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Richard Rahul Verma

US lauds Modi's active diplomacy Details on page 5

Big fat Indian weddings in US hotels Details on page 5

VOL 20, No. 1082

June 12, 2015

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Periodical Postage

PUSH FOR NATURAL GAS TO INDIA US lawmakers launch appeal

WASHINGTON: Influential American lawmakers have pushed for removing of restrictions on export of natural gas to India and sought to implement the civil nuclear deal to meet the country's ever growing energy needs.

Referring to fast tracking of economic reforms and acceleration of development by India, Chairman of powerful House Foreign Relations Committee Ed Royce said Nuclear energy is important to have uninterrupted power supply.

Speaking at a Congressional briefing on India-US nuclear trade organized by the US-India Political Action Committee, Royce and other Congressmen hoped that the remaining hurdles in the implementation of the civil nuclear trade would soon be removed so that the full potential of nuclear energy could be realized by India.

Details on page 5

Yoga Day events not 'compulsory'

Nikhil Seth

Ban appoints Indian diplomat as UNITAR head Details on page 8

Padmasree Warrior out as Cisco's CTO Details on page 9

Pakistan hikes defense budget by 11 per cent Details on page 8

India rejects visa to Pak official

Details on page 9

Details on page 9

Tata Steel UK workers to go on strike

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

Details on page 10

Community Post -------------- 16-24 Date Book -------------------------- 47

INDIA POST SURVEY

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

survey@indiapost.com

Horoscope ------------------------- 38

This week’s question

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

Modi can depend on Bangladesh friendship?

Life Style ----------------------- 50-53 Philosophy ------------------------- 49

Last week’s result

Should Ro Khanna fight again for Congress?

YES 87%

NO 13%

A FRIEND IN EAST: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina and West Bengal Chief

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 36-37

Minister Mamata Banerjee witnessing the exchange of agreements between India and Bangladesh in Dhaka, Bangladesh

TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-15

on June 6. (Details on page 6)

Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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Publisher’s Diary

T

he government of India is on one of those marketing overdrives once again.

The last time I saw such a blitzkrieg of brand sell was when it launched the Incredible India campaign to market India tourism; then it was the 'India @ 60' campaign celebrating India's 60th Independence; and then there was also the 'India Shining' bull run of a previous BJP-led government.

And now it's this aggressive bid to reintroduce Yoga to the world as an Indian brand, lost as it has been over the past several decades to commercialized western pop culture.

Indeed, it was a master stroke on the part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he got the comity of nations under the canopy of the United Nations to declare an International Day of Yoga, after cleverly establishing the powerful form of holistic exercise as a gift of manna from ancient India, to rid the world of all evils.

Following up on that overwhelmingly passed UN resolution last Fall Indian Embassies and missions along with local NRI community groups are organizing mass yoga programs across the world on this 21st, the first International Day of Yoga.

If you aren't already clued in, the biggest such event in the US will be at the National Mall in Washington DC. There's another sizeable event on the premises of the UN initiated by India's Permanent Mission, to be led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and one at Times Square in midtown Manhattan. Among the many others, I must mention the Yogathon planned by the Nepalese Student Association at Kent State University, Ohio, just to underscore the reach and impact of Modi's message.

The biggest of all these yoga events of course will be held in the homeland, on New Delhi's Rajpath - the mother event that will likely attract more than 40,000 people including expats representing 100 countries, and is expected to set a Guinness World Record.

Some people see this whole undertaking as being ambitious, but I see it as an uncanny statement that is ostensibly being made by India to the world at large. So let's join in and be a part of that statement.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Friends no more Jacqueline Fernandez is no longer on good terms with her mentor cum close friend, Salman Khan.

Cover Story: Push for gas Influential American lawmakers have pushed for removing of restrictions on export of natural gas to India

Community: Thyagaraja Festival Carnatic vocalist Bharat Sundar delivered the finale of the Thyagaraja Festival at Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago

Visa denial India has protested over US refusing to grant visas to 21 Indian archers bound for World Youth Championships

Life style: IIFA awards At the 16th IIFA awards, the best actress honor went to Kangana Ranaut and the best actor gong for Shahid Kapoor.

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New port The country's 13th major port will come up at Dahanu near Mumbai at an investment of up to Rs 6,000 crore

Dalhousie Dalhousie in the state of Himachal Pradesh is very popular for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate.

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Push for natural gas to India US lawmakers launch appeal WASHINGTON: Influential American lawmakers have pushed for removing of restrictions on export of natural gas to India and sought to implement the civil nuclear deal to meet the country's ever growing energy needs.

Referring to fast tracking of

Royce said Nuclear energy is important to have uninterrupted power supply.

Speaking at a Congressional briefing on India-US nuclear trade organized by the US-India Political Action Committee, Royce and other Congressmen hoped that

Excited about the prospects of increase in energy trade with India, Congressman Pete Olson hoped that before this year end the first ship with American natural gas would be shipped to India.Olson said the US has energy and technology to ensure that every Indian has electricity economic reforms and acceleration of development by India, Chairman of powerful House Foreign Relations Committee Ed

the remaining hurdles in the implementation of the civil nuclear trade would soon be removed so that the full potential of nuclear

energy could be realized by India.

Congressman Mike Honda exuded confidence about the optimistic future of civil nuclear cooperation.

The lawmakers also pushed for export of natural gas to India.

"Export of liquefied natural gas would have a very important impact on India," said Congressman Ami Bera, the only Indian-American lawmaker in the current Congress.

Excited about the prospects of increase in energy trade with India, Congressman Pete Olson hoped that before this year end the first ship with American natural gas would be shipped to India.

Olson said the US has energy and technology to ensure that every Indian has the electricity they need. "I am committed to improve India US relationship," he said.

US lauds Modi's active diplomatic efforts WASHINGTON: Through his active diplomatic efforts in the last one year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is signaling that India will be a player on the global stage for years to come, according to a top American diplomat.

"In foreign policy India has been on the move. In the past year the Prime Minister has reached out not just to the United States, but has visited over 18 countries and 33 cities," US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma has said.

"He (Modi) is signaling that India will be a player on the global stage for years to come and we welcome and support that global leadership role - politically, economically and in global institutions," Verma said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a top American thinktank.

Within the region, Modi has reached out to leaders from Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. He successfully finalized a historic land boundary agreement with Bangladesh, he said.

There have been visits to Mauritius and the Seychelles, demonstrating that India wants to play an active role in the Indian Ocean, he said.

"We have also been heartened and grateful for the leadership India has shown in the face of recent crises.

India's response to the devastating earthquake in Nepal has been remarkable," Verma said.

"In a similar gesture, India rushed to provide fresh water assistance to the Maldives when its water treatment facility ceased operating," said Verma, the first Indian-American head of the US mission in India.

India, he said, displayed lead-

"We are tracking 77 different initiatives that came out of the January ObamaModi Summit, in fields that range from defense cooperation to health and renewable energy," he said. ership beyond regional boundaries. In Yemen, India organized land and sea evacuations of civilians that included nationals from all over the world, including the United States and Pakistan, he said.

As part of its 'Act East' agenda, India has strengthened ties with Asian powers, he said. "The Prime Minister has been working closely with (Japanese) Prime Minister

Abe in recognition of India's shared interests with Japan, visited Australia, and made a historic trip to Fiji," the envoy said.

India assigned its first permanent envoy to ASEAN this year and during his visit to China, Prime Minister Modi was able to strike a balanced tone between enhancing cooperation and seeking to resolve outstanding issues, Verma said, adding the two nations are partnering more closely than ever before.

"We are tracking 77 different initiatives that came out of the January Obama-Modi Summit, in fields that range from defense cooperation to health and renewable energy," he said.

"The Joint Strategic Vision on the Indo-Pacific region we announced during the President's visit outlined ways our two nations can come together in the region to further the prospects for greater prosperity, peace and stability," he said.

"Our two democracies are demonstrating how the region can work collaboratively towards a better future, based on respect for a rules-based order and the peaceful resolution of disputes. As the Prime Minister recently said, it's not just what the US and India can do for each other, but what we can do for the world," Verma added. PTI

Congressman Ted Poe from Texas also batted for export of natural gas from the US to India.

Calling for expediting the process of exporting natural gas to India, he said he has introduced a

not only important for the two countries, but also for the entire world. Transfer of nuclear technology would help India in many ways, he said.

legislation in this regard.

In his remarks, BJP Lok Sabha MP Udit Raj said that the relationship between India and the US is

Referring to the speeches by US lawmakers, Raj said they are very enthusiastic to strengthen relationship with India. -PTI

Big fat Indian weddings raking in moolah for US hotels WASHINGTON: With Indian- Seasons, are actively trying to Americans splurging on big fat woo Indian couples. The Willard weddings, hotels in the US are Intercontinental even has a desactively wooing couples by dol- ignated path for grooms to arrive ing out all sorts of attractions - by horse. from a designated path for grooms "As we see the rise in that to arrive by horse to making their population and the spending hospitality staff do a crash course power, it's something you can't in South Asian traditions. ignore," Apoorva Ghandi, the vice Venues that have the capacity president of multicultural affairs to host Indian weddings are start- for Marriott International, was ing to do some big business with quoted as saying. the Indian-origin population now In the past three years, his DC one of the fastest-growing ethnic area hotels have hosted 415 Ingroups in America, the CBS News reported.

From brides on rick- Major Washington hotels, shaws to Vegas-style including the Ritz Carlton floor shows, Indian and Four Seasons, are acweddings are part celebration, part spectacle tively trying to woo Indian and June has long been couples. The Willard Interthe most popular continental even has a month of the year for weddings, the report designated path for grooms said.

"For us, an average Indian dian weddings, bringing in USD wedding is spending USD 300,000 12 million in revenue, the report to USD 400, 000," said Ani said.

Sandhu, whose company planned Marriott has gone so far as to a recent event at the Ritz Carlton institute an Indian Culture Day, a Tyson's Corner in Washington, crash course on South Asian traDC. ditions, food and fashion for hosBoth sets of parents paying pitality staff. and a minimum of 250 guests, the Neel Patel and Nisha Kumar, money adds up fast, he was two Indian-Americans, said expequoted as saying by the daily. rience was one of the reasons they "Any business wants to get a chose a Marriott property for their piece of that, especially hotels," upcoming wedding. "I was surhe added. prised there were places here that Major Washington hotels, in- knew exactly what they were docluding the Ritz Carlton and Four ing," Patel said.-PTI

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Boundary issue settled; Modi announces 2 bn credit DHAKA: India and Bangladesh opened a new chapter in their ties as they settled the 41-year-old boundary dispute and promised to do more in other areas amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of a fresh line of credit of USD 2 billion to the neighboring country.

With West Bengal Chief Min-

She said the two countries agreed to set up two Special Economic Zones to bridge the growing trade deficit. Modi promised to do "everything" to address it.

He announced a fresh USD 2 billion line of credit for Bangladesh and promised quick implementation of the earlier line of credit of USD 800 million and full disburse-

Modi said at a joint press interaction with Hasina.

Referring to the unanimous passage of the LBA by Parliament last month, he said it "reflects the consensus in India on relations with Bangladesh."

Noting that the two countries had accepted the settlement of the maritime boundary last year, he

Prime Minister (Hasina) and I recognize that."

Modi said connectivity between India and Bangladesh by road, rail, rivers, sea, transmission lines, petroleum pipelines and digital links will increase. "Today, we have unveiled some of the pathways to this future," he said.

In a major initiative to boost

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina during delegation level talks in Dhaka on June 6

ister Mamata Banerjee standing by his side, Modi, on his maiden visit here, also expressed confidence to have a "fair solution" to the Teesta and Feni river water sharing issues with Bangladesh "with the support of state governments in India".

After extensive talks between Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the two sides signed 22 agreements, including on cooperation in maritime safety and to curb human trafficking and fake Indian currency.

Hasina, whose country is seen as a hiding ground for insurgents of north east India, also promised "zero tolerance" stance against terrorism.

ment of USD 200 million.

The highlight of the Modi's first day here was the exchange of documents related to the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA), which paves the way for exchange of territories to settle the 41-yearold border dispute which has been an irritant.

Under the Agreement, 111 border enclaves will be transferred to Bangladesh in exchange for 51 that will become part of India.

"The visit is at a historic moment. We have resolved a question that has lingered since Independence. Our two nations have a settled boundary. It will make our borders more secure and people's life there more stable,"

said, "It is evidence of the maturity of our ties and our shared commitment to international rules. So,

connectivity and enhance peopleto-people contact, two bus services - Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sitting in a bus at the flag off ceremony of bus services

we stand at a moment of huge opportunity in our relationship.

and Dhaka-Shillong-Guwahati were flagged off jointly by Modi,

Hasina and Mamata Banerjee.

During the talks, it was decided

that Indian Missions would be opened in Khulna and Sylhet while Bangladesh Mission will be opened in Guwahati.

Referring to the Teesta water issue which remains unresolved, Modi said "our rivers should nurture our relationship, not become a source of discord. Water sharing is, above all, a human issue. It affects life and livelihood on both sides of the border."

He mentioned the settlement of boundary issue to say that "we have shown political resolve and goodwill" with it.

"We will work together to harness the rich potential of our relationship. And, we will address our challenges in a spirit of friendship and from a position of mutual trust and confidence," Modi said, adding the agreements signed reflect this "vision and commitment".

Hasina, while describing India as a "very important neighbor", said Modi's visit has given "us a renewed hope and would provide growth" to our relations.

"The deals that we signed today would open new doors in the areas of trade, investment," the Bangladesh Prime Minister said but underlined that "the most important is to translate the agreements into a reality."

She said she believed that "collectively we can work and ensure the prosperity of this region that was Mujib's dream." -PTI

Our vision of growth matches: Modi

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hug each other at the flag off ceremony of bus services between Bangladesh and India, in Dhaka on June 6

DHAKA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said his vision of development perfectly matched with that of Bangladesh premier Sheikh Hasina and praised her "single- minded focus" on economic development and her "path-breaking" initiatives to boost bilateral ties.

"My vision and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's vision matched perfectly - that of development, development and development," Modi said.

Praising Hasina for her "single-minded focus" on economic development, he said, a firm foundation is being laid for Bangladesh's economic

progress.

"The world rarely notices developing countries. Bangladesh has had to often face natural disasters. But nevertheless, it has done unparalleled work in many

‘The world rarely notices developing countries. Bangladesh has had to often face natural disasters. But nevertheless, it has done unparalleled work in many fields,’

fields," the Prime Minister said in his address to Dhaka University.

He said the work done by Bangladesh in the garment sector, where the country is now world's No 2, is well appreciated.

The Prime Minister said that he was happy to hear this on a recent visit to China, for the fact that a developing country had achieved such a feat.

"If Bangladesh prospers, India too would benefit," Modi said.

He said many states in India could learn from Bangladesh on several social indicators, such as infant mortality rate.-PTI

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Water not a political issue: Modi on Teesta DHAKA: "I am of the view that birds, air and water - these three do not need to have visas at all,"

a political issue and be dealt from a humanitarian perspective.

In a public address organized

about it. I am of the view that birds, air and water - these three do not have to have visas at all. I think

"On the basis of humanitarian approach, we should try and find a solution and I am sure we will be

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing at the Bangabandhu International Convention Centre, in Dhaka, Bangladesh on June 7

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while emphasizing that the long-pending Teesta water sharing pact should not be made into

by the Dhaka University, Modi said he was positive about finding a solution to the issue.

"We have had discussions

water cannot be a political issue.

In fact this we can decide taking a humanitarian approach," the Prime Minister said.

able to do that together and will be able to find ways to resolve it.

Constant efforts must be made and we should not lose confi-

dence.

Definitely outcome will be there," Modi said.

The issue had figured prominently during the delegation level talks Modi had with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The Teesta deal was set to be inked during the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Bangladesh in September 2011 but was postponed at the last minute due to objections by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had also dropped out of the Prime Ministerial delegation.

Teesta water is crucial for Bangladesh, especially in the leanest period from December to March when the water flow often temporarily comes down to less than 1,000 cusecs from 5,000 cusecs.-PTI

Bangla media hails Modi trip but concerned over Teesta

Modi's 'nuisance' remarks irk Pakistan

Pak creating 'nuisance', promoting terror

DHAKA: Bangladesh's main- lighted the Bangladesh premier's stream media gave front page cov- priorities for enhanced connecerage to Prime Minister Narendra tivity.

Modi's maiden visit here, hailing Leading English newspaper, it as the "dawn of a new era" in 'The Daily Star', carried the headbilateral ties while lamenting the line, "Dawn of a new era", with lack of "definite progress" on the its subtitles saying "Hasina, contentious Teesta water sharing Modi, pledge mutual growth; issue. land deal documents exchanged; "The New Horizon in rela- 22 deals signed; USD 2 billion tions", read the headlines of mass fresh Indian credit." circulation 'Prothom Alo' newspaIn an editorial titled, "No per, with the report highlighting that the visit had yielded 22 agree- The newspaper, said, "we ments and MoUs to did not expect the (Teesta) take bilateral ties to a deal to come through on this new height.

In its main editorial, visit but had certainly hoped the newspaper said, for some definite progress "for different reasons, the visit of Indian Prime in this regard Minister Narendra Modi will be remembered...the breakthrough on Teesta", the visit is going to resolve the bor- newspaper, said, "we did not exder dispute and enclaves which pect the (Teesta) deal to come was pending unresolved for through on this visit but had cernearly seven decades." tainly hoped for some definite The widely circulated progress in this regard."

'Samokal' carried the headline The Financial Express news"Friendship in new height" and paper in its headlines said, "Modi highlighted Modi's comments in assures fair solution to Teesta, which he paid tributes to Feni river waters".

Bangladesh's founder and his The headline was followed by counterpart Sheikh Hasina's fa- a sub-heading which read, "Evther Bangabandhu Sheikh erything to be done to bridge Mujibur Rahman. It also high- trade deficit, he says".-PTI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has described as "unfortunate" the remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bangladesh where he had accused it of creating "nuisance" and constantly troubling India by promoting terrorism.

The "characterization of bilateral relations by the Indian prime minister as 'nuisance' is unfortunate," Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Qazi Khalillulah said.

He said that Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence and maintaining good neighborly relations with India.

"Pakistan aaye din (constantly) disturbs India, jo naako dum la deta hai (creates nuisance), terrorism ko badhawa (deta hai)...ki ghatnaayein ghatthi rehti hain (promotes terrorism and such incidents keep recurring)," Modi had said in his address to Dhaka University during his Bangladesh trip.

Recalling that 90,000 Pakistani prisoners of war were in India's captivity during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, Modi had said, "If we had a diabolic mindset, we don't know then what decision we would have taken." -PTI

DHAKA: In a blunt attack on did those associated with terrorPakistan here, Prime Minister ism gain and what have they given Narendra Modi accused it of cre- to the world...terrorism has no valating "nuisance" and "con- ues, no principles, no traditions stantly" troubling India by pro- and it has only one motive and moting terrorism. that is enmity against humanity," The Prime Minister's sharp he said. criticism came during the course A Joint Declaration issued on of his address at the the last day of Modi's maiden Bangabandhu International Con- two-day visit to Bangladesh reafvention Centre here when he firmed the two countries' "unvowed to jointly combat with equivocal and uncompromising Bangladesh terrorism in the region.

"Pakistan aaye din The two sides also commit(constantly) disturbs India, jo naako dum la ted to cooperate with each deta hai (creates nui- other by sharing information sance), terrorism ko badhawa (deta hai)...ki about groups and persons ghatnaayein ghatthi rehti hain (promotes ter- indulging in terrorism rorism and such incidents keep recurring)," Modi said position against extremism and in his address to Dhaka University. terrorism in all forms and manifesRecalling that 90,000 Pakistani tations." prisoners of war were in India's The two sides also committed captivity during the 1971 to cooperate with each other by Bangladesh Liberation War, Modi sharing information about groups said, "if we had a diabolic mindset, and persons indulging in terrorwe don't know then what decision ism. we would have taken."

"They reiterated their commit"Terrorism has no boundaries. ment that their respective territoIndia has been troubled by it for ries would not be allowed to be the last 40 years. So many inno- used for any activity inimical to the cent people have died and what other," the declaration said.-PTI

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Ban appoints Indian diplomat Modi draws flak for 'despite being a woman' remark as UNITAR head UNITED NATIONS: A senior Indian diplomat has been appointed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as the head of a UN agency that serves as the training arm of the United Nations system.

Nikhil Seth will be the Executive Director of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), succeeding Sally Fegan-Wyles of Ireland.

Seth, who holds a Master degree in Economics from Delhi University, is currently the Director of the Division for Sustainable Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).

He also served as the Head of the Office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) and has supported the follow-up processes including the work on the post 2015 development agenda and the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States.

He brings to the position over 35 years of service as an international and national civil servant and a wealth of experience in leading, supporting and managing complex portfolios and inter-governmental processes, including United Nations summits and conferences in the economic, social and environmental fields, a statement issued by Ban's spokesper-

son said here.

UNITAR is a training arm of the United Nations System, serving some 25,000 beneficiaries annually by conducting more than 400 capacity development and research activities around the world.

The Mission of UNITAR is to develop capacities of individuals,

Nikhil Seth

organizations and institutions to enhance global decision-making and to support country-level action for shaping a better future, according to information on the UN website.

As an autonomous body within the United Nations System, UNITAR is governed by a Board of Trustees and is headed by an Executive Director.

The Institute is supported by

voluntary contributions from governments, intergovernmental organizations, foundations, and other non-governmental sources.

During his career with the United Nations which began in 1993, Seth held positions as Director of the Office for Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Support and Coordination (20062011), Secretary of ECOSOC and Second Committee of the General Assembly (20042006) as well as Special Assistant and Chief of Office to the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs (1993-2001).

Prior to joining the United Nations, Seth served, since 1980, in the Indian diplomatic service, notably as a delegate in the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York (1990?1993) and earlier diplomatic assignments in Geneva and the Democratic Republic of Congo.PTI

Pakistan hikes defense budget by 11% ISLAMABAD: Pakistan government has hiked its defense spending from Rs 700 billion to Rs 780 billion, an 11 per cent increase from the previous fiscal, to meet the military and security

needs as it battles Taliban insurgency in northwest.

The increase in the defense budget was made as part of the annual budget.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar

presented budget for the fiscal year 2015-16 (FY2015-16), showing a total outlay of Rs 4.313 trillion, which is 9.1 per cent higher than Rs 3.9 trillion of the outgoing fiscal ending on June 30.

"The government increased the defense budget by 11 per cent from 700 billion rupees to 780 billion rupees," he said in the parliament.

Pakistan has been fighting an

Islamist insurgency for over a decade that has killed more than 50,000 people. Thousands of others have been made homeless because of ongoing military operations.

The Finance Minister also announced 100 billion rupees (USD 1 bn) to be allocated for the rehabilitation of thousands of families who have been forced from their homes by the insurgency.

Dar said a growth rate target of 5.5 per cent was set for the upcoming year which starts from July 1.

The target is higher than 4.2 per cent growth achieved in the outgoing year.

He also announced to achieve 7 per cent growth by the end government's tenure in 2018, as the government was following the stabilization policy.

The government set the fiscal deficit target at 4.3 per cent of GDP compared to 5 per cent in 2014-15.

Dar announced 29 per cent increase in the developmental budget which has been increased to Rs 700 billion.-PTI

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew flak for his remark praising his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina for her resolve against terror "despite being a woman" with Congress accusing him of practicing "male chauvinism" and netizens calling it "sexist".

"It shows a patronizing attitude and male chauvinism. This is insulting to womanhood. He has embarrassed Hasina and insulted woman leaders," Congress leader Anand Sharma said.

He also called Modi a "multiple-offender", saying the Prime Minister has always been making comments on foreign soil which have stoked controversies.

However, BJP defended Modi's comments, saying he was only complimenting Hasina and asked Congress to appreciate his achievements as "people of India and world leaders are doing".

At an event in Dhaka, Modi had said, "It is heartening that Prime Minister of Bangladesh, despite the fact that she is a woman, is openly saying that she has zero tolerance for terrorism. I would like to congratulate Sheikh Hasina for her firmness to deal with the menace."

Attacking Modi for his "derogatory" comments, Congress spokesperson Shobha Oza reminded him that BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee had hailed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as 'goddess durga' after she led India to victory over Pakistan in 1971, resulting in the formation of

Bangladesh.

"It shows the RSS' pettyminded attitude towards women because it has never respected woman and its activities have always been against them. This is derogatory," she said.

Attacking Congress for its criticism of Modi over the comments, BJP leader Shina N C said the Prime Minister was in fact giving a "compliment" to his Bangladeshi counterpart.

"He (Modi) said it is such a Herculean task to fight terror and for a woman it is even more difficult. It was the biggest compliment he was paying to Hasina.

She has taken it as a compliment," she said, adding she was appalled at the Congress' attack on the Prime Minister.

Twitter, where Modi enjoys huge following, was full of digs at him for his "sexist" and "patronizing" comments. Many women users said sarcastically that they were on Twitter "despite being a woman". #DespiteBeingAWoman was the top trend on the microblogging site but Modi supporters hit back and #ModiEmpowersWomen soon began trending.

Reacting to Modi's remark, a Twitter user posted, "Despite being a woman, Kiran Bedi managed to sink BJP in Delhi." Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, "(I) can't think of a single wise crack to use the #DespiteBeingAWoman hashtag."-PTI

Modi left behind a thirsty Bangladesh: China BEIJING: Prime Minister Narendra Modi left behind a "thirsty" and "frustrated" Bangladesh as the two countries could not reach an accord on the Teesta river water sharing issue during his visit to Dhaka, Chinese official media said.

Highlighting various agreements, including the Land Boundary Agreements signed between India and Bangladesh during Modi's visit, state-run Xinhua news agency said, "Modi left behind a thirsty Bangladesh".

"The visit without the Teesta deal is now a matter of deep disappointment for us," the agency said quoting an unnamed expert in Dhaka as saying.

Experts say Bangladeshi people are very unlikely to be convinced by Modi's words, it said.

"They say the government of India's West Bengal has diverted almost all of Teesta's water, leaving little for Bangladesh in recent years," it said.

The Xinhua commentary said Modi met top political leaders including ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia and held talks on a range of issues.

"The Bangladeshi PM (Sheikh Hasina) said that her meeting with her counterpart was highly fruitful although the key Teesta water sharing deal issue suffered a blow again due to Delhi's reluctance to sign the pact, which frustrated Bangladeshi people and sparked protests," it said.

It quoted a police officer as saying that they detained four including a woman for holding an anti-Modi demonstration near the National Press Club in Dhaka.-PTI

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Padmasree Warrior out as Cisco's CTO NEW YORK: India-born Padmasree Warrior, one of Silicon Valley's high-profile female executives, has stepped down from her post of Chief Technology Officer at global IT giant Cisco after a significant restructuring of top management under incoming CEO Chuck Robbins.

Warrior, named last month by Forbes among the world's 100 most powerful women, will move into a strategic advisor role "effective immediately" and will stay on in this new role "through the transition" until September, Cisco said.

Under the restructuring, the 10 leaders who will sit on Cisco's new executive leadership team will include India-born Pankaj

Patel, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer.

Warrior, 54, had joined Cisco in 2008 and had served as chief technology officer and senior vice-president of engineering during her seven years at the company.

In a blog post, Robbins described Warrior as a "highly respected leader" who has been a "champion internally for innovation, strategic partnerships, investments and mergers and acquisitions".

"Padmasree has led the success of many of our strategic partnerships and will remain with us until September to help finalize some of our key partnerships for the future. I am grateful for the impact she's

International Yoga Day events not 'compulsory' NEW DELHI: Amid opposition from some minority groups including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AMPLB) against compulsory yoga classes in schools, the government has said participation in June 21 events to mark International Yoga Day was not "compulsory".

However, Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for AYUSH, the coordinating ministry for the Yoga Day events, said, "It is yoga and has nothing to do with religion."

Speaking to reporters after reviewing the preparations for the mega event to be held at Rajpath, Naik said, "The event

is not a compulsory one and it has no connection with religion."

"We have not made anything mandatory.

It is yoga and has nothing to do with religion. We request everyone... It is an opportunity for everyone in the country to showcase before the world our ancient legacy. This initiative has nothing to do with any party. This will help us bring pride to the country," he said.

Asserting that "those who want to oppose can oppose. What can be done?" he added, "I do not understand why are they opposing. When the resolution was passed in the UN, 177 nations were in its favor, of which 37 are Muslim countries.

"Yoga does not speak about any religion. If one doesn't want to do a certain part, then don't do it. If you don't want to say 'Om' while practicing yoga, then don't do it. At least one can perform yoga," Naik said.

He was asked about AIMPLB's decision to launch a nationwide campaign against the move of making 'Surya Namaskar' and yoga compulsory in schools."

Naik also said that about 35,000 people are expected to attend the Rajpath event. -PTI

India rejects visa to Pak official NEW DELHI: India has rejected visa to a Pakistan foreign ministry official for a posting in the High Commission here on "concerns" over his credentials, a decision termed as "absolutely absurd" by Pakistan.

It is learnt that Indian authorities have rejected the visa after there were "concerns" expressed by officials over the posting of the Pakistan Foreign ministry official, whose identity and designation have not been revealed by either side.

Terming India's move as "unacceptable and absolutely absurd", Pakistan High Commission sources said this was "against diplomatic norms" and have refused to withdraw the visa application filed on behalf of the official.

Pakistan wanted to post the official at its high commission here and had applied for a diplomatic visa for him.

The Pakistani authorities have now taken up the issue with India saying this was 'unacceptable' and asserted that this was first India posting for the official concerned and India had no reason to deny him visa.

However, officials maintain that there was no need for India to cite the reason for visa rejection.

The incident comes within days of Pakistan rejecting visa to Indian Yoga instructors to travel to Pakistan to participate in an event organized by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad to mark the International Yoga Day on June 21.-PTI

Padmasree Warrior

had on Cisco and her commitment to helping us finalize these important alliances," he said.

In her advisory post, Warrior "is charged with aligning technology development and corporate strategy to enable Cisco to anticipate, shape, and lead major market transitions," Cisco said.

She will help "direct technology and operational innovation across the company and oversees strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, the integration of new business models, the incubation of new

technologies, and the cultivation of world-class technical talent."

Warrior, an alumnus of IITDelhi and Cornell University, was ranked 84th in this year's Forbes list of 100 Most Powerful Women in the world and has regularly received various leadership awards.

She is a member of the Board of Trustees for Cornell University and serves on the Gap Inc. Board of Directors. She also sits on the Board of Directors for Thorn (formerly DNA Foundation).

Cisco said Pankaj will continue to lead Cisco's 25,000 development engineers and the company's USD 36 billion technology portfolio.

In previous roles at Cisco, Patel served as Senior Vice President and General Manager for the company's service provider business, which achieved market segment leadership in routing, video and mobility under his leadership.

He was a founding leader of Cisco's first multi-service access business unit, developing strategy for access routers and voiceover-packet technology and delivery. He had joined Cisco through the company's acquisition of Stratacom in 1996. -PTI

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Tata Steel UK workers to go on strike LONDON: Trade unions representing workers of Tata Steel in the UK will go on strike on June 22 over proposed changes to the company's pension scheme - the biggest industrial action in the UK in nearly three decades.

Tata Steel, which employs 17,000 people in the UK across four sites, termed the unions' decision as "very disappointing" and promised to lessen the impact of the changes, which include employees retiring at 65 instead of 60.

The "strike action" will be preceded by the employees refraining from over-time and observing work-to-rule in the escalating dispute.

"Steel unions have agreed Monday June 22 as the date for strike action at Tata Steel in their ongoing pensions dispute," said Community union, which has the largest number of members who are employed at Tata Steel.

Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of Community, said Tata had given workers "no option" but to take industrial action.

"The company has not shown any willingness to return to meaningful negotiations to find an end to this dispute. The company could avoid this by returning to the table," he said.

However, the UK's largest union Unite said it is still open to talks if Tatas are ready

for meaningful discussions.

Tata employs over 17,000 workers across four sites in Wales in Port Talbot, Newport, Flintshire and Carmarthenshire, as well as sites around England including Corby, Hartlepool, Rotherham, Scunthorpe, Teesside and York.

A Tata Steel spokesman said: "We have been trying to develop an affordable and sustainable pension scheme for employees so we are very disappointed by today's announcement on strike and industrial action.

"Everyone agrees that changes need to be made to resolve the challenges facing our pension scheme, which has a projected shortfall of over 2 billion pounds. -PTI

Obama committed to intensifying India relations WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama is committed to further intensifying relationship with India and the recent visit of a top American defense official is reflective of the depth of the ties, the White House has said.

"The President, as he discussed on his trip to India back in January, is committed to further intensifying the relations between our two countries," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily news conference.

Referring to the just concluded visit of Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, he said this is reflective of the depth of the relationship between the US and India.

"So many of the issues that we often talk about are related to how we can expand economic opportunity in both of our countries," he said.

"There's also an opportunity for us to deepen our security cooperation, and that was the subject of some discussion when Secretary Carter was in India earlier this week," Earnest said.

Carter's trip, he said, is a pretty clear indication of the national security priority that the President has placed on enhancing the security cooperation between the US and India.

He also noted that US Ambassador to India Richard Verma has strengthened relations between the two countries in a short period of time.-PTI

'Obama did not do enough for ties with India' WASHINGTON: A top US Republican presidential candidate has alleged that the Obama administration has not given enough time and effort to build a relationship with India.

"I don't think we have spent the time and the effort with India to build a relationship there. We had the opportunity to. They wanted to buy fighters from us. They ended up buying French Mirages," Rick Perry, the former Texas Governor, told the Fox news in an interview.

Perry, 65, has announced his decision to run for 2016 presidential elections. This is his second attempt at the top post.

"This administration I think it's a lack of experience and I think it's a lack of being able to connect the dots in different parts of the world about what effect the decisions that we make are having on entire regions," Perry said.

"This focus on getting an agreement with Iran is overshadowing every decision in the Middle East," he said.

"I think one of the reasons that you see IS now controlling more land than the UK, taking over cities that our young men and women died for - that goes back to a decision that this President has made, and a bad decision that he's going to get a deal with Iran," Perry said.-PTI

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Indo-Canadians honored Jethmalani announces 'break-up' with Modi for strengthening ties TORONTO: Eleven Indo-Canadians have been honored here with 'ICCC Annual Awards 2015' for strengthening bilateral ties and their business achievements besides contributions to the economy.

Avinash Mehra, vice president of the Canadian Imperial Bank of

Stephen Harper, Governor General David Johnston, Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne and India's High Commissioner to Canada Vishnu Prakash.

Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham received the President's award 2015 for his outstanding contributions in promoting bilat-

"Indo-Canadian community has done more than making its mark in Canada. They have cemented the foundation of the Indo-Canadian friendship and are a key driver of the relationship in numerous endeavors between our two countries," Tory said.

Commerce was among 11 winners which include Nisha Agnihotri, Prashant Pathak, Neeru Gupta, Manjul Bhargava, Hargurdeep Singh, Avish Sood, Rajiv Manucha, Asim Ghosh, Jag Parmar and Venkatesh Mannar.

They were congratulated for strengthening the ties between the two countries by Prime Minister

eral trade and investment between India and Canada.

Each award, carrying a trophy and citation, was presented by Toronto Mayor John Tory and Presi dent of the IndoCanada Chambers of Commerce (ICCC) DP Jain at the annual gala and award night here.

"The two countries enjoy his-

Deficient monsoon an opportunity, says Modi NEW DELHI: With monsoon ministrative mechanisms, financial rainfall predicted to be deficient arrangements and technology apthis year, Prime Minister Narendra plications in the irrigation sector, Modi has said the "challenge" to result in a shorter, more comshould be converted into an "op- prehensive decision-making proportunity" for looking at other cess, which could deliver quick avenues of irrigation as he pitched results for the farmers. for boosting the creation of farm The Prime Minister pitched for ponds as a short-term effort. an intensive short-term effort to Chairing a boost the meeting here creation of to review the farm ponds P r a d h a n across the Mantri Krishi country.

S i n c h a i The irrigaYojana, he tion plans pressed for need to be quick adoption worked out at of a multithe district pronged stratlevel, and egy to augyoung officment the ers from the country's irricivil services gation netshould be Prime Minister Narendra Modi work. asked to proWith regard pose districtto the forecast by the metrologi- level irrigation plans, Modi said. cal department about deficient Expansion of irrigation has to monsoon rainfall this year, Modi be linked with a comprehensive exhorted officials to treat the evaluation of cropping patterns "challenge of below-normal rain- across states, as well as a judifall as an opportunity", a PMO cious mix of modern and micro irstatement said. rigation systems such as drip and He sought a relook at the ad- sprinkler irrigation, he said.- PTI

toric bilateral relations and there is a room to expand trade, cooperation on energy, agriculture and education through strategic partnership. The Canada-India friendship is also one of unrealized potential.

It has the ingredients to be one of the greatest partnerships for both our countries," Jain said.

Tory lauded the role of the Indo-Canadians in fostering the bilateral relationship and said, "Toronto is the best place to live and work in the world."

"Indo-Canadian community has done more than making its mark in Canada. They have cemented the foundation of the Indo-Canadian friendship and are a key driver of the relationship in numerous endeavors between our two countries," Tory said.

ICCC was founded in 1977. It is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promote bilateral, social, cultural and economic ties between the two countries. -PTI

Obama urged to work on Maldives democracy WASHINGTON: Two top American Senators have asked the Obama Administration to work with India and other countries to restore democracy in Maldives and release of political prisoners including former President Mohamed Nasheed.

In a letter to Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Secretary of State John Kerry last week, the two Senators - John McCain and Jack Reed - expressed deep concern about the deteriorating situation in the Maldives and the implications of recent events for the democratic process, human rights and US national security policy in South Asia.

In their letter, McCain and Reed asked the US to press for the release of all political prisoners, including the former president Mohamed Nasheed.

McCain and Reed filed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 that expresses the sense of the Congress that the Government of Maldives should immediately release Nasheed and all political prisoners in the country, and guarantee human rights for all the citizens of the Maldives.-PTI

NEW DELHI: Noted lawyer Ram Jethmalani has announced his "break-up" with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said his "diminishing respect" for Modi has "ended".

The expelled BJP MP, who had strongly supported Modi's prime ministerial bid, had been opposed to the appointment of former CBDT chairman K V Chowdary as Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) and said he will now fight the government in Supreme Court after his appointment was cleared by the President.

"Now we shall fight out in the Supreme Court and the court of the people of India. My diminish-

ing respect for you ends today," Jethmalani wrote in a letter to Modi.

He posted the communication on Twitter and called it "My break-

Ram Jethmalani

up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi".

Expressing strong reservations over the move to make Chowdary as next CVC, he had written to President Pranab Mukherjee and Modi, questioning his credentials. -PTI

India seeing stable growth momentum: OECD LONDON: Indian economy is witnessing "stable growth momentum" and mixed trends are seen in other parts of the world including China and the US, according to Paris-based think tank OECD. The assessment is based on the grouping's Composite Leading Indicators (CLIs) that are designed to anticipate turning points in economic activity relative to trend.

"The CLIs continue to point to stable growth momentum in India and to easing growth in China. However, a loss in growth momentum remains the outlook for Brazil," the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said.

OECD, a grouping of 34 countries, has projected India's growth to remain "strong and stable" at 7.3 per cent in 2015 on the back of revival in investments.

Pegging the growth rate at 7.4 per cent for 2016, the grouping had said that decline in oil prices

would reduce pressures on the current account deficit, inflation and subsidies.

India has surpassed China to become the world's fastest growing economy by clocking 7.5 per cent GDP for the March quarter.

In 2014-15, economy grew 7.3 per cent, as per figures released by Central Statistics Office last month.

Meanwhile, OECD said the CLIs point to firming growth in the

euro area, particularly in France and Italy, while growth momentum shows signs of easing in Canada and the US," the grouping said in a statement.

Stable growth momentum is anticipated in the UK, Germany and Japan, and tentative signs of a positive change are emerging in Russia, it added. -PTI

Tech News Switzerland plans stiff norms to fight black money BERNE: Amid a global black money crackdown including by India, Switzerland has announced a stringent due diligence regime for its banks to 'reject' accepting illicit funds from both existing and new customers.

Swiss banks, known for their strict secrecy practices, would also terminate relationships with existing clients who are found to have stashed illegal assets in their accounts.

Long perceived as a safe haven for stashing untaxed assets including by Indians, Switzerland has been making efforts to do away with such banking secrecy practices and has also agreed to be part of a global automatic exchange of tax information framework.

The latest move also comes at a time when Switzerland is making public names, including that of Indians, among scores of foreign nationals with Swiss bank accounts, for being probed in their respective home countries.

The new due diligence requirements, being mandated by the Swiss government for banks and other financial institutions, are aimed at making Switzerland a "taxcompliant financial centre". -PTI

Australia to invest $10 billion in India KOLKATA: Australia has lined up investments worth USD 10 billion for India as it is looking for greater co-operation with the country.

"Investments worth USD 10 billion is in the pipeline in varied sectors, including resources and manufacturing," Australian High Commissioner to India Patrick Suckling said at an interactive session with MCC Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He said his country is keen on collaborating with India in energy, food, education and infrastructure sectors.

Suckling said one of the key elements of Indian foreign policy is ensuring its energy security and Australia can strategically help India with its requirements in coal, gas, steel and uranium, among others.

The country is also looking at collaborating to support India's food security mission.

The government is trying to modernize the agricultural sector and opportunities for technological collaborations and investment with Australia are there, ranging from cold storages to agricultural technology, Suckling said.-PTI

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ICICI Bank to focus on leveraging technology NEW DELHI: As it looks to further enhance its return on equity, ICICI Bank will focus on leveraging technology to deliver innovative banking solutions and on capitalizing growth opportunities as the economy grows, Chief Chanda Kochhar has said.

She also said that the bank's focus on improving the core operating parameters has helped it absorb the higher credit costs.

"Despite the higher credit costs, we were able to achieve an improvement of 10 basis points in the return on assets to 1.86 per cent (in last fiscal ended March 31, 2015) compared to 1.76 per cent in fiscal 2014," Kochhar said.-PTI

6,000-crore port to come up near Mumbai in 3 yrs MUMBAI: The country's 13th major port will come up at Dahanu near here on fully reclaimed land and the project envisaging an investment of up to Rs 6,000 crore is likely to be completed over the next three years, the Centre has announced.

The proposed port would be located 4.5 nautical miles off the Dahanu coast in northern Maharashtra's Palghar district, about 150km from Mumbai.

In a first, the Centre has tied up with the state government by making it an equity partner to ensure the port gets completed fast. The port, which will have a capacity to handle 60-100 million tonne of cargo per annum, will be built completely on the reclaimed land spread over 2,500 acres.

The largest container port JNPT will own 76 per cent in the proposed port and the remaining 24 per cent will be held by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), Union Shipping Secretary

Rajive Kumar told reporters here.

The project will be executed on public-private partnership model, he said.

JNPT and MMB signed an agreement for the port and Kumar exuded confidence that the project

port. Also, there will be no cutting down of forests since the port will come up on 2,500 acres of reclaimed land.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said there were some issues because of liti-

should be a reality in up to three years.

Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari, who was present on the occasion, said no land will be acquired or people displaced for the

gation surrounding the port for nearly two decades, but congratulated the MMB for finding a way out to set up the venture.

He said from 1996 onwards attempts were on to build a new port

in the State but the plan got stuck in litigations.

The proposed site is located near Vadhwan Point and will serve as a satellite port of JNPT based in Navi Mumbai.

Gadkari said initial studies on the project will start soon and hoped to lay the foundation stone

by December.

A senior Government official said the port shall have a capacity of 60-100 million tonne per annum and will primarily handle containers and other "unclean" cargo like coal which is being abandoned by Mumbai Port due to local considerations.

Gadkari said it will help power plants located in Maharashtra get the critical coal with faster turnarounds.

Maharashtra has a 720km coastline but has only two major ports - JNPT and Mumbai Port.

Besides, there are private ports in the State at Dharamtar, Dighi and Jaigad.-PTI

Anshu Jain quits as Deutsche Bank CEO BERLIN: In a surprise move, India-born Anshu Jain has resigned as the Co-CEO of Germany's biggest bank Deutsche Bank - losing the top spot to former UBS banker John Cryan, who will serve as the CoCEO and will become the "sole CEO" after May 19.

Jain is the second Indian to resign from a global bank after Vikram Pandit who stepped down as the CEO of Citigroup in 2012.

He is also the second Indian to quit a German industry giant after reaching one of the top spots in the leadership ladder after Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka, who resigned as the Executive Board Member of the software major SAP in 2014.

The Germany-based bank has appointed former UBS banker Cryan as the Co-Chief Executive Officer, effective next month, and he will succeed the existing COCEOs Jurgen Fitschen and Jain.

"The appointment of Cryan as Co-CEO follows the decision of Fitschen (66) and Jain (52), Co-

and the Supervisory Board has asked him to remain as a consultant with Deutsche Bank.

Anshu Jain

CEOs, to step down early from their roles," Deutsche Bank said in a statement.

Jain will step down on June 30

The Supervisory Board has asked Fitschen to remain in his current role until the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting on

May 19, 2016, to help ensure a smooth transition, it said.

"Their contracts were due to run through to March 31, 2017.

Upon Fitschen's departure on May 19, 2016, Cryan will become sole CEO," the bank said.

Deutsche Bank said its Supervisory Board decided at an extraordinary meeting to appoint Cryan (54) to the position of COCEO. On his stepping down, Jain said: "It has been 20 years since I came to work at Deutsche Bank and it has been an extraordinary time. Over the past three years, I have been afforded the privilege and honor to lead this great institution together with Jurgen."

He further said: "In our time as the bank's leaders, we have boosted capital, reduced exposures and risk and invested significantly in technology, control and compliance capabilities." -PTI

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Bangladesh offers 2 SEZs to Indian companies DHAKA: With an aim to boost bilateral trade, Bangladesh has offered to establish two Special Economic Zones for Indian companies besides allowing Life Insurance Corporation to start operations in the country.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's talks with his counterpart Sheikh Hasina, both sides signed

nomic zones in Bangladesh, media reports here said.

India will develop the economic zone near the government-sponsored one in Mongla, which is now under construction, Paban Chowdhury, executive chairman of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority, told The Daily Star.

India wants over 200 acres of

The annual trade between Bangladesh is around USD 6.5 billion out of which India's export is around USD 6 billion while Bangladesh exports to India is around USD 0.5 billion. Modi, after holding talks with Hasina promised to do "everything" to address the trade deficit. a number of pacts to spur economic engagement and enhance connectivity so that India's northeast could be connected to South Asia and with Southeast Asia.

As per the MoU on the economic zone, Bangladesh will offer SEZs to Indian companies in Mongla and Bheramara.

India becomes the third country after Japan and China to have shown interest in developing eco-

land in Mongla and 477 acres at Bheramara to establish the zones, he said.

The zones will be developed with funds obtained from the USD 2 billion line of credit from India, the BEZA executive chairman said.

"As there will be no uncertainty regarding funds, we expect the zones can be developed in three years," Chowdhury said.

Both the sides also renewed a

Bilateral Trade Agreement and signed another one on Coastal Shipping which will allow direct and regular movements of Indian ships to Bangladeshi ports.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said the pact will help movement of goods and encourage the shipping industry of Bangladesh.

Opening its insurance sector, Bangladesh handed over consent letter by Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA) to Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) to start operations in the country.

The annual trade between Bangladesh is around USD 6.5 billion out of which India's export is around USD 6 billion while Bangladesh exports to India is around USD 0.5 billion.

Modi, after holding talks with Hasina promised to do "everything" to address the trade deficit.

To improve connectivity, an MoU was signed on Blue Economy and Maritime Cooperation in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.

A separate MoU was also inked on use of Chittagong and Mongla

Government further relaxes norms for companies NEW DELHI: In a raft of changes to make it easier for businesses to operate in the country, the government has relaxed norms for private companies including those pertaining to related party transactions, acceptance of deposits and auditor appointments.

Compliance requirements under the Companies Act, 2013, have also been made for government, Nidhi and not-for-profit or Section 8 companies.

Relaxing the norms for the four categories of companies, the Corporate Affairs Ministry has come out with four separate notifications.

The latest move comes close on the heels of the Ministry setting up an eight-member panel to address issues related to the new companies law and suggest necessary changes.

Through the latest notifications, as many as 16 changes or clarifications have been notified with respect to private companies and it is around 30 for government companies.

In a significant move, the Ministry has said that Section 188 of the Act - that is about related party transactions - would not be applicable on private companies.

Section 188 of the Act requires

companies to get consent from its board of directors before entering into a related party transaction even for activities such as sale, purchase or supply of any goods or materials and leasing of property.

With regard to rules for acceptance of deposits, the Ministry has said it would not be applicable on

The norms for board evaluation, as mentioned in the Act, would not be applicable in case directors are evaluated by the ministry or department of the central government a private entity which "accepts from its members monies not exceeding one hundred per cent of aggregate of the paid up share capital and free reserves". However, such companies should file the details of amount accepted to the Registrar.

Other norms, including those related to requirements for ap-

pointment of auditors, giving loans to directors, providing loans for purchase of a private company's shares, standing for directorship and issue of share capital, have been eased.

With respect to government companies, the Ministry has made about 30 changes related to various requirements. These pertain to board evaluation, appointment of directors and conduct of annual general meetings (AGMs), among others.

The norms for board evaluation, as mentioned in the Act, would not be applicable in case directors are evaluated by the ministry or department of the central government which is administratively in charge of the company or the state government, as per its own evaluation methodology".

Similarly, changes have been made for not-for-profit and Nidhi companies - those which have been set up with the aim of cultivating thrift and savings habit amongst its members.

The Ministry has already made a raft of changes to the Companies Act, 2013 - whose provisions came into effect from April 1, 2014 - amid concerns raised from various stakeholders.-PTI

Ports by Indian ships to ensure better movement of goods.

An agreement was inked between Bangladesh Standards and

Testing Institution (BSTI) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on cooperation in the field of standardization.-PTI

Anil Ambani to invest $3 bn in B'desh plant DHAKA: Anil Ambani-led Reliance Power has signed an agreement to invest USD 3 billion in setting up a mega power

Anil Ambani

plant and a floating LNG import terminal in Bangladesh which faces acute power shortages.

Reliance Power will set up a 2 million tonnes a year floating LNG import terminal as well as 3,000 megawatt power plant, according to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by Sameer Gupta, Executive Vice President of Reliance Power,

during Prime Minister Narendra Modi' two-day visit here.

The company will use the equipment it had contracted for its Samalkot project in Andhra Pradesh for setting up the power plant in Bangladesh in three years from the date of signing power purchase agreement (PPA).

The equipment will be under appropriate warranties from General Electric (GE), USA and the other global suppliers, the company said in a statement.

Reliance Power was implementing a 2,400 MW gas based power project at Samalkot in Andhra Pradesh. The project was to be allocated gas from Reliance Industries' KG-D6 block but due to the drastic decline in production, the project has not got any gas so far.-PTI

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FSSAI orders testing of more Ban on baby food at pharmacies proposed fast food brands NEW DELHI: Central food safety regulator FSSAI has ordered testing of various noodles, pasta and macaroni brands, including Top Ramen, Foodles and Wai Wai, manufactured by seven companies to check compliance of norms in the wake of Maggi controversy.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also asked for testing of four vari-

panies whose products have been listed for testing are Nestle India, ITC, Indo Nissin Food Ltd, GSK Consumer Healthcare, CG Foods India, Ruchi International and AA Nutrition Ltd. The regulator has ordered the testing of products registered with it.

The products include Wai Wai noodles and bhujiya chicken snacks by CG Foods; Koka instant

ants of "Maggi Nutilicious Pazzta with tastemakers".

"Various test results on Maggi and some other similar products have raised serious health concerns. In view of the same, it would be advisable to draw regulatory samples for similar products for which product approvals have been granted by the FSSAI...These samples should be sent to the authorized labs for testing," FSSAI CEO YS Malik said in letter to Commissioners of Food Safety in all states and UTs. As per FSSAI order, the com-

noodles from Ruchi International, Foodles by GSK Consumer Healthcare and Nestle's Maggi instant noodles with nine variants.

Others in the list are Indo Nissin's Top Ramen Aata Masala, ITC's three variants of instant noodles and Yummy chicken and vegetarian noodles of AA Nutrition.

When contacted CG Foods CEO GP Sah said: "Our brands meet all regulatory standards as listed by Food Safety and Standard Authority of India. We are not closed to any tests and will coop-

erate with authorities if required."

The development comes after the Indian unit of the Swiss multinational recalled Maggi from the markets after several states banned the famous '2-minute' instant food brand as tests showed them containing taste enhancer MSG (Mono Sodium Glutamate) and lead in excess of the permissible limits.

Meanwhile, FSSAI has banned all variants of Maggi noodles terming them as "unsafe and hazardous" for human consumption.

The regulator asked all States and UTs to "draw samples of the food products and take action as per provisions of FSS Act and other applicable laws (including IPC) in case the food items are not found conforming to the applicable standards."

FSSAI further said in the letter that "the safety of all other such products in these categories has not been assessed as per the Product Approval procedures. As such, the same are unauthorized and illegal and cannot be intended for human consumption".

For such unauthorized products, States/UTs have been told to ensure that such products are recalled, removed from the market and destroyed.

Besides general parameters like test for preservatives and synthetic colors, the food regulator has asked all the state food safety commissioner to test for metal contaminants including lead, copper, arsenic and cadmium.

Tests for certain quality parameters and naturally occurring toxic substances would also be conducted by the States/UTs.-PTI

Railway JV companies planned with 20 states RANCHI: Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said his ministry will set up separate joint venture companies with at least 20 states for completion of projects in a time-bound manner and to give the latter more say in developmental activities.

"Joint Venture (JV) companies will be formed with around 20 states and will be between the Railways and the state concerned having separate nodal officers

from the two sides," Prabhu told a press conference here.

The criteria of the company, he

Suresh Prabhu

said, would be completion of project in a time-bound manner.

"This will help states have more say in rail development," he said later at a function where he also said that a joint venture company with Jharkhand could be formed "in about a month".

Stressing on transparent functioning of the railway department, Prabhu said e-tendering has begun and added that the tender process would not come to his table. Besides e-monitoring to oversee projects, he said the Railways has also started e-catering, giving passengers their choice of food.-PTI

NEW DELHI: In the wake of Maggi controversy, Department of Pharmaceuticals is mulling to bring a proposal to ban sale of baby food products and other supplements at pharmacies.

The department said only pharmaceutical items like medicines and syrups must be allowed for sale in such shops.

"People purchase baby food products and supplements from chemist shops under the impression that these are good for health...what happened in the Maggi case we all know...it is mostly consumed by children. So these should not be sold at chemist shops," Minister of State for Chemicals and Fer-

tilizers Hansraj Gangaram Ahir told PTI. The Minister further said: "I am of the view that baby food products like Nestle's Cerelac and Nestum; Johnson and Johnson's baby soap and oil; and other companies' products also...these should not be sold at chemist shops."

Besides, other items such as nutrient supplements used for body building should not be allowed to be sold at chemist shops.

"Only pharmaceutical products should be allowed to be sold at chemist shops.

I am also planning to bring a proposal in this regard," the Minister added.-PTI

Maggi comes under scanner in Canada too HYDERABAD: After being hit by a recall order in India, Maggi Noodles has come under the scanner of Health Canada as the product imported into the country is being investigated by Canadian Food Inspection Authority (CFIA).

According to a statement by the Health Canada, it may issue a recall if the imported Maggi brand noodles are found to have discrepancies.

"The CFIA is aware of the recent incident in India involving Maggi brand noodles, including Nestle's removal of products from the Indian marketplace.

"The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation for the possible presence of lead in Maggi brand noodle products imported into Canada by various firms. If affected products are identified as part of the agency's ongoing investigation, a food recall warning will be issued," the Canadian health regulator said in a statement.

The CFIA takes food safety concerns very seriously. More information will be shared with the public as it becomes available, it added.

Nestle India currently exports small quantities of Maggi noodles to the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Singapore and Kenya.

Reacting to the development, Nestle said in a statement, "We are working closely with the regulators in each country to explain the situation in India and, where they want to test the products, we are cooperating fully with them.

We also manufacture Maggi noodles in other countries and these are not affected by the situation in India."

Unfortunately, recent developments and unfounded concerns about the product in India have led to an environment of confusion for the consumer there, to such an extent that Nestle India has decided to withdraw the product off the shelves in India, the company said.-PTI

June 12, 2015

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Sahara able to avert Grosvenor House sale LONDON/NEW DELHI: In a major deal for Sahara, billionaire brothers David and Simon Reuben are set to take over the crisis-hit Indian group's Bank of China loan for its three hotel properties - thus averting a 'default-triggered' sale of the iconic Grosvenor House hotel in London.

When contacted, a Sahara group spokesperson confirmed that a "last-minute deal" has been negotiated with the Reuben brothers and the talks are in final stages now, but did not comment on the deal size.

A report in the Sunday Times, however, pegged the debt refinance deal at USD 850 million (Rs 5,500 crore).

The Grosvenor House hotel was put on sale by its lender Bank of China earlier this year after a 'technical default'.

Sahara Group has been trying to raise funds to secure release of its Chairman Subrata Roy, who has been lodged in Tihar Jail for over a year, through monetization of its various assets, including the three overseas hotels.

When contacted, a Sahara group spokesperson said in a statement that the group has "successfully managed to avert the enforced sale of the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, one of the best-known iconic hotels in the world.

"A team led by Group Chairman has successfully negotiated a last-minute deal with

Sahara Group has been trying to raise funds to secure release of its Chairman Subrata Roy, who has been lodged in Tihar Jail for over a year the Reuben Brothers, who are now in the final stage of taking over the loan portfolio from the Bank of China. The other properties owned by the group are the New York Plaza hotel and the New York Dream hotel."

The group further said that the "deal restores Sahara's ability to renegotiate the loan terms with the new lender, or with third parties. "The negotiations that are already underway are expected to generate new money for meeting the Group's immediate requirements in the Supreme Court of India.

"It is a matter of great satisfaction to our Chairman, Subrata Roy Sahara, that the Indian flag will continue to fly on these three globally-renowned hotels," it added.

It, however, refused to share any further information "at this time, on legal advice, to protect the on-going negotiations."

The Sunday Times report said that "David and Simon Reuben, whose empire stretches from data centers to horse racing, clinched the purchase of two loans against the properties from Bank of China late last week" and they have given a four-month extension to the Sahara Group.

Bank of China put Grosvenor House under "administration" early in March for recovery of its loans, while Deloitte and realty consultant JLL were mandated to find a buyer. At that time, Sahara Group had said it was still working on a refinancing transaction to repay the loans to Bank of China

and regain control of the iconic property.

Sahara had also said that the London hotel was being "treated under default" because Bank of China has declared "an event of default" on the US loans due to some "technical breaches" in the financial covenants.

The loan on Sahara's three hotels from Bank of China was "cross collateralized and cross guaranteed".

Sahara had said that the debt

servicing for the UK and US loans "has always been completely proper and timely".

Sahara's refinancing arrangements involved getting a fresh loan for the three properties. A part of the proceeds would be given to Bank of China for release of Grosvenor House from "administration", while the remainder could be deposited with Sebi to secure release of Roy and two other top officials from Tihar Jail.

Grosvenor House, a landmark property on Park Lane in London designed by acclaimed architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, was purchased by Sahara in 2010. -PTI

Desi News Marigold Maison digging 'gold' in Chicagoland RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: An India born business magnet ranked among the top most successful immigrant entrepreneurs in this country by Forbes, Dr John Kapoor, has a magic touch turning any business he picks up into "gold mine". The same should hold true with his recent barging into an upscale Indian restaurant business in Chicagoland.

Belting Masters and Doctorate in pharmacy from renowned universities here and back in India, Dr Kapoor navigated an ailing pharmaceutical firm, LyphMed to a huge success and then picked up two of his own pharma projects Akorn Pharmaceuticals and INSYS Therapeutics, carving out a name and fame for himself not only in industry but also in charities.

Details on page 18

Rama story paintings in Australia museum India Post News Service

CANBERRA: National Gallery of Australia (NGA) in Canberra is showcasing "The story of Rama" through 101 Pahari miniature paintings completed between 17th-19th centuries. The exhibition is on till August 23.

The tale of love, loyalty, betrayal and the victory of good over evil, the Ramayana is one of the world's great epics. It is ubiquitous in Indian life and culture as popular entertainment and moral guidance.

The best known form of the story is attributed to a transcription by Valmiki, a poet of the fourth century BCE, but the Ramayana has as many variants as it has narrators.

Details on page 19

Kumar Sanu belts romantic hits at evening of nostalgia India Post News Service

SAN JOSE: It was an evening of nostalgia at the San Jose Garden airport hotel as versatile singer Kumar Sanu took stage at the house full show of Aashiqon me Mehfil. Sanu's name is synonymous with romantic hit Bollywood songs from the 1990s and the early 2000s. He holds the Guinness Book world record for recording the maximum number of songs in a day - 28. He is famous in Bollywood as a melody singer.

Details on page 22

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

16 India Post

Gita teaches us how to conquer desire & anger Details on page 24

June 12, 2015

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Bharat Sundar's vocal finale crowns Thyagaraja Festival DR JAISHREE PRASAD

CHICAGO: Well-known (neraval) "taamarasa-dala netri" did his command over the rhythm, korapu and swara-kalpana drew Carnatic vocalist Bharat Sundar starting in slow tempo, highlight- when he sang the various permu- great applause. delivered the finale of the three- ing key ornamentations (gamaka) tations of improvisatory sol-fa Thyagaraja's "Paramatmudu day annual Thyagaraja Festival with subtle beauty, thereby evok- notes (kalpana swara) within the velige" in ragam Vagadhiswari and (TF), dedicated to the saintly mu- ing a calm and soothing atmo- rhythmic framework (tala).

"Sarasa sama daana" in Kapisician-composer, here at Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago on May 25.

He was accompanied by V.V.S. Murari on v i o l i n , Trivandrum B a l a j i mridangam and K . V .

Gopalakrishnan kanjira (tambourine). They were introduced by TF founder, proCarnatic vocalist Bharat Sundar delivered the finale of the three-day annual Thyagaraja Festival at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago fessor TES Raghavan.

The concert began with sphere.

"Korapu" is a challenging narayani followed, the latter well "Padavini Sadbhakti" in ragam His approach of developing the technical feat, where the artiste rendered with kalpana swaras.

Saalagabhairavi set to Adi tala neraval at different defining exhibits his virtuosity in swara- Ragam Pantuvarali was explored which ended in note improvisation (vaadi) swaras of Kalyani, such as kalpana by gradually compressing in fervent detail in the alapanam (swara kalpana). For Thyagaraja's nishada (ni), gandhara (ga) and the cycle (aavartanam), drawing for "Appa Rama Bhakti Yento," "Amma Raavamma" in ragam rishabha (ri), and doing so con- on his musical experience and with the violin meeting the chalKalyani, Sundar delineated the tinuously at a single stretch in fast imagination to reach the lenge here and also in the kalpana musical variations on the lyrics tempo, amazed the audience. So "muktayam" or climax. Their swaras.

Cont’d on page 19 CHICAGO: "Unrevealed Compositions of Oothukadu Venkata Kavi" were presented by Needamangalam Subbaraman, Ph.D., and Needamangalam Selvi Alamelu, leading Harikatha performers from India at the Thyagaraja Festival (TF) here at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago on May 25. They were accompanied on violin by Jayashankar Balan and on mridangam by Vinod Seetharaman.

Following invocatory prayers, Subbaraman and Alamelu sang "Ananda-narthana -ganapathim bhaavaye" in the energetic ragam Nata, a very popular and joyful dance composition.

"Aalavadennalo shivame" in Pharaz served to illustrate Kavi's habitual and delightful resort to swaraakshara, that is, where the utterance of the musical note (swara) coincides with the syllable (akshara)

Harikatha performers sing Venkatakavi's compositions DR JAISHREE PRASAD

Oothakadu Venkatakavi's compositions being presented at Lemont Temple

of the lyrics being sung. Here the notes "pa" and 'dha' express the lotus feet (pada) of the Lord.

Subbaraman explained that Venkata Subba Iyer (c.1700 to 1765 CE), popularly known as Venkata Kavi

lived before Thyagaraja's time in the village of Oothukadu near Tanjore in Cont’d on page 19 Tamil Nadu.

June 12, 2015

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Ramayan 'Baalakaandam' set to Thyagaraja kritis SHOBA NATARAJAN

CHICAGO: Natya Dance Theatre (NDT) students enacted "Rama's Childhood" (Baala-Kaandam) through Bharata Natyam

mentary on each scene was lucid. The performance proper opened with the auspicious "Sri Ganapathini" (Sowrashtram-Adi) rendered as an energetic group dance. "Ramabhi Rama" (Darbar-Misra Chapu) depicted Kausalya's maternal love (vaatsalyam) for Rama.

The four young brothersRama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna-learning Vedas and archery as apprentices under rishi Vasishta were presented next in pure dance.

The dialogue between Vishwamitra and Dasaratha had contrasting music to bring out the former's stubbornness and the latter's reluctance to part with Rama and Lakshmana. "Nannu From left: Lakshmana (Veena Murali) fires his arrow at demoness Tataka (Monica Sridhar) at the behest of sage Vidachi Kadalakura" Vishwamitra (Vidya Vishwabharathy). -Pics Ravi (Reetigowla-Misra Chapu) conveyed the father's anset to pertinent songs of saintly musician- guish at this separation. In the forest, composer Thyagaraja at Hindu Temple of Vishwamitra ceremoniously wakes up the Greater Chicago on Thursday May 23. two sleeping princes with a brief "Kausalya Supraja Rama" followed by a doting "Meluko Dayanidhi" (SowrashtramRupakam). The slaying of demoness Tataka featured a dramatic interplay of jatis (rhythmic syllables).

The rare kriti "Vachamagocharame" (Kaikavasi-Desadi) and "Gurulekha Etuvanti" (Gowrimanohari - Misra Chapu) depicted the gurudisciple relationship between Vishwamitra and Rama. Ahalya's fleeting liKing Janaka (Malavika Raghavendran) and queen (Ishani Mathur) aison with Indra was crewatch, apprehensive, as Ravana (Dhara Patel) attempts to lift atively choreographed to Shiva's bow at Sita Svayamvara) a dreamy Rasikapriya NDT artistic director Hema Rajagopalan jatiswaram (dance movements alternating presented her choreography here at Hindu with swara patterns), a composition of the Temple of Greater Chicago as the packed late violin maestro Lalgudi Jayaraman. culminating show of the first day of the Spurned by her irate husband, the sage Thyagaraja Festival. The young dancers Gautama, the unwitting offender sings maintained impeccable synchrony in their movements. Hema's choreography had many brilliant and innovative touches that kept the narration moving along briskly. Costumes were simple yet elegant, in keeping with the whole production. She made creative use of several compositions (kritis), many in full, to develop the story line.

Thyagaraja's operas such as "Prahlada Bhakthi Vijayam" and "Nauka Charithram" are eminently suitable for dance ballets. He composed many kritis in praise of Lord Rama but, unlike Arunachala Kavirayar with his Rama Natakam, none based on Ramayana itself. Harikatha (storytelling) exponent Balakrishna Sashtrigal and other scholars have woven some of Thyagaraja's kritis into a narration of this epic.

The refrain "Vara Narada Narayana" (Vijayashri ragam-Adi talam) presented Lava and Kusa (Rama's twin sons) as Unwitting Ahalya (Shobhana Gopalakrishnan) unites with Indra (Asha Rowland), king of the the narrators (sutra-dhara), who briefly gods, disguised as her husband, sage Gautama introduced each scene. The English com-

"Aparadhamulanorva" (Rasali-Adi). Turned into a stone, Ahalya is released by the magic touch of Rama's foot, her gratitude beautifully captured by "Nannu Palimpa Nadachi Vachitivo" (Mohanam-Adi).

The grand swarajathi (jatiswaram with

evoking king Janaka's anxiety as to finding his daughter a suitable bridegroom.

After the breaking of the bow, a grand wedding scene unfolded with traditional songs like "Anandam anandam," the swing (oonjal) song "Oyyalaloogavaiya"

Sita (Shanta Nair) plays at ball on the royal terrace with her companions

meaningful lyrics) "Tarijham ritajham" in Thodi was a novel way to portray Sita and friends playing ball in her terrace. A brisk jati "Tarittakka" heralded her entrance. Rama and Sita's momentary encounter when "their eyes meet" inspires jubilant Sita to burst into "Kanukontini" (Bilahari-Adi).

Her marriage (svayamvaram) scene offered brilliant and comic performances by aspiring suitors, including Ravana. Their differing characteristics were illustrated by a medley of ragas, with Shivaranjani finally

(Neelambari-Kanda Chapu) and a colorful dance with sticks (kummi) performed to the song "Nagumomu" (Madhyamavathi-Adi).

Kritis for this production, which premiered at CTU 1994 to live orchestra, were selected in consultation with Balakrishna Shastrigal. The now prerecorded music was the same and so was the choreography for the most part. "I was extremely pleased with the dancing and abhinaya (gestural representation)," said Rajagopalan, who is typically demanding of her students.

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Marigold Maison digging 'gold' in Chicagoland RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: An India born business magnet ranked among the top most successful immigrant entrepreneurs in this country by Forbes, Dr John Kapoor, has a magic touch turning any business he picks up into "gold mine". The same should hold true with his re-

cent barging into an upscale Indian restaurant business in

Marigold Maison, the newly started upscale Indian restaurant in Bannockburn

Two Stalwarts of Marigold Maison - Dr John Kapoor and executive Chef Sunil Kumar

was started in May taking the spot of San Gabriel Mexican CafĂŠ. As put by Marigold executive Chef Sunil Kumar, the Marigold entry here is with a view to replicate its success in Phoenix in part but also to a greater extent creating awareness about authentic Indian cuisine among people and cater to the taste buds of food connoisseurs. It is serving fresh, authentic Indian dishes, prepared healthy with hand-crafted spice blends that bring bright flavors to traditional dishes. By all accounts it is getting rave reviews from those coming to the place.

"We buy all of our spices whole and grind them in-house," said

Chicagoland.

Belting Masters and Doctorate in pharmacy from renowned universities here and back in India, Dr Kapoor navigated an ailing pharmaceutical f i r m , LyphMed to a huge success and then picked up two of his o w n pharma projects A k o r n Pharmaceuticals a n d Interior of Marigold Maison INSYS Therapeutics, carving out a name Sunil Kumar, who grew up workand fame for himself not only in ing in his family's restaurant busiindustry but also in charities. ness in India, and then spent two From manufacturing drug-medi- decades in the industry in the cine to churning out fast food United States. "We use fresh, chains may be an eyebrow raising mostly organic ingredients that set proposition to many but to Dr us apart and give our customers a Kapoor it is his passion to serve huge dining experience." the society that made him take a Named after the edible flower slightly different curve. used in India for prayer, wedding

Some of the dishes from Marigold - Tandoori Lamb Chops and Curry. Veg Thali and Bhelpuri

With his early Chicago base going to Arizona, he started Indian restaurants called Bombay Spice as well as higher-end, traditional Indian eatery Marigold Maison in Phoenix. Besides, he owns the Roka Akor Japanese eateries in Chicago, Scottsdale and San Francisco. He has now eyed Chicago as well and a high end Indian restaurant Marigold Maison is here.

The new upscale restaurant, Marigold Maison, in Bannockburn, a Chicago suburb,

necklaces and for garnishing foods, Marigold Maison had its first start five months ago in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The restaurant is owned by JNK Concepts, a Lake Forestbased restaurant group founded

by Dr. Kapoor. In a talk to this paper he said his dabbling into the restaurant business with JNK Concepts is triggered by his passion for food.

Cont’d on page 20

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Rama story paintings in Australia museum

National Gallery Museum in Australia

Ramayana story; this exhibition includes 18th century Chamba style painting of Sita abduction by Ravana, 19th century Kangra style painting of Ravana proposing to Sita in the Ashok Vatika, c 1780 Guler style painting of Rama-Ravana battle, c 1730 Basholi style portrait of Rama, c 1800 Mandi style painting of the coronation procession,

versal Society of Hinduism said in a statement that the art had a long and rich tradition in Hinduism and ancient Sanskrit literature talked about religious paintings of deities on wood or cloth.

He pitched that all major art museums of the world, including Musee du Louvre and Musee d'Orsay of Paris, Metropolitan Mu-

Paintings on Ramayan episodes displayed at NGA exhibition

the National Museum, New Delhi, the Ramayana is told through one hundred and one paintings, each illustrating a key moment from the narrative. It begins with a painting of the sage Narada asking Valmiki to write the story.

Beginning with a 19th century Kangra style painting of Narada requesting Valmiki to write the

King Janaka carrying infant Sita, etc.

NGA possesses over 160,000 works of art in its permanent collection, including Hindu art. Dr. Gerard Vaughan is the Director while Allan Myers is the Chairman of NGA Council.

Applauding NGA for exhibiting Rama's story through Pahari paintings, Rajan Zed, President of Uni-

seum of Art in New York, Los Angeles Getty Center, Uffizi Gallery of Florence (Italy), Art Institute of Chicago, Tate Modern of London, Prado Museum of Madrid, National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, etc., to frequently organize Hindu art focused exhibitions, thus sharing the rich Hindu art heritage with the rest of the world.

Harikatha performers sing Venkatakavi's compositions Cont’d from page 16

He was a master composer and great devotee of Lord Krishna. With their attention to rhythm, his compositions (kriti) numbering over 400 in Sanskrit, Tamil and Marathi stand out in lyrical and aesthetic beauty.

Most of his kritis invoke episodes from the epics, Bhagavatam and Ramayanam. Many are ideally suited for dance, as their rhythmic phrases and patterns lend themselves to footwork. They also include descriptions of goddess Kamakshi and operas such as the stories of Prahlada and Dhruva.

Harikatha is a traditional art of story-telling judiciously interspersed with song. Maestro

India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: The Township of Monroe Planning Board in Middlesex County of New Jersey has given its preliminary approval to the setting up of a huge Om Sri Balaji temple in a 22.6 acres area, it is learnt The temple is proposed to be

India Post News Service

CANBERRA: National Gallery of Australia (NGA) in Canberra is showcasing "The story of Rama" through 101 Pahari miniature paintings completed between 17th-19th centuries. The exhibition is on till August 23.

The tale of love, loyalty, betrayal and the victory of good over evil, the Ramayana is one of the world's great epics. It is ubiquitous in Indian life and culture as popular entertainment and moral guidance. The best known form of the story is attributed to a transcription by Valmiki, a poet of the fourth century BCE, but the Ramayana has as many variants as it has narrators. In the extraordinary exhibition The story of Rama: Indian miniatures from

NJ Hindu Temple gets preliminary approval

Subbaraman narrated the poet's life and his enthralling Puranic dialogues: between monkey-god Hanuman and warrior Bhima of the Mahabharata and, in another instance, when preceptor Vishwamitra takes Rama and Lakshmana to the forest to protect the sacrifices (yajna) conducted by the sages. Kavi's compositions reveal different themes, devotional, folk, moral, philosophical and mythological.

The presenters concluded with a superb rendition of the famous thillana (briskly rendered pure dance), in ragam Nata, "Kalinga Nartana" that describes five-year old Krishna dancing on the seven fiery hoods of the once-mighty

now-vanquished serpent Kalinga, which was poisoning the holy river Yamuna with his fumes, along with their dialogue.

Its various rhythmic phrases (gati), such as, ta-dhi-gi-na-tom, allow dancers to depict the brisk movements in a dramatic and effective manner. This "Kalinga Nartana" was brought to light by Kavi's descendant Needamangalam Krishnamurthi Bhagavathar.

Highly appreciative of Subbaraman and Alamelu for propagating and popularizing Kavi's compositions, TF founder Dr Raghavan encouraged dancers to collaborate with them in producing great musical operas.

built in two phases after meeting the conditions set in the approval.

The first phase would include a two story, 10,174-square-foot "side temple," as well as parking for 170 cars, a stormwater basin and 14-foot landscaping berms on the western and northern edges of the property.

Following the site's connection to the township's sewer system, the second phase would encompass the bulk of the construction, including the main Om Sri Balaji Temple, a 12,179-square-foot structure, and a six-unit, 7,596square-foot parsonage building.

Additional parking would be added to total 280 spaces. It would be open seven-days a week be-

sides celebrating various festivals.

At the peak usage, the temple would conservatively host 50 worshippers during the weekdays and 83 on the weekends. The temple would have a maximum occupancy of 780 people. On each of the four annual festivals observed by Hindus, the temple would likely see 600 worshippers attend over the course of the day.

Incorporated in 1838, promin e n t people associated with Monroe include football players Antonio Pierce, Lance Schulters and Randy Beverly. Richard Pucci, Gerald W. Tamburro and Wayne Hamilton are Mayor, Council President and Business Administrator respectively of Township of Monroe.

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, commended efforts of Center leaders and area community for efforts towards realizing this Hindu temple complex. He said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this upcoming Center would help in this direction.

Bharat Sundar's vocal finale crowns Thyagaraja Festival Cont’d from page 16

Neraval was rendered for the lyrics "Lakshmi devi valachuna" of the melodious opening lines (charanam) with breathtakingly fast progression of notes. "Sri Tulasamma Ma inta" followed in ragam Devagandhari.

The piece de resistance was "Koluvai yunnade" in the majestic ragam Bhairavi, the slow tempo facilitating his exploration of its beautiful nuances.

With chatusruthi dhaivatha (note 'dha') in the ascent and shuddha dhaivata in descent, Bhairavi demands a good command over the swara-sthanas (underlying notes of the musical scale) and ornamentations (gamaka) and Sundar handled the raga with great fluency.

He portrayed the various facets of the raga, easily traversing the three octaves. Murari followed him with the same ease and perfection. Melody and rhythm peaked in the kalpana swaras for the lyrics "charana manasu." This was followed by an extended percussion-only exchange (tani aavartanam) between Balaji and Gopalakrishnan, who displayed their expertise in rendering the different patterns of intricate jathis with perfection and to much applause.

Following a Tamil song "Ramanai Bhajittal" in ragam Maand, Bharat sang Purandhara Dasa's "Jagadoddharana" in Kapi before concluding with Maharaja Swathi Tirunal's famous Hindi Tillana (brisk dance item) in ragam Dhanashri.

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Ganesh Temple holds re-dedication ceremonies million, was led by the Temple Development Committee and includes new priests' quarters to better accommodate the faith community's three full-time priests, who are from India. Ancient temple ritual of Kumbhabhishekam is believed to synergize-unite-homogenize the mystic powers of the deity and it involves ritual bathing with sanctified sacred waters accompanied by chanting of appropriate mantras, thus transforming the deity statue into a vibrant representa-

India Post News Service

JORDAN UTTA: Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple of Utah held fourday elaborate ceremonies called "Maha Kumbhabhishekam" involving ancient rituals for 12-year re-dedication of the expandedrenovated temple.

Ceremonies at this Temple in South Jordan included pujas, aarthis, havan, homams, adhivasams, archanas, yagnams, etc., leading to the actual Kumbhabhishekam for the gopuram spire (gopurashikharam), which include installation and sanctification of kumbhas (brass vessels) on top of a 40-foot tower (gopuram). Expansion-renovation project is budgeted at $2.65 million.

The expansion of the temple and construction of the 40-foot Gopuram is the culmination of years of work for Hindus in Utah, numbering over 5,000.

The construction of a Hindu Temple in Utah had been in the planning stages since 1993. The original temple was consecrated in 2003.Main sanctum of this Temple, is dedicated to Sri Ganesha, while it also contains shrines of various other Hindu deities. The temple expansion

Marigold Maison digging 'gold' in Chicagoland Cont’d from page 18

Puja at the Ganesh Temple in Utah

began in 2012. It doubled the size of the existing temple hall and includes individual shrines for Hindu ditties, an expanded en-

trance and courtyard and construction of the Gopuram in the front of the temple.

The project, budgeted at $2.65

Elites join Shareef celebrating kids' graduation

A.Q. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: It is the end of an academic year in Chicago education calendar and there is no better occasion to celebrate than the achievements of children. Veteran community leader and FIA trustee Iftekhar Shareef hosted a lunch party for friends and relatives to celebrate the successful graduation of his son Afzar Shareef from Loyola University and daughter Iram Shareef from high school.

tion of the God. The temple opens every day and organizes various pujas regularly. Prominent area businessleader Dinesh Patel is the Temple President while A. R. Krishnan, N. S. Satish Kumar and Manikandan Raghavan are the priests.

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, has applauded efforts of the temple leadership and area community for realizing this Temple expansion-renovation.

Many distinguished Indian and Pakistani community members joined the celebration event at Holiday Inn Skokie on June 5. Indian Consul General in Chicago Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Dr Bharat Barai, FIA leaders Anil Pillai, Sohan Joshi, Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Air India Chicago Manager Nakul Chand, Etihad Airways Sales Executive Mohammad Anwer and many others were among the invited guests.

Ashfaq Sharief welcomed the guests and invited both Afzar and

Iram to join the podium for the celebration cake ceremony. Iftekhar Shareef and other family members also joined.

Later, Iftekhar Shareef thanked all for joining his personal event.

Known for his oratory skills in community events, a smiling Shareef said that all his close friends and relatives were there for his family celebration and for him, it appeared more like a community event.

The guests congratulated Afzar and Iram for their achievements.

rice, masala sauce, yogurt, mint, and spice and Vegetable Thali dishing, out Saag Paneer, Chana Masala "Besides traditional meals, we're also creating bold, new Indian dishes for our customers that they may have never seen before," pointed out Chef Kumar. "These include seared scallops, whole tandoori fish, and whole hen."

The use of heavy creams or butter is limited so the food is healthier. This is also done with a view to do away with the side effect of feeling heavy after eating.

"It is also not too spicy or hot, but those who want a kick of spicy

The Asian fusion restaurant Roka Akor in River North was started seven years ago.

"I feel that serving good and healthy food is the heart of a restaurant. We need to come out with an ideal mix of essential ingredients for success in this field - good service, a great ambience and tasty but healthy food. This coupled with the most important ingredient, right chef. Missing last ingredient can only be with your own peril. With this, you do not need to hanker after success. It will follow you," he observed.

Dr Kapoor goes to his own restaurants and relishes theirs food. He "Besides traditional meals, meets and mingles with we're also creating bold, the people coming there new Indian dishes for our to eat. "I love seeing them smiling and laugh- customers that they may ing, having a good time have never seen before," and parting in happy mood night after night. pointed out Chef Kumar.

This gives me immense pleasure and in a way makes my food, we do take care of them with day and efforts worth their while. special sauce," said Kumar.

"We're offering guests a culiAnd of course, I'm able to eat my own food and that's awesome nary passport to healthy Indian dining," mentioned Kumar, who too."

Open for lunch and dinner, grew up working in his family's Marigold Maison with its 4,700- restaurant business in India. Misquare foot space can accommo- grating in eighties, he spent two date 110 guests, 35 in its private decades in the industry here. In 2007, he moved to Phoenix, Aridining area and 60 outdoors.

Menu items include seared egg- zona, hired by JNK Concepts. plant, chickpea ceviche, gol Marigold Maison eight months guppa, chicken tikka, tikka masala, ago, in a way, was his baby in Phoebiryani hyderabadi, Punjabi bharta nix. He is the head chef and plans and saag paneer. being in Chicago till he is conMarigold Maison also features vinced that his art is being imbibed a Tandoori oven that will cook fully by the chefs under his trainroasted fresh marinated chicken, ing. He would not rule out to and lamb and seafood. The oven bakes fro trips to this city from Phoenix fresh breads that include garlic, whenever needed.

Marigold Maison is located at onion, and various stuffed breads.

For vegetarians, its specialties in- 2535 Waukegan Road in clude lentil soup with cumin, tur- Bannockburn. To learn more, meric, and spices, vegetable Kati visitmarigoldmaison.com or call Roll with mixed vegetables, onion, 847-940-0200.

June 12, 2015

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India Post 21

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Tributes paid to Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: American Sikh Community of Chicago, USA hosted a seminar on Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha at Palatine Public Library on Sunday May 31. Thakar S Basati was one of the organizers and host for the seminar.

Bhai Sahib is known the world over for his compilation of Sikh Encyclopedia Mahan Kosh in Punjabi language with over 64,000 words in it. He took about 14 years to compile it and 2.5 years to publish it. It has been translated into other languages now.

Bhai Sahib wrote over 25 books and also his travelogue that was published by his grand daughter-in-law Dr Rachhpal Kaur Singh. Although Bhai Sahib himself had no formal school education, yet people did Doctorate of Literature (D.Lit.) on his writings.

Dr Hal Snyder, newly elected Palatine Library board member also showed up and welcomed the audience to Palatine Library. He offered his services to the Sikh community if ever there is an issue regarding library and people wanted to discuss.

Bhai Mohinder Singh Chicago as the first speaker observed that Bhai Sahib was truly a scholar and scholars have no enemies. His book that Sikhs and Hindus are not one was devoid of any negative representation of Hindu religion. It was just to clarify that Baba Nanak's philosophy is different from Hindu philosophy.

Bhai Surjit Singh Zakhmi said Bhai Sahib worked for 18 days on defining Ek Onkar only, that starts with word Ik (One) and Onkar denoted by first letter Oorha of Punjabi alphabet. There are about 1367 words associated with Oorha alone. There are about 64263 words in it. Bhai Surjit Singh is a known authority as Sikh Katha Wachak (explaining) and

Dr Gurbachan Singh Bachan signing autograph for Dr Navdeep Kaur Sandhu, in charge Palatine Gurughar library. Bhai Surjit Singh Zakhmi is looking on. Thakar Basati is at podium

he attributes his success to Mahan Kosh.

One significant aspect of Sikh Holy Book Shri Guru Granth Sahib is that Gurus kept the main words in their original tongue they were written, specially the Shabads (hymns) of saints of different religions and Bhai Nabha went to those places to understand those words properly. At the behest of King of Nabha State, he went to England on ship to help McAuliffe learn Punjabi and correct any mistakes he may have made in the book.

Dr Gurbachan Singh was the Keynote speaker. In his address, he mentioned that Bhai Nabha was well versed in many languages. He learned Persian from a Moulvi (Muslim teacher) which caused some uproar in Sikh community.

He had a son Bhagwant Singh who was also well versed in Gurbani. With his participation, idols which Hindus had placed in and around Harimandir Sahib (also known as Golden Temple) were removed. He not only wrote about Sikhi but also helped correct some Hindu books.

He was also instrumental in the passage of Sikh Marriage Act. Bhai Sahib got his widow niece remarried. King Nadir Shah presented him with, "Sword of Honor" for his knowledge. He had immense knowledge of music and po-

etry. He wrote so much for the betterment of others, we only wish people would read him Dr Gurbachan Singh also talked about travels of Baba Nanak and his philosophy about creation, his love of Nature, his thoughts on ecology which he touched in a very scientific way. Dr Sahib also showed slides about what Gurbani means by Aad Sach, Jugaad Sach and Urbad Narbad. He has compiled data that explained Sikhs' belief in Nature. He explained the conditions of pre-universe phase to today's life.

Dr. Sahib is staying with Prof. Hundal Sahib and can be reached at 630-995-0670.

Professor (Retd) Kulwant Singh Hundal talked about the importance of understanding Naam (recitation) and meaning of Shabad (hymn). He said many Sikh preachers do not know the true meaning of Naam and Shabad.

He conversed with some of them. When he got no satisfactory answer, he had to read some Hindu Vedic books on meditation and then got help from Mahan Kosh to fully understand how one can reach God by reciting his name and be at peace from within.

Dr Jagjit Singh Teji shared that he couldn't read Punjabi in his primary school but always wanted to understand true meaning of words used in Gurbani. It was Mahan Kosh that helped him understand them. Then he also read Bhai Sahib's Gurbani Martand in 2 volumes that helped him find his true identity as a Sikh. He also regretted that many Sikh young children are moving away from Sikhi because "we are unable to connect them with their glorious past."

Light snacks were provided. In the end, Thakar S Basati thanked the audience and speakers for their valuable time.

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Kumar Sanu belts romantic hits at evening of nostalgia India Post News Service

SAN JOSE: It was an evening of nostalgia at the San Jose Garden airport hotel as versatile singer Kumar Sanu took stage at the house full show of Aashiqon me Mehfil. Sanu's name is synonymous with romantic hit Bollywood songs from the 1990s and the early 2000s. He holds the Guinness Book world record for recording the maximum number of songs in a day - 28. He is famous in Bollywood as a melody singer.

Organized by Instant Karma, the event welcomed each attend-

ing lady with a red rose. Opening with his all time favorite Do dil mil rahe hain from Pardes, Sanu got a rousing reception. The audience had a great time clapping and singling along to Bas ek sanam chahiye ashiqui ke liye and whistling along to Chand sitaare phool aur khushbu.

Kumar Sanu a.k.a Kedarnath Bhattacharya was born in Calcutta. His father Pashupati Bhattacharya was a vocalist and a composer. Sanu was trained to play tabla when he was young.

Though his first playback break came in 1986 in a Bangladeshi

Kumar Sanu

movie, he announced his arrival in the runaway hit Ashiqui in 1990.

In fact from 1990 to 1994, he won five consecutive Filmfare awards for the best male playback singer.

He has enthralled film audiences with his voice for decades and has recorded more than 17,000 songs. He was honored as the Artist of the Decade at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards. In 2009, the Government of India awarded him Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honor, in recognition of his achievements.

Sanu is often credited with having one of the best voices among playback singers in India.

During his career, he has sung with numerous successful composers and directors like Jagjit Singh, R.D. Burman, NadeemSharavan, Anu Mallik, Jatin-Lalit, Ismail Darbar, Laxmikant Pyarelal, Naushad, Kalyanji Anandji, Ravindra Jain, Hridayanath Mangeshkar, Pt. R K Razdan, Usha Khanna and more.

Back at the show, in between songs, Kumar Sanu took time to share stories about his experi-

ences in Bollywood especially with legends like R D Burman, adding anecdotes and cracking jokes on stage.

A special mention for the accompanying musicians traveling with Sanu. They complemented his singing in every possible way.

The technical arrangements including sound and light designed

by Pacific sound was perfectly tuned to match a Bollywood evening like this one. Amitabh and Bhavini from Instant Karma then thanked all the sponsors, volunteers and supporters.

Padmini Rao concert creates aura of spiritualism she underwent her rigorous training. Her principal Guru has been SUNNYVALE: Sanatan Dharma Dr Prabha Atre, a doyen of Kirana Kendra, Sunnyvale hosted a spe- Gharana and also of the late Ustad cial concert of Padmini Rao, a se- Zia Moiuddin Khan Dagar, the nior disciple of the legend Dr well-known Dhrupad Rudra-Veena Prabha Atre of Pune, India, who is maestro and scholar.

Padmini is acclaimed by distraveling in USA to perform in a cerning audiences as one few States. The music lovers in of the most gifted the Bay Area were esvoices to emerge pecially keen to lisfrom the new genre ten to her perforof singers bemance. longing to the S m t Kirana style.

Padmini Rao This was esis a multipecially enfaceted perriched by sonality great vocaland blends ists like late in her music B h a r a t the gloriRatna Pt. ous musiBhimsen cal tradiJoshi and tions of l a t e two stalGangubhai warts of Hangal and North Inmany othdian Clasers. sical music Padmini Rao Sangeet with whom India Post News Service

Dhwani was proud to sponsor this concert. The audience at the Concert comprised a good number of music teachers, and music lovers, who felt it a rare opportunity of listening to an enchanting performance. This was her very first performance in the Bay area. Padmini has gone through an enriching journey over 28 years by performing and conducting music workshops, lecture demonstrations and sessions in ethno- musicology not only in India but also in Asia, Middle East and Europe.

She has developed techniques in Khayal singing, time theory of Hindustani Classic Music. Her academic career was also dazzling as she holds a Masters in Music, topping the University in the process and bagging a number of honors including the "Gana Hira Award" for musical excellence. She is an accomplished theatre artist and has worked in avant-garde and experimental theatre and has acted in television serials on Indian National Television Doordarshan.

At the outset, Padmini selected a popular Raag "Madhuvanti" which described "Lord Sri Krishna" and was composed by her Guru Dr Prabha Atre. Her me-

Shiva. She later, moved on to semi classical and devotional series Bhajans of famous Saints Meera Bai, Surdas and Kabir.

Most of the music for the

Padmini Rao and accompanists

lodious performance with all its nuances received rounds of applause from the audience. She then selected "Raag Shankara" which narrated the valor of Lord

bhajans was composed by Padminiji in the raags Khamach, Sohoni and Bairagi as well as Bhairavi.

Cont’d on page 24

June 12, 2015

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India Post 23

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A modern 'Doll's House' resonates in Bay area

D

o we all live in a doll's house? It is not a childish question posed for fun....it is actually as relevant today, as it was 135 years ago, when Henrik Ibsen wrote the play by the same name. Its modern version had its debut last weekend at the intimate Sunnyvale Theater, where the desi overtones and a contemporary flavor of the Silicon Valley ambience resonated with the audience.

Tasteful sets as backdrops, clever use of compartmentalized space on stage, original music and lyrical song numbers created an especially intimate feel for the audience, who couldn't help but be drawn into the unfolding saga of the lives of its five main characters.

This is the story of Naina and Tarun, a couple where the man with his condescending attitude brings in the bacon through his start up venture, although he is waiting for it to be well greased with another round of funding. The woman is relegated to domestication, and considered empty headed and trivialized despite her many capabilities and talents.

Through clever retelling of the old classic, director Basab Pradhan brings out the best in his talented cast. He himself plays the role of Dr Rajbir, a family friend, who is a voice of reason, questioning Tarun's ideas on the place of a woman.

Despite Naina's talents, he squashes any desire on her part to foray into the world of professional singing. She does, however, do so covertly, in order to pay off loans she has garnered through subterfuge and forgery, in order to help with Tarun's medical expenses, when his lack of credit would not qualify for a loan.

Her subsequent anguish at the threat of being found out when blackmailed by Tarun's employee, Kevin, who stands to lose his job, is well played by Sindu Singh, as the main character, Naina. She tries to convince herself that Tarun's love for her would forgive her sins of forgery on loan papers, as well as her singing in a public bar in a tight dress. She acknowledges to herself that these are all things that would bring him shame and mar his honor were they to become public, as threatened by Kevin.

Naina is tormented as she justifies her actions as being born out of love for her husband; while recognizing the wrongdoing. An interesting parallel with Kevin's character, sardonically played by Ram Asur stands out, who, too resorts to blackmail in order to protect his livelihood and provide for his young son, as well as having been fired from his earlier company on charges of embezzlement.

ARCHANA ASTHANA

The tussle between the sentiments of the two is well portrayed, as Naina tries to dissuade Kevin from revealing her secrets. She is haunted by Tarun's expected reaction and rejection, while she tries to find excuses for his behavior.

Some clever dialogue writing makes it apparent that Naina believes

face, and all of Naina's misgivings are given form, when Tarun demands that she remove herself from parenting their two children, as she is an unfit parent. Dinesh Chandrashekharan, superbly conveys disgust and insecurity he feels as Tarun when Naina's actions are about to crash his dream

Introspective musings lead Naina to conclude what she needs to do, and who she needs to be, in order to unshackle herself from emotional bondage to the men in her life; first, her father, and now, her husband, so she can become a free thinker Tarun's righteous streak would not allow him to bend, and that she won't let him be ruined by his shame, brought on by her actions.

An old college friend Charu, well played by Dhira Ramkrishnan, enters as a breath of fresh air, bringing a modern perspective to Naina's cloistered living, and holds up a mirror for self examination. She questions the age old ritual of Karva Chauth, observed by fasting for a husband's long life.

Charu herself is a modern woman, having broken tradition by divorcing her husband, who was a puppet in his conservative household. Her past connection with Kevin is an interesting twist as they now meet as lovers who could not marry earlier. Charu encourages Kevin to reveal Naina's secret, as she does not want Naina's life to continue to be based on lies.

Dr Rajbir mockingly spars with Tarun, deriding him for "letting" Naina fast on the occasion of Karva Chauth, as it pleases him when she shows such devotion to her husband. Tarun, convincing as a conservative Indian male who does not like his woman straying too far from the homestead, could not retort when told that this is just a self serving tradition to strengthen the male dominated nature of the society, and limit free thinking in woman.

Through subtle body language and some overt dialogue, the understanding that Naina feels she has from the doctor, is revealed as his amorous feelings for the "real" Naina, not the Naina she has become for Tarun.

Rajbir further makes profound statements about not organizing life like cookie cutter pieces, where each piece is but a single isolated facet of one's life, such as career, family, individual etc. His morbid obsession with "designer death" and dying with dignity makes him free to exercise just such a choice in the end.

When Kevin's threat becomes a reality, Tarun's true emotions sur-

life. However, when Kevin revokes the threat, and Tarun is secure in his untarnished reputation, he reverts to his sweet talking self, even taking the blame for Naina's misconduct, as he was not there to guide her, and forgives her.

Naina begins to question her conviction about Tarun's love, if he supports her as much as she does him, and whether his forgiveness is based on true love, or merely a means to restore normalcy to his cushy life.

Introspective musings lead Naina to conclude what she needs to do, and who she needs to be, in order to unshackle herself from emotional bondage to the men in her life; first, her father, and now, her husband, so she can become a free thinker, claim her true identity, and be a fit parent.

Her decision to leave the security and sanctity of her home, the doll's house, where she was merely a dressed up plaything, sets her free in order to grow and become a better person. Tarun is crushed when Naina declares her intentions, but cannot refute when she claims he is not an honorable man, rather, one who puts his warped sense of

honor above all else.

Stellar acting of all cast speaks to Basab's directorial prowess; the clever punctuation of the serious message with light-hearted, topical and pithy comments, original music compositions, sung on stage, as well as off stage by the melodious Sindu, and the subtle twists in the unfolding plot in the Indian American context, deserve a big kudos.

The Q and A session following the opening night, despite sparse audience members, was a new and effective format for instant feedback. It is troublesome that the same issues on women's identity and her role in society continue unchanged, despite strides in women's liberation, and other political hot buttons about the professional women's' role. Thanks to productions like these from the Bay Area Drama Company, the debate continues center stage.

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Gita teaches us how to conquer desire & anger

I

n the previous two articles, it was explained how to over come the effect of desire and anger on your mind so that one can resist the harmful impulses that they generate. However, that alone is not enough. We should also strive to reduce the desires and anger from the inside.

If we could reduce or eliminate them internally, then we would never be in danger of being impelled to do wrong things under their influence. This would, how-

SWAMI NIKHILANAND

This means that anger is also inherent in the mind, because where there is desire, there is bound to be anger. It is unavoidable, because some desires will go unfulfilled, and unfulfilled desire leads to anger. Thus, both desire and anger naturally reside in every material mind. Then how could you reduce or eliminate them?

The one sure way There is only one method

There is only one method which is effective in internally reducing desire and anger - that is to attach your mind to God. Chapter 3, verse 42 explains that God is beyond all the mayic things like the body, senses, emotional mind (man), and intellectual mind (buddhi). In fact, God is absolutely beyond maya, which means that by definition, God is beyond the qualities of maya. ever, seem to be impossible, given what we know about the origin of desire and anger. Why is it so?

Let us understand as explained in Chapter 3 of the Gita.

Is it possible to eliminate desire and anger?

The material energy maya is composed of three inherent qualities of sattvagun, rajogun and tamogun. According to verses 37 and 40 of Chapter 3, desire is a natural product of rajogun. Since our mind is a product of maya, the three qualities of maya are inherent in the mind.

Rajogun is the quality that gives rise to passion, ambition and a desire to indulge in material sensual enjoyments. Thus, desire is inherent in every material mind.

which is effective in internally reducing desire and anger - that is to attach your mind to God. Chapter 3, verse 42 explains that God is beyond all the mayic things like the body, senses, emotional mind (man), and intellectual mind (buddhi). In fact, God is absolutely beyond maya, which means that by definition, God is beyond the qualities of maya.

Since He is free of mayic qualities, He is beyond desire and anger, and anyone who reaches Him, also goes beyond desire and anger. So we see that the solution is elegantly simple: if we attach our mind to God, we will be able to conquer the enemies desire and anger (chapter 3, verse 43).

To the extent that we attach our mind to God, our mind is purified.

It happens naturally, since God is Divine and all-purifying. It is like running clean, pure water over a dirty cloth - the dirt in the cloth is gradually removed. Similarly, the impurities of our mind are gradually removed, the more our mind is joined with God; and the more our mind is purified, the more desire and anger are internally subsided.

When desire and anger subside, it means that our internal reaction to external stimuli will be reduced. For instance, if originally your level of anger upon being mistreated was 9 out of 10, after purifying your mind to a certain extent, your reaction may be reduced to a 6 out of 10 when faced with a similar insult.

Upon further purification, it could be further and further reduced, until you reach the point of total purification of the mind.

This coincides with the state of complete attachment of the mind to God, or in other words, complete surrender.

At this point, since the mind is in perfect union with God, you will receive God's ultimate grace, which will terminate the material quality of your mind, and replace it with a Divine mind.

This means that the mind will be absolutely beyond maya, beyond mayic qualities, and beyond mayic defilements like desire and anger. Thus, we will have gradually reduced, and ultimately conquered desire and anger, simply by attaching our mind to God. However, there is an important question that must be answered at this point: if God is beyond maya, and our mind is made of maya, then how will our mind be able to join with God? This will be addressed in the next article.

Disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj Swami Nikhilanand Ji is a Canadian born Hindu spiritual leader based in Austin, Texas. He is a sanyasi disciple and pracharak of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj.

Attracted to the teachings of Hinduism from a young age, Swamiji eventually let his deep spiritual longing lead him to India, where he was most fortunate to come under the guidance of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Thereafter, living in the ashrams of JKP, he extensively studied Hindi, the philosophy of the prime Sanskrit scriptures (Vedas, Darshan Shastras, Gita, Bhagwatam), and practiced meditation in the tradition of raganuga bhakti. In 2003, he was given sanyas. Now, with the blessings of his Guruji, he offers satsang programs

Swami Nikhilanand

throughout America, engaging audiences with his clear explanations of Hindu philosophy coupled with inspired chanting of Sanskrit mantras and shlokas

and charming nam sankirtan.

His informative and compelling speeches provide practical insight into how to adopt the teachings of Sanatan Dharm into our daily lives, and inspire us to awaken our inner spiritual potential.

To stay in touch with Swami Nikhilanand Ji, like his Facebook page at https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / SwamiNikhilanand or follow him on twitter at https://twitter.com/ Swami_Nikhil.

Medical internship offer in Ranchi, India India Post News Service

Health Foundation for Rural India is embarking on a pilot project, "HFRI Medical Internship Initiative" by taking pre-medical students (2nd, 3rd, 4th year) or medical students to India, exposing them to the Indian medical system, common tropical and nontropical diseases and rural health.

The program will be from Jan 2 to 14, 2016 in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. The students will be interacting with internist, surgeon, obstetrician, gynecologist and pediatrician in the renowned medical schools in Ranchi to learn about common diseases prevalent in that area.

Subsequently, there will be two trips to remote villages to learn about village life and attend HFRI initiative of anemia eradication

program in women and children in Ekal Vidyalaya villages and also attend general medical camps. Selected students will be expected to learn and write in their daily journal, hopefully leading to articles about health care and village health in India.

The application deadline is August 3, 2015 and the form is available at http://www.ekal.org/ UserFiles/File/med-internshipappl-form-hfri.pdf Contact persons: 1. Dr. Hasmukh Shah: hasujyoti@gmail.com/ Tel: 815441-0559 2.

Aradhana Verma: aradhanaverma14@gmail.com/ Tel: 916-539-1543 3.

Dr. Veena Gandhi: gandhiom1943@yahoo.com/ Tel: 856-435-9148

Padmini Rao concert creates aura of spiritualism Cont’d from page 22

Her sonorous voice created an aura of spiritualism in the temple.

Padmini concluded her performance with Raag Bhairavi on deities which her Guru Dr Prabha Atre had composed.

The audience was in a way satisfied that Padmini's performances were qualified by a few pieces of her Guru, legend Prabha Atre.

Padmini was ably accompa-

nied by the popular Harmonium Maestro Manoj Tahmankar and Tabla Maestro Shripad Torvi.

Vote of thanks was proposed

by Sangeet Dhwani President Pradeep Joshi to all artists, audience, Board of Directors of Sanatana Dharma Kendra. The Chief Priests Kumar Swami and Shashidhar Somoya also honored the artists with silk shawls, flowers and fruits. The sound was very well managed by the Sound Manager Dilipbhai Shah.

June 12, 2015

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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

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

June 12, 2015

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

J

acqueline Fernandez is no longer on good terms with her mentor cum close friend, Salman Khan. The actress is keeping a safe distance from the superstar after the latter commented during an event that Jacqueline has been kicked out of 'Kick 2'. The comment of the actor did not go well with the actress and the rumor of their fallout is doing all rounds.

During a Bollywood awards ceremony in Dubai while talking about 'Kick' sequel, Salman said, "Sajid and I will work together then... whenever it happens. However, there will be no Jacqueline.

She has been 'Kick'ed out.

Now we will find someone else," the star reportedly said.

Jacqueline also did not turn up to support Salman Khan after he was convicted in 2002 hit-andrun case.

T

he girl on the move is now ready to move out of protective parents' home. Yes, Alia Bhatt has bought her own place, just a stone's throw away from her family home in Juhu where she spent her entire 23 years with her parents and sister Shaheen.

The home is being done up by Alia's mom, the very aesthetic Soni Razdan with invaluable inputs from Alia's grandfather, mom Soni's father, an 87-year old practicing architect.

The one who is most unhappy with her decision is her dad Mahesh Bhatt.

Laughs Alia indulgently, "He was like, 'Why do you have to move out? Why do you need your own place when you've all the privacy that you need right here in this house?' When I tried to convince him that I had to find my own place he insisted that there must be a room for him in my new home.

T

he papers are filled with re ports of Rekha opting out of Abhishek Kapoor's Fitoor and being replaced literally overnight by Tabu.

According to an actor from the film there was a "complete collapse of communication" between the legendary actress and the Kai Po Che director.

"They just couldn't see eye-to-eye on how Rekhaji's character was to be interpreted.

Gattu (director Abhishek Kapoor) had one image in mind, Rekhaji had another. They were working at cross-purposes. Neither of the two parties was happy with the end-result."

According to a source from the production team, "Replacing Rekhaji was a hard creative decision that needed to be taken. Luckily Tabu had not taken up anything after Haider. And she was familiar with the Kashmiri milieu after Haider.

So she fitted right in."

Bollywood

June 12, 2015

India Post 31

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P

riyanka Chopra says that her upcoming police drama is an important film as it highlights prob lems currently plaguing the country, including corruption, land mafia and farmer suicide.

The 32-year-old will don the role of a police officer in the Prakash Jha-directorial, which is a sequel to the 2003 film Gangaajal that starred Ajay Devgn.

"I am playing a cop. It is a very special film, not because of the role. I am playing what Ajay Devgn played in the first part. It is just that the issue has changed. We are highlighting corruption, land mafia, farmer suicides and how people are forced to kill themselves. It is a great story," says Priyanka.

Prakash Jha is the best person to tell this phenomenal story. He is very educated.

Women cops are not taken seriously ... It is a relevant film," she says.

A

fter clinching a beauty crown, Priyanka Chopra went on to win hearts with her acting prowess and after reigning on the big screen, she explored the world of music. Now, the actress has set her eyes on becoming a superwoman through action scenes in her films.

The actress, who has showcased her strength and power through a bevy of films like Mary Kom, Don and Drona, says she tries to fulfill her secret desire of being a superwoman through action scenes.

She is gearing up for an action packed project of director Pradeep Sarkar. The actress executed a perfect three-point-landing after jumping off a tree during one of her action sequences. That left the whole crew impressed. "My inherent tomboy persona comes out every time I do an action sequence and I channeled all my secret desire of being a superhero into this sequence.�

K

abir Bedi will be seen as the chief villain in Ashutosh Gowariker's Mohenjo Daro, a period drama featuring Hrithik Roshan and newbie Pooja Hegde in the lead. it is learnt that it revolves around a young man, orphaned as a child, who lives with his uncle near the province of Mohenjo Daro.

Revealed a source from the unit, "When he learns that there's a fair in Mohenjo Daro, he sneaks out of his house and joins the fair with the ambition of becoming a trader.

There he meets Pooja Hegde's character and its love at first sight."

In quintessential Bollywood style, the girl turns out to be Kabir Bedi's daughter, the man responsible for the killing of Hrithik's father. And after that the periodromance becomes a revenge drama. Interestingly, vengeance was the main theme in Karan Malhotra's Agneepath remake which had Hrithik as the protagonist and Sanjay Dutt as the terrifying baddie Kaancha Cheena who is the reason behind his father's premature end.

I

t is being rumored that Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane desires to do meaty roles in Bollywood and she is getting offers for the same as well.

The 23-year-old actress claimed that she refused to play the lead role in Ekta Kapoor's latest production Azhar, which is a film based on the former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin and will see Emraan Hashmi as the lead male, reported the Express Tribune.

Issuing a clarification, she said doing bold scenes were not the only reason to refuse the offer, as she was also busy working on a local production titled Jhol.

Though she has declined the big Ekta Kapoor offer, the Kahi Un Kahi actress claims she has got more in her bag but won't disclose it.

As of now, it seems that the VJ-turned-actress is focused on doing local films.

„ Health

Line

Wearable device can lift your mood WASHINGTON: A new wearable device, which is being called the world's first digital drug, can zap your brain to make you feel either calm or energized.

Users stick the device, called Thync, onto their front temple. A second connected pad goes in a spot farther back on the head, with its location varying depending on whether the calming or energizing mode is being used.

Thync connects to the smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth.

It can be controlled with an app, where the user can choose the length of their session. Users can also adjust the strength of the brain-zapping.

Each program follows a pattern of greater and lesser intensity, with cycles of peaks and valleys, but users can also manually raise or lower the overall strength, 'Gizmag' reported.

The minimum time needed for the calming effect is five minutes.

There are three different energizing modes as well, lasting either 5 or 10 minutes. The product uses "low levels of pulsed electrical energy to signal specific neural pathways, allowing users to dial up or dial down their stress responses and energy levels."-PTI

„

Weight loss surgery may bring romance back

WASHINGTON: Weight loss surgery can not only make you look fit, it may also lead to greater intimacy with your partner and improved sex life, according to a new study.

Mary Lisa Pories of East Carolina University in the US studied couples after one of the partners underwent weight loss surgery.

The research team interviewed ten couples and found that all of the patients and their significant others viewed the surgery, and subsequent adjustments that needed to be made, as part of a team effort.

They all described ways in which the partners supported and helped the patients care for themselves, including assistance with staying on track with the new routine.

"All of the couples felt their post-operative success was due to a joint effort on the part of both members of the couple," said Pories.

On an emotional level, the couples reported more positive moods and better self-esteem.

They also reported sharing greater intimacy and affection, and being better able to resolve conflict. -PTI

Health Science

'Yoga Day would boost preventive care'

32 India Post

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June 12, 2015

Details on Page 35

US doctors perform world's first skull-scalp transplant HOUSTON: In a major breakthrough in transplant surgery, US doctors have successfully performed the world's first skull-scalp transplant on a 55-year-old man who suffered a large head wound from cancer treatment.

Doctors at the MD Anderson Cancer Centre and Houston Methodist Hospital announced that they performed the 15-hour operation on May 22.

James Boysen, a software developer from Austin, received the craniofacial tissue transplant at the same time as a kidney and pancreas transplant at Houston Methodist Hospital in surgeries that lasted nearly a day.

A photo of Boysen after the surgery showed him with sutures in a ring around the top of his head, about 2.5 cm above his ears, where the transplanted skull and scalp were attached.

Dr Michael Klebuc, who led the plastic surgery team, told media that it was a very complex microvascular procedure.

"We transplanted missing skull bone in the overlying hair bear-

ing scalp - not just that tissue but the nutrient blood vessels that come with it," he said.

"Boysen is showing some early sensation which is quite extraor-

said.

"This kind of a triple transplantation has never been reported before and to our knowledge noone has reported just the skull

Physical therapist Regi Mathew works with transplant patient Jim Boysen at Houston Methodist Hospital, in Houston. Texas doctors say they have done the world's first partial skull and scalp transplant to help Boysen with a large head wound from cancer treatment.

dinary. The other thing that's interesting is that you can actually see him perspire on the scalp now that it's been transplanted," he

and the scalp as well," Klebuc said.

"He (Boysen) had a series of cancers of the scalp and skull that

Health plans propose big premium hikes for 2016 ST. PAUL, Minn.: Eight Minnesota health plans have proposed big premium increases for 2016, ranging from 11 to 74 percent, drawing an angry response from Gov. Mark Dayton.

For example, Blue Cross and Blue Shield wants to raise prices on some of its plans by 50 to 58 percent. The rate increases are only proposals for now and must be approved by state regulators before they can be finalized, Minnesota Public Radio reported. ``The proposed rate increases from Minnesota's health insurers are outrageous, given that our state's health care costs have been increasing by only 3 percent,'' Dayton said in a state-

ment. ``They underscore the need for a rigorous review of those proposed rates by the Minnesota Department of Commerce before they

Rate increase requests of 10 percent or more must be made public months before approval decisions. The proposed rates were posted on the federal website become final on October 1st.''

Some of the policies will be offered through MNsure, the state

health insurance exchange. The proposed increases do not include any potential government subsidies paid to offset the costs.

Under the federal Affordable Care Act, rate increase requests of 10 percent or more must be made public months before approval decisions. The proposed rates were posted on the federal website healthcare.gov.

Insurers can't use past losses to justify rate increases; hikes must be based on projected future claims.

Health plans in other states have also proposed hefty increases. The governor's office pointed to proposed hikes of 55 to 100 percent for certain plans in some other states. -AP

were treated with various surgeries and radiation that left him with a large wound that was all the way down to his brain," said Jesse Selber, a reconstructive plastic surgeon who was the co-leader of the team that performed the intricate surgery.

Boysen had a kidney-pancreas transplant in 1992 to treat diabetes he has had since age five and has been on drugs to prevent organ rejection.

The immune suppression drugs raise the risk of cancer, and he developed a rare type - leiomyosarcoma.

Radiation therapy for the cancer destroyed part of his head, immune suppression drugs kept his body from repairing the damage, and his transplanted organs were starting to fail - "a perfect storm that made the wound not heal," Boysen said.

"I'm amazed at how great I feel and am forever grateful that I have another chance to get back to doing the things I love and be with the people I love," Boysen said after the surgery. -PTI

Appalachia gripped by hepatitis C epidemic HAZARD, Ky.: Public health officials warn that rural Appalachia might be just a few dirty needles away from an HIV catastrophe, as the region is gripped by an epidemic of injection drug abuse and hepatitis C. Dr. Jennifer Havens, an epidemiologist at the University of Kentucky's Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, says a single person could become the ``Typhoid Mary of HIV.'' The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last month that the rate of hepatitis C has increased by 364 percent in Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia.

Kentucky's biggest cities are opening syringe exchange programs this summer to confront the looming threat of HIV. -AP

June 12, 2015

Health Science Post

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Mammograms most worth India pursuing Swasth Bharat mission with vigor it for women 50-69

A

new, international panel of experts has studied the most recent evi dence on mammograms to screen for breast cancer and says they do the most good for women in their 50s and 60s.

Women 70 to 74 also benefit to a lesser extent. But evidence that screening helps women in their 40s is ``limited,'' the panel said, although some members disagreed this was true for women 45 to 49.

The panel's report was published online by the New England Journal of Medicine.

Who should get mammograms and when has long been debated, especially

American Cancer Society, which has long recommended annual mammograms starting at age 40.

The cancer society soon will update its own guidance, said its chief medical officer, Dr. Otis Brawley. The international panel's stance ``does demonstrate that there is legitimate scientific question about screening women in their 40s,'' he said.

Mammograms give many false alarms, leading to unnecessary and costly followup tests. They also find many cancers that never would have threatened a woman's life, and many cancers prove fatal no matter how soon they are found. As treatments improve, the value of tests to find the disease early shrinks.

The international group wanted to update its last advice, from 2002, taking treatment improvements into account. Panel members concluded that mammograms can cut the risk of dying of breast cancer Detection lead mammographer, Toborcia Bedgood, left, prepares a screen-film about 40 permammography test for patient Alicia Maldonado, at The Elizabeth Center for cent for women Cancer Detection in Los Angeles.

50 to 69.

They also since 2009, when the U.S. Preventive Ser- said evidence is inadequate or lacking that: vices Task Force said women should be • Mammograms are cost-effective in lowscreened every two years starting at age and middle-income countries.

50, and that doing so before then does • Physical breast exams, by a doctor or a little good and is a personal choice. woman, lower the risk of dying of breast The new advice gives a global per- cancer. spective, coming from 29 cancer experts • Other ways to screen for the disease, from 16 countries, convened by the In- such as MRI, ultrasound and ternational Agency for Research on Can- tomosynthesis, cut mortality. cer. They include Dr. Robert A. Smith, ``We need to find a better test,'' Brawley breast cancer screening chief for the said. -AP

Homoeopathy & counseling can help smokers NEW DELHI: People looking for a way out of tobacco addiction should not miss out on the homoeopathic route which experts say could also help through a combination of counseling and medication.

According to Homoeopathic consultant Dr AK Gupta, homoeopathic medicine can treat a large number of conditions or withdrawal symptoms arising out of stopping or reducing smoking such as anxiety, nervousness, fatigue, irritability, distension of abdomen and variations in blood pressure and pulse rate.

"All these last for a short while and simultaneously, according to totality of symptoms, some homoeopathic remedies

can be used with great success. There are some medicines which gradually develop aversion to tobacco and treat other conditions too," said Gupta.

However, he stressed that motivation to quit tobacco is the prime thing in the treatment.

"Sophisticated therapeutic methods are useless unless the patient is cooperative.

Simple yet effective steps can be taken to get rid of nicotine addiction once and for all which include not keeping a pack of cigarettes and purchasing one only in case of an overpowering urge to take a puff.

Cont'd on Page 35

SHIMLA: Swasth Bharat mission, aiming at providing affordable health services to all and immunization of children under 'Mission Indradhanush' to bring down the mortality rate from 28 to single digit is being pursued with vigor, Union health minister J P Nadda has said.

Talking to media persons here, Nadda said that after the launch of Mission Indradhanush 40 lakh out of 90 lakh undiminished and 70 lakh partially immunized children have been covered in the first phase started on April 7 and with increase of five per cent in each phase all the left out children would be immunized.

'Mission Indradhanush', covering immunization against seven life-threatening but vaccine preventable diseases including diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles and hepatitis-B has made good progress, the minister said.

Pentavalent vaccine including combination of five vaccines has also been introduced and to protect the children from preventable diseases, four new vaccines - In-

activated Polio, Adult Japanese Encephalitis, Rotavirus and Measles Rubella vaccines - are proposed to be introduced as part of Universal Immunization Program, he added.

Nadda said that out of 201 high focus districts, accounting for nearly 50 per cent of unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children, 82 districts are in four states of UP, Bihar, MP and Rajasthan and the Mission will focus on 4,00,000 high risk settlements while 297 districts will be targeted in the second phase to commence from September 2015.

He said that the Ministry observed National Deworming Day on February 10, 2015 and against a target of 10.31 crore children in 1-19 year age group, 8.98 crore children received deworming tablets.

Besides launching action Plan for elimination of Kala-Azar by 2015, benefiting about 11.65 crore population other preventive programs like Intensified Diarrhoea Control, Integrated Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhea (IAPPD) and National Leprosy Eradication Programs have also been launched. -PTI

34 India Post

Health Science Post

June 12, 2015

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Montana health insurers ask for double-digit rate hikes HELENA, Mont.: Insurance companies in Montana are requesting double-digit rate increases next year for the health plans of more than 77,000 people covered through the online exchange created by President Barack Obama's health law.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana is asking state regulators to approve an average increase of about 22 percent over the rates approved in 2015 for its individual plans. PacificSource is asking for an average 32 percent increase. The Montana Health Cooperative is requesting an average 34 percent increase.

The companies found the claims they paid out in 2014 were much higher than they expected when the online marketplace launched in 2013. For all three companies, the claims paid exceeded the premiums they took in that year, the first year the Affordable Care Act was in effect.

State Auditor Monica Lindeen has final say over whether to approve the requests, and her office has 60 days to review the proposals and send the companies objections.

If the rate increases are justi-

fied, they will be accepted, Lindeen said. Double-digit rate increases were the norm in the years leading up to the Affordable Care Act. After the law passed, the companies had to set rates for a new marketplace without any history to base them on, she said. ``Not only were they shooting

from the very beginning,'' he said. ``We definitely feel if we don't get (the increase) our sustainability will be questionable going into the next four or five years.''

There are 44,782 Blue Cross customers in Montana with individual plans that may be affected by the rate increase, the company said in its filing. Blue Cross took in

The companies found the claims they paid out in 2014 were much higher than they expected when the online marketplace launched in 2013. For all three companies, the claims paid exceeded the premiums they took in that year in the dark, they were competing with each other for business,'' Lindeen said. ``Obviously they were going as low as they could without it being unsustainable.''

The rate increase requests reflect an adjustment that is needed for the not-for-profit Montana Health Cooperative to survive long-term, CEO Jerry Dworak said. ``I firmly believe that this is a one-year deal, a one-year true-up to get where it should have been

$143.4 million in premiums and paid $175.9 million in claims in 2014.

The company's proposed increase is built on the experience and data of the last two years, spokesman John Doran said. ``We're putting prices out there that we believe are affordable and that we think can be sustainable for our customers for years to come,'' he said.

The Montana Health Cooperative took in $38.4 million in premi-

Govt exhorts pharma cos to invest more in R&D NEW DELHI: Government has urged pharmaceutical companies to increase investment in research and development (R&D) to emerge as a hub of innovation in low cost health products and services.

India will have to move beyond the manufacturer of generic drugs and emerge as a hub of innovation in low cost health products and services, said Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda at a FICCI conference on 'India Life Sciences', a report on life sciences industry.

"Indian manufacturers are spending less than two per cent of the total turnover on research and development. The companies need to invest in development of new molecules and innovations," Nadda said while releasing the 'Vision Document -2030 of Indian Life Sciences'.

"We are ready to support the suggestions on better R&D. We will discuss the recommendations of the pharmaceutical companies. But we have to see how our R&D can become more robust, innovative and with added inputs," he said.

Saying that the patents of

many biopharmaceuticals and innovative molecules are expiring in 2018, Nadda exhorted the indigenous companies to grab the opportunity.

"This would be the best time

India' is to at least double the production of trade by 2020, he added.

Representatives of pharmaceutical industries requested government to support production of medical devices in the country by making amendments in the Drug and Cosmetic Act, 1940.

"At present, we are importing all the medical equipments used in the hospitals. So the new rules should promote 'Make in India' of such devices," D S Brar, Chairman GVK Union Health Minister J P Nadda Biosciences said. for Indian manufacturers to initiate According to Vision Docuproduction of such components ment-2030, the life sciences indusso that saving drugs reach mil- try aims to grow to a size of USD lions of patients across the world," 190-200 billion by the end of this the Union minister said. period and also to create four milThe expectation of pharmaceu- lion new jobs in the country over tical industry through 'Make in the next 15 years. -PTI

ums and paid $54 million in claims in 2014. The rate increase would affect the 17,300 customers the cooperative had as of March, with increases ranging between 17 and 60 percent, depending on the plan.

People who earn less than 400 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for federal subsidies to help pay for the plans. Dworak said 72 percent of his cooperative's customers receive subsidies.

In addition to the proposed premium hike, the cooperative will discontinue its ``platinum'' level plan and increase the deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses in

other plans, Dworak said.

PacificSource reported premium income of $26.5 million and claims of $35.2 million in Montana last year. The company has 11,058 Montana customers with individual plans.

Its proposed 32 percent rate hike is required for individual health plans to sustain themselves without being subsidized by other parts of the business, PacificSource's Montana director, Todd Lovshin said. ``We have to figure out how to make them both affordable and where that market is paying for itself,'' he said. -AP

Plastic chemical can affect parenting behavior WASHINGTON: Parents, take note! Exposure to a chemical found in plastic bottles and cash register receipts may negatively affect parenting behavior, a new study has claimed.

Researchers at the University of Missouri have used the monogamous, biparental California mouse species to prove that offspring born to parents who are exposed to widely prevalent endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as Bisphenol-A receive decreased parental care by both the mother and father.

Scientists believe results could have relevance to human parenting as well.

The California mouse is used as a model for examining parental behaviors because they are monogamous and, much like humans, both male and female partners contribute to childrearing.

Male partners exhibit cooperative care of the pups from birth to weaning by cleaning, grooming and providing warmth by huddling over their young when females leave the nest.

Impaired care could lead to adverse consequences for the young and, since brain regions and hormones regulating biparental behaviors appear to be similar across species, this study may have human implications.

"Endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA mimic the steroid hormones that establish the 'circuitry' for the adult female brain during early development, but little was known about how this chemical might affect the father's behavior," said Cheryl Rosenfeld, associate professor of biomedical sciences in the College of Veteri-

nary Medicine at MU. "Our study set out to address this critical void by exposing both males and females to the endocrine-disrupting chemicals BPA and Ethinyl estardiol (EE), the main active component of birth control pills, and examine the repercussions of rearing offspring," said Rosenfeld.

Researchers developmentally exposed female California mice to one of three diets.

One contained BPA, the second contained concentrations of EE and the third was free of endocrine disruptors. Likewise, males

were developmentally exposed to the same three diets.

Then, the male and female mice were randomly paired.

Since California mice are monogamous, one male was paired with a single female for the duration of the study.

"We found that females who were exposed early on to BPA spent less time nursing, so the pups likely did not receive the normal health benefits ascribed to nursing," said Rosenfeld.

"Likewise, we found that developmental exposure of males and females to these endocrinedisrupting chemicals resulted in their spending more time out of the nest and away from their pups, further suggesting that biparental care was reduced," Rosenfeld added. -PTI

June 12, 2015

Health Science Post

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Your toothbrush may be contaminated with faeces WASHINGTON: If you are using a shared washroom there is a 60 per cent chance your toothbrush is covered in fecal matter from someone else, a new study suggests.

Data confirms that there is transmission of fecal coliforms in shared bathrooms and that toothbrushes can serve as a vector for transmission of potentially pathogenic organisms, researchers said.

"The main concern is not with the presence of your own fecal matter on your tooth-

brush, but rather when a toothbrush is contaminated with fecal matter from someone else, which contains bacteria, viruses or parasites that are not part of your normal flora," said Lauren Aber, graduate student at the Quinnipiac University in US. Potential microorganisms that can be introduced are enteric bacteria and pseudomonads. Enteric bacteria are a family of bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, they are known to be normal flora found in the gut.

Pseudomonas group of bacteria are gram-negative aerobic rods commonly found in soil, water, plants and animals.

They are part of the normal flora of the gut and also on the skin of humans.

All toothbrushes were collected from

participants using communal bathrooms, with an average of 9.4 occupants per bathroom.

Regardless of the storage method, at least 60 per cent of the toothbrushes were contamination with fecal coliforms.

There were no differences seen with the effectiveness of the decontamination methods between cold water, hot water or rinsing with mouthwash and 100 per cent of toothbrushes regularly rinsed with mouthwash had growth on MacConkey agar indicating fecal contamination.

Fecal coliforms were seen on 54.85 per cent of toothbrushes, which has been seen in previous studies. There is an 80 per cent chance that the fecal coliforms seen on the toothbrushes came from another person using the same bathroom.

"Using a toothbrush cover doesn't protect a toothbrush from bacterial growth, but actually creates an environment where bacteria are better suited to grow by keeping the bristles moist and not allowing the head of the toothbrush to dry out between uses," said Aber.

"Better hygiene practices are recommended for students who share bathrooms both in the storage of their toothbrush but also in personal hygiene," said Aber.

Toothbrushes are a known source of contamination. Since the 1920's scientists suspected that the re-use of toothbrushes could be a possible source of infection in the oral cavity.

There are several potential sources of contamination of one's toothbrush; toothbrushes stored open in the bathroom are especially vulnerable to contamination with material from the toilet or contamination from other occupants. -PTI

Homoeopathy & counseling can help smokers Cont'd from Page 33

"Don't throw away the stub after smoking. Simply collecting them in transparent jar and looking at them would have an effect at the end of the day, week or month," he said, adding that he is holding a free consultation camp for those willing to quit.

"Along with the treatment, counseling is very crucial.

It is important to motivate the patient.

The patient should have a strong will power to give up this habit of smoking and chewing tobacco. Exclusive reliance on medication is not sufficient," said Dr Mohit Mathur, reader at department of Medicine, Nehru Homoeopathic Medical College and hospital.

At the start of the process, the cause or situation in which a person took up smoking is evaluated which is followed by counseling or medication as the symptoms vary from person to person.

"Pictorial and other forms of warning on tobacco packs can help as there are chances that a person would relate to them and have second thoughts," he said.

Citing a survey, which found that young

men feared erectile dysfunction and early ageing due to tobacco products the most, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) recently demanded strong pictorial warnings on the cover of tobacco products.

Meanwhile, a six-day camp is being organized in the national capital where homoeopathy experts would be present to guide all those desirous of giving up smoking or any form of tobacco. -PTI

'Yoga Day would boost preventive care' SHIMLA: Union Health Minister J P Nadda has said that observing International Yoga Day on June 21 would be a

Union Health Minister J P Nadda

During International Yoga Day, 500 camps of one week duration would be held and blood pressure and blood testing of those attending the camps would be monitored before and after the camp and documentation would be done to establish impact of yoga on stress levels and its scientific validity would also be proved.

Nadda said that the focus is shifting from communicable diseases to non-communicable diseases and blood pressure, diabetics, cancer and a holistic approach is required for preventive care which would reduce pressure on curative care. -PTI

major initiative towards prevention of lifestyle diseases like blood pressure and diabetics, and lead to holistic approach in preventive health care.

The Day is being observed by NGOs and the government is only extending logistic support for checking blood pressure and testing blood samples for documentation, he added.

Yoga

Realty Tidbits

Park could become housing complex GREENVILLE, Miss.: The city of Greenville is rezoning a public park to make way for construction of affordable single-family homes and townhomes.

The Delta Democrat-Times reports that developers say some housing will be designated for veterans, senior citizens and young professionals.

Daniel Boggs, chief executive of the Greenville Housing and Revitalization Association, says the city needs some new and affordable housing. Boggs says the project will cost $4.6 million.

The city council approved the rezoning for Ed Gray Park despite some opposition of nearby residents. Councilman Errick Simmons says he received phone calls from residents worried about crime.

Boggs says screenings and background checks on potential residents will be performed, further combating criminal activity.

Boggs says it will be a ``good, safe neighborhood'' with a strong emphasis on community.-AP

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June 12, 2015

MUMBAI: The Rajya Sabha select committee, which has been appointed to look into the Real Estate Bill, has invited suggestions from public and other stakeholders as also experts.

The committee, through a public notice, has invited written memoranda on the Bill from the stakeholders concerned, within 10 days.

A 21-member select committee of the Rajya Sabha, chaired by BJP member Anil Madhav Dave, was set up after the Opposition refused to accept the Bill that seeks to regulate realty business. The committee has been asked to submit its report by the first week of the Monsoon Session beginning next month.

The Bill seeks to establish a Real Estate Regulatory Authority to ensure more transparency in the realty sector.

It also seeks to establish the appellate tribunal to hear appeals from the decision, directions or orders of the authority.

The other members of the select committee include Mansukh L Mandaviya, Shamsher Singh Manhas (all BJP), Shantaram Naik, MV Rajeev Gowda, Kumari Selja (all Congress), Naresh Agrawal (SP), KC Tyagi (JDU), Mohammad Nadimul Haque (TMC), AW Rabi Bernard (AIADMK), Munquad Ali (BSP), Ritabrata Banerjee (CPM) and nine others. -PTI

ANNAPOLIS, Md.: An Annapolis couple says their real estate agent knew their future home was infested with snakes but sold it to them anyway.

The Capital Gazette reports that Jeff and Jody Brooks have filed a $2 million lawsuit. They say their family was driven out because the home was crawling with snakes.

The Brookses purchased the house in December. They seek more than four times the home's price in their lawsuit against real estate agent Barbara Van Horn, Champion Realty and ex-homeowner Joan Broseker. -AP

Six best home fixes for the money

W

ant to recover the most for your remodeling dollar at resale?

Keep it simple, pay to have it done right and don't overimprove.

Moderately priced materials and finishes could be a smarter bet than top-of-the-line treatments,

DANA DRATCH

with sitting area, fireplace, kitchenette and luxurious bathroom.

According to the Remodeling magazine survey, this project can potentially add the most dollar value to a home at resale. But it was also the most expensive project on the list. And in terms of

Realty Bill panel seeks public comments

Realtor sued for selling snake infested home

says Howard Morrel, associate real estate broker with Brown Harris Stevens in New York City.

"Use quality, but the least ornate option - the simplest form of renovation that you can do," he says.

In a neighborhood of $100,000 homes, adding a $50,000 kitchen may give you the edge over the competition at resale, but it probably won't boost the sale price much, says Pat Vredevoogd Combs, past president of the National Association of Realtors and vice president of Coldwell Banker AJS Schmidt Realty in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

A 2014 report by Remodeling magazine listed 35 professional projects nationwide (no do-ityourself), along with estimated costs and return at resale. When it came to adding the most dollar value at resale, here are the six that topped that list, from sixth-best to best.

Picture adding a sumptuous hotel suite to your home -- an extra-large sleeping suite, complete

the percentage recouped at resale (about 56 percent nationally), it offered one of the lowest returns on the dollar, according to the report.

The right reason to remodel Want to get the most bang for your remodeling buck? With any remodeling project, it's smart to do it for your own enjoyment and not count on getting all the renovation costs back at resale, says Combs.

One feature in an upscale master suite addition that can help with resale: a fireplace, says Dick Gaylord, past president of the National Association of Realtors and broker with Re/Max Real Estate Specialists in Long Beach, California.

Not only would it be featured in the listing, but it can make the home easier to sell because "many people love" a master suite fireplace, he says.

This project is a twofer: It adds a family room downstairs, plus a new bedroom and bathroom up-

stairs.

"If you really need some square footage, I think it's a good idea," says Combs.

But, depending on where you are, you may have some less expensive options for enlarging your home -- such as finishing off a basement, she says.

Get out of the house One pro tip: Move out for the duration of the renovation, says Mike Holmes, contractor and host of HGTV's "Holmes on Homes."

In the first place, a two-story or second-story renovation affects too many parts of the house, so living there is often not a good idea, he says. "It's a nightmare to live in."

"Too many times, contractors say you can live in the house" while they do the work. But you really can't, Holmes says.

It can be so stressful that he's dubbed the gritty byproduct of large-scale renovations "divorce dust."

Holmes' advice: Relocate people, pets and belongings. But arrange to be present every time an inspector is there "so that you can hear what he says about the work."

In the same category as kitchen and bathroom remodels, a moderate master suite addition can add to resale value, Gaylord says.

"You're going to put in double sinks, you're going to put in plenty of closet space, you're going to have a sitting area," and all those things can make the home easier to sell and likely move the price needle upward, too, he says.

If that master suite addition is on the main level, that's a huge plus for baby boomer buyers,

Combs says.

Keep it simple Typically, a more modest addition (in the Remodeling report, this one is 384 square feet instead of the upscale version's 640 square feet, with tile instead of marble and stone, and without either a kitchenette or fireplace) can be a smarter move at resale.

In the Remodeling report, the moderate master suite additions return almost 68 percent at resale versus 56 percent for the upscale versions.

"Oddly enough, you'll probably make back more of your money if you keep it inexpensive," Holmes says. "When it comes down to budget, the only way to save without doing it wrong is to go with simple finishes," he says.

"It's fairly easy to upgrade cosmetics later, if you want."

Buyers love stylish kitchens and bathrooms. So it's safe to say that "kitchen remodels and bathroom remodels are the typical candidates for adding value," Morrel says.

And your buyer doesn't have to be a chef or a foodie to appreciate a good kitchen. Even for people who don't cook, "kitchens are important," Gaylord says. "Very often, in selling a home where the kitchen hasn't been upgraded, buyers talk about upgrading the kitchen," he says. "It adds to the resale value."

Especially in an older home, Combs says.

In her area of Michigan, "there are 80-year-old homes that are stately and beautiful," she says.

"But if you are trying to sell with an 80-year-old kitchen, that doesn't make it in today's market.

Cont’d on page 37

Real Estate Post

June 12, 2015

India Post 37

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Hero to invest Rs 1,000 cr on Mohali project NEW DELHI: Hero Realty will invest Rs 1,000 crore on developing a housing project in Mohali on 18.5 acres, which the Hero Group firm had won through auction.

The company, which bid the site for Rs 181 crore in the auction held by GMADA (The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority), plans to set up about 1,250 housing units under the

project, Hero Realty, the real estate arm of Hero Corporate Service Ltd, said in a statement.

"Once the site is launched and is ready for construction, we plan to complete and deliver the entire complex to people at a total project cost outlay of about Rs 1,000 crore," Hero Realty CEO Yogesh Verma said.

The land parcel is located in sector 88 of Mohali.

"This has been a great acquisition for us. Punjab remains a very important centre for us and a project like this in Mohali further strengthens our roots there," Verma said.

The company is targeting the mid-segment residential housing sector, and plan to construct in excess of 1,250 apartments of different sizes and types, he added.

With revenues of over USD 5 billion and 30,000 plus employees, the Hero Group has been engaged in long term partnerships with multiple stakeholders.

The group's flagship company Hero MotoCorp has been a global leader in the motorcycle business for a decade.

Hero group's new businesses are managed by Hero Corporate Service Ltd, which is the holding company for diverse businesses in the areas of training, knowledge processing, insurance distribution, auto components and infrastructure development.

The businesses include Hero Mindmine Institute Limited (HMIL), HeroBPO (India), NsurePlus, Hero Realty and Hero Steels.-PTI

Six best home fixes for the money Cont’d from page 36

To sell it, they're going to have to put in a new kitchen. This is going to make or break it at resale."

If the home and kitchen are older, a smart kitchen remodel has to go beyond mere finishes and appliances, Holmes says.

Homeowners also need to update the old systems (electrical, plumbing, etc.), he says. "Otherwise that renovation is just cosmetic, and that's a no-no."

Don't let the name "family room addition" fool you.

Even people who don't have families want a family room -- a great room, den or entertainment area "off the kitchen where they can watch TV and hang out," Gaylord says.

Since this is an addition, Holmes recommends combining it with another project, like a kitchen renovation, to get the most for your remodeling dollar.

"If you do it all at once, you're going to save some money," he says.

Another way to do it Or, if you want a similar effect for less, consider repurposing ex-

isting space rather than building an addition, Combs says. Depending on your floor plan and the age of your house, you could use a formal dining room, old-fashioned living room or even finish a basement, she says.

If you do opt for an addition, do it "because it opens the house to better entertaining and gives it a better flow," Combs says. "You wouldn't do it just to sell."

And crunch the numbers to verify that the expense makes sense for your home, she says.

The resale value of a finished basement depends largely on your neighborhood, area and region, Combs says.

In much of Michigan, finished basements aren't a big addition to home value, she says. So the ques-

tion of "finished or unfinished" is more a matter of personal preference than home value, says Combs.

In other areas, it can add value or even sway the sale, Morrel says. His own professional basement remodel to a vacation home finished off 600 square feet of living space and added a picture window with copious amounts of natural light.

While it wasn't cheap -- especially since adding the window meant having professionals cut through concrete -- it "created something out of nothing," says Morrel. And, "it's something that people definitely appreciate."

Calculating bang for buck Still, spending more on renovations doesn't translate to more money at resale, he says.

One down-and-dirty formula Morrel recommends to calculate how much completing unfinished space adds to home value: Divide your home value by finished square footage. Now multiply the result (dollar value per finished square foot) by the number of square feet you're having finished.

-Courtesy bankrate.com

Disappointed SF housing activists consider future SAN FRANCISCO: Proponents of a temporary moratorium on luxury housing in San Francisco may turn to voters in November after city supervisors rejected the idea.

Backers are expected to decide whether to advance a ballot proposal that would freeze construction of market-rate housing in San Francisco's Mission District for 18 months.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors declined to approve

represents the district, called for a moratorium in order to give the city time to consider purchasing available property and develop its own units.

The ballot version calls for a lengthier freeze. It also requires city officials to devise a plan to make half of new housing available to households that are middle-income or below.

Scores of supporters testified in favor of a freeze. They said highrise development was pushing out

San Francisco's Parkmerced Apartment Complex goes Into default

a shorter, 45-day, moratorium after a raucous marathon session. ``The community's asked to gather now and to discuss how to move forward,'' said Erick Arguello, president of Calle 24, a merchant and neighborhood association. ``I'm sure it will be happening sometime soon.''

The Mission District has come to symbolize urban displacement in a city with some of the highest housing prices in the country. Rent for a one-bedroom flat in the trendier parts of San Francisco, including the Mission, is well over $3,000 and the cost to buy a small house or condo in the city can easily start at $1 million.

Supervisor David Campos, who

longtime residents, many of them Latino and working-class.

Opponents, who were outnumbered, testified that the moratorium would do nothing to make housing more affordable. ``It's just going to pour fuel on the fire and increase the pressure cooker we have in San Francisco,'' said Supervisor Scott Wiener, who was opposed, at the start of the hearing.

The plan failed, garnering seven of 11 votes. The emergency ordinance required nine votes to pass.

Proponents would need to submit nearly 10,000 valid signatures

by July 6 to qualify for the Nov. 3 ballot.-AP

IT survey at Omkar Developers premises MUMBAI: The Directorate General of Income Tax Investigation has conducted surveys at the premises of a city-based real estate firm to detect any possible tax evasion.

"We have conducted surveys at around three premises of Omkar Developers and are going though their books to see if there is any tax evasion," said a senior IT official.

According to him, many more

builders and developers are under their scanner and searches will take place in the due course of time.

Confirming the development, the company said in a statement that "the survey procedure is regular and it is conducted by authorities across a multitude of real estate companies and corporates in the city. Omkar Group has always ensured that all financial and tax processes have been adhered to, as per government guidelines." -PTI

Horoscope

38 India Post

June 12, 2015

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Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar June 12th - June 18th 2015 (March 21 to April 20)

Y

ou will continue to move in right direction as far as the career is concerned.

People in business will be spending more on advertising. Bold and timely actions will take you closer to your bigger goals in life. You may plan a very short trip to an exciting place with spouse. Time you spend on phone calls will help you save some money for long time.

(April 21 to May 20)

Y

ou will successfully re solve an issue with a high ranking government or an agency. Financial pressure will continue to escalate with no break from unexpected expenses. Some of you may sign up for a short term course to update your knowledge.

Transiting Saturn in sixth will help those looking for a possible change in career this week.

(May 21 to June 20)

Y

ou will become very health conscious and make big changes in diet. Results will be encouraging. Professionally you will continue to move in right direction but at a slow and steady pace. There will be some last minute change in your travel plans. It will be better to seek professional opinion before you make any big financial commitments.

(June 21 to July 22)

M

ind will be slightly rest less and you may have to take a trip to attend to some important business. Property deal may take some more time to finalize. Mind will be full of bright ideas and you will start your search for ideal partners to implement them. You may take spouse to a nice place for dinner and even buy some nice and valuable gifts.

(July 23 to August 22)

(November 23 to December 22)

S

uccess will bring back smile and confidence.

You may feel like celebrating and in fact invite few close friends at your place for dinner. A property deal may get some extra cash in your pocket. Legal matters will finally take a favorable turn and final judgment could be delivered soon. You will receive few valuable gifts this week.

(August 23 to September 22)

L

ife will take a sharp turn and things will once again start going your way. A female will be helpful and give some practical and useful hints. People in business will be successful in recovering some old debts. You have strong chance of getting some money through legal channels. You will attend couple of parties this week.

(September 23 to October 22)

E

ven impulsive actions will pay off and you will reap -rich rewards. Time is very favorable for all money matters. Business trip will be fruitful as the contract will get signed on the spot. New relationship will be time consuming but you will enjoy it.

Only your firm stand and attitude will get many important things done.

(October 23 to November 22)

G

ambling instincts will pay off in a big way.

It will not be less than some kind of jackpot. Even next few weeks are favorable for all career related matters. Boss will stay on your side on all issues and will make necessary recommendations to move you to next level. You may travel with family to meet an old friend this week.

PANDIT PARASHAR, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations.

He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com

L

uck is definitely on your side and things will start rolling again in the right direction. Expect some interesting and favorable developments in career if not this week but in next few weeks for sure.

Very light medication will help tackle health issue.

Jupiter's presence in eighth will help those who looking for a partner.

(December 22 to January 19)

P

lanets are in order to help you in big way. Few road blocks will be cleared with little effort. week favorable for people connected with health industry. Spouse may get a small cut or burn in kitchen or handing some sharp object. Extra time spent at work will reap rich rewards. You will hear some good news from a distant place.

(January 20 to February 18)

Y

ou may have to wait for an other week to see the results for your efforts and this should not be a reason to feel disheartened or depressed. You will have a great opportunity to spend quality time with some successful and famous people. There can be minor changes in your travel plan. sale of some stocks will get you extra cash.

(February 19 to March 20)

S

trong Sun will help you gain an edge over your opponents and even clear a highly competitive exam without any difficulty. Transiting Venus in seventh can hook you up with an interesting person but only for a short period.

You need to cut down on caffeine and start meals at proper time. You may watch a movie with family.

510-886-4370 www.parashar.com

June 12, 2015

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India Post 39

40 India Post

O

ne among the most in demand hill stations in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie is very popular for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. This fast emerging hilly destination offers a pleasant holiday amidst calm and serene surroundings. A popular sanatorium during the time of British rule, this hill station owes much to its founder Lord Dalhousie for its fame and glory. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayan mountain range, this hill station is placed at an average height of 8000 feet.

An astounding hill station, Dalhousie is abuzz with its old charm and embraces enduring ricochets of the 'British Raj'.

One among the favorite places of the British, this hilly terrain houses a large number of Victorian style mansions, which proudly testifies its former grandeur.

Spread over an area of 14 sq km, Dalhousie is built on five hills, which

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offers a pleasant trekking experience to beginners as well as serious trekkers. This picturesque spot is a tiny hospice, which lies at the base of the Dhauladhar mountain range. The scenic valley offers impressive views of hills ending in the flurry of mountains and verdant valleys. Its majestic rivers that twirl and spin amidst the lush dense woods of the plains makes for a picturesque sight. When in Dalhousie, tourists should also include

June 12, 2015

Manali in the tour package.

Apart from being an alluring picnic spot, Dalhousie provides excellent shopping delights at the Mall Road where all the activities of the town are centered. A shoppers delight, it offers a great time for the shopping buffs. Apart from these,

the interlacing lanes of this magnificent hill resort are a perfect location for promenades and sight seeing.

Cont’d on page 42

Spread over an area of 14 sq km, Dalhousie is built on five hills, which offers a pleasant trekking experience to beginners as well as serious trekkers.

June 12, 2015

Travel & Hospitality Post

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41

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PM for developing 1,100 Indian films boost tourism islands, 300 light houses in Abu Dhabi NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown keen interest in developing 1,100 islands and 300 light houses across the nation to tap their huge tourism potential in a bid to bolster water infrastructure, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has said.

Besides, the government will seek Parliament nod on a Bill for converting 101 riv-

during the PM's visit to the country, he said.

On waterways, he said, "We intend to invest Rs 50,000 crore in the next 2-3 years in developing 101 waterways for which we will get Parliament nod in the upcoming session.

"The government is planning to develop these waterways through the public-private partnership (PPP) mode, which is picking up after a slump. Bidders have shown enthusiastic response in five road projects, including the one in which Larsen & Toubro has bid 20 per cent below the cost," he said.

Of the 101 rivers to be Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari converted into ers into waterways, and Rs 50,000 crore will waterways, detailed project reports be spent on developing these in the next 2- (DPRs) for 16 are likely to be completed 3 years, he said. this month while those for another 40 will "The Prime Minister has asked us to in- be ready by December 2015, the minister clude the proposal to develop 300 light said. houses and 1,100 islands in a Cabinet note Of the existing five waterways, only we sent him in connection with developing three could be developed so far while efwaterways," Gadkari said while addressing forts are on to develop the other two, he a national conference on Inland Waterways said, adding that government is setting organized by FICCI here. up four multimodal hubs at Varanasi, He said the move, in turn, will lead to Haldia, Sahebganj and Kolkata of the augmentation of water infrastructure in the 1,620-km Varanasi to Haldia stretch, and country, which is set for an overhaul in com- the land acquisition for the same is at an ing years. advanced stage.

A pact between India and Bangladesh is Shipbuilding yards and repair hubs in also likely on transportation of goods Assam, Andaman & Nicobar and Kandla in through waterways between both nations Gujarat are also on the anvil. -PTI

Mumbai among top 10 tourist destinations NEW DELHI: The country's commercial capital Mumbai is among the top ten destination cities in the Asia Pacific region in terms of attracting international visitors, says a MasterCard index.

Bangkok is the top spot in Asia/Pacific's top 10 destinations in terms of international overnight visitors and crossborder spending, while Mumbai was ranked 9th.

Thailand's capital Bangkok is followed

by Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in the second and third place, respectively.

Others in the top 10 include Seoul at 4th place, Hong Kong (5th), Tokyo (6th), Taipei (7th), Shanghai (8th) and Osaka (10th).

Moreover, five Asian cities - Bangkok,

Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul and Hong Kong - made it to the overall Global Destination Cities' top ten list which was topped

by London.

"Asian cities dominate among the leading destinations in the world in attracting international visitors arriving by air," MasterCard Center for Inc l u s i v e Growth Chief Economist Y u w a HedrickWong said.

London topped the overall list with 18.82 million international overnight visitors, followed by Bangkok at 18.24 million visitors and Paris at 16.06 million. -PTI

MUMBAI: Superstar Akshay Kumarstarrer "Baby" and Hrithik Roshan's "Bang Bang" have encouraged tourism in Abu Dhabi, the capital of United Arab Emirates, according to its Film Commission.

"Once 'Bang Bang' and 'Baby' were released we have noticed a spike in number of tourists and when 'Fast & Furious 7' was released in early April, this really put Abu Dhabi on the tourism map," Michael Flanningan, the head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission told PTI here.

"In 2014, a study was commissioned that outlined the potential tourism impact from productions in Abu Dhabi.

Flannigan said film-induced tourism will be a focus for the local tourism authority.

Approximately two years ago, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission introduced a 30 per cent cash-back rebate on production spend

in the Emirate.

This incentive is applicable to accommodation, transport, crew, kit and even flights to Abu Dhabi and unlike most production rebates, it also applies to both feature films and a wide range of TV formats.

"Due to our close proximity to India, our

rebate incentive and our variety of locations - from deserts, to coastlines from Arabic culture to ultra modern architecture we see the market of Bollywood films to Abu Dhabi only increasing. -PTI

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Dalhousie

Scenic beauty, pleasant climate, old charm Cont’d from page 40

A charming location at a height of 9000 feet, Dalhousie is blessed with outstanding attractions and its salubrious weather with moderate accommodation facilities makes it a thriving tourist center of modern times.

Tourist Attractions

Bhuri Singh Museum: Officially started in 1908, the Bhuri Singh Museum at Chamba is

is a perennial spring, named after the famous freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose, who came here to regain his failing health in the year 1937. He is said to have lived in Dalhousie for 7 months and was rejuvenated by the medicated water of this spring.

Central Park: One among the imperative attractions of Chamba is the magnificent Central Park which provides panoramic views of the entire hill station. A verdant field, which is the jamboree of all Bhuri Singh Museum

named after the illustrious King Raja Bhuri, who donated his family compilation of paintings to the museum. The inscription in Sarda scripts that are exhibited in the museum give vital information on the medieval times of Chamba.

Rang Mahal: Located in Surara Mohalla, Rang Mahal was founded by Raja Umed Singh.

Once the abode of a division of the ruling reign this wonderful palace displays a perfect mixture of British and Mughal style architecture. The walls of this 18th cen-

of Khajjiar, located around 20 kms from Dalhousie. This perennial lake is fed by small streams and is panoramically situated amidst the cedar forests and hills. The lake is located at a height of 1950 mt above sea level and is ideal for picnicking.

Panch Pulla: Literally meaning five bridges, Panch Pula, is a scenic place with pictorial beauty.

Located 2 km from Dalhousie, it can be easily reached on foot.

Famed for its gushing streams, it is the main source of potable water to the nearby towns. The brook bounces from Dain Kund and falls down into a quaint abyss and then finally reaches the waterworks of Panch Pulla.

Satdhara Falls: Satdhara in Dalhousie is an offbeat tourist

the activities in the town, Central Park is the largest crowd puller in the city in recent years. This fabulous spot, on the banks of River Ravi is also known as Chaugan.

The most remarkable construction in this place is the Gandhi gate that immortalizes Lord Curzon's visit to Chamba.

Dainkund Peak: Situated at an altitude of 2755 meters and 10 km from Dalhousie, Dainkund is the highest mountain in Dalhousie providing perfect scenery of the whole valley. Trekking is the most

Khajjiar Lake

Satdhara Falls

tury monument are wizened with fine exemplars of Punjab hill style wall paintings, which portray the life of Lord Krishna.

Subhash Baoli: Subhash Baoli

common way to reach the peak and is an amazing experience, with great views and fresh mountain air.

Khajjiar Lake: The Khajjiar Lake is one of the prime attractions

Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

spot amidst enthralling scenery and a refreshing stream of rivulets. Stationed on the way to Panch Pulla, it is a spectacular tourist destination with lush green surrounding and pleasing climatic conditions.

Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary: A tiny city renowned for its wildlife sanctuary, Kalatop is blessed with natural flora and fauna.

Dense woody Deodar forest houses a natural habitat for many estranged species of the animal kingdom. The dense forests make the sighting of animals quite rare. Apart from the wide range of fauna, this sanctuary also has a large flock of birds, which make it a delight for ornithologists.

Horse Riding: Horse riding is one of the most common means of travel in Khajjiar. Pony and horse rides can only be enjoyed during the summer season. This is the best way to explore the scenic environs around the lake.

Best time to visit Dalhousie has pleasant climate making it tourist friendly

throughout the year.

How to reach

By Train: Nearest railhead is Pathankot (80 km) which is well connected to various cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar.

Horse Riding

By Air: Nearest airports are Pathankot (80 km) and Jammu (180 km). Pathankot is connected to Delhi only, while Jammu has more frequent air services to Delhi and other destinations in North India.

By Bus: Bus services by public transport system are available connecting the towns in and around Dalhousie.

June 12, 2015

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Cities keen on 'sharing economy' MP for tourism in buffer zone of national parks but safety is a concern NEW YORK: American cities are enticed by the economic growth and services that ``sharing economy'' companies such as Airbnb, Uber and Lyft can offer, but officials are anxious about safety in a largely unregulated realm, a city advocacy group found in a study.

Nearly three-quarters of city leaders said they want to see the ``sharing'' sector grow, according to National League of Cities survey responses from 245 leaders of municipalities large and small.

Yet nearly two-thirds said they were concerned about the safety

programs. The report, like the regulatory debate so far, focuses on ``home-sharing'' players such as Airbnb and ``ride-sharing'' companies such as Uber and Lyft.

THE BACKSTORY Many cities are grappling with whether or how to regulate and tax the burgeoning ``sharing'' sector.

New York taxi regulators, for example, are weighing whether to make ride-hailing services submit data on their trips. Portland, Oregon, is experimenting with allowing ride-hailing companies while deregulating its existing cab industry.

San Francisco agreed last year to permit some homeas-hotel rentals but is now contemplating further limits.

Meanwhile, some lawmakers want to expand a squad that investigates complaints about such rentals in New York, where it's The Uber app as shown from an iPhone in downtown largely illegal to Salem rent out an enof using apps and websites that tire apartment short-term. let everyday people rent out rooms, arrange car rides and pro- WHAT CITIES LIKE ABOUT vide other services to strangers. ``SHARING'' More than half the cities said they While 71 percent of cities said imposed no rules on ``sharing'' they supported sharing-economy players, though their traditional growth, leaders embrace ride-hailcounterparts - like hotels and taxi ing apps more readily than shortcompanies - often are regulated. ``Cities are welcoming'' the rise of the sharing economy, said Brooks Rainwater, one of the study's co-authors. ``But at the same time, because it's upending traditional service providers and NEW DELHI: No-frills carrier regulatory environments, it's causing some level of consternation.'' IndiGo has rolled out a new preStill, ``cities are learning how to paid virtual coupon scheme for work with these companies,'' and regular flyers, which allows a customer to use them at any vice versa, he said.

Companies say they're safety- time of travel without worconscious contributors' to cities' rying about price fluctuations. economies.

Passengers availing the A look at the findings: scheme named '6E Pass' will be able to purchase pre-paid THE STUDY The Washington-based cities virtual flight coupons and league included some sharing- use them as and when they want economy questions in a broader to travel without having to worry economic survey sent this year to about price fluctuations, IndiGo top elected officials in 986 cities; said in a release.

The virtual coupon comes in 245 responded.

The ``sharing'' or ``peer-to- two variants - National Permit and peer'' economy can refer to ser- Regional Permit, it said, adding, vices as varied as co-working while the National Permit costs Rs spaces and short-term bike-rental 42,000, the regional permit costs

term home rentals, by 66 percent to 44 percent.

In general, cities see the biggest benefits as improved services (rated No. 1 one by 22 percent) and economic expansion (20 percent).

Smaller numbers cited entrepreneurship, efficiency, tourism and constituents' enthusiasm.

NEW DELHI: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has asked the Centre to allow tourism in buffer zone of its national parks which have at least 257 tigers.

Chouhan met Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Jawdekar

WHAT CITIES ARE WORRIED ABOUT Sixty-one percent of cities said safety was their top concern about peer-to-peer services. Just 10 percent or fewer named any other potential problem, including effects on established industries, lost tax revenue and workforce issues.

WHAT ``SHARING ECONOMY'' PLAYERS HAVE TO SAY Sharing-sphere companies say they fuel local economies by giving consumers new options and are committed to making them safe. San Francisco-based Airbnb says its service brings tourist dollars into neighborhoods beyond the beaten hotel track, among other benefits.

San Francisco-based Lyft says it conducts criminal background checks of drivers, staffs a roundthe-clock safety hotline and has worked on regulations with about 30 cities and states. Austin, Texasbased short-term rental marketplace HomeAway points to its various security guidelines and guarantees, plus owners' vested interest in keeping up their properties. ``Cities should not fear for the safety of their community,'' cofounder Carl Shepherd said in a statement. -AP

IndiGo launches pre-paid virtual coupon scheme Rs 21,000 for all flights.

The '6E Pass' is targeted at regular flyers who want to take advantage of the guaranteed fares and

will offer great value to SMEs and self-employed businesspersons, it said.

"The launch of '6E Pass' is aimed at making the journey of passengers more hassle-free by setting a fixed fare for passengers that travel frequently but are uncertain about the dates and sector of travel. -PTI

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan

and apprised him of the difficulties coming in the way of execution of development works for want of approval at different stages or delay in getting green nod.

Chouhan requested the Minister to allow tourism activities in buffer zone (peripheral area) of the national parks as this will help the person living in that area to get employment while remaining emotionally attached to the forest areas, a press release issued by the state government said.

There are nine national parks in Madhya Pradesh. Of these,

Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, Bori Satpura, Sanjay Dubri and Pench, have as many as 257 tigers. The tiger population in the country was estimated to be 2,226 as per data collected in 2014.

Chouhan also expressed concern for the decreasing number of tigers in the state, it said.

He raised the issue of people living in the tiger reserve area and settling them elsewhere in the state. The CM requested the central government to provide funds for the purpose from Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) scheme, the release said.

Chouhan also met three other Union Ministers - Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Minister Anant Geete.

During his meeting with Jaitley, Chouhan apprised him about the preparation of 'Simhastha' - a religious festival - to be held in Ujjain next year.

He said state government will be spending about Rs 3,500 crore for the development of infrastructure in Ujjain and for providing comfort to the devotees. Chouhan urged the Finance Minister to give extra financial help to the state in this regard.-PTI

Taj Mahal third among world's top landmarks LONDON: Travelers from across the globe have ranked Taj Mahal among the top three landmarks in the world, a leading travel website has said.

According to TripAdvisor's 2015 Travelers Choice Attractions Awards, Taj Mahal was ranked third in the list of top landmarks.

The top two places were taken by Machu Picchu in Peru and Angkor Wat in Cambodia respectively.

"The Travelers' Choice Landmarks highlight some of the world's most iconic, must-see attractions that have won over the TripAdvisor community," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor.

Built by Mughal emperor Shah

Jahan in memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal, the white marble mausoleum in Agra is also a symbol of enduring love.

In 1983, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Taj Mahal

attracts 2-4 million visitors annually, with more than 200,000 from overseas.

The Tower of London was named as the best rated landmark in the UK with Edinburgh Castle in Scotland in second place. -PTI

In Brief Number of convicted Indians in US declines WASHINGTON: The number of convicted Indian nationals languishing in US jails saw a decline in the period of 2013-14, US Immigration and Custom Enforcement has said.

According to the information obtained under Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), it was found that there was decline in number of convicted Indian nationals in US jails between 2013 and 2014.

In 2013, 149 Indian nationals were lodged in US jails as convicted criminals, which dropped to 115 in 2014, the US Immigration and Custom Enforcement informed the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) under FOIA. The same period also saw a drop in the number of non-criminals lodged in US jails from 288 in 2013 to 244 in 2014.

NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal stated that out of 334 Indians removed, as many as 135 were convicted criminals and 199 were of non-criminal nature.

Around the same period, 14 convicted criminal persons and 89 persons of non-criminal nature of Indian origin returned to detention centers and jails, he said. -PTI

„ Geelani declares he is Indian for passport SRINAGAR: Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani appeared before passport authorities and declared himself as an Indian while completing formalities for travel documents but insisted that he did it out of "compulsion".

"Geelani submitted his biometric data - finger prints and iris scan -at the designated counter," an official of the Regional Passport Office here said.

The 88-year-old hardline Hurriyat leader, who wants to visit his ailing daughter in Saudi Arabia, reached the Passport Seva Kendra here at the scheduled time of his appointment at 10.15 am.

He mentioned 'Indian' in the nationality column, the official said.

Talking to reporters outside the passport office, Geelani said, "I am not by birth Indian. It is a compulsion".

A Hurriyat spokesman justified Geelani writing Indian in the nationality column saying "traveling on the Indian passport is a compulsion of every Kashmiri".

"Geelani too is compelled to complete the formalities in this regard," he added. -PTI

Immigration

Immigration law aimed to protect Arpaio's patrols

44 India Post

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June 12, 2015

Details on page 46

India lodges protest over archers visa denial by U.S. NEW DELHI: Taking a serious view of the US Embassy here refusing to grant visas to 21 Indian archers bound for World Youth Championships, the Indian Olympic Association has decided to lodge a strong protest with its parent body, the IOC and its United States counterpart for the treatment meted out to the young athletes.

IOA Secretary General Rajiv Mehta told PTI that the national sports apex body considered the matter as a serious one and something which should not happen in future.

"Our archers have lost out a chance to compete at the world level. More than that, such things should not have happened in international sport. It is the first time that visas to sportspersons who are to take part in an international event have been denied like this.

The IOA takes the matter very seriously," Mehta said.

"It is surprising that some seven-eight persons have been cleared for the visa while the remaining are not. We are writing to

the IOC as well as to the United States Olympic Committee asking why this has happened. Now, the archers cannot take part in the event but I am writing to the IOC

not return to India.

The US embassy granted visa to only seven archers, two coaches and a Sports Authority of India official while rejecting 21.

and also the US NOC to ensure that such things do not happen in future," he added.

The Indian archery team had to be pulled out of the World Youth Archery Championships at Yankton, South Dakota after 21 of its 31-member team were denied visas by the US Embassy here on apprehensions that they would

Apart from the archers, India's well-traveled Korean coach Chae Wom Lim was also refused visa.

The Indian contingent, comprising Under-20 boys and girls, was scheduled to attend the June 8-14 event.

A disappointed Archery Association of India President Vijay Kumar Malhotra said that he has

already lodged a protest with the World Archery Association top brass over the incident.

"Our archers cannot take part in the event as they cannot reach the competition venue on time. It is over now. But the way it had happened, I feel disgusted, thinking how it could have happened," Malhotra said.

"I have spoken to our parent body top brass, expressing our disappointment at the turn of events. We have lodged a strong protest. We have also demanded reimbursement of the expenses by way of air tickets booked for the contingent," he added.

AAI Treasurer Virender Sachdeva said he was shocked that the visas were denied despite having the Government of India's sanction order and invitation from the US Archery Association.

He said the denial was on the ground that the visa officer was not satisfied with the interview of the rejected archers and doubted that they may not return to India after the completion of the event. -PTI

Probe demanded into H1-B visa misuse NEW YORK: A US Senator has demanded a probe into the "potential misuses" of the popular H1-B visa program following a report that Walt Disney has laid off about 250 employees and replaced them with Indians.

Democratic Senator Bill Nelson of Florida called for the investigation into the temporary visa program for highly skilled immigrants after a report in The New York Times claimed that technology employees at Walt Disney World in Orlando and other companies lost their jobs to immigrants and had to train their replacements.

According to a report, in the letter to Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, Nelson asked him to examine "potential misuses" of the H-1B visa program.

"This program was created to help fill jobs when there were labor shortages, not to take jobs away from anyone," Nelson said

in the letter, adding that he was concerned that immigrants in the program might be "in less specialized positions."

It was earlier reported that about 250 Disney workers were

an outsourcing company based in India.

Some of the laid-off workers had to train immigrants on H-1B visas to do their jobs.

It had said that the layoffs at

A US Senator has demanded a probe into the "potential misuses" of the popular H1-B visa program

laid off last year and many were replaced by immigrants hired by

Disney and at other companies, including the Southern California

Edison power utility, are "raising new questions about how businesses and outsourcing companies are using the temporary visas, known as H-1B, to place immigrants in technology jobs in the United States."

The NYT report said former Disney workers were struggling to find new technology jobs in the Orlando area, where Disney is overwhelmingly the biggest employer.

Last year, Southern California Edison, a power utility, started layoffs of 540 workers, replacing them with immigrants brought in by a different Indian-based outsourcing company.

A bipartisan group of senators, including Charles E Grassley, Republican of Iowa and Richard Durbin, Democrat of Illinois, have asked the Labor Department to investigate those layoffs for possible violations. PTI

Immigration Post

June 12, 2015

India Post 45

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Disney replaces 250 with Indian H1-B workers NEW YORK: Entertainment giant Walt Disney has laid off about 250 employees and replaced them with Indians holding H1-B visas, raising new questions on how outsourcing companies are using the temporary visas to bring immigrants into technology jobs in the US, according to a media report.

The layoff comes amid the continued debate over immigration reform in the US as the temporary work visas are at the centre of a fierce debate in Congress over whether they complement American workers or displace them.

Around 250 Disney employees were told in late October last year that they would be laid off and many of their jobs were transferred to immigrants on H1-B visas brought in by an outsourcing firm based in India.

The H1-B visa program has also been criticized for being used to bring in immigrants to do the work of Americans for less money, with laid-off American workers having to train their replacements, the New York Times reported.

The layoff caused huge resentment among the Disney employees, who said they were required to train their replacements to do the jobs they had lost.

"I just couldn't believe they could fly people in to sit at our desks and take over our jobs exactly," the report quoted a former Disney worker as saying.

"It was so humiliating to train somebody else to take over your

job. I still can't grasp it," said the American.

The report added that Disney executives said the layoffs were part of a reorganization, and that the company opened more positions than it eliminated.

"But the layoffs at Disney and at other companies... are raising new questions about how businesses and outsourcing companies are using the temporary visas, known as H-1B, to place im-

migrants in technology jobs in the US," it said.

"The program has created a highly lucrative business model of bringing in cheaper H-1B workers to substitute for Americans," said Ronil Hira, a professor of public policy at Howard University who studies visa programs and has testified before Congress about H-1B visas.

H-1B immigrants work for less

than American tech workers, Hira said at a hearing in March of the Senate Judiciary Committee, because of weaknesses in wage regulations. The savings have been 25 per cent to 49 per cent in recent cases, he told lawmakers.

Many American companies use H-1B visas to bring in small numbers of foreigners for jobs demanding specialized skills but for years, most top recipients of the visas have been outsourcing or

consulting firms based in India, or their American subsidiaries, that import workers for large contracts to take over entire in-house technology units - and to cut costs.

"But Disney directly employs fewer than 10 H-1B workers, executives said, and has not been prominent in visa lobbying," the report quoted officials of the organization as saying.-PTI

GOP votes to block spending on immigration WASHINGTON: House Republicans have voted to block the Obama administration from spending any money to defend against a lawsuit over the president's immigration policies.

The 222-204 vote came on an amendment by leading immigration hardliner Rep. Steve King of Iowa to a spending bill for the Commerce and Justice Departments.

House Republicans spent weeks earlier this year trying to overturn President Barack Obama's executive actions from last fall that granted work permits and stays of deportation to millions of immigrants living in this country illegally. The House efforts were unsuccessful, but Republicans have claimed success anyway, noting that the policies have been put on hold by a fed-

eral judge in a lawsuit by a group of states seeking to overturn the actions.

More than two dozen states argued that Obama's executive

It was one of a handful of immigration-related amendments offered by King and approved by the GOP-controlled House. action was unconstitutional.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans will hear arguments next month in the law-

suit. King's amendment would block the administration from spending any money to defend against it.

It was one of a handful of immigration-related amendments offered by King and approved by the GOP-controlled House.

By voice vote, the House adopted an amendment that would block spending for trade deals that add visas.

The House also voted 227-198 for an amendment that would block certain federal funds to localities that refuse to report names to federal immigration authorities.

That's become an issue in recent months as localities refused to participate in a federal program that turns over the names of people picked up for crimes to federal immigration authorities. -AP

California to extend health coverage to immigrants SACRAMENTO, Calif.: California lawmakers have approved legislation that would make California the first in the nation to extend health coverage to immigrants who are in the country illegally.

The SB4 bill advanced to the Assembly on a bipartisan vote, 2811.

If passed and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown, it would allow children under 19 from low-income families to qualify for state-funded Medi-Cal, regardless of their legal status. It would seek a federal waiver for California to sell unsubsidized private health insurance through the state's health exchange, known as Covered California.

And it will allow limited enrollment for low-income immigrant adults 19 and older into Medi-Cal depending on how much funding lawmakers approve in next year's budget.

Sen. Ricardo Lara, a Democrat from Bell Gardens, hailed his bill as a historic move to expand access to health care. Some Republicans warned that it won't help immigrants access doctors because of the shortage of providers who accept Medi-Cal,

California's version of Medicaid.

The Assembly, meanwhile, approved a pair of bills to make it easier to become a California voter while getting a driver's license.

AB786 would require the Department of Motor Vehicles to sign up all visitors who are interested in becoming voters, a program that

If passed and signed

by Gov. Jerry Brown, It would allow children under 19 from low-income families to qualify for statefunded Medi-Cal, regardless of their legal status. would be fully funded under the governor's proposed budget.

Another bill, AB1461, goes even further by automatically enrolling every eligible voter working at the DMV, raising objections from Republicans that registration shouldn't be forced on unwilling residents.-AP

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

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June 12, 2015

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Immigration law aimed to protect Arpaio's patrols PHOENIX: Newly released emails reveal conversations between the main players who wrote Arizona's landmark law cracking down on immigration, including discussions about doing the bidding of Sheriff Joe Arpaio and language that critics say played on immigration stereotypes.

The emails emerged in a court case in which civil rights groups are seeking to have the remaining parts of the law thrown out on the grounds that it is discriminatory.

They alleged the law known as SB1070 was motivated by a desire to discriminate against Latinos and Mexicans.

Lawyers challenging the law say it was aimed at protecting the contentious immigration crackdowns carried out by Arpaio. They cite emails involving the architect of the bill, Kris Kobach, then an adviser to the sheriff, and the bill's legislative sponsor, then-Sen. Russell Pearce.

An email unearthed in the challenge shows Kobach told Pearce in November 2009 that he was working to help defend Arpaio's office against the American Civil Liberties Union and the U.S. Justice Department. ``To that end, there is one more sentence that needs to be added to the bill,'' Kobach wrote.

Kobach then advocated for a provision that would let police arrest people without warrants in cases where the arrested person has committed an offense that makes them eligible to be deported from the United States.

The attorneys challenging the law also said Kobach repeatedly suggested a provision that would let police officers legally stop drivers if they have reasonable suspicion to believe the drivers are in violation of civil traffic laws. ``I think the legislators who were behind SB1070 wanted to use Arpaio's model around the state

and mandate it around the state,'' said Cecillia Wang, an American Civil Liberties Union lawyer who

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio

is among the attorneys pushing the challenge.

Coalition lawyers also cited an April 2010 email from Kobach to Pearce that they said played on stereotypes of immigrants.

Illegal immigrant granted NY law license NEW YORK: An appeals court in New York announced its decision granting a law license to an immigrant who was brought to the United States illegally when he was a child.

Cesar Vargas' mother brought him to the United States from Mexico when he was 5. He went to college and law school in New York City and passed the bar. A court committee recommended against his licensing but said the court should decide.

Vargas, an activist who pushes for changes to immigration laws, is eligible to work in

the United States under the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that gives work status and defers deportation action for some immigrants.

In its decision, the court said it found ``no legal impediment or rational basis for withholding the privilege of practicing law in the state of New York from undocumented immigrants who have been granted DACA relief.''

On his Twitter feed, Vargas said, ``NY, my home, OFFICIALLY says I can be a licensed lawyer!''

Jose Perez, deputy general coun-

sel at Latino Justice PRLDEF who represented Vargas, said the decision ``pushes the door wide open for other states.'' Perez called the decision a ``major advance in immigrants' rights.''

New York isn't the first state to grapple with the issue. In January 2014, the California Supreme Court decided in favor of a license for Sergio Garcia, who came to the country from Mexico as a teenager. That ruling came after California passed a law allowing immigrants in the country without legal documentation to get a law license.-AP

Vaz under fire for 'expediting' Lalit Modi's papers LONDON: Keith Vaz, one of Britain's longest- serving Indianorigin MPs, could face an inquiry by the UK's parliamentary watchdog over allegations of a conflict of interest by intervening in the immigration application of controversial IPL founder Lalit Modi.

According to a 'Sunday Times' probe, Vaz personally wrote to Sarah Rapson, the director-general of UK visas and immigration, in an effort to expedite the case of London-based Modi, former com-

missioner of Indian Premier League cricket tournament.

Vaz was then chairman of the influential House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee in which role he was required to scrutinize and hold to account the work of Rapson and her department, the newspaper points out.

However, Vaz has denied any wrongdoing or conflict of interest and said he had treated Modi's case the same as others who sought his help.

Kobach is currently the secretary of state in Kansas.

The email in question shows

Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen has now written to Kathryn Hudson, the UK parliamentary standards commissioner, urging her to investigate whether Vaz had breached the MPs' code of conduct.

In a leaked correspondence seen by 'The Sunday Times', Vaz offered to help with the immigration case of Modi, a controversial multimillionaire who has been investigated by Indian tax authorities in the past. -PTI

Pearce and Kobach were talking about including provisions in the 2010 law that would have made it a misdemeanor to have an overcrowded vehicle and let police start inquiries of people who had

cars on blocks in their yards or had too many people into a rental home. Neither provision was enacted into law.

Arpaio is known for his immigration crackdowns but walked away from the last vestiges of his immigration enforcement late last year as his actions have been repeatedly repudiated by the courts.

In 2010, Kobach served as an immigration-enforcement training adviser to Arpaio's office and helped Pearce write the 2010 law.

The courts have upheld SB1070's contentious requirement that police, while enforcing other laws, must question people's immigration status if they are suspected of being in the country illegally. But much of the law has been gutted by the courts, including a requirement that immigrants carry registration papers and a ban on immigrants soliciting work in a public place. -AP

California lawyer finally gets green card SAN FRANCISCO: A California attorney who successfully fought a legal battle to practice law despite his immigration status has got his green card and can now live in the U.S. legally as well.

Sergio Garcia, 38, first applied for permanent U.S. residency in 1994 at the age of 17 after his family moved from Mexico to California. ``It's an incredible relief,'' Garcia said after picking up the drivers' license-like card from his post office box in Chico, north of Sacramento.

The green card was granted on the heels of the law license he obtained in 2014 after a fiveyear legal and political battle that included opposition from the Obama administration and a favorable ruling in January from the California Supreme Court.

The license was granted after Gov. Jerry Brown signed a specially crafted bill passed by the Legislature to let Garcia practice law.

Garcia was thought to be the first immigrant in the country illegally to be granted a law license.

He now represents car accident victims and has already settled his first legal case.

Even with his law license, Garcia faced obstacles. Without the green card, he couldn't work for a law firm or partner with other attorneys on cases. Many potential clients were wary of hiring a law-

yer who could be arrested and deported.

Garcia says he is seeking U.S. citizenship, which would give him the right to vote, serve on a jury or work for the federal government.

He said he still gets an occa-

Lawyer Sergio Garcia holds up his green card at his law office in Chico, Calif.

sional threatening email from strangers upset that he is practicing law. He hopes his new immigration status will silence critics. ``I'm delighted for him,'' said Larry DeSha, a retired State Bar prosecutor who opposed the granting of a law license to Garcia while he lived in the country without permission. ``He worked hard and waited too long.''

DeSha said he has no issue with Garcia practicing law now that he's in the country legally.-AP

Datebook

June 12, 2015

NEW JERSEY Upcoming

NEW YORK Upcoming

Sat, Jun 13 • 9th Annual Kite & Color Festival

Sat, Jun 13

Venue: Buena Vista Camping Resort, 775 Harding Hwy, Buena, NJ 08310 Time: 11:00 am Contact: 856-503-6606

Venue: Valimar Club House, Valimar Blvd, White Plains, NY 10603 Time : 3:00 pm Contact: 9149488969

• 18th Annual Concert of Asavari

India Post 47

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CHICAGO

Upcoming

Upcoming

Fri, Jun 12 • Dil to Pagal hai ..Unforgettable

Sun, Jun 14 • EKTAA- Chhandam School Show (Fremont)

Hits of 90s Venue: Mehran Restaurant, 5774 Mowry School Rd, Newark, CA 94560

Venue: Centerville Jr. High School Auditorium, 37720 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA

ILLINOIS Upcoming 1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes

• Speed dating Event for Vaishnav Vanik Youth

Fri, Jun 26 • Exclusive Indian Standup

Contact: 408-646-0330

Time: 4:00 pm Contact: 510-378-0545

Venue: Royal Alberts Palace, 1050 King Georges Post Road, Fords, NJ 08863 Time: 5:00 pm Contact: 732-261-4048

Comedy Show Venue: Broadway Comedy Club, 318 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 Time : 6:30 pm

Sat, Jun 13 • Hindustani Classical Vocal

by Smt. Kalpana Zokarkar

Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807

Sat, Jun 27 • The Classic Burmans

Mondays and Fridays

Venue: Rainbow Court, 21690 Rainbow Ct,

Venue: Carrington Hall, 1201 Brewster

Sat, Jul 18

Cupertino, CA 95014

Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94062

• Dhammal Comedy Of Father And Son

Time: 07:30 pm

Time: 7:00 pm

Sat, June 20

Sat, Jun 27

• Gandhiji My Mentor The First Gujarati Monat Venue: Crossroads South Middle School, 195 Major Rd, South Brunswick Township, NJ 08852 Time : 5:30 pm Contact: 908-458-3047

Venue: Community Center Auditorium, 14309 Holly Ave, flushing, NY 11355 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 732-822-6163

Time: 7:30 pm

94536

Contact: 408-802-5128

Sun, Jun 21 • Tradition & Transcendence by Navia Natarajan Venue: Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303 Time: 4:00 pm Contact: 408-718-6729

Sun, Jun 28 • Paatasala Telugu School registration Venue: Telugu Times, 68 S Abel St, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 8:00 am

Sun Jul 19 • Shreya Ghoshal Live In Bay Area Venue: City National Civic, 135 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 408-476-6118

ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, Jun 13 • Diversity of Movement Venue: Mountain View High Theater, 2351 Sunny Hill Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30043 Time: 3:00 pm Contact: 678-346-8537

Sat, Jun 14 • A. R. Rahman - The Intimate Venue: King County's Marymoor Park, 6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, Redmond, WA 98052 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 207-401-9800

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

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

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

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

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

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June 12, 2015

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Philosophy

June 12, 2015

India Post 49

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I

t was really as a medical student, and later as a resident, encountering the realities of what disease and the specter of death does to human beings, that I began to wonder about this (faith).

Some of my patients were clearly relying very heavily on their faith as a source of strength in circumstances that were pretty awful.

They had terrible diseases from which they were probably not going to escape, and yet instead of railing at God, they seemed to lean on their faith as a source of great comfort and reassurance.

They weren't, somehow, perceiving it as the really awful thing that it seemed to me to be. And that was interesting and puzzling and unsettling.

As I began to ask a few questions of those people, I realized something very fundamental: I had made a decision to reject any faith view of the world without ever really knowing what it was that I had rejected. And that worried me. As a scientist, you're not supposed to make decisions without the data. It was pretty clear I hadn't done any data collecting here about what these faiths stood for.

Now, I was still pretty sure that faith traditions were all superstition and something that would not apply to me, and something that I wouldn't be interested in. But I did feel compelled to find out a bit more D.T. SUZUKI

Z

en is extremely elusive as far as its outward aspects are concerned; when you think you have caught a glimpse of it, it is no more there; from afar it looks so approachable, but as soon as you come near it you see it even further away from you than before.

Unless, therefore, you devote some years of earnest study to the understanding of its primary principles, it is not to be expected that you will begin to have a fair grasp of Zen. "The way to ascend unto God is to descend into one's self"; these are Hugo's words. "If thou wishest to search out the deep things of God, search out the depths of thine own spirit"; - this comes from Richard of St. Victor.

When all these deep things are searched out there is after all no "self" where you can descend, there is no "spirit", no "God" whose depths are to be fathomed. Why? Because Zen is a bottomless abyss.

Zen declares, though in somewhat different manner: "Nothing really exists throughout the triple world; where do you wish to see the mind (or spirit, *hsin*)? The four elements are all empty in their

about what it was that I had rejected. So with an intention of shooting this all down, I went to speak to a Methodist minister in Chapel Hill, which is where I was at the time.

I sat in his office and made all sorts of accusations, and probably said blasphemous things about the faith that he stood for, but sincerely asked him to help me find out what it was all about. And he was very tolerant and patient and listened and suggested that, for starters, it might be good if I read a little bit more about what these

scholar, C.S. Lewis."

I had no idea, really, who Lewis was. The idea that he was a scholar, though, that appealed to my intellectual pride. Maybe somebody with that kind of a title would be able to write something that I could understand and appreciate.

So this wonderful minister gave me his own copy of Mere Christianity, Lewis's slim tome that outlines the arguments leading to his conclusion that God is not only a possibility, but plausibility. That the rational man would be more likely, upon studying the facts, to

the basis of rational thought. I had kind of assumed that faith was something that you arrived at, either because it was drummed into your head when you were a little kid or by some emotional experience, or some sort of cultural pressure.

The idea that you would arrive at faith because it made sense, because it was rational, because it was the most appropriate choice when presented with the data that was a new concept. And yet, reading through the pages of Lewis's book, I came to that conclusion

Arriving at faith because it makes sense I realized something very fundamental: I had made a decision to reject any faith view of the world without ever really knowing what it Francis Collins

was that I had rejected. And that worried me.

faiths stood for.

And perhaps the Bible would be a good place to start. I wasn't so interested in that at that point.

But he also said, "You know, your story reminds me a little bit of somebody else who has written about his experience - that Oxford

conclude that choosing to believe is the appropriate choice, as opposed to choosing not to believe.

That was a concept I was really unprepared to hear. Until then, I don't think anyone had ever suggested to me that faith was a conclusion that one could arrive at on

over the course of several very painful weeks.

Dr. Francis Collins is the director of the National Human Genome Research Institute. He converted from atheism to Christianity after reading several works by C.S. Lewis.

ultimate nature; where could the Buddha's abode be? - but lo! the truth is unfolding itself right before your eye. This is all there is to it - and indeed nothing more!"

A minute's hesitation and Zen is irrevocably lost. All the Buddhas of the past, present, and future may try to make you catch it once

ings of our being, and to do so in the most direct way possible, without resorting to anything external or superadded.

Therefore, anything that has the semblance of an external authority is rejected by Zen. Absolute faith is placed in a man's own inner being. For whatever author-

cept when it desires to communicate itself to others. For this reason all the scriptures are merely tentative and provisory; there is in them no finality. The central fact of life as it is lived is what Zen aims to grasp, and this in the most direct and most vital manner.

Zen believes in inner purity and goodness Anything that has the semblance of an external authority is rejected by Zen. Absolute faith is

more, and yet it is a thousand miles away. "Mind-murder" and "self-intoxication", forsooth! Zen has no time to bother itself with such criticisms.

Zen is the spirit of a man. Zen believes in inner purity and goodness. Whatever is superadded or violently torn away, injures the wholesomeness of the spirit.

The basic idea of Zen is to come in touch with the inner work-

ity there is in Zen, all comes from within. This is true in the strictest sense of the word. Even the reasoning faculty is not considered final or absolute. On the contrary, it hinders the mind from coming into the directest communication with itself.

The intellect accomplishes its mission when it works as an intermediary, and Zen has nothing to do with the intermediary ex-

Ask and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.

Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.

Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

placed in a man's own inner being. For whatever authority there is in Zen, all comes from within.

JESUS QUOTES

D.T. Suzuki

Zen professes itself to be the spirit of Buddhism, but in fact it is the spirit of all religions and philosophies. When Zen is thoroughly understood, absolute peace of mind is attained, and a man lives as he ought to live.

From An Introduction to Zen Buddhism. D.T. Suzuki, was a Japanese author instrumental in spreading interest in Zen and Shin to the West.

And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?

That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

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

50 India Post

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K

uala Lumpur: Vikas Bahl's coming-of-age drama Queen and Vishal Bhardwaj's insurgency movie Haider, an adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet, scooped the major trophies at the 16th IIFA awards, including the best actress honor for Kangana Ranaut and the best actor gong for Shahid Kapoor.

Shahid Kapoor won the 2015 IIFA Best Actor award for his performance in Haider.

Queen, a middle class girl's selfdiscovery journey after getting ditched by her fiancĂŠ, and the ShahidShraddha Kapoor starrer Kashmirset drama took home three honors each.

Shahid, 34, dedicated his award to Vishal for giving him the opportunity and called the film a "scary" one.

"I would like to thank Vishal Bhardwaj for this recognition. A very big thank you to him for believing in me.

"Today, I am standing here because of him. It was a scary film to

June 12, 2015

do because we thought people will never love and understand this film," said the actor, who gave a powerpacked performance on the songs of Haider, in his acceptance speech.

Tabu's powerful portrayal of Shahid's mother in the film won her the best supporting actress award while Kay Kay Menon's role of a shrewd politician in the same bagged him the trophy for the best actor in a negative role.

Queen, a Phantom films and Viacom pictures co-produced drama set in Amsterdam and Paris, won the award for best picture and story, (Bahl, Chaitally Parmar and Parvez Shaikh) apart from the best actress trophy.

Anurag Kashyap, one of the honchos of Phantom Films, in a surprising gesture, expressed his love for fellow director Rajkumar Hirani, while receiving the best movie trophy for Queen.

"I don't know what to say. I love you Raju sir (Rajkumar Hirani). I don't

know how this film happened and it happened somehow. When we started the film we didn't have any money...," he said.

Hirani won the best director gong for Aamir Khan starrer highly acclaimed PK, a satire on godmen, after beating Bahl (Queen), Vishal (Haider), Abhishek Varman (2 States) and Imtiaz Ali (Highway).

"This film fearlessly talked about religion in the country and I want to thank my father and mother for it. Like Subhash Ghai, I also feel a film is incomplete without the help of technicians and actors," Hirani said.

Deepika Padukone, who was nominated in the best actress category for her stint as a dance teacher in multi-starrer film Happy New Year, took home the woman of the year award.

The 29-year-old actress dedicated the honor to all the women across the globe.

Cont'd on Page 52

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June 12, 2015 www.indiapost.com

Kolkata cabbie rides with grass, plants KOLKATA: How about sitting in a garden that moves? Well a city driver who plies a taxi fitted with a mini garden has been the centre of attraction here for a while now!

With a bed of real grass on the rooftop and a cluster of eight potted plants inside, the yellow-colored ambassador car, which op-

the plant growing, I thought of creating an entire garden in my taxi," Dhananjay told PTI. The 'Green Lawn' or the 'Green Tray' another name coined by Chakraborty for the car, which he says took around six months to complete, was inaugurated this May 8.

erates as a taxi resembles a moving garden and outshines other vehicles on the city's streets.

40-year-old driver Dhananjay Charkaborty who operates the 'plant fitted' car calls it his 'Sobuj Rath' or Green Chariot.

A self-confessed plant lover, Chakraborty says his rented house was filled with potted plants and lack of his own space prevented him from maintaining a full-fledged garden.

His love for greenery, however reached a different level after he discovered an empty bottle of alcohol left behind in the backseat by a passenger. After a lot of pondering Chakraborty placed a money-plant in the bottle and kept it in his car. That he says began the 'greening drive' of the taxi.

"I love planting trees. Since I live in a rented house I could not have maintained a garden. But I made sure to keep potted plants and plant saplings wherever possible. Once I found a bottle of alcohol in which I planted a money plant.

"Initially, people made fun of me but gradually they began appreciating my work. When I saw

A ceiling of artificial grass enhances the green feel of the car.

The cost of creating the lawn came up to Rs 22,000, which says Chakraborty, excludes the cost of decorating the ceiling and planting saplings inside the taxi.

"I have set up an artificial grass bed on the ceiling of the taxi which gives a sense of real grass.

I have also put potted bonsai plants near the driver's seat. On the left side I have another tray of grass and drawings have been made on it. The art has been made keeping pollution in mind. The pots have short poems and captions written on them," says Chakraborty.

The taxi which plies from Karunamoyee to Tollygunge and vice-versa does not charge customers additional for the decoration and the extra comfort provided by the planting of trees and grass.

"I don't charge a single penny extra for the decoration in the car, but when they praise me I tell them to plant two saplings. People applaud me for my initiative and give me extra money along with the fare. People are impressed seeing my taxi and take pictures

with it," says Chakraborty.

Aiming to spread awareness, Chakraborty tends to educate people about the fast felling of trees and informs them about the hazards of the same urging them to take care of the trees.

"If people do not like trees, they would not plant it. Also many saplings might be planted to mark the World Environment Day, but they are hardly taken care of. So I thought of creating awareness among the people to plant more trees," he says.

The green tray in the car has been prepared using various layers of fiber, stonechips, net, sand before adding a final layer of fresh green grass.

Chakroborty was cautioned by passengers about possibility of grass withering and rotting. But no such thing happened, he says.

"The tray has been made of various layers. I put water in it at night which filters and drips from the sides through the panels of the taxi. Because of the various layers, the grass does not go bad as people had suggested," explains the driver.

In a sparkling change, as the driver claims, the temperature of the car has come down drastically with passengers giving their feedback about the drive being much cooler when compared to other taxis and non-air-conditioned vehicles.

"The temperature of the vehicle has come down in the scorching heat of the city. This helps me to work even in the afternoons when other taxi drivers make efforts to save their taxis from getting overheated and resulting in breakdown," says Chakraborty.

The driver says he often skips lunch to keep from missing out on fares. This, he says is necessary because of the various debts he has incurred over time.

"Since my income is not more than Rs 12000 per month, I had to borrow money from people. Now I have a lot of debt on me, so I skip my lunch sometimes to repay it, he says.

To add to the ambiance of a

garden the taxi seats have been given a yellow color and have painted messages that urge passengers to quit smoking and consumption of alcohol.

One such caption reads "Thaake jodi Cancer er bhoy, Dhumrapaan aar noy!" (If you have the fear of cancer, then no more smoking).

The cab also houses a 'khurki' or a Nepalese knife which has short poems written on its body urging people to follow the path of non-violence. Alongside there is water from the Ganges and picture of a pigeon, considered as a sign of peace.

"I want people to be aware of the hazards of not planting trees and its effect on the environment.

If we as responsible citizens do not take initiative for better surrounding, even the government

body. Neither, he says, is he interested in joining any association or union.

A Facebook page named 'Bapi Green Taxi' helps people to connect with him. "People call me 'Gecho Bapi' adding Gecho to my nickname which means a person who lives on tree," says Chakraborty.

Chakraborty says he is grateful to Amlesh Singh, who owns the taxi, for his unending support and also to Ridhwik Dutta, the man who manages the social media account including Facebook and Gmail for him.

Dutta says he finds it difficult to manage the account because of the huge popularity and fan following.

"It is getting difficult for me to manage the accounts because of the increasing popularity of Bapi

won't be able to do anything," says Chakraborty.

Chakraborty says he has not been taking any financial aid from the government or any other

Da. I have accepted around 120 friend requests after I logged in 2 days later. Also there are many people curious to know about his initiative," Dutta says. -PTI

52 India Post

June 12, 2015 www.indiapost.com

A rare insight into India's cinema NEW DELHI: In a treat for film lovers, a new book provides a rare insight to India's cinema history from the pre-Independence period including snippets of some lost movies and forgotten stars.

Comprising posters and clippings from film magazines, song booklets and advertisements from the mid-1930s to the late 1940s, "Filmi Jagat, A Scrapbook: Shared Universe of Early Hindi Cinema" produces a unique and fragmented history of movies.

The collected material in the book is reproduced in entirety from a photo album maintained by a person named Mangaldas V Lohana. Published by Niyogi, the book has three illustrated essays by authors Kaushik Bhaumik, Debashree Mukherjee and Rahaab Allana.

Most of the pages bear the stamp with Lohana's name.

Among the gems, is an image of reformer Lakhmidas Rowji Tairsee who had passed away in 1939; stills from films of national uplift that were the order of social reformist cinematic fare being churned out in large numbers by the Bombay studios during this period - Bombay Talkies' "Naya Sansar," Hindustan Cinetone's "Apni Nagaria," reformist comedy "Kunwara Baap" and an adaptation of Tolstoy's "Resurrection" called "Yeh Duniya Kya Hai?" among others.

According to authors, Lohana represented a new generation of Indians, who, in the very act of

putting together his collage of film stills and the emotions expressed therein, pointed towards a seismic shift in public values among the Indian educated middle classes in the period under consideration.

Culled from mass-produced print objects, "Filmi Jagat" is an

intimate work that melds the immediacy of a private diary and the reflective distance of a carefully curated photo album.

"Lohana's scrapbook represents days, months, even years of careful collection of film-related materials. The collector exhibits a particular order of mania, a mania that stems from a passion for the movies coupled with a keen understanding of the utter ephemerality of the cinematic experience,"

says Mukherjee.

The book features snippets of several lost movies like "Apni Nagaria," "Kunwara Baap," "Yeh Duniya Kya Hai," and "Tasveer."

In his essay, Allana presents 19th century specimens as well as film stills and lobby cards from the 1950s-80s, briefly examining the evolving fashions of visual autobiography.

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal says the book's many abstract dimensions have the capability of unlocking a vast complex of wistful memories from that shared attic where our collective past is stored.

"This book is a serendipitous treasure trove that will reveal itself to those who connect with its contents ... and its curious intersection with the everyday person poised in front of the silver screen," he writes in the book's foreword. The authors say Lohana created the scrapbook at a time when South Asian cityscapes were getting increasingly saturated by multiple media, from print advertising to film billboards.

"However, the very idiosyncrasies evident in 'Filmi Jagat' demonstrates how this multiplication of visual stimuli did not numb consumers' senses but prodded some to actively make sense of this new imagistic world," says Mukherjee.

-PTI

Queen & Haider win at IIFA Cont'd from Page 48

"This award is for millions of women," said the Finding Fanny star, who looked gorgeous in a black and maroon saree.

Bollywood's showman Subhash Ghai was honored with the prestigious award 'Outstanding contribution to Indian cinema'. It was presented to him by his Ram Lakhan stars Jackie Shroff and Anil Kapoor.

"I am going through so many emotions right now. I have so many memories. Over the years one learns, rises and falls.

"This is one of the most wonderful evenings for someone like

me, to receive so much love and adulation. I have so many stories to share. I think success and awards are a trap. You achieve these for your past work but then you are expected to keep up that work," he said in his acceptance speech.

Riteish Deshmukh-starrer Ek Villain too won three gongs.

The father of one took home the best supporting role for portraying a cold-blooded serial killer in the film and the Mohit Suri-directed thriller won the best playback singing (male) for Ankit Tiwari (Galliyan) and best lyrics.

It was a big night for Riteish,

who was accompanied by wife Genelia, as he was also awarded in a new category introduced this time at IIFA, 'Outstanding contribution to a regional film'. The

couple's home production, Marathi film Lai Bhaari, won the honor.

"I dedicate my wins to my newly born son. Last year has

Bay Bridge steel to become public art SAN FRANCISCO: The Bay Bridge has connected Oakland and San Francisco and been part of the Bay Area skyline for almost 80 years.

Now, nearly two years after a new span has opened, the old one is coming down.

The parts, however, aren't headed for the landfill. Instead, artists will have a chance to use some of the 480 tons of gray steel girders, rods and rivets to make public projects for parks, trails, parking lots and bus shelters.

San Francisco Bay Area artist Michele Pred plans on submitting a proposal. ``It's a great opportunity for local artists to make use of something so symbolic and representative of the Bay Area,'' said Pred, who in 2002 tried unsuccessfully to obtain access to some of the steel from the World Trade Center.

Applications are being accepted now through the start of October under a program run by the Oakland Museum of California. In addition to the museum, the Toll Bridge Program Oversight Committee, Caltrans and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission/Bay Area Toll Authority are involved in the $2.2 million distribution project.

The steel will be cleaned and ready to be divvied out for free next year. Artists are then on their own to cover the costs to make the public art and find a spot to display it.

The original span was built in 1936. In September, 2013 the new span opened and parts that have come down have been sent for recycling, said John Goodwin, MTC/BATA spokesman. This summer, the rest will be dismantled for the art projects. ``Over the years, well before

been an amazing year for me because I played a negative role for the first time. I am lucky that both my stints as hero and villain in Lai Bhaari and Ek Villain were appreciated," Riteish said.

Alia Bhatt-Arjun Kapoor starrer 2 States, which lead the nominations with nine nods, settled with only one award in the best music direction category.

Alia's another film Highway and Shah Rukh Khan-Deepika starrer heist drama Happy New Year came out as the main snubs at the awards despite nominations in key categories.

Heropanti stars Tiger Shroff and Kirti Sanon took home the best debut male and female category respectively.

The best debut director gong was shared by Omung Kumar

(Mary Kom) and Sajid Nadiadwala for Kick.

Omung thanked Olmypian boxer Mary Kom for her help in making her biopic, which starred actress Priyanka Chopra in the titular role.

"This is the last award of the season and I never expected that the set which I design will ever climb the stairs to receive an award. Thanks Mary Kom for letting us make a film on you," Omung said, who is also a set designer.

Varun Dhawan won the best actor in a comic role award for his stint as a Casanova in his father David Dhawan directed Main Tera Hero. David received the trophy on Varun's behalf owing to the actor's absence from the ceremony. -PTI

demolition even began, artists approached (transportation agencies) about using the Bay Bridge steel in various ways,'' Goodwin said.

The agencies ``enlisted the help of the Oakland Museum to fulfill these requests and ensure that the old pieces of the old Bay Bridge are used in ways that the public can access,'' he said.

Parts will come from two stretches of the span, known as ``504's'' and ``288's'' in reference to their length in feet. -AP

India Post 53

June 12, 2015 www.indiapost.com

Asian Film Festival to showcase 52 films India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Film Society of Lincoln Center and Subway Cinema have announced the lineup for the 2015 New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), which will take place from June 26 to July 8 at the Film Society and July 9 to 11 at SVA Theatre (333 W. 23rd Street).

The Closing Night selection will be announced at a later date.

North America's leading festival of popular Asian cinema will showcase 52 feature films, including one World Premiere, 3 International Premieres, 13 North American Premieres, 5 U.S. Premieres, and 14 films making their New York City debuts.

The festival will be attended by 18 international filmmakers and celebrity guests traveling from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the US. NYAFF's Opening Night presentation will be the North American Premiere of Philip Yung's Port of Call. The film centers on the brutal murder of a 16-year-old Hunan girl who moves to Hong Kong with her family and falls into prostitution.

Winding through time and grounded by Christopher Doyle's gauzy cinematography, the film follows both the story of the young girl's descent into sex work and the grizzled detective (Aaron Kwok) who obsessively works to solve the murder. Kwok is astonishing here in a career-best per-

formance, with all the tics and haggard body language of a man beaten down by the violence that threatens to drown him at every turn.

The Centerpiece Presentation will be the North American premiere of Sabu's Chasuke's Journey, which was in Competition at this year's Berlin Film Festival. According to Variety, the film finds "Sabu in his most fun-loving element, stirring Okinawa's magical folk art into a Capraesque yarn that flirts

with ideas of fate and self-determination, but really just revels in a rich tapestry of human experience.

[The film is also] full of whimsical twists and high-octane action."

The lineup also includes the World Premiere of Fire Lee's black comedy Robbery; the International Premiere of Anh Sanghoon's erotic period actioner Empire of Lust; the North American Premieres of Chen Jiabin's directorial debut A Fool, Daihachi Yoshida's fantasy-drama Pale Moon, Lau Ho-leung's actioncomedy Two Thumbs Up, and

Nobuhiro Yamashita's slacker/rock drama La La La at Rock Bottom (previously announced); and the U.S. premiere of Yee Chih-yen's high-school noir Meeting Dr. Sun. Other exciting highlights include Kulikar Sotho's gorgeous meditation on Cambodia's tragic Khmer Rouge past and its impact on the present, The Last Reel; Ryuichi Hiroki's ensemble loveand-sex drama Kabukicho Love Hotel; Boo Ji-young's superb labor-rights underdog drama Cart; and Sion Sono's berserk rap musical Tokyo Tribe.

The 14th edition of the NYAFF will feature five focus programs: "Hong Kong Panorama"; "New Cinema from Japan"; "Taiwan Cinema Now!"; the previously announced "Myung Films: Pioneers and Women Behind the Camera in Korean Film"; and "The Last Men in Japanese Film," a joint tribute to Ken Takakura and Bunta Sugawara, both of whom passed away last November.

Though the festival is traditionally rooted in genre film and faithful to popular cinema, NYAFF 2015 continues to feature ambitious pieces of realistic storytelling that delineate themes that unite, rather than isolate, the nations and their cinemas by suggesting what they have in common.

The design of this year's program is to look in both directions: the present and the controversial past, with the inclusion of a number of movies that cast an unblink-

ing eye on the wounds of history (the Khmer Rouge in The Last Reel or the Cultural Revolution in Red Amnesia). In an age when nationalism has taken firm root in many East Asian countries and political control has spread far and wide, denying cinema its freedom and jeopardizing the existence of some of the most established festivals, this year's lineup also offers emotional morality tales (Little Big Master, Cart, Socialphobia) and films that speak truth to power (The Whistleblower, Solomon's Perjury Part 1 & 2, A Fool).

Women come to the fore with both a program highlighting directors and producers currently working behind the scenes in the Korean peninsula, and films from Japan that offer superb female portraits: defiant, fierce‌ free.

The festival also celebrates the beauty of Asian masculinity on screen, with a tribute to the two iconic Japanese actors who set the blueprint for Japanese manhood and cool, praised beyond the archipelago's bordersKen Takakura's death was widely lamented on Weibo (China's most popular social-media site) and even on state-run China Central Television (CCTV).

After eight successful years of partnership with Japan Society's Japan Cuts: Festival of New Japanese Films, this year's diverse selection of Japanese films have been fully integrated with the rest of the

Festival's program, and SVA Theatre's Silas and Beatrice Theatres has been added to the list of venues. With three days of screenings at the SVA Theatre (June 9-11), we are able to bring downtown audiences the biggest and boldest of Asian cinema's grand spectacles-sensory feasts that deserve to be experienced on

the silver screen (such as Brotherhood of Blades, The Royal Tailor, The Taking of Tiger Mountain 3D, and Vengeance of an Assassin).

In addition, five bold focus programs highlight East Asia's crucial role in today's ever-changing world of film. And at a time when many major film festivals are more Eurocentric and West-dominated than ever, NYAFF continues to show that the life of cinema is out there.

Why actresses are drawn to khaki

T

here is something about khaki that has always been a big draw to actors. Superstars like Amitabh Bachchan (Zanjeer) Aamir Khan (Sarfarosh, Talaash), Ajay Devgn (Gangaajal, Singham, Singham Returns) have admitted that the cop's uniform has held a certain sway over their acting careers.

Especially because of the power of writing that has supported such roles. And let it be known that actresses have been equally fascinated by the color khaki. A cub reporter back in the early '80s recollects how Hema Malini, who was absolutely on top of her game at that point, was still particularly kicked about getting into a cop's uniform in T Rama Rao's Andhaa Kaanoon. That she had to take on the invincible Rajinikanth (her brother who played a criminal) in the film, was also part of the joy.

But wearing the color khaki on

screen did give her an immense sense of achievement.

Years later, Rekha added stars to her career when she became a Lady Singham in K C Bokadia's Phool Bane Angaray, where she brought the bad guys to book.

The film gave her career a fillip and Rekha shone like the stars on her shirt lapel.

In the years gone by, several top actresses have been drawn to the cop's gear. However, the one who is currently attracting the maximum eyeballs in her uniform is Tabu, who plays IG Meera Deshmukh, a top-cop taking on Ajay Devgn in Nishikant Kamat's Drishyam.

The actress confessed that she was drawn to the role when she saw portions of the original Malayalam film. Choosy as she is about the work she does, this National Award winner had no compunctions at all about green light-

ing this role in a thriller. In fact, Asha Sarath, who did the same role in the Malayalam original, bagged awards for best supporting actress.

Ironical it is, that another Na-

tional Award-winning actress Konkana Sen Sharma chose to step into Tabu's cop shoes in the action caper Akira directed by A R Murugadoss. In fact, Tabu was the original choice for the cop role even in this case.

Years ago, another South Indian actress, Vijayashanti, whose films were also dubbed in Hindi, found favor with a pan-India audience in her title role as Vijayashanti IPS (Tamil dubbed version of the Telugu film Kartavyam, which was remade in Hindi as Tejasvini). In fact, so powerful was Vijayashanti in her policewallah role that she actually earned the sobriquet of 'Lady Amitabh Bachchan.'

Every generation has had its ladies who have won accolades for their roles in their khakis. Last year, Rani Mukerji, who kicks butt expertly, gave a noteworthy performance in Pradeep Sarkar's Mardaani. Diminutive in size, Rani

walked six feet tall because of the gait and the gravitas of her role as a Mumbai top-cop.

While Sushmita Sen (Samay) and several other heroines have also done their share of copgiri, it is going to be particularly interesting to see Priyanka Chopra in her cop's uniform in one of her next films. Dimple Kapadia's role as a police officer in Zakhmi Aurat gave her career the much-needed boost back in the day. She portrayed a tough-as-nails cop, who turns into a lady vigilante and aided by her friends, castrates rapists acquitted by the law.

Madhuri Dixit-Nene is best remembered for heaving her breasts in the evergreen item song Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai in Khalnayak, but the fact of the matter is that she was a cop (talk of cinematic license!) in the film, who goes undercover to ensnare the protagonist (Sanjay Dutt).

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Af-Pak: Why China is playing mediator?

India Post

FANNY RAGOT

I

n February 2015, a new strategic dialogue was held between Pakistan and Afghanistan under Chinese coordination, illustrating Beijing's recent commitment to support Kabul in pacifying its country.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, elected in mid-2014, has been reaffirming his willingness to set the wheels of negotiations in motion. It implies engaging in negotiations with Pakistan to resolve the problem of Pakistan's support for the Taliban, across the Durand Line. While the dialogue is still new, China appears to be brokering these discussions.

That Beijing is evidently involving itself - in shaping the future of Afghanistan and Pakistan - more than ever underscores a considerable shift in the way China deals with its neighborhood. Since 2001, China had been limiting its inter-

the effort.

China also feels the need to secure a stable environment around its oil and gas pipelines, trade routes with the Gulf countries as well as all its other economic interests.

China's energy needs are constantly increasing and Beijing cannot afford to let territories its pipeline networks run through to fall prey to terrorism and instability.

The success of Beijing's New Silk Route too depends heavily on the stability of the region.

The Chinese involvement in the resolution of the Afghan conflict also responds to a global plan of empowerment at the international level. According to China, its involvement in Afghanistan is part of its 'Peaceful Development' plan that focuses on stabilizing and securing its neighborhood.

Afghanistan was the missing

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping

vention to minimal security contribution; but over the past two years, a proactive tone has been used vis-à-vis improving bilateral ties with Afghanistan and the commitment of an increased Chinese economic footprint in the region.

piece of the Chinese regional diplomacy and ensuring stability in this country would have a beneficial effect on the neighborhood.

For Beijing, securing a peaceful neighborhood is sine qua non if it wants to meet its aspiration of becoming a global superpower.

Chinese interests First, China is extremely concerned for its national security, particularly due to the spread of terrorism and terrorist ideology into the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. The Uyghur separatist movement is a national security matter with important external connections.

China already has some counter terrorism measures in place that it implements inside its borders. Tackling terrorism, especially the Taliban, across the Chinese border to ensure that Afghanistan does not become a strong base for Uyghur militancy complements

Chinese assets in Afghanistan What makes China a particularly interesting ally for Afghanistan is its position between the three main parties involved in the conflict, justifying the Afghan President's choice to make Beijing the destination of his first official visit.

On one hand, China has had a long-term partnership with Pakistan that could be helpful for Kabul to pressurize Pakistan into taking coordinated measures to get rid of the safe havens Taliban find in the country. Despite the détente between Afghanistan and Pakistan since Ghani's election,

drawing a more suitable backdrop for cooperation than in the last decade, Pakistan does not allow fair negotiations. China actually has the power to influence the negotiations by taking on a mediator role.

Beijing can do so because it has several economic and non-economic counter-arguments to deter Pakistan from refusing to cooperate. Given the introduction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project - for which China is mobilizing $46 billion (approximately 20 per cent of Pakistan's GDP)-Pakistan will be heavily economically dependent on Beijing.

Besides, taking actions against terrorism in Pakistan is a way for China to fix Pakistan's lack of attention vis-à-vis Chinese security interests, and to give Islamabad the means to flush out the insurgents; and which would benefit both Kabul and Beijing.

China's links with the Taliban, which were low key before and after 2001, appear to be becoming more and more indiscreet. In November 2014, a Taliban delegation was sent to China and even though the entire contents of the discussions are still unclear, the very move of not interacting via intermediaries anymore gives China a proper space to open dialogue with them.

Overall, China benefits from strategic partnerships in its favor with Pakistan as well as the Taliban, which turn out to be of great interest not only for Kabul but also for the whole Chinese project of stabilizing the region. By responding positively to Ghani's demand of mediating the peace talks, China attested its willingness to protect its interests.

Beijing's involvement in the Afghan peace process will be a veritable test for its new foreign policy orientation as well as its diplomatic capability, especially since the US failed to durably stabilize the region.

With China taking the lead in the discussions between Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Taliban, India feels isolated owing to the sense that it has been relegated to a supporting role. However, India is unlikely to be sidelined in Afghanistan. New Delhi is still an important strategic partner for Kabul and the future of their bilateral relations depends on how India manages to balance and maintain its ties with Kabul.

The writer is Research Intern, IPCS

Eastern neighbor

T

he Editor of a prominent Bangladeshi newspaper had once grumbled, "India has only two neighbors - Pakistan and China -and the rest of us are mere geographic entities." Once again he wrote "India, mistakenly, spent most of its energy trying to "mend fences" with Pakistan at the cost of the rest of us neighbors.

It was, and continues to be, India's fundamental policy flaw."

However, the recent Bangladesh visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised his expectations that "the new, visionary, pathbreaking Indian leader… will deliver where others have failed."

The highlight of the Modi visit of course was the Land Boundary Agreement (LBA) under which 111 border enclaves will be transferred to Bangladesh in exchange for 51 that will become part of India. Modi cited a media report that compared the event to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The 22 agreements Modi signed will ensure greater connectivity between India and Bangladesh by road, rail, rivers, sea, transmission lines, petroleum pipelines and digital links.

Indeed it makes sense to strengthen bonds with countries which are eager to be friends instead of wasting capital over wooing stubborn Pakistan who keeps thinking new ways every day to harm India. In this Modi should take a leaf out of Hillary Clinton's campaign book where she is focusing more on mobilizing supporters in the favorable Great Lakes states and in parts of the West and South than on persuading undecided voters.

There is no point in persisiting in persuading Pakistan which is even blocking SAARC intitiatives. Modi's extending hand of frienship to Dhaka, which has gratefully grabbed it, is really the way to go. It is a win-win situation for both countries.

Transit through Bangladesh will help reduce long distances between India's states on the borders with the eastern country. Of particular significance is the agreement to initiate coastal shipping between the two. This should help reduce the time and costs involved in moving goods between the two which currently reach their destination through distant third country ports.

Instead of resenting neighbors turning to China for assistance, as was the Indian practice before, Modi has signalled India's readiness for regional co-opeartion with China in partnership with Bangladesh. In unveiling a very different approach, Modi is actively promoting India's bilateral connectivity with neighbors and is open to working with third parties like China, Japan and the US when there is convergence of interest.

A lack of progress on sharing of Teesta waters has disappointed many in Bangladesh. Modi has however been able to convey with his communication skills that it is a work in progress. And that he has to take his own states along. A masterstroke was bringing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with him to Dhaka. Although she did not utter a word on Teesta, her very presence was a reminder that the deal can be done in future. Chinese media was very quick to pounce on the absence of a deal on Teesta, commenting that Modi had left Bangladesh thirsty.

However Modi declared in a public address that he was positive about finding a solution to the Teesta river water issue through a "humanitarian approach." Water cannot be a political issue, he stressed. Explaining further he said, "My country has 1.25 billion people. There are so many states. I have to take them forward together. And when I move forward with Bangladesh, my states will also have to be moved forward." This was an apparent indication that Mamata Banerjee will have to be on board in finding a solution to the Teesta water issue.

When Manmohan Singh as PM visited Bngladesh, he took with him chief ministers of North Eastern states. Mamata Banerjee was conspicuous by her absence. This time by taking only Mamata along, Modi has played a political hand of wooing her on eve of elections in West Bengal.

June 12, 2015

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June 12, 2015