IndiaPost_05-11-2012 by Ghanshyam Bisht

Top Stories

V O I C E

O F

I N D I A N S

W O R L D W I D E

India Post www.indiapost.com

Nirupama Rao addressing Florida varisity

'Do not ignore the less advantaged’ Details on page 6

Boeing rolls out first Dreamliner 787 for India

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

India’s Justice Bhandari elected to ICJ

May 11, 2012

50¢

Periodical Postage

NEW APP REPORTS AIRPORT PROFILING Sikh Coalition's mobile initiative

India Post News Service Details on page 5

VOL 17, No. 921

held April 30 in Washington DC. For years, Sikh travelers have complained of discriminatory screening and pat downs at airport checkpoints across the United States. At some airports, the Sikh advocacy group Sikh Coalition said it found that Sikh travelers are subjected to secondary screening 100 percent of the time. Details on page 5

Vikram Singh

Key Pentagon position for Indian American Details on page 7

Indian industry meets US lawmakers Details on page 6

US needs to cure addiction to dirty fuels: Chivukula

Details on page 8 Details on page 7

Global Sikhs in NYC discuss human rights

Indian visa online for eight more cities

Details on page 10 Details on page 7

Google’s Nikesh Arora to get $ 8 million

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25 Classifieds ------------------------- 47

Details on page 21

Community Post -------------- 10-20 Date Book -------------------------- 38

INDIA POST SURVEY

Edit Page --------------------------- 49 HealthScience Post --------- 40-43

survey@indiapost.com

Horoscope ------------------------- 39

This week’s question

Immigration Post ------------- 34-37

New mobile app will expose racial profiting?

Life Style ----------------------- 26-28 Philosophy ------------------------- 48

Last week’s result

US, Indian economies can flourish together? YES 83%

NO 17%

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY: Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi (2nd L) along with other elected members of parliament reads her parliamentary oath at the lower house of parliament during a session in Naypyidaw on May 2. Suu Kyi was sworn in as a member of parliament, opening a new chapter in the Nobel laureate's near quarter-century struggle against oppression

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 44-46 TechBiz Post ------------------- 21-23 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

India Post

www.indiapost.com

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

India Post

India Post www.indiapost.com

The Weekly Newspaper Serving Indians Worldwide

Romesh & Sunita Japra Publishers Subhash C Japra Co-Publisher Vikram Paul President Krishan Sharma Mg Director & Joint Editor Ranjana Sodhi Managing Editor Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor Naresh Sodhi General Manager Ghanshyam Bisht Supervisor Graphics SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY Vijay Thapar CPRO & Advertising Sonia Sidhu Management Analyst Radhika Jhamb Correspondent Sudesh Kumari Correspondent Deepa Japra Youth Post Correspondent Rama Mehra Advertising Bhumi Bhutani Health Science Correspondent Jaya Gautam Correspondent Sujata Singh Correspondent Sirisha Chandraraju Correspondent Isha Patnaik Correspondent Raaj D. Photo Journalist Srinivas Mangipudi Photo Journalist LOS ANGELES Mrs Shashi Trivedi Bureau Chief J S Bedi PR & Marketing Mrs Prem Kishore Sr Correspondent Greg Heffernan Correspondent Ms Bobby Sharma Correspondent Babeeta Kaur Dhillon Correspondent Pavan Kaur Bhatia Correspondent CHICAGO Ramesh Soparawala Resident Editor A Q Siddiqui Correspondent ST. LOUIS Ashwin Patel Correspondent NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY Pinky Kaur Bureau Chief Srirekha N. Chakravarty Correspondent Nikita Japra Correspondent Sukhvinder Saini Circulation ATLANTA Sanjay Saggere Bureau Chief FLORIDA B K Madnani CANADA Firdaus Ali Correspondent

May 11, 2012

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

Publisher’s Diary

s an objective newspaper publisher, it's not every day that I take up issues to rally on, but here's a cause I truly believe in - to save young Dharun Ravi from being punished for a crime he did not commit. Dharun, the former Rutgers student who was found guilty of hate and bias intimidation against his gay roommate who committed suicide two years ago, is due for sentencing May 21 by a district court judge in New Jersey. If the prosecutors have their way, Dharun could end up in prison for 10 years. It's not because I am an Indian American, or because I am a parent or because of other parochial interests, but just going by an instinctive sense of fairness and justice that I am exhorting readers coast to coast to take a few minutes this week to find their form of convenience to either write, call, email, fax or simply organize a support group to gather and send messages to New Jersey Governor, NJ lawmakers, the judge and district attorney concerned, and ask them to use their powers judiciously and impart justice in letter and spirit. Since his conviction in March, the "Support Dharun Ravi" group (www.SupportDharunRavi.com) began a proactive action to educate the community and undo the massive damage done by grossly distorted pre-trial media reports; highlighted the unfair bias laws; and launched a signature campaign for a reversal of his guilty verdict. Ironically, since the verdict, every single news reporter, columnist and anyone with an opinion on the case declared Dharun not guilty, definitely not of bias. Dharun's attorneys have filed a motion asking for a new trial or quashing of the given verdict. But it's up to us, the community, to speak up for Dharun and be heard in one loud voice. You don't have to be an American citizen, a parent, gay or heterosexual or even a New Jerseyan. My own beef is with the overzealous, witch-hunting prosecutors. Find your own reason to act, because inaction now would be a greater travesty of justice than the one meted out to Dharun by law.

BOSTON Gope Gidwani Bureau Chief

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

DETROIT Ashok B Jain, M D Bureau Chief Gurminder Singh SAN DIEGO Neelu Bhardwaj Bureau Chief SACRAMENTO Madan Sharma Bureau Chief Janak Sidhra Correspondent Upen Shukla Correspondent

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

CENTRAL VALLEY (CA) Dr Ram Saini Bureau Chief Sheila Rogers Correspondent

E-SUBSCRIPTION: Vikram Paul Tel: 510-789-7520 Extn: 208; E-mail: subscribe@indiapost.com

YUBA CITY (CA) Satnam Tatla Correspondent CAROLINAS Nalini Raja Patel Correspondent INDIA Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor & Bureau Chief Tripti Parule Correspondent NEW DELHI Vinod Kumar Khatana Graphics Madan Bangari Graphics PUNJAB Shiv Japra Bureau Chief Anil Kanwar Senior Correspondent/ Marketing DOABA, PUNJAB Romesh Kaura Correspondent HYDERABAD M Sagar Kumar Bureau Chief MUMBAI Nidhi Soparawala Correspondent Frank Fernandes Correspondent Vaidehi Patel Correspondent Hema Trivedi Marketing Diana Gabriel Marketing India Post (ISSN-1064-3868) is published weekly for $30 for 52 issues yearly by India Post, 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538. Periodicals postage paid at Norwalk, CA and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the corporate headquarters: 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Copyright © 1994 Indamec, Inc. DISCLAIMER India Post assumes all advertisers to be reliable and responsible for all liability for their claimers

INFO-CENTER 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-797-7799, Fax: 510-790-2806; E-mail: info@indiapost.com

HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: 'Ajab Prem' Ranbir Kapoor is getting friendly with ex flame Deepika Padukone even as he steals quality time with Katrina Kaif.

Cover Story: Reporting profiling A new mobile application enables users to report instances of profiling at airports by the Transportation Security Administration.

Community: Sikh conference The Fourth Global Sikh Conference in New York discussed Sikh identity, Sikhism's role in religion, human rights.

Health: Women's health Obama tells hundreds of female supporters that Republicans seem determined to meddle in women's health decisions.

10 40

Classifieds: Tel: 510-938-8668; E-mail:classifieds@indiapost.com Graphics Inquiry: Tel: 510-936-9490; E-mail: ghanshyam@indiapost.com For Editorial: Sonia Sidhu Tel: 510-797-7799; E-mail: sonia@indiapost.com

For advertisement rates call the office nearest to you: SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-938-8667 e-mail: nareshsodhi@gmail.com

LOS ANGELES 12908 Indian Lane Norwalk, CA 90650 Fax: 562-947-0632 Tel: 562-441-5511, shashi19@yahoo.com Tel: 562-929-4213, kimi@indiapost.com

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

NEW YORK Tel: 212-944-1931, Fax: 732-969-3735 Tel: 908-338-3752 (Marketing) Tel: 732-283-4939 (Editorial) E-mail: indiapost2000@yahoo.com

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

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

ATLANTA 67 Peach Tree Dr., Ste. 102, Buckhead Atlanta, GA 30309 Tel: 404-425-3021 E-mail: sanjay@eBolo.com FLORIDA 8401 West Sample Road 30, Coral Springs, Florida - 33065 TORONTO, CANADA Tel/Fax: 416-744-8610

DELHI Jin Kushal Suri Complex, 3rd Floor, 230-A, Masjid Moth, (NDSE Part-II) New Delhi - 110049 Tel: 11-46142940, 26257769 Fax: 11-46142969 E-mail:delhi@indiapost.com

Life Style: 'East Meets West' In a treat to music lovers, the Indian Consulate in New York organized an 'East Meets West' concert on April 24.

Techbiz: Cash incentive Google has cancelled stock options to Senior Vice President Nikesh Arora and will instead pay him $8 million in cash.

26 21

MUMBAI

• Fernandes Mansion Tam Taloa, Bassien (W) Mumbai Tel: 09619 330159

• Hema Trivedi 7 Crescent Chambers, Tamarind Land, Fort Mumbai 400023 Tel: 93223 44471

• Diana Gabriel Tel: 98200 28348

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

Travel: Nanda Devi National Park The National Park near Nanda Devi peak has some of the most unique high altitude flora and fauna in the world.

Cover/Top Stories

May 11, 2012

India Post

www.indiapost.com

New app reports airport profiling Sikh Coalition's mobile initiative India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Sikh Coalition and other prominent national civil rights leaders launched a game-changing mobile application that enables users to report instances of profiling at airports by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in real time. The launch event was held April 30 in Washington DC. For years, Sikh travelers have complained of discriminatory screening and pat downs at airport checkpoints across the United States. At some airports, the Sikh advocacy group Sikh Coalition said it found that Sikh travelers are subjected to secondary screening 100 percent of the time. The Sikh Coalition created the application called "FlyRights" to bridge the gap between Sikh, Muslim, South Asian, Latino, and other community concerns about airport profiling and official remedial action. Complaints filed through the innovative app will be reviewed as official complaints by the TSA and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). "The TSA asserts it doesn't profile. This application will allow us to better assess whether that's true," said Amardeep Singh, Director of Programs at the Sikh Coalition. "All travelers now have an easy way of speaking to their government on the issue of airport profiling." According to the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at DHS, only 11 official complaints of improper TSA screening were filed during the first two quarters of 2011. The Sikh Coalition believes the app will exponentially

increase the number of complaints filed, providing transparency on the extent of profiling at US air-

the power to fight racial profiling right at their fingertips." Wade Henderson, President

targeted and make air travel safer for all." FlyRights is available for both

ports. The news that the application was going be released led to immediate support from allies outside of the impacted communities and on Capitol Hill. Senator Dick Durbin praised the app, saying: "The vast majority of law enforcement officers perform their jobs honorably and courageously. Unfortunately, the inappropriate actions of the few who engage in racial profiling create mistrust and suspicion that hurts all law enforcement officers. This app is an important new tool that allows passengers to fight profiling. I commend the Sikh Coalition and their partners in the civil rights community for this innovative approach to protecting the civil rights of innocent Americans." Representative Judy Chu added: "Up until now, victims of racial profiling at our nation's airports had no easy way to call attention to this unfortunate trend. The Sikh Coalition's new app changes that. Travelers now have

and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights said: "Racial profiling is ineffective and wasteful law en-

iPhones and Android phones. Both applications were created in consultation with advocacy organizations in the Black, Latino, South Asian, and civil liberties communities. "For too long the TSA has kept a long leash on its screeners, telling them not to profile, but taking no effective measures to stop it," Amardeep Singh continued. "Until that happens, we call on the public to hold the TSA accountable by downloading the FlyRights app and filing reports when appropriate." The purpose of this phone application is to provide air travelers an easy way to submit a complaint of unfair treatment by airport screeners with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and/or the Sikh Coalition. The idea for the app came from Sikh entrepreneurs who frequently travel and asked why there "isn't an app for that" when

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;For too long the TSA has kept a long leash on its screeners, telling them not to profile, but taking no effective measures to stop it," he said. "Until that happens, we call on the public to hold the TSA accountable by downloading the Fly-Rights appâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; forcement that regularly and unfairly deprives people of their freedom. This app will protect the innocent individuals who are most

it came to profiling. Sikh Coalition then worked with civil rights groups in the Black, Latino, South Asian, and Muslim communities to develop the app, sharing screenshots and soliciting feedback. The NAACP, National Council for La Raza, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and South Asian Americans Leading Together, were among the groups consulted. Sikh Coalition also shared screenshots and sought feedback from the DHS. The Sikh Coalitions says the TSA can't have their cake and eat it too. "The TSA tells its screeners not to profile, yet they have not adopted effective measures to guard against it. We want the TSA to implement better safeguards against profiling. In February 2012, the Sikh Coalition released an internal TSA memorandum obtained through a Freedom of Information Act Request in which a TSA consultant concluded the TSA could viably audit its own screening practices to guard against profiling. We want to get that memorandum off a dusty shelf and implemented on the ground," it says. The app is for anyone who feels profiled and not just for Sikhs. The Sikh Coalition points to a November 2011 news report which found that a group of TSA screeners called the "Mexicutioners" by their colleagues deliberately subjected Mexican air travelers to additional stops at Honolulu International Airport. The allegations followed a June 2011 report in the New Jersey Star-Ledger detailing how TSA officers deliberately subjected Mexican and Dominican travelers to extra scrutiny.

Boeing rolls out first 787 Dreamliner aircraft for Air India India Post News Service

NEW YORK: After a threeyear delay in delivery, Indian national carrier Air India will finally get its Boeing 787 Dreamliners by mid-2012. Boeing rolled out the first 787 Dreamliner aircraft manufactured at its brand new facility in South Carolina made especially for Air India. Dreamliner's rollout marks the first time that a Boeing commercial airplane has been produced in the Southeastern United States, the US aerospace giant

said. "This is a proud moment for Boeing as we roll out an airplane from our third final assembly site," Jim Albaugh, president and chief executive officer, Commercial Airplanes said yesterday at the function held in North Charleston. The 787 aircraft built for Air India next goes to the flight line, where it will go through systems checks and engine runs in advance of taxi testing and first flight. It remains on schedule for delivery to Air India in mid-2012, Boeing said in a statement. While Air India has ordered 27 of these new planes, Jet Airways

has placed orders for ten. Air India is expected to get at least four of these air-planes this year. The long-haul aircraft made of composite materials like carbon fiber is portrayed as fuel-efficient aircraft which would help slash flying costs significantly. "We will celebrate today, and tomorrow we begin the process of getting the airplane ready for delivery to our Air India customer," Jack Jones, Boeing South Carolina Vice President and General Manager said. Nearly 7,000 Boeing employees and invited guests attended the

event. The festival-like atmosphere, featuring aerial displays, music and entertainment, was a fitting celebration to commemorate assembly completion of the first 787 built at the North Charleston, facility, the company said. Boeing announced that it had selected North Charleston as the location for the second 787 final assembly line on October 28, 2009, and broke ground on the site in November of that year. The South Carolina final assembly facility was completed in June 2011, and production began later that same month. "Every one of our South

Carolina teammates should be extremely proud of this historic accomplishment," Jones added. The planes cost $193 million each and 11 of them have already been delivered to Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways. The delivery to Air India was originally scheduled for first delivery in May 2008 but Boeing refuted the carrier's claim that it had agreed to pay $500 million in compensation if there is a delay. In February, Air India had demanded $1 billion after it had demanded $840 million in August 2010, according to reports.

Top Stories

India Post

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

'Do not ignore the less advantaged of the world'

n a rare honor, India's Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao was invited to give the graduation address at the University of Florida's Doctoral Degree Commencement Ceremony, on April 26. Here are excerpts from her speech: It is not usual for me to deliver a commencement address and I am deeply honored by this opportunity to address all of you who stand on the threshold of your beautiful tomorrows. I am aware that the University of Florida is one of the premier seats of learning in the United States, committed to academic excellence, contributing to the socio-economic development of your state and preparing students like you to be global citizens for an increasingly inter-connected world. You are ready to face the challenges of the 21st Century with the learning and knowledge you have acquired within these portals. I am happy to learn that more than 1100 Indian students are currently enrolled at the University of Florida. Through its linkages and partnership with several Indian academic institutions, the University is performing yeoman service in the promotion of greater understanding between the Indian and American peoples. For example, only recently, a University of Florida-led research team has been selected to participate in a five-year, $125 million project on the development of clean energy technologies involving research institutions, universities and industry from India and the United States. Commencement ceremonies always induce a sense of nostalgia in us older people. On this day, I cannot but help thinking of my own student days and the world of the early seventies when I stood on the threshold of my tomorrow. At that time, my country, India, was a very young nation, having marked twenty five years of its independence - years during which our Republic began its journey on the path of economic development and building a just and equitable social order after a dark period of colonial rule and exploitation. We did not live online, and did not know what a virtual world meant! You are digital natives, we, of an older generation are immigrants in a digital world. The universe of the digital and the internet was barely imagined when we were in university. But the world was already shrinking. The world was certainly be-

Ambassador Nirupama Rao delivering Commencement Address at University of Florida, Gainesville on April 27

coming much smaller than it had ever been in time past. My grandparents, both maternal and paternal, had spent their entire lives in the southern Indian state of Kerala. My parents and their siblings made India their stage, living outside their home state. It was left to my generation to cross the seven seas and discover the world. Diplomacy, the field to which I belong, was for long the exclusive preserve of men and this was very evident when I became a Foreign

‘Only recently, a University of Floridaled research team has been selected to participate in a fiveyear, $125 million project on the development of clean energy technologies involving research institutions, universities and industry’ Service officer in 1973. The very thought that statecraft, the conduct of relations between sovereign countries, could involve women, was new, even up to a few decades ago. Today, the Indian Foreign Service can proudly count in its numbers a host of women Ambassadors and High Commissioners, not to mention all its other women diplomats, who represent India abroad and contribute effectively to the making of our foreign

policy. In today's environment of constant change, of greater awareness among citizens, and globalization, the ability to adapt and stay innovative is critical. Change is not easy in any society. The convenient way out is to adopt ways that have been in place for countless years. All of you, whose education has taught you to ask questions, to seek cogent answers, know that knowledge must constantly multiply and not divide, or become restrictive, "cribbed, cabinn'd and confined". The world is still an inequitable place. The revolution in rising expectations we see across our planet, compels us to be even more conscious of the need for social innovation, applying technology to provide solutions for human development, whether it is water for drought prone areas, higher yielding agricultural techniques, providing better health solutions particularly for women and children, or better management of our rapidly growing urban space. In the summer of 2010, Pepsico's Indra Nooyi addressing a conference of Indian Ambassadors noted that whether "you look through the lens of diplomacy or the lens of the corporation, the task is the same - to create a world in which we feel safe, settled and happy". In our world of today, prosperity and security reinforce each other. Today, also as a measure of how the world has changed, borders between nations are becoming increasingly porous, and in time, they will be increasingly irrelevant, as people are allowed to move freely to transact trade and

commerce, and to travel without hindrance. Protectionism in such a situation becomes a hindrance to economic growth and development because it seeks to cap the flow of people, of goods and services, of ideas and technologies. It builds walls and is thus retrogressive. Globalization integrates the world today in many ways. But it has also unleashed its discontents. There are vast gulfs between those who have a wealth

‘This cross pollination of minds, ideas, the freedom of debate, the jousting of ideas that should be our goal. Let your lives be lived in what has been rightly called, the Open University of Human Experience, with its rich curriculum’ of opportunities and those whose lives are ridden with poverty and marginalization. We, who live in the developing world, as in India are especially conscious of this reality. Many years ago, during India's freedom struggle, the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi said to our young people, "Become the change you want to see". That was a powerful exhortation, an inspirational clarion call, which continues to ring clear and pow-

erful, even today. The Mahatma took his inspiration from the simple and poor people who populate the countryside of many countries in our world - he rightly said that all our actions become meaningful only when we gauge them by a simple test - do they help the poorest and the weakest among us? For him there could be no wealth without work, no pleasure without conscience, no knowledge without character, no commerce without morality, no science without humanity, no worship without sacrifice, and no politics without principle. Gandhi also said, "Nothing that is violent can be of lasting benefit to mankind." This is a powerful message for a world wracked by sectarian strife, proxy wars, terrorism and conflict within and between nations. His global vision could be understood by his thought that "Once we recognize the common parent stock from which we are sprung, we realize the basic unity of the human family, and there is no room left for enmities and unhealthy competition." This cross pollination of minds, ideas, the freedom of debate, the jousting of ideas - that should be our goal. Let your lives be lived in what has been rightly called, the Open University of Human Experience, with its rich curriculum. Do not build fortresses, rather, dismantle them. There are many around you, less advantaged, in the outside world who crave the safety of the opportunities provided to you. Do not ignore them or the inequality that seems to divide our world. Use your education and your knowledge to provide solutions to these issues. This process is an imperative and we must not ignore it. This is an important day in your lives. In years to come, you will remember this as a timeless moment, when the whole expanse of life stretched out in front of you, beyond the pale of vision. Make the world a better place, follow the paths of peace and forbearance. I also hope each and every one of you become the builders of an even better and high yielding partnership between our two democracies, India and the United States. Just as we see many Indian students coming to study in universities in this country, I hope I see many more young Americans drawn to India and the study of India in a serious and comprehensive way. Your great writers like Thoreau, Emerson and Whitman, among others, blazed an immortal trail in this regard. May you be inspired by their example.

Top Stories

May 11, 2012

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Indian-American appointed to key Pentagon position WASHINGTON: Indian-American Vikram Singh, an expert on Afghanistan and Pakistan and a close aide of late diplomat Richard Holbrooke, has been appointed to a key Pentagon position to look after entire South and Southeast Asia. "Vikram J Singh has been appointed to the Senior Executive Service and is assigned as deputy assistant secretary of defense for south and Southeast Asia, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Policy)," a Pentagon statement said. Singh previously served as special assistant, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Policy), it said.

of them is Vikram Singh. Singh was a fellow at the Center for a New American Security until February 2009. He worked on Afghanistan and Pakistan, Asia Initiative '09, and a range of CNAS defense strategy and planning projects. Prior to joining CNAS, Singh worked in the office of the assistant secretary of defense for global security affairs, where he was responsible for strategic initiatives to improve the US military's work with partner nations including the policy oversight and management of a joint department of defense and department of state program to train and equip foreign

Prior to joining CNAS, Singh worked in the office of the assistant secretary of defense for global security affairs, where he was responsible for strategic initiatives to improve the US military's work with partner nations including the policy oversight Singh was a close associate of Holbrooke, the former Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. He replaces Robert Scher, who has now been assigned as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Plans. Frank Ruggiero, a career civil servant who served under late United States diplomat Richard Holbrooke, has been made the acting US special representative to the Af-Pak region. He will be assisted by two deputies and one

military forces around the world. Between 2003 and 2007, Singh's work at the department of defense spanned a broad range of defense policy issues, including integrating US stability operations, counter-insurgency and irregular warfare capabilities; disaster response and humanitarian assistance; oversight of peacekeeping missions for the joint staff military staff committee at the US Mission to the United Nations; analysis of the defense

department's acquisition programs and the South Asia policy. Prior to joining government as a presidential management fellow, Singh managed a five-country Ford Foundation project on minority rights and security in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka for the International Centre for Ethnic Studies in Colombo. He was also a reporter for the Voice of America in Sri Lanka and South Africa. Announcing the elevation of Ruggiero, who was Holbrooke's deputy, US state department spokesman P J Crowley said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has retained the same team, which the late special envoy created for his Afghanistan and Pakistan agenda. Ruggiero, Holbrooke's key aide, has been moved up to be the acting special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, he said. "He will lead the SRAP structure that Richard Holbrooke constructed, and will really serve as one of his finest legacies, assisted by two deputies - Dan Feldman and Vikram Singh," he said. "The SRAP structure that will continue on in Holbrooke's absence combines individuals and experts from across government. It incorporates international partners into this structure. It is expressly the kind of organization that he felt was absent in Vietnam and for which he has built a crack team that will continue the policies that the administration pursues within the context of Afghanistan and Pakistan," Crowley said. -Agencies

Online visa application system for 8 more cities NEW DELHI: The government has extended integrated online visa application system, which offers secure and hassle-free travel documents to foreigners, to eight more overseas destinations, including Chicago, Perth and Tehran. The Immigration, Visa and Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) system has been made operational at Indian missions at Perth in Australia, Houston and Chicago in the United States, Tehran in Iran, Cairo in Egypt, Taipei in Taiwan and Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand. The IVFRT, which offers secure and hassle-free visa to legitimate travelers through a safe and incorporated service delivery framework, is now operational at 60 Indian missions abroad, including Indian missions in Pakistan, Bangladesh and UK, a Home Min-

istry official said. In order to modernize and upgrade the immigration services, IVFRT has been identified and in-

The core objective of this project is to develop and implement a secure and integrated service delivery framework that facilitates legitimate travelers while strengthening security cluded as one of the Mission Mode Projects (MMP) to be undertaken by the Ministry of Home

Affairs under national e-governance plan (NeGP). The core objective of this project is to develop and implement a secure and integrated service delivery framework that facilitates legitimate travelers while strengthening security. The scope of the project includes 169 missions, 77 immigration check posts (ICP), 5 foreigners regional registration offices, and foreigners registration offices (FROs) in the states. The implementation of MMP will enable authentication of traveler's identity at the missions, ICPs and FROs through use of intelligent document scanners and biometrics, updating of foreigner's details at entry and exit points, improved tracking of foreigner's through sharing of information captured during visa issuance. -PTI

US needs to cure its addiction to dirty fuels: Chivukula India Post News Service

lon and only 15-20 years after drilling starts. "According to the US Energy Information Administration (UEIA), there is only enough Atlantic Ocean oil to fuel the US for 209 days and natural gas to last 14 months (at current consumption levels)," he pointed out. Chivukula said the US already has sufficient natural gas reserves to meet domestic needs and is projected to become a net exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in 2016, a net pipeline exporter in 2025, and an overall net exporter of natural gas in 2021. The natural gas share of electric power generation is projected to increase from 24 percent in 2010 to 27 per-

NEW JERSEY: The US needs to cure its addiction to dirty fuels, said New Jersey Assembly Utilities Chairman Upendra J. Chivukula while calling on the Obama Administration to invest resources to extract natural gas and for oil exploration off the Atlantic Coast. "The potential returns from offshore drilling do not justify the risk to the coastal economies in the Atlantic seaboard and to marine and human life," the Assemblyman said. Chivukula's statement followed the last in a series of East Coast public hearings, held April 27, by the US Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) in Atlantic City, on their proposal for seismic surveys from Florida to the Delaware Bay. The process to identify sub-seabed oil and gas reserves is scheduled to begin in 2012 and continue through 2020. At the hearing, AssemblyUpendra J Chivukula man Chivukula (D-Somerset/ Middlesex) said, "The United States needs to cure its addicâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I call on President tion to dirty fuels, especially since the process of extracting Obama to continue the natural gas and oil exploration sound environmental through offshore drilling, could hurt coastal economies and energy policies of in the Atlantic seaboard and his Administration to has the inherent danger of an fast track a clean enoil spill." He said, "The deep penetra- ergy economy and to tion seismic exploration planned by the Obama Admin- call off plans for seisistration in the 330,032 square mic exploration and mile area between Florida and the Delaware Bay that extends offshore drillingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; down to a depth of 18,468 feet, would involve sending air gun cent in 2035. Domestic crude oil blasts and sound waves into the production is expected to grow by seabed over vast ocean areas in more than 20 percent over the search of oil and natural gas re- coming decade, pushing producserves. It would also include election to 6.7 million barrels per day tromagnetic surveys and deep- in 2020, a level not seen since 1994. "Renewable sources of energy stratigraphic and shallow test drillare expected to grow from 10 pering." Chivukula further stated that cent in 2010 to 16 percent by 2035. the loud blasting and repeated By increasing investment in clean sound waves from this process energy and energy efficiency, we can cause temporary or perma- would reduce our addiction to nent hearing impairment and loss dirty fuels, protect our water qualfor dolphins, fish, whales and sea ity and marine habitat from potenturtles, and cause serious injury tial degradation from offshore drillfrom tissue trauma and hemor- ing and prevent the danger of an oil rhaging, or even death. "It could spill," Chivukula said in his stateinterfere with migration patterns ment. "I call on President Obama to and mask social communications continue the sound environmental used to find food or mates and to and energy policies of his Administration to fast track a clean energy identify predators," he said. "Drilling in the Atlantic Ocean economy and to call off plans for will not affect gasoline prices," seismic exploration and offshore Chivukula continued citing stud- drilling in the Atlantic Ocean, that ies that show that we would only could have a devastating impact on save at most a few cents per gal- the Jersey shore."

Top Stories

India Post

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Indian industry meets US lawmakers India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Confederation of Indian Industries' India Business Forum and the Embassy of India partnered to organize an Indian industry meet on US Capi-

of the US and Indian media and senior staffers from the US House of Representatives and the US Senate also attended the interaction. Speaking at the event Ambassador Nirupama Rao drew atten-

Ambassador Nirupama Rao delivers remarks at the CII India Business Forum reception on 25 April on Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. as Senator John Cornyn, Co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, Senator Bill Pascrell and Congressman Silvestre Reyes look on

tol Hill where top representatives of Indian companies in the United States met with US Congressmen. The star-studded event on April 25 attended by over twenty Members of Congress including US Senators John Cornyn, Mark Warner, Jeanne Shaheen, Michael Bennet, Robert Menendez, John Boozman; and US House Representatives Ed Royce, Steve Chabot, Silvestre Reyes, Ted Deutch, Leonard Lance, Alan Nunnelee, Tim Griffin, Bill Pascrell, Hansen Clarke, Michael Turner, Rush Holt, Jim Costa, Jean Schmidt, Sheila Jackson Lee and Jan Schakowsky. In addition, senior officials of the US Administration, members

tion to the fact that this interaction between Indian industry and the distinguished Members of Congress was an expression of the strong belief and commitment of the Indian private sector to promote India-US commercial ties and to work with the US Congress and other institutional stakeholders to further this objective. "Indian industry is a key stakeholder in building mutually beneficial commercial partnerships with the United States, including through job creation in the local economy and through their interaction with local communities in the United States," she said. Ambassador Rao praised the Indian private sector for provid-

ing crucial support in expansion of India-US business ties. She expressed confidence that the US Congress and US Administration would offer full support to the continuing strengthening of bilateral relationships, in recognition of the constructive contribution of Indian businesses in the United States. Underlining that India's strong economic growth is a key driver in forging a strong India-US Strategic Partnership, Ambassador Rao said that despite global economic uncertainties, the fundamentals of the Indian economy remain strong and India's GDP is expected to grow at about 7.6% in the current fiscal year. The Members of the US Congress were unanimous in their support for a strong India-US Strategic Partnership, in particular on issues of global concern including counterterrorism and security, and the rapidly growing bilateral trade and investment linkages.

Ambassador Rao said that despite global economic uncertainties, the fundamentals of the Indian economy remain strong and India's GDP is expected to grow at about 7.6% in the current fiscal year They highly appreciated the role of the Indian companies and Indian investments in the United States. They also recognized the

opportunities that India's growth offered for the US businesses. Senator John Cornyn called it a "special relationship" and said that "Strategic Partnership is one of the greatest achievement" for the two countries. He also sup-

nomic relationship. He said that it was a "two-way street with partnerships in innovation and entrepreneurships benefiting the people on the ground". He also favored a liberal visa regime for highly skilled applicants. "India

Senator Mark Warner, Co-chair of the Senate India Caucus (left) releases the CII IBF report, "Indian Roots, American Soil: Adding Value to U.S. Economy and Society" on 25 April on Capitol Hill, Washington DC, along with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Jean Shaheen, Ambassador Nirupama Rao, Congressman Alan Nunnelee, Mr. Surya Kant, Chairman CII India Business Forum and Ms. Sandhya Satwadi, Director and Head, CII North America

ported discussions on Bilateral Investment Treaty. Senator Warner called India-US ties as "the most defining relationship of the 21st century". He said that the relationship was now maturing and it was time to convert friendship into partnerships. Senator Bennet said that he wanted "nothing more than a close relationship" between the two countries. He supported open immigration for movement of professionals between the two countries. Senator Menendez emphasized the importance of India-US eco-

as a democracy stands with the United States on international issues, including those relating to security that goes beyond trade and economic issues," said Senator Menendez. Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee praised India's important role and partnership with the US on international security and stability. Congressman Ed Royce said that India-US trade had seen 400% increase since 2000. He said, "$100 billion of bilateral trade is only a start." Congressman Pascrell called India a "proper and positive ally" of the United States.

United Nations elects Justice Bhandari to ICJ India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The international community voted overwhelmingly to elect Dr. Justice Dalveer Bhandari, Senior Judge in the Supreme Court of India to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In simultaneous elections held April 27 at United Nations headquarters in New York, Dr. Justice Bhandari obtained 122 votes in the General Assembly and an absolute majority in the Security Council (13 out of 15 votes). The other candidate in the fray was Florentino P. Feliciano of Philippines who received 58 votes in the General Assembly. An eminent legal luminary,

Justice Bhandari has been on the Supreme Court of India since 2005 and has served in the higher Indian judiciary for over two decades. Prior to that, he had a distinguished and successful career as an attorney at law for 23 years. The Indian judiciary is renowned for its independency and impartiality and for fiercely upholding the rule of law. The Indian Supreme Court is universally acknowledged as one of the most powerful courts in the world. Justice Bhandari's significant contributions to constitutional law, environmental law, human rights jurisprudence, gender justice, rule of law, protection of fundamental rights, protection of Intellectual Property Rights and to

Justice Dalveer Bhandari

comparative law are widely recognised. He is also a member of leading international academic and legal bodies and is closely

associated with a large number of Committees dealing with various aspects of International Law such as: Human Rights, Biotechnology, Sustainable Development, Securities Regulation, Trade, Nuclear Weapons, Non-Proliferation & Contemporary International Law and Space. Acknowledging his outstanding contribution, the Northwestern University School of Law, Chicago, US while celebrating its 150 Years (1859-2009) selected Dr. Justice Bhandari as one of its 16 most illustrious and distinguished alumni. ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations and

began work in April 1946. The seat of the Court is at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands). The Court's role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies. The present vacancy at the ICJ was created by the resignation of Judge Awn Shawkat AlKhasawneh of Jordan from the Asia-Pacific region at the end of 2011. Justice Bhandari will serve the remainder of the term 2012-18. India was last represented at the ICJ more than two decades ago.

Top Stories

May 11, 2012

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Amb Rao hosts historical society members

Members of the Cleveland Park Historical Society attending the event India Post News Service

WASHINGTON, DC: On April 30, Ambassador Nirupama Rao opened the doors of the Embassy Residence to welcome members of the Cleveland Park Historical Society (CPHS). Around seventy members of CPHS gathered on the lawns of the Embassy Residence to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Cleveland Park Historic District that has the Residence listed as one of its grand estates. (The Residence, also known as "The Homestead", was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.) Ambassador informed that the

building, originally built in 1914 and then renovated in the 1930s by the Schoellkopf family, was acquired by the Government of India as the Embassy Residence in 1945. "Our residence has witnessed the growth of the India-US relationship over six decades now, and welcomed to its portals so many key players in that relationship. This lovely house has weathered the years well - its walls have taken on a beautiful patina with age, it has stayed that wonderful home on a hill, with its cloak of beautiful, strong, upright trees creating a magic and mystery that is truly unique" , Ambassador remarked. On Ambassador's invitation, the grandchildren - Henry

Schoellkopf and Ann Schoellkopf - of American diplomat Walter Schoellkopf, the previous owner of the property, were also present at the event. Tersh Boasberg, former chairman of the Historic Preservation Review Board, who documented the work to register the Residence as a historical landmark in the United States, in his remarks, particularly highlighted the unique location and magnificent garden around the building. Describing it as the "finest Cleveland Park estate", architect and historian Ms. Gwen Wright, recognized the effort of the Government of India in preserving the original architectural elegance of the Residence.

Many Indian-Americans in $ 452 mn Medicare fraud WASHINGTON: A number of Indian-Americans were among 107 people charged across seven different cities for their role in a Medicare fraud involving a whopping USD 452 million, in one of the biggest busts by US authorities. Those arrested included doctors, nurses, social workers, healthcare company owners in Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Detroit, Chicago, Tampa and Baton Rouge. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force charged 107 people for their alleged participation in Medicare fraud schemes involving approximately USD 452 million in false billings, the Department of Justice said in a statement. This is the highest amount of alleged false Medicare billings involved in a single takedown in the Strike Force's 5-year history. In an indictment, prosecutors accuse Hoor Naz Jafri, a naturalized US citizen from India, and Roslyn F Dogan of "a pattern of brazenly disregarding legal and

administrative processes" at their Baton Rouge clinics. Jafri, faces eight counts of conspiracy and health care fraud. Dogan faces four counts. If convicted, Jafri faces up to 80 years in prison and Dogan up to 40 years. Prosecutors want them

Of those charged in Detroit at least 4 are Indian-Americans Sachin Sharma, 36, Dana Sharma, 29, Madhur Thawani, 27, and Ankit Patel, 27, from Michigan jailed until trial. Both defendants face forfeiture of at least USD 37.9 million. A preliminary sentencing guidelines analysis shows that the prison

sentence for both defendants, based on indicted and relevant conduct, would be life. In Detroit, the FBI arrested 19 people at 10 facilities accused of USD 50 million in Medicare fraud, the Detroit Free Press reported. Of those charged in Detroit at least 4 are Indian-Americans Sachin Sharma, 36, Dana Sharma, 29, Madhur Thawani, 27, and Ankit Patel, 27, from Michigan. "The day of stealing from taxpayers is over," US Attorney Barbara McQuade said in announcing the Detroit charges. The FBI apprehended 59 suspects in South Florida, including the owner of two mental health businesses called Healthcare Solutions Network, The Miami Herald reports. Those charged are accused of a range of serious offenses, including health-care fraud, conspiracy to commit health-care fraud, money laundering, and violations of the anti-kickback statutes.-PTI

Ambassador Nirupama Rao welcoming and addressing the guests

Tiger Hanif's is first extradition from UK LONDON: Tiger Hanif, a "clasHanif can appeal against the sic fugitive" wanted in India for extradition ruling, but the final ortwo bomb attacks in Gujarat in der clearing his extradition will be 1993, has been ordered to be ex- signed by Home Secretary tradited to India by a British court, Theresa May. the first successful extradition Over the years, several indifrom UK obtained by New Delhi viduals wanted by India have since 1993. taken refuge in Britain, including Hanif, whose full name is some linked to the Khalistan Mohammed Hanif Umerji Patel, 51, movement. was traced to a grocery store in But efforts to bring them to InBolton, Greater Manchester in dia to face justice did not succeed March 2010. He is said to be an for several reasons. . Meanwhile, associate of underworld don during the hearing, the court was Dawood Ibrahim. told that he had a prominent role The Westminster magistrates' in setting up a camp for members court in London ordered Hanif's extradition to India. He is wanted in India for his Hanif's case is the first successful extradi- alleged role in a grenade tion obtained by India attack on a packed market since the extradition treaty was signed with place which killed an Britain in December eight-year-old schoolgirl 1993, sparking a wave of satisfaction among in Surat in 1993 Indian officials here. The court had described Hanif as a "classic fugi- of the minority community who tive". were rendered homeless during Hanif was arrested by the Met- communal violence in Surat in ropolitan Police in February 2010 1992. on an extradition warrant that alProsecutor Montgomery told leged conspiracy to murder and the court in one of the early hearconspiracy to cause explosions. ings: "The refugee camp had a He is wanted in India for his fund that was set up to collect alleged role in a grenade attack on donations and it was agreed by a packed market place which killed this defendant and three other an eight-year-old schoolgirl in witnesses that the fund would be Surat in 1993. employed to buy weapons". He is also accused of plotting She said witness statements to carry out a second grenade at- from a co-conspirator revealed tack at a crowded railway station that a meeting was called and the which seriously wounded 12 com- men decided to obtain weapons muters. "for revenge". -PTI

Desi News Chivukula honored with environmental award India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: New Jersey Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula along with Assemblywoman Connie Wagner was honored with the Frank J. Oliver Environmental Award for 2012, at the event held at Seton Hall's Faculty Lounge in South Orange. The two lawmakers saluted environmental advocates as heroes and pledged to continue efforts to protect the planet, at the New Jersey Environmental Lobby's recent annual awards reception Chivukula and Wagner were recognized for their recent contributions to the protection of New Jersey's environment and their record of courage and leadership in the public and private sector.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

10 India Post

www.indiapost.com

Soldiers, govt officials wear jeans on Denim Day

May 11, 2012

Details on page 20

Global Sikhs converge in NYC to discuss human rights

Details on page 12

A grand feast of Indian classical dances SHUBHA SUBBARAO & ANITA SANJEEVA

Nanubhai Foundation gala raises $55,000 India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Nanubhai Education Foundation hosted its Fourth Annual Gala April 27 at the Angel Orensanz Foundation for Contemporary Art in New York City with over 400 guests and notable celebrities in attendance. Spokesman for the Foundation, 90210 Actor Manish Dayal, along with Heroes Actor Sendhil Ramamurthy, Nurse Jackie Actor Arjun Gupta, actors Samrat Chakrabarti, Pooja Kumar, Sheetal Sheth, Ami Sheth. Details on page 18

India post News Service

NEW YORK: Sikh identity, Sikhism's role in religion, human rights and the United Nations were the main focus of the discussions at the United Sikhs Fourth Annual Global Sikh Civil and Human Rights Conference held at the United Nations Church Center in New York April 24. Delegates from around the globe who attended the conference raised and discussed pressing issues facing the Sikh community. The ban on the turban in French schools, on ID photographs and its domino effect in other European and western countries were the other highlights of the conference. This conference provided to the representatives of the 25 million

Sikhs across the globe, a unique platform to discuss their future and the way forward. The conference attendees passed a resolution to leave no stone unturned in terms of advocacy with elected representatives to push France to change its

duced any change in the attitude of the French government to change their law. He said he would vociferously raise his concerns on issues impacting the global Sikh community with the Government of India. Commenting on the issue, New

Delegates from around the globe who attended the conference raised and discussed pressing issues facing the Sikh community stance on turbans. S. Avtar Singh, SGPC President, told the audience that the SGPC in India takes the France issue very seriously; that he has had many meetings with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in this regard which, however, have not pro-

York State Senator, Kevin Parker stated, "I am a part of this struggle and want to be a partner, and help Sikhs develop." US Congressman Mike Honda, in a written message to conference attendees said, "As Chair Emeritus and Immigration Taskforce

Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am honored to partner with United Sikhs in fighting for the human and civil rights of all Sikhs worldwide. Whether it's combating hate crimes and xenophobia, or promoting the reporting of bias-related incidents through data collection, I am proud to be an advocate of the Sikh community in the United States Congress." ACLU President Susan Herman talked about how the ACLU successfully litigated cases on behalf of Sikhs, and stressed on the need for the American legal system to adopt international law and treaties on human and civil rights particularly in instances where domestic legislation is inadequate to provide just results. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 11

May 11, 2012

Community Across America

India Post 11

www.indiapost.com

Global Sikhs converge in NYC to discuss human rights

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 10

Pushpinder Singh QC, an international human rights lawyer, participating via video call from Lon-

miliation felt by a person who is required to remove a turban by stating that it is an extremely momentary and minimal restriction limited to the click of a camera. The

undertaken. Members from UN sub-committees, human rights lawyers and academicians shared their experiences and extended their support

story of what community members and he personally underwent after the law banning the turban was passed said he felt as if he was "stripped not only of my religious

not continue to get desecrated." S. Sukvinder Singh, Head of Policy for Work Place Inclusion, Equality and Human Rights Commission and executive member of

don, condemned France for seeking to compare wearing of a turban to wearing spectacles with frames that are thick or which mask the eyes. He said that it belittles the hu-

French comments show a disturbing and profound lack of respect and understanding of the Sikh faith, he said. He also talked about the legal aspects of the case, and what further measures could be

through suggestions and ideas as to how freedom of religion can be ensured for minorities around the world. A French Sikh youth, who had flown in from France to share his

right, but felt as if my dignity was snatched away from me". "Every public school that I applied to refused to admit me. I had to use a bareheaded photograph for my identity cards, under compulsion,

the Sikh Council UK, emphasized the need for the community to extensively get involved in lobbying efforts when legislation affecting the community is proposed. He cited an example of the Offensive Weapons Act in the UK. When that bill was proposed, the Sikh community, being proactive and through extensive lobbying, was able to get an exemption to carry such perceived objects for religious purposes, namely the kirpan. United Sikhs USA President, Kuldip Singh, said, "We are committed to our mission with even greater motivation than before and will be a watchdog to fight against discrimination at all levels and will expand to build a legal framework with new capacity to take up challenges impacting the global community. We are working hard and eagerly look forward to the day when Sikhs in France will wear the turban without fear."

United Sikhs USA President, Kuldip Singh, said, "We are committed to our mission with even greater motivation than before and will be a watchdog to fight against discrimination at all levelsâ&#x20AC;? which was beyond humiliating. Every time I view it, I see someone who has been dehumanized. I pray for a change to occur and pray it occurs quickly so my crown does

12 India Post

Community Across America

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Chivukula honored with environmental award India Post News Service

sonify the criterion for this award - legislative courage in protecting New Jersey's environment," said Anne O. Poole, president of NJEL. Chivukula, an electrical engineer by training, who serves as chair of the Assembly Utilities Committee and is one of the few scientists in the 120-member Legislature, was commended for "engineering" a clean energy economy in New Jersey.

Chivukula blasted Gov. Chris Christie for pulling New Jersey out of RGGI. "In its first three years, RGGI has created more than 1800 jobs in New Jersey and added $151M in economic valueâ&#x20AC;? and pledged to continue efforts to protect the planet, at the New Jersey Environmental Lobby's recent annual awards reception Chivukula and Wagner were recognized for their recent contributions to the protection of New Jersey's environment and their record of courage and leadership in the public and private sector. "Assemblyman Chivukula and Assemblywoman Wagner per-

This includes sponsoring groundbreaking measures like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which establishes a regional cap on the emission of carbon dioxide, the main cause of global warming pollution. Under the cap-and-trade pact, entities like power companies are required to purchase pollution allowances if they need to exceed their quota, while oth-

Assemblyman Chivukula receives the Frank J. Oliver Enviromental Award.

ers can trade their unused allotment. Funds raised in the auctions are invested in renewable energy, clean energy technologies and energy efficiency. "Tonight's awardees have stood up and moved New Jersey in the right direction," said Michael L. Pisauro, legislative director of NJEL in his introduction

of the Chairman. "He leads by doing... and has helped make renewable energy more affordable. He has stood with environmentalists in our fight to continue New Jersey's membership in RGGI." "I am humbled to receive this honor from champions of the environment who sit on the Board of the New Jersey Environmental

Lobby," said Chivukula (DSomerset\Middlesex). "Advocates walk a tough path, considering the inaccurate perception that environmental protection conflicts with economic growth, while in reality, they work together to enhance our quality of life. He said he looked forward to continuing to work with NJEL and other advocates, to help New Jersey become the first in the nation in offshore wind and to incentivize and develop, new forms of alternative energy including geo thermal, solar thermal and combined heat and power, into sustainable models. Chivukula blasted Gov. Chris Christie for pulling New Jersey out of RGGI. "In its first three years, RGGI has created more than 1800 jobs in New Jersey and added $151M in economic value. It has delivered significant energy savings to residential and industrial ratepayers that are projected to exceed $150M for the period between 2009 and 2021. The $181M in auction revenue has funded nine major solar and combined heat and power projects. Pulling out of RGGI is a tactical blunder," he said.

Grand AIA banquet with national AIA presence

National and Illinois AIA officials (L-R) Naren Patel, Prof Ghanshyam Pandey, Salil Mishra and guest Prof Ralph Nicholos,

RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Ms Dorothy Brown, a front ranking Chicago politician and three time Clerk of Cook County Circuit Court, was

all praise for the exemplary work being done by the Association of Indians in America, (Illinois Chapter) for over three decades in assisting immigrants from India to get easily assimilated with the mainstream American society.

She also praised this organization for its efforts in spreading the message of non-violence and civilized opposition to unjust laws and discriminatory practices in this country thru regular holding celebration of Gandhi Jayanti.

Nishal Patel, a young singer, with Anil Sharma

Brown was the Chief Guest and a keynote speaker at the annual AIA Banquet held at Ashyana Banquets in Downers Grove on Sunday April 29. She said that her office is organizing an event mid May, which incidentally is the

tive Committee too held its meeting in Chicago, probably for the first time in recent years and attested to a formal induction of former AIA Illinois President and Trustee Board Chief Prof Ghanshyam Pandey elected as National AIA President. The outgo-

She also praised this organization for its efforts in spreading the message of non-violence and civilized opposition to unjust laws and discriminatory practices

AIA officials with Cook County Clerk Ms Dorothy Brown (Pics courtesy Asian Media USA)

Asian Heritage month, recognizing the contributions of Asian Americans to the mainstream American society and urged all those present to come in and be part of the celebrations. The annual AIA event had added importance as the National Execu-

ing AIA President Naren Patel was inducted as National AIA Vice President. The meeting also was highlighted with the announcement of new Executive Board that is now headed by an eminent banker Salil Mishra. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 16

Community Across America

May 11, 2012

India Post 13

www.indiapost.com

Vaisakhi celebrated at Gov O'Malley's home India Post News Service

ANNAPOLIS: Over 150 Indian and Sikh Community leaders gathered at Governor Martin O'Malley's residence for the celebrations of the Vaisakhi on April 23. This was the second time the Governor had opened his house to celebrate this Sikh holiday to recognize the community's growing influence in the state. Governor O'Malley has received sizable support from his Sikh constituents in the last election campaign and this was his time to return the favor. Maryland is the surrounding state outside of nation's capital Washington. Dr. Rajan Natarajan, who has been appointed as the Deputy Secretary of State, External Affairs in the state of Maryland by Governor

Sikhs presenting a memento with a Sikh symbol to Governor O'Malley. From left to right - Prabhjot Singh Kohli, Baljinder Singh, Governor O'Malley and Dr. Rajwant Singh.

welcomed the audience and congratulated the Sikh community for Vaisakhi. Maryland State Delegate Aruna Miller spoke and declared "Vaisakhi is not only a Sikh or

A book on Sikhism was also presented to the Governor.

Martin O'Malley, was also present. The function started with the Shabad "Deh Shiva Bar Moh Ihe" by Ragi Jatha of Bhai Mangal

Punjabi holiday but now it has become an American holiday." Maryland Delegate Sam Arora also invited the Indian community

He pointed out that the Governor has fulfilled both campaign promises: to celebrate Vaisakhi at his house and making a business trip to India. Governor O'Malley had made these promises at Jasdip's house Singh from Baltimore Gurdwara Sahib. Izzy Patoka, Director of Community Affairs of Maryland States

in general to be involved and said, "Vaisakhi means harvest season in India and similarly if we sow by getting involved in the political

Members of Sikh and Indian community at the event.

system, we will reap the fruits for generations to come." Jasdip Singh, who helped organize the event, thanked Governor O'Malley and said, "We thank you for opening your house to the Sikh community and celebrating Vaisakhi with them." He pointed out that the Governor has fulfilled both campaign

Governor O'Malley reading the proclamation on Vaisakhi.

promises: to celebrate Vaisakhi at his house and making a business trip to India. Governor O'Malley had made these promises at Jasdip's house during election time last year. He also thanked the Governor for making Maryland a sister state of Indian States like Gujarat, Maharashtra and Punjab. Lt. Governor Anthony G.

Brown also spoke and highlighted the O'Malley administration's reaching out to the Indian community and the Sikh community. He said "Governor O'Malley is the first governor to start Vaisakhi celebration at the Governor's Mansion and we will continue this tradition. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 17

Community Across America

14 India Post

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

A grand feast of Indian classical dances SHUBHA SUBBARAO & ANITA SANJEEVA

ST LOUIS: The 4th St. Louis Indian Dance Festival held at Clayton High School Auditorium here from April 20-22 was a magnificent cultural platform where artistes from all over came and presented their art skillfully. A Diaspora of classical dances were showcased with both solo and group performances. The beautiful entry way to the festival created by a team of volunteers was in the form of a symbolic arch way, tying in with the Gateway Arch of the City. The festival had a sense of multitude in terms of presentation, theme and talent attracting over 1200 people cross the three evenings. It presented more than 25 different dance performances covering main styles such as Bharathanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, and Kuchipudi. Dances ranged from fusion performances such as - Bharathanatyam Mohini Attam; Bharathanatyam Jazz; and Poetical Bharathanatyam with English poems. While known dancers like Prashanth Shah, Nirmala

Kamala Lakshmi Narayan felicitated with Ustad Imratkhan, Guru Prassana and Soorya Dance members

The announcements by masters of ceremonies, Mrs. Nirmala Renganathan, Mrs. Sandhya Dave and Shalini Subbarao, kept the audience well informed about the programs and also introduced them to the storyline of each item on the repertoire. The inaugural dance performance was by the host, Soorya Dance Company, where the students presented

"Navarasa" - the nine prominent emotions of dance, which was followed by a traditional varnam in raga Behag. Shipra Avantica Mehrotra, a rising star in Odissi mesmerized the audience with her graceful Odissi movements and her exquisite depiction of Sita's abduction by Ravana. Delicately showing the drops of rain in "Barsaa Vishaara"

Chalatha RamChandra" and ended her performance with a Kannada tillana. The next artist, Kathak maestro Prashant Shah trained by Guru Kumudini Lakhia, showcased his mastery over technique and abhinaya with his perfect pirouettes, impeccable footwork and graceful hand gestures in 'taal Dhamaar' (14 beat rhythmic cycle), 'Piya Bawri' and 'teen taal'. The evening ended with a Bharathanatyam and Mohini Attam performance by Anu Samrat and Vinod Menon. The second day began with an invocation to Lord Ganesha by young Samanvita Kasthuri. Odissi dancer Enakshi Sinha from Canada began the recital with "Ardhanarishwara" one of the fin-

popular production "Srichakra" along with her students. Using traditional Bharathanatyam technique in a refreshing approach, Srichakra, which revolves around the concept of the creation of the cosmos, was depicted by the geometry of interlocking triangles that surround and radiate out from the central point, the junction point between the physical universe and its unmanifest source. The dancers used interesting props and innovative movements to make the abstract concept of these shapes more conceivable to the audience. Srilatha Suri a disciple of Dr. Shobha Naidu presented the most popular dance drama of Kuchipudi "Sri Krishna Parijatham". Taking the audience on a roller coaster of

Anwesha Das, a young dancer from Seattle proved her dedication to the art form and technical finesse right from the start in "Pushpanjali". She went on to beautifully portray the subtleness of a mother and the pranks of little Rama

Dancing couple Prasanna & Seema Kasthu

Madhava, Ramya Ramnarayan and Srilatha Suri presented traditional items, others like Guru Prasanna Kasthuri, Savitha Sastry and Sushma Mohan showcased productions on newer themes. Talented dancers such as Shipra Avantica Mehrora, Answesha Das, and Rachana Madhav Rao recreated new choreographies through their traditional dance base.

Dance performance by a local artist

Shloka Trayee, a dance item in praise of Ganesha, Saraswathi and Guru. It also had a blend of Kathak through the very popular "Omkara Swaroopa". Rachana Madhav Rao the next Bharathanatyam dancer used Bombay Jayashri's popular "Maha Ganapathim" to do the Ashta Dikpaala Vandana and to praise Ganapathi. She used the story of Ramayana and capably depicted

choreographed by Guru Aruna Mohanty, she flawlessly moved from one pose to the other like a statue come to life. Anwesha Das, a young dancer from Seattle proved her dedication to the art form and technical finesse right from the start in "Pushpanjali". She went on to beautifully portray the subtleness of a mother and the pranks of little Rama in Tulsidas's "Thumaki

est choreographies of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. This piece draws its literary base from the composition of Adi Shankaracharya and describes the iconography of the image of fusion of Shiva and Parvati. The next group on stage was the popular "Threeaksha Dance Company." Viji Rao and her team presenting popular dance numbers like Ikshudandadahara, Sriman Narayana, Sankeernam Allaripu and Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma and excerpts from her production "Uurja" that is already creating waves in the field of Bharathanatyam. Perfect synchronization, fresh choreography and flawless presentation made the performance a class apart. Sushma Mohan, presented her

emotions between laughter and divinity, Srilatha unveiled the attitudes of SatyaBhama superbly along with a supporting group of dancers. Nirmala Madhava and dancers of PAMPA Dance Academy, San Jose added value to the festivities with their Kathak and Bharathanatyam group presentations. Maya Rao and Nirmala next performed to "Omkaara kaarini" depicting the mother goddess in all her hues and then alleviating the ambience with the popular "Hanumantha Devo Namo". Ramya Ramnarayan, well known dancer from New Jersey, presented some traditional Bharathanatyam dance numbers along with her students. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 15

Community Across America

May 11, 2012

India Post 15

www.indiapost.com

Akbaruddin Owaisi mesmerizes Hyderabadi community A.Q. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: If his miraculous survival from the vicious attack on his life a year ago in Hyderabad has created a medical record, his oratory before Hyderabadi community in Chicago made yet another record, particularly coming from a person who had just recovered from the multiple injuries treatment. The All India Majlis-Etihad-ulMuslemeen (AIMIM) leader and Andhra Pradesh legislator Akbaruddin Owaisi spoke to a packed hall of over 600 supporters on April 27at North Shore Banquet Hall in Chicago. He spoke continuously for two hours and ten minutes, a record of longest speech ever made by any politician. And he never faltered or stopped in the midst. The speech put Chicago Hyderabadi community in a spell of magic. The listeners applauded as he spoke on issues from politics to welfare of Muslims in Andhra Pradesh. The Grand Reception was hosted by overseas friends of MIM, namely Syed Wasifullah, Naimath Ali Khan and Syed

Akbaruddin Owaisi at the podium

Saleem. Iftekhar Shareef joined as the guest of honor. Syed Saleem moderated the event and announced that no speeches will be made by others so that the community hears from the visiting leader for the maximum time. Akbaruddin Owaisi first thanked the Chicago community and recalled that like Chicago, Hyderabadis all over the world prayed for his life and he was saved only by mass prayers ever made for any person. In his long speech, he dwelt on many issues concerning Muslims in Andhra Pradesh, politics at national and state level, 50 years of MIM performance in public life and criticism of opponents. The MIM has not confined itself to surviving in political power but has

achieved remarkable success in many fields such as providing highest level of education to

Earlier, Iftekhar Shareef talking to media persons, said that Akbaruddin Owaii has changed his lifestyle after recovering from the attack on his life Muslims in medical, engineering and management, financing Muslim businesses and fighting for

Muslim causes. Akbar lambasted MIM critics and asked what they have done for Muslims. The MIM managed Deccan Medical College has sent out 1989 Muslim doctors from 1984 till 2011, compared to only 37 Muslim graduate doctors from 1947 till 1984 in Andhra Pradesh. The Aligarh Muslim University was created for Indian Muslims, but it did not achieve what Deccan Education Society has achieved for Muslims in Andhra Pradesh. The Owaisi hospital and Azra Hospital are modernized to meet all the medical challenges. Princess Asra hospital, now managed by MIM is the only hospital in Andhra Pradesh where an OPD patient is charged rupees ten only. Akbar has many such figures and achievements to counter the criticism from opponents. But did he really need to counter the baseless criticism of opponents? The success of MIM is an open book in Indian political history. In fact many educated Muslims now believe that opponents of MIM are funded by anti-Muslim forces to weaken the strongest Muslim entity in India. Both Akbarurddin Owaisi and

his elder brother Barrister Asaduddin Owaisi, Member of Parliament have reinforced the mission of Muslim welfare in India as initiated by their father late Salahuddin Owaisi, popularly known as Salar-e-Millat. This writer has seen late Salahuddin Owaisi riding on his motorcycle and visiting Hyderabad old city bylanes, enquiring poor Muslims if they needed any help. A bold, dynamic Akbar also announced that his party is against separate Telangana. A separate Telangana state, he said will not be good for AP Muslims. Earlier, Iftekhar Shareef talking to media persons, said that Akbaruddin Owaii has changed his lifestyle after recovering from the attack on his life. He said he had seen Akbar personally at the hospital and visited him frequently as he was struggling for life. He had also seen the Akbaruddin Owaisi, a lover of luxury cars, expensive watches and name brand dresses. But after regaining the new lease of life, Akbar is a completely changed person, averse to worldly pleasures and following a vision to serve the underprivileged in society.

A grand feast of Indian classical dances Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 14

On day three, senior dance guru of the Vazhuvoor tradition, "Kamala Lakshmi Narayanan" was honored with the Lifetime Achievement award. She was recognized for her service in enriching the cultural phenomenon of USA through Indian dances. Well known legendary Sitarist, Ustad Imrat Khan, honored Guru Kamala. The Bharathanatyam performance by Shreya Desikan, a disciple of Guru Kamala Lakshman, showcased the essence of Kamala's style of dancing. Guru Prasanna along with Soorya Dance Company dancers presented "TagoreShakespeare-Angelou" based on the dynamics and multitude human behaviors. Both Guru Prasanna and Seema looked captivating on the stage. This poem, which was an equivalent of a Javali, showcased a new idiom in Bharathanatyam presentation. The outstanding music and the relaxed stage setting made the dance an enjoyable melody. Maya Angelou's powerful message was inevitable in the dramatic presentation of "The Caged Bird" bringing to life the struggles of African Americans in 20th century America. Rendering of "Episode of Rosa Park's Bus incident" spoke volumes and held the attention of the audience as an historical evidence of the civil rights movement here. One of the foremost classical dancers of USA, Savitha Sastry (San Francisco, CA) presented her solo Bharathanatyam Experience - excerpts from 'Music Within'. It was a rare attempt to utilize the spectrum of human feel-

ings. She portrayed the dismal situation of a deaf girl trying to learn dancing. Radhika Prabhu and Vidya Venkataram, two young dancers, followed next in their individual solo performances. While Radhika Prabhu chose to present contemporary Kannada poetry in Bharathanatyam, Vidya, who also brought in the element of theatre, chose to present conventional dance numbers - Javali and Navarasa Ramayana. The Nritya Dance Company headed by Guru Hema Sharma from Kansas City presented

tain down on the three day festivities. The "Youth Dance Series" presented young Bharathanatyam dancer Bharatha Ram from San Antonio, Kuchipudi dancers Pranathi and Pranamya from Dallas, Shyama Iyer from Louisville and Deepti Yogananada from Indianapolis. The young dancers were promising, talented and have the makings of professional dancers with the right support. Bharatha Ram an upcoming youngster performed with vigor and precision and impressed the senior Gurus. Both Pranathi

Dr. Prathiba Natesan (Denton, TX) discussed the influence of western styles on Indian Classical Dance. Vidya Venkat Ram (Bangalore, India) highlighted the use of theater techniques to enrich the classical dance presentation. Radhika Prabhu (Bangalore) spoke on the effective collaborations happening in India Bharathanatyam, whereas Mrs. Anita Babu from New Delhi, India, presented elegant Odissi dances. Guru Gangadhar Pradhan's training was showcased elegantly through Anita's dance presentation. Highly talented, graceful Prathiba Natesan presented a unique piece Ganga & Mississippi - a representation of environmental disasters happening to world rivers by taking Ganga from India (through Bharathanatyam style) and Mississippi (using the Western dance style) by Lily Sloan. This performance was a great finale for the entire dance festival and brought the cur-

and Pranamya presented the Kuchipudi shows very elegantly. Shyama Iyer was an elegant dancer, whereas Deepthi presented an abhinaya in a much mature way. Both mornings featured seminars of different topics relevant to the field of dance and art. Dance Gurus Asha Prem and Smitha Rajan, spoke about issues faced by dance teachers while imparting training to students growing up here and shed light on why it was difficult to do an expressive or abhinaya piece. Anwesha Das discussed the influence of language in dance. Guru Enakshi spoke about the challenges she

faces while teaching Odissi in Canada. Savita Sastry spoke about connecting a classical art form to modern times. Viji Rao discussed about the participation of teacher, students and parents in a dance system. Aroon Shivdasani, the president of IAAC, suggested that classical dance will weather the storm and live on as long as there is attention paid to quality through dedication to the arts. Dr. Prathiba Natesan (Denton, TX) discussed the influence of western styles on Indian Classical Dance. Vidya Venkat Ram (Bangalore, India) highlighted the use of theater techniques to enrich the classical dance presentation. Radhika Prabhu (Bangalore) spoke on the effective collaborations happening in India, as exemplified by the opportunity to train in ballet in Bangalore. The most important part of the seminar was the discussion of setting up a central administration body for Indian classical dancers living in USA. As an action item, the seminar participants agreed on working together to create such as entity. A festival of such magnitude is possible only when the community at large comes together. In this direction, there was a tremendous influx of volunteers that came forward from all walks of the community, to assist Soorya Performing Arts in organizing this grand event. Guru Prasanna Kasthuri, the artistic director, of Soorya Performing Arts, navigated this huge dance festival with support of his Board members - Baskar Subbarao, Prabhakar Betnag, Seema Kasthuri, Nagendra Sanjeeva, Nirmala Renganathan, Willie Bennet and others.

16 India Post

Community Across America

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Grand AIA banquet with national AIA presence

Cultural program by young artists Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 12

Among the prominent Indian Americans and other dignitaries gracing the event were Sunil Shah, the newly set up FIA president, Dr Ram Gajjela of IADO, Dr Subhash Pandey of UP Association, Dr Birendra Sinha of Anila Sinha Foundation, Ms Santosh Kumar and Pramod Kumar of MAFS, Kaviraj Chandrakant Patel, Shrishi Patel from Canada, Raja Krishnamurthi, and SBI Chief Deep Chand. Gracious Beena Patel emceed the event as usual with charm and elegance. Prof Ghanshyam Padney was humility personified while expressing his gratitude to all AIA members and office bearers for supporting him and furthering the AIA agenda for over three decades. He assured that he would strive even harder as the National AIA head pushing forward the AIA goals. "The AIA is a unique organization in many ways. The AIA is not only the oldest Indian organization in the United States, founded in 1967 but it is also the only organization with individual membership

and chapters across the Nation", he said. The Illinois chapter is one of the largest and the most active chapters that organizes youth and community programs in the Chicago area. The celebration of Gandhi Jayanti by AIA Illinois chapter is one of its signature events which have been conducted annually since 1983. The AIA chapters across the country organize and conduct cultural, social and community events and provide strength to the National AIA. "We at AIA represent the hopes and aspirations of those immigrants who are united by their common bond of Indian heritage and American dreams and promises. The goal of AIA is to offer a bond of unity and to concern itself with the social welfare of Indians in the United States," he said The outgoing AIA President Naren Patel briefly dwelt on the AIA achievements during his two terms as chief and mentioned that special efforts were made to get the second generation Indians to be more active in the affairs of the association thru hosting Youth

A section of the guests attending the event.

Dance and Singing competitions Besides, AIA held Bazaars at Daley Plaza, Flag hoisting ceremony dur-

Salil Mishra, the incoming president, said that AIA with its involvement in the Asian American Diaspora was able to achieve its core objectives of promoting the welfare of Asian Indians and the image of India in the US besides facilitating participation of AIA members in the development and progress of India ing India Day celebrations and organized Gandhi Jayanti. AIA had invited prominent dignitaries to come to Chicago to attend its various events and cited

specifically hosting Indian Ambassador Mira Shankar, Minister Ashok Atri, Indian CG Mukta Tomar, Illinois Speaker Michael Madigan, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, US Rep. Michael Quigley, Cook County Commissioner Larry Sufferdin, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart and of course, Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown. Naren Patel took the opportunity to thank Dr. Ghanshyam Pandey and Salil Mishra, the new elected President of AIA, Illinois Chapter and the entire Executive Team for supporting him. Salil Mishra, the incoming president, said that AIA with its involvement in the Asian American Diaspora was able to achieve its core objectives of promoting the welfare of Asian Indians and the image of India in the US besides facilitating participation of AIA members in the development and progress of India through various activities. He sought the support of AIA members and officials in furthering the goals of AIA during the period he heads the organization. Surinder Rametra, Vice President AIA had specially come from New York to attend the event and he paid handsome tributes to the AIA team in making the Illinois chapter a front ranking body even at the national level. Beena Patel introduced Vinod Bansal Chairman, Board of Trustees AIA National Committee, who in his short speech highlighted AIA activities and also suggested that lot more

can be done. Beena Patel also introduced Professor Ralph Nicholas, recipient of AIA award. He thanked AIA and commended AIA activities and wished for their continued success. The other highlight of the three hours event was a grand cultural entertainment program that began with the singing of American national anthem by Nishal Patel, who also won the hearts of all those present with the rendering of a Bollywood song in chaste Hindi. A group dance presented by Payalia Dance Studio and choreographed by Trupti Patel was well received. The next item was a dance by Shriya Patel, Riya Patel, Ishani Majmudar and Mona Panchal, choreographed by Dr. Sonal Patel. They performed for the song 'Nimbuda Nimbuda' from a Bollywood movie. The culmination was with a vote of thanks by Virendra Gupta. The following are members of the AIA Illinois Chapter Executive Committee for 2012: Salil K Mishra (President), Prem Mehrotra (Vice President), Beena Patel (Vice President), Yogesh Dwivedi (Secretary), Santosh Pandey (Treasurer) Members at Large: Ashish Sen, Hema Rama Moorthy, Ram Gazela, Shaheen Sayeed, Ravi Arora, Yash Amin, Sujata Sharma and Kena Contractor Board of Trustees: AIA Illinois Chapter, Ghanshyam Pandey, PhD., Chairman, Om Dhingra, Nand Kapoor and Manoranjan Mishra

Community Across America

May 11, 2012

India Post 17

www.indiapost.com

A message of unity from slum children of Gujarat India Post News Service

NEW YORK: About one of every six human beings on this planet lives in poverty, according to the United Nations. And yet, hope and love can be nurtured in even the harshest of circumstances. This is the story of the Ekatva performance, which features the joy and talent of sixteen children, 10-14 years of age, from one of the poorest areas of the world: the slums of India. After a successful tour throughout India, the Ekatva show is currently touring the United States from through June 16 in Chicago, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Austin, Atlanta and Montclair, New Jersey. Directed and choreographed by Mallika Sarabhai and the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, the performance consists of 90 minutes of dance and drama, and carries a message of love, inspiration, and a call to action: to push the world closer to oneness and peace. Hindi for "oneness", Ekatva embodies the teachings of great peacemakers like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. Ekatva was inspired by a similar project

called Ekta, which was created in 2000 by Manav Sadhna, a nonprofit based at the Mahatma Gandhi Ashram, and teachers from the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts. Ekta was so successful that half of the children involved in it now work at Manav Sadhna. Ekatva began as a two and a half hour

preparation then ensued - not only music, dance, and acting preparation, but also mental, spiritual, and physical preparation. It was also made clear to the selected children and their families that they were to serve as "global ambassadors of love, service, and unity". In keeping with the mission of Manav Sadhna, the children will not

"The concept of the Ekatva tour is to share with the world the power and potential that exists in our underprivileged communities. The Ekatva children and show are examples of what happens when we provide love and opportunity to the young people in our world" dance/drama show called "Prem No Parvivar" (A Family of Love) in 2010. The show featured over 250 children from the slums of India; 2600 people attended the two shows in India. After a nine-month long audition process, 16 out of 8400 Manav Sadhana chidren were selected for the Ekatva tour; these children come from some of the largest slums of India, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. A year of

only perform in each city in the US, but also work with other nonprofits, serve the underprivileged in the area, help clean parts of the city, work to connect different religions, and uplift the spirit of humanity. "It sounds like a large task for small people - but I have learned every day in working with these children, that they are not 'small' in any way - they are capable of so much," says Ekatva director Nimesh

Patel, a Wharton Business School graduate and former hip-hop artist. Patel has become a full-time volunteer for the past two and half years to lead these children and the vision of the Ekatva experiment. "The concept of the Ekatva tour is to share with the world the power and potential that exists in our underprivileged communities. The Ekatva children and show are examples of what happens when we provide love and opportunity to the young people in our world." A wide range of international organizations including Project Ahimsa have contributed to supporting the Ekatva tour and performance. "Ekatva represents the power of art and music to transform the lives of children everywhere. For each of the children involved with Ekatva, art and music have provided a means and a path to build self-confidence, self-reliance, and compassion - all central to the spirit and message of Mahatma Gandhi," says Robin Sukhadia, Project Ahimsa International Grants Program Director. Nonprofit organizations may attend any performance free of charge; no one would be turned away due to lack of funds, the organizers said.

'Hand in Hand' raises $90,000 at 10th Anniversary RAGHU BADDI

Ankur child artists at Hand in Hand event

CHICAGO : Hand in Hand USA, a non-profit organization for humanitarian aid, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a fundraiser program on April 28 that helped it raise $90,000 to further its goal of

Hand in Hand volunteers

Heights. The program started with a prayer song "Jyoth se Jyoth Jalathe Chalo" by Ms Shaila Khedkar followed by introductory remarks by Puneet Mansharmani

The program comprised inspiring speeches along with good entertainment and excellent food with 250 members and guests in attendance at Ramada Inn in Glendale Heights spreading education and general social awareness in India. The program comprised inspiring speeches along with good entertainment and excellent food with 250 members and guests in attendance at Ramada Inn in Glendale

and Smt Durga Chunduri. It was mentioned that the Balashram in Orissa started by Hand in Hand had 40 children initially in 2004. The number has gradually grown to 360. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 20

Morning assembly of Nursery in Orissa

18 India Post

Community Across America

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Nanubhai Foundation gala raises $55,000

Actor Sendhil Ramamurthy with Gala Co Chairs Sameepa Doshi and Anita Patel India Post News Service

CNBC Reporter Seema Mody, celebrity photographer and star of Bravo TV's Double Exposure Indrani, former Canadian Cricket Team Captain Ashish Bagai and philanthropist Karen Koeningsberg attended the event to raise funds for the progress of education in rural India. "Nanubhai's 4th Annual Gala

NEF Founder Raj Shah and Executive Director Nita Nehru (pics:1000 Words Studios)

people who attended the event and look forward to many more successful years," said Dayal. The gala event which raised $55,000 from ticket sales, a live auction, and raffle prizes is the primary source to fund the Foundation's fellowship program

that partners experienced American educators with rural Indian high schools to mentor and inspire local teachers to become excellent educators. "Thanks to the hard work of our Nanubhai team and our generous supporters, our gala was a tremen-

dous success," said Raj Shah, Founder and President of the Foundation. "Over 400 guests helped celebrate our accomplishments and more importantly paved the way towards greater impact on the lives of students in India."

"Thanks to the hard work of our Nanubhai team and our generous supporters, our gala was a tremendous success," said Raj Shah, Founder and President of the Foundation 90210 Actor Manish Dayal, along with Heroes Actor Sendhil Ramamurthy, Nurse Jackie Actor Arjun Gupta, actors Samrat Chakrabarti, Pooja Kumar, Sheetal Sheth, Ami Sheth, Manu Narayan,

was a definite success. We exceeded our goals and all funds raised will be put directly to our mission of reforming rural education in India. I would like to personally thank all the awesome

Attending celebrities and Gala Co Chairs

Nanubhai Spokesman Actor Manish Dayal

Vaisakhi celebrated at Gov O'Malley's home Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 13

This certainly reminds us of our goal to have One Maryland recognizing its own diversity." Governor O'Malley spoke about Vaisakhi and congratulated the Sikh community on issuing a proclamation on the holiday. He shared his positive impression of India during his visit and also spoke about Mrs. O'Malley's recent humanitarian initiatives in India. "I am always impressed with the hard work of your community and Maryland is proud of its citizens making this state a model state." Governor O'Malley announced a new commission of South East Asia and he appointed Jasdip "Jesse' Singh as the Chairman to lead that com-

Jasdip Singh, the newly appointed head of the Commission on South and East Asia in Maryland thanking Governor for hosting Vaisakhi. Governor O' Malley and Lt. Governor Brown are in the background.

mission. Jasdip Singh is the first Chairman of that commission. Baljinder Singh, President of Sikh Association of Baltimore, said, "It is an honor for all our Sikh community to have a Sikh

person as the Chairman of the Commission." Deputy Chief of Mission to Ambassador Mr. Arun K. Singh and representative from White House Paul Monteiro also spoke

Ragis reciting Sikh hymns with Governor O' Malley and Maryland Delegate Sam Arora in the background.

at the celebrations. At the end, a memento (dhal with two kirpans) and book about Sikh religion were given to Governor by Baljinder (Shammi) Singh, Gurdeb Singh, Dr. Rajwant

Singh of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation and Prabhjot Kohli from Guru Nanak Foundation of America. Indian dinner was served by the Governor.

Community Across America

May 11, 2012

India Post 19

www.indiapost.com

PHO celebrates Vaisakhi with Punjabi flavor ASIAN MEDIA USA & ANIL TALREJA

Young Punjabi artists (Pics courtsey Asian Media USA)

CHICAGO: The Punjabi Heritage Organization (PHO) celebrated "Vaisakhi 2012" on Saturday, April 28 at TAFT High School auditorium in Chicago highlighting traditional Punjabi art and culture. Over 500 PHO members and guests, many dressed in Punjabi suits and colorful turbans, and kids wearing colorful costumes attended the event. Kids of all ages and adults participated in this mega cultural event which was highlighted through 22 perfor-

mances of popular Punjabi dances, Punjabi songs, comedy and world famous Bhangra and Giddha. Vaisakhi also known as Baisakhi, is an ancient harvest festival celebrated across the northern Indian subcontinent, especially in the Punjab region as this day commemorates the establishment of the Khalsa. PHO also held a musical program "A tribute to Kuldeep Manak" performed by Akashdeep. The program started with an in-

Dr Harjinder Singh, an emcee, adressing the gathering.

troduction by Teji Minhas and was followed by a religious prayer. Later energetic and dynamic performances were presented one after the other, receiving thunderous applause. The program was anchored by Gurmukh Singh Bhullar and Dr. Harjinder Singh Khaira. It was divided in two parts and for the first part, MC was Gurmukh Singh Bhullar. He started with a spirited speech in Punjabi. Deafening music beats and rocking perfor-

Seniors to celebrate fourth Annual Day SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: Members of United Senior Pariwar, a leading seniors association functioning in Des Plaines area for the past four years, will celebrate its 4th annual Day on Sunday May 20 in Kathy Hall in Niles. The Chief Guest of the event will be Ms. Mukta Tomar, Consul General of India in Chicago. Other guests of honor of the event

Ramanlal Patel, President of United Senior Pariwar observed that the seniors association is functioning from the month of March 2008 and it has completed its four years of existence. Commemorating this milestone, the management has decided to organize the celebration on a grand scale. Patel said that many activities are being

"We had also arranged tours of different places in US as well as abroad. This year also we are arranging a tour and hope the members will participate"

Indian Consul General Ms Mukta Tomar with Pariwar President Ramanbhai Patel at the Consulate office in Chicago

will be Mafatbhai Patel, a well known businessman and Chairman of Board of Trustees of USP, Dr. Bharat Barai, a well known community activist and Trustee of USP, Naren Patel, CEO of Medstar Laboratory and Trustee of USP and Dhiren Mistry, a popular Dentist in Des Plaines area as well as Mr. Devendra Parikh, Board of Trustee of United Senior Pariwar.

carried out by the seniors association for the benefit of its members and all are taking advantage of it. "We had also arranged tours of different places in US as well as abroad in past and the members participated in it. This year also we are arranging a tour and hope the members will participate," he pointed out urging the members to participate in the celebration of annual day and make it a success.

Bhangra in progress

mances built the mood at this most waited evening in Chicago. An amalgamation of myriad colors of youthful spirit and breathtaking performance by participants marked 'Vishakhi 2012', the welcome celebration for Vaisakhi (Spring) festival. Cultural performances of local and Milwaukee participants were presented by Punjabi Youth Club, Milwaukee. The program was dedicated to legendary Punjabi folk singer, Kuldip Manak. Guest singer

from California, Akashdeep capped the program with most popular songs of late Kuldip Manak. The Chief Guests of this year's show were Dr. Navdeep Kaur Sandhu and Harjinder Singh Sandhu of Sandhu Petroleum. The Guest of Honor was Beant Singh Boparai and Grand Sponsors were Rajinder Singh Bains, Dr. Yogi Bhardwaj and Punjabi American Youth Club of Schererville Indiana. PHO Board members honored them with plaques.

Queens Indians to get language assistance during elections India Post News Service

NEW YORK: After the United States Census Bureau required Queens County to provide language assistance to Indian voters in "Asian Indian" under the Voting Rights Act last fall, the New York City Board of Elections has now selected the specific languages for which various levels of assistance will be provided as Bengali, Hindi, and Punjabi. "Now that Bengali, Hindi, and Punjabi have been chosen, many more South Asian voters will be able to engage in the political process," said Chi-Ser Tran, Voting Rights Coordinator at the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF). AALDEF has been actively involved in assisting the Board of Elections in choosing the specific Indian languages that would benefit the greatest number of voters in Queens County's growing South Asian population. AALDEF submitted recommendations to the Board of Elections after extensively consulting with South Asian community organizations in Queens, linguistic experts, and Census population data. AALDEF furthermore incorporated its own exit poll data on Asian American voters collected over its decades of monitoring local and national elections. The New York City Board of Elections announced this month that it will designate Bengali and Hindi as the languages for oral assistance, and, to the extent possible, will recruit Hindi interpreters who also speak

Punjabi, and provide signs. In addition, the Board has adopted Bengali as the language for written assistance. The Board of Elections aims to begin providing assistance in time for the next primaries on June 26. "Our goal has been to assist the Board of Elections in providing language assistance that will have the greatest impact, and to ensure that the assistance will be provided as soon as possible during this important election year," said Glenn D.

AALDEF has been actively involved in assisting the Board of Elections in choosing the specific Indian languages that would benefit the greatest number of voters in Queens County's Magpantay, Director of the Democracy Program at AALDEF. AALDEF will now focus on making sure that local election officials fully comply with the law. In the past, poll sites have mistranslated ballots by listing Democrats as Republicans and vice versa, or by incorrectly assigning interpreters. Vigorous enforcement of the language assistance will be required, an AALDEF statement said.

Community/California

20 India Post

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Soldiers, govt officials wear jeans on Denim Day India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Soldiers, students and elected officials were among the millions of people who wore jeans on April 25 as supporters around the country participated in Denim Day in LA & USA to raise awareness around sexual violence issues and support survivors of sexual assault. In Los Angeles, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and members of the City

out the school district, and students at dozens of middle-and high-school campuses took part in Denim Day assemblies and activities. "This year, we added a new excuse and a call to leadership to our award-winning No Excuses campaign," said Patti Giggans, POV executive director. "It is, 'There is No Excuse to Ignore Rape' and it reminds us that it is never OK for institutions - schools, corporations, prisons, churches, the mili-

Villaraigosa, who used his twitter account @Villaraigosa to share statistics about rape and sexual assault in the weeks prior to Denim Day, encouraged all City employees to take part in the movement Council wore jeans and took part in Denim Day. At a morning news conference, Villaraigosa and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck called on the US Congress to reinstate the federal Violence Against Women Act. Villaraigosa, who used his twitter account @Villaraigosa to share statistics about rape and sexual assault in the weeks prior to Denim Day, encouraged all City employees to take part in the movement. Additionally, Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent John Deasy declared Denim Day through-

tary, and even the family - to ignore sexual assault. After the Penn State scandal, this is a call for new attention and leadership on this issue." With the new excuse, Giggans said she was pleased to hear that soldiers and civilians at Ft. Meade in Maryland took in Denim Day activities this year. Denim Day 2012 also marked a major East Coast expansion with Denim Day NYC activities being held around New York City. POV partnered with actress Mariska Hargitay's Joyful Heart Foundation and oth-

From right to left, LAUSD Superintendant John Deasy, Peace Over Violence Executive Director Patti Giggans, LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (at podium) and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck address supporters and members of the media on Denim Day in LA, April 25. Beck and Villaraigosa called on the US Congress to reauthorize the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

ers, to sponsor Denim Day activities across all five boroughs. Additionally, for the first time, participants registered for Denim Day from all 50 states. Participants also registered from Ghana, Turkey, Kenya, England, Canada, Mexico, Bahrain, Australia, Chile, Argentina and The Netherlands. "Denim Day is truly becoming

a global movement," Giggans said. Now in its 13th year, Denim Day is organized by the Los Angelesbased nonprofit Peace Over Violence (POV). Held each April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Denim Day recalls an Italian court case that sparked international outrage when judges did not convict a rapist because the

victim wore jeans. The judges ruled that because the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped her attacker remove them, thus implying consent. The annual observance remains important, according to POV. Still now in 2012, one in four women and one in six men will experience sexual assault over their lifetime.

'Hand in Hand' raises $90,000 at 10th Anniversary Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 17

Dr. Gopal Lalmalani, Mayor of Oak Brook, delivered the keynote speech encouraging the guests to

give charitably their time and money. He quoted an old Chinese proverb that says - if you want to be happy for an hour then take a nap, if you want to be happy for a

day then go to a picnic but if you want to be happy for the entire life, then serve others - again stressing the importance and joy of giving. Dr. Rani Chintam did the main presentation of the evening regarding the organization and the work that is being done in India. She said Orissa was chosen for the Balashram because of its low literacy rate, high infant mortality, economic backwardness, and high maternal mortality rate among others which are emblematic of a poverty stricken state. Balashram is a fully functional school for extremely poor and impoverished children in rural Orissa that provides serene and healthy environment for the development of young minds. The ashram is located in Arua, an eastern district of the state. Other projects by Hand in Hand include permanent health centers and mobile clinics in rural Orissa and Bengal, health camps and seminars that make people aware

of burning health issues and emergency relief in the form of food, medical support and money in different regions across the globe. The emotional appeal made by Dr. Chintam and the previous speakers must have resonated well with

The evening came to an end with enchanting Bollywood music provided by Shaila Khedkar of Sur Sangeet who reeled out all time hits the guests as generous donations started pouring in. Dr. Chintam's presentation was followed by the children of Ankur parading across the hall, waving flags of different countries and singing the song "we are the

world" by Michel Jackson in the spirit of true international friendship. After the song, the kids chanted the peace mantra - "Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah". Ankur is a Sunday school located in Joliet for children, ages 3 to 14. Students of Hema Rajagopalan of Natya Dance Theatre Ensemble later entertained the guests with brilliant Bharata Natyam performances that included "Murugan Kavutuvam, a prayer", "Adavallan, a cosmetic dance in praise of Lord Shiva" and "Brochevarevarura", a devotee singing praises of Lord Rama". Following the dances, the guests were treated to a dinner provided by Priya restaurant of Schaumburg. The evening came to an end with enchanting Bollywood music provided by Shaila Khedkar of Sur Sangeet who reeled out all time hits. Mihir Dash who proposed vote of thanks praised the volunteers for their stellar coordination and all round help in making the program a huge success.

Tech News Crucial year for global economy, says ADB MANILA: Financial crisis in Europe could escalate and along with slow recovery in the US, this year will be crucial for global economy but Asian nations must continue long term structural reforms while insulating the region against the troubles, ADB has said. "While authorities continue to strengthen macroeconomic resilience to shocks, we also need to reinvigorate focus on the region's long-term development goals," ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda said at the Governors' Seminar here. "The ultimate challenge is to continue transforming economies in a way that promotes peoples' welfare and reduces poverty," he added.-PTI

Rapids encoders enable rich online coverage of IPL

igital Rapids has announced that the company's StreamZ Live adaptive bit rate (ABR) encoders have been chosen by Times Internet Limited (TIL) for live online streaming of the 51-day Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament through the indiatimes.com website and via YouTube. Eight StreamZ Live ABR encoders were supplied for the project by Digital Rapids partner Shaf Broadcast Pvt Ltd. The encoders are deployed in a highavailability configuration, with redundancy further bolstering the robust reliability of the StreamZ Live encoders.

New translate feature for Gmail

oogle has announced that it will soon introduce a translate feature to Gmail. The new feature will enable users to automatically translate their mails and read them in their own language. Google made the announcement on its official blog. According to the blog users wanting to automatically translate their messages in their preferred need to just click the 'Always Translate' option. Users who have accidentally turned off the message translation features for a particular language, or don't see the Translate message header on a message, need to click on the down arrow next to Reply at the top-right of the message pane and select the Translate message option in the drop-down.

TechBiz 21 India Post

www.indiapost.com

May 11, 2012

Galaxy Nexus will not launch in India

n October last year, Samsung officially took the wraps off their Galaxy Nexus smartphone. This was one of the major smartphone announcements of last year, as not only was it a flagship smartphone from Google, but also it was the first handset that was available with Google's latest operating system - Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Shortly after it was unveiled, Google put up a dedicated page showing when this handset would launch and at the time it was believed that India would be one of the first countries to receive the smartphone.

Google executive Nikesh Arora to get $ 8 mn million in cash NEW YORK: Google Inc has cancelled certain stock options and stock units granted to its Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer Nikesh Arora and will instead pay him USD 8 million in cash. Arora had received certain Google stock options and stock units in April this year which were scheduled to vest on April 25, 2015. When employees are given stock options or restricted stock, they often do not gain control over the stock or options for a period of time, known as the vesting period. The leadership development and compensation committee of Google Inc has approved a com-

pensation arrangement for Nikesh Arora, as per which certain awards

of stock options and Google stock units previously granted to him in

Nikesh Arora

April 2012 were cancelled with effect from April 27, 2012. In exchange for the cancelled stock options and stock units, Arora will receive a cash payment of USD 4.7 million along with a discretionary cash bonus payment of USD 3.3 million on or about May 11, Google said in a regulatory filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission. If Arora's employment with Google terminates for any reason after the payment date and prior to April 25, 2015, then he will be required to repay to Google, "the full value of the cash awards either before or after applicable tax withholdings, depending on when the termination occurs", the filing said. -PTI

Piaggio launches Vespa in India HEMA TRIVEDI India Post News Service

BARAMATI: Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd - a wholly owned Indian subsidiary of the Italian Piaggio Group - formally launched its latest generation state-of-the-art facility producing the world famous iconic Vespa. The company has already invested over Rs 10 billion as of December 2011. The initial production capacity is 150,000 units per year. The Piaggio Group is confident of a very strong market response to the Vespa and hence, has already initiated steps to double the capacity by mid-2013. The plant inauguration ceremony was attended by Sharad Pawar, Union Minister for Agriculture and Cooperation, Praful Patel, Union Minister for Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises, Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra and Mrs. Supriya Sule, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha. Roberto Colaninno, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, was present at this historic moment along with the Piaggio top management team. Speaking at the event, Colaninno said: "It is a historic and

proud moment for the Piaggio Group that lays the foundation for us to be a formidable automotive force in India. The investment in Baramati is part of our strategic plan, which sees India as a significant destination in our growth trajectory." He further added, "The parent company has transferred the latest generation product, pro-

For Ravi Chopra, Chairman and Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited (India), and his team, it was indeed a very gratifying moment. The integrated vehicle and engine plant has been completed in record time of 12 months from concept to commissioning and start of production. Beaming with joy he said, "Today

Union Ministers Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel with Vespa management, launching Vespa plant in Baramati

cess and manufacturing technology to the Indian Vespa plant. The Indian supervisory and managerial staff has extensively worked with their counterparts in Italy to ensure that the standards of quality and reliability are maintained and productivity is enhanced."

tune with the Piaggio strategy." In 1999 Piaggio had set up a major facility for the production of 3 and 4 wheeled commercial vehicles and since then has continually expanded its production capacity from 20 vehicles per day to a current capacity of 1000 vehicles per day. Subsequently, Piaggio set up a

Sharad Pawar seen riding Vespa scooter

is a historical moment for us as Piaggio begins a new chapter of growth in India. The world recognized iconic Vespa will now be produced in Baramati". He was happy to state further, that "the operations started with a 100% localization of components. This was in

state-of-the-art facility to manufacture technologically advanced, fuel efficient and eco-friendly combustion engines. And now, it has created a world class manufacturing facility to produce the legendary Vespa. ContĂd on page 22

TechBiz Post

India Post

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Telecom honchos take battle against TRAI to govt NEW DELHI: Rankled by TRAI's recommendations for 2G spectrum auctions, telecom companies have made a joint pitch to top government functionaries, including Home Minister P Chidambaram and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, urging them not to accept the "catastrophic" recipe of the industry watchdog. Bharti Airtel Chairman Sunil Mittal, Vodafone Chief Executive

Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal. They also met Pulok Chatterji, Principal Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office and possibly also Commerce Minister Anand Sharma besides a host of top bureaucrats, including secretaries to the department of telecom and commerce. "This has been the most destructive period of regulatory en-

Asked if Idea will participate in the forthcoming 2G auction, Birla said: "I don't think it makes sense to participate in the auction for anyone at these prices." "Subscriber will definitely pay much higher tariff if this is the kind of reserve price (accepted by the government)," he said Vittorio Colao, Idea Cellular Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla and Telenor CEO Jon Fredrik Baksaas first made their case with Chidambram and Mukhejree and then followed it up with meetings with Planning Commission Deputy

vironment I have seen in 16 years," Mittal said saying Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) recommendations will be "catastrophic" for the entire telecom sector. Baksaas said the auction policy

Piaggio launches Vespa in India ContĂd from page 21

With a strengthened presence in Baramati, Piaggio is continuously creating jobs and employment opportunities. Today it directly employs over 3000 people and a large number indirectly to support the operations. Additional

employment opportunities will progressively emerge as the two wheeler operations ramp up. Having created history in the 3 wheeler business, Piaggio India is now poised to repeat history with the Vespa in the two wheeler scooter space.

should be catalyst for "affordability, competition and investments" rather than leading to tariff hikes as would be case with TRAI setting a very high base price for the auction. "If the decision is taken in interest of the industry, they (TRAI recommendations) have to be changed. I think the current recommendations will kill the industry," Birla said. TRAI has suggested a base price of Rs 3,622 crore for one megahertz (MHz) for pan-India spectrum, which is around 10 times higher than the price at which 2G licenses bundled with 4.4 MHz spectrum were allocated in 2008 under the then Telecom Minister A Raja. According to Trai, a minimum of 5 Mhz spectrum should be allotted, which means that pan-India airwaves in 1800 MHz band will cost Rs 18,000 crore. "We presented our case to leadership and senior ministers in the government... this industry is vital for the nation and the recommendations of TRAI could spell a death knell for the industry," Mittal told reporters here. The objective of the meeting was to bring to the government's attention the "disastrous" impact of the recommendations will have

on the ability of operators to continue their operations. Asked if Idea will participate in the forthcoming 2G auction, Birla said: "I don't think it makes sense to participate in the auction for anyone at these prices." "Subscriber will definitely pay much higher tariff if this is the kind of reserve price (accepted by the government)," he said. On tariff hike, Mittal said the country's leadership wants affordable tariff. "Recommendations (of TRAI) fly on the face of that aspiration of the government to give affordable tariff." Telenor Group President and CEO Jon Fredrik Baksaas said the government alone carries political responsibility and therefore the final say on policy. "We urge the Indian Government to take its rightful political initiative now. This is the time to ensure that the policy made for license auctions allows affordability, competition and investments to remain in India," he added. Asked about government's response, Birla said, "I think government has said that they are examining the issue thoroughly before giving go ahead to any decision."-PTI

'Govt looking into hike in Delhi airport charges' DUBAI: India's Tourism Ministry has taken up with the Prime Minister's office the issue of hike in charges by airports regulator AERA that has made travel costly, hitting budget tourists hard. Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed said here that his ministry has taken up the hike in airport charges and users fee at the New Delhi International Airport with the Prime Minister's Office and the Civil Aviation Ministry. "The government is looking at the issue of recent hike in airfares (on account of hike in various charges) at the New Delhi International Airport. The matter has been taken up with the Prime Minister's Office and Civil Aviation Ministry," he told reporters after the inauguration of Indian pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market here. The domestic tourists are suffering the pinch of the recent hike in airfares, he added. The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has decided to raise landing, parking and other charges by a whopping 346

per cent, effective May 15. The approximate increase in ticket pricing on account of passenger fee alone would be around Rs 290 in the domestic sector and Rs 580 in the international sector.

been identified keeping the domestic tourists in mind," he said. "In the year 2011-12 total number of foreign tourists arriving in India was 6.7 million and the Government has set a target of 10 mil-

About 50 entities from India's tourism industry are taking part at the four-day event here. Ahmed said India has taken several measures to promote tourism. "100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment has been allowed in tourism and hotel industry and new tourism destinations have

lion foreign tourist's arrival over the next three years," the minister said. Responding to a question that people visiting the country on tourist visa have to wait for two months after their return for another visit, Ahmed said efforts are on to resolve the issue. -PTI

TechBiz Post

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Posco may downsize capacity of Odisha plant BHUBANESWAR: Optimistic of establishing Posco's proposed mega steel project near Paradip in Odisha, South Korea has said the company could revise its plan and go for a small capacity plant instead of its original design of setting up a 12mtpa steel mill. "We are eager to complete whole size plant as planned in Odisha. If the situation does not permit to do so, we have to be satisfied with a smaller size," said Kim Joong-Keun, ambassador to the Republic of Korea in India. Noting that the company could go for construction work during the second half of this year if it was provided with 2700 acres of land, he told a seminar that the project could be expanded later if the villagers cooperated. The South Korean steel major which signed an MoU with Odisha way back in 2005, had suffered a lot and unable to start work at the proposed site due to stiff opposition from local people and certain legal issues. The state government which

had committed to provide 4004 acres of land for setting up a 12mtpa steel plant at an investment of Rs 52,000 crore, had so far arranged only 2000 acres for the purpose. "We can start the con-

struction work if another 700 acres are given to the company," he said. He said the company could import iron ore to meet its raw material requirement from within the country or outside in case the Supreme Court did not favor the proposal for mining. Referring to the controversial swapping clause in the lapsed MoU with the state government, Kim said the revised agreement

Nissan & Infiniti open new dealerships in SF India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO: Expanding into a key sales market that is known for a strong interest in leading-edge technology and environmentally smart products, Nissan and Infiniti have appointed a new Nissan dealer and a new Infiniti dealer in the heart of downtown San Francisco. The new dealerships are located on Van Ness Ave., one of the Bay Area's most famous and well-traveled automotive retail corridors. Both dealerships are owned and operated by one of the largest automotive retailers in the

world - Penske Automotive Group. "Infiniti and Nissan products and brands directly align with San Francisco's unique customer profile, making this effort a strategic element of our plan to grow sales volume in the U.S.," said Brian Carolin, senior vice present of Sales and Marketing for Nissan North America, Inc. "The 100-percent electric Nissan LEAF has already surpassed 11,000 sales in the U.S. alone. Along with the forthcoming Infiniti LE all-electric luxury sedan, we will make a defining statement in a region known for innovation and technology leadership. We are excited to be represented in such a dramatic way by a leading retailer like Penske Automotive Group in this pivotal market." The opening of the new dealerships will help contribute further to Nissan and Infiniti's sales and market share gains in the U.S. market. In 2011, the Nissan Division posted its best-ever U.S. sales year - up 17.3 percent over the previous year - and Infiniti continues to gain ground.

would not have such provision. Kim, who visited the proposed plant site area of the Posco-India near Paradip, said "I am very much encouraged over the development. The company is ready to exclude the land or village where there is protest to the project. Above all India is a democratic country." The South Korea ambassador also met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Describing his meeting with Patnaik as "meaningful", Kim said the chief minister went into detail on what to do in future. Asked whether South Korea would prefer to shift location of the proposed project due to stiff opposition to the steel plant, he said, "I do not know. I have to consult Posco people." The ambassador said he was satisfied now. "We have meaningful development in the Posco project and the CM went into details about what to do in the near future. So have been very much encouraged by what he told me." -PTI

Vodafone hikes post-paid tariffs by 20% MUMBAI: Leading telecom operator Vodafone India has raised its call rates by a steep 20 per cent in Mumbai circle, a possible indication that cheap tariff would end sooner than later. Vodafone has been offering a call rate of 1 paisa per second for both local as well as national calls. In an SMS alert to its post-paid subscribers, Vodafone said local and STD rates will now be 1.2 paise per second. The new rates are effective from May bill cycle. When contacted, Vodafone officially declined to comment on hike in call rates. "We do not comment on tariff structures," a Vodafone India spokesperson told PTI. Telecom operators have been offering cheap call rates, considered one of the lowest in the world, to garner more and more subscribers in an competitive environment. The booming telecom industry ran into controversy after 2G spectrum scandal came to light. The Supreme Court had cancelled many licenses and had ordered auction of the radio-waves.-PTI

India Post

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

India Post

he more things change, the more they stay the same. Ranbir Kapoor is said to be getting friendly with his ex flame Deepika Padukone even as he manages to steal quality time with Katrina Kaif. Alright, we know that Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone didn't need much prodding to let bygones of their bitter break-up be bygones; in fact, they rekindled their friendship while filming director Ayan Mukherjee's

1 Chikni Chameli: Agneepath 2 Hosanna: Ek Deewana Tha 3 Jhoom Jhoomta Hun Main : Players 4 O Saiyyan: Agneepath 5 Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu : Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu 6 Aromale: Ek Deewana Tha 7 Kal Chalna Shuru Tu : Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu 8 Zara Dil Ko Thaam Lo: Don 2 9 Dil Yeh Bekarar Kyu Hai : Players 10 Sharminda Hoon : Ek Deewana Tha

film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani during a schedule in Manali recently. But a revived amity doesn't mean revived amour! For when Ranbir Kapoor landed in Mumbai after the film's outstation shoot, he's learnt to have called up Katrina Kaif. Reports say that the day Ranbir returned from his Manali shoot, he met with Katrina at a location in Pali Hill. The two spent quality time together. Meanwhile, though Deepika Padukone enjoyed

shooting with Ranbir in Manali, she's under no illusion that their friendship is going to take the turn of a romance. So while Ranbir Kapoor has gotten pally with Deepika, he still continues to hanker after Katrina Kaif, it seems. The cobweb of emotions between the three indeed makes for an ajab prem kahaani!

www.indiapost.com

May 11, 2012

early a decade in the film industry has taught Katrina Kaif how to handle the rumors, the canards of link-ups with male co-stars particularly. The lady is thus unperturbed by the stories linking her with her Ek Tha Tiger co-star and former boyfriend Salman Khan. "When we start working for a movie we go in as professionals. I am here to do my job and if people want to highlight baseless stories then it's up to them. I don't think that these stories will have any affect on my work and the film," Katrina Kaif is quoted as saying by a news agency. Further talking, Katrina said such rumors don't bother her anymore. "I am never bothered about such stories. Why should I? I think it's what every actor goes through. When you start working in the industry, people talking about you becomes a part of your life. Why analyze it so much?" Katrina Kaif said. "I am excited about the film, it's shaping up good. Salman is working with Yash Raj for the first time and it's my second film with them. It's always fun working with Salman, he makes everything very comfortable on the sets," she said. Katrina Kaif is presently also working with Shahrukh Khan in an untitled film by Yash Chopra.

TAME TIGRESS

Bollywood

May 11, 2012

India Post

www.indiapost.com

ONCE A FATSO

A Reunion plans

mitabh Bachchan says that he is open to working with Rekha, if the right story was to come along. Rekha has recently been nominated as Rajya Sabha member. An all time popular on screen couple, Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha might have parted ways over decades but Big B doesn't rule out the possibility of reuniting with her again on the silver screen. "If there is a good story and I like it then I don't mind working with her," the megastar said at a function in Mumbai. The two have earlier worked together in films like "Silsila", "Mr Narwarlal", "Muqaddar Ka Sikandar" among others.

fter the untimely demise of his ailing mother Mona Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor has constantly been in the lime light. His entry into Bollywood as a lead actor might have happened before his mother's death, but it was with the tragedy that Arjun Kapoor seemed to have matured. His hard work is now on test in his debut movie 'Ishaqzaade. Originally an assistant director, this youngster dreamt of becoming a director some day. However, on the insistence of Salman Khan, he ventured into acting. And now he is glad to have stepped out on his own. Speaking to a leading daily, the newcomer was heard saying, "I was an assistant director and wanted to be a director very seriously. The transition happened when I was an assistant on a Salman Khan movie. He saw something in me and spoke to me about seriously pursuing acting. I laughed at the suggestion because I was obese and weighed 140 kg, but he told me that if I don`t try it, I will regret it. I went with his belief. After losing weight, I got a certain level of confidence that I can, and then acting classes happened." He says.

RUMOR, RUMOR

V T

he rumor that Rana Daggubati and Bipasha Basu are dating has been making the rounds ever since the two paired up for "Dum Maaro Dum", but the southern actor puts an end to it saying they are just friends. "Bipasha Basu is nothing more than a friend. She is a very good friend in Mumbai. And that's pretty much it," Rana, whose second Hindi film is "Department" after "Dum Maaro Dum", said. Bipasha's love life had been under speculation ever since her 10year-long love saga with John Abraham came to an end. Rana says he has stopped bothering about media reports on his relationship status. "I used to wonder earlier, but later I stopped bothering about these media reports. How many times will one deny these reports? Better ignore them." Currently Rana is gearing up for the release of "Department", which also stars Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt. It is directed by Ram Gopal.

eejay-turned-actor Ayushmann Khurrana, whose debut film Vicky Donor is receiving rave reviews, says initially his image as an anchor obstructed his dream of becoming an actor. "Initially, when I used to go for auditions, people used to say that the anchor within you is not leaving you. So, I wanted to prove a point that I am not anchoring, I am acting," the 27-year-old said. Ayushmann also says his success as an actor comes as a surprise to many. "We had a three-day theatre workshop with Professor N.K. Sharma in Delhi. It really helped me because I had been anchoring for many years. Everybody is actually surprised that I can act," he said. Though Ayushmann has already bagged his second project "Hamaara Bajaj", another John Abraham production, he says he won't quit anchoring. But he will certainly be more choosy about it. "I think they are two very different things... like anchoring is talking to the camera and acting is ignoring the camera... So I am still learning the craft," he added.

SURPRISE SURPRISE ACTOR ACTOR

India Post

www.indiapost.com

May 11, 2012

of her mother Malabika Guha. Her performance invigorated the atmosphere and delighted the entire audience. Co-founder and a principal dancer of the contemporary Indian Dance Ensemble, Kalamandir Dance Company, Brinda has

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In a unique treat to eclectic music lovers' senses, the Indian Consulate in New York in association with Salon de Virtuosi organized an 'East Meets West' concert April 24 at the Consulate Ballroom. The first part of the concert, representing the West, featured the Amphion String Quartet (ASQ) artistes of prominence Katie Hyunand David Southorn on Violin, Wei-Yang Lin on Viola and Mihai Marica on Cello. Their performance drew instant applause from the audience for the vigor and immaculate coordination. Hailed by the New York Times for the "precision, assertiveness and vigor", the Amphion String Quartet won the 2011 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition and was awarded the First Prize in both Hugo Kauder and Plowman Competitions. The Quartet has recently been selected to join for a three year residence at the Lincoln Center's Chamber Music Society. The East was represented by Anirban Dasgupta on sarod, with Dibyarka Chatterjee on tabla, who mesmerized and enthralled the audience with their melodious Hindustani Ragas. Dasgupta is the youngest son and dis-

ciple of renowned Pt. Buddhadev Dasgupta. He won the first prize in the All India Radio Competition and has performed widely in India, UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and the United States. His first CD was released in 2002 and has four CDs to his credit.

Partha Bose, Tripti Mukherjee, Suman Ghosh and Hidayat Khan, to name a few, besides collaborating with music groups like the Dance Theater of Harlem and the Battery Dance Co. He has also performed in many prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, the UN General Assembly, Lincoln

Dibyarka Chatterjee, the young tabla player from the Farrukhabad Gharana, is the son and disciple of Pandit Samir Chatterjee. He has performed with many renowned musicians, including Pandit Jasraj, Lakshmi Shankar, Mashkoor Ali Khan, Ramesh Mishra, Shubhra Guha,

Center and Asia Society in NYC. The concert came to an end with a scintillating performance of Kathak dance by Brinda Anonya Guha, who has been learning this classical north Indian dance form for seventeen years from Kalamandir of NJ Dance School under the guidance

The first part of the concert, representing the West, featured the Amphion String Quartet (ASQ) artistes of prominence - Katie Hyunand David Southorn on Violin, Wei-Yang Lin on Viola and Mihai Marica on Cello. Their performance drew instant applause from the audience for the vigor and immaculate coordination. The East was represented by Anirban Dasgupta on sarod, with Dibyarka Chatterjee on tabla. been invited to perform throughout the US, England and India. In 2005, she wrote and directed her own dance production entitled "RISE," based on the poems of Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes. The function was attended by 130 persons, who gave all artistes a standing ovation.

May 11, 2012

India Post www.indiapost.com

Veteran actress Achala Sachdev passes away MUMBAI: Yesteryear actress Achala Sachdev, who featured in the popular song Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen from the film Waqt, has died following a prolonged illness. She was 88. For the last seven months, the actress was bed-ridden at the Poona Hospital and Research Centre (PHRC), Pune. "She passed away due to respiratory failure at 5.30pm on Sunday April 29. She was bed-ridden for about six months after she suffered a cerebrovascular (brain attack)," said Sachdev's physician Vinod Shah, who tended to her for more than seven months, told PTI. Sachdev is survived by son Jytoin, who was in the US and is now in Pune for the last rites. Sachdev, who was staying in Pune for several years, had broken her leg after she fell down in her house about six months ago. She was treated but four days later she suffered a brain infarction in which she lost her vision and movements of upper and lower limbs. Since then, she was being treated at the Poona Hospital and Research

Centre, Shah said. Born in Peshawar, Sachdev, who acted in around 150 films, made her film debut withFashionable Wife (1938). Her most memorable role was as Balraj Sahani's wife in the 1965 blockbuster Waqt, where she was part of the legendary song Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen. She was also a part of films like Prem Pujari, Mera Naam Joker, Hare Rama Hare Krishna and Andaz. More recently, she played Kajol's grandmother in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Amitabh Bachchan's mother in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. She was last seen in Hrithik Roshan starrer Na Tum Jaano Na Hum (2002). Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who worked with the late Achala Sachdev in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, remembers her as a soft-hearted and benevolent human being. "Deeply saddened to learn of the news of Achala Sachdevji passing away....was as benevolent and soft hearted in personal life as in the characters she played on screen... prayers and condolences!" Amitabh tweeted. -PTI

India Post

May 11, 2012 www.indiapost.com

Movie buffs in for a stellar treat of films at NYIFF India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Tickets are selling out fast to the plethora of award-winning, controversial, and ground-breaking movies that are part of the stellar line-up of the 12th annual New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF), the longest-running and prestigious showcase of Indian films in the United States. Presented by the Indo-American Arts Council, NYIFF 2012 will take place from May 23 to 27 at the home for independent films, Tribeca Cinemas in Lower Manhattan. The opening night red carpet screening of Bedabrata Pain's 'Chittagong' will take place at the iconic Paris Theater on May 23, followed by a benefit gala. The centerpiece film, right off the cutting room floor, is the world premiere of Rituparno Ghosh's 'Chitrangada', which will have two screenings at Tribeca Cinemas. The closing night red carpet screening of Anurag Kashyap's 'Gangs of Wasseypur' will be presented at NYU's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, followed by

Tamil, Bengali, and Marathi; the controversial Kashmiri film 'Inshallah Football'; an exciting secret film, which will be revealed during the festival; a special tribute to the late Dev Anand - Hum Dono Rangeen; and Shyam Benegal's retrospective trilogy Zubeida, Mammo, Sardari Begum.

an awards ceremony and after party sponsored by Wells Fargo. Gangs of Wasseypur comes directly from the prestigious Festival de Cannes 2012, as a part of the Director's Fortnight section. The movie is a revenge sage spanning three generations set against the socio-political dynamic in erstwhile Bihar (North India), in the coal and scrap trade mafia of Wasseypur, through the imprudence of a place obsessed with mainstream 'Bollywood' cinema.

In Chitrangada, Rituparno Ghosh faces the camera again in the role of a choreographer who plans to stage the dance drama Chitrangada on the occasion of Rabindranath Tagore's 150th birth anniversary. Other Festival highlights include Oscar-winning documentary 'Saving Face' from Pakistan, as well as award-winning films from South Africa, Australia, and Sri Lanka; in addition to films in Hindi and English, regional-language films in

The opening night red carpet screening of Bedabrata Pain's 'Chittagong' will take place at the iconic Paris Theater on May 23 Special musical tributes to the late Shammi Kapoor and the late Dev Anand by songstress Devika Bhise with Ben Rosenblum on keyboard are also part of the show. Over the past decade, IAAC's film festival in New York has majorly come into its own having frown in prestige and influence as a platform to reckon with.

While Variety magazine has called the New York Indian Film Festival the "grand-daddy" of all Indian film festivals in the US, the Wall Street Journal says the IAAC has grown into the area's most mainstream Indian film festival, offering features, documentaries, shorts and indies in numerous Indian languages and from various countries. The growth has led not only to a wider range of films, but to new partnerships and inroads to American audiences. "It's just been very pleasurable to see how it's grown," said celebrity author Salman Rushdie of the Festival. "I remember when it started…its grown to become a very serious thing and I think now they get the best films, it gets a lot of media attention and I think it's a fantastic platform, both for Indian filmmakers from the US‚ and from India." Consul General of India in New York since 2008, Ambassador Prabhu Dayal says, "The IAAC Film Festival has become one of the most important cultural events on the calendar of the IndianAmerican community."

'Yoga much more than physical exercise' New book by Satya Kalra released India Post News Service

RISHIKESH: A new book by Satya Kalra, "Yoga Beyond Asana, The Complete Guide for Blissful Life" made its debut at the International Yoga Festival on the banks of Ganga at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh (India). Swami Chidanand Saraswati inaugurated the book with many

saints, seers, Yoga teachers and students attending the auspicious occasion. More than 600 people attended the event. Yoga has become very popular in the world in last decade. More than 20 million people in the USA alone practice yoga. The

term yoga in the West is primarily associated with stretches and postures/asanas; however, yoga is much more than physical exercise. The book "Yoga Beyond Asana…." helps one to understand the real meaning of Yoga, how to practice and apply in daily life. A press release by Path To Anandam website, "The practice of yoga is an art and science. The

goal of the yoga is not only for a physical fitness but to attain oneness of body, mind and soul. It helps to attain good health, calmness of mind, equanimity, everlasting peace, bliss/Anandam and self-enlightenment, the ultimate union of an individual conscious-

ness (soul) with the Supreme Consciousness (Self-Realization) and liberation (Moksha) from worldly suffering, "Sat Chit Ananda." It says, "Yoga is not a religion, nor preaches any religion. It is the way to attain a healthy, happy and peaceful life. Yoga, the state of

‘Yoga, the state of being is for everyone who wants to live his or her life to the fullest and reach their unlimited potential. Yoga is the ultimate solution for Blissful Life’ being is for everyone who wants to live his or her life to the fullest and reach their unlimited potential. Yoga is the ultimate solution for Blissful Life. "Yoga Beyond Asana…." is based upon the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali's Yoga Sutra and Satya's personal experiences. You will learn about Action/ Karma Yoga, Love/Bhakti Yoga,

Janna/Knowledge Yoga, and eight steps of Raja Yoga, meditation and Samadhi. The colorfully designed with illustrations pocket book helps one to raise one's level of consciousness, overcome old, selfdefeating behaviors and limiting beliefs, attain good health and peace of mind, reach your unlimited energy and potential, and find the beautiful person within. By practicing the simple, stepby step tips given in the book and recording one's progress on the daily planner provided in the back of the book, one can travel on a beautiful spiritual journey; attain a healthy body, a heart filled with love

and compassion, a mind at peace and happiness within (Bliss/ Anandam). In her dedication Satya wrote "I earnestly hope that this Anandam guide helps you as much it has helped me to understand the ultimate meaning and purpose of the Yoga and also practicing in daily life." Satya Kalra is the founder of Path to Anandam, a non-profit organization. Path to Anandam is the road that takes one to the hidden treasure of eternal happiness and peace by unshackling from all emotional attachments and negativities through a spiritual journey of self-transformation.

29 India post

“

The park has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and in its vicinity are the Valley of Flowers, Badrinath Temple, and Hemkund Sahib

”

n the vicinity of Nanda Devi (7817 m), the second highest peak in India, is situated the Nanda Devi National Park, which has some of the most unique high altitude flora and fauna in the world. The spectacular views, sylvan environment, and richness of biosphere make it quite different from the other wildlife sanctuaries of India. The park has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and in its vicinity are the Valley of Flowers, Badrinath Temple, and Hemkund Sahib. Though the park was notified

www.indiapost.com

only in 1982, it has a long history. W.W. Garden was the first person to reach this region in 1883, but his expedition to the Nanda Devi Peak failed to create any impact. In 1936, Tilman and N.E. Odell scaled the Nanda Devi and opened its vista for others to follow. This led to the region becoming a game sanctuary in 1939. The area of the park remained undisturbed until 1950s when organized expeditions for Nanda Devi started. To save the park from these disturbances, the Government of India declared the region a National Park in 1982

May 11, 2012

and later it was given the special status of a Biosphere Reserve. The Nanda Devi National Park is located in Uttarakhand in the upper Himalayan ranges. A part of the Garhwal Himalayas, the park extends from latitude 30°24' in the North to the longitude 79°53' in the East. The entry to the park is from Lata village around 23 km from Joshimath. Mountain peaks surround it from all sides except the west where it is bounded by an inaccessible gorge. Cont’d on page 30

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Picturesque Nagin in J-K opened to tourists NAGIN, Kashmir: The Jammu and Kashmir government has thrown open to tourists the stunning destination of Nagin which was sealed off 22 years ago to civilians due to its proximity to the Line of Control. The picturesque meadow, 10 km from the Gulmarg skiing resort and at an altitude of 9000 ft, is a mesmerizing fusion of snow-clad mountain ranges, lush green fields dotted with magenta, yellow and white wild flowers and a calm flowing stream. Nagin was made out of bounds for trekkers, tourists and civilians in 1990 when militancy had erupted in the state. The towering mountain peaks that surround Nagin to its south are the last patches of land before the Line of Control, located merely five km away. Since 1990 and for many years the Pir Panjal mountain range that surrounds Nagin was a key infiltration route for the militants prompting the army to seal off the area to all civilian movement. As militancy began to recede in the re-

cent years, the decision was finally made to throw open the meadow for tourists. "Due to militancy this area was closed to tourists, now that militancy is on decline we have decided to open this place", General Officer Commanding of 19 Infantry Maj Gen Bipin Rawal, who commands the army in this area, told reporters at the

may rethink about it", he said. Journey to Nagin, located on the Gulmarg-Botapathri road, is an awesome experience as the mountainous road is completely shrouded in a cloud cover and visibility decreases to a few feet. During the opening ceremony which lasted half an hour, the weather changed so

The decision to open the Nagin sub-resort was made after civil authorities, including the state ministry of tourism, faced an ever increasing rush of tourists in the main resort of Gulmarg. "The carrying capacity of the Gulmarg bowl has reached its limit, so this attempt (to open Nagin) opening ceremony here. The commander, however, warned that the decision may be changed in case the army feels security has been compromised by opening this place to tourists. "We will not wish that security of this place will be compromised. Otherwise, we

fast that rains began and stopped twice and so did the clouds that enveloped the meadow. State Minister for tourism Nawang Rigzin Jora said the government had been making efforts for several years to open this place for tourism industry.

"Since the situation in the state has improved over the years, we made this decision to open the resort," Jora said. The decision to open the Nagin sub-resort was made after civil authorities, including the state ministry of tourism, faced an ever increasing rush of tourists in the main resort of Gulmarg. "The carrying capacity of the Gulmarg bowl has reached its limit, so this attempt (to open Nagin) is very important", Minister of State for tourism Nasir Aslam Wani said. Director state Tourism department Farooq Shah said the decision to open Nagin was made to "decongest Gulmarg". Kashmir valley had witnessed a booming tourism season last year when more than 15 lakh tourists made their way here to spend vacations. Gulmarg being the prime location on the valley's tourism map remained flooded with tourists. This year, the government expects that the magical figure of twenty lakh tourists coming to Kashmir will be touched. -PTI

Nanda Devi National Park: Unique high altitude flora and fauna

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

Best time to visit: Being in the high altitudes, Nanda Devi National Park has a distinct climate. For six months of the year, the region remains under a snow cover. For the rest of the year, the region has a dry climate with heavy rainfall from June to August. April to June are the months when the temperature increases a bit and they are the months when one can visit this place. Tourist attractions Flora: The forest cover in this park is mainly restricted to the Rishi Gorge and the main vegetation is of fir, birch, rhododendron, and juniper. In the inner sanctuary, conditions are drier and near the Nanda Devi Glacier, there is almost no vegetation. From Ramani, the vegetation changes to alpine and only juniper scrubs are the domi-

nating vegetation. The Juniper scrubs gradually give way to grasses, prone mosses, and lichens. In total, 312 floral species have been found here of which around 17 are considered rare. Fauna: Animal population of species like bharal, Himalayan tahr, serow, goral, snow leopard, Hima-

species have been spotted in this park. Places around: Joshimath, at a distance of around 23 km from the Nanda Devi National Park, is an important place in any expedition to the higher altitudes of the Garhwal Himalayas. Badrinath, Valley of Flowers, and Hemkund

Joshimath, at a distance of around 23 km from the Nanda Devi National Park, is an important place in any expedition to the higher altitudes of the Garhwal Himalayas layan black bear, brown bear, leopard, common langur, Himalayan musk deer, and brown beer dominate the park area. Warblers, gresbreaks, rose finches, and ruby throat represent avifauna here. Approximately 80

Sahib are all wonderful destinations in this region and all can be approached from the Nanda Devi National Park. The Nanda Devi peak is considered to be one of the toughest peaks to climb in the world and a favorite destination of

mountaineers from across the globe. How to reach Air - The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant at Dehradun at a distance of around 295 km from the Nanda Devi National Park. There are regular flights to Delhi from this airport. Rail - The nearest railhead is

Rishikesh at a distance of 276 km. Rishikesh is approachable by a metalled road from Joshimath. Road - Metalled roads are there till Joshimath from where one has to trek to reach this place. The place is inaccessible for six months of the year and it is only in summers that treks to this region can be organized.

May 11, 2012

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Tagore's ancestral house to become museum KOLKATA: To preserve Jorasanko Thakurbari, the ancestral house of Rabindranath Tagore in north Kolkata, the West Bengal government is planning to convert it to a museum. While kicking off the bard's week-long 151st birth anniversary celebrations here, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said they were thinking how to convert the mansion where Tagore was born and spent most of his childhood into a museum. Pointing out how Shakespeare's birthplace in England has been converted to a museum, she said the matter has been discussed with Education Minister and thespian Bratya Basu. "This should be converted to a museum to preserve our cultural

light and sound shows at Thakurbari which will chronicle the life and times of Tagore. "It will recreate the magic of nineteenth century here. Besides

heritage for the coming generations," Banerjee said adding the state government was willing to extend any help in this regard. During the program, it was also announced that the name of Girish Park Metro station, close to

Thakurbari, will be renamed as 'Girish Park Jorasanko Thakurbari' as a mark of homage to the poet. Vice-Chancellor of Rabindra Bharati University, Prof Chinmoy Guha, told PTI that the state government has decided to introduce

'New Kolkata Airport terminal to boost tourism' KOLKATA: The new terminal building of the NSC Bose International Airport here, to be commissioned within four months, would help promote development as well as tourism, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh has said. "Kolkata Airport is not only the gateway of eastern and northeastern India, but also entire South-East Asia and developed air connectivity here will help promote development as well as tourism, besides creating opportunities for employment," Singh told reporters at the state secretariat after a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "Ongoing modernization of the airport here is nearing completion and the new terminal building with increased capacity of four million passengers from the existing one million will be commissioned well within four months," he said. Stressing on trade and tourism potential of the state, Singh hoped that the Airports Authority of India would be benefited by developed air-connectivity in the state. The modernization of the airport

Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh

She urged the Union minister to commission the new Kolkata Airport terminal before the Durga Puja festival, extend the Cooch Behar airport and renovate the one at Malda

would cost Rs 2,300 crore, AAI director B P Sharma said. Ajit Singh said that development of several airstrips and helipads to develop air transport in the state and promotion of trade and tourism, figured in his discussion with her. Banerjee said that she urged the Union minister to commission the new Kolkata Airport terminal before the Durga Puja festival, extend the Cooch Behar airport and renovate the one at Malda. She also requested Singh to see to it that the number of flights, both domestic and international, were increased from Kolkata. The chief minister said land required for Malda airport would be provided by the Ministry of Railways. "I shall talk to the Raiways authority. I have also sought financial help from the Planning Commission." Banerjee also suggested setting up of helipads at Balurghat, Sundarbans, Digha and Haldia to boost trade and tourism and help generate employment in the state. A private airport was being developed at Andal in Burdwan district by Aerotropolis, she added. -PTI

The state government has decided to introduce light and sound shows at Thakurbari which will chronicle the life and times of Tagore attracting Tagore lovers, it will also be a major tourist attraction," he said. After inaugurating the program, the chief minister, an avid

Rabindrasangeet lover, crooned one of the songs penned by Tagore. "We were never taught music formally but we know at least 200300 Rabindrasangeet songs," she said, while describing the ongoing celebrations as one of the biggest festivals of her life. In the form of songs, dance and recitations, classical music maestro Ustad Nishad Khan and Rabindrasangeet luminaries Mohan Singh and Pramita Mullick performed at the function. Adding festive color to the occasion, the entire Thakurbari complex was illuminated and decorated in traditional form. Besides Tagore memorabilia, traditional Bengali food popular with the Tagore family was being sold inside the complex. -PTI

If You are looking For the BEST & the MOST AUTHENTIC VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT IN TOWNCome to One and Only One Place

Publicly Acclaimed Top Vegetarian Restaurant Serving NORTH INDIAN • SOUTH INDIAN • GUJARATI • JAIN DISHES

TASTE OUR 30 PLUSE MOUTH WATERING DISHES ONCE YOU COME TO US YOU WILL NOT ELSEWHERE THAT IS OUR GUARANTEE

2508 W. Devon Ave.Chicago, IL 60659

Tel:(773) 274-5800 Fax: (773) 262-4465 E-mail: aryabhavan@aol.com www.aryabhavan.com

CATERING IS OUR SPECIALITY

www.indiapost.com

May 11, 2012

India Post www.indiapost.com

Serving to P erf ection Perf erfection SOUTH INDIAN CUISINE

SEEMA WORLD TRAVEL, INC.

SCHAUMBURG EXCLUSIVE LUNCH BUFFET 7 DAYS AWEEK

One of the Oldest Travel Agencies in St. Louis

Competitive Rates & Confirmed Seats for All Major Airlines DEVON LOCATION STRICTLY VEGETARIAN CHICAGO:

SCHAUMBURG:

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11:30 AM TO 10:00 PM WASHINGTON D.C.:

2543 W. DEVON AVENUE

730 SCHAUMBURG RD.

1329 UNIVERSITY BLVD. EAST

CHICAGO IL 60659

SCHAUMBURG IL60194

TACOMA PARK MD 20783

(773) 338-2152

(847) 884 9510

(301) 434-1531

ENJOY SPECIAL NON-VEG ITEMS AT SCHAUMBURG

New York (Hicksville)

10635 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132

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

AIRWING TRAVELS INC. Est. 1991

Tel: (516) 931 4600

Toll Free: (866) 532 3413

New Jersey (Iselin)

Tel: (732) 658 5450

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

NEWS on your desktop www.indiapost.com

May 11, 2012

India Post 33 www.indiapost.com

SKY WORLD TRAVEL 1-888-695-0005

CONSOLIDATORS (INTL. & DOMESTIC) : 3HWHUVRQ 6WH &KLFDJR ,/

SPECIAL LOW FARES TO BOMBAY, DELHI, MADRAS, CALCUTTA, DHAKA, KARACHI, LAHORE etc. Tel: 773-728-9071 773-315-8597

E-mail us at: skyworldtravels@hotmail.com

FOR ALL YOUR

MATCHLESS EXPRESS TOURS 2600 W. Peterson Ave., Suite 105 Chicago IL 60659 Experienced Travel Consultants Pasport and Visa Services available * Confirmed seats (Even in High season) * Low Airfares * Courteous Service 2240-42 West Devon Chicago IL 60659 Ph# 773-338-4080 Fax# 773-338-4088

Call and Contact

Tel. (773) 338 6260

TRAVEL NEEDS INTERNATIONAL DOMESTIC AIR INDIA AND ALL OTHER MAJOR AIRLINES. PACKAGE DEAL TAJ TOUR-SOTC

CALL:

Sita Ram Patel @ 847-568-0535

In Brief Immigration concerns focus of Michigan meeting DEARBORN, Mich.: A Detroitarea group formed after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 designed to link U.S. Arabs and MuslimAmericans with local and federal authorities is hosting a town hall meeting next month to discuss immigration concerns. The group is called BRIDGES, which stands for Building Respect in Diverse Groups to Enhance Sensitivity. It says the May 17 meeting at Dearborn City Hall will feature Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. It also will include remarks by Detroit U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade and Dearborn Mayor Jack O'Reilly. Four Detroit-area Muslims recently sued government officials alleging harassment at border crossings between the U.S. and Canada. Muslim civil rights leaders say the problem is widespread, though federal officials have said profiling based on race or religion is strictly prohibited. -AP

Iowa man pleads guilty in illegal immigrant case CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa: Federal prosecutors say a Dubuque contractor has pleaded guilty in a case involving illegal immigrants. The U.S. attorney's office says Thomas Kehoe pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport, harbor and encourage illegal immigrants to live in the country. Prosecutors say between 2009 and 2011, Kehoe conspired to recruit and hire illegal construction workers as roofers for his construction company, Always on Time Construction. Officials say he hired as many as 20 illegal workers -AP

Prison in restaurant illegal immigrant case OAKLAND, Calif.: The owner of a San Francisco Bay area restaurant chain has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for hiring illegal immigrants. Besides the 41 months in prison, El Balazo restaurants owner Marino Sandoval must pay more than $2 million restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. His wife, Nicole Sandoval, was placed on five years' probation. The couple pleaded guilty to knowingly hiring more than 100 illegal immigrants to work at their 11 taquerias, using phony Social Security numbers and filing false tax returns.-AP

Immigration 34

India Post

www.indiapost.com

May 11, 2012

US Immigration eases up on minor traffic cases WASHINGTON: Immigration officials say they will no longer immediately detain suspected illegal immigrants who are arrested only on minor traffic violations and have no criminal history. -AP

Ariz. migrant case could lead to sweeping changes PHOENIX: The United States could see an official about-face in the coming months in how it confronts illegal immigration. Supreme Court justices, weighing arguments over Arizona's tough immigration law, seemed to find little problem with provisions that require police to check the legal status of people they stop for other reasons. Over the last several years, states frustrated with the country's porous borders have rejected the long-held notion that Washington is responsible for confronting illegal immigration. They passed laws to enable local police to address the problem. If the court upholds those parts of Arizona's law, the ruling would codify that type of local enforcement and open the door to such tactics in states with similar laws, such as Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina and Utah. ``I think you'll see more involvement by local police in immigration enforcement, an involvement that hadn't previously been seen,'' said Kevin Johnson, law school dean at the University of California-Davis and an immigration law expert. A federal judge put parts of the Arizona law on hold shortly before they were to take effect in July 2010. Other states followed with similar legislation and

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer speaks to reporters outside the Supreme Court in Washington

Arizona has argued it pays a disproportionate price for illegal immigration because of its 370-mile border with Mexico and its role as the busiest illegal entry point - combined with other state immigration laws and an ailing economy - played a part in tens of thousands of illegal immigrants moving elsewhere. ``If you want to turn around this invasion, then (you should) do attrition through enforcement,'' said former state Sen. Russell Pearce, architect of the 2010 law

and the driving force behind other Arizona immigration laws. Arizona has argued it pays a disproportionate price for illegal immigration because of its 370-mile border with Mexico and its role as the busiest illegal entry point into the country. The Obama administration said the law conflicts with a more nu-

anced federal immigration policy that seeks to balance national security, law enforcement, foreign policy, human rights and the rights of law-abiding citizens and immigrants. During arguments over the law, liberal and conservative justices reacted skeptically to the administration's argument that the state exceeded its authority when it made the records check, and another provision allowing suspected illegal immigrants to be arrested without a warrant. Civil rights groups say Arizona's and the other states' measures encourage racial profiling and ethnic stereotyping. Immigrant rights advocates, who believed the courts would reject attempts by states to grab more law enforcement power, were not expecting the justices' response. They said a Supreme Court validation of the law would frighten immigrants further and cause Latinos who are in the country legally to be asked about their status. ``The crisis here in Arizona would only multiply,'' said Carlos Garcia, organizer of an immigration march that drew several hundred people in downtown Phoenix. Authorities said at least nine people were arrested for blocking a street and refusing to move. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 35

Can prosecutorial discretion trump state action? GARY ENDELMAN & CYRUS MEHTA

arning against the danger of faction in his fa mous Federalist Paper No. 10, James Madison sought to moderate the impact through the diffusion of power amongst the three branches of the federal government as well as between state and federal authority. The United States Supreme Court is hearing oral argument over the most contentious provisions of Arizona SB 1070. It is perhaps no small exaggeration to say that the outcome of this case will determine if prosecutorial discretion as a tool

of immigration enforcement can survive. In an age of finite resources, to govern is to choose. That is why ICE Director John Morton decided this past June 2011 to exercise prosecutorial discretion in removal cases involving non-citizens who demonstrate favorable factors, such as their length of presence in the US, the person's ties to the community, including the presence of immediate relative who may be US citizens or permanent residents, the circumstances of the person's entry into the US, particularly if

he or she was brought in as a young child and whether the person is likely to be granted permanent residency in the future, to name a few. Mr. Morton in a separate policy memo also included the victims and witnesses of crime, including domestic violence, and those persons who were plaintiffs in nonfrivolous lawsuits or otherwise engaged in action to protect their civil rights. Director Morton elected to concentrate on deporting national security concerns or those non-citizens with a serious

criminal history. This was not the first time that those who were charged with enforcement of our immigration laws embraced the virtues of prosecutorial discretion. On November 17, 2000, then INS Commissioner Doris Meissner explained it this way: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Prosecutorial Discretion is the authority of an agency charged with enforcing a law to decide whether to enforce, or not to enforce, the law against someone. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 36

Immigration Post

May 11, 2012

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Sandoval: Arizona law not Ariz. migrant case could lead to sweeping changes needed in Nevada CARSON CITY, Nev.: Gov. Brian Sandoval, who as a candidate angered Hispanics two years ago when he supported Arizona's tough immigration laws, repeated his stance that a similar law is unnecessary in Nevada, regardless of how the U.S. Supreme Court rules in the Arizona case. Although a favorable ruling from the high court in the Arizona immigration case could embolden efforts to tighten Nevada's laws, success is unlikely. ``I don't know if there's an appetite in the Legislature to do anything like Arizona did,'' said Robert Uithoven, a Republican strategist. ``Any kind of immigration reform the Republicans want to push would have a tough time.'' The Supreme Court justices hinted during recent arguments that they may allow Arizona to enforce its requirement that police officers check the immigration status of people they suspect are in the country illegally. Sandoval ``supports Arizona's right to respond and adopt laws to protect the safety and welfare

of its citizens,'' Mary-Sarah Kinner, the governor's press secretary, said in an email. And while he ``supports some of the provisions that the Supreme Court discussed,'' Kinner said the governor ``has heard from law en-

Because Democrats maintain control of at least one chamber, Republican-backed immigration bills are essentially dead on arrival. “It's truly a waste of time,'' Denis said forcement officials across Nevada who believe they don't need a new law here.'' State Sen. Mo Denis, leader of the Democratic caucus, said he doesn't expect it to be an issue during the 2013 legislative session. ``Those types of laws try to discriminate against people,'' he said. ``When you're a tourism-

based economy, you want everyone to come here and not feel discriminated against.'' Because Democrats maintain control of at least one chamber, Republican-backed immigration bills are essentially dead on arrival. ``It's truly a waste of time,'' Denis said. Assemblyman Ira Hansen, RSparks, introduced a bill in the 2011 Legislature that mirrored the Arizona law but that legislation died without fanfare in the Assembly and Senate, both controlled by Democrats. The control of the Senate is very much in play going into the November elections. But unless Republicans take command of the Assembly in 2013 - an unlikely scenario - Hansen said any effort to revive the issue would meet a similar fate as last year. ``There will absolutely be some momentum'' if the Supreme Court upholds key components of Arizona's immigration enforcement measures, said Hansen, who is running unopposed for re-election in November. -AP

Immigration issue won't create a stir in Wyoming CHEYENNE, Wyo.: The immigration issue hasn't created much of a stir in Wyoming and probably won't, even if the Supreme Court upholds all or part of Arizona's immigration law. Recent efforts to tighten laws regarding immigrants in Wyoming have been unsuccessful. Residents of the ``Equality State'' cherish their privacy and tend to view any suggestion of increasing police power with suspicion. Living in the least populated state, Wyomingites also tend to rely first on themselves and their neighbors not necessarily the police for help and protection. Levels of private gun ownership are among the highest in the country. Wyoming also hasn't seen the same levels of recent immigration as some other states, particularly those along the Mexican border, have experienced in recent years. The 2010 census reported that 8.9 percent of Wyoming's 568,000 residents were Hispanic, compared to 16.3 percent nationwide. And the percentage of Wyoming residents born outside the country was 3.1 percent, far below the national average of 12.7 percent. State Rep. Pete Illoway, R-Cheyenne, has repeatedly and unsuc-

cessfully pushed legislation that would tighten Wyoming's laws along the lines of the Arizona law. Illoway, who's not running for re-election this year, last brought the immigration issue up in the 2011 Wyoming Legislature. His bill, which would have authorized police to arrest people without a

“It really is a federal problem, and they've allowed it to become a state problem,'' Illoway said. “And now I think the states really are going to force the hand of the federal government” warrant if they committed offenses that made them eligible for deportation, failed to make it out of committee. Representatives of associations representing building contractors and restaurant and lodging interests spoke against Illoway's bill in 2011, saying the state didn't need to enact a system that duplicates federal law. Even if the U.S. Supreme Court

upholds all or part of the Arizona law, Illoway said that he doesn't expect there will be much interest among Wyoming lawmakers to visit the issue again. `Ìt really is a federal problem, and they've allowed it to become a state problem,'' Illoway said. `Ànd now I think the states really are going to force the hand of the federal government. If the Supreme Court comes out and says, `Hey, parts of it are constitutional,' then I think that's great for those border states. They are having some problems.'' Illoway emphasized that he didn't regard his efforts to tighten Wyoming's immigration laws to be either `ànti-immigrant,'' or `àntiHispanic.'' -AP

Cont’d from page 34

``It would mean that anyone, as they are leaving their home whether they are going to work, to church, wherever they are going - could be asked for their documents,'' he said. The court's comments surprised state officials who had, thus far, lost all major court battles over the law. Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne, whose office has helped defend the law, predicted the court will uphold the law because many of its provisions mirror existing federal laws. He said a year from now the state will see even less illegal immigration. ``You won't see anything that noticeable as far as law enforcement goes,'' Horne said. ``But you will see less people sneaking across the border.'' It was unclear what the court would do with other aspects of the law that have been put on hold by lower federal courts. The other blocked provisions make it a state crime for immigrants not to have immigration registration papers and for illegal immigrants to seek work or hold a job. Peter Spiro, a Tempe University law professor who specializes in immigration law, predicted the

court would uphold the police check of immigration status in Arizona's law, but said he wouldn't be surprised if the court threw out a provision making it a crime to be without immigration documents. Such a ruling would let police question people about their immigration status if they have good reason to do so, but police would have

It was unclear what the court would do with other aspects of the law that have been put on hold by lower federal courts to call federal authorities to see if they would want to pick up anyone found to be in the country illegally. If federal agents decline, officers would have to release the person, unless they were suspected of committing crimes, Spiro said. If that happened, the law would be mostly symbolic, but would still carry some significance for immigrants, Spiro said. ``It would make it clear that Arizona is unfriendly to undocumented aliens,'' Spiro said. -AP

Immigration Post

India Post

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Can prosecutorial discretion trump state action? Cont’d from page 34

The INS, like other law enforcement agencies, has prosecutorial discretion and exercises it every day…The favorable exercise of prosecutorial discretion means a discretionary decision not to assert the full scope of the INS's enforcement authority as permitted under the law…It is important to recognize not only what prosecutorial discretion is but also what it is not. The doctrine of prosecutorial discretion applies to law enforcement decisions whether, and to what extent, to exercise the coercive power of the Government over liberty and property, as authorized by law in cases when individuals have violated the law...The distinction is not always an easy bright-line rule to apply… Like all law enforcement agencies, the INS has finite resources, and it is not possible to investigate and prosecute all immigration violations” It is an oversimplification, but still an insightful one, to conclude that, thanks largely to the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 ( IIRAIRA), the importance of prosecutorial discretion has increased in inverse measure to the shrinking remedial actions left open to immigration judges whose ability to grant relief from removal, especially in the context of criminal convictions, has been dramatically curtailed. If the consequences of deportation can no longer be avoided or ameliorated, then the decision on whom to target and how to punish become a moments of surpassing criticality. While prosecutorial discretion is not the answer to a legislature run amuck, it may serve to limit the damage. As Assistant Attorney General Robert Raban wrote to Congressman Barney Frank on January 19,

2000, it is in bad times, more than good, when justice needs prosecutorial discretion the most: “Consequently, the IIRAIRA rendered the exercise of prosecutorial discretion by the INS the only means for averting the extreme hardship associated with certain deportation and/or removal cases…” The State of Arizona, it would seem, has other priorities. While ICE may feel the need to choose, Arizona manifestly does not. Indeed, the four provisions of SB 1070 are precisely the ones that most flagrantly impose burdens on ICE in the absence of federal selection. In the absence of a matching federal mechanism, SB 1070 requires Arizona law enforcement officers to check the immigration status of anyone they stop, arrest or detain if they have a "reasonable suspicion " the person is unlawfully present. SB 1070 completely disregards the Morton prosecutorial discretion policy, which now allows an ICE official to grant a stay of removal to a person who even has a removal order. While SB 1070 may still consider this person to be unlawfully present, under the federal prosecutorial discretion policy, this individual who has been granted a stay of removal, along with an order of supervision, may even apply for a work permit. Furthermore, ignorant or indifferent to federal policies that implicitly tolerate or openly protect the undocumented, SB 1070 criminalizes a failure to carry immigration registration documentation. It has already been pointed out that a battered woman who has obtained discretionary deferred action after filing an I-360 self-petition under the Violence Against Women Act will not be conferred with a registration document. Yet, such a person is allowed

to remain and even work in the US until he or she obtains permanent residence. While neither the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986 or the INA as a whole consider unauthorized employment as criminal conduct, SB 1070 does; even to apply for or solicit work is no less felonious. In the absence of federal warrant or any expression of federal interest in prosecution, SB 1070 sanctions warrantless arrest based on probable cause that the alien in question has committed a deportable offense. The New York

Ignorant or indifferent to federal policies that implicitly tolerate or openly protect the undocumented, SB 1070 criminalizes a failure to carry immigration registration documentation Times recently but accurately termed this "an invitation to chaos:" “While Arizona says its law merely empowers law enforcement to work cooperatively with federal officers, that is demonstratively false. The four provisions at issue go beyond federal law, turning federal guidelines into state enforcement rules and violations of federal rules into state crimes. They transform a federal policy that allows discretion in seeking serious criminals among illegal immigrants into a state mandate to target everyone in Arizona illegally…” This concern is at the core of the pre-emption argument against SB 1070, though it has not received much ink in the popular

press. In effect, Arizona seeks to impose an unfunded mandate on Washington, precisely the reverse of what is the norm. As Judge Paez wrote for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in United States v. Arizona, 641 F. 3d 339, 352-53 (9th Cir.2011): “By imposing mandatory obligations on state and local officers, Arizona interferes with the federal government's authority to implement its priorities and strategies in law enforcement, turning Arizona officers into state-directed DHS agents…the threat of 50 states layering their own immigration enforcement rules on top of the INA weighs in favor of preemption…” It is for this reason that the United States devoted a full 7 pages of its appellate brief to the Supreme Court (pp.17-23) on this very issue. The curtailment of prosecutorial discretion is the negation of federal priorities. On pp. 22-23, we get to the heart of the matter: The framework that the Constitution and Congress have created does not permit the States to adopt their own immigration programs and policies or to set themselves up as rival decision makers based on disagreement with the focus and scope of federal enforcement. Yet that is precisely what SB 1070 would do, by consciously erecting a regime that would detain, prosecute and incarcerate aliens based on violations of federal law but without regard to federal enforcement provisions, priorities and discretion. SB 1070 cannot be sustained as an exercise in cooperative federalism when its very design discards cooperation and embraces confrontation. It is not hard to understand or appreciate why or how Arizona is frustrated, for good people of di-

verse views share this same conviction that ours is a broken immigration regime. It is the particular manner in which Arizona has elected to manifest this dissatisfaction that places the prosecutorial discretion of federal authorities at risk. We must not sacrifice constitutional verities to contemporary passions. Let us return to Madison Federalist No. 51: “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. The interest of the man must be connected with the constitutional rights of the place. But what is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary…” In an increasingly complex, hyper-technical system, the need for discretion as a way to make intelligent choices seems more open and obvious than ever. It is widely acknowledged that we have a dysfunctional immigration system whose systemic dislocation has contributed to the buildup of the undocumented population. In the absence of Congressional intervention to restore a permanent balance, the Administration can and must exercise discretion, devoid of ideology or sentiment, to cobble together interim solutions as the need for them arises. Despite SB 1070, rhetoric is not reality and the targeted exercise of discretion to reconcile divergent and often competing interests is something that the Supreme Court should endorse. James Madison would. (The views expressed by guest author, Gary Endelman, are his own and not of his firm, FosterQuan, LLP) * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

New immigration bills could surface in Montana HELENA, Mont.: While other states are making plans to introduce tough new immigration enforcement measures in the wake of Supreme Court arguments over an Arizona law, the fate of such legislation in Montana largely hinges on elections this fall. The 2011 Republican-led Legislature discussed several crackdowns on immigration. If the GOP holds onto its majority in the statehouse after the November elections, conservatives are very likely to propose laws in the 2013 session that mimic those in Arizona. Some of those conservatives say it should be the responsibility

of the federal government to stop the immigration, but the government has come up short. ``Part of me wants to join Ari-

Kerns, a Republican from Laurel. ``Perhaps by us doing some of this, it would force federal action.'' The Supreme Court has heard

Many of the ideas that emerged in the 2011 Legislature were borrowed from others states, such as prohibiting local governments from establishing so-called “immigration sanctuaries.” That bill was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer zona in doing this, the other part of me wants to just rap the federal governments on the knuckles,'' said Montana state Rep. Krayton

arguments on portions of the Arizona law that's seen as a model for cracking down on illegal immigrants. The high court didn't appear to have

any problems with a requirement that police check the legal status of people they stop for other reasons, though it is unclear how they will rule on that and other provisions that make Arizona state crimes out of immigration violations. Montana shares a 545-mile northern border with three Canadian provinces, although drug importation from Canada has generally been a more common problem than illegal immigration. Illegal immigration arrests in one Border Patrol sector in Texas or Arizona can run 1,000 times greater than a sector on the Canadian border. Although Montana has never

had a large Hispanic presence, Kerns said the rapid growth of oil fields in eastern Montana could draw more immigrants to the state and make it a larger issue. Many of the ideas that emerged in the 2011 Legislature were borrowed from others states, such as prohibiting local governments from establishing so-called ``immigration sanctuaries.'' That bill was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer. The lawmakers, however, were able to successfully send a ballot initiative to voters this November asking them to ban illegal immigrants from receiving state services. -AP

Immigration Post

May 11, 2012

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Kansas immigration debate still a stalemate TOPEKA, Kan.: Kris Kobach and other Kansas officials who want the state to crack down on illegal immigration are encouraged by public comments from U.S. Supreme Court justices, which suggest they're ready to uphold major parts of a tough Arizona law Kobach helped draft. But Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state, acknowledges that he and his legislative allies also must overcome opposition from influential business groups and a rift among Republicans. The GOP's split over immigration has prevented legislation from passing _ proposals favored by Kobach and a plan from a business coalition that includes the powerful Kansas Chamber of Commerce to create a state program to place some illegal immigrants in hard-to-fill jobs. Kobach and legislators don't expect the stalemate to be broken before lawmakers adjourn. Kobach, a Republican and a former law professor known nationally for advising officials in other states on immigration, believes the U.S. Supreme Court will uphold much or all of the Arizona law and spur a wave of legislation next year. But it is this year's legislative elections that will determine whether Kansas joins the trend, he said. ``One thing we know, and that is that lots of legislators will walk their districts again,'' Kobach told The Associated Press during an

interview. ``I am absolutely 100 percent certain that immigration will be one of the top two or three things.'' The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on a legal challenge to the Arizona law from President Barack Obama's administration. The 2010 law requires police officers to check the immigration status of people they suspect are in the country illegally. When Obama's solicitor general argued that Arizona improperly

When Obama's solicitor general argued that Arizona improperly infringed upon the federal government's authority to set immigration policy, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Sonia Sotomayor were skeptical infringed upon the federal government's authority to set immigration policy, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Sonia Sotomayor were skeptical. Roberts said the state simply wanted to notify federal authorities of possible illegal immigrants, and Sotomayor commented, ``You can see it's not selling very well.'' A proposal for a similar law

'Difficult to do Rubio's immigration bill' WASHINGTON: House Speaker John Boehner says it would be difficult for Congress to tackle a bill to let young illegal immigrants remain in the United States. At his weekly news conference, Boehner said he had spoken to the bill's sponsor, Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio. But Boehner indicated that politics would make it hard for lawmakers to try to resolve the divisive issue in this election year. ``I found it of interest, but the problem with this issue is you're operating in a very hostile political environment. And to deal with a very difficult issue like this, I think it would be difficult at best,'' Boehner, R-Ohio, said. Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, is crafting a bill that would permit young illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. with their parents to apply for non-immigrant

visas. They would be allowed to stay to study or work and obtain a driver's license but would not be able to vote. They could apply for residency later, but they would not have a special path to citizenship. It counters the Democraticbacked DREAM Act that grants a path to citizenship to young illegal immigrations who attend college or serve in the military. Some Republicans have been optimistic about the effort by Rubio, who often is mentioned as a potential vice presidential pick. They see it as a political opening with Hispanic voters who have heavily favored President Barack Obama and Democrats in past elections. A recent Pew Research Center survey showed Obama with a commanding 67 percent to 27 percent advantage over likely Republican nominee Mitt Romney with Hispanics. -AP

in Kansas is stuck in a House committee, along with two other measures. One would make it a crime to knowingly harbor an illegal immigrant, and the other would require state and local government contractors to use the federal E-Verify database to check whether new employees are in the U.S. legally. A narrower E-Verify bill cleared a committee in the House, but Speaker Mike O'Neal, a Hutchinson Republican, refused to schedule a debate. He didn't think he could prevent a debate on tougher measures or the business coalition's proposal and told fellow Republicans he wanted to avoid a ``bloody'' dispute that would split his party's huge majority. ``If there is going to be something, I want something that gets broad support,'' O'Neal said last week. ``There's much more to this issue than, `What part of illegal don't you understand?' " O'Neal and Kobach said legislators will want to examine the high court's decision on the Arizona law instead of relying on justices' public comments. The Legislature expects to adjourn by mid-May, weeks before the court is expected to rule. Rep. Anthony Brown, a Eudora Republican, said legislators should concentrate on an E-Verify bill. ``Some of the other stuff, I don't think, is going to get through the system anyway, in the current makeup of the Legislature,'' he said. Senate Majority Leader Jay Emler, a Lindsborg Republican, said lawmakers simply don't have enough time left in a session that's crowded with other issues, such as cutting taxes, approving a budget and redrawing political boundaries. The Senate's GOP leaders have been cool to immigration proposals favored by Kobach, but their hold on the chamber will be tested by primary challenges. All 40 Senate seats and 125 House seats are on the ballot this year, but Kobach said immigration legislation is ``entirely dependent'' on what happens in the Senate races. ``Fighting pitched battles in the House is futile when everybody knows that the Senate is going to kill it anyway,'' Kobach said. Kobach, who traveled to Washington to observe the arguments in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, was confident the court will uphold most, if not all, of the Arizona law. Emler, however, believes Kobach's prediction is ``pure conjecture.'' -AP

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

Former Assistant StateÂ&#x2019;s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1

http://www.proy-singh.com

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

Datebook

India Post

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY

Upcoming

Thurs May 10 • The Luxury Review Venue: The Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, New York Time: 6pm

Sat May 12

Fri May 19 • Dr. Kumar Vishwas Live an Iconic Poet Venue: Edison Hotel, 3050 Woodbridge Ave, New Jersey, NJ Time: 7:30pm Contact: 732-277-6687

• India Property Show

Sat May 19

Venue: Antum’s, 244 W Old Country Rd, Hicksville,New York Time: 10pm Contact: 646-216-9090

• Baisakhi Celebration by GSCA

Fri May 18

Venue: South Brunswick Senior Citizen Center, 540 Ridge Rd, Monmouth Juction, NJ Time: 712:30pm Contact: 908-583-0422

ILLINOIS

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Sun May 13

Fri May 11

• 2012 Indian Dance Festival Nrithya Samarpanam

• Freshman Days: Ohlone College Orientation

Venue: Veluchamy Auditorium, 1145 W., Sullivan Road Aurora, IL Time: 1pm Contact: 630-403-8342

Venue:Ohlne College Newark Center, 39399 Cherry Street, Newark, CA Time: 3:30pm to 6:30pm Contact: 510-979-7941

Sun May 20 • An Evening in Bollywood

Fri May 11

Venue: Metea Velley High School Auditorium, 1801 North Ela Road, Aurora, IL Time: 2pm Contact: 630-357-9293

• Chops Big Band: A Spring Concert

• Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in NY

Sun May 20

Sat May 26

Venue: Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, 65 St. Columbus Ave, New York Time: 8:30pm Contact: 516-692-8690

• Bridal Insider Seminar

• Kailash Kher with His Band Kailasa

Venue: The Villa At mountain Lakes, 90 Route 46 East Mountain Lakes, New Jersey Time: 12pm Contact: 609-933-8502

Venue: Copernicus Theater, 5216, West Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL Time: 8:30pm Contact: 847-230-7977

WASHINGTON DC Fri May 11 • Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Live Venue: Atlanta Civic Center, 395, Piedmont Ave, NE, Atlanta, CA Time: 8:30pm Contact: 404-718-0009

Sat May 19 • Hindu Heritage Day Venue: Marlborough Middle School, 26 Union Street, Marlborough, MA Time: 3pm Contact: 508-789-3548

Mon May 28 to Wed May 30 • Chinmaya Mission Twin Cities presents Talks on Glory of Ganesha Venue: Chinmaya Ganapati 12575 County Road 43, Chaska MN 55318 Time: 6:30pm-Bhajans & 7pm to 8:30pm Discourse on Ganapati Atharvashirsha Contact: 860-633-0045

Venue: Smith Center at Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont, CA Time: 8:30pm Contact: 510-659-6031 Highlights: The Chops Big Band, directed by Ken Crowell, will feature Frank Moura and the trombone section in Antonio Carlos Jobim's Wave. Other tunes include Ray Charles' arrangement of Oh, What a Beautiful Morning, Meyers' arrangement of Straighten Up and Fly Right, and much more.

Sat May 12 ï Hinduism Summit (Dharmajagruti Sabha) Venue: Vedic Dharma Samaj Fremont, Hindu Temple, Fremout, California Time: 2:30pm to 4:45pm Contact: 877-303-3342

Sun May 13 • One God One World Family Venue: Anubhuti Meditation & Retreat Center, 820 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Novato, CA Time: 11am Contact: 415-884-2314

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Fri May 11 • Moments with Pankaj Udhas Venue: Donald Wash Auditorium, 11271, Stanford Ave, Garden Grove, CA Time: 7pm Contact: 562-274-6588

Sat May 19 • Crazy Mohanís Chocolate Krishnaí in Aid of Akshaya, Madurai Venue: David Starr Jordan High School, 6500 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA Time: 5:30pmpm

Thurs May 24 • The Exhibition of Salma Arastuís Paintings Venue: Unitarian Universal Church at San Fransisco. Contact: 415-776-4580 Highlights: Paintings Titled “We Were together in Primodial Time.

Sun June 17 • First unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco Venue: 1187 Franklin Street at Geary San Fransisco, CA 94109 Time: 2:00pm Contact: 415-776-4580

Thurs Sept 27 • Ballet Folklorico De Mexico Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466

• Argentine Tango: At The Fremont Main Library

Fri Oct 19 • Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi

Venue: Argentine Tango, Fremont Main Library, 2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont, CA Time: 2pm to 4pm Contact: (510) 745-1467

Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466

Sat May 19

Horoscope

May 11, 2012

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar MAY 11 TH - MAY 17TH (November 23 to December 22)

(March 21 to April 20)

eek very favorable for all financial matters. Concentration of favorable planets in second will bring an excellent opportunity to make tons of money for short as well as long term. Ongoing legal matters will take a favorable turn and decision will come soon. You will gain a clear edge over you strongest opponents and competition.

e diplomatic when dealing with people who don't like you in the first place. Pressure at work will increase because of deadline approaching fast. Its a better week for people seeking a change in career. If appearing for any highly competitive exam, the chances are you will come out with flying colors. bank balance will take a nose dive.

(April 21 to May 20)

(December 22 to January 19)

ou will become very health conscious and make big change in diet. Concentration of planets in first will make you more popular and you will be surrounded by admirers at the party this week. A child may be getting ready to move away for a good reason. One of your vehicle will need minor repairs. Money will come fast and disappear.

ou will continue to make progress on project on hands. Boss will appreciate your efforts and make necessary recommendations. Children will do very well in school. You will be full of some bright ideas and look for ideal partners to implement them. An old health issue that keep coming back will still bother you for some more time.

(May 21 to June 20)

(January 20 to February 18)

ou will spend lots of time on phone or writing emails this week. Any trip taken in direction east will be fruitful and get instant results. Spouse will be successful in shedding off few pounds with the help of exercises. You will be seriously looking into a good idea given by a close friend. You will attend a social event with family this week.

ou may finally find the place of choice to move. Spouse will be spending little more than budget but will buy fine quality items. You will become more religious and may start going to a holy place on regular basis. You will continue to use all energy on an important project. Results will come but at a later time and date.

(February 19 to March 20)

(June 21 to July 22)

ou will need to deal with a government agency in order to sort out some confusions. It looks like a better week for all financial matters as planets in second will give a chance to make some quick bucks. It will be a better week for people working as brokers. Some of you may be seriously thinking about getting out of a project not working out well.

oncentration of planets in eleventh is helpful. Changes took place recently will start showing encouraging results. You will implement your idea and plans with full force. You will make final payment on couple of old debts and as a result all financial pressure will disappear. Some one younger in age will help you a lot this week.

(July 23 to August 22)

e careful when it comes to money as Saturn has just entered your house of finances. You will continue to march towards your professional goals. Trying your hands in totally new direction is not a bad idea. You may also receive some kind of clearance from a government agency. Stay away from buying any run down property at this point. (August 23 to September 22)

n overseas trip is in the air. Money wise you will continue to do well and make some money through stocks also. Partnership or relationship is about to be finalized as you will keep getting positive signals. Do not go out of your way to help others as any money loaned may not be returned on time. (September 23 to October 22)

ou may make some money through stocks or win some money in lottery this week. Legal matters should not be ignored as a prompt reply will get you off the hook early. Project you are working on can take you towards financial freedom. An old friend will send the invitation for the party. People in business will record better sales.

(October 23 to November 22)

his could be the beginning of a new and adventurous relation ship. Some of you may need to see a specialist for dry skin or some other skin related issues. Money wise things will start to pick up from now as Jupiter moves to a better house. You will finish project in hand well before the deadline, making boss feel happy.

Unexpected developments in store for Salman Khan

alman was born on 27 December 1965 and is a Capricorn with Saturn as its ruling planet. Being a Capricorn, he may appear serious and reserved to others, but once he is given the trust, he would become a loyal and devoted friend. He is socially oriented and works hard for anything he wants, be it helping the poor and needy ones or doing anything for his friends. His self-esteem is extremely important to him and he can't take deceit. He is stubborn, egoistic and unyielding. He can also become a bitter enemy. He puts his families and friends before his own needs and welfare. He speaks what is in his heart, which could end up hurting even his close friends but he is honest with his opinion. His ruling number is 9 and is governed by the Planet Mars, which means that he is aggressive, courageous, dashing and quick. His ruling planet Saturn can bring depression, gloom, jealousy and greed. He is conservative and doesn't like his girlfriends and friends mingling with others, especially with those he does not share a good rapport. This planet symbolizes

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

Salman Khan

learning life's lessons and indeed he has learnt from his past mistakes. 2012 will prove a very busy year for Salman with his signing up a number of new projects and getting into a lot of other things as well. He will be required to take an important decision about his love life that will help bring stability back into his life. 2012 will see him getting swept away in unexpected developments.

510-886-4370

website: www.parashar.com

Health

Line

Bill gives judges more time in abortion cases CONCORD, N.H.: The New Hampshire Senate is voting whether to give judges more time to decide if pregnant girls must tell their parents before getting an abortion. The Senate Judiciary Committee is backing a House-passed bill to change the requirement that a judge issue a ruling within 48 hours to within two court business days. That would mean girls filing petitions late in a week would not hear back over a weekend. The law requiring parental notice took effect Jan. 1 after lawmakers overrode Gov. John Lynch's veto. The law requires girls under 18 who want an abortion to either have a parent or guardian waive the notice requirement in writing or abortion providers will with their consent send mail a notice to them.-AP

Pa. students get 2 extra weeks for vaccinations HARRISBURG, Pa.: Pennsylvania students are getting additional time to comply with new school immunization requirements. State health officials have extended the vaccination deadline until mid-May. Children who don't get the required shots may not be able to attend school. New regulations that took effect in August require all students to receive second doses of vaccines for mumps and chicken pox. Seventh-graders also must get inoculations against meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Students not in compliance when classes began last fall were given an eight-month grace period. That have expired in many districts, but students now have two extra weeks. -AP

Health Department reports drop in flu activity RAPID CITY, S.D.: The South Dakota Health Department says that flu activity has continued to decrease in the state. The Rapid City Journal reports that four new cases of flu were reported in the week of April 15, when five people were hospitalized with the disease. So far, 154 South Dakotans have required hospital care for flu this season. A total of 15 deaths have been reported during this influenza season. Two-thirds of those who died were residents of long-term care facilities. -AP

Health Science 40

India Post

www.indiapost.com

May 11, 2012

Obama makes health care appeal to female voters WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama told hundreds of female supporters here that Republicans seem determined to meddle in women's health decisions in ways that are ``appalling, offensive and out of touch.'' A recent fight in Congress over contraception access, Obama said, was like ``being in a time machine.'' ``These are folks who claim to believe in freedom from government interference and meddling; it doesn't seem to bother them when it comes to a woman's health,'' Obama said during early evening remarks at a women's issues conference. Obama's remarks harkened back to the partisan election-year fight that has emerged over women's issues, from contraception to stay-at-home mothers to health care. Polls show Obama holding an advantage with female voters over Republican challenger Mitt Romney. Eager to widen that lead, Obama and Democrats have tried to portray Republican stands on social policies as a ``war against women.'' Women have accounted for the majority of voters in presidential elections, and they provided Obama's margin of victory in 2008. Speaking to female supporters, Obama drew attention to the equal-pay law that was the first

Barack Obama greets an audience at the White House forum on women and the economy in Washington

piece of legislation he signed after taking office, saying it proved his commitment to advancing the rights of women. ``You don't have to take my word for it,'' he said. ``You've got

reporters on a conference call this month that they would have to ``get back to you'' on whether the former Massachusetts governor supported the legislation, known as the Lilly Ledbetter Act.

He said the slow recovery and the partisanship in Washington had made many across the country cynical, and he predicted the 2012 race would be more difficult than his presidential campaign in 2008 my signature on it. ``Because something like standing up for equal pay for equal work isn't something I've got to get back to you on.'' An aide to probable Republican nominee Mitt Romney told

Romney's campaign has said he has no interest in changing the law but will not say whether he would have signed it had he had been president. The Ledbetter law, which established equal pay for women was

named for a woman who sued her employer after she discovered that male colleagues were earning more money than she for the same job. She lost the lawsuit, but allies in Congress passed the Lilly Ledbetter Act to change the law. The National Issues Conference is a two-day fundraising event organized by Obama supporters to showcase women in his administration and campaign team, and draw attention to White House policies aimed at women. Most tickets for the event cost $1,000. Earlier, Obama attended a smaller fundraiser at the home of Debra Lee, the chairwoman and CEO of the media and entertainment company BET Holdings. About 40 backers, mostly women, paid $40,000 for dinner with the president. Obama told that group that despite achievements under his administration, ``we're nowhere near where we need to be yet.'' He said the slow recovery and the partisanship in Washington had made many across the country cynical, and he predicted the 2012 race would be more difficult than his presidential campaign in 2008. ``They see the mess that goes on in Washington and there's a temptation at a certain point to say, bah, a plague on both their houses,'' he said. -AP

Heavy teens have trouble managing diabetes LOS ANGELES: New research sends a stark warning to overweight teens: If you develop diabetes, you'll have a very tough time keeping it under control. A major study tested several ways to manage blood sugar in teens newly diagnosed with diabetes and found that nearly half of them failed within a few years and 1 in 5 suffered serious complications. The results spell trouble for a nation facing rising rates of ``diabesity'' Type 2 diabetes brought on by obesity. The federally funded study is the largest look yet at how to treat diabetes in teens. Earlier

studies mostly have been in adults, and most diabetes drugs aren't even approved for youths.

The message is clear: Prevention is everything. ``Don't get diabetes in the first

place,'' said Dr. Phil Zeitler of the University of Colorado Denver, one of the study leaders. A third of American children and teens are overweight or obese. They are at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, in which the body can't make enough insulin or use what it does make to process sugar from food. Until the obesity epidemic, doctors rarely saw children with Type 2 diabetes. The more common kind of diabetes in children is Type 1, which used to be called juvenile diabetes. Cont’d on page 42

May 11, 2012

Health Science Post

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Mental health treatment improving in Oregon BEND, Ore.: Telecare caused quite a stir in 2010 when it opened two residential homes in northeast Bend. Neighbors feared their property values would drop and worried that some residents of the mental health facilities might be dangerous. They later complained about residents' tendency to smoke on neighborhood sidewalks. The debate put a magnifying glass on the treatment of mental illness, which is delivered much differently in Central Oregon today than it was even a decade ago. Before the 2005 opening of the Sage View Psychiatric Center near St. Charles Bend, anyone who experienced a psychiatric problem requiring help faced a long trek. Adequate care was available in the Willamette Valley and Pendleton, but not here. Sage View administrator Molly Wells remembers very well what services looked like back then. ``Before, we had two hold rooms on the fourth floor (of St. Charles Bend) and we had to send all of the clients to Pendleton or (Salem) or Portland.'' Mental health care has changed dramatically thanks largely to a 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision, which coincided with local officials' desire to create more options for the mentally ill and with the state's push for deinstitutionalization. As a result, Central Oregon today provides a greater spectrum of care for people struggling to cope with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. The 1999 Supreme Court case, commonly called the Olmstead decision, determined that it is discriminatory to keep the mentally

ill in institutions if they can reasonably be placed in community settings instead. According to a February 2011 memo from the Oregon Department of Human Services/ Oregon Health Authority, ``To achieve the intent of the Olmstead decision Oregon intends to move healthy people to independent housing that promotes recovery, resiliency, independence and wellness in a system that is consumer driven and assists people in obtaining `a key to their own door.' "

Mental health care has changed dramatically thanks largely to a 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision, which coincided with local officials' desire to create more options for the mentally ill That means cutting the length of time people stay in the Oregon State Hospital in Salem and expanding ``independent living environments'' around the state. A study completed in 2010 by Accumental Health, a nonprofit contracted by the state, found that about 60 percent of people in some form of mental health facility could be placed in less restrictive facilities or could conceivably live independently. However, a 2010 state memo discussing the Oregon Health Authority's plan to honor

the Olmstead decision noted that Oregon's system was `ùnder stress because the state had relied on creating a facility-based approach to service delivery'' reliant upon large hospitals. As a result, ``the mental health system at present is meeting less than 50 percent of the need for public services for adults and children.'' The problem was evident in Central Oregon. Because the area lacked the necessary homes and community-based facilities, the mentally ill either remained in the state hospital much longer than necessary or were released to other areas of the state. ``We didn't have nearly enough resources,'' said Deschutes County Mental Health Director Scott Johnson. `Ì'd hear from a mom, Ì've got a daughter (receiving care) in Medford and I want to bring her home,' and we realized we needed to do more to keep people in our community.'' Bob Joondeph, president of the advocacy group Disability Rights Oregon, says it's better to place the mentally ill in smaller facilities for several reasons. `Ìn a big state hospital there's huge bureaucracy,'' he said. `Ìf you just look at our state hospital, there are all kinds of problems. . It is clinical, and supervision becomes more difficult with more and more wards and doctors. The tradition at the state hospital in Salem is that wards are these independent little fiefdoms, so there are difficulties (for patients) in transferring to different levels because of the politics within these institutions.'' Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 43

TIP OF THE WEEK

Soothe foot pain with salt

xperts say at least six million Americans develop painful in grown toenails each year. But regularly soaking ingrown nails in warm salt water baths can cure these painful infections within four days, say scientists at California 's Stanford University . The salt in the mix naturally nixes inflammation, plus it's anti-bacterial, so it quickly destroys the germs that cause swelling and pain. Just mix 1 teaspoon of salt into each cup of water, heat to the warmest temperature that you can comfortably stand, and then soak the affected foot area for 20 minutes twice daily, until your infection subsides.

Health Science Post

India Post

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Debate still lights up over Michigan smoking ban LANSING, Mich.: Some state lawmakers are trying to burn holes in Michigan's two-year-old smoking ban, which has cleared the air in public places and enjoyed public support but contributed to cash-flow problems at some bars. An amendment added to a budget bill by one lawmaker would stop enforcement of the ban at longtime charitable fundraising events. A Senate bill introduced last year would allow smoking in enclosed, separate rooms and outdoor patios of eateries. Neither is a done deal. But for the senator who sponsored the exemption tucked into the Michigan Department of Community Health's budget proposal for the next fiscal year, it's less about lighting up than letting up on regulation he never cared for in the first place. ``Philosophically I'm opposed to the smoking ban,'' said Sen. Howard Walker, a Traverse City Republican who sought to help a Catholic charity in his district that raises tens of thousands of dollars through an annual cigar dinner.

``I think these decisions should be left up to the property owner or the employees or the patrons,'' he said. ``Given my philosophy and also the need of our local charity to raise money for the most needy in our community, that's why I introduced it.'' Senate Democratic Leader Gretchen Whitmer of East Lansing criticized both the short- and longterm goals of Walker and other Republicans in the majority who are behind efforts to ease restrictions. She called his amendment a ``misuse of the budget process to achieve a temporary fix for his friends,'' but knows the aim isn't to stop there. ``We are going to see an effort to undo the restrictions on smoking in establishments in Michigan,'' Whitmer said. ``We've seen a number of bills introduced by Republicans already.'' The partisan bickering underscores broader differences within the general public and business community for the law that took effect in May 2010 and bans lighting up in most Michigan work-

places and public buildings, including bars and restaurants. It made Michigan the 38th state to enact some sort of smoke-free law. The law comes with some notable loopholes. Gambling floors at Detroit's three casinos are ex-

Orlando Todd, a manager of the state health department's tobacco program, said officials have found a high compliance rate among food establishments and complaints are usually resolved empt. So are the state's casinos run by Indian tribes, which aren't subject to the state law. Cigar bars and tobacco specialty shops that meet certain criteria also are exempt. The ban has broad public support but certainly has caused fis-

Heavy teens have trouble managing diabetes Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 40

Doctors usually start Type 2 treatment with metformin, a pill to lower blood sugar. If it still can't be controlled, other drugs and daily insulin shots may be needed. The longer blood sugar runs rampant, the greater the risk of suffering vision loss, nerve damage, kidney failure, limb amputation even heart attacks and strokes. The goal of the study was simple: What's the best way for teens to keep diabetes in check? The study involved 699 overweight and obese teens recently diagnosed with diabetes. All had their blood sugar normalized with metformin, then were given one of three treatments to try to maintain that control: metformin alone, metformin plus diet and exercise counseling, or metformin plus a second drug, Avandia. After nearly four years, half in the metformin group failed to maintain blood sugar control. The odds were a little better for the group that took two drugs but not much different for those in the lifestyle group. Even so, Zeitler said doctors would not recommend this combination drug therapy because Avandia has been linked to higher risk of heart attacks in adults. Those risks became known after this study had started.

Another study leader from Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Dr. Mitchell Geffner, agreed that Avandia can't be recommended for teens, but said the study makes clear they will need more than metformin to control their disease. "A single pill or single approach is not going to get the job done,'' he said.

"A single pill or single approach is not going to get the job done,'' he said. Among all the teens in the study, 1 in 5 had a serious complication such as very high blood sugar Among all the teens in the study, 1 in 5 had a serious complication such as very high blood sugar, usually landing them in the hospital. The results were published online by the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at a pediatric meeting in Boston. The National Institutes of Health funded the study and drug com-

panies donated the medications. The ``discouraging'' results point to the need to create `à healthier èat less, move more''' culture to help avoid obesity that contributes to diabetes, Dr. David Allen of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health wrote in an accompanying editorial. Judith Garcia still struggles to manage her diabetes with metformin and insulin years after taking part in the study at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. She has to remember to watch her diet and set aside time to exercise. ``Trust me, I'm working on it,'' said the 19-year-old who lives in Commerce, California. Kelsi Amer, a 14-year-old high school freshman from Patriot, Indiana, knows how tough it is to keep her blood sugar from skyrocketing. Diagnosed at age 12, she takes metformin and gives herself insulin shots before school and at bedtime. There are times when she has to miss class because she has to prick her finger to check her blood sugar or go with her mother to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center for check-ups. `Ì try real hard and all of a sudden, I'm back to high blood sugar'' levels, said Kelsi, who was not part of the research. -AP

sures among tavern operators, many of whom say it's costing them money because of decreased business. A Macomb County judge last year said parts of the ban are ``confusing'' and tossed out a fine levied against a bar owner who claimed patrons should be allowed to smoke in his establishments as they can in Michigan's casinos. But he denied the bar's bid to have the ban declared unconstitutional. Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson filed a legal challenge against the state a couple weeks before the ban took effect, seeking state money to help pay for enforcement of what he called an unfunded mandate. Patterson dropped the suit after just a few hours because his office was flooded with calls and emails from residents supporting the smoking ban. Orlando Todd, a manager of the state health department's tobacco program, said officials have found a high compliance rate among food establishments and complaints are usually resolved. ``The majority of businesses are very cooperative,'' he said. The health department also conducted air-monitoring studies in 77 restaurants statewide both before and after the ban took effect and found levels of secondhand smoke pollutants dropped by 93 percent. A state Treasury Department

issued a report in December that found the smoking ban reduced activity at taverns, specifically sales tax collections, liquor sales for on-premise consumption and lottery games. Still, the report concludes firm, long-term conclusions shouldn't be drawn from the findings, since they are based on a relatively short time period in the immediate aftermath of the ban taking effect that also represented a ``turbulent economic period in the state.'' And there's no clear trend from the activities from other eating and drinking establishments, such as restaurants, that would indicate the smoking ban has hurt those businesses, the report said. ``It's very hard to attribute when your sales drop - you have to look at so many variables weather, construction ... our economy,'' Todd said. However qualified the findings, they are supported by one Traverse City tavern. Wendy Blodgett, a daytime server for two decades at Brady's Bar, said business was ``down huge'' the year after the ban took effect. The bar was able to make some improvements by doing more advertising, promotion and by ``giving away more for less in order to bring back business,'' she said. Blodgett said she can separate the impact of the smoking ban and economy by using the example of a smoking customer. -AP

Utah officials warn of skin cancer as summer nears SALT LAKE CITY: Health officials are warning Utah residents to slather on the sunscreen and seek shade as summer nears to avoid potentially deadly skin cancer. The Utah Department of Health says more than 600 state residents are expected to develop skin cancer this year. Utah has the second highest rate of melanoma in the country.

The department says Utahns can reduce their risk by avoiding overexposure to the sun and by steering clear of indoor tanning beds. Officials also plan to spread the word about skin cancer through an ad campaign in movie theters, and with the help Real Salt Lake soccer player Chris Wingert. -AP

SC authorities round up prescription drugs COLUMBIA, S.C.: Authorities around South Carolina are hoping to cut down on prescription drug abuse by rounding up unwanted and expired medications. Deputies in counties throughout the state are asking people to clean out their medicine cabinets of prescriptions they either don't need or that have expired. People

can bring the medicines to designated sites around the state, where the drugs will be destroyed free of charge. The effort is part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. In previous years, officials say they have rounded up almost 500 tons of prescription drugs at more than 5,300 sites throughout the country. -AP

May 11, 2012

Health Science Post

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Mental health treatment improving in Oregon Cont'd from page 41

Smaller facilities, he said, avoid many of those problems. ``They tend to be more relaxed environments,'' he said. ``The staff (relationship) to the patients is steadier and more direct, more long-term, and that's good for folks.'' Joondeph said Oregon's treatment model has long involved the transition of the mentally ill to smaller facilities as they recover. The model hasn't worked perfectly, he said, but he believes the state is trying to revive it. ``For many years the system that was originally designed to be a step down became sclerotic,'' Joondeph said. `Ìt became clogged. And our mental health system is designed for people to move, and so once any part of the steps in movement become clogged, it backs up, and you end up with folks staying (too long).'' The state hospital, meanwhile, has had its share of problems. The hospital is famous for its role in the 1963 Ken Kesey novel and 1975 film `Òne Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.'' In 2008, the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division issued a critical report on problems at the hospital that violated patients' rights. Among them, the report found the hospital wasn't protecting its patients from harm, wasn't providing proper assessments and mental health care, overused seclusion and restraints, and didn't properly manage medication. The federal investigation into the hospital continues. In 2010, Oregon began to implement the Adult Mental Health Initiative, which seeks to better use facilities already in place and to improve the coordination of care. The initiative aims to address a problem identified in a 2010 Oregon Health Authority memo: ``Currently, too many Oregonians living with mental illness spend too much time in the wrong level of care and cannot access services that could help them become more independent.'' To combat the problem, the state decided to transfer responsibility for managing the residential services to local mental health organizations. The state's large residential facilities `àre less flexible and more costly than a community-based supportive housing system,'' the memo states. The Adult Mental Health Initiative provides funds directly to counties and other mental health organizations, allowing local government officials to determine - and pay for - the services their communities need. Deschutes County's mental health department has used these funds for about a year to run its Assertive Community Treatment, or ACT, team. Each team member makes regular visits to a small number of people living independently or in supported hous-

ing, said Travis Sammon, the team's supervisor. By making health checks, bringing medicine and ensuring the provision of needed services, team members help those dealing with mental illness live largely on their own. ``We can take people who have been in residential care for years, and what we're able to do with the ACT team is put them in their own apartments,'' Sammon said. ``Some of them are 50 years old, and it's the first time they're on their own.''

"Being in a state hospital - it's not very helpful to a lot of people to be in that situation,'' he said. "It's a very unappealing environment to help those who are not the illest of the ill. The units have people who are very psychotic, violent, aggressive. And that's the last place you want to be if you're trying to get help and recover." ACT team members look for indications that their clients are struggling to manage their apartments and keep themselves clean and well-fed. They track police calls and visits by their clients to the emergency room. Using local residential treatment homes, meanwhile, can prevent hospitalization for people in a downward spiral, said Sammon, though ``sometimes it takes a while - a week or a month or three months.'' To Sammon, who worked in a state hospital before coming to Deschutes County, keeping the mentally ill in their home communities is vital. ``Being in a state hospital - it's not very helpful to a lot of people to be in that situation,'' he said. `Ìt's a very unappealing environment to help those who are not the illest of the ill. The units have people who are very psychotic, violent, aggressive. And that's the last place you want to be if you're trying to get help and recover.'' Sammon said the ACT team is cheaper, too. According to Oregon State Hospital spokeswoman Rebeka Gipson-King, the average cost for a patient to stay in the state hospital is $21,875 a month, or $262,500 each year. `Ì can house a person for $6,000 for a full year,'' Sammon said. Much of this money is used to subsidize rent and provide housing vouchers for people who often receive less than $700 per month in Social Security Disability Insurance. In 2010, nine people from Deschutes County were admitted for state hospitalization. In 2011, four were. `Ì believe this is a direct result of having increased residential beds, which allowed

Teacher's CPR keeps first-grader alive LAKE CHARLES, La.: Two weeks after a teacher saved his life, 7-year-old Bowen Johnson is back at school with an implanted heart defibrillator. The American Press reports the firstgrader's heart stopped during physical education April 11 at Western Heights Elementary in Lake Charles. Adapted physical education teacher Ken Flue says that when Bowen collapsed,

us to divert a number of individuals instead of sending them to the state hospital,'' Sammon wrote in an email. The average length of hospitalization dropped as well over the same period. In 2010, locals committed to the state hospital typically spent 94 days there. In 2011, those stays lasted only 65 days. Although the area has seen an uptick in the number and variety of placements available for people who are struggling with mental illness, many say there is a need for

he moved the boy into the shade and found that he had a faint pulse and was barely breathing. Then his breathing stopped. Flue began rescue breathing and CPR while a special-education aide ran to tell the front office to call 911. Flue kept Bowen breathing for 10 minutes, until an ambulance arrived. Doctors at Children's Hospital New Orleans implanted a defibrillator. -AP

even more. ``We want lots of options. The state as a whole, they've made past development of structured residences more of a priority to meet the need,'' said Kevin McChesney, who oversees Telecare's Oregon operations. ``Because of the budget we're only serving 40 to 45 percent of people, so there's a huge unmet need. We need those RTFs (residential treatment facilities) and RTHs (residential treatment homes), because people are backing up in the secure facilities. It's a real need.''

In 1999, HousingWorks Director Cyndy Cook took her first step into supported housing for the mentally ill. A pair of Deschutes County case managers showed up at her door that year and told her they couldn't treat clients who didn't have places to live. ``They were in crappy old motels,'' she said. ``Some were living in camps.'' Spurred by their pitch, Cook toured the Willamette Valley, talked to developers and mental health departments and checked out housing. ``I said, `We should be doing this, and we can do this better.' " In 2000, HousingWorks opened Emma's Place, an apartment community in which people with severe and persistent mental illness can live for as long as necessary. HousingWorks is also responsible for Horizon House, a two-year transitional housing facility in Bend, which opened in 2005; Prairie House, an apartment complex for people with mental illness in Prineville, which opened in 2006; and Barbara's Place, an apartment complex in southwest Redmond for chronically homeless people with severe mental illness, which opened in 2010. In 2010, Telecare Corp., in conjunction with the state, opened two five-bed residential treatment homes in northeast Bend. Those homes allow residents to come and go as they please, but provide structured times for eating meals and taking medicines and receiving various types of therapy. -AP

Â&#x201E;

Realty Tidbits

MPs won't get C'wealth Games flats NEW DELHI: Government today poured cold water on wishes of MPs to occupy the Commonwealth Games flats in Delhi, saying nothing of the sort will be done. Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath said in Lok Sabha that 100 CWG flats are going to be auctioned soon. Altogether 1,168 flats were constructed for the 2010 Games out of which DDA owns 711 flats. These will not be given to MPs, Nath said adding otherwise there will be "hue and cry", which neither he nor the MPs would like in the "present scenario".

Â&#x201E; Greens see red over move to change land use

pset over the state government notification on substantial modifications in the development plan of 23 merged villages, the Green Pune Movement has alleged that the state government move is illegal and favors developers. "The state government notification on substantial modifications in the draft DP, which proposes that land for public purpose be changed to residential use is illegal. This is in the interest of developers," said Lt Col (Retd) S C N Jathar. He added that citizens should oppose the state government move.

Real Estate 44

India Post

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Kundli corridor to have orbital rail GURGAON: The Kundli-Manesar-Palwal global corridor (KMP) in Haryana will have orbital railway and 12 specialized hubs including world trade, fashion, entertainment, leisure and dry ports. The development plan of the KMP global corridor was approved at the meeting of the State-Level Committee which was chaired by Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

Steve Waugh to set up sports infrastructure in upcoming townships NEW DELHI: Former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh's venture Sporting Edge Communities is close to tying up with two developers in Pune and Coimbatore to set up integrated sports infrastructure in upcoming residential townships. "We are in advanced negotiations with developers in India. We want to give sporting opportunities to Indian kids," said Waugh, who has evolved the Sporting Edge model exclusively for the Indian market. He declined to share the names of the developers. Waugh plans to bring in sports icons such as the swimming legend Ian Thorpe and Australian footballer Lucas Neill to set up facilities for aquatic sports and soccer training, along with cricket academies by Cricket New South Wales, to large townships. His company is also in talks with potential developers in Ahmedabad, the national capital region and somewhere in central India. "This would create a sporting environment and enable a township development to be different from others," Waugh said. According to his website, the model "provides end-to-end solu-

tion to real estate developers to incorporate sport and leisure related components in their residential township". In this venture, Waugh has two partners, Kolkata-based Gautam Gadgil and Australian Jeff Kuhne.

Former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh

Last year, Sporting Edge had tied up with a developer making a township in Burdwan near Kolkata. Waugh's firm will provide intellectual property and technology required to set up and run differ-

Court halts Pinjore-Kalka land acquisition NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has held that the land acquisition by Haryana Urban Development Authority's (HUDA) for Pinjore-Kalka Urban Complex project was "prima facie" illegal as it benefited private builders under the guise of public purpose and directed halt of all work. It appeared that "private companies and builders were benefited "in the guise of acquiring land for public purpose", a bench of justices G S Singhvi and S J Mukhopadhaya observed directing the Haryana government to stop all construction work on the project till further orders. The land measuring over 809 acres were occurred in 2007 for developing a commercial and industrial hub. The bench said before passing any order like quashing of land acquisition for the project, the companies, the builders and others in whose favor the land was released

need to be made party to the case. "We are prima facie of the view that the entire acquisition proceeding deserve to be quashed. However, before passing any order in that regard, we deem it proper to order implement of all the persons, in whose favor land was released at different stages as parties to the special leave petitions," the bench said. The bench said "with a view to avoid further complications in the matter, we direct the State of Haryana and its functionaries and also the impleaded respondents not to undertake further constructions on the land which was acquired". "This would mean that all the ongoing construction activities shall be stopped forthwith," the bench said. The bench observed that the lists of the persons in whose favor land was released show that most of them are builders or their collaborators.

ent sports academies that their partners will set up. "The type of facilities would be chosen depending on where the township is located and which sport is popular there," says Waugh. In Punjab, for instance, a hockey academy can

Waugh plans to bring in sports icons such as the swimming legend Ian Thorpe and Australian footballer Lucas Neill to set up facilities for aquatic sports and soccer training, along with cricket academies by Cricket New South Wales, to large townships be set up along with cricketing infrastructure. The financial model will be such that these sports academies generate income and residents in the townships don't complain a few months down the line about the

lack of a coach or sports infrastructure. Developers across the country are realizing that real estate and sports make a profitable marketing mix. Over the past few years, developers in Pune, Kolkata, Noida, Greater Noida and Ahmedabad have announced sports-based townships that include a Formula One racing track, a full-sized cricket stadium, golfcourses, horse riding and other sporting options that are likely to attract buyers. The Jaypee Group, for instance, built India's first Formula One racing track at its sports city in the national capital region. "Buyers, especially the younger lot, are getting conscious about sports and that becomes a great selling point for us," said Sameer Gaur, managing director and chief executive officer of Jaypee Sports International. Waugh turned an entrepreneur early on, dabbling into social media gaming company PlayUp during his cricketing days. "It's like the Facebook of sports," said Waugh, about the company that makes mobile phone apps to connect users with live sports from across the globe.

10-yr ban must on re-sale of land: HP 'benami' panel SHIMLA: A commission appointed by the Himachal Pradesh government has recommended that it ban for 10 years the re-sale of any commercial land by original buyers. The one-man commission of Justice (retd) DP Sood set up by the state government to probe 'benami' (illegal) land transactions in Himachal Pradesh from 2003 to 2011 and look into violations of statutory provisions and administrative procedures, has claimed that certain persons purchased land in bulk and subsequently sold it to the industrialists within a short period making huge gains. "During the perusal of cases from 2003 to 2011, the commission has observed that there are certain persons who have purchased land in bulk and sold to industrialists within a period of six months to three years," said Sood. In his report submitted to the government this month, he short listed 22 people who were involved in frequent land pur-

chases and its sale. "They purchased land in bulk, either in their own name or obtained GPAs (general power of attorneys) in Baddi, Barotiwala, Nalagarh and Kala Amb (prime industrial areas), in advance and sold it to the different industrialists," says the report. The report states that such people purchased the land with the sole objective of speculation. "They purchase the land in bulk at cheaper rates and then sell it at higher rates to the industrialists. In this process, the poor farmers and the rich industrialists are the losers. Industrialists get the land at higher prices and the farmers' land is purchased at cheaper rates. This huge profit goes into the pockets of these middlemen." To curb this practice, the commission recommended that "where ever any new township or industrial town is to be developed, the land purchaser and the (new) owner should not be allowed to sell the land further for at least 10 years."

Real Estate Post

May 11, 2012

India Post

www.indiapost.com

PEs to buy Vijay Mallya's office towers BANGALORE/ MUMBAI: Beleaguered billionaire Vijay Mallya's investment holding company UB Holdings is in talks with Blackstone and KKR to unlock value of its office spaces, including the iconic head office UB Tower, said banking sources briefed on the matter. PE investor may acquire Mallya's office real estate, part of the UB City development in the heart of Bangalore, through a structured equity deal for roughly Rs 650 crore. UB Holdings is also the parent of the debt-laden kingfisher Airlines. UB Group CFO Ravi Nedungadi offered "no comments" in reply to a texted query. A group spokesperson quoting Mallya denied that UB Tower was for sale. He did not elaborate. The discussions with the competing PE investors are centered around a sale and lease back model, with UB Holdings having the right to buyback after a fixed period. "So it may not be sale technically," said one of the sources mentioned earlier. UB City is a joint venture between Mallya's UB Holdings and Prestige Developers, with 1.6 million sqft mixed use development

comprising of office spaces, luxury retail and hospitality. Mallya solely owns UB Tower, while the rest of the property is split between the two JV partners. The 200,000 sqft luxury hotel, Oakwood Serviced Residences, is owned by Prestige. Mallya's share of UB City is around 905,000 sqft, with UB Tower alone being 300,000 sqft. UB Tower, which is 123 meters

executive remained unanswered at the time of going to press. "Mallya is offering a 13% return on rental incomes," said a source privy to the ongoing developments, and added that rental monetization package which Mallya had struck with HDFC would not come in the way of the deal. "The rental monetization package brought only around Rs 100 to Rs 150 crore for Mallya,

The 200,000 sqft luxury hotel, Oakwood Serviced Residences, is owned by Prestige. Mallya's share of UB City is around 905,000 sqft, with UB Tower alone being 300,000 sqft high and one of the tallest buildings in city as of date, houses all the UB Group companies corporate offices, which include United Breweries, United Sprits, Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers, and UB holdings. Some of the other big corporate names occupying the office space in UB City include 3M, Apple, Citibank, Ernst & Young, Kawasaki and Yahoo! Blackstone declined to comment while queries to a senior KKR

which can be paid off with the money got from the sale and lease back model he plans to do now," said the source. PE investors like Blackstone have been on the prowl to buy out rent-yielding office space assets. The risk investors, who have shied away from typical PE investments in broader realty market, find office space a safer bet. Blackstone clinched two IT park deals recently in Bangalore and Pune.

Shahberi farmers plans their own township

armers in Shahberi, Noida, have proposed to build a township on their land. Shahberi was the first village in the proposed realty hub of Noida Extension where a court quashed acquisition. This prompted other villages to seek their land back, giving tensions to thousands of homebuyers. A group of farmers have submitted to the district magistrate (DM) "a letter of intent and a proposal for development of an integrated township by the village community of Shahberi." The DM has forwarded the letter, which seeks permission and guidance to build the township, to the Greater Noida authority.

Since the Supreme Court in July last year quashed the acquisition of 161.531 hectares, the land has been returned to farmers. Most of the 6,500 buyers who had booked flats have been either relocated or refunded. The village is a mess with dusty roads and concrete pillars of unfinished apartments greeting visitors. Farmers say the land is no more viable for agriculture because of depletion of groundwater level and soil damage caused by large-scale construction and digging. "Villagers have hired a team of researchers from a school of architecture planning to design the integrated township which will have residential, industrial and commercial spaces," said Sajid

Hussain, one of the promoters. "Construction will be carried out as per Greater Noida's master plan and building regulations. It will be an eco-friendly township. Presently we have 80 acres of land which will expand to 100 acres as more members will join us," he said. "There will be an independent waste water treatment plant and a water conservation system. We will ensure all payments to the authority as per rules and seek necessary clearances from environment, fire and other departments," he said. "As an alternative the proposed township can be developed on public private participation (PPP) model," he said.

PMC bid to get plots fails to yield results

he Pune Municipal Corpo ration (PMC) administration's efforts to acquire 46 state-owned plots, which are reserved for public use but face a constant threat of being encroached upon, are not yielding results. The reason, say PMC officials, is that the district collectorate has referred proposals to hand over the plots to the civic body, to its regional offices

for verification. "The PMC has been repeatedly urging the collector's office to hand over these plots to the civic body so that they can be developed for public purposes. This time, we have compiled a list of 46 such plots," said R T Shinde, PMC land acquisition officer. Shinde added that the collector's office did not respond to the PMC's request for a long

time, and has now referred the proposals to respective zonal offices for verification. "We don't know if there is a need for verification. The plots have already been reserved for public use in the development plan. They can be developed by the PMC as soon as they are handed over to us," Shinde said. Resident deputy collector Anil Pawar said the PMC often sends such proposals.

Real Estate Post

46 India Post

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

'SEZ making property companies rich' NEW DELHI: A Parliamentary panel has castigated the government for not establishing industries in almost half the SEZs set up since 2006 and giving the land to realtors, diverting fertile land of farmers. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce said that though land was acquired for special economic zones "but no industries have come up there; only 154 SEZs have become operational out of 389 notified". "Instead real estate business has become prosperous in the guise of SEZ and the rich fertile land of farmers were being diverted without bringing real development in terms of establishing industry or IT units," the Committee said in its report tabled in Parliament. Asking the government to "check such a trend which defeat the objective of industrialization and higher exports", it said such decisions also "deny the country of scarce cultivable land resources and impoverish the farmers". Such a practice belies the employment opportunities for the people who were promised so while acquiring their land, it added. It also raised concern over the denotification of special economic zones (SEZs), which is seen as a reflection of policy deficit in guiding the SEZs. The Committee, headed by Shanta Kumar, noted that from

December 2008 and till March 15, 2012, the Board of Approval on SEZ has approved 46 cases of denotification. It asked the Department of Commerce to tighten the norms so that only genuine cases can get the approval. The reasons for denotification ranges from economic slowdown, poor market response and imposition of Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) on SEZs, among others.

The reasons for denotification ranges from economic slowdown, poor market response and imposition of Minimum Alternate Tax The requests for denotification considered by the BoA include those of DLF Ltd, Maytas Ventures SEZ Ltd, Essar SEZ Hazira Ltd, Unitech Infopark, Bata India, JSL Ltd and Satyam Computer Services. The Committee recommended the government to check such a trend which defeats the objective of higher industrialization and exports. During 2011-12 fiscal, exports from SEZs grew by 15 per cent year-on-year to Rs 3.6 lakh crore.

BJP seeks probe into Haryana land acquisition CHANDIGARH: Terming the observations made by the Supreme Court against the land acquisition for the Pinjore-Kalka urban complex as a mirror shown to the Haryana government, the BJP has sought a judicial probe by a sitting judge or division of Apex court to probe land acquisition taken place during Hooda regime. Interacting with media persons here, Ratan Lal Kataria, the party spokesman and former MP categorically demanded white paper on the land acquisition. Accompanied by senior state leaders who included Gian Chand Gupta and B B Singhal, Kataria also asked the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi to come out with their stand. "Despite the fact that the Haryana government has been snubbed by the Punjab and Haryana high court as well as the Supreme Court, Sonia Gandhi, as

well as Rahul Gandhi continue to pat chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda for its land acquisition policy. We are confused as who is right - Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi or the Apex court

The BJP has sought a judicial probe by a sitting judge or division of Apex court to probe land acquisition taken place during Hooda regime which has brought the real facts to light," he said. Kataria was referring to the SC observation on land acquired by HUDA for carving out 33 sectors of Pinjore-Kalka urban complex. A major chunk of the acquired land is released to private builders, it is alleged.

Low-cost houses for Mumbai mill workers MUMBAI: As Maharashtra turned 52, the government said it would provide low-cost housing to mill workers and free houses to kin of mill workers who died during struggle for a state for Marathispeaking people. "The government has decided to provide 6,948 houses to mill workers at reduced and affordable rates, at Rs.7,50,000 in multi-storeyed buildings. The government will also give free houses to the survivors of the mill workers who lost their lives in the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement," Governor K. Sankaranarayanan said at a function held to mark the state's 52nd anniversary here. He spoke about the government's initiatives and said the drought in the state was being tackled on war footing.

the governor said the state soon would have national investment and manufacturing zones, a youth and sports policy and a sports university. He also spoke about the new Maharashtra Housing (Regulation

Chavan, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and other ministers attended the function. They also paid floral tributes at Hutatma Chowk, a martyrs' memorial in south Mumbai - a monument raised in memory of those

"The government has decided to provide 6,948 houses to mill workers at reduced and affordable rates, at Rs.7,50,000 in multi-storeyed buildingsâ&#x20AC;? & Development) Act, 2012. Maharashtra's 52nd anniversary coincides with the birth centenary of the state's first chief minister Y.B. Chavan and the International Labor Day or May Day. Chief Minister Prithviraj

people who died during the 1950s movement demanding that a state for Marathi-speaking people be carved out from the State of Bombay and incorporate all neighboring Marathi-speaking regions.

Land Bill may take a new shape NEW DELHI: The Land Acquisition Bill 2011, which seeks to facilitate industrialization without hurting farmers' interests, keeps many important sectors out of its purview and should be made far more inclusive to serve the stated purpose of making available land for development projects, feels majority of the members of the parliamentary standing committee concerned. Their views are likely to reflect in the panel's report, necessitating major changes in the provisions of the Bill and potentially delaying its passage, sources familiar with the committee's deliberations told FE. The standing committee on rural development looking into the provisions of the momentous Bill, is likely to table its report in the House by May 11 as scheduled, but its views could lead to a reformulation of the Bill, these sources said. Members' objections to the Bill in its present form is primarily because of the exemptions sought to be accorded to virtually 90% of projects for which land can be - or

need to be - acquired for industrial and urbanization projects under a uniform set of norms. These include highways, nuclear plants, mines, special economic zones

Members' objections to the Bill in its present form is primarily because of the exemptions sought to be accorded to virtually 90% of projects for which land can be or need to be - acquired for industrial and urbanization projects under a uniform set of norms (SEZ), etc, where there are separate laws dealing with land acquisition issues. These exemptions are detailed in sections 97, 98 and 99 of the Bill. Section 97 states that the pro-

visions of the Bill shall not be in derogation of any other law in force, which means the proposed law won't supersede the extant ones with respect to these specific sectors. As per Section 98, the Bill's provisions shall not apply to the enactments relating to land acquisition specified in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution. The Fourth Schedule encompasses 16 Acts, including the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, the Atomic Energy Act 1962, the Cantonments Act, 2006, the Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act, 1978, the National Highways Act, 1956, the SEZ Act, 2005, the Railways Act, 1989 and the Works of Defense Act, 1903. With most of the land acquisition happening in mining, power and other infrastructure sectors, even Congress members, including former Panchayati Raj minister Mani Shankar Aiyer have a problem with the exclusions that the Bill allows.

Residents move apex court over property tax

section of residents group - who live in private de velopers' areas - has approached the Supreme Court against the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) for slapping house taxes on them. These irate residents have been paying maintenance charges to their respective developers ever since these townships such as DLF City, Sushant Lok, Southcity and others came into being in 1980's.

Ironically though, these townships had come under the jurisdiction of the MCG in 2008 (when it was constituted). But the MCG did not carry out any work here as these localities were never transferred to it. MCG's civic works continue to be restricted to old municipal limits of Gurgaon only. "The MCG can collect property taxes from the residents who live in areas where the corporation

carry out maintenance work. In our areas, the MCG is not doing any maintenance work at all," said president of Essel Tower residents' welfare association (RWA) Rajiv Lamba. The Supreme Court has admitted the special leave petition of the Gurgaon Citizens' Council. The case may be heard sometime in May. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has sent a notice to the MCG in this regard.

May 11, 2012

Classifieds

India Post 47

www.indiapost.com

NEWS on your desktop www.indiapost.com

www.indiapost.com

Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted in the office of the GSA-Purchasing Department, County of Alameda, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 907, Oakland, CA 94612 NETWORKING BIDDERS CONFERENCES for RFQ #900876 for Truck-Mounted Aerial Device North County - Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 10:00 a.m. at General Services Agency, Room 222, 2nd Floor, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CA and South County - Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 2:00 p.m. at Public Works Agency, Conference Room, 4825 Gleason Drive, Dublin, CA Responses Due by 2:00 pm on June 15, 2012 County Contact : Jeff Thomas (510) 208-9613 or via email: jeff.thomas@acgov.org Attendance at Networking Conference is Non-mandatory. Specifications regarding the above may be obtained at the Alameda County GSA Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org. 5/11/12 CNS-2303862#

Philosophy

India Post

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis ADI SANKARACHARYA

ust as the fire is the direct cause for cooking, so with out Knowledge no emancipation can be had. Compared with all other forms of discipline Knowledge of the Self is the one direct means for liberation. Action cannot destroy ignorance, for it is not in conflict with or opposed to ignorance. Knowledge does verily destroy ignorance as light destroys deep darkness. The Soul appears to be finite because of ignorance. When ignorance is destroyed the Self which does not admit of any multiplicity truly reveals itself by itself: like the Sun when the clouds pass away. Constant practice of knowledge purifies the Self ('Jivatman'), stained by ignorance and then disappears itself - as the powder of the 'Katakanut' settles down after it has cleansed the muddy water. The world which is full of attachments, aversions, etc., is like a dream. It appears to be real, as long as it continues but appears to be unreal when one is awake (i.e., when true wisdom dawns). The Jagat appears to be true (Satyam) so long as Brahman, the substratum, the basis of all this creation, is not realized. It is like the illusion of silver in the motherof pearl. J KRISHNAMURTI

t is not possible to observe clearly if you have a formula, if you have ideals, if you have images, if you assume you know. You can only observe with clarity, without distortion, when there is no image at all; when you look at a cloud, to look at it without the word. Do it sometime and you will see what happens when you look at something, a cloud, without a single word, or look at your wife or your husband or your friend without the image which you have built during 30 or 40 years or 10 days; just to observe. In observation there is direct relationship, but when you have an image about her or him you are not in relationship. Surely, love is that relationship in which there is no image. So the question is, is it possible to observe oneself and the world without any distortion, without any symbol, without any formula? If you can observe it that way, then you will find action is immediate, because such observation implies that there is no division between the observer and the observed; then you are directly in relationship. To look at a tree without the botanical knowledge, with-

Like bubbles in the water, the worlds rise, exist and dissolve in the Supreme Self, which is the material cause and the prop of everything. All the manifested world of things and beings are projected by imagination upon the substratum which is the Eternal All-pervading Vishnu, whose nature is ExistenceIntelligence; just as the different ornaments are all made out of the

different conditionings (Upadhis) such ideas as caste, color and position are super-imposed upon the Atman, as flavor, color, etc., are super-imposed on water. Determined for each individual by his own past actions and made up of the Five elements - that have gone through the process of "fivefold self-division and mutual combination" (Pancheekarana) - are born the gross-body, the medium

Body. Know for certain that the Atman is other than these three conditioning bodies (Upadhis). In its identification with the five-sheaths the Immaculate Atman appears to have borrowed their qualities upon Itself; as in the case of a crystal which appears to gather unto itself color of its vicinity (blue cloth, etc.,). Through discriminative selfanalysis and logical thinking one

The Atman shines only in the intellect

Adi Sankaracharya

Constant practice of knowledge purifies the Self ('Jivatman'), stained by ignorance and then disappears itself - as the powder of the 'Kataka-nut' settles down after it has cleansed the muddy water

same gold. The All-pervading Akasa appears to be diverse on account of its association with various conditionings (Upadhis) which are different from each other. Space becomes one on the destruction of these limiting adjuncts: So also the Omnipresent Truth appears to be diverse on account of its association with the various Upadhis and becomes one on the destruction of these Upadhis. Because of Its association with

through which pleasure and pain are experienced, the tent-of-experiences. The five Pranas, the ten organs and the Manas and the Buddhi, formed from the rudimentary elements (Tanmatras) before their "five-fold division and mutual combination with one another" (Pancheekarana) and this is the subtle body, the instruments-ofexperience (of the individual). Avidya which is indescribable and beginningless is the Causal

should separate the Pure self within from the sheaths as one separates the rice from the husk, bran, etc., that are covering it. The Atman does not shine in everything although He is All-pervading. He is manifest only in the inner equipment, the intellect (Buddhi): just as the reflection in a clean mirror. Excerpted from Atma Bodha The 1224th birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya will be observed on May 8

out the word, then, what takes place? The word, the knowledge about that tree, separates you from the tree. There is a distance, not only physical but psychological distance, and when the psychological distance disappears there is no identity with the tree but complete cessation of

so extraordinarily simple if we know how to look at them, if we know how to look at the problem, whether there is God or not, whether there is truth or not, to understand the problem of death, the problem of life, love, to be able to look without the image - which means to look without fear. We can go into this question of fear later

formula, the concept, the ideal. Therefore, self knowing, knowing oneself as one is, is the beginning of wisdom. It cannot possibly be bought in books. One has to observe oneself, not by analysing, but observing oneself in relationship. In relationship all your reactions come out, your antagonisms, your

Love is relationship where there is no image Our human problems are so complex, yet so extraordinarily simple if we know how to look at them, if we know how to look at the problem, which means to look without fear this distance. After all, that is love, isn't it? When you say to somebody `I love you', what does it mean? Is it your loving the image that you have built about her or him? All the troubles, all the misery, jealousies, irritations, pleasure - sexual and otherwise - is that what you call love? What we are saying is our human problems are so complex, yet

because most human minds, consciously as well as unconsciously, are frightened. We are frightened human beings. Out of that fear we do the most extraordinary things, cruel, brutal, aggressive things. To look with eyes that are not confused; and there will be confusion when there is the division between the observer and the observed, and this division takes place when there is the image, the

Whether the body perishes now or lasts the age of moon and stars, what matters it to me having Consciousness alone as my body? What matters it to the sky in the pot, whether it (the pot) is destroyed now or exists for a long time. - Varaha Upanishad The mind that is attached to sense-objects leads to bondage, while dissociated from senseobjects it tends to lead to liberation. - Amrita-Bindu Upanishad The Self that is subtler than the subtle and greater than the great is seated in the heart of every creature. - Katha Upanishad Dissolve the self in the supreme Self as the potspace is dissolved in infinite space; then, as the Infinite be silent for ever, O sage! - Adhyatma Upanishad He who perceives all beings in the Self alone, and the Self in all beings, does not entertain any hatred on account of that perception. -Isavasya Upanishad

J Krishnamurti

fears, your anxieties, your bitterness, your loneliness. We must lay the foundation and to lay the foundation one must observe one's life, daily, without any distortion. Excerpted from 1st Public Talk, Sydney, 21st November 1970 The 108th birth anniversary of J Krishnamurti will be observed on May 8

Being first in a state of changelessness and then thoroughly forgetting (even) that state owing to the cognition of the (true) nature of Brahman (infinite consciousness) - this is called Samadhi. - Tejo-Bindu Upanishad

You Insure all your Valuables, all are replaceable except YOU! So Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

Edit Page

May 11, 2012

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Gyari incident can prove turning point on Siachin ALI AHMED

eneral Kayani has finally got it right. Speaking to reporters, he said, "Peaceful coexistence between the two neighbors is very important so that everybody can concentrate on the well-being of the people." The somber setting for this wise statement was Gyari, the unfortunate snowy grave of 138 of his comrades. It is worth pondering if his observations are restricted to the circumstance at hand or have wider implications. From the point of view of resolving Siachen, there can be no doubt that the Gyari incident has potential to prove a turning point, especially since the diplomatic spadework has already been extensive. As for the wider import, here too it can prove portentous, but only if India was to seize the moment. With respect to Siachen, it is fairly evident that with expanding military budgets, an ongoing ceasefire and the standard operating procedures streamlined, India is perfectly at ease with the status quo. The opportunities for challenging soldiering having diminished with counter-insurgency at low ebb across the country, Siachen, with its better amenities, provides an outlet for soldierly ambition. It also serves to condition Indians to high altitudes, preparing in a sense for a prospective Tibetan battlefield. It also gives the military a self-image boost, public information advantages and helps it in bureaucratic fights. Contrast this with the Pakistani approach. Gyari has driven home to Pakistan the futility of Operation Ababeel. While earlier Pakistan had reckoned to tie India down in holding on to Siachen, thereby tying down India's spending and troops, the effort over time has proven counter-productive. With Pakistan pressured on multiple fronts, it cannot afford to expend its slimmer resource cake in terms of both money and manpower on avoidable tasks. Since Pakistan can be complacent that the Siachen approach is not militarily feasible for India to exploit, it can easily consider realigning its defenses there. The monies saved can then be used for development. There will be no challenge to this position since Mian Nawaz Sharif, the opposition leader, also arrived at the same conclusion on his earlier visit to Gyari. This explains a minimalist reading of Kayani's observations. That resolving Siachen can serve as a bridgehead in unlock-

ing the Indo-Pak status quo is widely acknowledged. This is why the two countries have come close to resolving the issue at least thrice since 1989. An agreement on the creation of a peace park in the area would make the visit of Dr Manmohan Singh to Pakistan useful, but not complete. For the visit to be worthy as a turning point, Kayani needs to be held to his words: "Ultimately the security of a country is not only that you secure boundaries and

men. An integrated check post has come up at Attari. The negative list is to be shortened by Pakistan. India has rightly held out the carrot. Even so, the debate in India would be on whether Kayani can be trusted. After all, he was at the helm of the Army during 26/11 and was once ISI chief. Unless this question is satisfactorily answered, India would not be able to prevail on its own Pakistan skeptics.

India Post Kalam on corruption

Pakistani soldiers use heavy machinery to dig through the snow at the site of an avalanche in Gyari sector near the Siachin glacier April 18.

borders but it is when people that live in the country feel happy, their needs are being met. Only in that case will a country be truly safe." That Pakistani people will 'feel happy' if development is furthered is unexceptionable. India is criti-

The debate in India would be on whether Kayani can be trusted. After all, he was at the helm of the Army during 26/ 11 and was once ISI chief. Unless this question is satisfactorily answered, India would not be able to prevail on its own Pakistan skeptics cal to this aspiration since its economy has been described as a 'rising tide that can lift all boats'. The movement in relations between the two states pursuant to the first round of talks since 26/11 has been most purposeful on the commercial front. The visa regime is set to relax its rules for business-

The Kayani statement lends weight to the understanding of the Zardari visit that the Pakistani Army, that makes Pakistan's India policy, is on board. This reinforces Dr Manmohan Singh's impression from his meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, Mr. Gilani, at the SAARC summit in Male, that, "The sense I got was that after a long time, Pakistan's armed forces are fully on board." The situation now is therefore one of exercise of political will by India's Prime Minister, known for his intention to 'write a new chapter' in India-Pakistan relations. Low hanging fruit in the form of operationalizing his idea of a peace park dating to 2006 must be seized. This would require getting India's own army hierarchy alongside in principle. Once Kayani exhibits he means business by following through on the detail, the Prime Minister can venture boldly for a broad-front approach. Both sides would require working on their respective skeptics. This means that the multi-sectoral peace lobbies of both states need to get into high gear over the summer. The writer is Assistant Professor, Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Jamia Millia Islamia. Courtesy IPCS

s the exercise for choosing the next President of India hots up, the NDA has once again thrown the hat of former President A P J Abdul Kalam in the ring, of course, without consulting him. At the end of his last innings in Rashtrapati Bhawan, the NDA had proposed a second innings for him but he declined on the grounds that he would accept only if there was a consensus on his name. Since a consensus is again not likely on his name this time also, the move would remain a non-starter and clearly he is not a serious contender. But as an ex-president and a popular scientist statesman his views merit consideration, particularly on the issue of the day - corruption. If the issue had gained prominence during his presidency, how would he have reacted to it? And how does he view the widespread corruption in society today and the public crusade against it? Clearly his views are at variance with the template of the debate on corruption now being carried out in social circles and the media. Queried on Anna Hazare's Jan Lokpal Bill at a recent meeting in Jharkhand, he said to root out corruption one needs to look inwards, as the Bill can only lead to jail terms for the corrupt. The Lokpal can arrest a corrupt person and put him behind the bars, "but for me a way out lies in preventing corruption by ensuring that people take to the path of righteousness." Kalam asked students to deter their parents from indulging in any act of corruption. What importance is being given to his views in this debate is clear from the fact that the report about this meeting has appeared on the Indian Express website but finds no place in the printed paper - not even in the inside pages. And the brief report doesn't elaborate on what he means when he says "one needs to look inwards" in order to remove corruption. Does he expect the politicians or the builder-contractor nexus to look "inwards?" Would the profitfirst business people choose to look inwards? The bureaucrats could put their jobs on the line if they decided to "look inwards" before obeying an order. If the parents did not pay a bribe their water, electricity connection could be cut. What Kalam is advocating is an alert citizenry. Everybody, in a cool moment, knows what is right and what is wrong. An average citizen today prefers to do a little "wrong" so that her daily life is not disrupted. The things that she has priority for are not sacrificed. She has to make a choice - a normal life or become a crusader like Kiran Bedi! Looking inwards is not perhaps the fortune of the majority. And even if one attempts to "look inwards," how does one do so in the case of corruption? A sample of such looking is provided by the philosopher J Krishnamurti, whose birthday is being celebrated this month. In the coffee table book 'The Kitchen Chronicles: Lunches with J. Krishnamurti' by his cook, Michael Krohnen, the philosopher is said to be focusing on the question, "Sirs, why am I corrupt?" The question offends some of those present at the lunch table. But he refuses to discuss who is corrupt and why is so and so corrupt. Again and again during the debate, he brings everyone back to the question, "Sirs, why am I corrupt?" The conclusion of this debate is as fascinating as the question. But how he takes one step by step into this probing can only be learnt by the whole argument presented in the book.

50 India Post

www.indiapost.com

May 11, 2012

www.indiapost.com

India Post 51

52 India Post

www.indiapost.com

May 11, 2012