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TRI-VALLEY PRESIDENT SUSAN ARRESTED Indicted for visa fraud, money laundering, alien harboring

India Post News Service

Dr. Amar Bose

May 13, 2011

NEW YORK: The president of the notorious Tri-Valley University in California has been indicted by a federal grand jury on 33-criminal counts, charging her with an array of violations, including visa fraud, money laundering and alien harboring that affected more than 1500 Indian students. The charges were the result of a twoyear investigation by US Immigration and

Susan Xiao-Ping Su

Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Tri-Valley University President Susan Xiao-Ping Su, 41, who also served as the school's chief executive officer, is accused of engaging in a two-year scheme to defraud the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by submitting phony documents in support of Tri-Valley University's applications to admit foreign nationals on student visas. Details on page 6

Details on page 34

Neeli Bendapudi

Indian American is Dean of KU Business School Details on page 7

Osama: No surprise for Indian Americans Details on page 8

Texas lawmaker introduces bill to freeze aid to Pak Details on page 8

7 Indians among fastest 50 businesswomen

DoL releases $240m for H-1B technical skills

Details on page 34 Details on page 43

Indian origin businesses earned $150 bn

Fans vote for another season of ‘Outsourced’

Details on page 35 Details on page 37

Australia to hire Indians to plug skills shortage

CONTENTS FRIENDS OF OSAMA: Activists of Pakistani Jamaat-ud-Dawa chant slogans during funeral prayers for Osama bin Laden on a street in Karachi on May 3. Hundreds of people offered special prayers for Osama bin Laden in the populous Pakistani city of Karachi, where the organizers declared the Al-Qaeda chief as a martyr, police said

Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 10-21

Details on page 6

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

Tri-Valley, not students, should be blamed Last week’s result

Roemer tenure was good for India, US ties? YES 80%

NO 20%

Date Book -------------------------- 23

AZ Gov vetoes Bill to remove Balbir name

Edit Page --------------------------- 49

India Post News Service

Immigration Post ------------- 43-46

PHOENIX, AZ: On Friday April 29, Governor of Arizona, Jan Brewer invited the family of Balbir Singh Sodhi, America’s first backlash hate-crime after 9/11, to her office and vetoed House Bill # 2230 in their presence which would have removed Balbir Singh Sodhi’s name from the Arizona

September 11, 2001 Commemorative Monument marking the tragedy of 9/11, honoring victims and aftermath. Balbir Singh Sodhi was shot five times on September 15, 2001 in Mesa, Arizona in an apparent hate violence related to the tragedy of 9/11. Brewer regretted the legislation and she expressed her deepest condolences to the Sodhi family. Details on page 18

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

HealthScience Post --------- 40-42 Horoscope ------------------------- 22

Life Style ----------------------- 37-39 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 30-31 TechBiz Post ------------------- 34-36 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 27-29

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uch as I was relieved that the world has been rid of an avatar of evil in the form of Osama bin Laden the political critic in me couldn't help noticing President Obama's "I-Did-It" speech that was aimed at ensuring his second term in office. Ah, let him have his moment in taking credit while experts and lay persons alike bust their heads with questions over the official version of an operation that's springing more holes than Swiss cheese. Taken at face value, the domestic brownie points that Obama wins through this extraordinary operation are nothing compared to the likely upheavals it will have in Pakistan and elsewhere among terror groups. I wouldn't want to be in the shoes of any Pakistani today. It's the sheer embarrassment of having to live under the kind of leadership they have. But the incompetent and imprudent leadership of that country is shot from all sides now. It is facing the wrath of Americans who believe it has knowingly harbored bin Laden on its soil all these years after being fed with billions of American aid dollars; the wrath of the al Qaeda and Taliban which hold Pakistan responsible for 'handing over' bin Laden to the US; and the wrath of its own people, who are shocked that bin Laden had been in their midst while their leaders vehemently denied it all along, and the brazen way in which the US attacked and killed bin Laden purportedly without the knowledge of the Pak leadership. The world would perhaps sympathize with Pakistani people if they finally awaken and revolt against their army, the ISI and the government in general but not if they succumb to extremist pressure and rise against the US simply for violating their space. On another note, a purported will left by bin Laden reveals that he did not want his children to join the al Qaeda or go on the path he had chosen. If this does not awaken the thousands of misguided youth and culpable parents who are inspired by Osama's ideology, then nothing will.

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Leaner, fitter Yash Raj Films has asked Anushka to get leaner and toned before shooting for her next film Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl.

Cover Story: Susan indicted The president of the notorious Tri-Valley University in California has been indicted by a federal grand jury on 33-criminal counts.

Community: Justice done

Community members feel that long awaited justice has been done and Osama’s end would send a message to all terrorists.

Health: Obama’s promise Obama has promised graduates that he'll keep working to help undocumented immigrants become American citizens.

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May 13, 2011

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Tri-Valley president Susan arrested Indicted for visa fraud, money laundering, alien harboring India Post News Service

ecutive officer, is accused of engaging in a two-year scheme to defraud the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by submitting phony documents in support of Tri-Valley University's applications to admit foreign nationals on student visas. The indictment further alleges that after obtaining

Tri-Valley University

harboring that affected more than 1500 Indian students. The charges were the result of a two-year investigation by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Tri-Valley University President Susan Xiao-Ping Su, 41, who also served as the school's chief ex-

such approvals, Su fraudulently issued visa-related documents to student aliens in exchange for "tuition and fees." Su was taken into custody the morning of May 2 at her Pleasanton, California home by HSI special agents. She made her initial appearance in the federal court in Oakland shortly after her

arrest. In carrying out the scheme, Su is accused of making multiple false representations to DHS through Tri-Valley University's use of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which the US government uses to monitor the "F-1" student visa program. Through her false representations, Su was able to unlawfully obtain and issue F-1 visa-related documents without regard to the students' academic qualifications or intent to pursue a course of study required to maintain a lawful immigration status. According to the indictment, Su admitted and maintained foreign students in exchange for tuition and other payments. In furtherance of the F-1 visa scheme, Su also allegedly harbored multiple Tri-Valley University student-employees to assist her in making the false representations to SEVIS. The indictment further alleges the defendant engaged in multiple money laundering transactions totaling more than $3.2 million using proceeds she derived from the visa fraud scheme. "Today's indictment alleges a visa fraud scheme through which the defendant accrued millions of dollars and took advantage of

Australia plans to hire Indians to plug skills shortage MELBOURNE: Up to 30,000 Australia-trained Indian graduates could be recruited to help deal with a skills shortage that threatens to severely impact this country's booming resources sector. Officials of the two sides have initiated discussions with tertiary institutions and training bodies in both nations about opening up this country's training system, according to business daily 'Australian Financial Review' Under the plan, as many as 100,000 Indians would be trained, with up to 30,000 Australia-trained graduates to be recruited locally. The paper said India prompted the initiative after a realization that it needs about one million skilled workers to develop its own mining industries. Demand for the Indian graduates will rely on the demands of mining companies, which have also been involved in discussions with officials from both countries.

Australia's senior trade official in India, Peter Linford, told the daily that the skills training program offered huge opportunities for education and industry. Linford said Austrade was working with the mining sector and India's skills development

A Skills Australia report earlier this week said Australia would need 2.4 million extra skilled workers in the next four years to meet the demands of the mining boom group on the scheme which could become a model for other industries in other countries. Indian trainees would be

trained to Australian standards and employed on the same conditions as Australians. They would be subject to existing immigration rules. A Skills Australia report earlier this week said Australia would need 2.4 million extra skilled workers in the next four years to meet the demands of the mining boom. Treasurer Wayne Swan said the government's priority was to train Australians first and foremost for jobs but skilled migrants would be needed. "What the government is going to do is train Australians. We're going to make sure that Australians can participate in the benefits of the boom," Swan was quoted by the Australian Associated Press as saying. "There are some concentrations of inter-generational or welfare dependants in parts of the country that we need to deal with, we need to help those people back into the workforce." -PTI

others' eagerness to come to the United States," said United States Attorney Melinda Haag. "My office remains committed to working closely with ICE Homeland Security Investigations to iden-

In furtherance of the F-1 visa scheme, Su also allegedly harbored multiple TriValley University student-employees to assist her in making the false representations to SEVIS tify and prosecute those who undermine the integrity of this country's immigration laws through fraud and for personal enrichment."

The 33 counts contained in the indictment carry maximum penalties ranging from one to 20 years imprisonment. The charges include wire fraud; mail fraud; visa fraud and conspiracy to commit visa fraud; use of a false document; making false statements to a government agency; alien harboring; unauthorized access to a government computer and money laundering. Federal agents had shut down the university in January following investigations, resulting in over 1,500 students, a majority of them from India more particularly from Andhra Pradesh state - not only losing their academic year and visa status but some of them facing detention and deportation. A number of these students have already returned to India, while some are awaiting admission to other universities in the US. Several, however, are still under investigation and an uncertain future.

US will carry out Abbottabadtype attacks 'if needed' WASHINGTON: Brushing and an "unauthorized unilateral aside Pakistan's protests, Presi- action". Carney also noted that dent Barack Obama has made it the covert operation against clear that the US will again carry Osama was "very successful". out special operations in that The Obama Administration at country like the one against the same time said the al Qaeda Osama bin Laden if necessary to leader would have been taken target high profile terrorists. alive had he surrendered to the Obama's views on the subject US commandos but maintained were enunciated by White House that its covert operation in Press Secretary Jay Carney when Abbottabad deep inside Pakistan he was asked at a news confer- on Sunday to kill him was conence whether the US reserves the ducted in a manner "fully consisright, as the President had said back earlier, to go and enter Pakistani Carney said the US believes territory and act against that the 9/11 mastermind was terror suspects if Pakistan will not act against brought to justice in the helicopter raid and that it is them. Carney while reply- â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;entirely appropriateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; given ing in the affirmative to the question said, "Yes. the circumstances He made very clear during the campaign that that was his tent" with the laws of war. view. He was criticized for it. He Carney said the US believes maintained that was his view, and that the 9/11 mastermind was by the actions he has taken as brought to justice in the helicopPresident, feels that it was the right ter raid and that it is "entirely apapproach and continues to feel propriate" given the circumthat way." stances. The comments by Carney came "It's a hypothetical, but ceragainst the backdrop of Pakistan's tainly that method was very efprotestations that the helicopter fective and was entirely lawful. I raid by US commandos in certainly wouldn't want to preAbbottabad deep inside that clude the use of that method by country to kill the al Qaeda leader anything I might say from here," was violation of its sovereignty Carney said. -PTI

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Indian American named as Dean of KU Business School India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Neeli Bendapudi, a scholar of business practices and professor of marketing at Ohio State University, has been named the Henry D. Price Dean of the University Of Kansas School Of Business. Bendapudi will take over as dean on Aug 1, returning to the institution where she earned her doctorate in 1994. She was selected after a nationwide search that began in November last year. "I am extremely happy to have a national scholar and leader of the caliber of Neeli Bendapudi as the KU's next dean of business," said Jeffrey Vitter, provost and executive vice chancellor. "Neeli captivated those she met during her interviews with her ideas, academic and corporate experience and sheer energy. The search committee did a wonderful job attracting very strong finalists, and I'm delighted that we were able to bring Neeli and her husband, Venkat - both Jayhawk alums back home to Lawrence." Bendapudi has been a professor of marketing at Ohio State's Fisher College of Business since 2008. She began her time at Ohio State as an assistant professor in 1996, before becoming an associate professor in 2002. Previously, she was an assistant professor of marketing at Texas A&M University. "I am very thankful to KU lead-

ership and to the business school community for giving me the opportunity to help take my alma mater to greater heights," Bendapudi said. "My hope is to work with all the stakeholders of our School of Business to make it a great place to learn, a great place to work, a great place to partner

‘I look forward to Neeli's leadership in connecting us more strongly with the business community and ensuring the School of Business is aligned with relevant programs at KU,’ said Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little and a great place to invest. My family and I owe so much to this wonderful institution. Coming back to KU is a dream come true." Bendapudi has consulted for dozens of the world's largest companies, including Cessna, Deloitte & Touche, Procter & Gamble and Yellow Roadways. She has worked extensively with Huntington National Bank as a customer experience consultant from 2006 to 2007 and an executive vice president and chief customer of-

ficer from 2007 to 2008. She is the founder and executive director of the Initiative for Managing Services, a center within Fisher College representing a consortium of companies that partner with the college on teaching, research and outreach regarding service management. "I look forward to Neeli's leadership in connecting us more strongly with the business community and ensuring the School of Business is aligned with relevant programs at KU," said Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little. "We will undoubtedly benefit from her enthusiasm, creativity and familiarity with KU, all of which position her to ensure the long-term strength of the school." Bendapudi earned a doctorate from KU in 1994. She earned an MBA from Andhra University in India in 1985, where she also did her undergraduate work. The school consists of four academic areas - finance, economics and decision sciences; accounting and information systems; marketing, entrepreneurship and law; and management with an enrollment of more than 1,000 undergraduates, 581 master's students and 34 doctoral students. Bendapudi replaces William Fuerst, who will step down after 11 years as business dean - the longest tenure in recent years and assume a faculty role within the school.

China comes to rescue of Pak after Osama killing BEIJING: With its ally Pakistan crease its assistance to Pakistan, under attack for its failure to lo- which is it strategic ally. cate the hideout of Osama bin She also did not directly reLaden near its capital Islamabad, spond to a question on whether China strongly came to its rescue, the US was right in entering into saying the global community sovereign country to hunt terrorshould "understand and support" ists. Islamabad's anti-terrorism efforts. On China's counter-terrorism "Pakistan is at the forefront of policy, Jiang said China also sufinternational counter terrorism ef- fered from terrorism and named the forts. As for question, the inter- separatist outfit East Turkestan national community should un- movement active in Muslim derstand and support Pakistan," Uygher dominated Xingjian provChinese foreign ministry spokes- ince bordering Pakistan. person Jiang Yu said. She was replying to a question about US ‘Pakistan is at the forefront of criticism on Pakistan's international counter terrorism anti-terrorism efforts in the light of the discov- efforts. The international comery of bin Laden resid- munity should understand and ing close to a military support Pakistan,’ Chinese academy and calls for Washington's aid to foreign ministry spokesperson Islamabad. Jiang Yu said "We support Pakistan's position and understand and support Pakistan "Some terrorist forces are enformulating and implementing gaged in great many terrorist activicounter-terrorism strategy based ties for the purpose of splitting China on its national conditions," she and seriously threatens China's insaid, reiterating her stand two ternal security and regional peace days ago extending firm backing and stability," she said. for Islamabad in the face interna"Combating East Turkestan tertional criticism after Osama was rorist forces is important part of inspotted and killed by US forces in ternational counter-terrorism camAbbottabad. paign and the international comJiang said China also appreci- munity should step up coop to ated "Pakistan's active participa- fight against terrorism together," tion in international counter-ter- she said referring to the ongoing rorism efforts". movement by a section of Uyghur She, however did not reply to separatists in Xingjian seeking an a question whether China will in- independent country by the name of East Turkestan.-PTI

UAE issues 'stapled visa' for PoK people

HAIL OBAMA: Crowds gathers outside the White House in Washington early Monday, May 2, to celebrate after President Barack Obama announced the death of Osama bin Laden

ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates has begun issuing "stapled visas" to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir residents, including its "Prime Minister" Sardar Attique Ahmed, a media report said here. The practice of issuing "stapled visas" is new and previously visas were stamped as usual on the passports, the Pakistan Observer newspaper reported. PoK "Prime Minister" Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, who holds a Pakistani diplomatic passport, was issued a stapled visit visa by the UAE Embassy in Islamabad, the report said. China had sparked a diplomatic row with India last year by issuing stapled visas to residents of Jammu and Kashmir. -PTI

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Osama's Pak haven no surprise to Indian Americans SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Even as bit-bybit details of the sensational operation by an elite band of US Navy Seals in Abbottabad, Pakistan that killed Osama bin Laden are emerging, people across the world are reacting to news of the world's most wanted terrorist's death which came in the form of a dramatic announcement by President Obama from the White House on May 1. Apart from the obvious euphoria and pride among Americans, many of whom expressed it in spontaneous flash mobs outside the White House in Washington DC, and Ground Zero and Times Square in New York, others are beginning to mull over the whole gamut of events before, during and after, as facts begin to sink in. Sanjay Puri, Chairman of US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC), expressed relief at the news and said, "After the horrific attack on 9/11, Americans had to change the way they lived and viewed the rest of the world. From airport security to tourists coming to the United States, everything changed. But one thing that did not change was the resolve of the United States to deliver justice to the 9-11 victims and their families. Osama bin Laden's death was a long time coming but it has given us Americans a sense of justice done." Puri, however, adds that it was extremely disturbing to know that bin Laden was found living in luxury in plain view of Pakistan's foremost military academy, barely an hour's drive from Islamabad. "It definitely raises a lot of red flags," he said. "The Pakistan military, which is the recipient of billions of dollars of tax payer funded aid, owes the American people an explanation."

That bin Laden's end came in a compound so close to the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, where some have speculated he had been hiding and operating his terror base for several years, is emblematic of "profound intertwining "of the Pakistani military and intelligence service with terror networks, asserted Hindu American Foundation (HAF) leaders as they assessed the aftermath. "Today, a man who slaughtered thousands of innocent Americans was brought to justice despite being harbored in the heartland of Pakistan, but the war on terror is far from over," said Suhag A. Shukla, Esq., HAF Managing Di-

‘One thing that did not change was the resolve of the United States to deliver justice to the 9-11 victims and their families. Osama bin Laden's death was a long time coming but it has given us Americans a sense of justice done’ rector and Legal Counsel. "The Pakistani military that has institutionalized terror as a proxy war weapon, stands exposed despite dubious assertions to the contrary, of its close relationships with al Qaeda and the Taliban. The real test for the global community is whether it is brave enough to call out and expose Pakistan's double game." For Shruti Sheth, an IT Consultant from South Brunswick, NJ, it was a "where were you when you heard it" kind of moment, especially since she hasn't forgotten exactly where she was when she heard of the 9/11 attacks on

World Trade Center buildings. Both days are equally poignant for Shruti, though this Sunday night as she casually surfed the television channels one last time before retiring to bed, she chanced upon President Obama making the announcement about bin Laden's death, she remembers spontaneously jumping up and turning up the volume to ensure she was seeing and hearing right. "I couldn't believe it. Cynical that we tend to be about these things, I never did believe anyone would ever catch bin Laden dead or alive. He was almost mythical and I thought the truth about him would forever remain a political cover up whether from the Pakistani side or the US side," she said." "Back home, my friends and I would always joke about bin Laden," said Yogesh Naik, a Jersey City resident and a relatively recent immigrant to the US. "We would say, for all you know bin Laden could be enjoying the royal hospitality of the Pakistani President or that he could be freely roaming the streets of Washington DC, in an a obvious slight to American intelligence. We were not too off the mark on the Pakistani assumption though," he says tongue-in-cheek. Indeed, for Indians, who have borne the brunt of the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI's vicious machinations and Pakistani government's dubious actions over the years, the finding of bin Laden on Pak soil comes hardly as a surprise. Vicariously, Yogesh says, "I'm glad the US did not involve Pakistan in its covert operation. It's a slap on Pakistan's face." For Ravi Ponnuru, who works in a financial firm in Lower Manhattan, the existence of bin Laden was a daily reminder as he passed by Ground Zero everyday on way to work. Taking a ringside view of

the whole US-Pakistan equation now, he says, "I wonder how that will play out. It would be a travesty of justice - and common sense - if the US continues to give monetary and military aid to Pakistan. I wonder if Pakistan government will start acting up with the US in order to save its face before its own people." "I was watching some ordinary Pakistani people being interviewed on TV, and I felt sorry for them," Ravi continued. "For all the murky dealings of their government and that horrible ISI, somehow I felt the ordinary citizens of that country do not deserve the global embarrassment they have

‘Killing Osama is like dumping just another bag of trash in a landfill. He will continue to raise a stink for as long as his ideology has followers,’ Pinaki Chatterjee, a content developer in New York City sounded a somewhat damp but cautionary note to suffer today." On a different take, for the unilateral action that the US government has taken of killing an "enemy" on a foreign soil, Tania Singh, a New York attorney says the US should be as proactive in acting on the perpetrators of the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, who are on trial in the US. "The whole exercise of some Indian authorities being allowed to interrogate David Headley, if you remember, was such a sham. India has issued an arrest warrant for Headley following the interrogation, but they can never get the US to extradite him though he has confessed to

his involvement in the Mumbai attacks. India should act smart now to pressure the US to not only take full and just action against this American accused in the 26/11 attacks, but also to get Pakistan to cooperate with India in bringing those involved to justice." The US, Tania added, "cannot have one policy for the protection of its citizens and another for the people of other countries." "It would be interesting to see how the US justifies its continued presence in Afghanistan to Afghans, to Americans and to the Arab world at large. President Obama had better come up with an exit strategy from Afghanistan soon before he loses the brownie points he won for his "daring" executive order to take out bin Laden," Tania said. "Killing Osama is like dumping just another bag of trash in a landfill. He will continue to raise a stink for as long as his ideology has followers," Pinaki Chatterjee, a content developer in New York City sounded a somewhat damp but cautionary note. "So, let us not assume the world is any safer just because bin Laden is dead." Pinaki is also not content with the day-by-day revelations that are "officially" being fed to the media by the government, as he calls it. Spinning conspiracy theories, he says, "We might never really know what role Pakistan or ISI played in all this, whether they knew about Osama's presence in Pakistan, whether they knowingly harbored him, whether they were involved in the final operation or were really in the dark about the US action. We will also never know if Pakistan knowingly "gave up" Osama to the US in some tacit understanding or deal…" Hopefully, Pinaki says, WikiLeaks will come out with the truth soon.

Texas lawmaker introduces bill to freeze US aid to Pakistan India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Republican Congressman from Texas, Ted Poe has introduced a bill May 3 to freeze American aid to Pakistan until it can demonstrate that it had no knowledge of Osama Bin Laden's whereabouts. Congressman Poe introduced the Pakistan Foreign Aid Accountability Act, which will prohibit any foreign aid from being sent to Pakistan until it can demonstrate that it had no knowledge of Osama Bin

Laden's whereabouts. This legislation would require the US State Department to certify to Congress that Pakistan was not providing a sanctuary for the world's most wanted terrorist. "Pakistan has a lot of explaining to do. It seems unimaginable that Osama Bin Laden was living 1,000 yards away from a military base in a million dollar mansion built especially for him and no one in the Pakistani government knew about it. I don't buy it," said Rep. Poe. "Congress has already appropriated $3 billion to Pakistan for

‘Pakistan has a lot of explaining to do. It seems unimaginable that Osama Bin Laden was living 1,000 yards away from a military base in a million dollar mansion built especially for him and no one in the Pakistani government knew about it.’

this year. Unless the State Department can certify to Congress that Pakistan was not harboring America's number one enemy, Pakistan should not receive one more cent of American aid. This is exactly why we need to reevaluate the foreign aid that we send to countries that do not have America's best interest in mind." In March, Congressman Poe introduced the Foreign Aid Accountability Act (H. Res 173), which would amend the rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit the consideration of any bill or joint resolution that appro-

priates foreign assistance for more than one country. It would change the rules so that members of Congress vote on each country - one at a time. Congressman Poe serves on the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees. He is the vice chair of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations as well as the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade. Congressman Poe also serves on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security.

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American Muslims thank Obama for Osama death India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Muslim organizations across the United States have thanked President Barack Obama for being instrumental in the demise of global terrorist Osama bin Laden. The American Society for Muslim Advancement in a statement said, "Today, we speak not as Muslims, and not even as Americans. We speak as human beings who are committed to democracy, and the rule of law. The attack on the twin towers was carried out in the name of religion and was an affront on the human condition. As president Obama reminded us,

usher in an era of peace and tranquility for us all," it said. In the same vein, the Muslim Public Affairs Council greeted the news of the death of Osama bin Laden with an immense sense of relief. "This is a time when our country must stand together, and turn the page on a decade of terror led by bin Laden and Al-Qaeda. MPAC also commends the service of President Obama and his national security team, who have made bringing bin Laden to justice a top priority," it said its statement. "We hope this is a turning point away from the dark period of the last decade, in which bin

In light of the widespread democratic protests sweeping the Middle East which have demonstrated the power and effectiveness of peaceful protests to enact political change and realize the aspirations of the people, bin Laden and AlQaeda's pro-violence messages have been exposed as bankrupt and misguided, the MPAC added this terrorist was not a Muslim leader and did not represent Islam. He caused many to question the fundamental core beliefs we hold dear: love of one's fellow neighbor, respect for others' ways of life, and mutual dialogue and understanding." "We are heartened that the human condition has triumphed over this attack. Despite continued challenges, the world has come together and billions of people of different nations, races and beliefs embraced one another in the common bonds of humanity. Today, we stand with these same voices and hope that the demise of this global terrorist will

Laden symbolized the evil face of global terrorism," said MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati. "His actions and those of Al-Qaeda have violated the sacred Islamic teachings upholding the sanctity of all human life. His acts of senseless terror have been met with moral outrage by Muslims worldwide at every turn in the past decade," the MPAC said. "We support President Obama's statement that bin Laden was 'not a Muslim leader, he was a mass murderer of Muslims," said MPAC Senior Adviser Dr. Maher Hathout. "We stand together with all Americans and all peace-loving people around the world in

remaining vigilant against any and all threats against our country." In light of the widespread democratic protests sweeping the Middle East which have demonstrated the power and effectiveness of peaceful protests to enact political change and realize the aspirations of the people, bin Laden and Al-Qaeda's pro-violence messages have been exposed as bankrupt and misguided, the MPAC added. The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) said it joins all Americans in thanking President Obama for fulfilling his promise to bring Osama Bin Laden, leader of al-Qaeda, and perpetrator of the 9/ 11 attacks, to justice. "We hope his death will bring some relief to all the families, of every faith and walk of life, who lost loved ones on 9/ 11 and in every other terrorist attack orchestrated at the hands of Osama Bin Laden," it said. "Over the past decade, ISNA has stood firm on our stance that ISNA and Muslims in America condemn the actions of Bin Laden on 9/11 and all acts of terror at the hands of Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and all others who spread fear and hate through violence. We have repeatedly condemned the calls of Bin Laden and others like him for mass bloodshed and the attacking of innocent lives across the world. "ISNA joins President Obama and prays that as the nation continues to heal from the devastation inflicted upon them at the hands of Bin Laden, we will turn to each other today, united, and emerge tomorrow with an even stronger resolve to take every action necessary to protect the precious ideals of our nation that Bin Laden attempted to destroy on 9/ 11: peace, tolerance, respect, and freedom for all," said ISNA Presi-

Pak needs to answer questions: USINPAC India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Following the death of Osama bin Laden at the hands of US Special Forces, a lot of questions need to be answered by Pakistan about the role of its military and intelligence services in harboring the man responsible for the worst terror attacks in US history, the US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) has said. "As such, the USINPAC strongly urges Congress to conduct thorough hearings to investigate Osama Bin Laden's presence in Pakistan, its hostile role in the war in Afghanistan and to review US aid to Pakistan," the USINPAC said in a statement. Sanjay Puri, USINPAC Chairman said, "The Pakistani govern-

ment has been disturbingly silent since the operation that eliminated Bin Laden, but it needs to answer how he could live in Pakistan for five years without the knowledge of the ISI or the Pakistan Army. It is impossible to believe that Bin Laden did not have a significant support system in Pakistan. Bin Laden was living in a conspicuous luxury mansion eight times larger than neighboring buildings. That no one would have asked any questions, particularly in a culture where people are involved with their neighbors is highly improbable. That this would happen on the doorstep of Pakistan's top military academy is unimaginable. This again reaffirms the feeling that the Pakistan army and intelligence services are running with the hare

and hunting with the hounds." The United States Congress and the Obama Administration need to take a hard look at the taxpayer funded aid that is going to Pakistan. Manish Thakur, Chairman of USINPAC's National Security Committee said, "Americans across the nation are expressing serious concern about providing financial aid to a country which has been harboring the terrorist responsible for the deaths of over 3,000 innocent Americans. Ordinary Americans who are making a sacrifice in lives and treasure in the volatile Af-Pak region are not ready to buy old arguments about the US needing Pakistan for land routes to Afghanistan when it is actively supporting forces fighting our troops."

dent Imam Magid. The American Islamic Congress said: "It is a sad truth that one man's death can represent a step forward in the progress of human relations. But in the case of Osama Bin Laden, Americans take comfort that our military has at last served justice to a man who terrorized the United States, as well people of all backgrounds around the world. In fact, Bin Laden and his followers have massacred and maimed tens of thousands of Muslims. "The world may at last be free of Bin Laden, but the danger he represented has not gone away.

The ideology he embodied and promoted is still out there - and we must do everything in our power to combat it. Muslims and Muslim-Americans in particular have an important role to play in this struggle, standing up unequivocally against terrorism and for individual rights. "Bin Laden's death fittingly comes as new bursts of freedom are emerging in Muslim-majority countries around the world. Dignified nonviolent struggles against tyranny and in celebration of individuality are a powerful rebuke to the threatening forces of Bin Ladenism."

Indian American in Navy bribe case pleads guilty India Post News Service

NAVSEA, to Mariano's family members and to a Senior Vice President at ASFT. In addition, at least $1,200,000 was paid to subcontractors based on inflated invoices and funneled back to SIC, a corporation owned by DuttaGupta. In exchange for Dutta-Gupta and ASFT's kickbacks of millions of dollars from 1996 through 2011, according to court documents, Mariano took steps to ensure that ASFT received payment on invoices submitted, and that additional funds were added to existing ASFT contracts when needed. In his position as program manager, Mariano regularly instructed

NEW YORK: Anjan DuttaGupta, the founder and president of a technology services company located in Rhode Island and Georgia pleaded guilty in US District Court in Providence to bribing a public official in a kickback scheme netting more than $9 million of naval funds, it was announced by United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha late last month. Dutta-Gupta, 58, of Roswell, GA, founder and president of Advanced Solutions for Tomorrow (ASFT), pleaded guilty to paying bribes to a civilian program manager and senior systems engineer with the United States Navy's Anjan Dutta-Gupta is schedNaval Sea Systems uled to be sentenced by US Command (NAVSEA) District Court Chief Judge Mary who maintained offices in Newport, R.I and M. Lisi on December 9, 2011. Washington, D.C., and Dutta-Gupta faces up to 15 to others, to ensure years in federal prison, payment and additional and a fine of $250,000 funding to existing Naval contracts and work orders for work purportedly to be Navy contracting officers to add funding to ASFT contracts and performed at ASFT. Anjan Dutta-Gupta is sched- delivery orders. In addition, according to court uled to be sentenced by US District Court Chief Judge Mary M. documents, Mariano completed Lisi on December 9, 2011. Dutta- numerous Funding Certification Gupta faces up to 15 years in fed- forms when he added funds to the eral prison, and a fine of $250,000 ASFT contracts. Through these or three times the value of the bribe and other mechanisms, Mariano was able to utilize his position as payments - whichever is greater. According to information pre- a program manager with the sented in court and in court docu- NAVSEA to add millions of dolments, from about 1996 through lars to existing ASFT contracts. January 2011, at least $8,000,000 In exchange, defendant Duttawas paid by ASFT (largely Gupta agreed to make regular paythrough its subcontractors) to a ments to Mariano. Ralph Mariano, charged by co-defendant in this case, Ralph Mariano, 52, of Arlington, VA, a way of a Criminal Complaint with civilian program manager and se- participating in the kickback nior systems engineer with scheme, is awaiting trial.

Desi News Dignified celebration of AIA Annual Day RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The Association of Indians in America (AIA) celebrated its annual day at Ashyana Banquet Hall in Downers Grove on May 1 in the presence of 120 plus guests and members. It was not an elaborate affair but still it was a dignified one and quite enjoyable for all those present. Welcoming the guests, the second term AIA President Naren Patel mentioned that one of the oldest ethnic organizations founded in 1967 has been striving to achieve its objectives hard and the emphasis is slowly turning on involving second generation Indians more and more in its affairs. Details on page 12

Air India keeping up operations desptie strike SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Air India has scheduled to operate 106 flights on the domestic sectors per day as part of the contingency schedule, for the next few days inspsite of a section of pilots striking work and disrupting its flight operations. According to Air India sources here, this includes operation of flights by Alliance Air, additional flights operated with wide bodied B777 & B747 and Air India Express B737 aircraft, in addition to the regular Airbus flights, as against a normal operation of about 320 flights. Details on page 14

Malayalis celebrate Vishu (New Year) VINOD MENON

ST. LOUIS: Ohmkaram, a St. Louis based non-profit voluntary organization of Kerala Hindus, celebrated Vishu (Malayali New Year) in a grand manner at the Mahatma Gandhi Center in Ballwin on April 16. It was attended by nearly 100 people. Acknowledged as the first day of the zodiac almanac, Vishu is celebrated on the first day of the Medam month, based on the Malayalam calendar. Highlight of the day-long event was a packed cultural program held in the evening, consisting of prayers, songs, dances, historical and religious drama skits. Details on page 16

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Democrats rejoice victory in Cal state races Details on page 18

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May 13, 2011

Bin Laden: Good riddance but more mysterious in death! SURENDRA ULLAL, RAMESH SOPARAWALA & HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: Probably the most notorious character on the international political scene whose acts of commission and omission have impacted on all areas of human activities in recent years, Osama Bin Laden, is no more. He was mysterious during his life – born in Saudi Arabia, stationed in Afghanistan’s hilly terrain and finally “hiding” in a palatial mansion in Pakistan – but has proved now more mysterious in his death. The dead Osama is the real Osama or his duplicate? Was he armed and dangerous? Why burial in sea and not under-ground? These questions crop up and it is only the American military that killed him has the answers. The mystery apart, most on this globe have heaved a sigh of relief that he is no more now. Most feel that the long awaited justice has been done and that his end would send a message to all terrorist elements across the world that crime does not pay in the long run and criminals are accountable for their actions. That was the consensus among our readers who were approached for their reactions. India Post weekly sought the opinion of leading Indian American businessmen, professionals and activists about this historic event that will for good or for worse show up on the annals of history, may be just as the names of Atilla the Hun and Taimurlung or Taimurlane, ruthless Tartar warlord did. The Council on American-Islamic Relation’s Chicago office (CAIR-Chicago) welcomed the announcement of the elimination of Osama bin Laden. CAIR-Chicago held a press conference along with other Chicago area Muslim leaders to share reactions to this momentous event. “We are relieved that justice has not been denied even if it has been delayed,” said Ahmed Rehab, CAIR-Chicago’s Executive Director. “This goes to show that the way to fight terror is through good intelligence, and surgical operations, and not military

Before and after

surges abroad, or the choking of civil liberties at home.” 10th District Congressional Candidate Ilya Sheyman stated that, “Yesterday’s historic achievement is a testament to the tireless work and courage of our intelligence and military personnel, and to President Obama’s leadership. With the mission in Afghanistan now complete, it is time to begin a responsible and

Democrats questioned whether bin Laden was hiding in plain sight, with Pakistani military and intelligence operatives either totally unaware of his location or willfully ignoring his presence to protect him. “I think this tells us once again that, unfortunately, Pakistan at times is playing a double game,” said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, a Senate Armed Services Commit-

He felt that end of Osama at best would slow down the terrorist activities but would not stop terrorist threats whether globally or in India, because as a movement it has spread its tentacles across the civilized world, notwithstanding disapproval of many moderate Islamic leaders and countries speedy withdrawal to bring our brave men and women home.” Incredulous lawmakers are pressing Pakistan for answers to two simple questions: What did its army and intelligence agents know of Osama bin Laden’s whereabouts and when did they know it? Amid the high praise for the successful US military operation, congressional Republicans and

tee member who indicated that Congress could put limits on funds for Pakistan. In his outspoken remarks Naren Patel, leading Indian businessman and community leader, lavished praise on President Obama for his quick and sweeping action to eliminate the enemy of civilized society who was responsible for the destruction of twin towers in New York, causing

death of nearly three thousand innocent men and women a decade ago. It is but befitting that people across the world, including ironically most Muslims gleefully celebrated this, except perhaps only a small faction of Muslims, in Pakistan. He, however, felt that end of Osama at best would slow down the terrorist activities but would not stop terrorist threats whether globally or in India, because as a movement it has spread its tentacles across the civilized world, notwithstanding disapproval of many moderate Islamic leaders and countries. He also expressed confidence that this would not in any way adversely affect the economic growth and political stability in India. He also said it was incredible to understand how Pakistan could play a double-game of receiving billions of dollars from the US and support Osama. It proves that US cannot trust Pakistan and must now, after this learn a lesson to reduce or withdraw its support and come clean. Professor Ghanashyam Pandey, a highly respected Indian American in Chicago land almost echoed the opinion of Naren Patel, and cautioned that end of Osama would not in any way alter the political realities and therefore West including India must be on their guard and remain ready to withstand and repel any future attacks. He also referred to the unrest spreading across many Muslim states in Middle East and North Africa indicating the people’s inclination towards democracy. Sher Mohammed Rajput, yet another long time Indian community activist was confident that Laden’s demise would certainly bring down the intensity of antiAmericanism, but will have no effect on India as well as in India. This is so because Muslims in both countries by far are the most exposed to the long tradition of tolerance, which is evident from the opinions gathered from the youth of Detroit, Michigan. Contíd on page 11

May 13, 2011

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Bin Laden: Good riddance but more mysterious in death! Contíd from page 10

Similarly cultural and linguistic unity of the Hindus and Muslims is going back to a thousand years. As far as Osama is concerned he was not following the precepts of Islam, which is against killing of innocent human beings. We should not give much publicity to this incident. Back home, I would say government should attach more importance to the critical shortage of water, public health and educating the people about unity and harmony of all Indians through centuries. Dr Hemant Patel, former President of AAPI and a front ranking community activist in New Jersey said that the residents of New York and New Jersey have special reasons to feel happy since it was at Laden’s behest that the twin towers were destroyed and hundreds were killed or incapacitated. Touching upon the economic fallout, he said that the immediate reaction on the New York stock exchange was buoyant and this should be taken to suggest that nipping terrorism in the globe would presage economic stability, including halting spiraling oil prices. He felt that the exit of Laden would have favorable impact on Indian economy as well since it might prove a much needed break on cross border terrorism. Indian government should learn a lesson or two from the American action. Dr Bharat Barai who was in India, talked to IP on phone and felt that more than anything else this exposed Pakistani hypocrisy. To subscribe to the claim by Pakistani government that it was unaware of Osama Bin Laden’s presence on its soil – just hundred miles away from the capital city of Islamabad – should be dubbed gross wishful thinking. The Pakistan government has proved one more time that it has double standards in dealing with not only Indians but even with its allies in the West. The world should take cognizance of this fact. Bal Dhake, an Indian industrialist in Detroit Michigan, was of the view that the death of Osama Bin Laden would not by itself end the terrorist threats that the world community has been facing for years now. It might get a setback but a total rout of this nefarious activity can only be achieved if there is all-round vigilance from all the concerned parties, mainly the governments of the civilized world. The Indian government should act in similar way and hit out at terrorists hiding in Pakistan or all the ele-

ments which abet terrorism in India. Nand Kapoor, former president of Association of Indians in America, said that messenger of terrorism has died and the way he met his death exemplifies the Hindu theory of Karma – “what you sow so shall you reap.”

‘Osama was instrumental in planning and attacking the twin-towers in New York, causing the death of three thousand men and women. We are therefore within our rights to redress our grievance by appropriate punishment to those perpetrators’ Evil as he was, so are his partners in crime and so are the elements that helped him in hiding. These partners and these elements should now feel scared that they could meet the same fate at the hands of mighty America or Almighty. America is the country that will hound out those who helped him, Kapoor felt. “On one hand I am sorry at his death but he was not using his wealth and intelli-

gence for the good of humanity. He was pervert in mind and his death should not sadden anybody.” Dr Dayal Meshri, a highly respected Indian scientist and a community leader from Catoosa OK, was emphatically in support of the action when he was asked about the killing of Osama Bin Laden. He said it is a clear message to everyone that they keep away from interfering with US. Osama was instrumental in planning and attacking the twin-towers in New York, causing the death of three thousand men and women. We are therefore within our rights to redress our grievance by appropriate punishment to those perpetrators. Excepting a small fraction of people in Pakistan there is an overwhelming approval of the action of US Navy Seals. This action would not in any way affect the economic and political situation in the US including harmonious relations between Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia, who in fact supported the action by the U.S. “I strongly feel that India also must courageously pursue the similar policy of stern action against the terrorist elements hiding within that country and must strive to get rid of them. Of course India is neither in a position nor able to take unilateral action in view of unfavorable geo-political and social paradigms. But India can certainly take a firm and aggressive stand against terrorist

activities and punish them for violations of law.” Mujeeb Osma and Muhammed Safdar Ali: In the final analysis, it would not be an exaggeration to say that President Obama has conquered Osama Laden. This is one of President

After 9/11 Osama bin Laden was more of an isolated person and was not effectively in control of AlQaeda. He was more of a symbolic figure where other people affiliated or working with him gave him the recognition for psychological boost

Obama’s most courageous and bold actions in as much as the entire operation took place in a foreign country without consulting the governments in the region that is Pakistan. The amazing facts and realities are that Osama bin Laden was hiding in a place that was beyond doubt incomprehensible, as the place of his residence was 100 yards away from Pakistan Military Academy and in close proximity of the capital itself where

no one was aware of his presence. It will certainly embarrass the ISI – Inter-Services Intelligence as well the Government of Pakistan that a high profile person like Osama bin Laden, who is sought worldwide, could hide at such a sensitive place without their knowledge. This will put the local law enforcement agencies, Inter Service Intelligence as well the Government of Pakistan on edge and their response or no-response will not be an easy job. The action taken by US commandos was swift as the entire operation was conducted within 40 minutes. After 9/11 Osama bin Laden was more of an isolated person and was not effectively in control of Al-Qaeda. He was more of a symbolic figure where other people affiliated or working with him gave him the recognition for psychological boost and gaining general support from the group that can be stirred easily playing on emotion rather than intellect for the so-called religious cause and reason. Osama got his training while fighting the Soviet Army by joining Pakistani and American military in Afghanistan. The Al-Qaeda movement has harmed Muslims in both the Muslim and non-Muslim countries over a decade. If not controlled now, it will continue to produce the same result. It is not just a problem for western countries but all those Muslim countries as well who have social and political responsibilities to shoulder.

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Dignified celebration of AIA Annual Day

Dance performance by young children Chalka Chalka by Riya Patel, Shriya Patel, Mona Panchal, Ishani Majmudar

RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

This year my granddaughter Shriya Patel and her group are also participating in the dance program and I want to thank all the parents for their commitment and dedication to keep our culture alive. I am very happy that so many dance schools are performing in this program." He offered special thanks to

AIA office bearers and guests L to R Yogesh Dwivedi, Prof Pandey, Salil Mishra, Naren Patel, Ms Beena Patel, Yash Amin, Consul Vishwas Sakpal and Shri Patel

address said it was significant that this one of the oldest organizations of Indian origin in this country was singularly free from factions and factional fights. "It is the only organization with direct membership and probably among the very few ones which did not split, or bifurcate, or had any conflicts.

"It is the only organization with direct membership and probably among the very few ones which did not split, or bifurcate, or had any conflicts. It is an organization with a great vision and has lived up to its objectives fairly well" Cook County Circuit court Clerk Dorothy Brown, Illinois State Senator Kirk Dillard, Indian Consul Vishvas Sapkal -soon to be Consul General in St. Petersburg, Russia - for their unwavering support and presence. Prof Ghanshyam Pandey, Chairman Board of Trustees, in his brief

It is an organization with a great vision and has lived up to its objectives fairly well," he observed. Whereas the national AIA was engaged in addressing many of the issues of vital importance to the Indian community, its chapters, which are spread throughout the country, are engaged in com-

Payalia group

munity activities be it social, cultural or participating in the American mainstream, he pointed out It has also recognized the need to involve increasingly the second and the third generation Indians in its affairs. With this view in mind, the AIA IL chapter initiated an essay competition and last year it conducted a grand youth talent show and competition in October. "This was a grand success as about 120 youth participated in this competition with 20 youths each from the University of Illinois Ubrana-Champgin and the Northwestern University who participated in the A Capella singing competition," he said. As in previous years, this year AIA will be celebrating Indepen-

dence Day on Daley Plaza on August 15th. Through the National AIA programs on Project India and AIDS Awareness, it sends many doctors to India and supports the treatment program of AIDS patients. AIA annual Banquet is a tribute to Asian heritage besides being a fun-filled program. Anil Sharma, Kaathakali Dasgupta and Shaila Khedker entertained the audience with old and new film and non-film songs while second generation Indian youth and young children presented dance performances which were quite entertaining and won the hearts of those present. Yogesh Dwivedi proposed a vote of thanks.

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May 13, 2011

India Post 13

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PCS holds Vaisakhi cultural program SURENDRA ULLAL

(L-R) Rajinder Singh Mago, Mohinderjit Singh Saini, Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford, Ronny Kular, Balwinder Singh Girn

CHICAGO: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) held its annual event "Rangla Punjab 2011" to celebrate Vaisakhi festival on Saturday April 23 at Copernicus Theater in Chicago. It was attended by more than 1500 guests. Over 250 performers rendered nearly 40 delightful acts in a fivehour show. Dr & Mrs Bhupinder Singh Saini of Pain Management Clinics in Wisconsin were the Chief Guests. The immediate past PCS chairperson Mohina Ahluwalia and President Rajinder Singh Mago were honored with plaques for their services. The program included Bhangra, Gidha, Punjabi songs and music, a short play, recognition of sponsors, guests and the PCS officials. There was also an announcement of the 2011 board of directors. Bhangra and Gidha performers of all ages ranging from talented young boys and girls to exceptionally entertaining adult artists in a variety of colorful Punjabi costumes from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa performed their best on stage. College Bhangra teams from the University of Chicago "Balle Bhangra," Illinois Institute of Technology "Tech De Fateh," and University of Iowa "Hawkeye Bhangra" were a delight to watch. The Gidha dance moves by the colorfully dressed ladies from "Milwaukee Da Gidha" Team, and "Shaunkna Chicago Diyan," the Chicago Gidha team, won the hearts of the audience. PCS vice president Parminder Singh Ghotra welcomed the audience. The program opened with singing of a prayer ("shabad") by a group of young children. Dan Rutherford, the Illinois State Treasurer, graced the event as a special Guest of Honor. In his brief address he said "It is my 6th time at this PCS event. I have also

attended PCS sports festivals. I came to you during my campaign and now that I have been elected I must come back to thank you - my friends and supporters. I really enjoy your shows and someday would love to learn Bhangra." The program divided in four segments was emceed by Mona Bhalla, Dilraj Singh Sekhon, Pardeep Singh Deol, Manjit Singh Gill, Baljit Singh Sidhu and

Start with Shabd by children at PCS Rangala Punjab celebrations

guests Dr & Mrs Bhupinder Singh Saini with a plaque for his support to PCS. Dr Saini appreciated the work of PCS and its dedicated board members. Dr Amarjit Singh pledged his support to PCS for the next ten years. "Mere fact that more than 250 children were involved in showcasing their Punjabi culture is in itself a great achievement by PCS Chicago," said Balwinder Singh, PCS president. The next PCS participation programs are: "Passport to the World - India" at Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier on May 15 and "Asian American Festival" at Daley Plaza Chicago May 16 to 20.

faith no matter what their faith is. PCS also recognized its permanent Board of Governors and Board of Advisors. Vaisakhi festival is the celebration of ending of harvest season, and beginning of a new year. It's a symbol of renewal. Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) has been organizing this traditional Punjabi cultural program "Rangla Punjab" for more than two de-

Bhangra and Gidha performers of all ages ranging from talented young boys and girls to exceptionally entertaining adult artists in a variety of colorful Punjabi costumes from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa performed their best on stage Surinder Singh Sangha. A short play "Batwara" (Partition) with a message of unity was well received. A group of talented singers sang melodious Punjabi songs with the accompaniment of professional musicians Hitesh Master, Ajay and Suresh. The 2011 president of Sikh Religious Society Palatine Harkirat Singh Sandhu made an appearance and conveyed Vaisakhi greetings to the audience and said that one should be true to his or her own

cades. PCS Board of Directors for 2011 as announced are Dr Amarjit Singh (Hon. Chairman), Balwinder Singh Girn (President), Baljit Singh Sidhu (Sr. V.P.), Parminder Singh Ghotra (V.P.), Surinder Singh Sangha (Exec. Secretary), Pardeep Singh Deol (Finance Secretary), Arvinder Singh Gakhal (Sports Director), Jatinderpal Singh Sangha (Youth Director), Gurmit Singh Dhillon (Inter-community Director). PCS officials honored the Chief

University of Iowa team performing Bhangra

Rajinder Singh Mago honored with a plaque for his services to the organization.

Chicago team performing Gidha

Community Across America

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May 13, 2011

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Air India keeping up operations New play on domestic desptie strike violence SURENDRA ULLAL

ASHWIN PATEL

Air India Maharaja

tinue to operate normally and as per schedule. Air India's subsidiaries, Air India Express operated 72 flights and Alliance Air - 32 flights, also on schedule. Air In-

Kolkata, Chennai and other airports have operated successfully. Air India continues to take necessary steps to minimize the inconvenience caused due to the strike

All its 45 daily flights on the long haul routes to the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea continue to operate normally and as per schedule. Air India's subsidiaries, Air India Express operated 72 flights and Alliance Air - 32 flights, also on schedule dia has approximately 29,000 seats on offer on these services. On the domestic sector, 90% of flights have been curtailed and 40 domestic flights scheduled out of Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad,

to its passengers. The number of floor walkers at major airports and Call Centers have been increased. Air India is also transferring the stranded passengers to flights of other airlines.

Ashok and Anita in Faultlines

ST. LOUIS: The new play Faultlines, written by Lee Patton Chiles and produced by Gitana Productions, examines issues of domestic violence and abuse of women, particularly those in the South Asian immigrant community. The play opens May 20 and runs through June 5 at the Cardinal Rigali Center, 20 Archbishop May Drive at Laclede Station Road.

Faultlines follows the newly married Indian woman Niragha as she leaves India and comes to America to begin her married life. Isolated and alone with a husband she barely knows, Niragha becomes the victim of verbal and physical abuse. She finds herself trapped between the world she once knew and her new homeland. ContĂd on page 15

Gaytri Pariwar celebrates Ram Navmi ANUPAMA PATEL

Manisha & Vinay Patel, Main Yajmans

CHICAGO: Global Gayatri Pariwar recently celebrated Ram Navmi and Poornahuti of Chaiter Navratri at Gayatri Shaktipeeth Chicago with Gaytari yagya. Ms Harsaben , the Temple priest and Kusum Patel sang inspiring devotinal songs. Main yajmans were Manisaben and Vinaybhai

Patil. They first prformrd Satyanarayan katha followed by Gayatri yagya. Kusumben talked on the teachings of Lord Ram saying, "Lord Rama exemplified the perfect person; he showed us how to embody the divine on earth, how to live our lives in accordance with dharma and divine principles."

St Louis devotees

This is a very critical year in the entire world, so Kusumben advised chanting of more and more Gayatri mantra. Dilip Bhai Thakkar proposed a vote of thanks to Mahaprasad donors. Mrs Cooopr sang Shree Ram bhajan and joined in singing aaarti with Harshaben, Kusumben & Bhanuben.

On 16th April, Kusumben, Dilipbhai & Harsaben Thakkar and his son Sunny Thakkar went to St. Louis for performing Gaytri Yagya. Main organizers Rramanbhai Patel and Laxmiben arrenged the program at St. Baptist Church. More than 200 devotees attended and offered Aahuti to the Yagya.

Pandya, Kusumben

Laxmiben said that they were celebrating not only Ram Navmi program, but also Gurudev's centenary. Jigneshbhai and Tejalben participated as main Yagya's yajmans. Ramanbhai Patel, Sudhirbhai Desai, Sunny Thakkar and others' birthdays were celebrated as a sanskar.

May 13, 2011

Community Across America

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Sikh families join White House Easter Egg Roll The Sikh Coalition was honored to provide 25 tickets from the White House to Sikh children, their parents and their grandparents, who journeyed to the nation's capital from places around the country, including California, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and the DC area, to represent the community. There they participated in a range of activities: an egg roll, sports, storytelling, learning about healthy cooking, celebrity appearances and more. President Obama made an impromptu

India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: Marking another step forward for Sikh Americans, the next generation of the Khalsa attended the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House. The

Easter Egg Roll is the largest annual public event held at the White House, and is a tradition dating back over a century, to 1878. This year marks the second year Sikh children were specifically invited to join in the festivities.

New play on domestic violence ContĂd from page 14

"The reality and pain of domestic violence against women truly is a global problem," said Cecilia Nadal, executive director of Gitana. "Many South Asian women in America face stresses like isolation and a cultural tolerance for domestic violence, which can fuel a fire of abuse. But those are stresses that many women today face. At Gitana, we use the arts to help our audiences learn about themselves through the lenses of others like Niragha." The performance on Saturday, May 21 will be hosted by KMOV-TV co-anchor Jasmine Huda, who will present Gitana's "Extraordinary Person of the Year Award" to an outstanding volunteer who works with domestic violence issues. Statistics from South Asian domestic violence organizations in the US show that one in five South Asian families in America experience domestic violence at some time. Women between the ages of 20 and 34 endure the highest rate of domestic violence, which can range from physical, verbal, emotional, sexual and economic abuse. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30

p.m. beginning May 20-June 5. The Regional Arts Commission and the Missouri Arts Council have provided partial funding to support Gitana Productions events.

Statistics from South Asian domestic violence organizations in the US show that one in five South Asian families in America experience domestic violence at some time. Women between the ages of 20 and 34 endure the highest rate of domestic violence, which can range from physical, verbal, emotional, sexual and economic abuse Gitana Productions, Inc. is a not-for-profit arts and education organization dedicated to increasing cross-cultural awareness and collaboration by bringing international music, dance and drama to the St. Louis community.

second appearance to greet participants. At least one member from each Sikh family in attendance had the rare opportunity to shake the President's hand. President Obama smiled and said to one Sikh child, "Hey there cutie pie, are you having fun?" Earlier this month, Sikhs across the country invited non-Sikhs to join in Vaisakhi celebrations. The Sikh Coalition and community likewise appreciated the White House and Obama administration's invitation to Sikhs to join in Easter festivities.

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May 13, 2011

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Rajkot teacher wins ISTE Malayalis celebrate Vishu (New Year) Outstanding Teacher award VINOD MENON

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has named Bijal Damani, a higher secondary teacher with The Galaxy Education System in Rajkot, Gujarat, India as 2011 Outstanding Teacher. Through the Outstanding Teacher and an Outstanding Leader awards, the ISTE recognizes and honor individuals who have demonstrably improved education through the use of technology. The 2011 Outstanding Leader award has been given to Monica Beglau of eMINTS, Missouri. Candidates for the awards are nominated by ISTE Affiliates, a network of more than 75 professional associations representing more than 100,000 educators worldwide. Nominations are reviewed by an eight-person team of education and technology professionals from around the world. Damani was nominated by the India Council for Integral Education for her ability to make learning exciting and creative. Damani uses technology and social media as educational and collaborative tools, bridging the gap between traditional education and digital life and engaging students through project-based learning. Damani started the social entrepreneurship project Galaxy Bazaar, which is run by her students.

Damani and Beglau will be honored and presented with their awards at ISTE's annual conference and exposition, ISTE 2011, in Philadelphia, PA., June 26-29, 2011. Each recipient will receive $1,000 toward ISTE 2011 travel expenses, free conference registration, commemorative plaques, and complimentary ISTE memberships. ISTE is the premier membership

Damani uses technology and social media as educational and collaborative tools, bridging the gap between traditional education and digital life and engaging students through project-based learning association for educators and education leaders engaged in advancing excellence in learning and teaching through the innovative and effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education. Home to ISTE's annual conference and exposition and the widelyadopted NETS, ISTE represents more than 100,000 professionals worldwide.

Grand opening of Art of Living center NITA VIRANI

SCHAUMBURG: The Art of Living Foundation (ALF), an international non-profit that offers stress reduction, meditation, yoga and self-developmental programs, is opening its 1st ever center in Schaumburg, Illinois on May 13. The opening hours will be 6:15 pm to 9:30 pm. Located at 1251 N Plum Grove Road, Suite #110, Schaumburg, the center will offer specialized seminars and courses on the skillful use of breath, yoga, meditation and selfknowledge to lead a life of greater joy and contentment. As stress becomes a bigger health problem in America, the cen-

ter will offer innovative and proven techniques that calm the mind and improve physical and emotional well-being of individuals. ALF is one of the world's largest United Nations accredited NGOs, founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. It has touched the lives of over 300 million people world-wide through his inspiration, transformative breathing, meditation programs and his global service projects. His organization offers conflict resolution, trauma relief, breathing and meditation programs for individuals, communities, businesses, youth, schools veterans and prisons.

Community kitchen at Ohmkara celebrations

ing on for days, and we have bursting of padakkam (firecrackers) too," he added, highlighting the significance of the celebration for Malayalis.

Children's performances

talents from many children aged 4-16, earnestly demonstrating their Malayali culture to proud parents and guests. Several adults also participated in entertaining performances. Priya Nair provided a descriptive narrative for the audience, as the program's emcee.

Ohmkara-Vishukakani

"Vishu is the most eagerly awaited festival for us, and the people of Kerala celebrate it from dawn to dusk", said Ohmkaram President Raj Unni. "In Kerala, Vishuvela is an extension of the celebration carry-

Prior to the cultural program, several traditional rituals were conducted, including viewing of the Vishukkani (arrangement of auspicious religious items on a metal vessel called uruli) and Kaineetum presentation by Natesan Manchira (gift of gold

much earlier in the morning, when many volunteers got together for a fun filled sadyavattam (community cooking) -a common scene in Kerala during weddings, religious

Ganesh Stuti by Krishna and Maya

functions and cultural events. "We recreated moments of a traditional get-together with a feast prepared entirely on-site!" said an enthusiastic co-coordinator and executive committee member Biju Kurian. He described the effort as a "nostalgic, unique experience just like back home in Kerala". "We recreated mo"Fond memories of our childhood ments of a traditional and youth - a day get-together with a filled with happiness and energy; a feast prepared enmemorable day" tirely on-site!" said an summed up Vimal Nair, Ohmkaram enthusiastic cosecretary and the events organizing coordinator and chairman. executive committee Ohmkaram was formed in 2006 and member Biju Kurian has held many events in appreciation of its Kerala coins from a respected elder to cultural roots, including children). Malayalam language classes. It Free family portraits were also aims to encourage participation in offered, capturing guests dressed Kerala traditions (especially in their best traditional custom at- amongst the youth) and foster tire. unity and cooperation within its Celebrations began in earnest community in the area.

May 13, 2011

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Sikhs caution about backlash after Laden India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: Sikh community members in America have welcomed the news of Osama Bin Laden's demise at the hands of American security forces. They also expressed caution since this event has the potential of reviving some of the prejudices that the Sikh community had to face since 9/11 due to mistaken identity. Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh in Phoenix, was killed on September 15, 2001, as America's first victim of backlash hate violence. Sikhs have approached the Obama Administration that a close eye needs to be kept to control any backlash against anyone in America. Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE), said that "We appreciate President Obama's leadership in bringing justice to a man who caused so much grief to many fellow Americans and to so many people around the world. Thousands of Americans lost their loved ones and many had to suffer due to Bin Laden's inhuman acts on 9/11. Sikh community faced the backlash around the world due to mistaken identity and many even lost their lives in America. He added, "The prejudice and violence was even experienced by Sikh youngsters in America. Bin Laden's execution provides a relief to many but how would they recover their loss. We are concerned that the images of Bin Laden with turban being shown on TV and on the internet can create confusion in the minds of many and instigate reaction towards innocent Sikh bystanders. We pray that good sense prevails and we can face these challenging

am satisfied that justice has been done; Osama, who directed the killing of thousands of innocent Americans, has now met his end as he should have years ago. Secondly, as a Sikh I am profoundly concerned. "The past ten years have seen many hate crimes against Sikhs, including murder, by patriotic but misguided Americans who could not tell the difference between a Sikh and a Muslim follower of Osama. We would need to be vigilant and proactive in our communities and in liaising with local police and authorities. Any preventive measures we can initiate would be more useful than a bunch of protests and copious hand-wringing after the fact." Sarbjit Singh Sidhu, Chairman of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation in Washington, said, "We are happy that Osama Bin Laden no longer poses a threat to the American people thanks to the United Stated Armed Forces. We are grateful that the terrorist master-mind of the 9-11 attack and other attacks around the world which have killed thousands of innocent people has been eliminated. "Sikhs in particular have been affected and suffered after 9/11 due to mistaken identity, being wrongly identified as radical Islamists." Satinder Singh Rekhi, CEO of RSystems in Sacramento, CA, and Chair of SCORE's board, said, "This momentous achievement is a victory for people of all cultures around the World who seek peace, freedom and a world with more love and less hatred. We thank President Obama for his leadership, the Central Intelligence Team, the US Navy Seals and all the men and women who were instrumental in accomplishing

‘We are concerned that the images of Bin Laden with turban being shown on TV and on the internet can create confusion in the minds of many and instigate reaction towards innocent Sikh bystanders. We pray that good sense prevails and we can face these challenging times holding each other together’ times holding each other together. We are thankful to both President Bush and President Obama for giving Sikhs the support during the last decade." Dr. Rajwant Singh met with the White House officials to keep them informed of community's concerns. Gurvendra Singh Suri, CEO of Optimal Solutions, in Texas, said, "We thank the brave men and women serving in the military and intelligence fields whose work to secure our nation have now brought the leader of Al-Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden the perpetrator of the 9/11 attacks, to Justice. We hope his death will bring some relief to all the families, of every faith and walk of life, who lost loved ones on 9/11 and in every other terrorist attack orchestrated or inspired by the perverse hatred of Bin Laden's misguided ideology." Dr. I.J. Singh, a Sikh author and professor of Anatomy in New York University, said, "Osama bin Laden is dead. How should I, a Sikh-American react? First I

this mission." Rana Singh Sodhi, youngest brother of Balbir Singh Sodhi, " My brother understood that as a nation if we as individuals and institutions did not take immediate action then - and I fear now - we will continue to lose many more innocent people. The founder of Sikh faith established our articles of faith 500 years ago which includes the turban and beard, which symbolizes to us our devotion to God and equality of all people. Some other people in the world wear turbans and beards. In the United States, it is the Sikhs that wear turbans." "Today we are remembering all of the victims of September 11th those innocent people in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington DC. They themselves or their family's were from many countries and proud Americans." Rana added, "With all of the media coverage of Bin Laden we have to remind ourselves not to react to

the sorrow and each other," Egypt, Yemen, and Somalia. "Unfortunately, to this day we still "They were all Americans shot by other have American killing and targeting Ameri- Americans. That is why today, we must cans. Hate crimes, backlash, and espe- take extreme caution and be careful not to cially backlash murders continue to be the react to the massive media coverage which Invisible causalities of September 11th includes head gear on many of the extremand the war on extremism" GuruRoop ists; because the fight against hate takes Kaur Khalsa, Sikh Community Spokesper- the entire community and its leaders willson ing to take a strong stand condemning "The war we are fighting is against hate crimes and targeting of innocent hate and fear, not against each other. Since Sep- "They were all Americans shot by other Ameritember 11th, men, cans. That is why today, we must take extreme women, & children from all caution and be careful not to react to the faiths & cultures massive media coverage which includes have been affected by the acts head gear on many of the extremists” of violence and discrimination that have taken place in the aftermath of people because of race, religion, articles 9/11. Balbir Singh Sodhi was the first such of faith or mistaken association." death categorized as a hate crime." Rana added, "We in the intensity of 9/ Khalsa added, "The over 40 US homi- 11 made a difference and together we can cides that have possible or proven ties to help others to evolve past our anger, hate Sept 11 backlash, were all Americans, they and fear by reaching out to others with or their parents had moved here seeking increased understanding, respect, and supreligious freedom and basic civil rights, port. May our collective prayer be that our countries founding principles. They God preserve and protect the honor of all are Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus, and Chris- people, our nation, and our world. Thank tians. They came from countries as varied you for embracing us as your neighbors as India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, and embracing our Sikh family."

Community/California

18 India Post

Cal News Satya Kalra speaks on Dharma at Cal varsity India Post News Service

Peace Over Violence holds Denim Day in LA India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Peace Over Violence (POV) held the 12th annual Denim Day in LA & USA, a sexual violence prevention and education campaign, on April 27 as part of April's Sexual Assault Awareness Month. More than two million people took a stand by wearing denim to raise awareness and end rape and sexual violence. Multiple events were held throughout Los Angeles, including LAUSD schools and LA-area workplaces and communities. "This year marked unprecedented expansion of Denim Day activities throughout the United States and around the world.

May 13, 2011

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Democrats rejoice victory in statewide races India Post News Service

SACRAMENTO: Democrats of the Blue State of California held a convention from April 29 – May 1 in Sacramento Convention Centre, Sacramento, CA to rejoice their 100% victory in statewide races (9 out of 9 races were won by Democratic candidates). It was justified to have the convention in the capitol city of California after the local Democratic Party was able to withstand the red wave to keep the state blue. The three-day event consisted of numerous workshops, receptions, tours, discussions, future plans, networking and partying in the evening. The general sessions were packed and the excitement showed as the various honorable speakers addressed the Democrats present and were greeted with applause before, during and after their speeches. There were numerous elected officials from the State of California including Gov. Jerry Brown, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, Senate Majority Leader Senator Elan Corbett, Assembly member Bob Wieckowski, CDC Alameda County Chair Robin Torello. Also present were Fremont City council members Sue Chan, Bill Harrison and Anu Natarajan. A Cardiologist and Chair FIA Dr Romesh Japra, MD, Fremont city planning commissioner Yogi Chugh, Fremont city Library Commissioner Dharminder

Senate Majority Leader and Fremont City council member Bill Harrison with the Indo-American community leaders

“I am honored to be part of this convention and am excited to see so many young people

the biggest gathering of the Democrats after the November 2010 elections. Their presence

“I am honored to be part of this convention and am excited to see so many young people actively participating in the political process. We have laid the foundation and the younger generation has to capitalize on this” said Dr Romesh Japra, Chair IADF actively participating in the political process and getting involved with the elected officials. We have laid the foundation and

was noticed and acknowledged by party grassroot workers as well as elected officials as was evident from the recognition

tough challenge for us and we emerged victorious. I strongly believe that the convention gives an opportunity to the Democrats to come together and acknowledge the fact that we are a party of masses, as is evident from people of every age who are present in the convention”, said Yogi Chugh, a long time party activist and chair TCDF. “This is my first convention and it is a learning experience. We need to continue the hard work to ensure that we win the state office as well as the Presidential elections and this convention is enhancing the excitement and determination to be better

Details on page 20

AZ Gov vetoes Bill to remove Balbir name India Post News Service

Indian American Community leaders with Assembly Member Bob Wieckowski and CDC Alameda County Chair Robin Torello - Dharminder Dewan, Assembly member Bob Wieckowski, CDC chair Robin Torello, Dr Romesh Japra, Vijay Thapar, Yogi Chugh

Dewan were also present as the delegates of the Democratic Party along with Vijay Thapar from India Post.

the younger generation has to capitalize on this.” said Dr Romesh Japra, Chair IADF. As delegates they witnessed

Yogi Chugh in action.

given to Dr Japra as they entered the chambers of Senate majority leader Ellen Corbett. “Year 2010 elections were a

in 2012” says Dharminder Dewan, secretary IADF. More pics on page 19

May 13, 2011

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Democrats rejoice victory in statewide races

Yogi Chugh, Dharminder Dewan, Rao Kaza, an active Democrat from Contra Costa County, Dr Romesh Japra, Vijay Thapar

In discussion Dr Romesh Japra and Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett

20 India Post

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Satya Kalra speaks on Dharma at Cal varsity India Post News Service

BERKELEY, CA: The Bhagavad Gita and Dharma was discussed in the University of California at Berkeley for the class of studying Ethics of Rights, Gender and Global Justice: East & West. On Feb 16, (Mrs) Satya Kalra, founder of Path to Anandam was invited to speak on Adharma and Dharma to the class studying Ethics of Rights, Gender and Global Justice: East & West in the University of California at Berkeley. She presented vignettes from her recent book, "My questions and God's Answers" based on the Bhagavad Gita. The course is part of the Religious Studies Major, a program initiative in the College of Letters of Science, supported by Philosophy and Human Rights Minor. It was devised and is being taught by Dr Purushottama Bilimoria, a philosopher with a training in Sanskrit and world religions, who teaches both in Australia and in America and researches on issues in social justice and personal laws in India. The course examined major theories in morality for cultural values, religious beliefs and practices, law, justice and human rights, and ecological attitudes.

While the students primarily study these theories through several texts and readings, such as the Nobel Laureate and Padma Bhushan awardee, Amartya Sen's The Idea of Justice, Dr Bilimoria also introduces the class to concepts of Dharma, Adhikara, Duty, Karma and Equanimity, and since teachings are highlighted in a condensed form in the Bhagavad-Gita, he welcomed copies of Satya Karla's book to be distributed to the class. With the use of Power-Point, she began with a background on how she came upon the spiritual teachings of Hinduism and what led her to write the book, and why she believes the Bhagavad Gita contains an essential message for contemporary times and the younger generation in particular. She said in elucidating her approach and 'take' on the teachings,

which she was at pains to explain was not out of any scholarly desire to translate or write yet another commentary on the muchcelebrated 'Song of the Lord', but to bring out through her own personal experiences and encounter with the broader philosophy of the tradition, the salient features of what is meant by doctrines such as Dharma and Karma, and how they might have relevance to thinking on ethics, justice, rights and duties. She started her presentation with the story of Arjuna's vishad in the opening scene of the Bhagavad-Gita on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, which is also Dharmakshetra. The story of the battle between the forces of dharmic justice adharmic avarice and vanity is described in symbolic imagery of the internal battle between temptations, ego, and the

intellect or conscience which only seeks atman-realization and freedom from the cycle of death and birth (samsara). Arjuna is then taught by his mentor and friend, Krishna, poised by the chariot, on the some eighteen 'yogas', inculcating paths to discriminating between dharma (right conduct) and adharma (untoward conduct), and move through karma-yoga, jnana-yoga, and bhakti-yoga as well as disciplines of austerity, self-sacrifice and giving. The effect of adharma on the body, mind, intellect, memory, and general state of being is also ex-

plored in the closing part of the lecture. The lecture ended with a sanguine comment on how the Bhagavad Gita continues to be relevant for contemporary life, given that the tendency toward adharma is on the rise in more ways than we might realize. Satya Karla was able to simplify the otherwise bewildering and complex teachings of the Gita and present in terms an accessible to students and general audience, without compromising on the depth of the transcendental wisdom of the most commented upon scriptures in the Hindu tradition.

Peace Over Violence holds Denim Day in LA India Post News Service

Patti Giggans, executive director of POV. "We envision Denim Day becoming a global event, with people around the world rallying around this important, symbolic day to ensure a planet free from sexual violence." In addition to events in Los Angeles, Denim Day events were held in England, Turkey and Ghana. Official Denim Day events were held throughout the US, including Nevada, where Gov. Brian Sandoval asked all state workers to wear denim, and Wisconsin, where Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen also encouraged state workers to wear their jeans in support of Denim Day. In New York City, Denim Day activities were

Peace over violence Executive Director Patti Giggans (middle) and Council President Eric Garcetti (middle right) at homeboy Industries in downtown Los Angeles, one of many sites that participated in Denim Day in LA and USA 2011

held in all five boroughs. In Sacramento, more than 75 legislators came together to declare Denim Day in California. Denim Day began in protest against a 1998 Italian Supreme Court decision that overturned a rape conviction because the victim wore jeans. The justices reasoned that the victim must have helped her attacker remove her jeans since they were tight, and this, they said, implied consent. People all over the world were out-

raged, and, as a result, wearing jeans became an international symbol of protest against destructive attitudes about sexual assault. "What started as a protest has become a national day of education that is spreading globally," Giggans said. "We surpassed two million participants, reaching more people in more places than we could have expected, and we are still counting!" In Los Angeles, where POV is headquartered, Giggans joined

forces with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck and other leaders at City Hall for a press conference to announce the elimination of a historic backlog of more than 6,132 untested sexual assault evidence kits. Every kit from the historic backlog had been tested and entered into the system. New to this year's Denim Day was POV's partnership with 1in6.org, an organization that supports male survivors of sexual abuse. Steve LePore, executive director of 1in6, joined Giggans at LA City Hall to testify before the L.A. City Council. Peace Over Violence organized the first annual Denim Day in LA 12 years ago, encouraging everyone to make a social statement with their fashion statement and to wear jeans with a purpose. Sponsors this year included the City of Los Angeles, LA Unified School District, Staples Center Foundation, Clear Channel Communications, Union Bank, EVAW: the HBCU Project, Beyond the Bell, and a number of other organizations.

May 13, 2011

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AZ Gov vetoes Bill to remove Balbir name India Post News Service

PHOENIX, AZ: On Friday April 29, Governor of Arizona, Jan Brewer invited the family of Balbir Singh Sodhi, America's first backlash hate-crime after 9/11, to her office and vetoed House Bill # 2230 in their presence which would have removed Balbir Singh Sodhi's name from the Arizona September 11, 2001 Commemorative Monument marking the tragedy of 9/11, honoring victims and aftermath. Balbir Singh Sodhi was shot five times on September 15, 2001 in Mesa, Arizona in an apparent hate violence related to the tragedy of 9/11. Brewer regretted the legislation and she expressed her deepest condolences to the Sodhi family. According to GuruRoop Kaur Khalsa, a Sikh community activist, "During the meeting, Brewer graciously vetoed House Bill # 2230 to the immense appreciation of Sodhi family and the larger Sikh Community". "This is why we love this country. The leadership is responsive. When we met with the Governor today and Representative Kavanagh Tuesday they each honored my brother, our family and our Sikh community with caring concern. We humbly requested that they help us so that our brother's part in the local and national 9/11 history would not be denied. Our brother represents all 9/11 backlash victims," responded Balbir Singh Sodhi's brother Harjit Singh. Rana Singh Sodhi youngest brother of Balbir Singh Sodhi added, "They honored us so much. In the intensity after September 11th as a community we made a difference. Today, as we

head into the tenth anniversary of 9/11 the world is again watching and together as an entire community we reinforced no backlash, no hate, don't targetâ&#x20AC;Ś. even in times of crises, respect and understanding should prevail. My brother was killed because of the way he looked and our articles of Sikh faith - his turban, and in his heart and on his lips were the words, 'Please respect, and protect the innocent people.' "We had requested that the Governor continue to display this quality of leadership. The last ten years we have promoted Arizona's leadership's heroic response to our Sikh community and backlash through every media channel and faith community throughout the world including within our own twenty seven million Sikh members. As we prepare for the 10th anniversary of 9/11 erasing Balbir Singh Sodhi from the AZ 9/11 Monument would create such sorrow and a tremendous outcry," said Sikh Community Spokesperson GuruRoop Kaur Khalsa. "It is vital that the Arizona September 11, 2001 commemorative monument continue to serve as a forewarning that backlash is an "after effect of an attack" and a reminder that "No gentle person, no child, no culture and no religion should be condemned, assaulted or targeted because of the unspeakable acts of others." said Khalsa. "Backlash murders are the Invisible causalities of September 11th. Balbir Singh Sodhi was the first such death categorized as a hate crime." Representative John Kavanagh of Fountain Hills who introduced the controversial bill to alter the Arizona 9/11 Monu-

ment apologized to the family of Balbir Singh Sodhi, saying he misunderstood the case. Kavanagh met with Rana Singh Sodhi, his brother Harjit Singh, and GuruRoop Kaur Khalsa. He clarified that he wanted to remove political statements and that he felt that the memorial should be limited only to victims who died

"This is why we love this country. The leadership is responsive. When we met with the Governor today and Representative Kavanagh Tuesday they each honored my brother, our family and our Sikh community with caring concern. We humbly requested that they help us so that our brother's part in the local and national 9/ 11 history would not be deniedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on 9/11 and more like a gravestone. He sought to remove the panel containing the key phrase, "09 15 01 Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh, murdered in Mesa" plus 11 other inscriptions which according to him were offensive such as "Foreignborn Americans afraid," ''Must bomb back" and "You don't win battles of terrorism with more battles." After the meeting with the family he proposed a plan that would

Sikhism training in CA police academies India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: In a big victory for the Sikh community, starting this summer, all law enforcement officers in the state of California will be trained to identify and respect Sikhs and Sikh practices. The training will be given as part of a required class in all police academies throughout the state, and will also be available online. In addition, current police officers are being advised of the training materials through a two-page bulletin being issued to all police departments. The training, which is sponsored by California's Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST), is part of a workbook used in police academies. It cov-

ers everything from identifying the 5Ks to how to search someone who is wearing a kirpan. "Our goal is to ensure peace officers are trained to interact with various populations in California. By fostering respect for people of all religions, we hope that our officers and deputies will be better able to do their jobs in the field," said Bob Ziglar, Basic Training Coordinator of POST. The training is being implemented two years after California's state legislature unanimously passed a law requiring California's law enforcement officers to be trained about Sikhs. That law, AB 504, was vetoed by then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, POST has since been working with the Sikh Coalition and

other local community members to devise a training plan of their own. "Hundreds of Sikhs participated in lobbying for the original legislation, and this outcome is a direct result of their hard work. Thank you all. We are overjoyed that the state has finally taken the first step to stop unnecessary arrests of Sikhs for practicing their faith," said Neha Singh, Western Region Director of the Sikh Coalition. "The Sikh community should not live in fear of arrest by law enforcement for carrying the kirpan," said Assembly member Warren Furutani, who introduced the legislation two years ago. "I thank POST for proactively taking these steps to ensure that Sikhs can practice their faith freely."

put Balbir Singh Sodhi's name back on the Monument if Gov. Jan Brewer did not veto the bill with new wording describing Sodhi's murder with "09 15 01 Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh, First backlash hatecrime murder victim" and dropping the phrase "fear of foreigners". "I apologized for dredging up the sorrow once again. I apologized for any misunderstanding," Kavanagh said. Rana Singh Sodhi deeply appreciated Kavanagh's apology and his offer to correct the error but still opposed HB2230. "I am so comfortable. When I met him, he was so responsive and understanding. I have no revenge," Rana Singh Sodhi said. Opposition to 9/11 Monument alterations got support from many quarters including a sizable Asian community in AZ, the Arizona InterFaith Movement and AZ 9/ 11 Commission, a citizens committee that planned the memorial, urging a veto. In addition, Anti-Defamation League, an active Jewish organization who fights bigotry, hate-crimes and extremism, came in support of the Sodhi family and urged the lawmakers to alter the action on this bill. Former Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley who prosecuted the case against Balbir Singh Sodhi's murderer, also opposed the bill and blamed Kavanaugh for not doing his 'homework'. According to him the shooting of Balbir Singh Sodhi was meant as retaliation for 9/11 based on the Sodhi's killer's own admis-

sions. Balbir Singh Sodhi family members, GuruRoop Kaur Khalsa and Dr. Jaswant Singh Sachdev reached out to all communities and leaders to express their opinion on this issue. Arizonians of various political and religious spectrum came out in support of this effort similar to the outpour of support to the Sikhs after 2001. Sodhi family has appreciated support from Sikhs across America and thanked community leaders for their hard work. Dr. Jaswant Singh Sachdev, Sikh community leader in Phoenix, expressed his satisfaction at the outcome and said, "This is truly a great relief that this Monument will remain as is and will continue to remind how this great nation honors its fallen heroes." Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairman of Sikh Council on Religion and Education, lauded the role of the Sodhi family and Khalsa for their outreach efforts and building a strong relationship with various political and religious communities in AZ to keep the positive profile of the Sikh community. He said, "This reminds us that we must stay engaged in the fabric of American society to make people aware of our issues and traditions." He added, "Governor Jan Brewer has sent a right message to the entire nation and the world that the tragic lessons of 9/ 11 and its victims cannot be easily forgotten. This Monument is critical and it ought to teach an important lesson to coming generations of Americans to live in harmony with each other."

Justice has been served, says Imam Shamshad India Post News Service

CHINO, CA: Commenting on the death of Osama bin Laden, Ahmadiyya Imam and missionary of Baitul Hameed Mosque Shamshad A. Nasir said that "Justice has been served." He emphasized the importance of remaining steadfast in the fight against terrorism and the need to combat rising extremism, and that if left unanswered, it always escalates from intolerance to terrorism. The Imam added, "We all need to unite to oppose evil and terrorism in the world, no matter what form it takes." He observed that now was the time for the US government to step up and do more to eradicate the root causes of terrorism based in economic, political and human rights issues. Imam Shamshad said, "What needs to be dealt with head-on is

the ignorance, intolerance and violence directed against non-Muslims and persecuted groups within Islam such as the Shias, Sufis and the Ahmadis which is the result of decades of indoctrination in extremist, radical thinking among poor and uneducated Muslims in places like Pakistan and Indonesia." He added that, as a direct result of intolerant and fanatical teachings, laws promoting severe punishments for blasphemy, including death, have become the norm in many Muslim countries. This is especially true in Pakistan, where since 1974 harsh and brutal laws have been used to legitimize and sanction the persecution and murder of members of the nonmainstream Sunni Muslim majority such as Shias and Ahmadis,

Horoscope

22 India Post

May 13, 2011

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar MAY 13TH - MAY 19TH ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20)

TAURUS (APRIL 21 TO MAY 20)

ake it easy and try to relax in spare time. Watch out for people trying to take undue advantage of your generosity. Some of you will be traveling away from home for business purpose. You will be spending money towards children. People in business will make new clients. A sibling may need your advice and help.

here will be some interesting and positive developments in career. The seat you were trying will be assigned to you will added benefits and authority. Every body at home will enjoy the new gadget you purchased. You may visit an interesting place with some very close friend. You will meet an famous dignitary this week.

GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20)

CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22)

resence of strong Sun in house of luck will help you achieve goals easily. Rewards will start pouring in for the work done in the past and you will have several good size contracts in your hands. Some of you will be adjusting in new home this week. You will take family to a social event and meet old friends also.

LEO (JULY 23 TO AUGUST 22)

surgery may be the sure way out to tackle the problem that keep coming back. You will need to take an important business decision, you will have couple of choices but you will adopt the little longer but the right path only. Some of you will be getting ready to make a smooth switch to another job close by.

ou have some easy money coming this week. Email you write will get the job done quickly. Money will go towards children and making final payment on an old debt. You will hear some very good news from far off place. An old family member will need extra medical care.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23 TO SEPTEMBER 22)

iplomacy will help you overcome a tricky situation in career. Spouse may feel exhausted and need extra rest. You will be spending money on children. You will hear from an old friend after long time. You will make good use of time on hand and clean up the things gathering dust in the house. You will participate in a social event.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 22)

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 22)

oney wise you will do better this week. You will have more than one chance to make fast money. Speculation or lottery could be profitable too. Try not to take some one's words for granted and use your intellect. You may play some trick on a friend or a colleague. Spouse will be full of some bright and non failing ideas.

eek Outside help if you can not decide an important issue involving a relationship or partnership. New expenses could shake your budget. If you maintain patience you will soon overcome your opponents. Some of you may decide to go ahead with the law suit to prove your point. Promising week for people looking for a job.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 22)

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 19)

olleague may try to involve you into unnecessary argument by putting the blame on you. You may finally get some kind of clearance from a government agency. Be little careful when it comes to matter of heart and try to understand other person's emotions. You may also give final shape to a very short please trip with family.

ou may hit some kind of financial jackpot. Money may come through stocks or lottery. Bold actions will take you close to your goals quick causing lots of excitement in the family. A female from another nationality will be really helpful. You will be travelling to a coastal area to meet an important person and seek advice.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 18)

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 20)

ou will regain confidence as the ideas will start working and you will be able to see things more clearly. Presence of Sun in your sign will make you more popular. You will receive many valuable gifts from people you like. Financial juggling will reduce the pressure immediately. You will benefit from a tall and fair skin person.

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

tress could take a toll and you may be advised to relax and take it easy for few days. Presence of Mars in first will make you impulsive and as a result you can end up making some decisions that will put you under lots of financial pressure in near future. A close relative will call to invite you to a big party.

925-833-7170 website: www.parashar.com

Datebook

May 13, 2011

India Post

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NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Tues May 10 • India's World Venue: The New School, Tishman Auditorium, 66 West 12th Street, New York Time: 8pm Contact: 212-229-5776 x3

Fri May 20 • Athirudram-2011 Venue: Sanatan Dharma Temple, 15311 Pioneer Blvd, Norwalk, CA Time: 7am Contact: 714-759-2511

Fri May 13 • Zindagi Trust Charity Gala and Concert Venue: Belvedere Banquets, 1170 Devon St., Elk Grove Village, Illinois Time: 6:30pm Contact: 630-929-3592

Sat May 14

NEW JERSEY

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Fri May 13

Sat Nov 12

• Desi Girls Bring Sheela Ki Javeni At MunniBar

• Hello Namaste Salaam Satsriakal Masti

Venue: Chatney Manor, 3793 Route 1 South, South Brunswick, New Jersey Time: 7pm Contact: 732-754-6414

Venue: Chandni Restaurant, 5748 Mowry School Rd, Balentine Plaza, across Hilton Hotel, Newark, CA 94560 Time: 7pm Contact: 510-299-1138

Sat May 14

Fri May 13

• The Festival of Colors Venue: Naperville Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 500 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville, Illinois Time: 11am to 4pm Contact: 630-355-5468

Sat May 21 • RK Video & FFTL Productions Presents Wedding Album

Sun May 15

Venue: Hindu Auditorum, 143-09 Holly Ave, Flushing, New York Time: 8pm Contact: 800-851-8514

Venue: I.M.U., 1418 W Howard St at Sheridan Rd, Chicago, Illinois Time: 9am Contact: 773-262-1468

• Opening To Love

• Musik Waves Presents Paresh Rawel Venue: Ritz Theatre, 1148 E.Jersey St, Elizabeth, New Jersey Time: 8pm Contact: 732-277-6687

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming Fri May 20 • Athirudram-2011 Venue: Sanatan Dharma Temple, 15311 Pioneer Blvd, Norwalk, California Time: 7am Contact: 714-759-2511

• Tiecon 2011 Venue: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, California Contact: 408-567-0700

Sat May 14

• Rathyatra, Festival of India Venue: National Mall (in front of Air & Space Museum), Washington, DC Time: 10:30am to 9pm Contact: 301-299-2100

• Musical Evening With Manoj Mishra & Group @ Baltimore Venue: Greater Baltimore Temple, 2909 Bloom Road, Finksburg, Maryland Time: 7pm Contact: (202) 247-7434

Fri May 13 • Celebrity DJ Piyush LIVE at Highlands - Desi Rock Friday Venue: The Highlands Hollywood, 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles Time: 9:30pm Contact: 323-205-5594

Sat May 14 • LeMast Club Presents Bollywood Bhangra Bash Venue: Tantric Lounge of Tanta on Sunset, 3705 W, Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles Time: 10pm Contact: 805-587-9144

Sat May 21

Venue: San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S. Market, San Jose, California Time: 11am to 5pm Contact: 408-271-6840

• Jk Yog Presents science of God-Realization

Sun May 15

Venue: Ma Durga Temple, 2007 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, California Time: 6pm to 7:30pm Contact: 626-351-5253

• Gaata Rahe Mera Dil Live Show Venue: Quinlan Community Center, 10185 North Stelling road, Cupertino, Bay area Time: 4:30pm to 9pm Contact: 408-839-7024

• The Diner And The Dinner Venue: India Community Center, 525 Los Coches St, Milpitas, California Time: 7pm Contact: 408-934-1130

Fri May 27 • Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Satsang

Fri April 29

Upcoming

• Community Day: Art of India

Wed May 18 Mon July 4

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Venue: Sons of Italy, 155 Clay Street, Weed, CA Time: 6pm to 9pm Contact: 512-750-0045

Fri June 3 • San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival Venue: Zellerbach Hall, 4800, 101 Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley, California Contact: 415-474-3914

Sat May 28 • Hema Wellness Program Venue: Dancing Shiva Yoga and Ayurveda Center, 7466 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles Contact: 866-436-5621

Sat May 28 • Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Live in Los Angeles Venue: Terrace Theater, 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, California Time: 7pm Contact: 510-610-0750

Sun June 5 • SALDEF's 15th Anniversary Celebration Venue: Diamond Bar Center, 1600 Grand Avenue, Diamond Bar, CA Time: 5:30pm to 8:30pm Contact: 714-504-5264 & 818-416-2952

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Mit Jaaye Ghum: Dum Maaro Dum 2 Teri Justaju (Saaware): Shor In The City 3 Awaaz: F.A.L.T.U Shor In The City

India Post

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May 13, 2011

4 Saibo: Shor In The City 5 Jiyein Kyun: Dum Maaro Dum 6 Bhojhal Se: I AM 7 Sau Baras: Haunted 8 Maine Yeh Kab Socha Tha: Game

nushka Sharma has been asked to get leaner and toned than ever before! The reason? Yash Raj Films has asked her to shed any extra inches gained before she begins shooting for her next film Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl. The actress has had a long break after the shoot of her last project Band Baaja Baraat. The production house is very strict when it comes to the fitness of their heroines. While signing a film, their contract insists they be of a certain weight and have a specific Body Mass Index. A source reveals, "A foodie she binged on her favorite delicacies and let herself go. YRF has instructed her to go slow. The actress began working out with her trainer and got a toned look. Since she has a high metabolism rate, losing weight quickly isn't a problem." Those who have worked with the banner insist that they are pretty weight-specific when it comes to the women. "Every one from Kareena to Deepika have followed the YRF diktat of getting the right digits on the weighing scale. It's a rule they don't let anyone break."

alman Khan broke an old world record and set a new Guinness World record on the show, Guinness World Record - Ab India Todega aired on Colors, hosted by bubbly Preity Zinta. Salman Khan broke the record of getting kissed maximum time which was set by an actor from Japan. The Japanese actor was kissed 87 times in a minute while Sallu received 108 kisses by 25 young girls in one minute and broke the old record and set a new Guinness World record. The group of young girls was thrilled to kiss one of the most eligible bachelors of Bollywood. Well, Salman should now dance to Katrina's song, 'Zara zara Kiss me, Kiss Me'!

9 Tum Bin Yeh Dil Ghabraye: Zokkomon 10 Wundoo Yeredoo: I AM

May 13, 2011

Bollywood

India Post

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'IMMOR TAL' PRIESTESS 'IMMORT S

lumdog Millionaire' star Freida Pinto is carving out her niche in Hollywood. Her forthcoming international flick is the epic movie 'Immortals' which is based on Greek mythology. The film comes from the makers of action-thriller 300 in the direction of Tarsem Singh and stars Superman Henry Cavill and Mickey Rourke. The story of the film is about King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) who has declared war against humanity and has spread havoc in Greece in search of the legendary Epirus Bow, a weapon of unimaginable power forged in the heavens by Ares. Since the Gods, by

ancient law, must not intervene in man's conflict, they are helpless. Here comes the peasant named Theseus (Henry Cavill) who has secretly been chosen by Zeus to save his people from Hyperion and his hordes. With the help of his followers, the visionary priestess Phaedra (Freida Pinto) and cunning slave Stavros (Stephen Dorff), Theseus sets forth for this Herculean task. Freida plays Phaedra, an oracle priestess who can see the future, but only if she remains a virgin. She helps Theseus with her gift but cannot enjoy her womanhood to the fullest.

COMEDY COUPLE

bhishek and Aishwarya are looking forward to droll in comedy for Rajkumar Santoshi's 'Ladies And Gentlemen'. This would be the first time that both of them will be seen doing a comedy together. Confirming his eagerness to do a comedy flick, Abhishek revealed that he was indeed looking forward to doing this comedy film with Aishwarya. The actor didn't want to give much detail about the film, but stated that the script of the film is funny and interesting. "It's a great script, very funny and Raj-ji is directing it. We've been very keen to work together for a long time. I'm very happy that we will be finally working together," stated Abhishek.

BOLD 'BELLY'

mran Khan, known for his chocolate boy looks and romantic side, has shot for an extremely bold lovemaking scene for his forthcoming crime and sex comedy "Delhi Belly". After this, many feel that the 28-year-old, who married his longtime girlfriend Avantika Malik in January, will be seen as the new bad boy in tinsel town. Releasing July 1, "Delhi Belly" is produced by Aamir Khan, and features an ensemble cast including Kunal Roy Kapoor, Poorna Jagannathan, Vir Das and Shenaz Treasurywala. The film is about three friends living together in a bachelor's pad in the capital. Director Abhinay Deo says the movie is definitely for the "urban class". "'Delhi Belly' is in English, actually Hinglish - it is 80 percent in English and 20 percent in Hindi. It is primarily meant for the youth, or may I say for the young at heart who still have a sense of humor. It will be liked by people who don't mind accepting a few things about the urban society, and those who have a good sense of humor," Deo said.

26 India Post

www.indiapost.com

May 13, 2011

27 India Post

The Nilgiris are a trekker's paradise. Landscaped by nature, the hills abound in treks for lovers of nature

www.indiapost.com

ilgiri means "Blue Mountains". The entire area of the Blue Mountains constitutes the present district of Nilgiri. The height of the hills in the Blue Mountain range varies between 2,280 and 2,290 meters, the highest peak being Doddabetta at a height of 2,623 meters. High above the sea level, situated at the junction of the two ghat ranges of the Sahayadri Hills, Nilgiri district provides a fascinating view. Kerala on the west, the Mysore State on the north, and Coimbatore district on the east and south bound it. Headquarters of Nilgiris district is Udhagamandalam (also called as Ooty). Nilgiris derives its charm from its natural setting. The steep hills and fantastically narrow valleys with numerous rivers and rivulets running in all directions with a few fine waterfalls here and there provide beautiful scenery. The temperate and

May 13, 2011

most equable climate further heightens the attractiveness of the place. The major tea growing areas in the South are the Nilgiris and these tea gardens are beautiful to watch. Adventure and Trekking: The Nilgiris are a trekker's paradise. Landscaped by nature, the hills abound in treks for lovers of nature. There are treks and treks in whichever direction you turn and from whichever point you start. A trek can be full of thrill, excitement and adventure and a way of seeing and enjoying nature in all its beauty and splendor. Trekking pamphlets are available with the Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment Association (NWLEA). There are guides who have sound knowledge of certain areas. If necessary, their services may be hired. And for further details contact the Tourist Information Office at Charing Cross, Ooty. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 28

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

May 13, 2011

www.indiapost.com

Oman's tourism industry focuses on India DUBAI: Oman's Ministry of Tourism has refocused its industry marketing strategy and will give greater priority to attracting short-term leisure and MICE business from India, besides the Gulf region, a senior official has said. According to Salem Al Mamari, Director General of Tourism Pro-

Salem Al Mamari, Director General of Tourism Promotions, the Sultanate of Oman's Ministry of Tourism

motion at Oman's Ministry of Tourism, this is being done against a backdrop of regional events that have spurred demand for travel to the Gulf, even though Oman will continue to strongly support traditional source markets. The ministry ran a major

roadshow in India and hosted a major media trip from India in midApril. "Our recent work in the Indian market has piqued our interest and we are looking at a number of initiatives over summer. Indigo Airlines' decision to start daily services between Mumbai and Mus-

"Our recent work in the Indian market has piqued our interest and we are looking at a number of initiatives over summer. Indigo Airlines' decision to start daily services between Mumbai and Muscat from next August is a positive indicator of growing travel demand for Oman” cat from next August is a positive indicator of growing travel demand for Oman and bodes well for our future tourism and hospitality links," Al Mamari said. The ministry also announced work on a global awareness campaign that will start in late 2011.

"The events of recent months have brought our industry together and reinforced the value of the GCC and Indian markets, with our latest discussions highlighting the underlying value of these areas. "The ministry takes the view

that it is in the collective interest of all GCC tourism authorities to more aggressively promote the region in their respective communications to the travel trade and consumers and to look at coordinated measures such as visas that promote intra-regional travel," he

added. Oman's Ministry of Tourism is encouraging discussions on ways to make intra-regional travel easier, with emphasis on tapping the large transit markets traveling through the region's aviation mega hubs. -PTI

Nilgiris: Blue Mountains with numerous rivers & rivulets Cont’d from page 27

Fairs & Festivals The Flower and Fruit Show: The annual Flower Show at Ooty and the Fruit Show at Coonoor are the important cultural events, deserving special mention. Shopping Just about anything available in the cities can be had at Ooty with the added attraction of leisurely shopping. Exclusive Nilgiri products including Nilgiri tea, fruits, natural oils like Eucalyptas, Toda embroideries, plant nurseries are easily available in the town. Co-operative Super Market and Municipal Market are some of the best places for shopping fruits and general groceries. Kairali of Kerala

The Flower and Fruit Show

and national highways connect Ooty with all major towns and cities. There are regular bus services

to and from Coimbatore, Trichy, Bangalore, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Mysore, Palghat, Calicut, Tirupati and other important destinations in South India. Ooty is also well

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CATERING IS OUR SPECIALITY

Nilgiri Tahr in The Nilgiris

Handicrafts and Poompuhar of Tamil Nadu Handicrafts have their showrooms near to Super Market Buildings on Charring Cross. How to reach Air: Coimbatore, 105-km from Ooty, is the nearest airport. It has daily flights to and from Chennai, Bangalore, Cochin and Trivandrum. Rail: Ooty is on the narrow gauge railway connected to Mettupalayam (47-km), which is directly connected to Coimbatore and Chennai. The famous toy train connects Ooty with Mettupalayam and Coonoor. Road: A good network of roads

connected with major cities of Kerala and Karnataka. Local Transport: Coonoor and Kotagiri are also well connected by road with the major cities and towns of the state. For local transportation, auto rickshaws and taxis are available.

A tea factory next to a tea plantation

May 13, 2011

Travel & Hospitality Post www.indiapost.com

JK to develop tulip garden in Jammu JAMMU: To boost tourism in the region the Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to set up a tulip garden in Jammu, the winter capital of the state, on the lines of Asia's largest tulip garden located in Srinagar. "The government has prepared a comprehensive plan costing Rs 13.57 crore for development of Bhour camp garden in Jammu city," Minister for Health, Floriculture and Horticulture, Sham Lal Sharma said while inspecting the land at Bhour camp area in outskirts of Jammu city. The plan includes providing landscaping, fencing, pathways, maintenance staff hut illumination, drinking water, irrigation

water channel and storage reservoirs, parkings, state-of-art entry gate facilities, he said. Flanked by Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla and Minister for Medical and Technical Education, R S Chib, Sharma asked officers to fence 563.5 kanal (70.40 deres) of proposed land of the garden. He asked them to sow all seasonal plants in a systematic manner in the garden so that the tourists could enjoy the place. Sharma said all efforts are being made to develop Bhour camp area as tourist spot by providing all infrastructural facilities to tourists there. -PTI

Tourism circuit to be developed in Rajasthan BIKANER: A tourism circuit, comprising places of interests in Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer districts, will be developed in Rajasthan, Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay said here. "There is a huge potential for developing tourism in Rajasthan... The union government will spend Rs 50 crore to develop

a 'desert triangle' in Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer districts," he said at a function here, adding that Bikaner alone will receive half of the amount. Tourism will be developed in the desert state, which has a wonderful diversity to cater to the tourists, under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, he said. -PTI

India Post 29

Realty Tidbits

Regulation law should be ‘comprehensive’

Real Estate

he proposed law to regulate the development of India's real estate sector must address the interests and responsibilities of all stakeholders, according to the industry leaders. General consensus on these lines was reached by the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) at its 11th national convention. The two-day meeting, inaugurated by Union Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath was presided over by CREDAI Chairman Pradeep Jain and President Lalit Kumar Jain. Other key speakers included CREDAI Secretary T. Chitty Babu and Vice-President C. Shekhar Reddy.

Adani to invest Rs 5000cr in Ahmedabad

dani Realty Business, the real estate arm of the Adani Group, plans to invest Rs5,000 crore in the group's upcoming township in Ahmedabad. The total investment is expected to be sale-revenue funded, without any debt. The group is developing a 600 acre township named Shantigram in Ahmedabad in a phased manner. Out of the Rs5,000 crore investment, more than Rs3,000 crore is the value of the land, which is owned by the Adani family. The payment for this land, which has been transferred to a new wholly owned special purpose vehicle (SPV), will be made in a staggered manner over the next three to four years. The remaining Rs2,000 crore is the development cost, of which more than Rs700 crore has already been infused. The company is confident to funding the project as well as paying the total land value through sale-revenue generated over a period of time.

Keerthi launches luxury villas in Hyderabad

eerthi Estates, a Hyderabadbased real estate developer with two decades of experience and operations in Hyderabad and Bangalore, has launched its premium luxury residential complex Richmond Villas - in Hyderabad. The gated-villas project, consisting of 157 villas of 4BHK, is coming up over 24 acres of lush green landscape near Andhra Pradesh Police Academy circle, close to the new International Airport.

India Post

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HSIIDC earmarks Rs 2,100 cr for land acquisition

May 13, 2011

Details on page 31

IT Dept purchased properties worth Rs 2500cr last year T

he Income Tax Department be came one of the largest purchasers of real estate properties last year as it embarked on a mega expansion spree to spread its establishment for enhancing taxpayer services in the country. The department, which has recently begun a special drive to check prevalence of black money in the country's real estate sector, has acquired high-worth properties worth about 2,500 crore in more than 20 cities in the last year alone. The largest acquisition by the department has been at the cost of more than 2,000 crore for the purchase of office space in the civic centre near the national capital's marketing hub, Connaught Place. The civic centre is the tallest building in Delhi. The department has similarly purchased 56 staff quarters worth more than 89 crore at the pricey Bandra-Kurla complex in Mumbai.

"All the acquisitions have been done in order to expand taxpayer facilities and to provide better living and working facilities for the department staff. No

estate sector has probably become the largest government department to acquire and create real estate in the country, the commissioner said.

doubt the department's purchasing power has been the largest in the last fiscal," an Income Tax Commissioner involved in the process, said. The department, with these acquisitions in the real

The shopping bucket of the department, according to an official report, has other high-profile purchases and acquisitions like creation of a training centre and hostel facilities for new recruits

Hircon begins handover of tallest residential tower

ome August, Hircon Interna tional, a Dubai-based developer, will commence handover of 23 Marina, a 395-metre tower in Dubai Marina, which will then surpass The Torch as the world's tallest residential tower by almost 47 metres. "We have got the utility connections… we will have temporary power connection by next week. Snagging notice has been send to investors and we expect residents to move into the apartments by August," Darshan Hiranandani, director, Hircon International, told Emirates 24|7. The 90-storey tower comprises 288 apartments and three penthouses. It has two and three-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom duplexes, ranging from 1,709 sq ft to 5,775 sq ft. Earlier this week, Select Group, a private property developer, said it will begin handover of The Torch tower, a 348 metres (1,142 ft), 86-storey residential tower, in Dubai Marina from

May. It beat Q1 Tower off Gold Coast, Australia, (323 metres, 1,058 ft) to clinch the title for the world's tallest residential tower. In November, Tameer Holding president Federico Tauber said that the 107-storey Princess Tower and 91-storey Elite Residence in Dubai Marina will be handed over in the fourth quarter. The 414metre tower has 763 units, while the latter 381-metre tower has 696 units. According to Hiranandani, 23 Marina is likely to have an occupancy rate of between 50 and 60 per cent, as most of the apartments have been bought by endusers. "A majority of investors are end users. Some of our investors have bought apartment to rent them while some have them as holiday homes," he added. Although the developer has no apartments to sell, Hircon is assisting investors to resell their apartments if they wish to. "We are offering a service to our inves

of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) at their alma mater - National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT) in Nagpur at the cost of 100 crore. In Chandigarh, the I-T department has purchased 5,000 acres of land for office space at the cost of more than 33 crore, a centralized air conditioned I-T office at Udaipur at the cost of more than 16 crore, acquisition of land for construction of office building for the department in Mumbai at about 23 crore and land measuring more than 9,500 sq m at Jamnagar in Gujarat for office building at 8 crore. Another set includes office building at Siliguri for 5.5 crore and a separate creation of 49 residential quarters and guest house at Siliguri in excess of 10 crore. One more big acquisition by the department has been made at Muzzafarpur in Bihar for building staff quarters at the cost of more than 21 crore.

Probe into Raja OK to Unitech, DB Realty projects

ealty firms DB Realty and as 2,016 projects got environmenUnitech's troubles are likely tal clearances in just two years, of to get worse. The CBI is now likely which Vinod Goenka and Shahid to probe the two companies' real Balwa, promoters of DB Realty, estate projects that were cleared benefited the most. by former telecom minister A Raja The link between the realty during his tenure as environment companies and Raja went back to minister from 2004 to 2007. CBI his previous tenure as the minissources said Unitech and DB Re- ter of environment. "This unholy alty (whose telecom arm Swan Telecom is alleged to have given kickbacks in the As many as 2,016 projects 2G scam) had obtained envi- got environmental clearronmental clearances for ances in just two years, of some of their key projects which Vinod Goenka and during Raja's tenure. Shahid Balwa, promoters of "These clearances could DB Realty, benefited be linked to the 2G spectrum scam too," a CBI official said. the most Sources added that Raja had given the clearances at the in- friendship culminated in all these stance of RK Chandolia, then di- companies getting the clearance rector of planning and coordina- certificate to their future projects," tion in the environment ministry. the official said, adding that the Chandolia later became Raja's per- friends in the real estate commusonal secretary at the telecom min- nity were asked to apply for 2G istry. spectrum which was seen as a According to the CBI, as many very lucrative business.

Real Estate

May 13, 2011

India Post 31

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CREDAI to tackle SBI drops prepayment charges corruption in real estate on home loans B C

anking leader State Bank of case for retaining the charge, say- such costs can be recovered over India dropped 'prepayment ing they charge it with a view to the full tenure of the loan, which charges' on all its loans over the covering the interest loss due to prepayment jeopardizes. past fortnight. The announcement the foreclosure of the loan. The Competition Commission coincided with the hiking of the They said prepayment penalty later ruled that the levy of prepaybank's base rate and withdrawal helps them mitigate the costs of ment penalty by banks on home of the controversial teaser home deposits taken at higher rate which loans is not against competition loan schemes. With the SBI tak- they do not have a right to pre- laws. A majority decision given by ing the lead, other banks are the four-member Commission now expected to follow suit and on December 2, 2010 said banks withdraw the controversial and housing finance compapenalty in the days to come. nies have not violated Section Most banks and home fi3 and 4 relating to anti-competinance institutions charge a pretive practices and abuse of payment penalty in the range dominant position. of 1 per cent to 2 per cent in the However, two of the memevent of a customer opting to bers issued dissenting orders close the home loan premasuggesting that banks should turely. Public sector banks gen- Two of the members issued discontinue with the practice erally charge about 1 per cent dissenting orders suggestof charging such a penalty. Earor less of the loan outstanding ing that banks should lier, the Reserve Bank of India as prepayment penalty, while it had gone on record expressing can be anywhere between 1-3 discontinue with the pracits dissent over the practice of per cent in private banks. In tice of charging such a slapping penalty charges on many cases, banks do not premature repayment of loans. penalty. Earlier, the Reserve The apex bank had said it did charge any prepayment penalty if you prepay using your own Bank of India had gone on not approve of such charges. sources. "RBI does not approve of record expressing its dissent The penalty is calculated on charging penalty or foreclosure principal. Hence, if you have Rs over the practice of slapcharges. We have advised 20 lakhs of loan outstanding, ping penalty charges on banks to lay out appropriate the penalty could range from internal principles and procepremature repayment nothing to Rs 60,000 dependdures so that usurious interest ing on the bank. Last year the including processing and other issue had come under the purview pay. It also covers for the cost in- charges are not levied by them on of the Competition Commission of curred in legal and technical ser- loans and advances," RBI had said India. After a long hearing, the vices and origination fees. Banks in response to a query filed under banks managed to make a strong work out agreements assuming the Right to Information Act.

REDAI (Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India) has presented a time-bound program to the government to tackle the menace of corruption in the real estate sector. "The Confederation has presented a time-bound action plan to union urban development minister Kamal Nath at the two-day 11th National Conference (NATCON) of CREDAI in Singapore," said a CREDAI official. CREDAI national president Lalit Kumar Jain said the developer community was being branded as being corrupt. He said the confederation would seek an appointment with the prime minister to discuss ways and means to check the cancer of corruption instead of indulging in blame game. "This country is, sadly though, rated to be one of the most corrupt nations of the world. Any citizen of this country will feel hurt and humiliated. The real estate sector is rated to be the biggest contributor to this notoriety. I and all my colleagues in real estate feel greatly insulted," said Jain. He added that developers were victims of the system and not the beneficiaries. Jain said the real estate sector was being branded as the breeding ground for black money and corruption. "It is the various government

HSIIDC earmarks Rs 2,100 cr for land acquisition CHANDIGARH: Haryana State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (HSIIDC) said it would spend Rs 2,100 crore for undertaking various development works and acquisition of land in 2011-12. The process has already been set in motion for acquisition of

HSIIDC has successfully completed projects involving an investment of more than Rs 6,000 crore, during the last six years, he said. He said some of the new key projects included an Exhibitioncum-Convention Centre (ECC) at Manesar, an Integrated Multi-

implementation modes like the Public Private Partnership (PPP) funding and Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) route, etc, are being adopted. The HSIIDC was focusing on timely implementation and monitoring of these projects to ensure that there were no time and costs

The HSIIDC was focusing on timely implementation and monitoring of these projects to ensure that there were no time and costs over-runs about 29,000 acres of land to meet the needs of these projects, which includes setting up of new Industrial Model Townships (IMTs), industrial estates and various initiatives under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), a HSIIDC spokesman said.

modal Logistic Hub (IMLH), Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) between GurgaonManesar-Bawal, industrial estates at Bidhal-Lath, Madina and Narnaul and IMT Kharkhauda. All these entail huge financial investment for which various

over-runs, Arora said. The development works at IMT Faridabad, IMT Rohtak, Industrial Estate, Panipat, and expansion of the Industrial Estates at Bahadurgarh, Barhi, and Rai involve creation of state-of-theart infrastructure, and services

like road networks, water supply, sewage system, storm water drainage system, horticulture works and electricity distribution networks. Implementation of Phase-I of IMT, Rohtak, over 858 acres is nearing completion. The development works initiated by Larsen & Tubro (L&T) on turnkey basis, are likely to be completed by August, 2011. The award for Phase-II of the project over 1,893 acres, is being finalized. -PTI

procedures and delays in clearances that rise to corruption. We curse every person who exploits us to give us a legitimate permission which we deserve instantly and without any illegitimate de-

Talking about the long process of clearances, he said this process involved connecting with more than 150 people in about 40 departments mand," he said. Talking about the long process of clearances, he said this process involved connecting with more than 150 people in about 40 departments of central, state government and municipal corporations. "After investing heavily in land, even a day's delay in approvals adds to the costs. And in desperation and when speed becomes important, the concept of speed money creeps in," he pointed out. Every developer has to obtain 40 certificates, NOCs and clearances. "The McKinney report to the Government of India as long ago as in 2001 said that land approval related hurdles are costing 40% higher to home cost," he said. CREDAI presented two key documents to Kamal Nath - a compilation of best practices by some state governments that can be emulated by the rest of the country and a comprehensive checklist for approvals.

May 13, 2011

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Tech News No shortage of warehouses for grain: Haryana CHANDIGARH: The Haryana government has said there would be no shortage of warehouses in the state for storage of food grains in the days to come as tenders have been approved for construction of additional warehouses having capacity of 15 lakh tonnes of food grains. At present, the state's warehouses have a capacity of 40 lakh tonnes of food grains, an official release said here. The warehouses would also be constructed on public private partnership mode as per schemes of the Union government. The state had a target to produce 63 lakh to 65 lakh tonnes of wheat during current season out of which 60 lakh tonnes of wheat has so far been procured, it said. Heavy production of wheat has been recorded in the state except Karnal and nearby districts as the crop had been damaged in these areas due to hailstorm and crop diseases which caused low production. -PTI

Role of Reliance officials in 2G scam 'minimal' NEW DELHI: The marathon hearing on the bail plea of five corporate honchos jailed in connection with the 2G spectrum case entered the fifth day in Delhi High Court with three top Reliance ADAG officials claiming that their role in the "massive" scam was "minimal". "Even if, we take CBI's allegations at their face value, the role of Reliance officials in the so called massive scam was minimal," former Attorney General Soli J Sorabji, appearing for Gautam Doshi, Group Managing Director of Reliance ADAG, told Justice Ajit Bharihoke. Sorabji, citing from the brief note of the CBI, said the only allegations against the Reliance officials was that they "structured" a front company, Swan Telecom Private Ltd, with an intention to cheat the DoT by bypassing its guidelines on grant of licenses. "Structuring a company is not an offence and moreover, I am not here in the main thing (conspiracy)," he said. "Look at their records. They have no criminal past, they were not arrested during the probe. These are relevant factors which cannot be thrown in the dustbin," he said, adding, they be not deprived of personal liberty if refusal of bail amounted to awarding punishment. -PTI

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This May 2 photo, provided by NASDAQ OMX Group, shows the cover of a special issue of Time magazine on the death of Osama bin Laden displayed on the Nasdaq screen in New York Times Square. The issue features a red "X" over bin Laden's face

May 13, 2011

Bose Corp. founder donates majority stock in company to MIT India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Dr. Amar Bose, the iconic founder of Bose Corporation has given to his alma mater MIT, a significant donation in form of stock in his company. Bose, who is an alumnus of the 1951 class, has given to MIT the majority of the stock of Bose Corporation in the form of non-voting shares. MIT will receive annual cash dividends on those shares when dividends are paid by Bose Corporation; those cash dividends will be used by MIT to sustain and advance MIT's education and research mission. Under the terms of the gift, MIT cannot sell its Bose shares and will not participate in the management or governance of the company. Bose Corporation will remain a private and independent company, and operate as it always has, with no change in strategy or leadership. Dr. Bose will remain Bose Corporation's Chairman and Technical Director. Dr. Bose received his bachelor's

degree, master's degree and PhD from MIT, all in electrical engineering. He was asked to join the faculty in 1956, and accepted with the intention of teaching for no more

Dr. Amar Bose

than two years. He continued as a member of the MIT faculty until 2001, making important contributions to the Institute's teaching of undergraduate electrical engineering. In 1964, Dr. Bose founded Bose Corporation. From its inception,

the company has remained privately owned, with a focus on long-term research. In expressing gratitude for this gift, MIT President Susan

"Dr. Bose," Hockfield continued, "has asked us not to shine too bright a spotlight on him today. So to honor that wish, let us simply celebrate Dr. Bose's profound belief in the transformative power of an MIT education" Hockfield remarked not only on Dr. Bose's generosity, but also on his humility. "Amar Bose gives us a great gift today, but he also serves as a superb example for MIT graduates who yearn to cut their own path. Dr. Bose set the high-

est teaching standards, for which he is still admired and loved by his faculty colleagues and the many students he taught. His insatiable curiosity propelled remarkable research, both at MIT and within the company he founded. Dr. Bose has always been more concerned about the next two decades than about the next two quarters." "Dr. Bose," Hockfield continued, "has asked us not to shine too bright a spotlight on him today. So to honor that wish, let us simply celebrate Dr. Bose's profound belief in the transformative power of an MIT education." In a letter to Bose Corporation employees, Dr. Bose paid tribute to his mentors at MIT: Professors Y. W. Lee, Norbert Wiener and Jerome Wiesner. He explained that the gift represents his long-held desire to support MIT education, and reaffirmed the company's mission to play for the long run. "We will continue," Dr. Bose wrote to his employees, "to remain true to the principles upon which our company was founded."

7 Indian American businesswomen among 50 Fastest Growing India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Seven Indian American women businesswomen are among the top 50 Fastest Growing Women-owned companies in North America. The fourth of these rankings were released by the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO) and American Express OPEN, the small business division of American Express. The Top 50 generated a combined $4.1 billion in 2010 revenues (mean of $82.7 million) and collectively employed 24,650 in 2010 (projected average for 2011 is 557 employees). Himanshu Bhatia, ranked third, owner and chief executive officer, has seen her business employment skyrocket (1,500 in 2008, 5,000

in 2010 and 6,500 projected for 2011) in addition to the company's rapid revenue growth ($117,000,000 in 2008 to $230,000,000 in 2010). The other Indian American

Ontario, Canada (Independent Medical Assessments); Kiran Gill, PARS Environmental, Inc., New Jersey (Environmental consulting firm); Anjali 'Ann' Ramakumaran, Ampcus Inc., Virginia (Consulting

In order to help the Top 50 continue to seize even more business opportunities, each of the honored business owners will be offered a Business Platinum Card from American Express OPEN women business leaders on the Top 50 list are: Ranjini Poddar, Artech Information Systems, New Jersey (IT Consulting); Rachna Agarwal, Expedien, Inc., Texas (Business Intelligence); Gloria Rajkumar, SIMAC Canada Inc.,

services); and Sonu Ratra, Akraya, Inc., California (IT & Marketing staffing). The Top 50 list includes a group of trailblazing women entrepreneurs that represent a variety of industries ranging from staffing to

electronic systems providers, language services to security, said Marsha Firestone, Ph. D., president and founder of the WPO. We are pleased to partner with American Express OPEN to honor these powerful women and recognize their triumphs. In order to help the Top 50 continue to seize even more business opportunities, each of the honored business owners will be offered a Business Platinum Card from American Express OPEN. The card will include 100,000 Membership Rewards points, which may be used on capital investments including: the funding of employee recognition programs, business travel or the purchase of office equipment and supplies. ContĂd on page 35

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May 13, 2011

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Indian American businesses earned $150 billion India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Indian Americans owned nearly 20 percent of all Asian-owned firms in the United States earning over $150 billion, giving employment to over 850,000 people across the country, according to the US Census Bureau’s 2007 Survey of Business Owners (SBO). Precise numbers show Indian Americans owned 19.9 percent of all Asian-owned firms (308,514 firms) with receipts of $152.5 billion (30% of all Asian-owned firm receipts). Although Chinese owned firms accounted for 27.3 percent, the highest among all Asian groups, their earnings were less than that of the total Indian American firms at $142.8 billion (28.1%). Overall, Asians owned 1.5 million nonfarm US businesses operating in the fifty states and the District of Columbia in 2007, an increase of 40.4% from 2002. These Asianowned firms accounted for 5.7% of all nonfarm businesses in the United States, employed 2.8 million persons (2.4% of total employment) and generated $507.6 billion in receipts (1.7% of total receipts). These findings come from the US Census Bureau’s 2007 Survey of Business Owners (SBO) and were collected as part of the 2007 Economic Census. The SBO includes

a sample of more than 2.3 million non-farm businesses filing 2007 tax forms as individual proprietorships, partnerships, or any type of corporation, and with receipts of $1,000 or more. The SBO defines Asian-owned businesses as firms in which persons of Asian origin own 51 percent or more of the equity, interest or stock of the business. Type of business Among Indian-American owned US

Geographic concentration California had the largest number of Indian-American firms at 58,995 with receipts of $29.1 billion (19.1% of all Indian-American firm receipts). New York and Texas were next with 47,760 and 27,748 of Indian-American firms respectively, with receipts of $17.2 billion and $14.0 billion respectively. The metropolitan statistical areas with

Among Indian-American owned US firms, 48.9% were in the professional, scientific, and technical services, the retail trade, and the health care and social assistance sectors, accounting for 1.7% of all US businesses in these sectors firms, 48.9% were in the professional, scientific, and technical services, the retail trade, and the health care and social assistance sectors, accounting for 1.7% of all US businesses in these sectors. Further breaking it down, data shows retail trade, wholesale trade, and professional, scientific, and technical services accounted for 59.1% of Indian-American owned business revenue.

the largest number of Indian-American owned firms were New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA (64,457); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA (23,151); and Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, ILIN-WI (17,362). Employer firms In 2007, there were 109,196 Indian-American employer firms, an increase of 32.5% from 2002. These firms employed 850,191

persons, an increase of 39.4% from 2002, and had a total payroll of $26.8 billion, an increase of 52.4% from 2002. In 2007, these firms generated $140.9 billion in receipts, an increase of 75.9% from 2002. In 2007, employer firms accounted for 35.4% of the total number of Indian-American firms and 92.4% of their total revenues. Average revenues for these Asian Indian-owned employer firms in 2007 were $1.3 million. Non-employee firms In 2007, 199,318 Asian Indian-owned firms had no paid employees, an increase of 41.6% from 2002. These non-employer firms generated $11.5 billion in receipts, an increase of 44.4% from 2002. In 2007, nonemployers accounted for 64.6% of the total number of Asian Indian-owned firms and 7.6% of receipts. Average receipts for these Indian-American non-employer firms in 2007 were $57,928. A little over 41,000 Indian American firms had less than $5,000 revenues while 28,083 Indian American firms had revenues of over One Million.Interestingly, there were 69,935 Indian-American owned employer firms with less than five employees that generated $38.6 billion in revenues. In comparison, 1,959 Indian-American employer firms with 50 or more employees, generated $36.6 billion in revenues.

India may allow FDI in multi-brand retail in 36 cities NEW DELHI: Industry Ministry's proposal to open multi-brand retail for foreign investment is likely to go to the Cabinet soon after assembly election results of four states and a Union Territory, taking on board job-related concerns of the Labor Ministry, sources said. The Cabinet note, circulated by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has a rider that foreign retail giants will have to invest a minimum of $100 million, half of which must go to the back-end infrastructure like cold storage, soil testing labs and seed farming. In the event of the proposal getting approved, multi- national retailers like Wal-Mart, Carrefour and Tesco which have been awaiting the government's decision, would be allowed in cities

with population of over one million (according to 2001 census). As per this criterion, the foreign chains would be able to open shops in 36 cities only, sources said. This rider would take care of concerns expressed

ing for election results of the five assembly elections. After that the decision would be taken". The issue is politically sensitive, as some of the political parties like the Left, have been opposing the move."

India's total retail sector is estimated at $590 billion, of which unorganized is at $496, according to an Icrier report. Opening of the multibrand retail to foreign investment is expected to revive the investor confidence by the ministries of labor and rural development over the impact of the big foreign retailers on the small kirana shops, they said. Asked how soon the decision could be expected, they said, "The government is wait-

At present, India allows FDI only in single brand retail chains like Nike, Louis Vuitton with a cap of 51%. It also permits 100% overseas investment in wholesale cash-and-carry format. Several of the big chains like Wal-

7 Indian American businesswomen among 50 Fastest Growing Contíd from page 34

"Based on American Express OPEN's 'State of Women-Owned Businesses' report, there are an estimated 8.1 million womenowned businesses in the United States, generating nearly $1.3 trillion in revenues and employing nearly 7.7 million people," said

Nancy Hood, Vice President at American Express OPEN. "We at OPEN are honored to support this elite group of women who diversify the full spectrum of industries and have become leaders within the women business community." All eligible companies were ranked according to a sales growth formula that combines per-

centage and absolute growth. From this list, the 50 Fastest were selected. To be qualified for the ranking, businesses are required to be privately held, womanowned/led companies in the U.S. or Canada and have reached revenue of at least $500,000 by the first week of 2006 and $2 million in 2010.

Mart and Carrefour have set up their joint ventures in India, waiting for their full-scale entry into the multi-brand retailing. A discussion paper on opening of the sector has been in the public domain since July 2010 and the stakeholders have submitted their feedback. India's total retail sector is estimated at $590 billion, of which unorganized is at $496, according to an Icrier report. Opening of the multi-brand retail to for-

eign investment is expected to revive the investor confidence in the country. Foreign direct investment has dipped by 25% between April-February of 201011, while concerns over sustaining robust economic growth of over 8.5% have surfaced in the backdrop of inflation. Besides, the India Inc confidence has also been dented because of a spate of scams such as 2G telecom spectrum and Commonwealth Games.

TechBiz Post

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India puts onus for global inflation on rich nations HANOI: India has blamed rich countries for rising food and energy prices, stating inability of their regulators has led to massive financial inflows into commodity markets for higher returns. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said "rising international commodity prices are not all explainable by supply or demand shocks or shortfalls" and asked the Asian Development Bank to do some more "home work" on the issue. Mukherjee was addressing finance ministers of the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) on the sidelines of the annual general meeting of the ADB. "They (rising prices) are result of inability of regulators and that of monetary policy in richer countries to control the unabated massive financial inflows into global commodity markets in search of higher returns," he said. Mukherjee said these financial factors are doing the world much

harm, especially the poor. "We need better governance and regulatory oversights of these markets," he said. In a separate meeting, ADB

an effective multilateral framework that promotes global monetary and financial stability". According to an ADB study a 10 per cent rise in domestic food

"They (rising prices) are result of inability of regulators and that of monetary policy in richer countries to control the unabated massive financial inflows into global commodity markets in search of higher returns" Pranab Mukherjee

President Haruhiko Kuroda said that Asia must play greater responsibility in global economic and financial affairs "by playing a more proactive role in designing

prices in developing Asia, home to 3.3 billion people, could push an additional 64 million people, into extreme poverty based on the USD 1.25 a day poverty line. -PTI

May 13, 2011

Jet Airways to pay Sahara Rs.478 crore MUMBAI: Bringing an end to the legal row between Jet Airways and Sahara India over the multicrore takeover deal, the Bombay High Court held that Jet is liable to stick to the renegotiated Rs 1,450-crore purchase price to Sahara Airlines and pay the balance amount of Rs.478 crore within two weeks. In its 73-page order, the court said out of the Rs.478 crore due to Sahara Airlines (now Jetlite), Jet has already deposited Rs 275 crore with the court. This amount, with interest accrued thereon, would be paid to Sahara by the court and the balance would be paid by Jet. Jet's liability to pay Rs 478 crore includes 9 percent interest on the principal sum of Rs 402 crore which works to Rs 9.92 lakh per day or a little over Rs 75 crore. Jet's counsel Janak Dwarkadas made a statement before the court that they would make the payment within two weeks. Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud, however, rejected the

petition filed by Sahara claiming Rs 2,000 crore as the total sum for the takeover instead of the renegotiated amount of Rs 1,450 crore agreed between the two parties. Jet bought Sahara Airlines in April 2007 for Rs 1,450 crore after an arbitration award. It paid Rs 900 crore and agreed to pay the balance in four installments. "We welcome this verdict and it is very good as the court has accepted our side," Jet Airways senior vice-president for finance M Shiv Kumar said. About the impact of the verdict on the profitability of Jet, Kumar said, "the net additional outgo from us will be only Rs 116 crore and not Rs 550 crore as demanded by the contending party. We are to get an income tax refund of Rs 87 crore and we have already deposited Rs 275 crore with the court." Asked whether they would move the Supreme Court, Kumar said they are yet to study the court order. -PTI

Anna Hazare's movement figures in ADB meet HANOI: Anna Hazare's movement for a tough legislation to check corruption in India figured at the Asian Development Bank meeting where Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee admitted the government came under the pressure of the civil society. "(Our) Government took quick action as a result of pressure built by civil society as any government which is responsible and responsive cannot ignore this fact," Mukherjee said in response to a question at Governors' Seminar, part of the ADB's official agenda for its annual meeting here. The Finance Minister said efforts of Hazare and other members of the civil society has brought to focus the important

issue. "One social activist Anna Hazare, along with the efforts of the others, have brought to focus one important aspect of legislation which has been pending for long. This will deal with corruption in high places," he said. Hazare, 73 year old Gandhian from a Maharashtra village, along with his supporters went on a 98hour long hunger strike in New Delhi in April demanding legislation for setting up of Lok Pal (Ombudsman) to deal with corruption. Following the pressure, the Government has set up a joint committee comprising senior ministers and representatives of the civil society, including Hazare, to draft the legislation.

Mukherjee said with participation of civil society in law mak-

He said the CBI had started investigation into the alleged irregularities in 2G spectrum allocation in 2008 even before the official auditor CAG raised the alarm ing, "we are adding a new dimension in our multi-party democratic system".

At a session moderated by well known BBC presenter Nik Gowing, Mukherjee said "There should be sufficient flexibility in functioning of legislation where views of others can be adequately reflected". The Finance Minister, who is member of the Lok Pal Bill drafting committee, said "various aspects of government functioning should be transparent, accountable and must be corruption free. We are trying to introduce Lok Pal Bill". With regard to the ongoing investigation into the 2G scam, which has seen many high profile corporate personalities coming under scanner along with former Telecom Minister A Raja,

Mukherjee said, "When public complaints were raised, CBI was asked to look into the matter". He said the CBI had started investigation into the alleged irregularities in 2G spectrum allocation in 2008 even before the official auditor CAG raised the alarm. Stating a healthy practice prevails in India, Mukherjee said "even charge sheet was filed against one former Prime Minister (in a different case)". It may be recalled that CBI filed a charge sheet against Narasimha Rao in JMM bribery case in 1997. "This speaks about the accountability and transparency of institutions," Mukherjee said. -PTI

Asian economies need to be carefully steered: Pranab HANOI: With China and India among those driving global economy, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has cautioned that Asian economies would need to be carefully steered and that they are not on autopilot. Mukherjee along with finance ministers of leading Asian economies, including Japan, did brainstorming on a number of global issues like rising food prices and role of regulators in rich countries and tax evasion. They have gathered here to participate in the annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which is optimistic that about 50 per cent of global output will come from Asia in 2050.

Speaking in the Governors' Seminar on ASIA 2050, Mukherjee said that Asian economies, which are lynchpin of global recovery, would need to be carefully steered. "... despite its blistering pace of growth, Asia is not on the autopilot mode and in fact would require careful steering to realize the goal of a prosperous Asia which will not only make lives of Asians better but augur well for world economic growth," he said referring to an ADB study giving a optimistic outlook for the continent. Most of the influential leaders such as ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda pressed

for greater role of Asia in the global monetary and financial institutions. The report said that engines of Asia's reemergence -- India, China and five other economies -- will account for 45 per cent of the global GDP by 2050. It said Asia's rise will be led by China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. The study said that in the more optimistic Asian Century scenario, the region's gross domestic product (GDP) would soar to USD 148 trillion and account for 51 per cent of global output in 2050. Referring to the immediate challenge of rising food and energy prices, Mukherjee

blamed the rich countries. He said inability of their regulators has led to massive financial inflows into commodity markets for higher returns. On issue of black money, Mukherjee asked the international community to impress upon "non-cooperative jurisdictions" (countries and territories) to share information about funds stashed there. He said such entities should share tax information through regular instruments. There should not be any differentiation between tax evasion and tax fraud. Also, the flow of information should not be hindered. -PTI

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: TV viewers and fans propelled 'Outsourced' - the first US TV show set in India and with predominantly South Asian cast and crew - to be ranked #1 among NBC shows considered on the bubble in an online viewer poll Save That Show (www.savethatshow.com). Outsourced got more than 850, leaving the second most 'popular' show The Event with just over 430 votes. Save that Show invites TV viewers to weigh in on television programs that had considered to be "on the bubble" (to be scraped) in an online poll. Across all networks, Outsourced currently has highest votes, next only to ABC's No Ordinary Family. Outsourced also had the highest percentage of its votes in the "It's Perfect" cat-

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May 13, 2011

the importance of having Muslim actors on US primetime TV: "I think more than ever in today's political climate,

In the new political climate, fans have been weighing in that the need for Outsourced could never be more important, when multi-cultural stories on primetime US shows and comedy can increase cross-culture understanding and people of all backgrounds egory, the highest of all shows voted on. In the new political climate, fans have been weighing in that the need for Outsourced could never be more important, when multi-cultural stories on primetime US shows and comedy can increase cross-culture understanding and

it is important to have positive representations of Muslims and South Asians in the media."

people of all backgrounds. Rizwan Manji, one of the prominent cast members on Outsourced says on

"Outsourced has given me the opportunity to be on a show that depicts South Asians in a way that they are

not regularly portrayed on TV," he says. "It has also given great opportunities such as recently appearing on "The Tonight Show"

to share my background as a Muslim, representing the life of the everyday Muslim guy!"

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: "If you become a spiritual person, you could accomplish anything. The amount of weight, he was moving was unheard of," says Wayne DeMilia, Chairman, International Federation of Bodybuilders, in the film 'Challenging Impossibility' about Indiaborn spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy. The film premiered May 1, at the world renowned Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, which was attended by the World's Strongest Man 2002 Hugo Girard, Olympic legend Carl Lewis and three-time Mr. Olympia bodybuilder Frank Zane, whose statements are shown in the film. "You almost feel like gravity stops," states Carl Lewis on the

Short film on Sri Chinmoy premieres at Tribeca The film premiere was attended by the World's Strongest Man 2002 Hugo Girard, Olympic legend Carl Lewis and three-time Mr. Olympia bodybuilder Frank Zane

screen, who was lifted by Sri Chinmoy on a platform together with a 2500 kg elephant by 2.5 inches. Produced by Sanjay Rawal and Natabara Rollosson of New York the short film features Sri Chinmoy (1931-2007). Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 39

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Rohini's latest at exquisite fashion show

J.S.BEDI India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Along with numerous guest celebrities and several attendees, the multi-talented Indian designer Rohini Bedi identified for her structured "Kali saris," showcased her

With her impressive sense of mixing colors, Rohini Bedi has been consistent in her display of creative styles over a period of time that has fetched her respect and the admiration of all newest collection with an exquisite fashion show on the 28th of April at the Los Angeles Convention Centre. The collection featured the latest designs to hit the Indian fashion scene just in time for spring. Bold, bright colors, beautiful patterns and textures lit up the runway as

the audience sat in awe. With her impressive sense of mixing colors, Rohini Bedi has been consistent in her display of creative styles over a period of time that has fetched her respect and the admiration of all. This season, she stuck to her intrinsic sense of exquisitely draped saris, tunics over Patiala's and the evergreen

long Anarkalis. For the finale the models sashayed down the ramp in all black silhouettes that were both bold and intriguing and she used large hats above as a styling feature. The ready to wear collection is available at Rohini Bedi's exclusive studio in Costa Mesa.

May 13, 2011

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Choicest films for Sikh film festival Phalke Academy awards for India Post News Service

YUBA CITY: A Sikh Film Festival will be held at 17th Punjabi American Festival on May 29 at Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds. The following are among the films to be shown at the non-profit event: It begins with a 3-minute musical video Aao Ji in high resolution by King Gurcharan Mall.

and November of 1984. After Prime Minister Indira Gandhi lay siege on the Sikh's holiest site-The Golden Temple--Michael and his brother Surinder managed to infiltrate it and view the destruction following the gunning down of hundreds of pilgrims. Five months later, Mrs. Gandhi's bloody siege resulted in her own death when her two Sikh bodyguards assassinated her. In return, Government-guided mobs all over New Delhi raped, scalped, and butchered thousands more Sikh men, women and children. For three terrifying days, some thirty Sikh women and children hid in the bedroom of Michael and Surinder's host, the Bishop of

Two friends who share a common background reunite after several The Reunion by Angad Bhai (20 minutes): Two friends who share a common background reunite after several years of being apart. One is a Sikh who has cut his hair after being brutalized during a hate crime, and the other has kept his hair since birth. Their dialogue deals with issues Sikhs face when trying to assimilate into modern American society, while maintaining their cultural and religious heritage. Riding The Tiger by Michael Singh (12 minutes). Michael is great documentary producer. He is son in law of Burt Lancaster the great Hollywood legend who had won several Oscars. Riding the Tiger recounts Michael Singh's personal and intimate journey into self-identity as a half-Sikh young man who survived the atrocities of 1984, denying his Sikh heritage and passing for a white man. His story is set against the backdrop of the bloodiest year in modern Sikh history. In 1984, the Indian Government sponsored massacres of Sikh men women and children in both June

years of being apart. One is a Sikh who has

British Empire recruited soldiers from all across the empire in their fight against Germany and Mr. Singh found himself captured at the Battle of Flanders in 1915, where one of the young soldiers was Adolf Hitler. In this rare recording made by German scientists studying their multi-ethnic POWs, Singh tells his captors that once upon a time he came from a land "of butter and milk," but now in European hands he is dying of hunger, and yearning for peace and a return to his native land. An insightful commentary by Indian Army veteran Colonel Randhawa points out the irony that the Sikhs, while fighting for their own independence from British oppression, were still willing to aid the British Empire in their European "War for Civilization." Britain's dubious promise to Mal Singh and his family ends this unique and poignant glimpse into the past.

Dharmendra, Ranveer MUMBAI: From veteran actor Dharmendra to newcomer Ranveer Singh - quite a few actors from the Hindi film industry were honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards here. The event was attended by Rani Mukerji, Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma, Sonakshi Sinha, Rekha and Asha Parekh, among others. However, Aamir Khan, who was supposed to attend the show, decided to skip it. Dharmendra was bestowed

excellent performance in the film "Band Baaja Baarat" and her coactor of the film got the best debut award. "I'm truly elated and it's a very prestigious award because he was the visionary of the Indian film industry and to get such an honor at such a young age for me is extremely motivating and encouraging and I hope that whatever little I'm trying to do in the industry, if it makes even slightest of mark, it will make me happy," said Anushka.

cut his hair after being brutalized during a hate crime, and the other has kept his hair since birth. Their diaAnushka Sharma, Asha Parekh, Dharmendra and Ranveer Singh pose at the Dadasaheb Phalke Awards 2011 ceremony in Mumbai on May 3

logue deals with issues Sikhs face Delhi, Maqbool Caleb. The Indian Government has yet to account for what it did to the Sikhs. This 12-minute movie -a preview of a planned one-hour film offers a riveting glimpse into Michael's experience. The Prisoner's Song (21 minutes): Winner of "Best Film" award at the Spinning Wheel Film Festival, Toronto, 2009. Retired Colonel Perminder Randhawa serves as a guide to an 80-second audio recording made during WWI by Punjabi farmer Mal Singh, while he was a German prisoner of war. The

Wagah by Supriyo Sen (20 minutes): Each night the only border crossing between India and Pakistan on a 1000km stretch becomes the sight of an extraordinary event. Thousands of people gather to witness the ritual closing of the border, after which the masses get as close as possible to the gate to greet their former neighbors. This "festival" is therefore on the one hand a celebration of the partition, but on the other hand also the only connecting element. What do the terms separation, home and proximity mean to the people on both sides? Winner of 32 International Awards.

with the Phalke Ratan, Asha Parekh received the legendary icon cine artist award, Rani got outstanding performance award for "No One Killed Jessica" and Priyanka received memorable performance award for "7 Khoon Maaf". "I felt really nice getting this award because this is an award from our industry. I'm very happy," Asha Parekh told reporters here. Echoing a similar stance, Rani said: "This is my first award for 'Jessica...' and that too this award. So I'm very happy." Anushka was honored for the

Added Ranveer: "Quite clearly this is the most prestigious award that I've received till now. It's a very big day for me. It's amazing to be here and to be receiving this award." The best debutant award was bagged by Sonakshi Sinha for "Dabangg" and Arbaaz Khan got the best debut producer award for the same film. Veteran actor Dara Singh was also honored with the senior most cine artist award. While the men came dressed in suits, the actresses flaunted colorful saris here. -Agencies

Conference renews Carnatic music traditions Short film on Sri Chinmoy India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Sri Annamacharya Project of North America (SAPNA) in joint collaboration with India Classical Music Society (ICMS) conducted the 3rd International Veena Conference in Chicago last month. The most celebrated, and worshiped South Indian music instrument Veena dazzled the over 300 audiences at the unique festival which brought over 80 Veenas, 100 performers supporting on vocals, string instruments such as Western Guitars, and classical and folk

percussion instruments. On that day, young and budding stage presence of next generation artists was in perfect contrast with their own growing musical maturity. The profound artistry, commitment of seasoned artists and innovative experimentation of the new genre made a memorable impact on those who attended the event. As a national instrument of India, Veena holds an esteemed place in the world of instrumental music. Veena is the most ancient, most revered musical instrument, and finds mention in Vedic lore as

one of the three principle music instruments along with 'Venu' the wind instrument and 'Mridanga', the percussion instrument. At the festival, the very expansive and cohesively continuing musical tradition of Carnatic Music of India was brought to stage for the third year in a row to celebrate the Veena. Audiences delighted on witnessing over 80 hand carved Veenas dressed magnificently from different sampradayas - schools of mother land. The chosen theme for 2011 Veena conference was Raga Kalyani one of the major scales of Carnatic music.

premieres at Tribeca Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 37

Five-time Mr. Universe Bill Pearl said, "Even the greatest bodybuilder in his prime wouldn't attempt to lift like Sri Chinmoy. Sri Chinmoy took up the sport at the age of 53 years. "He performed his own strenuous feats to spread his message of world harmony and inner peace," wrote the New York Times reporting about the premiere of 'Challenging Impossibility'. The film also shares Sri Chinmoy's philosophy that age

should never be a barrier to achieving one's dreams, that, as he said, "Age is in the mind, and not in the heart." The film shows musician Sting, President Nelson Mandela and Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu being lifted by Sri Chinmoy on a honorary platform overhead. After being honored Desmond Tutu says to Sri Chinmoy: "You are part of the spiritual force of love that emanates from God and which will transform the world."

Â&#x201E; Health

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NJ Senate panel OKs health commissioner

TRENTON, NJ: A Senate panel has approved Gov. Chris Christie's nominee for state health commissioner. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to approve the nomination of Mary O'Dowd. But not before some contentious questioning over the Christie administrations cuts to health programs for women and its slow progress on implementing a medical marijuana program. The 33-year-old O'Dowd was nominated to succeed Poonam Alaigh, who resigned last month, citing an illness in her family. O'Dowd is a former vice president of the New Jersey Hospital Association and worked as a financial manager at New York University Medical Center. She is married to Christie's deputy chief counsel, Kevin O'Dowd. -AP

Â&#x201E; Ariz. governor vetoes health insurance proposal PHOENIX: Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed a proposal that would have let health insurance companies licensed in other states issue policies in Arizona. Brewer says she vetoed the bill partly because of a provision added late in the legislative process. That provision would have allowed insurers licensed by Arizona to drop specific mandated coverage if an out-of-state company doesn't provide the mandated coverage in a policy issued in Arizona. Brewer also says she has concerns about whether Arizonans would have adequate recourses if mistreated by out-ofstate insurers. -AP

Â&#x201E; US mothers feed infants variety of herbal products CHICAGO: New research suggests many U.S. babies are fed herbal supplements or teas. Food and Drug Administration researchers led the study. It was released in the journal Pediatrics and is billed as the first to examine broad use of such products in American infants. About 9 percent studied had been fed supplements at least once. The 2005-2007 study over sampled whites mothers, so authors say the true national prevalence is likely between 3 percent and 10 percent. About 2,600 mothers were questioned. -AP

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Official known for '76 swine flu fiasco has died ATLANTA: A prominent former federal health official whose career was tainted by controversy over a swine flu campaign in the 1970s has died. -AP

Legislature makes new deal on NC worker insurance RALEIGH, NC: The General Assembly has unveiled a new proposal designed to close a $515 million funding gap for North Carolina's state employee health insurance plan for the next two years, but it's unclear whether Gov. Beverly Perdue will go along with it after she vetoed an earlier plan. The Senate voted 31-17 along party lines in favor of the deal reached between Republican leaders in both legislative chambers that would still require all active employees and teachers to pay a monthly premium for their own insurance for the first time. The House chose not to vote on the compromise before leaving Raleigh for the weekend because GOP leaders are unsure about whether Perdue will go along with what appears to be minor changes compared to what she vetoed April 13. A deadline set last week by State Health Plan administrators to meet a July 1 enrollment start came and went. "We don't want to take it up if she's going to veto it again," said Rep. Jerry Dockham, R-Davidson, the House's chief negotiator on a conference committee working out changes. "We need to get this

done soon or its going to start costing us a good amount of money." Perdue's office gave no hint about how she'd respond if the latest proposal to cover the State Health Plan's 663,000 members came to her desk. "We're watching the legislation closely and hoping to reach the

miums from $5 to $21.63 per month for more than 322,000 active workers and teachers, depending on which of the two policies they choose and whether they have Medicare. The vetoed bill had premiums from $8.27 to $21.72 per month. The lower range of costs in the new bill would be paid for by increasing co-pay-

Perdue has said she blocked the first bill in large part because teachers - in particular the North Carolina Association of Educators - weren't involved in the original negotiations best possible result for teachers, state employees and retirees," Perdue spokesman Mark Johnson said in a prepared statement. Perdue has said she blocked the first bill in large part because teachers - in particular the North Carolina Association of Educators weren't involved in the original negotiations. The NCAE, along with other groups, have been meeting with lawmakers since then, but the teachers' group doesn't like the compromise. The bill would still require pre-

ments for generic drug prescriptions from $10 to $12. Currently premiums are required for dependent care coverage. The new version "is unacceptable because this Legislature is dead set on balancing the books on the backs of teachers," NCAE executive director Scott Anderson wrote by email. "Our members have for years accepted lower professional salaries in exchange for fair benefits. North Carolina is now going to try to attract and retain teachers with

some of the lowest salaries and benefits in the country." The NCAE has wanted to preserve a premium-free option for active workers, but Sen. Tom Apodaca, R-Henderson, the chief sponsor of the original health plan bill, said that's not on the table right now. He said more delays could cost the plan about $10 million a month in additional expenses under the current payment schedules. "We've got to do something. We've bent over backwards. We've met with all of the concerned parties," Apodaca said. "I think at this point it's about the best we can do." Perdue's budget proposal would have required monthly premiums only for workers and retirees who chose the more generous of the two insurance policies. Retirees also would continue to have a premium-free policy for themselves in the GOP plan. Any likely outcome will still mean higher co-payments and deductibles and a more than 5 percent annual increase in dependent coverage premiums for the next two years, raising them to more than $600 per month. -AP

Health insurance exchange survives in GOP House DENVER: A health insurance proposal popular with business groups but not all conservatives survived important tests in Colorado's Republican House. The bill to create a health insurance marketplace in which individuals and small business can pool together for lower premiums has already cleared Colorado's Democratic Senate, but its prospects were less clear in the Republican House. Some Republicans argue that because the new federal health care law requires states to set up exchanges, states should resist the move. The measure cleared a House committee after some tea party supporters urged lawmakers to reject the idea. Not long after, Republicans seized momentum

and passed the measure on to approval by the full House. One more vote is required before the House and Senate can start work rectifying differences to send the bill to Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper, who supports the

will promote private competition. Stephens predicted consumerfriendly companies competing for insurance spending and compared the plan to shopping online for airfare. "You can compare online, like

The bill to create a health insurance marketplace in which individuals and small business can pool together for lower premiums has already cleared Colorado's Democratic Senate

idea. House Republican Leader Amy Stephens, who co-sponsored the idea and has been sharply criticized by some conservatives, insisted that the exchange

Travelocity or Kayak," she told the House. The bill creates an exchange board and an oversight committee. The board would administer the exchange, with the power to

set up financial plans, apply for grants and determine the size of the small employer market. The exchange would allow small groups to pool resources to buy health insurance. Only a handful of Republicans opposed the idea on a voice vote. "I'm just not comfortable with the direction it goes," said Republican Rep. Don Beezley. In the committee, supporters tried to quell fears that a Colorado exchange is a step toward federal health care mandates. They mentioned that the exchange would not purchase insurance or set rates, be an agency of the state and there would be no mandate to buy health insurance. Carriers would not be required to provide insurance. -AP

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Neb. abortion health insurance bill advances LINCOLN, Neb.: New abortion restrictions advanced through Nebraska legislative debate even after a supporter voiced concerns that the bill doesn't clearly address threats to a mother's health and fertility. Supporters argued that exceptions for miscarriages and certain anomalies in the pregnancy already exist in the legislation. Lawmakers granted second-round approval to the bill, 30-8. The bill by Omaha Sen. Beau McCoy would exclude abortion coverage from all private insurance policies sold in Nebraska. Abortion coverage would be allowed only with an optional rider paid for solely by the insured. Lincoln Sen. Danielle Conrad introduced a measure that would have spelled out exceptions for miscarriages and for ectopic pregnancies, which start outside the womb and are not viable. Such pregnancies can endanger the mother's life and lead to infertility. The current bill allows exceptions for "spontaneous abortions," which generally means miscarriages, and abortions to save the mother's life.

Conrad, who opposed the bill, said she introduced the amendment to send "a clear signal to insurance companies that you are not allowed to deny coverage for ectopic pregnancies or miscarriages." "We don't want to leave anything to chance," she said. "We want to make sure we're all on the same page,

Lincoln Sen. Ken Haar introduced a measure that would give more discretion to doctors for births with severe complications and using not confusing terms." McCoy said the exceptions in his bill were sufficient. "Both of these issues that Senator Conrad brings . . . are already included within the confines of this legislation," he said. But Columbus Sen. Paul Schumacher said the bill, LB 22, fails to address potential situations in which a non-resident

woman with coverage based outside Nebraska suddenly needs an abortion. Schumacher said the unanswered questions could prolong the woman's suffering. "That's what's frustrating," Schumacher said. "It's going to leave the floor and I'm going to vote for it, I'm pro-life but it's going to leave the floor with all these questions that our attorney general's going to spend money on to litigate, that our courts are going to roll the dice on, and we could clean it up. But it's going to go right on through." Lincoln Sen. Ken Haar introduced a measure that would give more discretion to doctors for births with severe complications. Haar, who later withdrew his amendment, said the current proposal would allow insurance companies to "point to this bill and say they cannot cover this abortion unless the woman is doomed to die." The bill also would apply to policies sold through a new insurance exchange being set up by states under the new federal health care law. The federal law calls on states to start setting up the exchanges by 2014. -AP

Sides differ in Iowa on reporting medical errors CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa: Healthcare officials and patient advocates are taking opposing sides over the benefit of requiring doctors and hospitals to report mistakes that are made while treating a patient. Advocates for patients believe public reporting of medical errors, both minor and deadly, reduces mistakes and helps patients shop for the safest hospitals. Opponents of mandatory reporting claim Iowa hospitals already report errors voluntarily. The Gazette in Cedar Rapids reported that 26 states require hospitals to report their medical mistakes, but Iowa does not. Officials with the Iowa Hospital Association said mandatory reporting can stifle innovation as providers focus on the care of patients. "Government regulation does not create that kind of buy-in or progress," said Scott McIntyre, a spokesman for the association. The association supports providing information to the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative, which posts online reports of medical outcomes of various procedures at hospitals.

Dean Lerner, a former director of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, said that isn't enough. "States that have public reporting have seen bigger changes, bigger improvements," he said. Andrew Leffler, who became paralyzed from the waist down after an epidural leaked into his spine and damaged his nerves as

The Gazette in Cedar Rapids reported that 26 states require hospitals to report their medical mistakes, but Iowa does not he was being treated for a broken leg, said he would support mandatory reporting. "It's OK if you screw up, just acknowledge it and go on," said Leffler, 54, of Keokuk. Leffler sued the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in 2004 and reached a settlement five years later for $850,000. After legal fees he received $485,000. -AP

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'Divert medical marijuana US panel endorses Vertex money for treatment' hepatitis C drug

CARSON CITY, Nev.: Nevada Health and Human Services officials say lawmakers should pass a bill that would take money from the state's medical marijuana program a to fund a drug treatment program. Division of Child and Family Services Administrator Diane Comeaux testified before the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, The Nevada Appeal of Carson City reported. Comeaux said diverting the funds would benefit families working with state child welfare agencies who need drug treatment. She said families now wait up to eight months to access treatment programs. "When we have a family that has substance abuse issues and they're on wait list for six or eight months and have to start treatment after that, that puts them behind six or eight months," she said. "What we're hoping for with this program is that they wouldn't have to be on a wait list." Assembly Bill 528 would transfer $700,000 from the medical marijuana account to the substance abuse program each year of the coming biennium. Phil Weyrick of the Nevada Health Division said that would leave enough money in the account to operate the medical marijuana registry since that account is expected to generate $877,861 in fiscal 2012 and $965,647 in 2013. "Based on the proposed revenue, we're

confident the registry will be able to continue operations," Weyrick said. Money for the medical marijuana account comes from a $50 permit application charged to those wanting to use the drug and from a $150 charge for processing the application. Health and Human Services Director Mike Willden said more application packets are requested than processed, particularly by Las Vegas-based operations that help qualify people for medical marijuana cards.

Comeaux said diverting the funds would benefit families working with state child welfare agencies who need drug treatment. She said families now wait up to eight months to access treatment programs Rebecca Gasca of the American Civil Liberties Union testified against the bill. She contends the funds should be reinvested in the medical marijuana program to educate doctors about the value and uses of medical marijuana and participants as to their legal rights and risks as well as look for ways to help come patients obtain the marijuana they need. -AP

WASHINGTON: US government health experts say an experimental hepatitis C drug from Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a significant step forward in treating the virus, despite a high rate of rashes among patients taking the tablet. The Food and Drug Administration's panel of experts voted unanimously, 18-0, that telaprevir is a safe and effective treatment for hepatitis C. The agency generally follows the recommendations of its panels. A final decision is expected by May 23. Panelists commended the Massachusetts-based drugmaker for developing a drug that appears to raise the cure rate for hepatitis C from roughly 40 percent with current therapies to nearly 80 percent. The most significant side effect with the tablet-based drug was a rash, which affected more than half of all patients. Panelists said the issue could be addressed by educating patients and doctors through materials and a toll-free hotline. The FDA convened its two-day meeting to review two new drugs that block the enzyme which allows the hepatitis virus to reproduce. Earlier, the same panel unanimously recommended approval for Merck's drug boceprevir. Both Merck and Vertex have spent more than 15 years developing more effective therapies for the virus that infects about 3.2 million people in the U.S., or about 1.5 percent of the population. Like HIV drugs, the new drugs from Merck and Vertex will be prescribed as part of a cocktail with two older drugs to help lower viral levels. The panel discussion highlighted several advantages of Vertex's drug over its Merck counterpart. The cure rate for new patients taking telaprevir ranged between 75 and 79 percent, compared with 60 and 65 percent for boceprevir. Additionally, most panelists said that patients who had previ-

ously failed treatment for the virus could likely achieve a cure within six months half the time needed with older drugs when taking telaprevir. When reviewing Merck's drug, the panel said those patients would likely need a full year's worth of treatment with the entire drug cocktail. Elsewhere in the discussion, Vertex executives said they were exploring a twicedaily regimen of telaprevir. The drugs presented by both Vertex and Merck require patients to take three tablets a day. Vertex Pharmaceuticals' telaprevir is expected to garner sales of up to $3 billion annually. That is more than the $700 to $800

The most significant side effect with the tablet-based drug was a rash, which affected more than half of all patients. Panelists said the issue could be addressed by educating patients and doctors through materials and a toll-free hotline million expected for Merck's boceprevir, based on analyst estimates. Vertex Pharmaceuticals is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and was founded in 1989 by a former Merck & Co. scientist. If approved, telaprevir would be the company's first commercialized product in the U.S. Vertex holds marketing rights for North America, while Johnson & Johnson will market the drug in other parts of the world. Eli Lilly and Co. will receive an undisclosed percent of royalties because of its collaborative work on the drug between 1997 and 2002. -AP

Vermont physician's work pays off on health care MONTPELIER, Vt.: Even now, Dr. Deb Richter is haunted by images of some of the patients she saw at inner-city clinics where she worked in Buffalo, N.Y., during the 1980s. One young man without health insurance didn't get the early intervention he needed for diabetes. He went blind, got an infection and died at 21. His sister, who also had lived with juvenile diabetes, delivered a baby three months premature. The baby died. Two years later, the 25-year-old woman suffered a heart attack and died during coronary bypass surgery. ``I had patients who were dying at young ages of preventable diseases,'' Richter said. One common symptom: Lack of health insurance. The experiences prompted Richter, 55, to become an activist. She joined Physicians for a National Health Program. Af-

ter moving with her family to Vermont in 1999, she continued to pursue her goal of a publicly financed universal health care system. Richter watched last week as the Vermont Senate voted 21-9 to pass a bill setting the state on a path toward the universal, unified health care system that, she and other backers say, will take administrative costs and insurance company profits out of health care, cover all Vermonters including the 45,000 now without health insurance and save the state money. ``This is a step in the right direction _ finally,'' Richter said after the Senate vote on legislation previously passed by the House. ``This is the first time a state is actually establishing a true health care system, where everyone will be included. It's going to have a budget. We're going to have uniform payments, which will help reduce administrative costs.'' -AP

In Brief Obama pledges help for illegal immigrant grads

Immigration 43

MIAMI: President Barack Obama promised graduates at a vast, multicultural community college in Miami that he'll keep working to help undocumented immigrants who study in the U.S. become American citizens. The president's renewed endorsement of the DREAM Act that's become a rallying cry for Hispanic and other students around the country drew enthusiastic applause from more than 3,000 graduates of Miami Dade College at their commencement ceremony. The students are part of an increasingly important political constituency in a state that will be crucial to the president's 2012 re-election hopes. Obama's made little progress on his commitment to immigration overhaul since taking office, discouraging Latino voters and particularly students. Students rallied outside the commencement ceremony calling on Obama for swifter action. -AP

Utah Co. GOP backs repeal of immigration reforms SPANISH FORK: Hundreds of Utah County Republicans turned out at their GOP convention to help pass a resolution urging the repeal of a controversial immigration overhaul that Republican Gov. Gary Herbert signed into law less than a month ago. On a vote of 443-365, county delegates backed the proposed rollback of HB116, which among other things creates a guest worker program for illegal immigrants. The package approved by the legislature during the 2011 general session also requires employers to verify the immigration status of their employees and mandates that anyone arrested for a felony must prove their citizenship. About 1,000 people attended the convention at Maple Mountain High School in Spanish Fork. Supporters of the push for the repeal said the vote should signal to GOP faithful that the immigration bill is bad policy. Herbert told the Deseret News after the vote he was disappointed but that the delegates have a right to voice their opinion as part of "the process." -AP

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Colo. bill punishes hiring of illegal immigrants Details on page 46

'Special Registration' process for Muslim nations suspended South Asian Network welcomes this partial victory India Post News Service

n Thursday, April 28, 2011, the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) registration requirements process, also known as "Special Registration," was suspended. President Obama said on the day "today is a good day for America." Implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2002, Special Registration was a counter-productive response to September 11th, 2001. From the start, South Asian Network (SAN) organized against the program, which served to split apart thousands families and break apart South Asian communities across the U.S. through detention and deportation. Special Registration required boys and men, ages 16 to 45 from a list of 25 countries with large Muslim populations to register at immigration offices or ports of entry. As a result, 84,000 males were fingerprinted, photographed, and questioned in long interviews based on their countries of origin, more than 13,000 were put

into deportation proceedings, and 2,800 were detained. While the requirements to register based on a particular religion or nationality have now been removed, NSEERS as a regulation will remain in place. In Southern California, SAN organized several townhalls, legal clinics and provided support

ten year anniversary of September 11th, 2001 nears. SAN's Executive Director, Manjusha Kulkarni stated, "Similar to the history of Chinese exclusion acts, Japanese internment and Mexican deportations, Special Registration profiles an exclusive group of people based solely on their national origin and religion.

Special Registration required boys and men, ages 16 to 45 from a list of 25 countries with large Muslim populations to register at immigration offices and guidance to assist those entering for interviews and to track any outcomes of those allowed to exit. Through this process, SAN collected nearly 700 intakes in the initial four-month period and analyzed them for a recent human rights report, From Displacement to Internment. In Los Angeles, Bangladeshi and Pakistani men represented 60 percent of those registering. In a statement, SAN said it welcomed this partial victory as the

SAN has been advocating that NSEERS and similar discriminatory enforcement policies end." Sumana Tumpa, a SAN youth group member and Bangladeshi resident in Koreatown remembers the effects that Special Registration had in Los Angeles: "My older brothers and uncles had to go in for Special Registration and were fearful of what would happen in interviews at the Federal Building. People in the community were not sure if those going

in would come out." SAN Policy Organizer Tamia Pervez notes, "This is a great step forward, yet many community members have been adversely impacted by detentions, deportations and onerous registration requirements. People continue to be denied status adjustment because of improper application of the policy. SAN hopes that DHS can grant retroactive relief for these community members." SAN is concerned that even though NSEERS is suspended, the policy remains on the books and can be renewed in the future. While recognizing the importance of the policy's suspension, SAN continues to call for a reexamination of ineffective immigration enforcement strategies so that policies like NSEERS get repealed in their entirety. South Asian Network is a grassroots, community-based organization dedicated to advancing the health, empowerment and solidarity of persons of South Asian descent. SAN is based in Artesia, the heart of "Little India," in Los Angeles County.

DoL releases $240m for H-1B technical skills training India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis announced May 2, the availability of approximately $240 million through the H-1B technical skills training grant competition. The US Department of Labor expects to fund 75-100 grants through a single solicitation. Individual grants will range from $1 million to $5 million and will be distributed through two rounds of funding. The projects to be funded will help workers update current skills or acquire new ones so they can enter career pathways leading to higherpaying jobs.

"This administration is committed to getting all Americans back to work and into good jobs. These grants will create important opportunities for those who may still be

training and employment services. The H-1B technical skills grant competition will help make that possible." The Labor Department intends

Individual grants will range from $1 million to $5 million and will be distributed through two rounds of funding. The projects to be funded will help workers update current skills or acquire new ones searching for work after many months of unemployment," said Secretary Solis. "As they seek out new careers in promising industries, our nation's workers need and deserve access to quality

to award at least $150 million to grantees that provide on-the-job training to all participants. The remaining funds will be awarded to applicants that offer other training strategies. At least $45 million

of the total will be awarded to applicants providing training for occupations in the health care industry and at least $60 million will be awarded to applicants serving individuals experiencing long-term unemployment. Prospective applicants are encouraged to view the online tutorial "Grant Applications 101: A Plain English Guide to ETA Competitive Grants," available at http://www.workforce3one.org/ page/grants_toolkit. Prospective applicants can register at http://www.grants.gov to access the solicitation. The Labor Department also posts grant information at http://www.doleta.gov/ grants.

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May 13, 2011

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First preference visa demand 'extremely low' CYRUS D. MEHTA

he Department of State's Visa Bulletin for May 2011 notes that demand in the employment first preference is extremely low compared with that of recent years. Absent an immediate and dramatic increase in demand, this category is expected to remain "Current" for all countries. It also appears unlikely, the Bulletin says, that a second preference cut-off date will be imposed for any countries other than China and India, where demand is extremely high. Based on current indications of demand, the best-case scenarios for cut-off date movement each month during the coming months are as follows: Employment Second: Demand by applicants who are "upgrading" their status from employment third to employment second preference is very high, but the exact amount is not known. Such upgrades are in addition to the known demand already reported. The Bulletin said this makes it difficult to predict ultimate demand based on forward movement of the China and India cut-off dates. Although thousands of "otherwise unused" numbers will be available for potential use without regard to the China and India employment

second preference per-country annual limits, it is not known how the upgrades will ultimately affect the cut-offs for those two countries. China: An advance in the priority date of zero to three weeks is expected through July. No August or September estimate is possible at this time. India: An advance in the priority date of one or more weeks, possibly followed by additional movement if demand remains stable. No August or September estimate is possible at this time. Employment Third: Worldwide: An advance in the priority date of three to six weeks may occur. China: An advance in the priority date of one to three weeks may occur. India: An advance in the priority date of zero to two weeks is likely. Mexico: Continued forward movement is expected; no specific projections at this time. Philippines: An advance in the priority date of three to six weeks is likely. The Bulletin notes that the above ranges are estimates based on current demand patterns, and are subject to fluctuations during

the coming months. "The cut-off dates for upcoming months cannot be guaranteed, and no assumptions should be made until the formal dates are announced," the Bulletin warned. Allocation of "Otherwise Unused" Numbers: INA § 202(a)(5) provides that if total demand in a calendar quarter will be insufficient to use all available numbers in an employ-

Based on the amount and priority dates of pending demand and year-to-date number use, a different cut-off date could be applied ment preference, the unused numbers may be made available without regard to the annual percountry limits. Based on current levels of demand, the Bulletin for May 2011 states that there will be otherwise unused numbers in the employment first and second preferences. Such numbers may be allocated without regard to per-country limits, once a country has reached its

preference annual limit. Since under INA § 203(e) such numbers must be provided strictly in priority date order regardless of chargeability, greater number use by one country would indicate greater demand by applicants from that country with earlier priority dates. Based on the amount and priority dates of pending demand and year-to-date number use, a different cut-off date could be applied to each oversubscribed country for the purpose of assuring that the maximum amount of available numbers will be used. The Bulletin noted that a cutoff date imposed to control the use of "otherwise unused" numbers could be earlier than the cutoff date established to control number use under a quarterly or per-country annual limit. For example, at present the India employment second preference cut-off date governs the use of numbers under § 202(a) (5) because India has reached its employment second annual limit. The China employment second preference cut-off date governs number use under the quarterly limit because China has not yet reached its employment second annual limit. The rate of number use under §

202(a) (5) is continually monitored to determine whether subsequent adjustments are needed in visa availability for the oversubscribed countries. The Bulletin said that this helps assure that all available employment preference numbers will be used and that numbers also remain available for applicants from all other countries that have not yet reached their percountry limits. As noted above, the number of applicants who may be upgrading their status from employment third to employment second preference is unknown. As a result, the cut-off date that governs use of § 202(a) (5) numbers has been advanced more rapidly than normal, in an attempt to ascertain the amount of upgrade demand in the pipeline while at the same time administering the available numbers. "This action risks a surge in demand that could adversely impact the cut-off date later in the fiscal year," the Bulletin warned, adding that it also limits the possibility that potential demand would not materialize and the annual limit would not be reached due to lack of cutoff date movement. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

About 1,000 rally to protest immigration bill ATLANTA: Jose-David and Lourdes Resendiz have lived in Georgia for 14 years, but with the governor likely to sign a bill passed by the Legislature that aims to crack down on illegal immigration, they're packing up their things and preparing to leave. They were among a crowd at a May Day rally at the Georgia Capitol that police estimated at about 1,000. Chanting in Spanish and English, waving signs and cheering heartily for each speaker, they urged Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal

to veto the bill that contains some provisions similar to a tough law enacted last year in Arizona. Speakers encouraged illegal immigrant workers not to leave the state but instead to dig in, organize and mobilize.

The bill has drawn criticism from civil liberties and immigrant rights groups, who say it will encourage racial profiling "In the labor movement we have a saying 'Don't Mourn - Organize!' We may want to mourn HB87, but let us instead organize like never before," said Ben Speight, organizer director of the Teamsters Local 728. The bill passed by state law-

makers last month would authorize law enforcement officers to check the immigration status of certain suspects and to detain them if they are in the country illegally. It would penalize people who knowingly transport or harbor illegal immigrants and makes it a felony to present false documents or information when applying for a job. It also requires many businesses to verify the immigration status of new hires using an online federal database. Deal, who has long been a supporter of strict immigration measures, has said he plans to sign the legislation into law. The bill has drawn criticism from civil liberties and immigrant rights groups, who say it will encourage racial profiling. Many in the business, agriculture, service and tourism and convention sectors have also expressed concern, saying it could drive away their workforce and make Georgia seem unwelcoming. Cont’d on page 46

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Alabama lawmakers closest ever to immigration law MONTGOMERY, Ala.: After years of debate, the Alabama Legislature is close to enacting an Arizona-style law cracking down on illegal immigrants and the people who hire them. But first, the two legislators who have been driving the issue must come together on a bill. Republican Sen. Scott Beason of Gardendale and Republican Rep. Micky Hammon of Decatur said they are optimistic that will happen. "Our leadership in the House and Senate is committed to passing a tough immigration bill this year," Hammon said. Hammon's bill has passed the House and has been approved by a Senate committee. It still needs a vote in the Senate. Beason's bill has passed the Senate but has not been considered by a House committee. Both bills would require police officers to demand proof of citizenship or residency from anyone they stop for a traffic violation or other infraction if they have reasonable suspicion the person is in the United States illegally. Those whose legal status can't be determined could be jailed and eventually charged with trespassing if they are determined to be in the country illegally. The bills make it a crime to knowingly house, give a ride to, rent to or employ an illegal immigrant. They vary in their punishments and whether businesses are held responsible for subcontractors

who use illegal immigrants. But the main difference is that Hammon's bill requires all businesses to use the federal E-Verify program, an Internet-based system that allows an employer to check a potential employee's legal status based on information routinely required on employment forms. Beason's bill requires E-Verify only for companies doing work for the state or through a state grant.

‘This is a jobs bill. We can put more people back to work than any other jobs bill in Alabama just by doing something about illegal immigration’ He allows other businesses to use whatever means they want to check their new employees. He said he sees no need for a small business to use E-Verify if the owner is hiring someone he's known all his life. Hammon said EVerify is the best way to make sure jobs go to legal residents. "The goal of this bill is to have attrition of illegal immigrants in Alabama through enforcement," he said. Hammon introduced his first immigration bill seven years ago. Beason offered his first bill five years ago. The two Republicans had no luck when Democrats con-

trolled the Legislature, but they said their luck changed when Republicans won a majority in the House and Senate in November. They've also picked up votes from key Democrats, including House Minority Leader Craig Ford and Senate Minority Leader Roger Bedford. Beason said they were also helped by the downturn in the economy. With more than 9 percent of Alabamians out of work, he said people are more concerned about any available job going to a legal resident. "This is a jobs bill. We can put more people back to work than any other jobs bill in Alabama just by doing something about illegal immigration," Beason said. But getting a bill all the way through the Legislature won't be as easy as getting an agreement between the two Republican legislators. Some Democrats see both bills leading to ethnic profiling and are vowing to fight. "We're going back to some day we don't want to see, where people can be pulled out of a car because they look like somebody," Democratic Sen. Rodger Smitherman said. If Beason and Hammon can complete a bill this year, opponents say state officials can look for a legal challenge like the Arizona law faced. Nikki Cox, an attorney for the ACLU of Alabama, said it will cost the financially strapped state government "precious tax dollars to defend." -AP

Calif may let locals opt out of immigration checks LOS ANGELES: California lawmakers are the latest to weigh joining efforts in other American states to gain control over a controversial US federal program that automatically checks the immigration status of arrestees. California accounts for more than a third of the deportations under the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement program, and some local officials are saying they were misled by the federal government about the program’s extent. Illinois lawmakers are also considering a measure to let communities retreat from the program. Washington state has deferred to local governments on whether they want to join the so-called “Secure Communities” program, which links up the FBI’s criminal

database and the Department of Homeland Security’s records so that every time someone is arrested their immigration status is automatically, electronically checked. The tug-of-war over the ICE program highlights the tension between states and the federal government in the absence of a legislative fix on immigration. In the last four years, states have passed a flurry of bills and resolutions on issues ranging from employer verification to access to driver’s licenses, most notably Arizona’s tough local immigration enforcement law. Immigrant advocates have lambasted ICE’s fingerprint sharing program for sweeping up crime victims and witnesses who are arrested during an investigation in

addition to those accused of committing a crime. About 29 percent of the 102,000 immigrants deported under the program since it began in 2008 have no criminal conviction, according to federal government statistics. The California Assembly’s public safety committee voted to advance the bill that would only let local communities participate in the program if they choose to do so. The measure is being met with applause from immigrant advocates, and from some in law enforcement, including San Francisco Sheriff Michael Hennessey, who has long pushed to withdraw from a program he fears will make immigrants afraid to report crime and erode their trust in law enforcement. Cont’d on page 46

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Colo. bill punishes hiring of illegal immigrants DENVER: House Republicans have advanced a proposal to fine Colorado employers who fail to show proof their workers are in the country legally, but deleted portions of the bill that immigrant advocates feared would criminalize friends and relatives of illegal immigrants. The Republican sponsor made the last minute changes to the bill, expressing concerns of the costs associated with the legislation. In its original form, it would have made it a misdemeanor to conceal illegal immigrants or "recklessly" disregard their status. The bill provided exceptions for emergency responders or child protective services workers. "It basically seeks to criminalize friends and loved ones of undocu-

mented immigrants," Hans Meyer, the policy director of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, said before the hearing. Rep. Randy Baumgardner, RHot Sulphur Springs, said his proposal is about jobs and making sure immigrants who came here lawfully are the ones who get them. After he amended his bill, the only provisions that remained would require employers to provide proof to the state's labor department that employees are in the country legally. Employers would be fined $5,000 for first offense and $25,000 for second offense. "This is about jobs and the economy, period. And yes, being here legally whether you're an immigrant or whether you're a citizen," Baumgardner said before the

hearing. He said later he changed the bill because it would cost more than $2.8 million next fiscal year to enforce. House Bill 1309 now goes

Baumgardner pushed another Arizona-style crack down on illegal immigration earlier this year but he shelved his bill to the full House for consideration. Republicans have introduced several immigration enforcement bills this session. While they have had some success in getting bills

Calif may let locals opt out of immigration checks Cont’d from page 45

However, the bill faces criticism from the California State Sheriffs’ Association, which says the electronic checks overseen by Immigration and Customs Enforcement are cost effective and eliminating them would place a burden on their agencies. The debate over the ICE program is playing out across America as federal authorities aim to achieve nationwide coverage in 2013. It currently is in effect in more than 1,200 jurisdictions in 42 states. The controversy heightened after The Associated Press reported in February that the program initially billed as voluntary by federal officials is now mandatory and that cities must turn over the fingerprint data to ICE. Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren has said she believes some of the statements made by Homeland Security and ICE officials about the program were intentionally false and misleading and has asked the department’s inspector general to investigate. Fingerprints of criminal suspects collected by local law enforcement officers have always been sent to the FBI to check against its criminal histories and fingerprint database. Under the ICE program, the fingerprints also are run through the Department of Homeland Security’s database, and federal authorities can determine the suspect’s immigration status and begin deportation proceedings if necessary. Immigration officials say the goal is to ensure illegal immigrants who commit crimes are

flagged and deported. Nationwide, about 26 percent of those deported under program have been convicted of major drug offenses or violent crimes. Some communities have welcomed the program as a cost savings measure and a way to ensure illegal immigrants who commit crimes are not released back into their neighborhoods. In Colorado, for example, lawmakers were considering a measure

Officials in jurisdictions including Providence, Rhode Island, Chicago and San Francisco have challenged the program, which they say undermines trust that it has taken local law enforcement years to build in immigrant communities to withhold funding from localities that refused to participate, but it failed. But officials in jurisdictions including Providence, Rhode Island, Chicago and San Francisco have challenged the program, which they say undermines trust that it has taken local law enforcement years to build in immigrant communities. Between October 2008 and March 2011, more than 7 million people who have been arrested

have had their fingerprints run through the ICE program. Roughly 197,000 were identified as suspected illegal immigrants, and nearly 40 percent of those were in California, according to statistics provided by ICE. Even if legislation were to pass, it is not clear a California law would take precedence over the program. ICE officials declined to comment on the pending legislation but said the program is not voluntary. Rather, it is ultimately about sharing information between federal agencies and “as a result, state and local jurisdictions cannot prohibit the information sharing between the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security upon which the Secure Communities program rests,” ICE director John Morton wrote in a letter to Lofgren. Immigrant advocates, however, believe states do have a say, noting that federal immigration officials have crisscrossed the country to sign agreements with different states. Under the proposed California measure, local governments that want to continue with the ICE program would need to maintain data on arrests and the number of immigrants referred to federal authorities. The program could only be applied to immigrants convicted of crimes, not those who are merely arrested. Communities that want to opt out, like San Francisco, would be free of the program entirely, should the law pass and then be sustainable. -AP

out of the House, where they have a one-vote advantage, their proposals don't get far in the Democratic-controlled Senate. Baumgardner pushed another Arizona-style crack down on illegal immigration earlier this year but he shelved his bill over concerns that the proposal would be challenged in court. No one from the public testified in support of Baumgardner's latest proposal. Jessie Ulibarri, public policy director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Colorado, said his organization opposed the bill despite the changes. He said immigration enforcement is the federal government's job. "Just as a matter of course, we oppose state-level immigration

laws because it creates a patchwork of unfair laws that undermine our constitutional rights and liberties," he said. Other provisions in the bill, before it was amended, sought to stop human smuggling by allowing law enforcement to stop vehicles when they have "reasonable suspicion" of a traffic violation, a lower legal standard than probable cause. The bill would have also made it a crime for illegal immigrants to apply or solicit work in a public place, and make it illegal to stop and block traffic to pick up people to transport them to a work site. Meyer, with the immigrant rights group, said those provision raised Constitutional concerns about freedom of speech. -AP

About 1,000 rally to protest immigration bill Cont’d from page 44

Supporters of the bill say it's necessary to curb illegal immigration, which they say drains the state's resources and contributes to high rates of unemployment. ``Gov. Deal and the Legislature found a workable solution that enforces the rule of law and protects Georgia taxpayers while upholding individuals' constitutional rights," Deal spokesman Brian Robinson wrote in an email. "Illegal immigration costs Georgia taxpayers hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars, each year at the city, county and state levels." Irving Penso, a 64-year-old Atlanta native who teaches English as a second language, said he hopes the governor will "do the right thing" and veto the bill. "The reputation of the state is at stake, this would be a huge step backward," he said. "When one group is oppressed it reflects badly on all of us." Angel Salome, a 17-year-old high school junior, was brought to the United States as a 2-monthold infant strapped to his mother's back as she swam across the Rio Grande. He spoke at the rally and said he'd like his friends to speak out as well. His favorite subject in school is U.S. history, and he plans to go to college and law school with dreams of becoming an immigration lawyer. "I'm going to get that college degree and hopefully be able to provide some financial stability for my mother so she never has to scrub another toilet or tub again," he said after addressing the crowd. In a nod to May Day's roots

as a workers' day, Charlie Flemming, of the Atlanta-North Georgia Labor Council, part of the AFL-CIO, told the protesters that organized labor stands behind them. "These state immigration laws unjustly target a segment of our society. It's not only unconstitutional, it's just unfair," he said. "I think it's important for us as a labor movement to embrace our immigrant community. We're really supportive of pushing real, national immigration reform." Resendiz, 40, who works installing insulation, said his wife is packing things up, preparing to leave their home in Buford. He's thinking of heading to Utah. His 42-year-old wife, who works in a Chinese restaurant, said she plans to return to Mexico until he has a chance to assess the situation in Utah, and then she might join him there. "We're illegal, but we came to this country for a better life," Jose-David Resendiz said in Spanish. "We aren't crooks, we aren't violent. We pay taxes and we spend money here. We just want to work to have a better life. Utah's governor recently signed an immigration package that includes an enforcement law reminiscent of Arizona's and would also create a state guest worker program. The Utah law isn't set to enter into effect until 2013 because state officials need time to seek a federal waiver for which a process doesn't currently exist to give the state the right to issue temporary work permits and other actions generally reserved for the federal government. -AP

May 13, 2011

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Philosophy

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uppose I am violent. How do I observe that violence? I want to understand the nature of that violence. I want to explore, discover the extraordinary factors that contribute to violence. How do I observe? First, is violence different from me? Do you understand my question? I am asking, is that violence, which I see when I say I am violent, is that violence different from me, or I am that violence? When you are angry, you are angry. It is not that you are different from anger. You are different from anger only when you want to control it, only when you say, `I must suppress it,' but are you actually different, separate from violence? Is that so? Has the word `violence' - separated through tradition, through constantly talking about violence and so on - created a separation from observation? The observer says, I am different from that, I am different from violence. We have to enquire who is the observer. The observer is the past, who has known what violence is. It is the past, it is knowledge, it is experience, it is all the stored-up memories. Those memories, those various forms of knowledge, and the movement of all that, is the past. Thought has divided itself as

SWAMI CHINMAYANANDA

harms of technology have enthralled the public almost as a danseuse will. If we carefully look back on the history of the world, it is clear we are the saddest generation of humanity. But why? The caveman had his laughter and was happy. The modern days of rat race show improvements only on the outside surface. In the absence of a set of values for ourselves how can there be happiness for human living? The over-development of one cell to the exclusion of others is called cancer in medical terms. The faster development of one facet of civilization irrespective of the other facets is the cancer of modern times. Instincts and impulses rule us. Each one of us is honestly searching for happiness in the wrong direction. Desire after desire is what makes us unhappy. What is the purpose of existence? There is an infinite variety in nature. Who created this variety? Why? Such questions do not arise in the animal mind. Question, Enquiry, Discovery - this should be our style of living. Everything is conditioned by Time and Space. At our present

the past, the present, and the future. It has divided itself as the observer and the observed. Thought has said, `I am not violent, violence is not part of me.' But when you look at it closely, you are violent, you are angry, you are greedy, envious, competitive, depressed, you are all that. Right? The observer is not different from that which he is observing. Please understand this. This is very important because, if you really understand this with all your

this, to observe `what is'? In that observation, the observer is the observed, the thinker is the thought the experiencer is the experienced. But we have separated it. We are saying, `I must experience enlightenment,' or whatever it is you want to experience. So the thinker is the thought. There is no thinker without thought. The observer is the observed, the analyser is that which he is analysing. I can put it in ten different ways. But that is a fact: the ob-

server or the observed. Then what takes place? Do you understand my question? Man has lived in conflict from time immemorial. We are asking if this conflict can end. If it ends, then he is a human being who is vital, creative, and he has something extraordinary. When there is this realization that you are violent, not that you are separate and violence is separate, but you are that, what takes place? You are brown, you have

Observer is not different from the observed J. Krishnamurti

I am asking, is that violence, which I see when I say I am violent, is that violence different from me, or I am that violence?

heart and your mind, with all your brain, conflict comes to an end; there is no duality at all. Forget all your books, the Vedanta and all the rest of it. The fact is, there is no opposite except physically. Psychologically, inwardly, there is only the fact. The fact is, one is violent and jealous, and so on. Now, can you observe the fact without its opposite, which thought has invented? Do you see

server is the observed. Therefore, you eliminate altogether the sense of duality inwardly. Then there is no question of suppressing it, escaping from it, analysing it. It is there. Then what takes place? What takes place when there is actually the realization of this truth that there is only the fact, not the invented opposite, only that which is? In that there is no division as the ob-

certain characteristics, you have troubles, you are a professor or a scientist - all that is not separate from you. So what takes place when this fact, this truth, is realized, not intellectually, not verbally, but deep down as fact, as truth? Have you not eliminated altogether the opposite? The 107th birth anniversary of J. Krishnamurti is being observed on May 11

level of evolution man cannot observe the world objectively. Einstein himself despaired because of two changing factors. 'Jagat', the universe, itself comes from the root word which means change or flux. So to the question 'What is unchanging?' you cannot answer from your experience. Only the Rishis can answer. There exists something which

conscious that everything is changing. Therefore you must be the changeless. There exists something in you which is changeless - in your BMI. This subjective essence in me is changeless, because it is not conditioned by space and time. This immortal essence, essential 'I' in my true nature, is the pure Consciousness, Light or Awareness. All our

which one picks up all his conscious experiences. The Rishis said "God" instead of "Life". They say: By "His" Grace. It is only a question of language. This Life is my true nature. I play the part of the physical me, the psychological me, the intellectual me. They constitute the little ego, little self. We must realize our own higher nature.

We're searching for happiness in the wrong direction

Swami Chinmayananda

does not change. Who is knowing that everything is changing? When you watch the roadside traffic, you are the Subject; everything else is the Object. Is there not in you a centre which is observing, knowing and becoming conscious of all changes? If I am also changing I cannot observe the change. If you are part of the system of movement, you cannot be a witness to the movement. But you are

If I am also changing I cannot observe the change. If you are part of the system of movement, you cannot be a witness to the movement experiences are dancing about because of this. They are all shining because of this Awareness. That which you are not aware of does not exist. That there exists such an essential Reality is the theme of all scriptures. There exists something higher in every one of us. It is called Brahman. That is not a thing in itself. It is represented by AUM. It stands for the changeless centre from

When you have lost your car key and keep searching it all the place and finally your finger touches the key in your own pocket, you cry: "Hurray, I have got it". You have not 'got' it; it was already there. So also you realize your own Self by a spark of illumination. The 124th birth anniversary of Swami Chinmayananda was observed on May 8

I find that somehow, by shifting the focus of attention, I become the very thing I look at, and experience the kind of consciousness it has; I become the inner witness of the thing. I call this capacity of entering other focal points of consciousness, love; -Nisargadatta Maharaj All that you have to do is to give up being aware of other things, that is of the not-Self. If one gives up being aware of them then pure awareness alone remains, and that is the Self. -Ramana Maharishi Compassion is not to be fought for; it is not against passion. When passion disappears, compassion is. Compassion is your nature. -Osho Your Lord is near: yet you are climbing the palm-tree to seek Him. -Kabir Send your desires away and you will see the mystery. Be filled with desire and you will see only the manifestation. -Lao Tzu

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May 13, 2011

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How will Osama death affect India? RADHA VINOD RAJU

he US has finally succeeded in neutralizing Osama bin Laden, deep inside Pakistan and not in the badlands of Waziristan on the Af-Pak border. Indian security experts have long maintained that Osama would be found inside Pakistan, and have now been proved correct. How does this significant event impact India? Osama was well known to the Pakistani and Saudi intelligence agencies when the jihad against the Soviet Union was being carried out in Afghanistan. Popularly known as the Sheikh, Osama had contributed millions towards the jihad in Afghanistan, and had become a cult figure among the jihadis. It was the involvement of the US in the Gulf war of 1990-91 that set bin Laden against them and the rulers of his own motherland, Saudi Arabia over their cooperation with the US administration. He became their implacable enemy, and soon declared a jihad against the US. His activities in Saudi Arabia drew the ire of the government, which led to his moving to Sudan and setting up base there. When Osama bin Laden finally shifted base to Afghanistan in 1996, after he was compelled to relocate from Sudan under intense pressure from the US, he found that the Taliban had captured most of Afghanistan. The Taliban at that stage were the ISI's boys, and soon a close nexus grew between the ISI, the Taliban and the al Qaeda. The al Qaeda agreed to allow the use of their training facility to train Kashmiri terrorists which would greatly help the Pakistanis deny their own involvement in this nefarious activity, which partially explains why Pakistan desires strategic depth in Afghanistan. The United States at this stage brought a lot of pressure on Pakistan to persuade the Taliban to deliver Osama so he could be presented before the law, but the Pakistanis could not, or would not, deliver. Osama bin Laden then mounted a few major attacks on US targets, including the embassies in Kenya and Tanzania and the US Navy's warship USS Cole, killing hundreds of innocent people, including dozens of US citizens. This drew a swift response from the US, with cruise missile strikes targeting Osama bin Laden in his known camps in Afghanistan. The Khost training camps also came under attack. According to the

deputy chief of the Hizbul Mujahideen in Srinagar, of the terrorists killed in the missile attacks, 24 were Kashmiris. This confirmed the nexus between the ISI, the Taliban and the al Qaeda and their role in the jihad in Kashmir. While there is no proof of any al Qaeda plans to target India, Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, al Qaeda's operational commander who masterminded the 9/11 attacks, has reportedly admitted that

if it attacked Pakistan in the wake of the Mumbai attacks in November 2008, known as India's 26/11. This clearly established a connection between the Lashkar-eTayyeba which carried out the Mumbai carnage, and the al Qaeda. Thus India had started figuring prominently in the radar of the al Qaeda, though the organization had not yet taken any tangible step to attack India. It is clear from the Headley in-

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Osama Bin Laden

Hafiz Saeed, Lashkar-e-Toiba Chief

of the several operations that he had planned or executed, one was the planned attack on the Israeli embassy in India which did not take place as he was apprehended before the attack could take place. Bin Laden and his deputy Ayman al Zawahiri, have also issued statements off and on, alleging a nexus between the Americans, Israelis and 'Hindu India' to

vestigations that in addition to the Lashkar-e-Tayyeba, Ilyas Kashmiri, known to be closely linked with the al Qaeda, has also been planning attacks on Indian targets. Kashmiri was earlier associated with the Harkat-ul Jihad al Islami, but has now set up his own unit called 513 Brigade. The Lashkars, 513 Brigade and Jaish-e-Mohammad are all part of the International Islamic Front for Jihad against Jews and Crusaders set up by Osama bin Laden in 1998. While the elimination of Osama bin Laden is a great counter-terrorism achievement, and its significance cannot be underestimated, al Qaeda has gone through a kind of metastasis into smaller groups spread across the continents, with a capacity to mount terrorist attacks. Following Osama's killing, according to a jihadist, "A million new bin Ladens will be born. The flag of jihad will be raised." According to another, "We were not fighting for Osama, we were fighting for Allah. The jihad will continue, even if the Amir is Shaheed." Thus neither the US nor India can afford to lower their guard against terrorism. The war on terrorism has to go on relentlessly, till all threats are eliminated. The writer is former Director General, NIA. Courtesy IPCS

Following Osama's killing, according to a jihadist, "A million new bin Ladens will be born. The flag of jihad will be raised." According to another, "We were not fighting for Osama, we were fighting for Allah. The jihad will continue, even if the Amir is Shaheedâ&#x20AC;? target Muslims, and warning the Pakistanis to be careful of this nexus. Mustafa Abu Yasid, al Qaeda's military commander in Afghanistan, threatened India with more attacks and humiliation

t is difficult to believe that in a country being run by the Army no one knew about the helicopter raid by the army of another country. It would take some sheen off the daring action by US commandos to suggest that the top brass of Pakistan Army facilitated the killing and taking out of Osama bin Laden. Pakistan has been hoodwinking the world, and particularly the US, for the last ten years. Even the US media has bought the propaganda that Pakistan knew nothing about the raid. It is true that the civilian leadership of Pakistan knew nothing, as always, about what is going on in their own country. But the Army, led by the Machiavellian Kayani, was playing and is still playing the game of spreading lies so as to keep its nest cozy. With the present degree of friction between the two countries, after the arrest of US contractor Raymond Davis for killing two ISI operatives, the US had increased pressure on Islamabad to deliver on its agenda or lose the millions of dollars in aid. And its main agenda was capture of Osama bin Laden. There was speculation that Davis may have been on to something big when the Pakistanis grabbed him. If the Americans were getting close to sniffing distance of Osama, Pakistan army thought it would be wiser to let Osama be captured as he had lost much of his utility. His organization, the al Qaeda had become weak, and his blackmail value had diminished. He was being hidden at great cost. Giving the lie to the versions of Osama killing being trotted out in the West is what appeared in the Chinese media. KP Nayar, writing in the Telegraph of Kolkata, quotes China's official news agency, Xinhua, as saying in its report that "electricity was cut off to Abbottabad as the operation to kill Osama began." It also said, "Security forces cordoned off the entire area near Osama's safe house before the Americans attacked it and no one was allowed to enter or leave the operational surroundings during the attack." That shows complicity with the Americans not only within the Army General Headquarters in Rawalpindi but down the line to the local administration. Xinhua also said residents of Abbottabad took videos and cellphone pictures from their rooftops as the spectacular helicopter landing and firefight was under way. But Pakistani security forces went round from house to house collecting memory cards from cameras and seizing videos from residents soon enough so that the pictures were not transmitted freelance by what modern TV would call citizen journalists. The Telegraph report says, all this could not have been organized by the Pakistanis after the event, which means, circumstantially, that the killing of Osama was a well co-ordinated US-Pakistani operation down to local ward-level in Abbottabad. According to a report in the Times of India, Indian agencies had twice warned their US counterparts about the presence Osama bin Laden in an urbanized and heavily populated area not very far from Islamabad. But the US did not take them seriously. Indian security officials also do not buy the US claim that Pakistani authorities were not informed about the Osama operation. A security official was quoted as saying, "We have no reason to rule out that the Pakistanis decided to turn him (Osama) in because he was proving to be too much of a liability for them with no operational utility." Indeed, Osama had become expendable in the present calculations of the Pakistani army. In order to continue the dollars flow, Osama had to be sacrificed.

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