -PTI

Immigration

Deportation of immigrants continues to decline

44 India Post

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May 8, 2015

Details on page 46

Bilingual Bush riles Republicans by praising immigrants SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico: Jeb Bush confronted one of the Republican Party's touchiest debates head-on by telling Puerto Ricans that conservatives should be proud that America is ``an immigrant nation'' and value the contribution immigrants make to the country. The former Florida governor and 2016 GOP presidential prospect delivered a speech on economic opportunities peppered with Spanish, and his audience responded with hearty applause. He's fluent in the language, and often uses it in Florida, but it's rarely heard in Republican presidential campaign politics. Immigration is a delicate subject for Bush in the primacy race, with several potential rivals favoring a harder line on those who come to the U.S. illegally. But he took it up unapologetically in his remarks. ``We're an immigrant nation and we should be proud,'' he said, as someone in the audience yelled, ``Yes!''

``We should create an immigration system that drives economic opportunity for all of us,'' he

gration easier than illegal immigration for sure, but we also want to look at this as a huge opportunity.''

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush shakes hands after speaking at a "Politics and Eggs" event, a breakfast fixture for 2016 presidential prospects at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H. Jeb Bush's fluency in Spanish is going over well in Puerto Rico.

added. ``We should move toward protecting the rule of law, protecting our border, making legal immi-

Said Bush, ``The conservative cause would be better to embrace this rather than push it away.''

Bush also endorsed the idea of statehood for the U.S. territory, winning great applause. ``I think statehood is the best path,'' he told his audience at the Metropolitan University of Cupey. ``To get the full benefits and responsibilities of citizenship, being a state is the only way to make that happen.'' Republicans have generally and gingerly endorsed statehood as an option, if Puerto Ricans choose it, but some worry that it could result in more Democrats elected to Congress. Puerto Rico has held four non-binding referendums on the issue, with statehood never garnering a clear majority. Bush was in the territory for a fundraising event and town hall meeting with Republicans. He is expected to announce his candidacy for the Republican nomination, joining Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Ted Cruz of Texas, as well as many other prospective rivals, in the race. Cont'd on Page 45

3 Indians plead guilty of visa fraud NEW YORK: Three Indians have pleaded guilty to criminal charges of conspiring to commit student visa and financial aid fraud through a for-profit school they ran and agreed to forfeit over USD eight million to US authorities. Suresh Hiranandaney, 61, Lalit Chabria, 54, and Anita Chabira, 50, were arrested in May 2014, along with co-defendants Samir Hiranandaney and Seema Shah following a long-term investigation by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI). Hiranandaney and the Chabira duo pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit student visa fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit student financial aid fraud. They also agreed to forfeit USD 7.4 million of proceeds of

the student visa fraud conspiracy to the US government and another million dollars in restitution to the US Department of Education for losses from the student financial aid fraud conspiracy. Each faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and will be sen-

tenced in September this year. Hiranandaney, 28, and Shah, 42, face pending criminal conspiracy charges. Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bharara said the three turned their for-profit schools into "instru-

ments of fraud to exploit our nation's foreign student visa and domestic student financial aid programs for their own personal financial gain. Education fraud remains a high-priority focus of ours and we will prosecute all those who make a self-serving sham out of education." According to the indictment filed in this case, the three were associated with the Micropower Career Institute, a for-profit school with five campuses in New York and New Jersey, as well as with the Institute for Health Education (IHE), a for-profit school located in New Jersey. Hiranandaney was MCI's President; his brother-in-law Lalit Chabria was its Vice President and his sister Anita MCI's Vice President. The three failed to report to im-

migration authorities that foreign citizens were not attending classes at their institutes, despite a federal law requirement that foreign citizens on student visas must pursue full courses of study at approved schools. If a student fails to attend classes as required, the school is required to inform immigration authorities so that the authorities may terminate that student's visa. The three fraudulently portrayed MCI and IHE to immigration authorities as legitimate institutes of higher learning where foreign students carried full course loads. However, in reality, the majority of foreign students at MCI and IHE did not attend the required number of classes and the institutes continued to collect millions of dollars in tuition from the students with delinquent attendance.-PTI

Immigration Post

May 8, 2015

India Post 45

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Immigrant youths want in-state tuition TUCSON, Ariz.: Immigrant youths who are protected from deportation under a federal program say they deserve to pay instate tuition rates at Arizona universities. The Arizona Board of Regents will consider a proposal to lower tuition for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals participants to 150 percent of in-state tuition. They pay out-of-state tuition, nearly three times as much as students who pay in-state. Voters in 2006 approved a measure known as Proposition 300 banning students who lack legal status from paying in-state tuition and from receiving any state financial aid. In-state tuition and fees cost over $10,000 annually. But students in Tucson and Phoenix say that doesn't go far enough and that many still wouldn't be able to afford the approximate $15,000 or more annually in tuition and fees if the proposal is approved. ``One hundred-and-fifty percent is not attainable. Nobody has that kind of money. It'll open the doors for some people, but not for the majority,'' Dario Andrade Mendoza said at a rally in Tuc-

son. A similar rally was held in Phoenix. Andrade Mendoza, 20, studies part time at Pima Community College. He says he has top grades and wants to transfer to the University of Arizona to get his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He already has an associate degree from the college. But the price tag to do so, about $30,000 a year, is impos-

``We've been residents of this state for a long time,'' he said. Regents have addressed issuing in-state tuition to DACA recipients by saying their eligibility for it is in litigation, and although they have a lawful presence, the state maintains they do not have a lawful immigration status as required by Arizona law. But not all agree with that DACA recipients should receive in-state tuition.

``One hundred-and-fifty percent is not attainable. Nobody has that kind of money. It'll open the doors for some people, but not for the majority,'' Dario Andrade Mendoza said at a rally in Tucson. sible, he says. Andrade Mendoza moved to the United States when he was 8 years old, and he's attended Arizona schools since. Along with being protected from deportation, Andrade Mendoza and the approximate 700,000 immigrant youths enrolled in DACA receive social security numbers and a work permit.

State Sen. John Kavanagh, RFountain Hills, said the program does not provide a lawful status. ``While I am sympathetic and while I would like to see them get in-state, that can't be done until the federal government, through Congress, passes a law legalizing them, or until the Arizona voters reverse Prop. 300,'' Kavanagh said. -AP

Bilingual Bush riles Republicans by praising immigrants

Illegal border tunnel found leading from Mexico SAN DIEGO: U.S. Border Patrol agents have found a suspected drug tunnel with lighting and a railcar system that connected to a home across the border in Tijuana, Mexico. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman Lauren Mack said agents patrolling west of the San Ysidro port of entry found a sinkhole close to the U.S. border fence that opened up into the tunnel.

Mack says the tunnel was about 220 yards (201 meters) in length, had a cart inside and the walls shored up. But it was still under construction. Macks says no drugs were found, and no arrests have been made. Drug cartels have increasingly turned to tunnels to smuggle their loads into the United States. More than 75 tunnels have been discovered along the border since 2008. AP

El Paso County halts immigration enforcement COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.: The El Paso County Sheriff's Office will no longer carry out certain immigration law duties at the county jail on behalf of the federal government, saying it costs too much and takes up too much time. Under the program, some deputies were allowed to perform functions and access information at the El Paso County jail normally reserved for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

They had access to federal immigration databases, could interrogate inmates and place holds on people suspected of entering the country illegally, El Paso County Sheriff's Office Cmdr. Tom DeLuca said. The authority for agencies to act on behalf of ICE officials was allowed under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. Cont'd on Page 46

PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law

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Puerto Rico's Republican Party leader, Carlos Mendez, leaned forward at one point and passed on an index card with the question everyone was wondering: `Àre you going to run for president?'' Bush laughed and said: `Ì'm on the journey of considering that, trying to figure out if I have the support necessary to do it. Today's not the day to trigger a campaign but I appreciate the sentiment.'' In large measure, Bush's purpose seemed to be to make a cultural connection on the island where he came to campaign for his father in Puerto Rico's first primary. `Ì learned how to organize intensely here,'' he said. `Ì learned the passion. I learned how to drink a lot of Puerto Rican rum.'' And on his Hispanic ties, he smiled and said: `Ì know about the immigrant experience because I married a beautiful girl from Mexico. My children are bicultural and bilingual.'' His wife, Columba,

is from Mexico. Bush later appeared at a town hall meeting in Bayamon, where some 300 supporters cheered him and some waved flags bearing the GOP symbol, an elephant, with a star in the middle, representing

Bush later appeared at a town hall meeting in Bayamon, where some 300 supporters cheered him and some waved flags bearing the GOP symbol what they hope would be the 51st state. He spoke briefly before the crowd surrounded him and demanded selfies, with one person joking, ``I don't think he's used to this.'' Bush thanked supporters in Spanish as the crowd surged for-

ward. ``He truly knows the people of Puerto Rico,'' said Hiram Torres, a 65-year-old government worker who said he met Bush in 1979. ``And he dominates Spanish.'' Wanda Irizarry, 51, said she will vote for the first time in a Puerto Rico primary if Bush runs, as expected. ``He is committed to the Puerto Rican people and to statehood,'' she said. ``We are living nowadays with so much poverty and a bad economy, that his compromise is important to me.'' Bush also expressed support for giving Puerto Rico the right to file for bankruptcy under Chapter 9. The island of 3.6 million people has been in a recession for eight years and is struggling with a $73 billion public debt load, with many U.S. investors concerned that some public agencies, including the Electric Energy Authority, could soon go bankrupt. An earlier move to let the island's agencies restructure was struck down by a federal judge. -AP

http://www.proy-singh.com

2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659

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Deportation of immigrants continues to decline WASHINGTON: The Obama administration is on pace to deport the fewest number of immigrants in nearly a decade, according to internal government data obtained by The Associated Press. As of April 20, federal immigration officials sent home 127,378 people in the United States illegally. That puts immigrant removals on track to be among the lowest since the middle of President George W. Bush's second term. The internal statistics reveal a continuing decline in deportations even as the Obama administration fights a legal challenge to a plan it announced late last year to shield millions of immigrants from deportations. ``With the resources we have

... I'm interested in focusing on criminals and recent illegal arrivals at the border,'' Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson told members of the Senate Judiciary Committee during an oversight hearing. The new figures, contained in weekly internal reports not publicly reported, showed that the government sent home an average of about 19,730 removals a month for the first six months of the government's fiscal year that began in October. If that trend continues, the government will remove about 236,000 by September - the lowest figure since 2006, when 207,776 were sent home. Removals have been declining for nearly three years after Immi-

gration and Customs Enforcement recorded a record 409,849 re-

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson testifies April 28 on Capitol Hill in Washington, before the Senate Judiciary Committee on oversight of the department.

Demonstrators march to oppose family detention DILLEY, Texas: Hundreds of demonstrators converged on the small South Texas town of Dilley to rally and march on an immigrant family detention center in protest of U.S. immigrant detention policy. The San Antonio ExpressNews reports buses from across the state of Texas delivered more than 500 protesters to a park two miles from a new family detention camp. The camp is designed to hold up to 2,400 immigrant women and children awaiting immigrant processing. Many demonstrators brandished placards demanding an end to family detention and deportation and the closing of the Dilley detention center and a similar one in Karnes City.

U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement officials have contended the centers are an effec-

tive and humane way to keep together immigrant families that may be in the country illegally. -AP

Detained immigrant children line up in the cafeteria at the Karnes County Residential Center, a temporary home for immigrant women and children detained at the border

El Paso County halts immigration enforcement Cont'd from Page 45

``What we had found was that it was taking a lot of our staff time to actually investigate this,'' DeLuca said. The sheriff's office had 11 deputies, two sergeants and one lieutenant trained to enforce the program before it ended. ``We have decided as an office that it's best served by the federal government to determine that status,'' DeLuca said. The nationwide program has been criticized for draining local resources, the Colorado Springs Gazette reported. As of September, the sheriff's

cies in Colorado participating in the program. The partnership with ICE will not stop with the change, DeLuca said. Federal authorities will be notified of inmates suspected of violating immigration laws, and deputies will have access to the federal immigration database at the Fernando Garcia speaks to BNHR members outside El jail, DeLuca said. Paso County Commissionersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Court after the passage of the resolution for immigration reform. -AP office was one of the few agen-

movals in 2012. That federal agency, known as ICE, is respon-

sible for finding and removing immigrants living in the country illegally. President Barack Obama announced a plan in November that would protect millions of immigrants living in the country illegally, but that effort is on hold after a federal judge in Texas blocked its implementation. Meanwhile, the Homeland Security Department has continued to slow removals, and a program launched in 2012 to protect young immigrants from deportation remains in place. Johnson has directed immigration authorities anew to focus on finding and deporting immigrants who pose a national security or public safety threat, those who have serious criminal records and those who have recently crossed the Mexican border. Roughly 11 million immigrants are thought to be living in the country illegally. Johnson confirmed that removals have decreased but did not provide the committee with specific numbers. He said a variety of factors, including a corresponding drop in arrests of immigrants caught crossing the border, have led to the drop. Last week, Johnson said the Border Patrol had arrested about 151,800 people trying to cross the Mexican border illegally, the fewest number of people caught at the border during the same period over the last four years. ``There's lower intake, lower apprehensions,'' Johnson said. ``There are fewer people attempting to cross the southern border, and there are fewer people apprehended.'' Since Obama first took office in 2009, the number of immigrants arrested and deported from the interior of the country has steadily declined. That year,

nearly two thirds of the 389,834 immigrants removed were found in the interior of the country. By 2014, roughly a third of the 315,943 people removed were living in the country, according to internal ICE figures. As deportations have slowed in recent years, Homeland Security officials have repeatedly attributed the drop to the changing demographic of border crossers. A 2014 analysis of government data by the AP found that the Obama administration had quietly slowed removals by about 20 percent. The change in deportations has included increased numbers of immigrants from countries other than Mexico, including a flood of tens of thousands of children and families, mostly from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. ICE shifted a variety of resources to the border, including deploying agents to quickly opened family detention centers. Sen. Charles Grassley, the Iowa Republican who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, called Johnson's explanation of moving resources to the border ``a red herring.'' ``It's clear to me that the de-

The number of children caught traveling alone has dropped by about 45 percent compared to the same time last year, while the arrests of families have declined about 30 percent. partment no longer seems to have a will to enforce immigration laws,'' Grassley said. The number of children caught traveling alone has dropped by about 45 percent compared to the same time last year, while the arrests of families have declined about 30 percent. Johnson said again that those changes make it more difficult for ICE officials to quickly remove people. ``They are increasingly from noncontiguous countries, and the process of a removal of someone from a noncontiguous country is more time-consuming,'' Johnson said. ``You see greater claims for humanitarian relief, for asylum, and so it's not as simple as just sending somebody back across the border.'' -AP

Datebook

May 8, 2015

NEW JERSEY Upcoming Fri, May 8

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

Sun, May 17

• Prayaanam - A Journey (An Indian classical dance event) Venue: Yvonne Theater, Rider University, 2083 Lawrence Rd, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648 Time : 3:00 pm Contact: 609-912-0951

NEW YORK Upcoming

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CHICAGO

Upcoming

Sat, May 9 • Vivekananda Vedanta Society

Sat, May 16 • Isayum Thendral - The Healing Breeze

Thu, May 9

• Ranjeet Rajwada Prince Of Ghazal Venue: Hindu Auditorium, 143-09 Holly Ave, Flushing, NY 11355 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 347-989-6104

Sat, May 23

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

Sun, May 24 • 1st South Asian Festival 2015

Sat, May 23 • An Unique South Indian

Venue: Garden State Exhibit Center, 50 Atrium Dr, Franklin Township, NJ 08873 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 732-910-6227

Venue: Hunter College, 69th St. between Park and Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10065 Time : 7:30 pm

Carnatic Duo Violin Concert

India Post 47

of Chicago Sri Shivanama Sankirtan

Venue: Marsee Performing Center, 16007

Time: 7:30 pm

Time: 5:00 pm Contact: 2132191970

Venue: Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chi-

Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90506

cago 14630 Lemont Road, Homer Glen Contact: chicagovedanta.org

Fri, May 8 • Stand Up Comedy With OMI

Sun, May 17 • Rahet Fateh Ali Khan live in Los Angeles Venue: Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300

VAIDYA

Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101

Venue: Spice-Affair Restaurant, 50 N La

Time: 6:30 pm

Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Contact: 213-422-2475

Time: 7:30 pm

Thu May 7 and 8 • Ohlone College Playwrights Festival (Bill 2) Venue: Smith Center at Ohlone College 43600 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA Time: 8:00 pm Contact: SmithCenter.com

Sun, May 10 • Happy Mothers Day Venue: Bhimas Banquet Hall, 18726 Pioneer Blvd, Artesia, Ca 90701 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 714-397-7224

Sun, May 24 • Shaan And Little Champs Live In Los Angeles Venue: The Terrace Theatre, 300 East Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802 Time: 06:00 pm

ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, May 9 • Grand Nithya Dhyaan Meditation Venue: Nithyanandeshwara Hindu Temple, 2877 152nd Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052 Time: 6:30 pm

Sun, May 17 • Paracha Entertainment Shaan Live In Concert Venue: The Fabulous Fox Theater, 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30375 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 404-576-8909

Mon, Aug 31 • MITHAS 2014 Membership Venue: Wong Auditorium, MIT, 70 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02142 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 857-205-9731

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

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

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

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

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

India Post

Classifieds

May 8, 2015

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For Classifieds Ads Call NORTHERN CA (Sonia) Tel: 510-938-8668 sonia@indiapost.com (Priya) Tel. 510-275-4467 priya@indiapost.com SOUTHERN CA (Shashi Trivedi) Tel: 562-441-5511/ Fax: 562-947-0632 shashi19@yahoo.com CHICAGO (Ramesh Soparawala) Tel: 773-973-7394 / Fax: 773-973-7396 sramesh@aol.com NEW YORK (Pinky) Tel: 908 338 3752 pinky@indiapost.com

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Horoscope

May 8, 2015

India Post

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar May 8th - May 14th 2015 (March 21 to April 20)

ou will get quick results for the efforts you make this week. You may be spending huge amount on a child in very near future. Just keep an eye on number of drinks at the party this week and avoid taking a chance with law. Mind will stay slight restless and you will slowly start working on an upcoming short vacation also.

(April 21 to May 20)

his is going to be a very favorable week for all financial matters. Past deeds will bring you back into game and improve your popularity. Some of you may also sign up with a health club just to get back in shape and make some change in diet to have a better control over blood pressure. Things will get more relaxing at work.

(May 21 to June 20)

nd you will continue to enjoy life. When filing any papers with the government agency, check the numbers again or will end up paying some penalty soon. Money will come and just slip out of your hands. It will be better to let the past go if you wish to move forward in life. A new friend will keep giving great ideas and can be helpful in multiplying your revenues and locations.

(June 21 to July 22)

ou may get the big refund for government this week. Do not hesitate to buy lottery tickets. Help will come from those in power and influential people. Your tensions about a child are about to end, just few more days. Phone interview will be just a formality. You will continue to take time out and enjoy with family.

(July 23 to August 22)

(November 23 to December 22)

ou will pull back on last minute and avoid a hasty decision about career. You ill also finalize an important business meeting. People in business will add new products and see sales picking up quickly. Favorable planets indicate a nice promotion for those in jobs. You may also give final shape to a short vacation with family to a nice place never visited before.

(August 23 to September 22)

ou may experience some oad blocks of and on for next few weeks but as long as you stick to your plans, you will accomplish your goals ultimately. Money wise you will continue to do well. Some of you may start the procedure to by an existing business. You will be doing lots of soul searching in spare time and may visit a holy place or talk to a wise man for direction.

(September 23 to October 22)

ou may be required to sub mit more paper work be fore property deal take final shape. Just read the fine lines before signing any legal documents. You will have a great opportunity to learn some tricks from a successful person you meet at the party this week. You may drop the idea of attending a religious event on last minute. Avoid eating too much spicy food.

(October 23 to November 22)

aturn will slow down the progress. People who promised to help will disappear and you will be looking for new partners who can help you with money for your venture. Some one from a different culture will come into your life and will be helpful in diverting your mind away from stress. Stay away from stocks for few more weeks.

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

ou will quickly accept the offer and make a smooth switch. bachelors may start a new relationship. You may also make final payment on an old debt. Spouse will discuss and start working on an upcoming family trip. You may also dispose off some items not in use anymore. There will be improvement in ongoing legal matters.

(December 22 to January 19)

deas are not bad if you have the patience and the determination, then only you should make the attempt. Stress about a child is on increase. You may seek help and guidance from a trusted person. Spouse will make big change in diet in order to come out of minor health problem. Some of you may start applying outside for a better opportunity and closer to home.

(January 20 to February 18)

ard work and patience will finally pay off. Planets will cause some positive changes in career this week and you may start preparing your self for an up coming important trip. You may be spending extra hours in the office in order to catch up on work. You will also get to meet close relatives and friends at the party this week.

(February 19 to March 20)

ast efforts and running around will finally pay off and you will receive the letter in black and white. You may arrange a small get together and invite only close friends. Chances of making money through stocks very good. You may do some juggling and transfer some money into savings. A child not doing well will rececover.

510-886-4370 www.parashar.com

50 India Post

MUMBAI: Kerala-based writer Anees Salim has won the Raymond Crossword Book Award for Indian Fiction for book "The Blind Lady's Descendants" while Samanth Subramanian picked up the prize in the Indian Non Fiction category for his "This Divided Island: Stories from the Sri Lankan War." The Crossword Award, across five categories, each carrying a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a trophy and a citation were given out at a function at the NCPA here. Salim, who was born in Varkala and currently works for an advertising agency has written four novels so far. Salim's book trumped "The Competent Authority" by

Lakshmi Holmstrom

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Shovon Chowdhury, "The Mysterious Ailment of Rupi Baske" by Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar, "The Smoke is Rising" by Mahesh Rao, "This Place' by Amitabha Bagchi and "Odysseus Abroad" by Amit Chaudhuri. Journalist writer Subramanium's non fiction, which delves into stories from Sri Lanka during the war won the prize over others shortlisted namely Rana Dasgupta for "Capital", T M Krishna for "A Southern Music", Maria Aurora Couto for "Filomena's Journeys", Arun Ferreira for "Colours of the Cage: A Prison Memoir," and "Public Secrets of Law: Rape Trials in India" by Pratiksha Baxi.

Sundara Ramaswamy

May 8, 2015

India-born British writer, literary critic and translator Lakshmi Holmstrom won the Indian language translation category award for her English translation of "Children, Women, Men" first written by noted Tamil writer Sundara Ramaswamy also known as Su.Ra. Competing for the same prize were authors Jerry Pinto who translated "Cobalt Blue" written in Marathi by Sachin Kundalkar, Aniruddhan Vasudevan who translated from Tamil Perumal Murugan's "One Part Woman," Shamsur Rahman Faruqi, for "The Mirror of Beauty" in Urdu, Keerti Ramachandra for translating "A Dirge for the Dammed" by Marathi writer Vishwas Patil and Rakshanda Jalil for her translation of "The Death of Sheherzad" penned in Urdu by Intizaar Hussain. "Vanamala and the Cephalopod" by Shalini Srinivasan, "Timmi in Tangles" by Shalini Mahajan, "The Susu Pals" by Richa Jha, "The Adventures of Skoob" and "Flattrack Bullies" were among those short listed for Children's Writing. Mahajan won. "Bankerupt" a thriller by Ravi Subramanian, who is a banker by profession and had earlier won the Crossword

Book Award for "The Incredible Banker" and "The Bankster" was this time awarded with the Popular Award "The Accidental Prime Minister" by Sanjaya Baru, "Sita" by Devdutt Pattanaik, "The Mahabharata Secret" by Christopher Doyle, "Byculla To Bangkok" by S Hussain Zaidi, "My Journey: Transforming Dreams Into Action" by A P J Kalam, "Dilip Kumar The Substance' by Dilip Kumar," "Like It Happened Yesterday" by Ravinder Singh, "Ajaya" by Anand Neelkantan were among the other nominations in the popular category. "Private India" by Ashwin Sanghi, "House Of Cards" by Sudha Murty, "Gandhi Before India" by Ramchandra Guha, "Chanakya's 7 Secrets Of Leadership" by Radhakrishnan Pillai and D Sivanandhan, "When Only Love Remains" by Durjoy Datta were also shortlisted for the nominations. "This year we complete 13 years of the Book Award. These awards have always been an integral part of the brand and we are thrilled at the way it has grown over the years and supported Indian writing," Kinjal Shah, CEO, Crossword Bookstore said. -PTI

India Post 51

May 8, 2015 www.indiapost.com

I thought my career was over: Aamir Khan

n April 29, 1988, 23-yearold Aamir Khan made a successful Bollywood debut with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (QSQT). One would feel that he must have been ecstatic that time owing to the overwhelming response to his first film. But as it completed 27 years, the actor recalls how he actually experienced the "weakest stage" of his life in the first two years following QSQT's release. He told Hindustan Times that after QSQT's success, he made some bad film choices: "At the time, I felt I was working with people I couldn't connect with. I didn't know how to get out of that situation. I had committed to some films, so I couldn't have gotten out of doing them. I did those movies, but I was unhappy. At that traumatic time, I made a promise to myself to not do a film till I was satisfied (with the script).

Was that a low point in your career? Within the first two years of QSQT, I experienced the weakest stage of my life. The films I had signed started releasing and flopping one after the other. So, I was like, "I am finished. There's no way I can survive this onslaught," since I knew how bad my other unreleased films were. I was called a 'one-film wonder' by the media, and rightly so. I had a feeling that I was stuck in quicksand. Aamir Khan

During that period,

did any tempting offer come your way? Yes, I got a call from Mahesh Bhatt, saying he wanted to narrate a script to me. I was thrilled because at that time, after Arth (1982), Saaransh (1984) and Naam (1986), he was at his peak. It was like oxygen for me. I knew if I did a film with him, all my problems would be solved. I went for the narration, but at the end of it, I was devastated because I didn't like the script. How did you manage to turn down Mahesh Bhatt's offer? I went home and told Reena (Dutta; ex-wife), "I don't know what to do. I don't like the script." Since she was not from the industry, she told me, "I can't give you any advice." So I introspected. If I had said yes at that time, I felt like it would have given me the power to stay in the industry, but

I didn't like the story. And I had told myself that I won't accept an offer if I am unhappy with it. The next day, I told Bhatt saab that I wouldn't be able to work with him as I didn't like the script. He was very sweet about it, and said, "No issues. If you don't want to do it, then don't do it." Turning down such an offer at the start of your career must have been difficult. I don't know how I got the courage to do so at such a young age (smiles). When I look back, if I had done what was tactically correct, and accepted the film by making a compromise, my career wouldn't have been here. I would have compromised on many levels. In hindsight, it was an impractical step. But I have never been tactical. I have gone against market forces or what was considered safe throughout my career.

Indian themes inspire Filipino cake decorator NEW DELHI: Filipino wedding cake designer Chef Peachy Juban credits the Taj Mahal and other themes from India for having first inspired her to create the signature style lantern cake, one that glows from within. Juban, who has won several awards both inside Philippines and outside says she made her first lantern cake with an Indian theme. "The Lantern Cake was popularized 15 years ago when I collaborated with Manila's top designer. You wouldn't believe but my first lantern cake was Indian in theme," says Juban. The chef was here recently to hold a week-long training workshop in association with KitchenAid India, a counter-top appliances brand. A Wilton USA certified instructor, Chef Juban's lantern cake has set the gold standard in cake decoration worldwide. The Lantern Cakes incorporate bespoke designs and light. "I took inspiration from the pal-

aces of Jaipur and wanted to incorporate their glow in my design," says Juban. In love with Indian culture and history, the celebrity chef says, whenever opportunity permits she returns to India for motivations and inspiration. "The Lantern Cake was officially launched when an international magazine asked me to do a version of the white wedding cake and I based it on the Taj Mahal and designed it with motifs of Lucknowi Chikankari," says the chef. The cake with chikankari, a white-onwhite embroidery done in icing was topped with a dome patterned after the actual architectural wonder. With 10 years expe-

rience as a chef-instructor at the De La Salle-College in Philippines, and with a pastry shop of her own, Chef Juban has coached teams of students who have consistently topped national level contests. Talking about her experience of conducting the training workshop

Chef Peachy Juban

here, Juban says, "The week was action packed and the home bakers were extraordinary and were able to apply all the techniques which I taught them during training classes for the competition." After the week-long training, contestants participated in a special themed finale 'Haute Couture', wherein each participant drew inspiration from popular Indian fashion designers whose design style served to inspire their finale pieces. "I have always been interested in cooking and baking since my mother is a fabulous cook. Seven years ago, I started a blog called

'Bombay Foodie' to express my interest and passion in cooking. Later on it progressed to a blog on cookies and now cakes," says Simmi Sareen, a home baker from Mumbai. A sketch depicting the cake design and its correlation to the design inspiration was presented by the competitor along with their cake. Top designers like Sabyasachi, Gauri and Nainika, Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla, Anamika Khanna, Manish Arora, Rohit Bal and JJ Valaya served as design muse to contestants. -PTI

52 India Post

May 8, 2015 www.indiapost.com

Jerry Lee, Elton John rock New Orleans Jazz Fest NEW ORLEANS: With thousands of people packing the infield at the Fair Grounds Race Track, hundreds more ignored ``No Chair Zone'' and ``Standing Room Only'' signs, setting up chairs 15 and 20 deep on the dirt track to hear Jerry Lee Lewis and Elton John at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Others sat or stood along the chain-link fence between the track and parking lot while incessant streams of people pushed through the 8 feet (2.44 meters) or so of track that was empty. ``It's Jazz Fest. Elbows are OK,'' said Vanessa Koller of The Woodlands, Texas, one of those standing next to the fence. Newlyweds Laura and Randy Lamb, both 34, of Matagorda, Texas, were also among the standees. ``People watching is always fun,'' Laura Lamb said. As Lewis, 79, took the stage in a white suit jacket, Laura Lamb said, ``Wow. He's old. Bless his heart. He's up there anyhow.'' He swung into ``Down the Line,'' and people - including those trying to get somewhere else yelped, ``Woo! Woo!'' to his ``do right all the time.'' While he was playing, so was a New Orleans brass band created

nearly 25 years ago to help students pay tuition at a Catholic high school for girls. The Original Pinettes Brass Band is still apparently the only all-female group in a jazz-laced tradition dating back to the decades after Emancipation. ``They were certainly the first. And as far as I know, they're the only one,'' said clarinetist and music historian Michael White. The Pinettes' stage was about 300 yards (275 meters) from the one where Lewis and John closed the day. Lewis played for about 45 minutes, John for more than two hours. White and his Original Liberty Jazz band played on yet another of the festival's 10 performance stages at the same time as Lewis' midafternoon set. ``That's very unfortunate, because I would have loved to go see him,'' White said. English pop singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran was the closer at the other end of the half-mile-long infield from Elton John. At the same time, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the Terence Blanchard ECollective, and Greg Stafford and his Young Tuxedo Jazz Band were on other stages. So were rapper T.I.; Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, the Wimberly

Family Gospel Singers, instrumental rock band Woodenhead, and Cha Wa, a Mardi Gras Indian funk band. When Elton John played ``Tiny Dancer,'' most of the crowd - the tattooed, the sunburned, the white-haired and a few with improbably colored hair - sang along. In some spots, it was hard

Sir Elton John performs at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 13th annual An Enduring Vision Benefit in New York.

to hear him over the sing-alongs. At the far left edge of the crowd, the thumping grooves of T.I's rapping - on a stage about a quartermile from the piano legends' stage - were taking over. ``We came here for Elton but I

Trendin set to play big in Madura Fashion sales NEW DELHI: Madura Fashion and Lifestyle's e-commerce platform Trendin.com is looking to contribute in double digits to the group's sales on the back of growing demand from tier II & III cities and mobile phone penetration. Launched in 2013, the digital retail platform has seen its annual traffic double in 2014-15 compared with 2013-14 and is keen to con-

ing here faster than the western world. It's leapfrogging here," Trendin.com head of e-commerce Shivanandan Pare told PTI. However, he declined to share the current turnover and any timeframe by which the company would achieve the target. Pare said: "Trendin would continue to grow in three digits in coming years as demand from tier

tinue the same momentum in coming years. "We are aiming to contribute double digits to the sales of Madura Fashion. Presently, it is only one per cent, but it would increase as the e-retailing is grow-

II & III places would increase, along with a robust mobile phone growth in those regions." Currently, top 10 cities are contributing 50 per cent of sales revenue and the rest is from tier II & III ones, he added.

was also sad because I was going to miss T.I.,'' said Jessica Crotzer of St. Louis. Mary Caraveo of Alexandria, Louisiana, and her daughter Marcela Caraveo, a freshman at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, put up their chairs on the track behind a big refrigerator truck, where the blocked view

According to the company, it has 50 per cent repeat orders from tier II cities. The company retails garments from six brands of Madura Garments Allen Solly, Van Heusen, Louis Philippe, Peter England, People and Pantaloons. On being asked about the contribution of the brands in Trendin's sales, Pare said volume-wise Peter England, People and Pantaloons are contributing more, but value-wise Van Heusen and Louis Philippe are chipping in with between 50-60 per cent. "As we scale up, we may see the value proposition to be distributed proportionally. Brands like Pantaloon have lots of women customers," he said adding that soon all brands would contribute according to their offline stores. Trendin offers casual, formal and sports wear for mass market and premium segments. -PTI

meant space to spread out. ``Just hearing it is wonderful,'' Mary Caraveo said. Before the Pinettes went on stage, they led one of the five daily parades through the infield. They have a good, tight ensemble, said Jason Berry, whose book ``Up from the Cradle of Jazz'' has an extensive section about brass bands. He heard them at a previous Jazz Fest. ``They played with a nice, rolling cohesion. They have a strong sense of melody. They swung at the right places,'' he said. When the group won the Red

Bull Street Kings brass band competition in 2013, judges said that cohesion was a big part of their reason, said drummer Christie Jourdain, who was an alternate for the group in high school, rejoined in 2000 and became the leader sometime after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. ``We're not here to blow out each other. We are playing together,'' she said. ``It's an individual effort for the team.'' The group was created in 1991, when Jeffery Herbert was band director at St. Mary's Academy and a member of the Pinstripes Brass Band. The Pinstripes were being offered more gigs than they could play and some band members' parents were having trouble paying tuition, he said. He figured that a students' brass band might be able to make some of the dates, and could certainly earn money playing on French Quarter streets for tips. Some also got music scholarships to the school, he said. The Pinettes were named after the Pinstripes. Herbert said some paying customers wouldn't take a girls' band, but they got jobs at conventions and festivals. When the members graduated, they wanted to keep the band. They had his blessing. Like many bands, membership has changed over the years; the 10 current members graduated from high schools all around the city. ``I just wanted to help some young ladies stay in St. Mary's Academy,'' Herbert said. ``God had a bigger picture.'' -AP

Man honored for moving historic chalet CARLSBORG, Wash.: Jeff Mon- est road in Olympic National Park roe, owner of Monroe House Mov- in northwest Washington State. ing, Inc., will receive an award for The 42-by-28-foot structure moving a historic chalet 68 feet was built as a backcountry lodge away from the eroding edge of a in the 1930s. It has been used as a river in a remote wilderness area. The Peninsula Daily News reports that Monroe will be presented with the 2015 Washington State Historic Preservation Officer Award May 19 by the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation in Olympia. Olympic National Park service shows a Monroe and a crew of about log cabin teetering on the eroding bank six volunteers moved the Enof the Quinault River in Olympic National Park in Washington. chanted Valley chalet in September. To reach the remote location, workers rode horses or wilderness ranger station and hiked the 13 miles from the near- emergency shelter. -AP

Philosophy

May 8, 2015

India Post 53

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magine that the whole earth was covered with water, and a man was to throw a yoke with a hole in it into the water. Blown by the wind, that yoke would drift north, south, east and west. Now, suppose that once in a hundred years a blind turtle would rise to the surface. What do you think? Would that turtle put his head through the hole in the yoke as he rose to the surface once in a hundred years? "It is unlikely, Lord." Well, it is just as unlikely that one will be born as a human being; it is just a unlikely that a Tathagata, a Noble One, a fully enlightened Buddha should arise in the world; and it is just as unlikely that the Dhamma and discipline of the Tathagata should be taught. But now you have been born as a human being, a Tathagata has arisen and the Dhamma has been taught. Therefore, strive to realize the Four Noble Truths. For a disciple who has faith in the Teacher's instruction and who lives in harmony with it, his idea is: "The Teacher is the Lord; I am the disciple. The Lord knows; I do not." For a disciple who has faith in the Teacher's instruction and who lives in harmony with it, the teacher's instruction is furthering in growth, strength-giving. The idea is: "Gladly would I have my SWAMI CHINMAYANANDA

he omnipotent power of God is described in our Shastras as comparable with the rain. The rain is common and equal in its blessings to all. Different seeds, nourished by the rain, grow, each to its individual stature, with different qualities. Within us, the tendencies of our mind, called väsanäs, are the seeds. They come about, exist, burst into expression, all according to a law. This law is indeed an omnipotent power that rules, governs over, controls and directs all life everywhere at all times. Thought by thought, new channels can be created - flowering seeds sown, weeds plucked out and in time, the jungle in our mind can be rendered into a fragrant garden. A river, now wasting its waters, eroding the land, flowing as it lists, can be tamed, its waters dammed, and through newly opened channels we can make it water the arid lands around into smiling cultivation. By self-effort everything is possible. Man alone can, with the right understanding, know how to guide destiny. Life has two movements - forward and lateral, like a car on the road. The petrol will push the vehicle merely forward. The lateral

skin, bone and sinews wither and my flesh dry up, if only I can struggle until I win that which can be won by human effort." For a disciple who has faith in the Teacher's instruction and who lives in harmony with it, one of two results are to be expected - profound knowledge here and now, or if there is any basis for rebirth remaining, the state of Non-Returning. Results of sharing If beings know as I know the results of sharing gifts, they would

leads to great good for oneself? Concerning this, the noble disciple reflects: "Here am I, fond of life, not wishing to die, fond of pleasure and averse to pain. If someone were to kill me I would not like it. Likewise, if I were to kill someone they would not like that. For what is unpleasant to me must be unpleasant to another and how could I burden someone with that?" As a result of such reflection one abstains from killing, encourages others to abstain from it and speaks in praise of such abstaining.

such reflection he abstains from stealing, encourages others to abstain from it and speaks in praise of such abstaining. Again, the noble disciple reflects: "If someone were to have intercourse with my spouse I would not like it. Likewise, if I were to have intercourse with another's spouse they would not like that. For what is unpleasant to me must be unpleasant to another and how could I burden someone with that? As a result of such reflection one abstains from wrong sensual desire, encourages others to

Teacher's instruction provides growth & strength If beings know as I know the results of sharing gifts, they would not enjoy their use without sharing them with others, nor would the taint Gautam Buddha

of stinginess obsess the heart and stay there.

not enjoy their use without sharing them with others, nor would the taint of stinginess obsess the heart and stay there. Even if it were their last and final bit of food, they would not enjoy its use without sharing it, if there were anyone to receive it. What sort of Dhamma practice

Again, the noble disciple reflects: "If someone were to steal what was mine, I would not like that. Likewise, if I were to steal what belonged to someone else they would not like that. For what is unpleasant to me must be unpleasant to another and how could I burden some with that?" As a result of

abstain from it and speaks in praise of such abstaining. Excerpted from 'Daily Readings from the Buddha's Words of Wisdom" edited by Ven. S. Dhammika. Buddha Purnima, the 2578th birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha was celebrated on May 4

movements are controlled by the driver. This forward dash in space is called destiny and the lateral movement is self-effort. If the driver is drunk, the forward movement of the car will dash it in the gutters on the side, in a tragic crash. But if the driver is intelligent, careful at every yard of the vehicle's movement, he can take us to our destination safely.

these indisputable intimations divine - too sacred to ignore, too cruel, if we should reject. These are the calls of the Panchjanya (Lord Krishna's conch here symbolizing the call of spirituality), commanding us to marshal all our faculties and powers and march out to conquer. When so enlarged in our outlook on life and in our vision of God, we learn to obey its biddings - there then comes that experience - that miraculous unfoldment in our-

greater and a loftier purpose in life. It is then that we glide into the richness of the treasures that are already within us. We must bring out these wonderful powers. The divine path leading the pilgrim to the Temple of Truth is not always even; it contains many a steep ascent. It wends through dangerous gorges, dark tunnels, fearful jungles and precipitous steeps. To pursue the path in spite of these benumbing influences, the pilgrim must indeed have an un-

Call of the Conch In the depths of all of us there is

By self-effort everything is possible a silent impulse, a soaring ambition to do something beautifully great, spectacularly noble, and

a secret longing, a silent impulse, a soaring ambition to do something beautifully great, spectacularly noble, and surely enduring. This is a divine summons from deep within us, to take off from the decaying levels of mediocrity into voiceless heights of spontaneity and perfection. We must harken to

selves… Thereafter, we are no more satisfied with our common place living and its routine activities, but must demand from ourselves nobler exertions and greater achievements. We shall thirst for sublime endeavor as our sights soar higher, gazing into the possibilities of a

Non-judgment quiets the internal dialogue, and this opens once again the doorway to creativity. -Deepak Chopra The outward man is the swinging door; the inner man is the still hinge. -Meister Eckhart Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will. -Mahatma Gandhi The outward man is the swinging door; the inner man is the still hinge. -Eckhart Tolle Meditation: Because some answers can only be found on the Inner net. -Shira Tamir You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. -Marcus Aurelius

In the depths of all of us there is a secret longing,

surely enduring. This is a divine summons

In all of us, even in good men, there is a lawless wild-beast nature, which peers out in sleep. -Socrates

Swami Chinmayananda

limited exchequer of power and strength. This exchequer of infinite strength is called 'faith'. Excerpted from chinmayamission.com. The 99th birth anniversary of Swami Chinmayananda will be celebrated on May 8.

The body is a house of many windows: there we all sit, showing ourselves and crying on the passers-by to come and love us. -Robert Louis Stevenson

sure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

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May 8, 2015

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Has Peshawar changed Pak approach on terrorism?

India Post

RANA BANERJI

he Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan's (TTP) terrorist attack on the Army Public School, Peshawar, on December 16, 2014, killing 132 children and several teachers, many from Army background, was traumatic; its intensity and cruelty shocking civil society in Pakistan, much in the same way as the public flogging of a woman by the Taliban in Swat did in April 2009, though with far more tragic consequences this time. The Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan was undertaken from June 2014 after a lot of dillydallying by politicians and abortive peace talks with the TTP. `Zarb-e-Azb' was the Pakistan Army's unilateral decision. The civilian government was left with no choice but to fall in line. After

However, the fragile consensus to deal with this difficult problem has dissipated from the very outset. Though nine Military Courts have been set up to function for two years by passing the 21st Amendment to the 1973 Constitution and amending the 1952 Army Act, questions about their constitutional veracity were raised. They were seen as ` a very dangerous option' entailing risks of irreversible miscarriage of justice, wherein` a category of Pakistanis will not deserve the same rights and safeguards as normal citizens' and `there will be no presumption of innocence' nor` appeals to appellate courts'. Religious parties like the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JuI) joined this bandwagon of protest. Maulana

It would be na誰ve to expect the Army to make a clean break from spawned terrorists of different hue or take the lead in reversing the religious narrative. Nevertheless, for the time being, the new politico-Army arrangement seems to have engendered hope Peshawar, politicians found it easier to support the crackdown. A 20-point National Action Plan (NAP) to tackle terror was announced. This too was Armydriven. It included a declaration of intent to execute convicted terrorists under a fast track process, lifting the moratorium on death sentences. It was decided to strengthen and activate the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA). Units of a Federal Counter Terrorism force were to start functioning in all four provinces. Revamping and reforming the criminal justice system is also envisaged, to strengthen counter-terrorism measures, including granting powers to provincial Criminal Investigation Departments (CIDs) to intercept terrorist communications. Countering propagation of hate speeches and extremist publications, choking finances for terrorists and terrorist organizations, ensuring that proscribed terrorist organizations do not re-emerge under different names, taking effective steps against religious persecution, registration and regulation of madrassas, monitoring their sources of finance, banning any glorification of terrorism and terrorist organizations through print and electronic media were other facets of this `noble intent'.

Fazlur Rehman denigrated the government's `non-serious attempt to convert an Islamic state into a secular one'. A crackdown against criminals and terrorists in Karachi has been made part of the NAP. Apex Committee meetings were held in Karachi, associating Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, former Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, as well as other politicians and senior army commanders. The Pakistan army chief decried the continuing political interference in the functioning of the police in Karachi. He emphasized the need to allow impartial, merit based functioning of the law and order machinery in the city. On March 11, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) headquarters at 90, Azizabad, Karachi, was raided by Pakistan Rangers. Several MQM (A) party workers were arrested. This did symbolize a change in political realities in Pakistan. Having been unable to effectively cope with internal security issues, especially religious extremism and terrorism, the civilian federal and provincial governments have begun leaning heavily on the Army to pick their chestnuts from the fire. This has been described by political analysts in Pakistan as an `evolution of a new Civil-Military hybrid'.

Will this be temporary or permanent? The Nawaz Sharif government faces a peculiar dilemma. It can neither afford to alienate the Army top brass nor completely delink itself from right-wing sympathizers of militancy and the madrassa establishment. Therefore, it appears to have adopted a midway approach, conceding space to the Army for now, on counter-terrorism and other related matters, in return for letting the current civilian arrangement drift on till 2018. Religious hardliners and sectarians groups, especially those entrenched in Punjab do not accept these developments and may try to scuttle implementation of the counter-terrorism agenda in future. Three imambargahs packed with worshippers were attacked in Peshawar and Rawalpindi in early 2015. Shias in Pakistan continue to be targeted single-mindedly and with a vengeance by outfits like the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ). Hazaras are fleeing Balochistan, and barricades surround segregated Shia urban neighborhoods in Quetta. Christian congregations have also been targeted in Peshawar and Lahore. A plethora of militant organizations continue to flourish across Pakistan. In comparison to the power of the religious right, the fecklessness and lack of spirit of the liberal left stands out. Whereas half-tutored and half-lettered battalions of the religious right are ready to take to the streets at a moment's notice, liberal activists like the recently assassinated Sabeen Mahmud wage their battles in isolation and in dwindling numbers. In this backdrop, it would be na誰ve to expect the Army to make a clean break from spawned terrorists of different hue or take the lead in reversing the religious narrative. Nevertheless, for the time being, the new politico-Army arrangement seems to have engendered hope that religious extremism, sectarianism and terrorism will somehow be brought under control. However, this may prove to be a double-edged sword if civilian institutions and processes for countering terrorism fail to emerge stronger. This will need civilian political will, which is lacking. Would the continuity of this "diffident political-will" lead again to a collapse of democracy in Pakistan? Only time will tell. The writer is Member, Executive Committee, IPCS

Shourie's tips

he uncharitable view is that Arun Shourie was denied any important position in the Modi government and therefore he has hit out strongly against the failures of the NDA government. Shourie was a dynamic minister in the previous NDA government of Atal Behari Vajpayee. The impression going round that in an interview with Karan Thapar he was all critical of the Modi government is not correct. It is a very fair, objective assessment of the plus and minuses of the Modi government so far. And if taken in the right spirit, it can only benefit the government with right guidance. In fact the government should have people like Shourie as advisors. Instead the BJP has hit back at Shourie calling him a "fair-weather" friend. Shourie's principal criticism was on the economy because that was the one big reason why the Modi government was elected. Economic delivery, he felt, has been the greatest disappointment. The challenge was to re-commence the investment cycle. The companies were over-indebted. They needed (loans) from banks, but the banks themselves were burdened with bad loans. So they needed to do something about professionalizing of the banks, recapitalizing the banks. But nothing has been done. It is evident because industrial credit has grown only three and half per cent in last one year. He pointed out how the policy on taxes is riddled with contradictions. After having repeatedly given assurances of a stable tax regime, they suddenly send notices to Shell, Nokia to everybody, after having said that you will not have retrospective taxation or retrospective dues. Shourie felt the government is not relying on experts. There is too much confrontation, with too many persons - Supreme Court today, Reserve Bank tomorrow, he felt. Shourie gave high marks to Modi on foreign policy, having visited so many important countries and made friends, and signed agreements. However, he cautioned that India has the reputation of not following up what is agreed to in MoUs and declarations. This can affect our relations with the US. He felt that there is no great change in relationships with US, only Modi has brought in great energy in the set up. He has brought a new way doing things like big meetings in New York and so on. Otherwise the relationship is a continuum. But in terms of the relationship with America, he is building on the past. Shourie felt that Modi has to move faster with the Americans. He was told that actually Americans are feeling quite impatient. "They were prepared at one time to move very fast on joint production of aircraft carriers." And they were prepared to give very important operational intelligence "which we have not grabbed." Because, "otherwise they will look elsewhere. Nobody is waiting for us." Making other points, he said India needs labor reforms. There was no need for land bill controversy. Ordinances were ill-advised. They led to disruptions. Allies were not taken into confidence. Modi must embrace the opposition. No reform can take place without the oppositions' support. The opposition is ganging up against Modi and the BJP is frightening others. Shourie pointed out how institutions were being starved to death by not filling in critical institutional posts. Making a general assessment, he felt the government lacks clear thinking. It has good ideas but is poor in implementation. There is a big gap between perception and promise, and projection and performance. On the issue of minorities also he felt the government must respond to their fears. The Christians are rightfully upset. Govt has failed on assuring them. Alienating minorities is dangerous. If the government doesn't wake up, there is great danger. He said, "ISIS is at our doorstep and if a hundred young Muslims conclude to join the terrorist organization, we will have a real problem." In sum, Shourie has only pointed out pitfalls which Modi should avoid in order to succeed with his mission, which is a highly noble one.

May 8, 2015

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