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India's role in Afghanistan critical: Ami Details on page 6

VOL 18, No. 978

June 17, 2013

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Periodical Postage

RSS BRINGS TRUCE IN ADVANI-MODI WAR

Chicagoans give fond farewell to CG Details on page 16

Nimish Jani sworn in Trustee of Schaumburg Details on page 20

Sooraj Pancholi arrested for Jiah suicide

China wants to revive 'Silk Road' with India

Details on page 50 Details on page 12

Why only cine stars commit suicide?

NYC chef names dish on spelling bee winner

Details on page 49

US body to set up 10 science centers in India Details on page 7

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

Tantrums of old man Advani will hurt Modi chances?

Last week’s result

Will US pullout mean return of Taliban to Afghanistan?

YES 37%

NO 63%

Details on page 7

CONTENTS ONCE THEY WERE FRIENDS: A file picture of L.K Advani offering words of wisdom to Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: The BJP reached a truce with sulking patriarch L K Advani who agreed not to press for his resignation from key party posts after RSS intervened to end the two-day crisis triggered by his opposition to Narendra Modi's elevation.

"Today afternoon, RSS sarsanghchalak (chief) Shri Mohan Bhagwat spoke to Shri Advani and asked him to respect BJP parliamentary board decision and continue to guide the party in national interest.

"Shri Advani has decided to accept Shri Bhagwat's advice," said a statement read out by party president Rajnath after meeting Advani in the company of other leaders.

Flanked by leaders including Sushma Swaraj and Nitin Gadkari, Singh made the announcement at Advani's residence but the party veteran was conspicuous by his absence.

Asked why Advani was not present, Singh said, "I told him that this is my press conference and it will not look nice that you sit and hear me."

In a bid to mollify Advani, Singh said he had assured him that all his "concerns" regarding functioning of the party, which he had cited as a reason for quitting the party posts, would be "properly addressed".

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Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 51 Community Post -------------- 16-26 Date Book -------------------------- 36 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-35 Horoscope ------------------------- 52 Immigration Post ------------- 44-47 Life Style ----------------------- 49-50 Philosophy ------------------------- 53 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 30-31 TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-14 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

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Publisher’s Diary T

wo historical firsts for the Hindu American community - a Hindu monk offered prayer for the House of Representatives; and the birth sesquicentennial of Swami Vivekananda, which was marked in the Congressional record.

These two firsts for the community are thanks to the efforts of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), which marked 10 years of advocacy among US lawmakers. Fittingly, the HAF achievements were celebrated with a gala event attended by several leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives on the Capitol.

As HAF co-founder Mihir Meghani said, the dividends of a decade of investments in education, advocacy and tireless interactions with every level of the American government were on display during the celebration.

"The Hindu prayer given on the floor of the House and the words of Swami Vivekananda offered by Democratic Congressman from California Ami Bera inspired a remarkable day that will carry us into the next decade of tireless work," Meghani said.

Personally, I believe that while Hindus in the United States are in no way marginalized or threatened by majority faiths, what the HAF has done over the decade is bring so much positivity about the Hindu religion in this country and made Hinduism an acceptable form of religion that the other faiths have come to understand and respect. What is impressive about HAF is the non-confrontational way in which it deals with any anti-Hindu sentiment that may arise from time to time among the ignorant; and the scholarly way in which it goes about to bring awareness about Hinduism.

Also impressive is the consistent stand it has taken to highlight the plight of Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh who are being persecuted by the majority faith in those two countries. And in this, the HAF has done more for the Hindus in these two countries than the Indian government or any other voluntary or political organization in India has ever done.

There are few organizations that work selflessly without a political agenda and HAF is one such organization, which works towards spreading knowledge about Hinduism and not to spread the religion.

Romesh K Japra

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Bollywood: Vintage romance The fresh pairing of Sonakshi Sinha and Ranveer Singh in a vintage romance of 'Lootera' has sparked a lot of interest.

Cover Story: BJP truce The BJP reached a truce with sulking patriarch L K Advani who agreed not to press for his resignation from key posts

Community: Farewell to CG Chicagoans vied with each other to bid farewell to popular Indian Consul General Mukta Tomar who is leaving office

Immigration: Thorny issue Health care coverage for newly legalized immigrants is emerging as a thorny issue in Congress' immigration debate

Life Style: Pancholi arrested Sooraj Pancholi, son of actors Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab, has been arrested for the suicide of Jiah Khan.

Techbiz: Silk Road China is looking to revive the ancient "Southern Silk Road" as economic corridor with South Asia through India

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Travel: Kailash Mansarovar The holy Mount Kailash is situated in the western Tibetan plateau of the northernmost region of the Himalayas.

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RSS brings truce in Advani-Modi war NEW DELHI: The BJP reached a truce with sulking patriarch L K Advani who agreed not to press for his resignation from key party posts after RSS intervened to end the two-day crisis triggered by his opposition to Narendra Modi's elevation.

"Today afternoon, RSS sarsanghchalak (chief) Shri Mohan Bhagwat spoke to Shri Advani and asked him to respect BJP parliamentary board decision and continue to guide the party in national interest.

"The president will discuss the modalities of addressing these concerns with Shri Advani," Singh said without elaborating.

Earlier in the day, the party chief made it clear that there will be no going back on the decision to appoint Modi as campaign committee chief, a major cause for Advani's resignation.

The denouement to the twoday political drama came after hectic parleys and persuasion by a number of leaders who met Advani and impressed on him the

ing the decision?... Where am I changing my decision," he told reporters in Banswada in Rajasthan when asked whether he would remain "firm" on his decision or change it in view of Advani's resignation.

To a question on Advani, he said, "he has been our guide, is our guide and will remain our guide."

Before the resolution of the issue, a host of leaders like M M Joshi, Jaswant Singh, Sushma Swaraj, Venkaiah Naidu, Gopinath Munde, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Kalraj Mishra and Gopinath Munde flocked to Advani's residence to persuade him to reconsider his decision, saying his "guidance" was required by the party.

Amidst these efforts, Advani got backing from Jaswant Singh who said a solution should be found to the questions raised the veteran leader soon in the interest of the party as well as the nation.

Jaswant Singh, considered close of Advani, also expressed hope that a solution will be found when asked whether Advani will reconsider his decision to quit.

"A solution should be found soon to the questions raised by Advani ji. This is in the interest of the party. This is in the interest of the nation," Singh said after meeting Advani in Delhi.

Hectic efforts

LK Advanis resignation letter addressed to party President Rajnath Singh

"Shri Advani has decided to accept Shri Bhagwat's advice," said a statement read out by party president Rajnath after meeting Advani in the company of other leaders.

Flanked by leaders including Sushma Swaraj and Nitin Gadkari, Singh made the announcement at Advani's residence but the party veteran was conspicuous by his absence.

Asked why Advani was not present, Singh said, "I told him that this is my press conference and it will not look nice that you sit and hear me."

In a bid to mollify Advani, Singh said he had assured him that all his "concerns" regarding functioning of the party, which he had cited as a reason for quitting the party posts, would be "properly addressed".

need to end the crisis triggered by his resignation.

Modi, whose elevation was the bone of contention, immediately welcomed Advani's decision.

"I had said yesterday that Advaniji will not disappoint lakhs of workers. Today, I wholeheartedly welcome his decision," he tweeted.

Rajnath Singh recalled that the BJP parliamentary board had decided not to accept Advani's resignation from the national executive, parliamentary board and the election committee and requested him to continue to be a member of these bodies.

Singh, who appointed Modi as campaign committee chairman two days back triggering Advani's resignation, earlier ruled out a rethink on that decision.

"Who is talking about chang-

Even as hectic efforts were being made by senior leaders to persuade Advani to withdraw his resignation, the tremors were felt in the NDA also. JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav hinted displeasure over Modi elevation could make them quit NDA and in Mumbai Shiv Sena saying they could not think of NDA without Advani.

Advani protĂŠgĂŠ Sushma Swaraj, leader of the parliamentary

BJP leader Sushma Swaraj arrives to meet senior leader L K Advani at his residence in New Delhi

Kalraj Misra and Syed Shahnawaz Hussain

party in Lok Sabha however declared the question of Advani's resignation does not arise once it has been rejected by the party's highest decision-making body.

The BJP Parliamentary Board, which met earlier, passed a resolution describing Advani as its "leader and

Uma Bharti

Former BJP President Nitin Gadkari

guide".

"That role inevitably belongs to him. The Party and nation needs his sage advice and guidance today more than ever before. The Parliamentary Board decided to reject the resignation of Sh Advani ji," it said.

In Nagpur, former BJP President Nitin Gadkari said the party needs the guidance of a veteran leader like Advani at this juncture. "We will pray to him to reconsider and I am confident he will take back his resignation," Gadkari said. -PTI

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India's role in Afghanistan critical: Ami Bera WASHINGTON: Fresh from his maiden trip to Afghanistan, Democratic Congressman Ami Bera, the only Indian-American lawmaker in the Congress, has said that India has a very critical role to play in peace and development in the war-torn country.

Bera, who is only the third ever Indian-American Congressman, said he is planning to visit India

developmental activities.

"India has a critical role to play in the economic development of Afghanistan. I think India has a critical role in continuing the infrastructure development of Afghanistan," Bera said, adding that New Delhi has a role within the broader context of international community.

Observing that nobody wants

The Indian-American, who has impressed even his critics with his strong performance both inside and outside the Congress, said he hoped that the recently held elections in Pakistan and formation of the new government would help in improving relationship in the month of August, during which besides his other engagement he would also visit his parental village in Gujarat.

In an interview to PTI, Bera came out in strong support of India-US relationship, noting that it is his desire to see the two countries walking as partners.

The 48-year-old Democratic party Congressman from California, Bera recently made his maiden trip to Afghanistan, where he had firsthand experience of India's

to see the re-emergence of Taliban or terrorism, Bera said this is where India as part of international community can be a key leader in partnership with the United States and Afghanistan.

The tri-lateral relationship between the US, India and Afghanistan is important to help maintain stability, he noted.

Bera, who has been speaking about India-US relationship in the Congress, hoped that it would be further strengthened after Secre-

tary of State John Kerry visits India for strategic dialogue later this month.

The Indian-American, who has impressed even his critics with his strong performance both inside and outside the Congress, said he hoped that the recently held elections in Pakistan and formation of the new government would help in improving relationship between India and Pakistan.

"It is India's interest. (Pakistan) Prime Minister (Nawaz) Sharif has indicated he would like to see increase trade between the (two) countries and I think this is something that the United State would foster," he said.

Uniquely placed on India-US relationship, given that he is an Indian-American, Bera said members from both the parties have increasingly been coming to him to get his advice and counsel, on this relationship.

His election to the US House of Representatives has encouraged several Indian-Americans across the country to run for elected offices, he said, hoping that in the next five-ten years there would be several Indian Americans in the Congress.

"My parents' generation can see pride in eyes that many of them would have said they would

it was unlikely to see someone from their community get elected to the highest levels in United States govt. They are proud to see that," he said.

"In the next generation you

Ami Bera

can see sparkle in their eyes that they can dream of being anything that they want to be. I can be a role model in that sense - go out and give it a try you can accom-

CBI books Jindal, ex-MoS coal for cheating, graft NEW DELHI: In a major embarrassment to the Congress, its MP Naveen Jindal and former Minister of State for Coal Dasari Narayan Rao have been accused of alleged cheating and graft by CBI in its fresh FIR in the coal scam.

After registering the 12th FIR in coal block allocation scam probe, CBI sources said the agency carried out searches at 15 locations including residence and offices of Jindal in the national capital and Rao in Hyderabad.

The agency team carried out coordinated searches at the 6Prithviraj Road residence of Jindal and offices of his firms in Bikhaji Cama place.

Besides Jindal and Rao, CBI has also booked companies Jindal Steel and Power Limited and Gagan Sponge which were allotted Amarkonda Murgadangal coal block in Birbhum, Jharkhand in the year 2008.

The agency also booked Jindal's companies - Jindal Realty and ND Exim and Rao's company Saubhagya Media.

The agency has accused Jindal, Rao and the companies of alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating and relevant provisions

CBI officials during a raid at the residence of MP Naveen Jindal

plish anything.

"That's when I talked about in the next 5 to 10 years seeing several fellow Indian Americans as members of congress, I believe that. When I talk about seeing

of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Rao, a former Congress Rajya Sabha MP, held position of Minister of state for Coal between 2004-06 and between 2006 and 2008. He has already been quizzed by the agency in connection with the probe in coal block allocation scam.

Reacting to the development, Head of External Affairs, Jindal Steel and Power Limited, Manu Kapoor said, "JSPL, as a law abiding company, is governed by a strong ethical code of conduct. This is an ongoing CBI investigation into coal block allocation. At this stage of investigation, JSPL is committed to fully cooperate with CBI." BJP Spokesperson Prakash Javdekar termed the action of agency too little too later and demanded that action should not be limited to searches alone.-PTI

within the next decade Indian American US senators, I believe that. And you have a chance to accomplish anything in America," Bera said. -PTI

Santa Monica gun rampage claims fifth victim LOS ANGELES: The death toll from a mass shooting in California rose to five after a 26-year-old woman seriously wounded during the gun rampage died in hospital, authorities said.

Marcela Franco was caught in a hail of bullets that also claimed the life of her father Carlos during the shooting in the upmarket beach resort of Santa Monica carried out by a gunman clad in black and wearing body amour.

Local media reports have identified the gunman as John Zawahri, who was due to turn 24. The gunman was shot and killed by police after being cornered in the library of Santa Monica College.

Marcela Franco and her father, a groundskeeper at the school, died after Zawahri opened fire on a car they were traveling in at the college.

"I am saddened to report that Marcela Franco passed away at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center," Santa Monica College president Chui Tsang said in a statement on the school's website. -AFP

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NYC chef names new dish US body plans to set up 10 science centers on spelling bee winner NEW YORK: A popular New guests. hard work and success in national York restaurant has unveiled in its He said the dish represent the competition. menu a new dish Arvind mini love of Jewish community to the She also presented Arvind with knaidel named after the 2013 Na- winner. Rego Park is predomi- a US national flag that was flown tional Spelling Bee winner Arvind nantly a Jewish neighborhood of atop The Capitol building in Mahankali.

Indian-American student Arvind won first place in Scripps National Spelling Bee competition by correctly spelling the word knaidel the German derived Yiddish word for matzo ball, a small mass of leavened dough that's a kosher delicacy.

This was announced at an event here organized by US Congresswoman Grace Meng to commemorate the victory of Arvind, who resides in her constituency in Queens's borough of New York, at Bens Best Kosher Deli in Rego Park, Queens.

It was attended by a large number of IndianArvind Mahankali tastes knaidels with Rep. Grace Meng and Jay Parker, the owner of Ben’s Best Deli American and JewishAmerican community leaders of New York.

New York.

Washington in his honor and conJay Parker, the owner and chef Meng, a member of US House gratulated Arvind's parents of the restaurant announced that of Representatives, who had ar- Srinivas and Bhavani Mahankali, the new menu Arvind mini knaidel ranged the event with community a native of Andhra Pradesh. would be served to its customers organizations, said the new dish Cynthia Zalisky, executive dito commemorate the victory of the exemplifies the diversity of rector of Queens Jewish Communeighborhood boy in the national Queens, especially New York that nity Council, Uma Mysorekar, championship. has immigrants from every coun- president of Hindu Temple SociThe mini matzo balls made out try around the world. ety of North America said their of dough, mayonnaise and eggs She said the Queens borough, congregation was proud of the is essentially a soup menu, he said New York City and the New York achievement of Arvind who put dedicating the new dish to the State is proud of and is now cel- Queens's borough on the internawinner to all round cheers of ebrating the 13-year-old boy's tional map. -PTI

Indian-American doctor guilty of healthcare fraud WASHINGTON: An IndianAmerican cardiologist has pleaded guilty to charges that he falsely recorded the severity of patients' illnesses in order to receive payment for numerous heart procedures.

Sandesh Rajaram Patil, 51, a former doctor at a hospital in Kentucky, is the third cardiologist in the United States to be federally prosecuted for health care fraud related to the placement of heart stents, according to the US Attorney's Office.

The Justice Department said Patil admitted to making false statements regarding the placement of heart stents, the metal tubes surgically inserted into a patient's arter-

Patil reached an agreement with the US Attorney's Office to serve a prison term between 30 and 37 months ies in order to improve blood flow.

Patil reached an agreement with the US Attorney's Office to serve a prison term between 30 and 37 months, pending a judge's approval.

Patil is scheduled for sentencing on August 27. St Joseph's hospital has repaid the government USD 256,800 for cardiac

stent procedures that Patil falsely submitted for reimbursement in 2009 and 2010.

"Dr Patil violated the public's trust in physicians," said Kerry B Harvey, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky.

For a cardiac stent procedure to qualify as a medical necessity, it is generally accepted that a patient must have at least 70 per cent blockage of an artery and symptoms of blockage.

Patil admitted that he placed stents in arteries that had substantially less than 70 per cent blockage.

He nonetheless recorded blockage of 70 per cent or more in patient documents to guarantee payment from Medicare and Medicaid. -PTI

WASHINGTON: A US-based generation of innovators, it said. body will set up 10 science cenOfficials of the Lemelson said ters Spark!Lab can play an important Spark!Lab - across India to role in India's future, helping to encourage inventive creativity in encourage initiative creativity and India's young people and help to foster critical 21st century skills create its next generation of inno- in its youngest citizens, which can vators. translate into future economic At an event held at the Indian growth for India.

Embassy here, it was announced The Lemelson Center estabthat the Smithsonian's Lemelson lished its first Spark!Lab in 2008 Center for the Study of Invention and InnovaOperating as a publiction has entered into an arrangement with Fed- private partnership, initially eration of Indian Cham- 10 pilot Spark!Lab sites bers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in this would be set up over the next two years with the regard.

Operating as a pub- goal of jumpstarting an lic-private partnership, initially 10 pilot Indian-run network Spark!Lab sites would be set up over the next two years at the National Museum of Ameriwith the goal of jumpstarting an can History as the core of its eduIndian-run network of up to 100 cational programs. labs.

Spark!Lab is a hands-on, inActivities will incorporate rel- vention-based workspace that evant topics and themes to the in- offers families with children ages dividual communities in India 6-12 dynamic activities to diswhere Spark!Labs will be located. cover the process of invention The Lemelson Center believes and practice 21st century skills that Spark!Lab can encourage in- while exploring a range of disciventive creativity in India's young plines including history, science, people and help to create its next engineering and art. -PTI

Indian-Americans remember 'Fallen Heroes' HOUSTON: Hundreds of In- national, Indo-American Political dian-Americans paid tributes to Action Committee. the 'Fallen Heroes' at India House Meanwhile, thousands athere, commemorating the bravery tended a tearful farewell to the of four valiant firefighters who four fallen fire fighters. died while saving others in a mas"It's a painful day," Texas Govsive hotel fire last week. ernor Rick Perry said.

The Indian-Americans gath"It's also a necessary day. And ered to participate in a prayer meet- it's our duty to honor these four ing for 'Fallen Heroes', who lost individuals who sacrificed everytheir lives in the hotel fire, described as deadliest day in the Houston Fire Department's 118- "At this time of tragedy and year history. human suffering, the Indian Indian-Americans appealed the commu- American community is nity to keep the affected coming together to help the families in their thoughts and prayers. victims' families," the "At this time of trag- organizers said. edy and human suffering, the Indian American community is coming to- thing in the service of their comgether to help the victims' fami- munity." he said. lies," the organizers said.

"Flames don't discriminate. It Major participating organiza- doesn't matter if it's a seasoned tions include India Culture Cen- veteran or a fresh graduate of the tre, India House, Hindus of Greater academy," the Governor said.

Houston, Indo-American ChamMayor Annise Parker, among ber of Commerce, Indo-American public officials, added brush Charity Foundation, Sewa Inter- strokes to the verbal portraits.-PTI

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HSC students celebrate Swami Vivekananda's teachings India Post News Service

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, PA: Hindu Students Council (HSC) celebrated the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda at HSC's 23rd Annual Camp. Over 55 Hindu students and young professionals from 18 different universities across the nation gathered on Memorial Day weekend on the grounds of Vraj Bhoomi in Pennsylvania.

Attendees delved into Hindu Dharma through interactive talks with cutting-edge scholars of religion and engaged in discussions about Hinduism in America. Students debated about issues facing Hinduism on

college campuses and how to address Western misappropriations of Hindu practices and philosophy without compromising its core Dharmic values.

"This year's HSC camp was highly successful in terms of providing the education needed to bring Hindu youth back in touch with their cultural and spiritual roots. Far too many young Hindus go with-

Students at HSC Camp

out access to the deeper teachings of their tradition and follow a diluted version learned by merely copying their parents," said Ravi Jaishankar, President of HSC. Neela Bhattacharya Saxena gave a lecture on the women-centric traditions of worship in Hinduism and the way such philosophies can help reshape our world.

The lecture on Shakti and Tantric traditions led to a lively discussion regarding their application in contemporary life. And Dr Jeffrey Long, from Elizabethtown College, gave an overview of Vedantic principles, which sparked a deep discussion about Hindu philosophical concepts that also link to modern science.

Kanchan Banerjee, member of the HSC Board of Trustees, sought to dispel misunderstandings about the caste system and discussed how the Hindu concept of Varna transcends hierarchical notions that have been linked to caste. And Aditi Banerjee,

co-author and editor of Invading The Sacred: An Analysis of Hinduism Studies in America, gave a talk about Lord Krishna's teachings in the Gita on the idea that the Dharmic path can differ based on situation and context, unlike Western notions of absolute morality.

"It is great that the HSC National Camp brings together the community to reflect on important Hindu issues and to develop plans to thoughtfully cultivate Hinduism in the United States in the future," remarked Neel Koyawala, Co-President of HSC's University of Pennsylvania Chapter.

The camp's spiritual, intellectual and social activities formed a deep sense of connection and friendship among the youth. Students participated in yoga, games, discussions, bhajans, prayer and temple visits. Attendees also were able to bond through a cultural celebration at night of Garba and Bhangra.

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US, China to work jointly to phase down HFCs WASHINGTON: For the first time, the US and China, the world's top two greenhouse-gas emitters, have agreed to work together and with other countries to phase down the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as an important new step to combat global climate change.

"Today, President (Barack) Obama and President Xi (Jinping) agreed on an important new step to confront global climate change. For the first time, the United States and China will work together and with other countries to use the expertise and institutions of the Montreal Protocol to phase down the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), among other forms of multilateral cooperation," the White House said in a press statement.

India ranks 5th on US email spy network LONDON: India has emerged as the fifth most tracked country by the US intelligence which used a secret data-mining program to monitor worldwide internet data.

Britain's Guardian newspaper claims to have acquired top secret documents about US' National Security Agency's (NSA) data-mining tool, called Boundless Informant.

The tool details and even maps by country the voluminous amount of information it collects from computer and telephone networks.

A snapshot of the Boundless Informant data, contained in a top secret NSA "global heat map", shows that in March 2013 the agency collected 97 billion pieces of intelligence from computer networks worldwide, the daily reported.

It showed that Iran was the country where the largest amount of intelligence was gathered, with more than 14 billion reports in that period, followed by 13.5 billion from Pakistan.

Jordan, one of America's closest Arab allies, came third with 12.7 billion, Egypt fourth with 7.6 billion and India fifth with 6.3billion.

"The tool allows users to select a country on a map and view the metadata volume and select details about the collections against that country," an NSA fact sheet about the Boundless Informant program reads.

The heat map gives each nation a color code based on how extensively it is subjected to NSA surveillance.

The color scheme ranges from green (least subjected to surveillance) through yellow and orange to red (most surveillance).

The disclosure of the internal Boundless Informant system comes amid a struggle between the NSA and its overseers in the American Senate over whether it can track the intelligence it collects on American communications.

The NSA's position is that it is not technologically feasible to do so. -PTI

The statement came soon after Obama and Xi ended their maiden meeting at the desert resort at Sunnylands, just outside Palm Springs in California.

A global phase down of HFCs could potentially reduce some 90 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2050, equal to roughly two years worth of current global greenhouse gas emissions, the White House statement said after the two-day informal summit.

The bilateral agreement says, "Regarding HFCs, the United States and China agreed to work together and with other

countries through multilateral approaches that include using the expertise and institutions of the Montreal Protocol to phase down the production and consumption of HFCs, while continuing to include HFCs within the scope of UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol provisions for accounting and reporting of emissions.

HFCs are potent greenhouse gases used in refrigerators, air conditioners, and industrial applications. While they do not deplete the ozone layer, many are highly potent greenhouse gases. Their use is growing rapidly as replacements for ozone -deplet-

ing substances that are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

"Left unabated, HFC emissions growth could grow to nearly 20 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, a serious climate mitigation concern," the statement said.

In 2006, China overtook the United States as the world's biggest producer of carbon dioxide, the chief greenhouse gas.

According to the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, China produced 6,200m tonnes of CO2 in 2006, compared with 5,800m tonnes from the US. -PTI

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George Cross restored to widow of Indian soldier LONDON: A British court has clinched a settlement for an 81year-old Indian widow in a longrunning dispute over the ownership of a precious gallantry medal awarded to her late husband, a World War II soldier in the British Indian Army.

The High Court of London, in an order on June 5, approved a pre-trial settlement that the George Cross posthumously awarded to Naik Kirpa Ram is the

to the claimant (Nath) of the said sum of 12,000 ponds," the court order reads.

Justice Stuart-Smith endorsed the "exceptional and honorable settlement" of what has been described as a highly complex dispute.

A deadline of December 31, 2013, has been set to pay the 12,000 ponds due to Nath, following which the medal will be returned to Brahmi Devi who intends

His widow, Brahmi Devi, then aged just 13 had been married just days before her new husband left for the battlefield. In 1946, she traveled from her small village of Bhapral in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, to Delhi to receive the medal in his honor property of his wife Brahmi Devi.

A campaign is now underway among the Indian community in Britain to raise 12,000 ponds as costs to be paid to the current owner, retired Indian Army officer and medal collector Ashok Nath.

"The medal and the medal group remain in custody of the Metropolitan Police until payment

for its subsequent placement in a public collection in India.

The medal, one of the few Indian George Crosses, was awarded to Naik Kirpa Ram of the 8th Battalion, 13th Frontier Force Rifles, British Indian Army on September 12, 1945, for his act of gallantry in saving the lives of his fellow soldiers at the cost of his own.

During a field firing exercise at with an anticipated market value to stop the sale on the grounds that a rest camp at Thondebavi, Ban- of around 100,000 ponds. it had most likely either been stolen galore, a rifle grenade misfired or obtained by and fell yards from his section. means of trickery He rushed forward, shouted at prior to being his section to take cover, and sold. Since then attempted to throw the grethe George nade a safe distance away.

Cross, along with However, it exploded in his Naik Kirpa Ram's hands and his fatal self-sacriother medals, has fice meant that only two men been held by the of his section were slightly Art and Antiquiwounded. ties Unit of ScotHis widow, Brahmi Devi, land Yard. then aged just 13 had been "When I married just days before her heard about the new husband left for the battlecase and saw field. In 1946, she traveled from Brahmi Devi's her small village of Bhapral in photographs, I Bilaspur district, Himachal was so moved.

Pradesh, to Delhi to receive the She reminded medal in his honor from the me of my own then Viceroy of India, Field grandmother Marshal Lord Wavell. and I immediBrahmi Devi's only cherately decided to ished memory of her late hustake on the case band was then reported stolen 'pro bono'," said from a trunk in her home in Brahmi Devi, widow of George Cross awardee Naik Kirpa Vijay Sharma of Ram, with a picture of her husband Bhapral back in 2007 and after London-based years of knocking on doors of Arlingtons the Indian police and Himachal While Nath had acquired the Sharmas Solicitors, the law firm courts, it appeared on the auction medal in good faith for a reported behind the final outcome in favor circuit through auctioneers Dix sum of 4,000 ponds, the Indian High of the long-suffering Army Noonan Webb in London in 2009 Commission in London intervened widow.-PTI

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Asian groups, White House seek better race data WASHINGTON: On paper, Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders appear to be a highachieving bunch with few of the challenges faced by other racial and ethnic minorities in US schools.

Break these populations down into their many ethnic groups, however, and stark disparities emerge.

For example, between 2006 and

sus officials reported.

Asian-American and Pacific Islander professionals spent two days in Washington recently puzzling over these types of disparities, and how schools and educational institutions can best deal with them. Some groups are so small in number that gathering data on them can inadvertently violate the privacy of specific children and their families, said Don Yu, special adviser to Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

The Asian population Last year, the Eduexpanded more than four cation Department sent out a request for ideas times faster than the overall on how to best tease US population between out and collect data on 2000 and 2010, according the many Asian-American and Pacific Isto the Census Bureau lander ethnicities, as well as information on 2010, about three-quarters of Tai- what is already being done in wanese-Americans and more than some states, cities and school dishalf of Korean-Americans aged 25 tricts. Those ideas were discussed and older had earned bachelor's during the meeting. degrees, but only 10 per cent of Asian-Americans are often Samoans and 12 per cent of Lao- very visible academically, such as tian-Americans in that same age the spelling bee champion whose range had done so, large gaps that family emigrated from India, the frequently go unseen. class valedictorian of Japanese The Asian population ex- descent or the Chinese-American panded more than four times champion at the science fair. But faster than the overall US popula- such successes mask the acation between 2000 and 2010, ac- demic woes of others, such as cording to the Census Bureau.

Cambodians and Native HawaiNative Hawaiian and Pacific ians, said Kiran Ahuja, executive Islanders increased more than director of the White House Inithree times faster than the US tiative on Asian Americans and population over that period, Cen- Pacific Islanders.-AP

Indian workers in Saudi Arabia 'duped' DUBAI: Nearly 200 Indians in Saudi Arabia have accused two Bangladeshi labor-recruiting agents of duping them and forcing them to do menial jobs at various industrial locations where they were threatened by bosses.

They approached Indian officials in Dammam with a fraud complaint. The workers alleged that a recruitment agent in Mumbai had promised them skilled jobs in AlBabtain Plastic Factory in Dammam, the Arab News reported.

Nearly 200 skilled and unskilled youth from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh traveled to Saudi Arabia after paying between Rs 90,000 and Rs 150,000 to the Mumbaibased labor agent Fahad Enterprises, the paper quoted workers as saying.

All the workers were forced to

do menial jobs at various industrial locations in the Eastern Province. They have not been paid for the two months after they arrived.

Some of them told Arab News that they are living in deplorable conditions and are being constantly threatened by bosses.

One worker, preferring anonymity fearing his Bangladeshi boss, said he was hired as an electrician but has been cleaning toilets since his arrival, the paper said.

They said that they are denied food if they refuse to work as cleaners. They have not seen the factory where they were meant to work or the offices of the Bangladeshi recruitment agents.

One worker said he had sold the gold meant for his sister's marriage to get a work visa for and was now unable to go home. Other workers had similar stories of financial hardship. -PTI

'NSA's phone & internet spying helped track Headley' WASHINGTON: The leaders of the US Senate and House Intelligence committees have defended National Security Agency's phone and internet surveillance program, saying it has been critical in thwarting potential terrorist attacks and also to track the 2008 Mumbai attacks' convict David Headley.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Senator Dianne Feinstein said that the NSA phone surveillance program revealed in reports is limited in scope to viewing phone records, not listening to private conversations.

Feinstein said the phone program had helped disrupt a 2009 plot to bomb New York City's subways.

"Feinstein said the program

also helped to track the case of David Headley, a Pakistani-American who traveled to Mumbai to scope the Taj Mahal Hotel for an attack," ABC News reported.

David Headle

Headley was arrested by the US security agencies in October 2009 for scouting the targets of the Mumbai terror attack for terror organization LeT.

He has confessed to his role and has managed a deal with the US authorities under which he escaped a death penalty.

Feinstein said the shadow of the September 11 terrorist attacks still loom in her mind, and that strong intelligence from the type of surveillance conducted by the NSA is needed to prevent future attacks.

The eavesdropping and code-breaking agency is fighting back after last week's revelations by UK's Guardian newspaper about its two surveillance programs raised privacy concerns.

One program collects hundreds of millions of US phone records while the other gathers audio, video, email, photographic and Internet search usage of foreign nationals overseas. -PTI

Tech News Airport privatization may not be forever: ACI chief CAPETOWN: Indicating that privatization of airports' management in east Indian city Kolkata and south Indian city Chennai should not be permanent, a global airport expert has said such a move by the government should be intended only to give a "breather" to the Airports Authority of India which has modernized them.

"I don't know how much the AAI was involved in the decisionmaking process. Sometimes, it makes sense to outsource certain areas at least for some time. When you privatize something, it is not necessarily forever. It is a breathing spell... to give time to catch your breath," global airports body Airports Council International (ACI) Director General Angela Gittens told PTI here.

The chief of ACI, which represents 573 members operating 1,751 airports in 174 countries and territories across the globe, was asked about government's recent decision to privatize management control of the Kolkata and Chennai airports through global competitive bidding. -PTI

Canada for early signing of CEPA with India TORONTO: India and Canada must sign two key trade agreements to unlock the full potential of their economic ties, Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird has said as he called for a "robust" collaboration to combat terrorism and proliferation of nuclear weapons.

"We're negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA. We look forward to greater momentum in these talks and plan to conclude a highquality agreement by the end of this year," he said.

"A CEPA could boost Canada's and India's economies by at least USD 6 billion each year," Baird said after honoring 11 Indo-Canadians for their outstanding contributions to Canadian economy at the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce's (ICCC) Annual Awards and Gala Night here.

"Indeed, we need a completed trade agreement for two-way trade to blossom," Baird said adding that, "We're eager to finalize the foreign investment promotion and protection agreement (FIPPA), which would make it easier and more predictable for Canadian companies to do business in India.-PTI

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Former CFO of TCS ,S Mahalingam and CEO of CIMA, Charles Tilley during a MOU signing between CII-TCM and CIMA in Mumbai on June 7

China wants to revive 'Southern Silk Road' with India BEIJING: China is looking to revive the ancient "Southern Silk Road" with South Asia through the economic corridor linking Bangladesh, China, India, and Myanmar (BCIM), a topic that figured prominently during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's recent India visit.

As it opened its first South Asia Expo currently being held in Kunming, provincial capital of Yunnan, China wants it to be the "bridge head" with India and South Asia, Chinese officials said.

China is ready for the revival of the "Southern Silk Road" and plans are under discussion, staterun Xinhua news agency quoted Yang Ye, a researcher with the Development Research Centre of Yunnan provincial government, as saying.

Chinese scholars say the ancient silk route, originating from China's Chengdu city wandered through Myanmar and then extended to India, Bangladesh and even the Middle East.

Besides the 16 existing international transport lines linking Yunnan and some Great Mekong Sub-regional countries, seven trunk roads originating from Yunnan extending to neighboring nations and provinces have been

promoted as high-grade highways, the report said.

These include China-Vietnam Highway, China-Laos-Thailand Highway, China-Myanmar Highway, and a domestic section of China-India Highway.

With joint efforts by China, India, Myanmar and Bangladesh, a

held from late February to early March this year.

The BCIM economic corridor figured prominently in Li's last month's talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The joint statement issued at the end of his visit said "encouraged by the successful BCIM Car

nomic Corridor".

Though the route of the new "Southern Silk Road" has yet to be determined, the success of the race across the four countries indicated that it is possible to build a transport passage along the route, Yang said.

The route is expected to serve

Rally of February 2013 between Kolkata (east Indian city) and Kunming, the two sides agreed to consult the other parties with a view to establishing a Joint Study Group on strengthening connectivity in the BCIM region for closer economic, trade, and people-topeople linkages and to initiating the development of a BCIM Eco-

as an inland bridge linking South Asian countries and central, eastern coastal areas of China, so as to promote the development of western regions of China and boost the common prosperity of the nations along the route, he said.

An Indian delegation of 130 businessmen took part in the Expo.

-PTI

Chinese scholars say the ancient silk route, originating from China's Chengdu city wandered through Myanmar and then extended to India highway route starting from Yunnan to India by way of Myanmar have been approved by relevant departments of the four countries, Yang said.

Experts from the four countries launched a field inspection along the route in February 2012.

The first auto race along the 2,800-km route was successfully

Willing to talk to GMR if we come to power: Gayoom NEW DELHI: Nearly seven months after GMR's over USD 500 million Male airport project was terminated, former President and key political player Maumoon Abdul Gayoom says his party is open to do business with the Indian infrastructure major if it comes back to power.

Blaming former President Mohamed Nasheed for inking a faulty contract with GMR resulting in its termination, Gayoom, who was here recently, said he has assured top Indian leadership including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that all bilateral, regional and international commitments will be respected by his government.

"The fault lies with the former

President Nasheed because he entered into this agreement against the law...our constitution and law says he should seek and

Maumoon Abdul Gayoom

get parliamentary approval because he enters into such an agreement. He kept the parliament

and public in dark," Gayoom told PTI. He said there was lot of public unhappiness when certain provi-

"I don't blame GMR for that. I blame my government, I blame Nasheed for doing it against the law," he said.

Asked if he, who is confident of his party He said there was PPM coming back to lot of public unhap- power in September Presipiness when certain dential elections, was willing to look at GMR if it provisions of the comes with a fresh procontract came to posal, he said, "everylight which, he said, thing is possible".

"Of course, if you look was against the interat investors, whether it is ests of his country.

GMR or Tata or whoever, anybody who wants to invest in Maldives, we sions of the contract came to light will talk to them. which, he said, was against the Cont’d on page 14 interest of his country.

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Myanmar allows access to Indian airlines YANGON: Indian airlines can now operate flights to Myanmar as the country has granted traffic rights to India-based carriers paving the way for air connectivity between the nations.

"Yes, we (Indian airlines) got the fifth freedom rights which is a major concession," Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said here.

The fifth freedom rights allow an airline carry revenue traffic between countries as a part of services connecting the airline's own country.

At present, there is no direct air connectivity between India and Myanmar.

Indian private carrier SpiceJet has expressed interest to fly from

Delhi to Dhaka, continuing on to Yangon.

"SpiceJet has applied to fly on this route under the fifth freedom rights," an official said adding the regulatory approval is awaited for the same.

During his visit to Myanmar, Sharma held bilateral meetings with various ministers including Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin, Commerce Minister U Win Myint, Energy Minister U Than Htay and Communications and IT Minister U Myat Hein and discussed ways to strengthen the political, economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

Besides, India has asked Myanmar to seriously consider the bids of Indian telecom compa-

nies like Bharti Airtel for expanding telephone services in its nation.

for telecom companies which is going on in Myanmar.

The Myanmar government had

In a meeting with Hein, Sharma discussed the selection process

called for bids for two telecom licenses and shortlisted 12 applicants. Bharti Airtel has submitted

RBI fines Axis, HDFC & ICICI banks MUMBAI: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed fines totaling Rs 10.5 crore on top three private lenders - Axis Bank, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank - for violating KYC and anti-money laundering norms and said it was conducting inquiries against 36 other banks following an expose made by an online portal.

A penalty of Rs 5 crore has been imposed on Axis Bank, Rs 4.5 crore on HDFC Bank and Rs 1 crore on ICICI Bank after inquiring into charges leveled by an online portal Cobrapost.

"After considering the facts of each case...Reserve Bank came to conclusion that some of the violations were substantiated and warranted imposition of monetary penalty..." the central bank said in a statement.

probe the allegations of contravention of Know Your Customer (KYC)/anti-money laundering guidelines against them following the expose.

The three banks refused to comment on RBI's action.

The penalty follows scrutiny carried out by RBI of books of accounts, internal control, compliance systems and processes of these three banks at their corporate offices and some branches during March/April 2013.

The scrutiny was conducted to

tiny was being conducted at corporate offices of 36 other banks and "the process of follow up action in respect of these banks is at different stages of its completion."

The scrutiny of these three banks, RBI said, revealed violation of certain regulations and instructions issued by the central bank

from time to time.

The violations include non-observance of certain safeguards in respect of arrangement of "at par" payment of cheques drawn by

They did not adhere to the KYC norms for walk-in customers for sale of third party products and failed to file cash transaction reports in respect of some cash transactions and sale of gold coins for cash beyond Rs 50,000.In certain cases, the banks failed to obtain permanent account number (PAN) card details Although the investigation did not reveal any prima facie evidence of money laundering, RBI said that "any conclusive inference in this regard can be drawn only by an end-to-end investigation of the transactions by tax and enforcement agencies".

It further said that a similar scru-

cooperative banks, non-adherence to certain aspects of KYC and AML guidelines like risk categorization and periodical review of risk profiling of account holders.

They did not adhere to the KYC norms for walk-in customers for sale of third party products and failed to file cash transaction reports in respect of some cash transactions and sale of gold coins for cash beyond Rs 50,000.

In certain cases, the banks failed to obtain permanent account number (PAN) card details or form 60/ 61 and verify the source of funds credited to a few non-resident ordinary (NRO) accounts.

RBI had launched the investigation into the working of banks following the expose by Cobrapost which showed some bankers giving suggestions to customers on ways to bypass regulatory norms.

The first expose had named ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and HDFC Bank. Later, scores of other public and private sector banks and insurance companies figured in the expose. -PTI

its final bid for telecom license in the country.

Other Indian companies which are upbeat on business prospects in resource-rich Myanmar include few oil firms - ONGC Videsh Ltd and Oil India, besides banks like SBI and Bank of India Sharma has said that over the next few years, "We will see an investment of around USD 2.6 billion from India to Myanmar."

India is the tenth largest investor in Myanmar with an investment estimated at USD 273.5 million.

Indian companies like Tata Motors, Essar Energy, Escorts, Sonalika Tractors, Zydus Pharmaceuticals, Ranbaxy and Cadila Healthcare already have their presence in Myanmar. -PTI

AirAsia to cut ties with Japan's ANA TOKYO: Asia's largest budget carrier AirAsia is to pull out of its partnership with Japan's All Nippon Airways because of slumping business, a report said here.

Malaysia-based AirAsia has decided to withdraw from AirAsia Japan, a company it jointly formed with ANA to begin low-cost carrier operations out of Tokyo's Narita International Airport in August 2012, the Nikkei business daily said.

AirAsia's CEO Tony Fernandes reached a basic accord on the dissolution after discussions with senior officials of ANA Holdings, which owns ANA, the newspaper

said.

Under their accord, the Japanese airline plans to buy the 49 percent stake held by its Malaysian counterpart and turn the joint venture into a 100 per cent subsidiary, it said.

AirAsia aims to establish a new budget airline operator in partnership with another Japanese company, the paper said.

The airline's Japan's service is likely to continue under the Peach Aviation brand when AirAsia Japan's service finishes at the end of October, it said. Peach Aviation is an ANA group budget carrier based at Kansai International Airport, western Japan. -AFP

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AI expects 20 pc hike in revenue: Ajit LONDON: Beleaguered Air India's fortunes seem to be shoring up with the airline estimating that its total revenue would go up 20 per cent by the end of the current financial year.

The national carrier's total revenue is expected to go up from Rs 16,130 crore in 2012-13 to Rs 19,393 crore in 2013-14, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said at a function here to celebrate completion of Air India's 65 yeas of service on the London route.

Reflecting a turnaround earlier than planned, the airline is determined to achieve the target of growing its operating revenue to by over 20 per cent, Singh said.

According to the minister, Air India also estimates that its EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) would increase from Rs 19.45 crore in 2012-13 to Rs 1,040 crore in the current fiscal.

"We are restructuring Air India's operations. Right now there are only two Indian air carriers who are doing international operations -- Jet and Air India. Jet is making profit but Air India is incurring losses. So we are trying to reduce our costs through various ways and in the process the Dreamliners are playing a very important role," he told PTI. Air India has re-launched commercial flight of the Dreamliner between Delhi and London on May 22 and plans to expand its

global network using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft as the stateof-the-art aircraft took to the skies again after being grounded since January 17 after reporting several battery fire incidents.

The minister avoided replying when asked if Air India plans to

see," Singh said.

Maintaining that FDI is good for the civil aviation industry and Indian air carriers, he said "our banks are financially over-exposed to the sector. They are not so keen to give loan to airlines. That is why FDI is a welcome step."

Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh

charge passengers extra for seat allotments and additional baggage, but said "we have asked for a study on the global practice. I am told that it is a global practice to charge extra for providing extra services."

"See, we are hybrid. We have the economy class in which so far we are not charging, but in case of business class we are charging extra for providing services like extra leg rooms, flat beds etc., so let's

Singh said the loss-making routes of Air India have been reduced from 69 per cent to 25 per cent, while its on-time performance in 2012-13 has been 77.1 per cent (domestic 80.2 per cent and international 70.8 per cent).

There has also been a "significant increase" in business and first class passengers which has contributed to growth in yields on both domestic and international networks, he said.-PTI

AI likely to scrap free meals on short-haul NEW DELHI: Air India is considering not to offer any meal on certain short-haul domestic flights and join other Indian carriers to take a fee for preferred seats.

No decision has yet been arrived at on these matters but the airline is actively considering the options, Air India sources said here.

The national carrier, which has already stopped serving hot meals on domestic flights of less than 90 minutes, could decide not to serve any food on its services which are less than one hour, the sources said.

Currently, passengers pay for having food on no-frill carriers IndiGo, Spicejet and GoAir, while full service airlines Air India and Jet Airways provide complimentary meals on all flights.

Serving of hot meals entail additional financial burden as an aircraft has to have in-flight heating systems which consume a lot of

power. The cost and availability of meals on airlines has changed considerably in the recent years.

Globally, financial pressures

a faster turnaround of an aircraft, which would remain cleaner and have lesser weight on a flight, the sources said, adding that such a

have inspired some airlines to either begin charging for meals or abandon them altogether in favor of small snacks.

By not serving meals on shorthaul sectors, Air India can achieve

move would reduce costs in a major way.

Air India has already been serving cold meals like sandwiches and muffins on flights less than 90 minutes.-PTI

TCS, Canada's ICTC to roll out program for high school pupils MUMBAI: The country's largest software services firm TCS says it has partnered with Canada's Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) to develop a program to get high school students interested in pursuing higher education in fields like science and mathematics.

ICTC is a not-for-profit organization that conducts research, and develops and implements solutions to help Canadians take advantage of the digital economy.

Under its goIT initiative in Canada, Tata Consultancy Services has been working with ICTC to develop a program to get grade 7-10 students in Canada interested in pursuing higher education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, TCS said in a statement.

The program will be initially rolled out to 10 schools within the

Greater Toronto area starting in the 2013-14 school year, with the intent to expand to more school boards and regions across Canada, it added.

It will be led by TCS professionals and involve multiple in-school workshops throughout the entire school season on some of the latest technology topics.

In the first year, the program will target over 1,000 students.

"Building on a long history of working with Canadian universities, TCS is delighted to introduce our goIT program which is designed specifically for students at the stage that they most likely start making career choices," TCS Canada Marketing Head and local goIT Program Owner Loucas Saites said.

Canada needs to attract more students into ICT and TCS is proud to partner with ICTC to further this cause, he added. -PTI

Willing to talk to GMR if we come to power: Gayoom sode late last year had led to lot of rifts in the Indo-Maldives ties.

Asked where he saw the bilateral relations if his party came to power, Gayoom, whose brother is PPM's Presidential candidate, said, "It will grow very well. Because I was here and had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister and they have all assured me full support to Maldives' stability and

"And if you can come to arrangement which is good for both sides and is not harmful to any one side, we will of course welcome that," Gayoom said.

Asked about the implications of the forced exit of GMR from Maldives that has eroded investor confidence, he said, "I have assured everyone who I met here that in the PPM government, we will give full assurance to foreign inGMR was forced out of the vestors.

We will protect all Male airport modernization foreign investments.

We will honor our com- project by the current remitments. gime of Mohamed Waheed "All bilateral, regional and international which said the contract commitments will be signed during the previous honored and respected by the PPM govern- government was not legal. ment. I have said that to everybody here and they believe that," he said.

Maldives' welfare".

GMR was forced out of the He added, "I am sure it is genuMale airport modernization project ine. I have experienced it myself. I by the current regime of Mohamed was there for 30 years, I had very Waheed which said the contract good relations with Indian leadersigned during the previous gov- ship. All Prime Ministers that have ernment was not legal. served the country for 30 years.

PPM, which is part of the coali"They visited Male, I visited tion government there, too had here. We had a good rapport. I am raised objections against the con- sure India will support us in all our tract. developmental efforts. I foresee a An arbitration process is cur- period of very strong relations berently on between GMR and the tween Maldives and India after PresiMaldivian government. The epi- dential elections," he said.. -PTI

June 17, 2013

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Desi News Ramayana A must see show in Bay Area VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Like most Indians, I too have grown on the stories of the ancient epic "Ramayana", be it Rama's childhood adventures, villainous act of Kaikeyi, friendship of Hanuman or Vibishana's great deeds. Now in its 35th year, Mount Madonna School's Ramayana is the longest running Western production of the Indian classic epic.

The show features a cast of more than 205 student performers, ages 3 to 19 (preschoolers to high school), accompanied by a choir and musicians.

Details on page 21

Ro call to curb abuses in Patent System India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Ro Khanna, intellectual property attorney and candidate for California's 17th congressional district, has issued a statement on the White House announcement of legislative recommendations and executive orders addressing patent reform.

His statement says, "I am very encouraged by the President's leadership on increasing transparency and confronting abuse in our outdated patent system. I fully support the Administrations proposals as they seek to protect consumers, early stage startups and larger high-tech companies from frivolous and costly litigation.

Details on page 25

Sidhi Vinayak Temple for NJ town India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: The groundbreaking ceremony of Siddhivinayak Temple was held in Toms River (New Jersey) on June 1.

Hundreds participated in the Bhumi-Pujan ceremony of this upcoming Temple (also known as Sarv Dev Mandir and Community Center) on a six-acre plot, which started with Shree Ganesh Rath Yatra (procession) and included Ganesh Pujan, Kalash Pujan, Navgrah Pujan, Havan, Khanan, earth worship and Aarti.

Details on page 22

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Sahara Walk creates awareness for women's empowerment Details on page 26

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June 17, 2013

Chicagoans give fond farewell to CG Mukta Tomar SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: Chicagoans vied with each other to bid farewell to popular Indian Consul General Mukta Tomar who is leaving her office after a three year successful run as Indian CG at the Downtown Consulate office. She had succeeded Ambassador Ashok Attri and struck instant rapport with Indian Diaspora in Midwest region.

A farewell function was held at the Consulate in Chicago Downtown on Friday May 31 where the elite of Indian community flocked to express their appreciation for the departing CG as also to offer their best wishes to her for her new assignment in the Foreign Ministry in New Delhi. Notable presence was that of Pakistani Consul General Zaheer Pervaiz Khan who presented her with a beautiful book Journey In Pakistan. His gesture of goodwill was vastly appreciated.

Heads of Indian corporations and associations, Prof Pandey and Naren Patel of AIA, Ms Hina

Trivedi, Iftekhar Shareef of FIA, Gurbachan Kaur of Hindi Lovers Club, Niranjan Shah of Globetrotter Eng Corp, Dr Birendra Sinha of Anila Sinha Foundation, Balwinder Singh of Gurudwara

Sahib of Chicago, Vinesh Virani of Art of Living, Dr Aniruddh, Rohot Joshi of Northeasern Illinois Univerity, Usha Kamaria of Niles Township Indian Community, Dr Mehboob Kapaida, Gur

Mahendra Kumar, Rishikant Singh Midwest Manager of Air India and Media representatives were present.

Cont’d on page 20

FBI group votes to track Sikh hate crimes India Post News Service

WASHINGTON DC: An advisory policy board of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has voted to revise its hate crime statistics so that hate crimes are tracked against Sikhs, Hindus, and Arabs.

The board voted to create new religion tracking categories based on religious groups enumerated in Pew Forum studies and the last edition of the U.S. Census Bureau's Statistical Abstract of the United States, which includes Sikhs. The new changes are expected to be implemented by 2015.

The highly anticipated decision comes more than two years after the Sikh Coalition first requested that the agency begin tracking hate crimes against Sikh

tracking was also poignantly made at a U.S. Senate hearing last September by Harpreet Singh Saini, who lost his "I want to thank the FBI and the mother during the Oak Creek federal government for listening attack. and ensuring that hate crimes According against Sikhs will be tracked. This is to Sikh Coalition surveys in a step in the right direction to enNew York City sure that no one else will have to and the San Francisco Bay suffer what my brother and I sufArea, approxifered after losing our mother�

Harpreet Singh Saini mately 10 percent of Sikh Sikhs have been subjected to a Sikh Congressional Caucus, as adults claim they have experispate of suspected hate attacks well as the U.S. Attorney General, enced physical violence or propin California, Florida, New York, endorsed the Sikh Coalition's re- erty damage because of their reWashington, and the massacre of quest to add hate crime tracking ligion. This suggests that Sikhs six worshippers on August 5, categories for Sikhs, Hindus and may be hundreds of times more 2012 at a Sikh Gurdwara in Oak Arabs. likely than their fellow Americans Creek, Wisconsin.

The request for Sikh hate crime to experience hate crimes.

Americans, the way it does for Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Atheists. During this period,

Over 140 bipartisan members of the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and American

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'Indian cinema lacks depth & avoids social issues' Javed, Shabana interviewed in Chicago ASIAN MEDIA USA

CHICAGO IL: Famed actress Shabana Azmi and her husband, scriptwriter, Javed Akhtar, feel that Indian cinema thematically lacked the depth of 50s and 60s and avoided social issues.

This observation was part of a wide range of questions at the Drury Lane Theater at Oak Brook Terrace on Saturday, June 8 - the first public event of the six week Eye on India Festival (EIF) 2013 being held in Chicago.

They were introduced and interviewed by EIF host Sanjoy Roy, Director of Teamwork Productions. Questions, also from the floor, revolved around Hindi cinema, its social role and alleged degeneration, Muslim identity and the place of Urdu, and their experience as nominated members of Rajya Sabha.

What do 100 years of Indian cinema represent for you?

Javed: With all its variety, technical sophistication, Indian cinema has never been so young. However, the depth of the 50s and 60s is somewhat missing and real social issues are being avoided. The middle class has become insular and has apparently sidestepped.

The average protagonist used to be from the working class. And now the hero of the new make-believe world is a rich man living in a palatial mansion and steps outside onto a street in Switzerland.

What made you stick with independent cinema since Ankur

have to remain Indian if audiences are not to reject them.

Is the impoverishment of movie song lyrics due to populism?

Javed: Indian society is becoming divided economically, also between multiplexes (tickets at over 100 Rupees) and single theaters (10 Rupees). Middle classes, who used to be familiar with literature, culture, etc., are learning English at the cost of their indigenous languages; their vocabulary is shrinking. Percussion is louder than voice because musicians are brought up in Western pop. But predominance of song and dance goes back to the 3500 year-old tradition in Sanskrit and vernaculars.

Mainstream cinema needs to raise the lowest common denominator.

L to R: Director of Teamwork Productions Sanjoy Roy, Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi

conscious decision not to work in films that degrade women or make them subservient to men. This has stuck with me since.

Javed: Amar Akbar Anthony reflects a yearning for a secular dispensation. Bollywood can't avoid social issues even if the director does not consciously address them. The villain has evolved from (feudal) zamindar to capitalist to underworld boss, with the latter eventually usurping the hero's role due to widespread disillusionment with society and its institutions. The "angry young man" takes the law into his own

Audience at the interview with Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar

(1974)?

Shabana: Both my parents believed art should be an instrument of social change. We were eight communist families living in a commune, who believed in social equity, gender equality and Indian pluralism. My aesthetics has been framed by exposure to the best of Western cinema at Pune Film School. Shyam Benegal offered me the lead heroine role in Ankur (1974), and I've continued to receive such offers since. I made a

hands. But now we are even devoid of villains [laughter].

What to make of writers who now make amalgams from DVDs? Javed: Mere "stealing" of scenes and scripts from other movies will not ensure success.

Shailendra's "phir bhi dil hai Hindustani" still holds true. This attitude and practice properly reflects our society, which is already influenced by the West. But the underlying moral and aesthetic sense - the thoughts expressed -

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Yesudas delights with his rich repertoire RAGU BADDI

CHICAGO: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) in Lemont held a Carnatic music concert by celebrated musician and playback singer Padmabhushan Dr. Kattassery Yesudas on Saturday, June 1 at the Sama Rathi Auditorium of the temple. .

Beginning from Vanajakshi varnam in Kalyani raga all the way through Mangalam, more than 650 rasikas were riveted to their seats mesmerized by the energizing music from Yesudas The evening began with Vedic chants from the HTGC temple followed by a welcome address from Tilak Marwaha, President of the Board. Usha Pariti, the Fine Arts Committee Chair and her team graciously conducted the entire pro-

Padmabhushan Kattassery Yesudas with accompanying musicians at HTGC

ceedings.

After the deep customary "Om" chant, Yesudas sang Vanajakshi varnam in Kalyani. He engaged in a brisk yet lilting Hamsadhwani alap that effortlessly traversed all three octaves, and then began the all-time favorite Vatapi Ganapathim Bhajeham of Muthuswami Dikishitar. Hamsadhwani neraval at "Pranava Swaroopa Vakra Thundam" was most enjoyable.

"Guruleka Yetuvanti" in gowrimanohari was taken up next with neat swara prastharas that seemed to blend with the raga

the two daivathams in bhairavi brought out the essence of the raga to the fore.

Throughout the concert, Yesudas regaled the audience with humorous anecdotes.

After the main raga and the delightful tani avartanam b e t w e e n Mridangam and Ghatam, Yesudas entertained the audience with some of the most-anticipated devotional, and light numbers. " E n n e n j i l Pallikondavan" in Kalyani, "Rajeeva Netraaya" in Madhyamavathi, the famous "Swami Ayyappa Swami Shabarigiri Swami" in Bhimplas but a feast to the ear was Malayalam song "Pramadavanam" in Jog Raga, a 90s classic from music director Raveendran.

The artiste did not stop there because the request from the audience was growing: he went on to sing "Jab deep Jale aana", "Krishna nee begane baaro", "Mero man anath kahaan" (Surdas Bhajan), the moving Sai

A section of the audience

bhavam.

What seemed to transcend the present was the handling of "Veena vaadana Loludou" in the next Thyagaraja-krithi "Mokshamu Galada" in Saaramathi raga. The fluidity in handling sangatis and the raga was masterful.

After Varanarada in Vijayashree raga, Yesudas sang Ksheerasagara Shayana. The percussion accompaniment, particularly to this song was exemplary T S Nandakumar on Mridangam and Santosh Chandru on Ghatam seemed to interlace rhythm and raga to deliver a sublime listener experience.

The highlight of the evening was a rich alluring Bhairavi alapana for Thyagaraja's colossus "Upachaaramulanu". The glides and micro intonations between

song "Allah Malik", "Ennavaram verenna varam" and the timeless "Harivarasanam".

The concert featured "Uyyaala Jhampaala" which was a lullaby to Ayyappa.

The violinist Jayashankar Balan gave excellent melodious accompaniment!

Yesudas sang "Tiruppaar Kadalil", "Swagatham Krishna", and the popular "Ellellu Sangeethave" from Kannada movie Malayamarutha. The concert concluded with the traditional Mangalam amidst a thunderous standing ovation from the 650strong audience.

Before the concert ended, temple secretary Prasanna Reddy and Arun Murthy proposed a vote of thanks and the artists were honored with mementos as token of appreciation by the temple board.

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'Indian cinema lacks depth & Zamin Band to perform in Indi Festival avoids social issues' MADHU PATEL ADDS: Cont’d from page 17

What is your forecast for next few decades?

Shabana: Women will break out of their stereotyped image, once exemplified by silent suffering roles played Meena Kumari, for parallel cinema has started giving them more substantive roles. Their choice in mainstream cinema had been limited to the extremes of chaste Madonna versus westernized whore. Flawed women characters in their flesh-and-blood complexity are now already coming to the fore, but working women are only just becoming visible.

Mythology has remained dominant in both cinema and real life with Rama and Sita upheld as models.

Javed: The ideal of the suffer-

Their choice in mainstream cinema had been limited to the extremes of chaste Madonna versus westernized whore.

Flawed women characters in their fleshand-blood complexity are now already coming to the fore ing virtuous doormat housewife has frayed apart. But no one wants or dares to define the (image of the) contemporary Indian woman.

The latter have begun to assert themselves in Hindi cinema by making outrageous statements that sound ridiculous, e.g., the idle cognac-drinker in search of her

inner woman. The scene is wholly confused.

What has become of the social responsibility of films?

Shabana: Documentaries, less viewed, focus more on such issues. But Aamir Khan's Taare Zameen Par did more for dyslexia than all activists put together. The social impasse is leading to the menace of revolution.

Javed: What is the secret of (my) scripting a super hit film like Sholay? Bimal Roy did not make Sujata out of some extraneous agenda of social responsibility, nor did Raj Kapoor Shree 420. It was simply the innate social consciousness of the director being expressed naturally.

Shabana: Combating rape and homophobia is the responsibility not only of film industry but of the entire citizenry. Industry did do some soul searching after the recent Delhi incident. Young men and women forced the government's hand within a month. Instead of the victim being blamed, the new slogan by women is "shift the shame, shift the blame."

How has depiction of minorities changed in Hindi cinema?

Javed: No film was made on trauma of Partition until 13 years later. Mainstream cinema developed the alternative, or good, Muslim: poet, nawab, nawab's daughter, and courtesan. The token good Muslim used to save heroine for Hindu hero and not for himself. But films have emerged where the Muslim identity is subsidiary to the character as a whole.

Actors like Dilip Kumar, who got his break in 1944, shedding their inherited Muslim names is a thing of the past, as evidenced by the contemporary Khans. Even Hol-

lywood actors have changed their names, e.g., John Wayne. There is not much significance in this.

What is the future of Urdu in Hindi films (in dialogue, song, etc.)?

Javed: The misnomer of "Hindi" cinema was there right from the beginning in the 30s, perhaps due to stigma attached to this medium in Muslim society. There have been some attempts to reclaim them as "Urdu" but it is already too late. Their language now is actually neither Urdu nor Hindi, but rather Hindustani, a mixture that leans more towards Urdu. I've met Pakistanis who persist in calling them Urdu films. Syntax is the same with about 15% vocabulary imposed from either side. Language was Hindustani but leaning towards Urdu because of the poetic heritage, etc.

The afternoon began with Zeshan Begawadi, singing several Urdu poems by Kafi Azmi, Shabana's father.

A

cept of creating harmony from the clash between the traditional and the modern, giving the Indian sound an unexpected place in our current music scene.

Zamin was formed at Northwestern University in 2010 and their first album featured lyrics in Urdu. The band is also very in-

s part of Eye on Indi Fes tival, a Chicago based no profit organization Hamdard Center for Health and Human Services, will be hosting a Chicago based Zamin band on Wednesday, June 19.

The Zamin band had its unique characteristic as its sound comes from blending an entirely The band is built upon the classical instrumenta- concept of creating hartion, a modern take on traditional Hindustani mony from the clash bevocals, and an Indie tween the traditional and the rock approach to modern, giving the Indian songwriting.

Featuring a wide ar- sound an unexpected place ray of percussion, classical guitar, Cello, double bass, trumpet, and classi- volved in schools and universities cal Indian instruments such as and has played for the Global Entaanpura and harmonium, Zamin gagement Summit, the Women's strives to create energy as well as Board, the Climate Change Symintimacy with their completely posium, the South Asian Student Association, and the Model UN acoustic sound.

The band is built upon the con- opening ceremony.

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Paresh Rawal recreates magic with 'Dear Father' LALCHAND RAJPUT

ST LOUIS: Veteran theatre and film actor Paresh Rawal performed in St. Louis with his new Hindi play "Dear Father" on Sunday June 2 at Clayton High School .The event was hosted by Seema Enterprises & Seema World Travel. Paresh Rawal recreated the magic of Shaadi and Barbadi & Krishan Vs Kanhaiya.

The three-hour play "Dear Fa-

keeping the audience entertained whilst moving the story forward.

Early on, Dear Father drew many laughs with the common comical target of a generation gap. Indeed, the interplay between a father and a pair of thirty-plus, who believe the older generation does not understand life, not only brought out the best of Rawal but also kept the audience connected

Organizer Ashwin Patel with his wife Rekha and Paresh Rawal

ther" is a story of the Mankad family, which includes Manu the father (Rawal), his son Ajay and daughter-in-law Alka.

Through the dialogue and a series of skits, nothing seems out of the ordinary for the Mankad family, with Rawal's comic talent

to both the characters and story line.

The audience was enjoying every minute of this gripping investigation interspersed with amusing one-liners and quips. In the concluding part, Inspector Sharma in a heart-tugging scene

advises Ajay to treat his dad with love and respect, to hold his hand, to hug him, to sit and talk with him, etc.

Home should be more than a glorified Old People's Home.

More than living together, supporting each other is more important. Home is not measured in square feet but in love among the family members.

In addition to the generation gap, "Dear Father" also pokes fun at marriage, technology, paying bills, and other affairs commonly associated with daily urban life.

The message of "Dear Father" is made apparent: while it is easy for us to become too involved with the rat race and become self-absorbed with our work schedules and social callings, we should never forget to give a fair share of proper attention and love to our parents.

"Dear Father" is based on the award-winning play "Katkon Trikon." The national promoter of play is Bhavna Modi, based in Chicago.

This was the 48th Show in U.S. The play is produced by Swaroop Sampat, written by Dr.Vivek Bele and directed by Dinkar Jani.

Nimish Jani sworn in Trustee of Schaumburg Township SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: It was one more feather in the cap for the burgeoning Indian community in Schaumburg area township when one of their members Nimish Jani

pervisor Mary Wroblewski and four Trustees - Nimish Jani, W. Robert Vinnedge, Jeffrey S. Mytych, and Diane Dunham were sworn in. A large number of Indian

Nimish Jani (standing center) with other Trustees of Schaumburg Township

was formally inducted as a member of the Schaumburg Township Trustee Board early this month.

A gala function was organized recently in the office of the Supervisor of Schaumburg Township.

Nimish Jani was administered the oath as a Board of Trustee along with three other Board of Trustees and a Supervisor.

community members as well as well wishers were present on the occasion and all of them congratulated the new Trustees.

Nimish Jani said that Schaumburg Township consists of seven towns: (1) Schaumburg (2) Hanover Park (3) Streamwood (4) Rolling Meadows (5) Elk Grove Village (6) Roselle and (7) Hoffman estate and "I will be in touch with all the resiA gala function was orgadents of theses areas to nized recently in the office of address their grievances, if any." the Supervisor of Schaumburg Nimish hails from the city of Ahmedabad in Township. Nimish Jani was Gujarat State and been administered the oath living in this part of the world for the last 30 Nimish Jani, residing in the years. He lives with his wife Mita, town of Roselle, had contested the son Moksha and daughter Purva election for the post of Board of in Schaumburg area. He has been Trustee and was declared winner actively associated with in an election held on April 9. The Bochasanvasi Aksar Purusottam oath ceremony was performed by Sanstha (BAPS) in Bartlett for the Margarita Class Hoffman, a re- last seven years. He can be reached nowned Judge of this area. Su- at 630-930-8832.

Chicagoans give fond farewell to CG Mukta Tomar Cont’d from page 16

A group of Indian Americans headed by Balwinder and Vinesh Virani held a private reception for Ms Tomar on Sunday June 2 at Jaipur Palace in Chicago Downtown. The function was attended by 30 plus guests and invitees.

Hindi Lovers Club President Gurbachan Kaur presented a Plaque recognizing the services rendered by Ms Tomar to the Indian community in the past three years as CG.

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Ramayana - A must see show in Bay Area VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Like most Indians, I too have grown on the stories of the ancient epic "Ramayana", be it Rama's childhood adventures, villainous act of

Kaikeyi, friendship of Hanuman or Vibishana's great deeds. Now in its 35th year, Mount Madonna School's Ramayana is the longest running Western production of the Indian classic epic.

The show features a cast of more than 205 student performers,

ages 3 to 19 (preschoolers to high school), accompanied by a choir and musicians.

Ramayana is a heroic story centered on Prince Ram, an incarnation of Maha Vishnu. It is a story of love, adventure, separation and an eventual joyous reunion, in an ancient allegory of the battle of good and evil. From Bali to Indonesia to the Mediterranean and North America, the ancient epic continues to enthrall, delight and

inspire millions of people from many cultures and generations who return again and again to hear the tale. The show was filled with exciting action, spectacular costuming (over 600 costumes), family humor and original, live music.

Speaking about the introduction of the play, Leigh Ann Clifton, Media and Public relations, Mount Madonna School, says, "Ramayana was introduced by Baba Hari Dass in 1972. But in

1979, the school commenced a production with the students and other children making up the cast".

The play has grown to be the widely anticipated annual school event of the year in which the entire school participates. Every child at Mount Madonna School is required to participate in the annual production, either as on-stage performers, musicians or backstage support staff.

Cont’d on page 25

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Kavi Gosthi by Sidhi Vinayak Temple Hindi Lovers Club for NJ town NAND KAPUR

According to management sources, an "interim NEW JERSEY: The ground- temple and community cenbreaking ceremony of ter" will be up and running Siddhivinayak Temple was held in by this fall. The next phase Toms River (New Jersey) on June will include 40,000 square feet temple and community cen1.

Hundreds participated in the ter, where Lord Ganesha will Bhumi-Pujan ceremony of this be the main deity, besides 5upcoming Temple (also known as 7 other altars with idols of Sarv Dev Mandir and Community (yet to be determined) Buddha, Center) on a six-acre plot, which Mahavir, started with Shree Ganesh Rath Venkateshvar, Krishna, Ram, Yatra (procession) and included Hanuman, Durga, etc.

It will have a prayer hall, Ganesh Pujan, Kalash Pujan, center for cultural activities and social events, library and resource center, and kids' play area. Apart from being a venue for worship; it will also celebrate festivals, organize religious and cultural classes for children and various activities for seniors. Complementing it will be a fully equipped kitchen stocked with cooking utensils and a storage room for provisions.

Avinash Gupta is the A Rath Yatra scene following Bhumi pujan Chairman.

In Hinduism, Lord Navgrah Pujan, Havan, Khanan, Ganesha is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles earth worship and Aarti.

The temple cost might go up to and is invoked before the beginning of any major undertaking. $2.5 million.

CHICAGO: Hindi Lovers Club of Illinois had its May meeting as Kavi Gosti on Wednesday May 29 at Schaumburg Library from 7 pm.

It was well attended by kavis and listeners alike. The program

India Post News Service

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.

There are about three million Hindus in USA. Female majority township of Toms River, chartered in 1767 and then burned in 1782, is home to many beaches and has the second largest Halloween parade in the world and has been ranked 14thsafest city in USA. Thomas F. Kelaher and Paul J. Shives are Mayor and Business Administrator respectively of Toms River.

Prominent people associated with it include jazz singer Chris Connor, Ultimate Fighting Champion Frank Edgar, baseball players Todd Frazier and Al Leiter, actors Brian Geraghty and Piper Perabo, and soccer player Chris Konopka.

with few published poetry books under his belt, recited his long poems by heart and took everyone by surprise. Ranajoy Ganguly also surprised everyone by his stand up comedy act. Vandana

Standing from left: Sohan Joshi, Prakash Nayak, Praful Rami, Indermohan, Mir Kayamat Ali, Santosh Panday, Ranajoy Ganguli and Kamal Gupta.

Sitting from Left: Chander Varma, Nand Kapoor, Vandana Jhingan, Purnima Jha, Gurbachan Kaur Neelam, Sudaksa Kapoor and Jodh Singh Rawat

stared with the welcome speech

by Club president Gurbachan Kaur Neelam and this was followed by a small introduction by all the attendees present.

The poetry, songs and jokes were shared by Poornima Jha, Rajendra Kapil, Sudaksa Kapoor, Gurbachan Kaur Neelam, Prakash Nayak, Sohan Joshi, Mir Kayamat Ali, Jodh Singh Rawat, Indermohan and Kamal Gupta.

Chander Verma, a popular kavi

Jhingan, the Midwest bureau chief of T.V.Asia and Advisory Board member of Hindi Lovers Club, warned every one about so called calls from IRS and Homeland Security departments to members of Indian Community. She ended with her signature Gollu/Mollu jokes.

The gosti ended with a group photo and promise to attend all meetings and support Hindi Club and its monthly publication Hindi/ English Patrika.

Language blocking progress of South Asians SURI SWAMY

CHICAGO: As part of a joint effort to understand and more effectively address the growing South Asian American population in Illinois, South Asian American Policy and Research Institute (SAAPRI) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Chicago (Advancing Justice-Chicago) released a demographic report titled, "South Asian Americans in Illinois: Making Data Count".

Chicago South Asians, including a good number of Indian Americans, living in Illinois are facing numerous challenges, primarily stemming from limited knowledge of English language and relatively less opportunity for advancement adversely impacting their income.

This is reflected in a recent study conducted by Illinois South Asian American Policy and Research Institute (SAAPRI) and Asian Americans Advancing Jus-

tice-Chicago (Advancing JusticeChicago community.) The two agencies released a demographic report titled, "South Asian Americans in Illinois: Making Data

Chicago South Asians, including a good number of Indian Americans, living in Illinois are facing numerous challenges, stemming from limited knowledge of English Count".

Indians and other South Asians, large number of whom are eligible voters in Illinois, are increasingly interested in having

a voice on issues of concern, ranging from immigration to health care. The voting strength reflects the potential for political empowerment and is also indicative of the need for civic engagement.

There are currently more than 242, 000 South Asian Americans in Illinois, a 55% surge from 2000 to 2010, with much of that extensive growth coming from the suburban six-county area. Indian Americans are the state's largest Asian American ethnic group and other South Asian Americans include people of Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, and Nepali descent.

The study finds that South Asian Americans have a lower per capita income at $26,567 compared with $28,782 per capita income for the average number in other groups. About 85% speak a language other than English at home and about one in four have below

average mark in understanding or speaking this language. This serves as a barrier to accessing social services, courts, hospitals, and polls. Furthermore, females in this group are about twice as

This report empowers us with facts and data, so that we can address the unmet needs of vulnerable members of our community," said Ami Gandhi, executive director likely as males to have less than a high school education.

With Indian Americans being the second largest immigrant group in the Midwest, second

only to Mexican Americans, the complexity of the South Asian American community should be considered during discussions of immigration reform and integration. "We celebrate the successes and contributions of South Asian Americans in Illinois while acknowledging the ongoing barriers that our community faces. This report empowers us with facts and data, so that we can address the unmet needs of vulnerable members of our community," said Ami Gandhi, executive director of SAAPRI. "This report reflects our community's distinct perspectives on the political issues and civic engagement challenges facing us today, and it will form the basis of an ongoing dialogue about addressing these challenges" said Kathleen Fernicola, policy and program director of Advancing Justice - Chicago.

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Global Gujarati conference planned in New Jersey SUDHIR VYAS

EDISON, NJ: One more Gujarati conference. One more effort to show case Gujarat to the Gujarati Diaspora in the Tri-State area.

Friends of Gujarat is all set to organize a Global Gujarati conference at the Raritan Center on August 30, 31 and September 1. The event has been aptly named 'Bhavya ane Divya Gujarat'.

Talking to this correspondent in an interview, Kirit Patel, president of Friends of Gujarat said the prime aim of organizing this event is to keep the Gujarati culture alive within the second generation of Guajaratis who have made America their new home.

"We intend to provide them the necessary platform to know what Gujarat is, how it has emerged as a land of opportunity in India and at the same time keeping the traditional Gujarati value intact", Kirit said adding, "the conference will also be a launching pad to exchange ideas of economic, business success stories between the younger generation in Gujarat and their counterpart settled in the USA." "There are many young entrepreneurs who run business worth over Rs 200 cr. set up through their own ideas and investment and have been successful. We want them to interact with budding Gujarati entrepreneurs and businessmen who can plan such investment back in Gujarat so as to

take Gujarat to the next level of industrialization."

The conference will also have a trade show, fashion show and many vendors from Gujarat will showcase their exhibits.

avoid making any political comments or observations".

Giving details of providing a new angle to the Gujarati meet, Kirit said "Four students from Indian Institute of Management

Gujarati community leaders lighting the lamp to launch the three-day Gujarati conference to be held in New Jersey on August 30, 31 and September 1. Pic Gunjesh Desai

Asked about the names of top dignitaries planning to attend the mega event, Kirit said it was a bit too early to spell out the names but leaders of political parties, religious heads like Morari Bapu, Rameshbhai Oza, Giri Maharaj and many leading artists from Bollywood and Gujarati cinema are expected to come.

In reply to a question as to whether the event will be BJP-centric, Kirit explained," We do not want to make this a political show, but since BJP happens to be the ruling party in Gujarat one might feel a BJP shade but our plan is to make this politics free event. Even the speakers will be advised to

(IIM) Ahmedabad will also be coming to the event and sharing their view of Gujarat and comment on how to take it to the next level

“The conference will also be a launching pad to exchange ideas of economic, business success stories between the younger generation in Gujarat and their counterparts�

BAPS Walkathon to fight cancer SURI SWAMY

CHICAGO: Contributing to the worldwide fight against cancer, BAPS Charities has scheduled a walkathon on June 16 at Pottawatomie Park 8 North Avenue St. Charles, in a bid to support the American Cancer Society (ACS).

The Walkathons will start at 7.30 a.m. and end at 9-30 a.m. For the past thirteen years, BAPS Charities has been organizing local walkathons funded by local residents and participants to create a positive impact and awareness in causes that affect our communities.

Cancer causes 1 in 8 deaths worldwide and is rapidly becoming a global pandemic. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, there were 12.7 million new cancer cases in 2008. Today, more than one million people get cancer each year.

Through their difficult struggles with cancer, many survivors and supporters are contributing their time in a meaningful way to help this cause.

Raoji Patel, 71, semi-retired

of development in infrastructure and also create social awareness."

According to Kirit "apart from the usual business, religious and real estate seminars, yoga, health camp and full body checkup and

Food Scientist of Glendale Heights, has participated in BAPS Charities walkathons since its inception. In 2010, he was diagnosed with brain cancer and today he is undergoing treatment and doing well due to new medi-

Women, men, and children of all ages and backgrounds are contributing their time to this noble cause in any way they can by raising funds and encouraging others to walk for cancer cations and research protocols that the Cancer Society makes possible from donations from our fellow American residents. He will be participating in Walk 2013 and through his fundraising efforts he

hopes to highlight BAPS charities and the role of ACS in the fight against cancer.

Another victim of cancer, Mrs Pratibha Dave, of Hanover Park, is a breast cancer survivor and has been in remission for the past nine years. Raising funds for cancer research for the past four years, she expresses, "I would encourage everyone to support this cause, and walkathons are a great way to fund cancer research and for people to support others who are fighting this battle."

Women, men, and children of all ages and backgrounds are contributing their time to this noble cause in any way they can by raising funds and encouraging others to walk for cancer.

Created in 2000, BAPS Charities, with over 55,000 volunteers networked in over 3,300 centers across the globe, has benefited numerous local and national organizations. It also supports some of the other 160 humanitarian activities to which BAPS Charities is committed.

vastu, the thrust will be on providing pure entertainment to the participating public. "We will have the Gujarati Dayro and cultural program but at the same time we plan to have one Bollywood night comprising Hindi songs, and plans are being worked out to have a Gujarati play also besides sugam sangeet, and garbas."

When asked about the total cost of the project, Kirit was skeptical to give a definite figure but said it could anywhere from $ 750,000 to $ 1.2 million. "We will make every effort to cut the cost so as to enable us to collect some funds and donate it for a noble cause like educating orphaned

children in Jammu and Kashmir and also provide them with basic education, food and clothing. He said as many 300 such children have already migrated from Jammu and Kashmir and made Gujarat their second home. They were presently housed in Kheda district. The proceeds from this event will also go towards the Swami Vivekanand Smarak being planned

by Narendra Modi", he added.

Asked what plans were being formulated to meet the expenses for the event, Kirit said the main funding will be through sponsors and then by offering booths, stalls to vendors. "We will not compromise on the entertainment program and also interactions between the young entrepreneurs from both side of the globe", he stressed.

Several delegates, leaders of business fraternity Gujarat Chambers of commerce along with their women and youth wing, state government agencies IndexB, are scheduled to participate. Plans are afoot to hold networking between Gujarat government agencies and local businessmen to set up units in Gujarat and also get expert guidance for successful entrepreneurship.

As always Chief Minister Narendra Modi will also address the gathering through video link, and not to forget serving of traditional mouth-watering Gujarati food.

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Community Across America

June 17, 2013

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Shirdi Sai Parivaar expanding charitable activities MILPITAS, CA: The primary mission of Shirdi Sai Parivaar (SSP) is to spread Shirdi Sai Baba's philosophy by engaging in charitable and community-based activities.

The organization had a humble beginning in January 2002 with less than 30 volunteers and over the years SSP has now grown big with about 500 volunteers and more than 3000 devotees.

The permanent facility of Shirdi

rent activities to a larger scale and identify other charitable and community based activities that will benefit the local community here in the bay area and potentially in India too.

Devotees can help us by volunteering in charitable activities and community services by offering free language, vocal and instrumental music classes. SSP would also appreciate help from devotees who can help raise funds to reduce SSP's goal is to expand its the mortgage loan to current activities to a larger expand charitable activities and capital scale and identify other projects. charitable activities Devotees interested in more information reSai Center in Milpitas was estab- garding SSP activities, classes or lished in June 2010. The organiza- community services that are oftion thrives completely on selfless fered are requested to send an service offered by the volunteers; email to all activities are managed by vol- saibandhu@shirdisaiparivaar.org unteers, including operations, or call us on (408)-705-7904 or maintenance, finance, and chari- visit our website table services. www.shirdisaiparivaar.org and SSP's goal is to expand its cur- follow us on Facebook.

Following is a summary of SSP activities:

Activities SSP EVENTS • Ramanavami • SSP Anniversary (June 20) • Guru Poornima • Mahasamadhi • New Year Celebrations • Daily four Aratis, • Weekly bhajan satsang • Sai Satyavrata puja • Monthly Shri Sai Satcharita parayan • Akhand Sai Naam Jap • Cultural dance and music programs

CHARITABLE PROGRAMS • Fundraising drive for visually impaired artists from Shree Ramana Maharshi Academy for the Blind, India • Sandwich Seva: Sandwiches delivered to homeless shelter in Sunnyvale & Fremont area • Second Harvest Food Bank Drive: Donate non-perishable food to feed the hungry in Bay Area • Blanket drive for homeless shelters • School supplies/backpack drive for children in need • Fundraising for national and international disasters • Monetary support for other NPOs • 10% of 2013 fundraising event pledged to California school of blind

COMMUNITY SERVICES* • Bone marrow drive • Blood drive • Digitizing text books for visually impaired students • Language classes • Dance classes • Thursday kids activity • Local school beautification • Notary services • Dental check-up • Yoga and many more…. *All classes & services are free of charge

Community Across America

June 17, 2013

India Post 25

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Ro call to curb abuses in Patent System India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Ro Khanna, intellectual property attorney and candidate for California's 17th congressional district, has issued a statement on the White House announcement of legislative recommendations and executive orders addressing patent reform.

His statement says, "I am very encouraged by the President's leadership on increasing transparency and confronting abuse in our outdated patent system. I fully support the Administrations proposals as they seek to protect consumers, early stage startups and larger hightech companies from frivolous and costly litigation.

"In addition to the President's

suggestions for curbing abuses from Patent Assertion Entities, or "patent trolls", Congress needs to increase funding for the U.S.

Ro Khanna

Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) so that they can issue higher quality patents in a more expedient fashion, better align with international patent authorities to allow American businesses to export

intellectual property, and coordinate with other relevant government agencies that can help businesses grow. Supplementing increased funding for the PTO, Congress should allocate additional resources to entities such as the Small Business Administration and the Commerce Department's Export Offices.

"Overall, these suggestions are just the start of a larger effort to get the government to support a comprehensive strategy on facilitating innovation.

With stakeholder input, Congress must immediately begin the process of crafting wide reaching legislative to reform our outdated patent regime.

"If elected to Congress, I plan to introduce a comprehensive economic growth and innovation agenda so that government can facilitate - and stop impeding - innovation. Until then, I will continue to advocate for the innovation economy, and fight to end practices that are harming Silicon Valley's ability to continue producing world-changing technology," he concluded.

Ramayana - A must see show in Bay Area The preschoolers take part as forest animals and work their way through various small parts as dancers, singers, monkeys, demons, and martial artists to lead players in their high school years.

Parker works on musical instruction of the grand show. Mayana Lisboa, Kumu Lorraine Kalehua Kinnamon, Asha Pandya and Dr.Oscar Perez are the choreographers.

The presentation commenced with introduction of Shiva and

"Mounting a show that has been part of the fabric of our school for more than thirty years carries with it the importance of tradition as well the benefits and challenges of familiarity," says Sampad Martin Kachuck, Performing Arts Director for middle and

Parvati as the narrators and the invocation to Goddess Saraswati by the entire cast. The story of the scripture was narrated in an amusing and entertaining manner.

Bringing Ramayana to life each year is a labor of love for the crew as well, with hundreds of faculty,

high school. "Over the course of three months, we work and play hard, and through teamwork and trust, take the risks of engagement, experimentation and discovery," he adds.

Anurag Christine White and Nicole Tervalon with their team of volunteers were in-charge of dazzling costumes, colorful staging and technical arrangements. Leah

staff, parents and volunteers contributing to it, says, Leigh Ann. This is testament to the strong volunteer spirit and communitybuilding efforts espoused by the school known for academic excellence, creative self expression and positive character development.

Mount Madonna school Ramayana is a must see show in Bay area.

Cont’d from page 21

Industry warns against Citrus killing disease India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES, CA: The Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program, a statewide collaboration of agriculture officials and citrus industry representatives, has issued a warning against Huanglongbing disease, also known as HLB or citrus greening disease, which it says is currently destroying and killing citrus trees, such as orange, lemon, lime, and kumquat trees.

The CPDPP is asking for community support to fight this disease threatening California's iconic citrus.

In a press release, CPDPP says, "We know that in the Asian community, it is very common to gift fruits or other plant materials to our friends and family. However, the Huanglongbing disease, also known as HLB or citrus greening disease, is currently destroying and killing citrus trees, such as orange, lemon, lime, and kumquat trees. The disease is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid. Because Los Angeles is a center of travel and commerce, especially with the upcoming peak summer travel season, it's a high-risk area for HLB." The press relapse says, "HLB has no cure, is fatal for citrus trees

and has already claimed the life of one backyard tree in the Los Angeles region, prompting the CPDPP to call for community support.

CPDPP said Los Angeles is highly susceptible to HLB, as thousands of individuals travel in and out of the region, sometimes carrying with them fruits and veg-

"HLB is but one example. It's considered to be one of the deadliest plant diseases in modern history and it could effectively wipe out the oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and other citrus fruit grown in California" etables, plant material, leaves and herbs that could be infected with HLB or the Asian citrus pysllid, a pest which can carry and transmit the disease.

"Travelers may have innocent intentions when they bring back a piece of fruit or any other agricul-

tural product, but each time they do, they risk releasing an invasive species that could harm the California landscape," said Victoria Hornbaker, a representative of the CPDPP. "HLB is but one example. It's considered to be one of the deadliest plant diseases in modern history and it could effectively wipe out the oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and other citrus fruit grown in California," said Hornbaker. "As we head into a busy travel season, we are urging California residents and those traveling in and out of the Los Angeles region to help by resisting the urge to bring back fruit or any other agricultural products."

The Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program offers the following tips: • Don't move citrus. Do not bring any plant material into the region from other states or countries, and do not remove citrus fruit or plant material from your property because it might be carrying psyllids or be infected with HLB. • Cooperate with agriculture officials who may be placing traps in your neighborhood, treating citrus trees for the psyllid or surveying for signs of HLB.

Community Across America

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June 17, 2013

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Sahara Walk creates awareness for women's empowerment ANU JAIN

IRVINE, CA: Colorful kites flew against clear blue skies, bodies stretched in yoga poses, feet danced enthusiastically to Bollywood aerobics music and groups of people walked around the beautiful lake in William R

A sumptuous breakfast generously donated by Surati Farsan and Rasraj was served throughout this time and at 11 am the participants started the walk around the 9.2 acre lake that is the centerpiece of the 345 acre serene park

People walking around the lake

Mason Regional Park in Irvine.

Over 160 people came together for South Asian Helpline And Referral Agency's (SAHARA) 'Walk For Women's Empowerment' on May 26. The walk aimed to create awareness about the critical role played by women's empowerment in reducing domestic violence and strengthening the family as a whole. Along with reaching out to people, SAHARA raised $10,000 via event registration tickets and donations at the event.

The morning started with yoga led by Neemu Murthy who guided the participants through gentle stretches to complicated yoga stances. Next the DEVIS group led the participants through a number of spirited Bollywood songs with aerobic dance moves incorporated for a great workout.

The high-fives and whoops at the end of each song were testimony to the fun everyone was having. It was a once in a lifetime

lush with open green spaces and shady trees.

After the walk, the children and adults dotted the skies with kites, painted TShirts and got glittering body art tattoos painted.

The Habit SAHARA staff Burger Grill Truck served freshly made burgers, French fries and drinks for lunch. TV Asia covered the event and Mr. Nilesh Patel volunteered his time as a photographer.

Sheela Mehta, a SAHARA Board Member and founder informed the participants of the role played by SAHARA in the comm u n i t y.

Last fiscal year SAHARA assisted over 300 survivors of domestic violence and provided over 2,100 shelter bed nights at its longterm tranSAHARA Board Members sitional living sight to see LAPD officers Susan home. All SAHARA services are Torres and Chand Syed dancing provided free of charge and no energetically to the beats of distinctions are made based on an Bollywood in their official uni- individual's religious affiliation. forms and belts which were holdSAHARA's SEWA (South ing several pieces of equipment Asian Elder Wellness Assistance) along with their guns. project provides a wide range of

Jain Center to celebrate 25th anniversary India Post News Service

services to senior citizens such as assistance with public benefits, mental health counseling, computer literacy classes, etc. Sheela also requested the participants to spread the word about the services offered by SAHARA and to donate generously because community support is very important for the survival of non-profit organizations. She urged people to visit the website www.saharaorg.org to get more familiar with SAHARA. The day ended with over 30 raffle prizes being raffled and lots of people walking away happy with their winnings. The Walk was a beautiful way to commemorate the Memorial Day weekend by coming together to make a positive difference in the community.

with LAPD Officer Susan Torres

BUENA PARK, CA: The Jain Center of Southern California, Buena Park, will be celebrating its 25th anniversary celebrations from June 27 to June 30. This is a

remarkable milestone for Jain community in the US, as it is the very first 25th anniversary celebration of any Jain temple built in North America.

The four day festivities include a variety of programs like 45 Aagam (Jain scriptures) Poojan, Siddhachakra Poojan, procession with floats, Bhakti (devotional prayers), cultural programs, Garba (Indian folk dances), as well as dignitary lectures and recognition for the entire community. The dignitaries expected to attend include Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, Consul General of India N. Parthasarathi, Congress-

man Ed Royce, Sadhviji Chandanaji, Sadhviji Sanghmitraji, Shree Dhirajbhai Pandit, and mayors of various surrounding cities.

This celebration will be attended by approximately 2,500 people.

JCSC was started in September

1979 with a few dozen families, and today they have a membership of over 1200 families. JCSC built and inaugurated the first custom-de-

signed Jain Temple in the United States in July 1988, and the center continued to grow and planned its expansion in three phases over time.

City of Tracy honors Rajan Zed SONIA SIDHU India Post News Service

Ganga of India considered holy by Hindus.

Seven cities in California, Connecticut, Utah and Nevada have already declared Zed's birthday October 25 as "Rajan Zed Day".

Foundation for Religious Diplomacy, Spiritual Advisor to National Association of Interchurch & Interfaith Families, etc.

"Live-Play-Think Inside the Triangle" is the tagline of female-

TRACY, CA: Interfaith activist Rajan Zed was honored by City of Tracy in California recently with a Proclamation.

The Proclamation, signed by Tracy Mayor Brent H. Ives, states: To honor Rajan Zed's initiatives to bring various religious communities together throughout the world to live in peace and mutual trust through dialogue.

Tracy City Members from left to right: Council member Nancy Proclamation also Rajan Zed delivering Young, Council member Charles Manne, Rajan Zed, Mayor adds: To honor Rajan the Hindu invocation Brent H. Ives, Mayor Pro Tem Michael Maciel and Council Zed's leadership roles in member Robert Rickman. attempting to help the Rajan Zed is a global religious majority Tracy, where Michael helpless.

Zed, President of Universal leader, who besides taking up the Maciel and R. Leon Churchill JunSociety of Hinduism, opened the cause of religion worldwide, has ior are Mayor Pro Tem and City Tracy City Council on April 16 with also raised huge voice against the Manager respectively. Prominent its first Hindu invocation in 103 apartheid faced by about 15-mil- people associated with Tracy inyears of its founding, containing lion Roma (Gypsies) in Europe. clude rapper MC Hammer, singer verses from world's oldest exist- Bestowed with World Interfaith Thia Megia, soccer player Troy ing scripture, and after sprinkling Leader Award; Zed is Senior Fel- Dayak, and football players Keena few drops of water from river low and Religious Advisor to Turner and Nick Eddy.

June 17, 2013

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India Post 27

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Sawaar Loon: Lootera 2 Ghanchakkar Babu: Ghanchakkar 3 Manmarziyan: Lootera 4 Ilahi: Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani 5 Tum Tak: Raanjhnaa 28 India Post

June 17, 2013

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6 Kabira: Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani 7 Allah Meherbaan: Ghanchakkar 8 Raanjhanaa: Raanjhanaa 9 Sunn Raha Hai: Aashiqui 2 10 Tu Mun Shudi: Raanjhnaa

T

he fresh pairing of Sonakshi Sinha and Ranveer Singh in a vintage romance of Vikramaditya Motwane's 'Lootera' has sparked a lot of interest.

Industry insiders say the chemistry between the pair is subtle, but smoldering. The period drama, set in the 50s in snow-capped Dalhousie and charming Kolkata, exudes sensuality.

The chemistry between the lead pair is being compared to memorable screen pairs like Rajesh Khanna-Sharmila Tagore, Amitabh Bachchan-Rekha and Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol. Says Karan

Johar, "It's one of the most exciting lead pairs as they have completely opposite energies. But put together, they have passion written all over them. Romantically sexy is what Lootera seems to be.

That is a rare feat to capture on celluloid."

Says Vikramaditya, "For me, the most important thing in a love story is the intensity and passion that my actors bring into playing their characters.

Ranveer and Sonakshi have portrayed their love to perfection like seasoned actors even though this is their first film together."

K

areena Kapoor has decided that she won't have kids with husband and actor Saif Ali Khan.

She is a modern woman and doesn't believe that children are essential after marriage. Bebo is happy playing the role of a wife and stepmother of Saif's two children, Sara and Ibrahim.

In an interview to a fashion and lifestyle magazine, the actress revealed that she might not have kids at all with husband Saif. "Earlier it was when are they going to get married?

Now everyone wants to know when is she having a baby? Who knows, I might even

decide not to have kids. I am just 32. And Saif already has two kids. We are not a typical Indian couple who get married just so they can have a child. We are modern."

Kareena is quite friendly with Saif's two children, Sara and Ibrahim.

S

outh star Tamannah got her first major Bollywood break in Sajid Khan's comic action movie 'Himmatwala.' Now Sajid Khan has decided to cast her in his next film 'Humshakal' as well, with Saif Ali Khan. It is said to be a remake of yesteryears' laugh riot 'Angoor' (1982).

Earlier, it was decided that the Sri Lankan beauty and Sajid's girlfriend Jacqueline Fernandez will do the lead role in 'Humshakal'. As the relation between director Sajid and actress Jacqueline turned sour, she was replaced by Tamannah.

What was the reason behind this breakup? It is said that Sajid wanted to get married and settle down while Jacqueline wanted to pursue her career and didn't wish to be bogged down by marriage.

A close source states, "He was trying to control her, telling her what films she should do and what she should not. This did not go down too well with Jacqueline who is young and very ambitious."

The source adds, "She knows Bollywood is not kind to married actresses and does not want to ruin her chances.

June 17, 2013

Bollywood www.indiapost.com

V

ivacious, spunky, pleasingly talkative and "definitely single" Neha Sharma, confesses, "It's so much fun being single. I can concentrate on my work without any distraction." Neha who claims to be "living" her "dream" seemed at home in her plush hotel suite.

Neha, whose latest screen outing is Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, says it's "been a lot of hard work shooting and promoting the film." But she is totally enjoying the entire process. Neha says with a beatific smile, "I'm young and hard working, so I want to make the most of this current phase of my life where I can do a lot of work and achieve what I crave for. This is the right time to do all I want."

But things haven't been all that smooth for Neha, whose last few outings haven't been very successful at the box-office. Neha's debut Bollywood film Crook, opposite Emraan Hashmi, failed at the BO, even though her first Telugu film Chirutha opposite Ram Charan Teja was a moderate success.

F

ormer Miss India and actress Neha Dhupia, who made her Bollywood debut in 2003 with "Qayamat: City Under Threat", says everyone is constantly struggling in Bollywood and adds that "I am not at number one, but struggling to make my way up everyday".

The 32-year-old tasted success with her second film "Julie", in which she played a high-profile call girl.

"It's a constant struggle. You get up every day and you are struggling," said Neha when she was asked how much struggle is important to maintain stardom.

"The guy sitting at the number one position is struggling to be at number one. The girl, who hasn't got her first job, is struggling to get her first job," the actress told reporters.

"I don't want to give any body else's example.

People like me, I have got my first job, I am not at number one, but I am struggling to make my way up everyday. Everybody is struggling," she added.

P

arineeti Chopra who is busy with her next Hasee Toh Phasee was recently injured on sets of the film. It is learnt that Parineeti who was shooting for a close up shot got hit by a camera matt box. The actress whined with pain as the area near her eye started to bleed.

Despite the first aid, a portion of her face swelled up and turned blue. However, she completed the shoot for the day but ended up canceling the shoot for the next day due to the injury.

India Post 29

Realty Tidbits

Buyers protest, DLF to hand over flats in 15 days NEW DELHI: After a peaceful three-hour-long protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, it was victory at last for homebuyers of DLF's New Town Heights as the real estate giant agreed to resolve all issues and give possession of the flats in the next 15 days.

The project was launched in February 2008 amid much fanfare.

But, despite waiting for over five years, the customers are yet to receive possession of their flats due in February 2011.

"We were forced to stage a protest against the builder as they were delaying giving us possession of our flats. After our meeting, DLF has agreed to offer possession of all apartments for which it has obtained the occupation certificate (OC) from the director, town and country planning department, Haryana government, by June 17," said Nitin Grover, president of New Town Heights Residents' Association.

Rajkot wakes up to realty of luxury

RAJKOT: Siesta-loving Rajkotians are waking up to the reality of luxurious living! Latching on to the demand from moneyed class, builders in Saurashtra's commercial hub are now constructing what they call 'multi-storeyed bungalows'. What's more, residents in these lavish apartments can take their cars right up to their 10th floor apartment and park it next to the living room.

According to market sources, at least 10 such apartment schemes are coming up in the city where, besides amenities like garden on each floor, the owner can take their cars up to their doorstep using a special elevator. The high-rises are coming up mainly near Nyari Dam, Nana Mava, Awadh Road and Kalavad Road.

Ishwar Gehi, an architect and real estate developer, who designed first such 'multi-storey bungalows' in Panchvati Society, said, "Parking is becoming a serious problem which only looks like getting worse. So, besides luxury of parking their cars beside their apartment, owners are also assured of the vehicle's security."

Real Estate 30

India Post

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June 17 , 2013

Realty bill aims to ensure timely possession of property NEW DELHI: The real estate regulatory bill, when enacted into law, will ensure that home users get timely possession of properties, and as per the specifications promised by developers, say realty firms and consultants.

Besides, it will improve the image of the realty sector by bringing in transparency, they said.

However, industry experts highlighted that the bill does not provide relief to builders in getting faster approvals for their projects.

Home inspectors share some horror stories SUSAN LADIKA

F

rom a 15-foot boa constric tor holed up in the dark to a house ready to collapse in a stiff breeze to electrical wiring that bursts into flames at the flip of a switch, home inspectors have seen it all. And those horror stories could be yours if you don't have a home inspected before you buy.

"Getting a home inspection is the best money a buyer spends, even if they end up not buying the home," says Dominic Cardone, a regional vice president for the National Association of Realtors.

While some buyers might balk because of the extra cost, spending a few hundred dollars to get a home inspected could save you thousands in the long run.

Marvin Goldstein, former president of the American Society of Home Inspectors, or ASHI, recalls one new home he inspected in the Philadelphia area that had passed

a city inspection, even though it had no toilets and was plagued by "incomplete, improperly done work. There was $75,000 worth of work needed" -- not exactly pocket

In most home-purchase offers, it's customary to include a clause making the transaction contingent on the findings of a home inspection.

change for a buyer.

Protecting the buyer by inspecting

If the inspection reveals real problems, what happens next depends on the contract. "It's done

differently in different contracts across the country," Cardone says. The seller may cover repair costs; the buyer and seller might split costs; the seller might credit the buyer money to make repairs; or the seller might reduce the price.

If they can't come to terms, the buyer can walk away from the agreement.

As home inspectors will point out, what you don't know can hurt you.

Creatures creeping and sleeping Blaine Illingworth, an ASHI director in the Philadelphia area, has had more than his share of animal encounters while doing inspections. In the crawl space of one Pennsylvania house, "I came face to face with a 15-foot boa constrictor. It's amazing how fast you can crawl backward!"

Cont’d on page 31

Realtors welcome real estate regulatory bill NEW DELHI: Hailing the Cabinet's approval of real estate regulatory bill, realtors' body NAREDCO has said the proposed law will bring transparency in the sector, while helping home buyers in redressal of their grievances.

The Cabinet has approved the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill. It provides for setting up a regulator for the realty sector and having provisions like a jail term of up to three years for developers who make offences like putting up misleading

advertisements about projects repeatedly.

"It is a welcome step. We had been waiting for the same since long as it would bring buyers at ease along with transparency and respect to the sector," National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) President Naveen Raheja said in a statement.

The proposed law will protect the interest of all stakeholders and also help check unscrupulous players in the sector, he added.

"This now would help to establish a regulatory authority for enforcing fair practice and accountability norms and fast track dispute resolution mechanism in real estate transac-

tions," Raheja said.

Commenting on the bill, global realty consultant CBRE South Asia Chairman & MD Anshuman Magazine said: "Real estate regulator bill should have been more balanced (while) taking view of challenges faced by developers and consumer grievances."

"While consumers need protection, for real estate development to happen more efficiently, and in a transparent manner, administrative reforms are required urgently," he added.-PTI

Real Estate Post

June 17 , 2013

India Post 31

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Supertech not abusing dominant market position: CCI NEW DELHI: Competition watchdog CCI has dismissed the charges of abuse of dominant market position against real estate company Supertech for residential

According to CCI, the relevant market in this case was "services for development and sale of residential apartments in the region of Noida and Greater Noida".

It also noted that the presence of other builders in the region negates the contention that any of the consumers were dependent on Supertech flats in Noida and Greater Noida.

In an order dated May 31, Competition Commission of India (CCI) said that Supertech "prima facie, does not appear to be in a dominant position in the relevant market, there seems to be no question of abuse of its dominant position within the meaning of the provisions of... the (Competition) Act".

In a complaint against Supertech, an individual had alleged that the company being a dominant player in Noida region had abused its position by canceling his allotted apartment without any reasonable basis.

It was alleged that the real-estate company having control on the flats had "arbitrarily, malafidely, wrongly, deliberately

and intentionally cancelled the allotment of the flat to the consumers".

The complainant had booked a residential flat in Greater Noida, to be constructed by Supertech.

As per the complaint, following a dispute between Supertech and the farmers and its subsequent resolution, the price escalation over the period of time led to an increase in the construction price for Supertech in Noida.

Thereafter, the complaint alleged that Supertech abused its dominant position to deprive the original allottees of the flats at the price duly agreed between them.

It said that in order to achieve this motive, Supertech had arbitrarily and mischievously issued a letter to the complainant for cancellation of the flat.

Moreover, the complainant had alleged the company of colluding with other real estate firms so that the cancelled flats could be re-sold to new buyers at higher prices.

However, CCI has said the alle-

gation that Supertech colluded with other companies "seems to be mis-conceived as the real estate enterprises (including the opposite party-Supertech) were not shown to have agreed/colluded to adopt similar practice of canceling prior allotments with the objective to fetch higher prices".

Realty bill should cover all stakeholders: CREDAI NEW DELHI: The bill to regulate real estate sector should cover the authorities responsible for giving approvals for projects, besides developers community, realtors' body CREDAI has said.

Stating that the real estate regulatory bill approved by the Union Cabinet seeks to whip only errant developers, CREDAI Chairman

Home inspectors share some horror stories Cont’d from page 30

The behemoth had gotten loose a couple of years earlier, and the owner thought it was dead, not residing under his house.

Another time, Illingworth says he saved a family from carbon monoxide poisoning. The sellers thought they had the flu. Instead, he found a raccoon sleeping in the chimney, blocking the flue.

The problem wasn't the flu - it was the flue.

In another case, while inspecting an old farmhouse, Illingworth

the plaster on the walls. "I could have pushed it over," McGavic says.

Crispy, but not well-done Homeowners can be their own worst enemies. In one case, McGavic says he went to inspect a house with a real estate agent.

The agent flipped a light switch, setting the house on fire. The pair put out the fire, cleared out the smoke - and the buyer bought the home.

Illingworth recalls inspecting a home owned by an electrical engineer, who proudly announced that

A typical inspection takes several hours and looks at things such as the heating and air-conditioning systems, plumbing, electrical system, and roof. discovered a colossal hornets' nest, with seemingly hundreds of thousands of the stinging creatures, covering one attic wall.

Termites also can cause a pile of damage. Claude McGavic, executive director at the National Association of Home Inspectors, or NAHI, recalls inspecting a 1920s Florida home. "From outward appearances, it looked fine."

A closer look showed termites had devoured the wooden framing, leaving it held together by

he had wired the house himself.

Unfortunately, he had used the wrong type of wiring. "Everything was brown or black and crispy. I can't understand for the life of me why it hadn't burned down yet."

Water heaters also can be dangerous things, as Bill Jacques, ASHI's president, found when inspecting a home in the Charleston, S.C., area. Water heaters have a pressure-relief valve attached to a drain line channeled outside. If it overheats, the valve opens,

draining water so the tank doesn't explode. In this case, the homeowner had substituted a turkey baster for a drain line. "It would have blown the turkey baster away," spewing hot water, Jacques says.

What to expect when they're inspecting A typical inspection takes several hours and looks at things such as the heating and air-conditioning systems, plumbing, electrical system, and roof. Specialty inspectors can check for mold, radon gas and energy efficiency, McGavic says.

Older homes are more likely to have problems as things wear out, but new homes aren't immune, as Goldstein discovered when he inspected that new home with no toilets and $75,000 worth of problems.

If repairs are needed, hire a licensed contractor. That way, there's a paper trail that the work has been done. And Jacques recommends having the home reinspected to make sure the repairs were done properly.

In many parts of the country, a home inspection will cost a few hundred dollars, and the price is influenced by the age of the home, its square footage, and how far the inspector needs to travel, Jacques says.

Courtesy Bankrate.com

It also noted that the presence of other builders in the region negates the contention that any of the consumers were dependent on Supertech to purchase an apartment.

"Presence of other builders of repute also shows prevalence of competition," it added. -PTI

Lalit Kumar Jain

Lalit Kumar Jain expressed fear that it could encourage corruption instead of curtailing the social menace.

"The real estate sector definitely needs a regulator on the lines of the one controlling telecom, banking, stock markets and insurance sectors," he added.

However, he said the discretionary powers for registering or deregistering projects and adjudi-

cation by a bureaucrat could become breeding grounds for corruption.

"Our fear is that those with expertise to handle political influencers will only survive, thus leaving the all important industry in the hands of corrupt people," Jain said.

He demanded that the regulator should cover all stakeholders like defaulting customers, the approving authorities and financial institutions that fund projects.

"How can anyone blame the developer if a project is held up due to approval delays or funds for that matter?" he asked.

On the provision in the Bill for mandatory deposit of 70 per cent of the cost in an escrow account, Jain pointed out that this is impractical.

Jain welcomed the statement of Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Ajay Maken that the Bill provides for a uniform regulatory environment to protect consumer interests, help speedy adjudication of disputes and ensure orderly growth of the real estate sector.

"Also, the promotional role of the proposed Regulator like standardization in the sector carpet area, checking money trail and curbing money laundering, professionalism and promoting planned development are music to our ears," he said. -PTI

„ Health

Line

Regents reject private health center at UNL LINCOLN, Neb.: The University of Nebraska Board of Regents has opted not to switch to a privately run student health center in Lincoln.

The Lincoln Journal Star reports the board rejected a proposal to enter into a 36-year contract with Bryan Health to operate the University of NebraskaLincoln's heath center and then build a new $14.4 million center.

UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman says the deal would have let the university avoid the uncertainties of providing health care under new federal guidelines and would have stabilized costs to students.-AP

„ Wicomico Co. to hike costs of certain services SALISBURY, Md.: Wicomico County says restaurant inspections, building permits and some other health department services are about to get more expensive.

The fee hike goes into effect July 1 and was approved by a 4-3 County Council vote. Many of the fees haven't been raised for seven years.

The cost increase includes services such as a public pool license, septic installations and permits for wells, buildings and sewage disposal systems.

County Council President Matt Holloway, who voted in favor of the fee increase, tells The Daily Times of Salisbury that the state has ``sent down unfunded mandates time and again'' and that the increases seem fair for users of the services. -AP

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June 17, 2013

Alabama struggles in meeting fitness guidelines Details on Page 34

Obama pitches new health care law in California SAN JOSE, Calif.: President Barack Obama has encouraged the uninsured or those paying high prices for health insurance to sign up for coverage under his health care law and urged opponents to stop wasting time continuing to fighting its implementation.

Obama used a trip to California to highlight how the state is implementing the Affordable Care Act and rebut continuing criticism over his signature legislative achievement. He touted an effort in the state to recruit Hispanics in particular to the health care exchanges that are being created to help millions of now-uninsured consumers afford coverage. ``The main message I want for Californians and people all across the country, starting on Oct. 1, if you're in the individual market, you can get a better deal,'' Obama said. He said California's online marketplace will allow consumers to shop for private insurance ``just like you were going online to compare cars or airline tickets.''

California has the country's biggest insurance market and, with 6 million uninsured residents, it is a crucial part of Obama's effort to get consumers to sign up

for coverage. Thirteen insurance companies will be offering multiple health plans that vary in coverage and price through California's exchange, even in

``My suggestion to them has been, let's stop re-fighting the old battles and start working with people like the leaders who are on stage here to make this law work

some of the most rural regions of the state.

In many states, Republican governments are opposing the law's implementation and are leaving oversight of the exchanges to the federal government. Obama noted that the House has voted 37 times to repeal the health care law.

the way it's supposed to,'' he said. ``You can listen to a bunch of political talk out there, negative ads and fear-mongering geared toward the next election, or alternatively you can actually look at what's happening in states like California right now,'' Obama said.

The president said there would

be ``glitches'' and ``hiccups'' in getting the system up and running. He said current premium increases Americans may experience are not a result of the law, but the result of employers shifting costs to workers or insurers ``jacking up prices unnecessarily.''

Getting young people to enroll through the exchanges also is critical; they cost insurers less money because they tend to have the best health and don't require a lot of costly medical care.

The Obama administration is looking for about 7 million people to enroll through the exchanges, and 2.6 million of them need to be younger in order to keep costs down for the overall pool of enrollees, White House officials said. Nearly one-third of these young people live in three states: California, Texas and Florida.

Among the private entities working with the state of California to promote enrollment are the Spanish-language TV networks Telemundo and Univision. The White House says the law will give more than 10 million uninsured Latinos across the country the opportunity to afford health insurance coverage.

Cont'd on Page 35

„ Hickman wins nursing honor at Northwestern NATCHITOCHES, La.: Debbie Hickman has been named educator of the year by Northwestern State University's College of Nursing and Allied Health.

She is an assistant professor of nursing at the university's Leesville-Fort Polk campus.

Hickman was nominated for the honor by her colleagues.

Hickman has been a nurseeducator for 12 years. She teaches fundamentals and medical/surgical nursing classes and tutors two groups of clinical students each semester. She also is lab coordinator for the Leesville-Fort Polk campus. -AP

High heels may cause permanent injury LONDON: High heels may cause permanent injury, with most women suffering pain in just over an hour of wearing height-enhancing footwear, a new study has found.

Wearing the ill-fitted shoes can cause long-term damage including arthritis, stress fractures, and trapped nerves, which may even require surgery or steroid injections, consultant podiatrist Mike O'Neill warned.

Researchers at The College of Podiatry, UK, found that almost half of women have suffered foot problems after wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes, but 43 per cent will suf-

fer in the name of fashion.

One third of women also admitted that they had worn heels

started to feel the pinch within just 10 minutes.

As many as 28 per cent women

they knew did not fit, simply because they "looked nice" - and could not find a pair in their size, The Telegraph reported.

On average, high heels start to hurt after 1 hour, 6 minutes and 48 seconds, but a fifth 20 per cent

said they have resorted to dancing bare foot in a nightclub or bar when they could not put up with the pain any longer.

One third of them admitted to have been forced to remove their shoes and walk home barefoot be-

cause they could not bear the pain any longer.

The study of 2,000 British adults also found that only 12 per cent of men have put up with stylish but uncomfortable shoes.

Researchers said that could explain why women are likely to have more issues with their feet, and are twice as likely to suffer from corns, cracked heels and bunions.

A staggering 90 per cent of women have experienced problems and 20 per cent admitted they are "embarrassed" by their feet while 12 per cent are so ashamed they cover them constantly.-PTI

June 17, 2013

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20-minute bout of yoga boosts brain function WASHINGTON: A single, 20-minute session of yoga can significantly improve brain function, a new study led by an Indian-origin researcher has found.

University of Illinois student Neha Gothe and her colleagues found that a 20-minute session of Hatha yoga improved participants' speed and accuracy on tests of working memory and inhibitory control, two measures of brain function associated with the ability to maintain focus and take in, retain and use new information.

Participants performed significantly better immediately after the yoga practice than after moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise for the same amount of time.

The 30 study subjects were young, female, undergraduate students.

"Yoga is an ancient Indian science and way of life that includes not only physical movements and postures but also regulated breathing and meditation," said Neha Gothe, who led the study while a graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

"The practice involves an active

attentional or mindfulness component but its potential benefits have not been thor-

Gothe and her colleagues found that participants showed more improvement in their reaction times and accuracy on cognitive tasks after yoga practice than after the aerobic exercise session, which showed no significant improvements on the working memory and inhibitory control scores. oughly explored," said Gothe, now a professor of kinesiology, health and sport

Cheese, dairy products may help prevent cavities WASHINGTON: Consuming cheese and other dairy products may help protect teeth against cavities, a new study led by an Indian-origin researcher has claimed.

Consuming dairy products is vital to maintaining good overall health, and it is especially important to bone health. However, there has been little research about how dairy products affect oral health in particular.

randomly. Researchers instructed the first group to eat cheddar cheese, the second group to drink milk, and the third group to eat sugar-free yogurt.

Each group consumed their product for three minutes and then swished with water. Researchers measured the pH level of each subject's mouth at 10, 20, and 30 minutes after consumption.

The groups who consumed milk and

Subjects who ate cheese, however, showed a rapid increase in pH levels at each time interval, suggesting that cheese has anti-cavity properties.

The new study published in the General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), sampled 68 subjects ranging in age from 12 to 15, and the authors looked at the dental plaque pH in the subjects' mouths before and after they consumed cheese, milk, or sugar-free yogurt.

A pH level lower than 5.5 puts a person at risk for tooth erosion, which is a process that wears away the enamel (or protective outside layer) of teeth. "The higher the pH level is above 5.5, the lower the chance of developing cavities," said Vipul Yadav, lead author of the study.

The subjects were assigned into groups

studies at Wayne State University in Detroit.

sugar-free yogurt experienced no changes in the pH levels in their mouths. Subjects who ate cheese, however, showed a rapid increase in pH levels at each time interval, suggesting that cheese has anti-cavity properties.

The study indicated that the rising pH levels from eating cheese may have occurred due to increased saliva production (the mouth's natural way to maintain a baseline acidity level), which could be caused by the action of chewing.

Additionally, various compounds found in cheese may adhere to tooth enamel and help further protect teeth from acid.-PTI

The yoga intervention involved a 20minute progression of seated, standing and supine yoga postures that included isometric contraction and relaxation of different muscle groups and regulated breathing.

The session concluded with a meditative posture and deep breathing.

Participants also completed an aerobic exercise session where they walked or jogged on a treadmill for 20 minutes.

Each subject worked out at a suitable speed and incline of the treadmill, with the goal of maintaining 60 to 70 per cent of her maximum heart rate throughout the exercise session.

Gothe and her colleagues found that participants showed more improvement in their reaction times and accuracy on cognitive tasks after yoga practice than after the aerobic exercise session, which showed no significant improvements on the working memory and inhibitory control scores.

"It appears that following yoga practice, the participants were better able to focus their mental resources, process information quickly, more accurately and also learn, hold and update pieces of information more effectively than after performing an aerobic exercise bout," Gothe said.

Many factors could explain the results, she said.

"Enhanced self-awareness that comes with meditational exercises is just one of the possible mechanisms. Besides, meditation and breathing exercises are known to reduce anxiety and stress, which in turn can improve scores on some cognitive tests," she said.-PTI

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Alabama struggles in meeting fitness guidelines ANNISTON, Ala.: The iron plates of a weightlifting machine yielded to Stephanie Coley's efforts as she pressed her legs on the device on a recent afternoon.

The Oxford resident signed up for a year-long membership at the Anniston Aquatic and Fitness Center mainly to help her 14-yearold daughter train for a triathlon.

Soon after signing up however, the

triathlon was canceled. But Coley decided to stick with her workouts anyway.

She has lost four pounds in the last three weeks and has no plans of slowing down. ``I want to get stronger and lose weight,'' Coley said. ``But I have diabetes, so I'm also trying to get healthier so I can get off some of my medication.''

Coley is set on improving her health through fitness, but other

Alabama residents like her are few and far between, according to recently released statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The statistics show that just 15 percent of Alabama adults in 2011 met national physical activity guidelines, the fourthlowest rate in the country - numbers directly tied to the state's high levels of obesity and diabetes, ex-

perts say.

But efforts are under way statewide and locally, from bicycling trail construction to children's exercise programs, to encourage physical fitness and improve residents' health.

According to the statistics, the states with lower rates of exercising adults than Alabama were Mississippi at 14.2 percent, and Tennessee and West Virginia, both at 12.7 percent. In the study,

for adults to meet the national physical activity guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, they had to report engaging in a combination of moderate and vigorous aerobic physical activity between 75 minutes and 150 minutes each week and participate in muscle strengthening at least two times per week.

Coley said her exercise program includes using weight machines, some free weights and a stationary bicycle. ``I really like it,'' she said.

Since the city opened the Anniston Aquatic and Fitness Center last year, it has seen consistent use by residents, said Robin Brothers, fitness director at the center. ``Membership is very good,'' Brothers said.

The facility offers an indoor competitive swimming pool and plenty of weight and cardio machines along with free weights.

The center also offers several aerobic and body sculpting exercise classes in the morning and at night. There's also a basketball court.

Brothers said the center routinely makes efforts to encourage more residents to try out the center. ``We participate in different activities in the city, like health fairs,'' she said.

For several years, efforts have been underway among volunteers

Review prompts changes at Colorado toxicology lab DENVER: The Colorado health department announced changes at its toxicology lab after a personnel investigation found that refrigerators holding drivers' blood-alcohol samples were unlocked.

The investigation also found understaffing and inadequate staff training.

The refrigerators were in a locked room, but a janitor had access to it. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said that all refrigerators with blood-alcohol samples are now locked and the staff is receiving more training in providing court testimony. An investigator with Mountain States Employers Council Inc. said the chance of tampering appeared to be minimal.

Department executive director Chris Urbina said Mountain States Employers Council was con-

tracted to investigate following staff complaints about a supervisor, who retired last week. The supervisor was reassigned after the allegations were discovered, Urbina said.

Complaints included that the supervisor had asked some employees to help with her master's thesis during work hours and that

some of her statements suggested a bias for prosecutors.

Some employees reported inadequate training and understaffing.

The department said it is hiring a new lab manager who will evaluate workflow.

Colorado Attorney General John Suthers advised district attorneys and defense lawyers in a letter that a report on the investigation included information that could be mitigating evidence in the prosecution of certain cases involving the lab.

However Urbina and Suthers' office stressed that the investigation concerned personnel issues, not the validity of the lab's tests. ``The lab is outstanding,'' Urbina said, noting its role in confirming listeria in cantaloupe in 2011. -AP

and local leaders to turn the area into a bicycling hub - encouraging races like the Sunny King Criterium and Cheaha Challenge and the construction of cycling trails on Coldwater Mountain.

Mike Poe, former organizer of the Cheaha Challenge, is president of the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association and is involved in the Coldwater Mountain trail project. He said his and

much of that can be impacted by high-intensity exercise,'' said Dr. Marcas Bamman, director of the UAB Center of Exercise Medicine.

Bamman said exercise - not just better diets - is highly important for healthier lifestyles. Bamman noted that strength training is particularly important. He said adding muscle improves a person's metabolic rate, helping them burn more calories.

``We certainly want to have an event for tourism, but we also want to promote a healthy lifestyle and cycling is a great way to do that,'' Poe said. ``It encourages people to set goals ... to start training to reach those goals.'' others' efforts are as much about improving fitness as recreation for the area. ``We certainly want to have an event for tourism, but we also want to promote a healthy lifestyle and cycling is a great way to do that,'' Poe said. ``It encourages people to set goals ... to start training to reach those goals.''

The lack of fitness has taken its toll on Alabama residents.

According to the CDC, 30 percent of Alabamians more than 25 years old are obese and more than 10 percent have some type of diabetes. ``We're suffering from heart disease, obesity and diabetes ...

``And the more muscle mass you have, the stronger you are,'' Bamman said. ``So when you get into your middle ages or older, it's important to have light, lean muscle mass to help in daily movements and with carrying things.''

On the state level, the Alabama Department of Public Health is using various programs to encourage more residents to get fit.

Molly Killman, assistant director for the department's nutrition and physical activity division, said the department's major program is Scale Back Alabama, an annual contest that encourages residents to lose weight.

Obama pitches new health care law in California Cont'd from Page 32

Obama arrived in California to attend fundraisers in Palo Alto and Portola Valley to help Senate Democratic candidates.

The fundraising continued with Obama's attendance at a Democratic National Committee lunch and reception for a total of about 130 people at the Santa Monica home of Peter Chernin, officials said. Chernin is a former News Corp. executive and a longtime Obama supporter. Tickets for both events ranged from $10,000 to $32,400.

Obama began by noting that Chernin had given a ``pretty exhaustive summary'' of the president's first-term accomplishments and the issues pending in his current term. ``I'm not sure I've got a lot to add and yet I feel obligated, since

you guys wrote these big checks to the DNC, to say something,'' Obama joked. He then spoke for another 16 minutes about overcoming government gridlock, working with Republicans, electing more Democrats to Congress and other issues. ``I've run my last campaign so all I care about right now is governance and getting things right so that I can look back at this time, where I had this incredible privilege of leading this country, and say this country is better because of my tenure,'' Obama said. ``That's all I care about.''

About three miles away from the fundraiser, a gunman opened fire on the campus of Santa Monica College, police said. The Secret Service said the incident was being treated as a local police matter and had not affected the president's visit.-AP

June 17, 2013

Health Science Post

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Official reports progress with health initiative HUNTINGTON, W.Va.: A program to tington Hospital and St. Mary's have implepromote healthier living in West Virginia is mented a tobacco-free campus and making progress in getting the word out, Marshall University is in the process of that according to a regional director of the ini- as well, and we have tobacco-free parks in tiative.

Jackson County,'' Hazelett said.

Tim Hazelett told the Herald-Dispatch ``We are working with our extension that communities in the Huntington area agents locally to offer diabetes self-manare getting behind the Change the Future agement and prevention classes. We're WV program, which is funded by a grant to working with Marshall's Center for Rural the state from the Centers for Disease Con- Health and their diabetes program. We're at trol and Prevention. health fairs in schools. Any opportunity we Hazelett directs the program in a nine- get to speak to Rotary or ministerial assocounty region, working with community ciations or small groups, we're there.'' groups, churches, businesses and others to expand healthy food options at community venues, make ``We have all the Walmarts with health screenings and education programs more available and encourage the exception of one signed on business owners to offer locally to our healthy checkout initiative grown fruits and vegetables in con- where they offer fruit and healthy spicuous locations. ``It's a slow process with options at checkout instead of grassroots efforts, but we are seeing only candy and junk food.,, a lot of community buy-in,'' Hazelett said.

Hazelett said a lot of small projects with He said more than 30 businesses --- in- small goals can have a big impact. cluding convenience stores, grocery ``Can we change our community's desstores, big-box retailers and specialty mar- ignation as one of the most unhealthy in kets --- have installed signs for the initia- the country? Of course, but it's not going tive and are helping to get the ``healthy to happen overnight. We didn't get here message'' out to the community. overnight,'' he said. ``We have all the Walmarts with the exThe grant, which runs through 2016, foception of one signed on to our healthy cuses on tobacco-free living, active living checkout initiative where they offer fruit and healthy eating, and services to prevent and healthy options at checkout instead of and control high blood pressure and high only candy and junk food. Both Cabell Hun- cholesterol. -AP

Rastafarian inmate cuts hair to get transfer RICHMOND, Va.: A Rastafarian inmate who spent more than a decade in segregation for refusing to cut his hair has relented, citing health reasons.

Ras-Solomon Tafari told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that he cut his hair so he could be moved from Wallens Ridge State Prison, where he was beaten by another inmate last year and suffered a stroke. Be-

Tafari is one of several Rastafarian inmates who've been held in segregation for refusing to cut their hair for religious reasons. cause Wallens Ridge is a high-security prison, Tafari was not allowed to have his four-point cane in the general population.

So he was held in a small cell in the infirmary, which he said impeded his ability to use the cane to continue his recovery. ``You have a stroke, you need to exercise your muscles and get that strength

back,'' he said.

Tafari said he was told he could be transferred within two weeks if he complied with Virginia's inmate grooming policy. Nine days after he had an inmate barber cut his hair, Tafari was transferred to the lower-security Deerfield Correctional Center. ``Deerfield is specifically designed to accommodate geriatric and assisted-living inmates with special medical and mobility needs,'' said Virginia Department of Corrections spokesman Larry Traylor.

Tafari is one of several Rastafarian inmates who've been held in segregation for refusing to cut their hair for religious reasons.

The grooming policy requires that male inmates' hair be cut above the shirt collar and around the ears. The department said the policy was enacted for health and safety reasons, and it has withstood court challenges.

Inmates who refused to comply were placed in segregation cells - at least eight of them for more than 10 years - and lost many privileges. -AP

Couples who post about their relationships happier WASHINGTON: The soppy details about their relationship that some couples post on Facebook may actually be strengthening their marital bond, a new study has found.

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) found that people who post about their relationship on Facebook are more satisfied and secure in their marriages than those who do not.

It may seem obvious that people who are happy in their relationships will post about them more often, but now there is scientific evidence of the connection - and a possible answer to the argument that they're overcompensating or just looking for a selfesteem boost, 'Huffington Post' reported.

The research team, led by Laura R Saslow a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Medicine at UCSF's Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, conducted three experiments among married Facebook users over the age of 18.

The first experiment showed that those who often posted a picture of themselves

and their spouse as their Facebook profile picture were more likely to report being happy in their relationship.

The second experiment indicated that participants who reported higher levels of marital satisfaction and closeness with their partner were much more likely to have posted a profile picture that featured their spouse in the last year.

The third experiment found that participants were more likely to post information about their relationship on Facebook on days when they were feeling particularly satisfied with their marriage.

"It makes sense that someone who's happier with their life would post these kinds of pictures to show off their relationship," said study co-author Amy Muise in an interview for Canada.com.

"But general life satisfaction and personality traits couldn't account for our findings," Muise said.

The study will be published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science. -PTI

Datebook

36 India Post

NEW JERSEY Upcoming

NEW YORK Upcoming

Fri June 21

Sut, June 22

Venue: Katha & Kalash Mahotsav, NJ - Invitation from June 21-29th, 2013?, 130 Hwy 10, East Hanover, NJ 07936 Time: 5:30 pm Contact: 973-819-8189

Venue: Cunningham Park, Fresh Meadows, New York, 196 Union Turnpike, New York, NY 11366 Time: 7:00 am Contact: 2012204490

Sun June 23

Sut, June 22

Venue: Raritan Valley Community College Edward Nash Auditorium, 118 Lamington Rd, Branchburg, NJ 08876 Time: 4:00 pm Contact: 848-219-9118

Venue:Chhandayan Center for Indian Music, 4 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 212-302-0720

Fri June 28

• Ajmad Sabri Qawali Night

• Shri Krishna Madhura Sathvaro Shri Radhe Shyamno Dhwitiya

Venue: Edison Hotel, 3050 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, NJ 08837 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 732-277-6687

Venue: Hindu Temple Auditorium -NY, 143 - 09 Holly Avenue, New York, NY 11355 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 718-639-9200

• Asian American Fair 2013

• Dr K.J.Yesudas Live In Concert

• CRY Cricket Tournament

• Sri Sanjoy Banerjee and Samir Chatterjee Live In Concert

Fri, June 28

June 17, 2013

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming

Fri, June 21 • Quarterly Mata Ki Chauki Venue: Pasadena Hindu Temple, Pasadena, 676 S Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 626-795-5539

Sat, June 22 • Elements - Crossing Boundaries Venue: Woodside Performing Arts Center, 199 Churchill Ave, Woodside, CA 94062 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 408-982-7266

Sat, June 22 • Official Desi Summer Party Venue: Ultrasuede Hollywood, 661 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 858-610-7388

Sun, June 23 • Mrudula Desai Concert Venue: Hoover Middle School Auditorium, 3501 East Country Club Dr., Lakewood, CA 90712 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 310-753-8990

Sun, June 23 • Anantha: Infinite Possibilities Venue: Sophia B. Clarke Theater, 1100 N Grand Ave, Walnut, CA 91789 Time: 5:00 pm Contact: 909-630-8558

Sun, Jul 14 • Ganesha+The Woodcutter And The River Goddess Venue: Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, 4800 Hollywood Blvd, , Hollywood, CA 90027 Time: 4:00 pm Contact: 818-599-1936

Fri, jun 21

• Meet and Greet With Kapil Dev and Aparna Sen Venue: San Jose Airport Garden Hotel, 1740 N 1st St, San Jose, CA 95112 Time: 6:00pm Contact: 408-507-5889

Sun, June 23 • OHM Bhagavatha Sapthaham Yajna at Irvine Mandir Venue: Irvine Mandir, 1732 Reynolds Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 Time: 2:00 pm

ATLANTA Upcoming Sun, June 22

• Atlanta Desi Summer Mela 2013 Venue: Berkmar High School Main Gym, 405 Pleasant Hill Rd, Lilburn, GA 30047 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 678 508 5050

Sun, June 23

• Shankar Ehsaan Loy Live Concert In Atlanta Venue: Cobb Energy Performing Art Center Center, 800 Galleria Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 Time: 6:00pm Contact: 404-576-8909

Sun, Jul 14

• Singing Sensation 2013 Venue:Impact Conference Center, 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross, GA 30071 Time: 2:00 pm Contact: 678-463-6613

Sun, Jul 23

•Singing Sensation 2013 Venue: mpact Conference Center, 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross, GA 30071 Time: 2:00pm Contact: 678-463-6613

ILLINOIS Upcoming • J K Yog Satsang and Bal Mukund Hindi Classes are held every 2nd and 4rth Sunday of Month Chicago Satsang Information: J K Yog, Chicago - Swami Mukundananda Venue: Clarion Inn/Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807 Website: www.jkyog.org

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

June 28-30 • Purusha-Suktam A Week-end Retreat with Swami Brahmarupananda Venue: Vivekananda Monastery & Retreat 6723 122nd Ave., Ganges, MI 49408 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: (269) 543-4545

Sun, June 30 • Pij Picnic 2013 Venue: Deer Grove East Forest Preserve, Palatine, Quintin & Dundee, Palatine, IL 60305 Time: 9:00am Contact: 6309267110

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Tel: (516) 931 4600

SEEMA WORLD TRAVEL, INC. One of the Oldest Travel Agencies in St. Louis

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June 17, 2013

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he holy Mount Kailash is situated in the western Tibetan plateau of the northernmost region of the Himalayas. Also referred to as Mount Meru and Kang Rinpoche, or snow jewel, Mount Kailash is a 22,028 ft high peak known for being the abode of Shiva.

Hindus perform a 'parikrama' or walk around the 32-mile (48 km) circumference of Mount Kailash, an act that is believed to wipe away all sins. Four holy rivers originate from Mount Kailash: the Indus, the Brahamputra, the Karnali and the Sutlej.

Travel 18 miles southeast of Kailash, and you arrive at the placid blue circular Lake Mansarovar, also known as

Tso Rinpoche or 'precious lake' in Tibetan. Bathing in the freezing cold water of the lake which is said to contain miraculous powers is considered to be of massive spiritual benefit.

Kailash Peak has been the center of devotion from ancient times for the Devas, Danavas, Yakshas, Kinners, Vidyadharas, Gandharvas, Apsaras, yogis, Munis, Siddhas, Tapees and humans. A lot of pilgrims visit KailashMansarovar every year. Kailash-Mansavrover today belongs to China and Tibet. Therefore, only a few pilgrims can visit Kailash-Mansarovar with the permission of Chinese authorities.

Lake Mansarovar

Kailash is difficult to access. Pilgrims have to cross many mountain ranges to reach there. There are various routes to reach Kailash from India.

One route goes from Ladakh region of Kashmir; the second route passes through Gangotri towards Nailang Ghat; the third route is from Badrinath via Man Ghat; the fourth route goes via Niti Ghat which is in NorthEast direction of Joshi Math; the fifth route goes via Almora, Dharchula, Gabyang and Lipu Ghat and the sixth route goes from Nepal towards KailashMansarovar.

Cont’d on page 42

Travel & Hospitality Post

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'Shatabdi is the heart of Indian railways' NEW DELHI: One of the best ways to see India is to undertake a train journey and the Shatabdi Express, the heart of Indian railways, is one such rail network that offers one of the best options for domestic travelers, according to the Lonely Planet.

After enabling curious Indian travelers to experience the world via outbound travel guides specifically designed for Indian travellers last year, Lonely Planet is exploring the domestic Indian market with its new series of 'pocket travel guides'.

The first in the series of pocket books titled, "Holidays by Shatabdi" was recently launched in the capital as a guide to destinations easily reachable by Shatabdi from Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai being next in the series.

"After the launch of our Lonely Planet for the Indian Traveler series last year and Short Escapes travel guides series in March 2013, we decided to tap those tourists who use the services of Shatabdi Express to travel to destinations in the sub-continent," says Sesh Sheshadri, General Manager,

Lonely Planet India.

"Shatabdi Express being one of the most popular trains in this

connection.

"The 'Bollywood Escape' series will focus on places which are

genre was first on our mind when we decided to come out with a guide for train travellers.'Holidays

by Shatabdi' enables travellers to make the most of their trips by visiting destinations near the city.

The first in the series is for travelers who board Shatabdi from Delhi," he added.

Also on the agenda are a set of books that can take the cinema loving tourist to places inside the country that have a Bollywood

known for some Bollywood connection, be it a shooting spot for

Goa to promote monsoon tourism to home visitors PANAJI: Goa tourism industry is all set to sell raindrops to visitors, who usually flock this beach destination for its sun, sand and surf and stay away during monsoons.

State tourism director Nikhil Desai said the department would hold roadshows and publicity campaigns across eight states from mid-June onwards to invite domestic tourists in Goa while it rains.

"The private and state run hotels have offered special packages for the season. Goa is at its best during this time of the year," he said.

The state-run Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has launched several new attractions like white water rafting in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, he said.

The monsoons have set in Goa since June 4 onwards.

Desai said that every possible means is being explored to attract tourists, right from holding campaigns to use of social networking websites.

The tourism department has launched special contests on Facebook, where winners are of-

fered packages in Goa. "The state is also promoted as monsoon wedding destination and for MICE (meetings, incentives,

Nikhil Desai

conference and exhibition) tourism," the director said.

While average room occupancy remains 60 per cent in the state during monsoons, as beach shacks are removed due to gusty winds as well as unfavorable weather conditions on the shores, private players are expecting big footfalls from the Middle East countries during this season.

"The heat is maximum during this time in Arab countries. -PTI

any movie or something other," Sheshadri told PTI. According to him, whenever we think about luxury traveling from Indian railways the international tourists zero down on options like Deccan Queen, Maharaja Express or Palace on wheels.

"But we cannot ignore the domestic travelers for whom Shatabdi can also be an option for luxury and comfortable traveling, " he said adding, "the domestic market is much bigger considering the number of Indian rail travelers every year and hence our effort is to provide the travelers, the benefit of traveling with authentic information.

The guide being pocket size is a quick read for anyone on the go and enables travelers to make the

most of their time by exploring destinations close to Delhi. The travel guide lists all the must see tourist destinations with comprehensive details about places to stay, food and shopping.

Priced at Rs 140 each, the guide also features value-for-money suggestions for travelers along with expert travel tips and advice.

It gives a detailed picture of fun filled activities for all interests and age groups.

Compiled by a team of five travel writers including Juhi Saklani, Karuna Ezara Parikh, Parvati Sharma, Puneetinder Kaur Sindhu and Sarah Islam, the guides are produced in full color and packed with photographs to inspire the readers to pack up their bags and board Shatabdi. -PTI

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Kailash Mansarovar Legendry abode of Shiva and source of 4 major rivers Cont’d from page 40

Kailash Parikrama A distance of 48 km is to be covered to complete Kailash Parikrama. Parikrama starts from Darchen which is situated at the

ence. It is covered with ice all the time. Devoted pilgrims break the layer of ice and have a holy dip in the cold water.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra takes normally 28 days. Of these 28 days, 11 days yatra is on Indian

Lake Manasarovar lies at 4,590 meters (15,060 ft) above mean sea level, a relatively high elevation for a large freshwater lake on the mostly saline lake-studded Tibetan Plateau. It is relatively round in shape with the circumference of

Mansarovar is a personification of purity, and one who drinks water from the lake will go to the Abode of Lord Shiva after death. He is believed to be cleansed of all his sins committed over even a hundred lifetimes.

allowed between 1951 and 1980.

After the 1980s it has again become a part of the Indian pilgrim trail.

The lake, in Hindu religious belief, is also supposed to be the summer abode of the Hamsa goose.

Considered to be sacred, the Hamsa

88 kilometers (55 miles). Its depth reaches a maximum of 90 m (300 ft) and its surface area is 320 square kilometers (120 sq miles).

It is connected to nearby Lake Rakshastal by the natural Ganga

Bathing in the Mansarovar and drinking its water is believed to cleanse all sins. Pilgrimage tours are organized regularly, especially from India, the most famous of which is the Kailash Mansarovar

Chhu channel.

Manasarovar is near the source of the Sutlej River which is the easternmost large tributary of the Indus. Nearby are the sources of the Brahmaputra River, the Indus River, and the Karnali River (Ghaghara), an important tributary of the Ganges River.

During winter, the lake water freezes to solid ice. Tibetan people cross the lake without any fear by walking across or on yak.

Etymology The word "Manasarovara" originates from Sanskrit, which is a combination of the words "Manas" "sarovara." Manas meaning mind and sarovara meaning lake. According to Hindu religion, the lake was first created in the mind of Lord Brahma after which it manifested on Earth.

In Hinduism As per Hindu theology, Lake

Yatra which takes place every year.

Pilgrims come to take ceremonial baths in the cleansing waters of the lake.

The region was closed to pilgrims following the Chinese Invasion of Tibet. No foreigners were

is an important element in the symbology of the subcontinent, representing wisdom and beauty.

Rakshas Tal Next to Mansarovar, there is another lake called Rakshas Tal. It is spread over an area of 225 sq. km.

Here demon king Ravana worshipped Ashutosh Shambhu, that is why it is called Rakshas Tal or Ravanhrid. There are two beautiful islands within Rakshas Tal. A narrow hill separates Mansarovar and Rakshas Tal. A small river called Ganga-Chu joins both the lakes. There are eight Buddha Gompas situated on the banks of Mansarovar. There is a vast plane called Barkha on the north side of Mansarovar. Darchen is on the North side of Barkha. Kailash Parikrama starts from Darchen.

How to reach The nearest railhead is at Lucknow. Lucknow is well connected with regular passenger and express train services with all major cities in India. One can take a taxi and travel to Nepalgunj before starting the trek to Kailash Mansarovar.

A small river called Ganga-Chu joins both the lakes. There are eight Buddha Gompas situated on the banks of Mansarovar. There is a vast plane called Barkha on the north side of Mansarovar.

Seralung Gompa

feet of Kailash Mountain. If we go west from Darchen, we pass Sersuna, Nandi Cavas, a flag pole called "'Tarbo'. Next stopover from Sersuna is Nyanari Gompa. West side of Kailash peak is visible from here. A little ahead of Nyanari Gompa is Desphu Gompa, on the banks of Lha-chu river. It is located at 16,400 ft above sea level.

Full view of Kailash Peak is visible from here.

This is the most beautiful view on Earth. Snow-clad Kailash Mountain looks as if Lord Shiva himself is standing there covered with holy ashes. Perfectly symmetric Kailash peak looks like a white swayambhu shivlinga. Here sight of Kailash peak gives indescribable divine bliss. Pilgrims bow down innumerable times to the said abode of Lord Shiva. This snowclad peak of Kailash is known as Himratna.

The next destination of Parikarma is Dolma-la-pass, at 2000 ft. Immediately below this, there is Gaurikhud. Gaurikund is a lake of about one kilometer circumfer-

side and rest of the yatra is on the Chinese side. The trekking starts on 4th day on the Indian side. The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited makes arrangements to pro-

This is the most beautiful view on Earth.

Snow-clad Kailash Mountain looks as if Lord Shiva himself is standing there covered with holy ashes.

Perfectly symmetric Kailash peak looks like a white swayambhu shivlinga. vide accommodation, transportation and food on the Indian side of the Yatra. The Chinese authorities provide accommodation, logistics and other arrangements on the Chinese side.

Mansarovar Lake

8 Gompas

Travel & Hospitality Post

June 17, 2013

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Dubai seventh most popular destination in world DUBAI: Dubai has become the seventh most popular city globally in terms of inbound international visitors, outranking destinations such as Hong Kong, Barcelona, Rome and Milan, a report said here.

According to the third annual MasterCard Global Destination Cities 2013 Index, Dubai has improved upon its last year's eighth ranking and climbed a notch higher.

At 10.9 per cent, the Gulf city registered the strongest growth in arrival numbers among the top ten global markets. It shared the feat with this year's number one city of Bangkok.

About 9.89 million overnight visitors are expected to visit Dubai this year, the report added.

Dubai also topped the list of Middle East and Africa's favorite destination cities with international overnights visitors to the tune of 9.9 million.

"While the Middle East and Africa's top ten cities' lineup is exactly the same as in 2012, there is a striking difference in how far Dubai is ahead of the other cities," said

Yuwa Hedrick-Wong, Global Economic Advisor for MasterCard and the author of the report.

"Its international arrival number is almost twice that of Riyadh in second rank, and about four times as high as the third-ranked Johannesburg," Hedrick-Wong added.

Dubai also ranks eighth in the world as far as international overnight visitor spending is concerned, with an estimated USD

their current rates of growth in the next few years, Dubai will surpass Singapore and New York in 2016 and Paris in 2017 in terms of international visitor arrivals.

The index for the first time has put an Asian country, Bangkok, at the top of its list.

London, Paris, Singapore and

10.4 billion expected to be spent in the city during 2013.

The Index indicates that if all top 10 destination cities maintain

New York rounded off the top five followed by Istanbul, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Barcelona. -PTI

Kerala CM suggests start-ups to tap global mkts THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has suggested young entrepreneurs to set up start-up ventures in travel and tourism sector

Oommen Chandy

by tapping the potential of digital technology to foray into overseas markets that remained unreachable through traditional marketing tools.

Inaugurating the country's first International Conference on Travel Technology (ICTT) at Kovalam near here, Chandy said India, which is ranked 41st in terms of

international tourist arrivals, has a long way to go to realize its full potential, given its natural and cultural attractions.

"A key step forward, however, is the arrival of a large number of educated youth and qualified professionals in the industry which is driving innovation and growth. And technology is fuelling this surge of entrepreneurship by providing platforms to market their products and services.

"Another significant aspect is that the emerging scenario enables micro-enterprises and individuals to reach out to their markets across the seas. A home stay in Kerala can now market itself just like one of the big hotel chains to its target audience in London or Sydney. In Kerala, we have a lot of entrepreneurs in the tourism sector and I'm sure technology will give them wings,"

the Chief Minister said.

The event is being organized by the Association of Tourism Trade Organizations, India (ATTOI).

Minister of State for HRD Shashi Tharoor said one of the most important uses of the web for tourism business is review and response to customer feedback which is increasingly influencing travellers' decisions.

"The real danger from the web is that it is an unmediated platform.

Opinions can easily be doctored or manufactured. The best way to counter fake reviews is to put out correct information; alert hoteliers and destination managers must come up with quick responses," he said.

State Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar said the Kerala has had a long standing policy of utilizing the Internet for tourism promotion.

"Our marketing strategy based on the Internet is headed the right way. IT has not just complemented our promotional activities, but has helped reduce expenditure and significantly lowered our consumption of print products," Kumar said.-PTI

ONGC to maintain cleanliness at Taj Mahal NEW DELHI: The Indian Tourism Ministry has roped in ONGC to maintain cleanliness and hygiene at six tourist destinations across the country, as part of its Clean India campaign.

According to the action plan finalized by the Ministry, ONGC will adopt six monuments Taj Mahal at Agra, Ellora Caves and Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra, Red Fort in Delhi, Golkonda Fort in Hyderabad and Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu.

Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi, who has taken the initiative for keeping tourist destinations clean and environment-friendly, had met ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) CMD S Vasudeva and sought the participation of the oil major in the campaign.

Chiranjeevi has also invited other big PSU corporates and private sector giants to adopt several other monuments in the country.

The Ministry held detailed discussions with Archaeological Sur-

vey of India (ASI), which is the custodian of monuments in the country.

ASI agreed to the proposal of ONGC adopting six monuments under 'Campaign Clean India', a senior Tourism Ministry official said.

In order to expedite the process, the Ministry worked out the details with ASI regarding cost estimates, identification of executive agencies and nomination of nodal officers for each monument.

ONGC is adopting these six monuments as part of its corporate social responsibilities.

The 'Campaign Clean India' is aimed at undertaking sensitization and action at field-level for bringing tourism destinations and their surroundings to an acceptable level of cleanliness and hygiene.

The campaign will ensure that these levels are sustained through ownership and involvement of private and public sector stakeholders.-PTI

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CATERING IS OUR SPECIALITY

In Brief Finish immigration this summer: Obama WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama says there's no reason Congress can't pass an immigration overhaul by the end of summer.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama pushes a bipartisan bill the Senate is debating that creates a pathway to citizenship for 11 million people in the U.S. illegally.

Obama says the bill's opponents will do everything possible to stop it. He says they'll play politics, stoke fear and divide people.

He says if they succeed, the nation will miss a chance to fix a badly broken system. He's urging Americans to tell their lawmakers we must get immigration done.-AP

Republican senator to back overhaul of immigration WASHINGTON: A Republican senator has declared her support for the bipartisan overhaul of the US immigration system.

Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire has said that the nation's immigration is broken and needs to be fixed. She says the Senate proposal secures the border and provides a "tough but fair" way for immigrants in the US illegally to earn citizenship.

A bipartisan group of eight senators drafted the bill and then guided it through the Judiciary Committee to the full Senate.

Despite widespread support, the bill's passage is by no means certain given the procedural hurdles. -AP

Canada to deport US man accused of kidnapping son WINNIPEG, Manitoba: A Colorado man accused of attacking his estranged wife and kidnapping his three-year-old son has been ordered deported from Canada.

Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board ruled that Monty Ray Turner should be deported because of the serious criminal charges.

Turner, 51, is suspected of breaking into his estranged wife's Colorado home last month, attacking her with a stun gun and pepper spray and kidnapping their son.

Turner and his son were discovered the next day at a motel in Brandon, Manitoba.-AP

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June 17, 2013

Response to USCIS union on immigration bill-II Details on page 47

Health care threatens to derail immigration debate WASHINGTON: Health care coverage for newly legalized immigrants is emerging as a thorny issue in Congress' drive to remake the nation's immigration system, posing hard-to-solve problems for Senate negotiators and threatening a bill-writing effort in the House.

The question is how much access to taxpayer-subsidized care should be granted to immigrants who were here illegally and are embarking on a path to citizenship.

Answering it has pulled the noxious politics around President Barack Obama's signature health care law into the immigration debate.

That's threatening fragile alliances between Republicans and Democrats, already causing one key House member, GOP Rep. Raul Labrador of Idaho, to ditch a bipartisan group in the House that has been struggling to finalize a comprehensive immigration bill. ``What may be the story at the end of this session is that Obamacare killed immigration reform,'' Labrador said before a lastgasp effort failed to resolve the health care dispute in a way he could accept. Now the seven other members of the House group are

moving forward without Labrador, who said their proposal doesn't go far enough to ensure that immigrants must pay for all their own health care costs without leaving taxpayers on the hook for any of it.

Health care and immigrants was a hot-button issue even before Republican Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina yelled ``You lie!''

migration laws,'' said Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., an author of a bipartisan immigration bill that the full Senate is debating.

The Senate bill bars immigrants in a new provisional legal status, the first step toward a green card and citizenship, from getting taxpayer-subsidized care. That includes Medicaid and tax subsidies to buy coverage in the new state

The question is how much access to taxpayer-subsidized care should be granted to immigrants who were here illegally and are embarking on a path to citizenship. That's threatening fragile alliances between Republicans and Democrats. at Obama four years ago as the president told Congress that immigrants in the country illegally wouldn't be covered under his health plan. For Republicans, allowing immigrants here illegally to get coverage under Obamacare remains a nonstarter, even once they've taken the first steps toward legalizing their status. ``We cannot be providing Obamacare subsidies to people who have been violating our im-

purchasing exchanges being set up

by Obamacare. The immigrants would be in provisional status for 10 years, and only once they get a permanent resident green card would they be able to access Obamacare subsidies.

The approach is opposed by immigrant advocates who pushed for provisional legal immigrants to be allowed government-subsidized care, arguing that it makes sense for public health and the economy.

But the idea was opposed by Republicans, and even Democratic authors of the Senate bill didn't fight too hard for it, advocates said, partly because it would have greatly increased the cost of the legislation. By just how much is unclear. But the Obamacare tax subsidies will cost on average about $5,300 annually for each person who gets them starting next year, according to the Congressional Budget Office. ``We definitely were pushing from the start, and basically we tried to remind the Democrats that this was sort of an unfulfilled promise from the Affordable Care Act, when undocumented immigrants were excluded,'' said Sonal Ambegaokar, health policy attorney at the National Immigration Law Center. She said some Democrats were open to the arguments but that it quickly became clear they wouldn't prevail, ``for political reasons, and not economic reasons.''

As the House immigration group moves forward trying to unveil a bill, it may include placeholder language on health coverage similar to what's in the Senate measure.

Cont'd on Page 46

USIBC launches campaign on immigration reform WASHINGTON: To fix the killer provisions of immigration reform, the influential US India Business Council (USIBC) has launched a massive lobbying effort and public awareness campaign, previously seen only during the days of the landmark Indo-US civil nuclear deal.

The USIBC has retained the services of the Patton Boggs law firm for lobbying at the scale of the civil nuclear advocacy effort, which USIBC conceived in 2006, augmented by a public relations campaign to be spearheaded by APCO Worldwide.

While former US Ambassador to India Frank Wisner will lead the effort at the Patton Boggs; former US envoy to India Tim

Roemer will lead the effort at APCO, together with Cliff Stearns, who was a member of the US House of Representatives from 1989-2013.

"At a time when the global eco-

The Coalition for Jobs and Growth, USIBC said, is being launched to help ensure that American businesses of all types have access to the international expertise they need to continue

"USIBC supports the free movement of technical professionals. This freedom of movement is essential to US job creation, and is at the heart of our future economic prosperity," Somers said. nomic recovery is just beginning, the US and India need to pull together, not pull apart, to ensure cohesiveness and a future of shared prosperity," Ron Somers, president of USIBC told PTI.

to drive forward economic growth and job creation.

As the American economy recovers, the US is relying on high technology requiring skilled professionals to drive efficiencies

and spur growth; until it can produce sufficient numbers of skilled professionals domestically, talent must be sourced from around the globe so US firms can outpace global competition, it said.

"USIBC supports the free movement of technical professionals. This freedom of movement is essential to US job creation, and is at the heart of our future economic prosperity," Somers said.

"USIBC endorses immigration reform, but the legislation as currently written restricts a company's ability to source skilled talent, which hamstrings American competitiveness," he added.-PTI

Immigration Post

June 17, 2013

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Arizona sheriff suspends immigration efforts PHOENIX: An Arizona sheriff who led the way for local police across the country to take up immigration enforcement is reconsidering his crackdowns - and other law enforcement officials who followed his lead are expected to eventually back away, too.

Joe Arpaio, the sheriff for metropolitan Phoenix, has temporarily suspended all his immigration efforts after a federal judge concluded two weeks ago that the sheriff's office had racially profiled Latinos in its patrols, Arpaio spokesman Brandon Jones told The Associated Press.

Arpaio critics, including the federal government, are gaining ground in their fight to get the sheriff out of immigration enforcement. Even before the ruling, Washington had stripped Arpaio's office of its special federal immigration arrest powers and started to phase out the program across the country amid complaints that it led to abuses by local officers.

The Arpaio ruling is expected to impact state immigration laws in Arizona, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, where local officers question people's immigration status in certain instances.

The national mood on immigra-

Spiro said. ``This is an example that others can hardly afford to ignore.''

The temporary suspension of Arpaio's immigration enforcement efforts marked the first pause since

Joe Arpaio

the lawman launched his crackdowns more than seven years ago and made combating the nation's border woes a central part of his political identity.

His immigration work will remain on hold until at least June 14, when lawyers will attend a hearing and discuss possible remedies to the constitutional violations

Arpaio critics, including the federal government, are gaining ground in their fight to get the sheriff out of immigration enforcement.

Even before the ruling, Washington had stripped Arpaio's office of its special federal immigration arrest powers tion also has changed dramatically. Fewer states are seeking their own immigration laws, and proponents for Congress to overhaul the nation's immigration system have public opinion on their side.

Peter Spiro, a Temple University law professor who specializes in immigration law, said the May 24 ruling marks a big blow for Arpaio and the movement for more local immigration enforcement. ``It's a cautionary tale for any other would-be Joe Arpaios out there,''

found by U.S. District Judge Murray Snow. It's not known whether Arpaio will resume immigration enforcement after the hearing. The ruling doesn't altogether bar Arpaio from enforcing the state's immigration laws, but imposes a long list of restrictions on his immigration patrols, such as a prohibition on using race as a factor in deciding whether to stop a vehicle with a Latino occupant.

The sheriff won't face jail time or fines as a result of the ruling.

But lawyers opposing the sheriff

are expected to seek more training for officers, better record-keeping of arrests and a court-appointed official to monitor the agency's operations to make sure the sheriff's office isn't making unconstitutional arrests. ``We are out of the immigration business until that hearing,'' Jones said. ``Until that hearing, better safe than sorry.''

A f t e r Arpaio lost his federal immigration arrest powers in October 2009, he cited state immigration laws as he continued to carry out enforcement efforts.

It has been almost two years since Arpaio conducted his last signature sweep, in which deputies flood an area of a city - in some cases, heavily Latino areas - over several days to seek out traffic violators and arrest other offenders.

Even so, he continued enforcing Arizona's immigrant smuggling law and another state law that bans employers from hiring immigrants living in the country without permission. The sheriff's office put both enforcement approaches on hold after Snow's ruling.

Cecillia Wang, a lawyer who pressed the profiling case on behalf of a group of Latinos and the leader of the American Civil Liberties Union's immigrant rights project, said the Arizona sheriff isn't the only local official that has violated the rights of Latinos in immigration enforcement, but he's the most vocal about it. ``There are other agencies out there that have been doing similar things more quietly,'' Wang said.

The ACLU pointed to several counties in North Carolina, for instance. The U.S. Justice Depart-

ment filed a lawsuit in December alleging that Alamance County Sheriff Terry S. Johnson and his deputies made unwarranted arrests with the goal of maximizing deportations. Federal authorities accuse Johnson of ordering his deputies to arrest motorists who appeared Latino - even for minor traffic infractions - while letting white drivers off with warnings.

They also allege Johnson ordered special roadblocks in neighborhoods where Latinos live.

Chuck Kitchen, an attorney representing Johnson's office, vigorously denied the allegations and said he didn't see any similarities between the cases. ``I don't think the ruling has any effect on Alamance,'' Kitchen said.

Jessica M. Vaughan, a local immigration enforcement expert for

the Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for stricter immigration laws, disputed the notion that Arpaio's racial profiling ruling will have a chilling effect on local immigration efforts.

Vaughan said the prevailing view within local agencies is that it's their responsibility to work with the federal government on immigration. ``They would be derelict in their duty if they did not,'' Vaughan said.

In an interview earlier, Arpaio said he was surprised by Snow's ruling, but declined to talk about the decision's effects on his immigration enforcement. ``I respect the courts, but they have a job to do. We have a job to do,'' Arpaio said. ``The federal justice system also gives you the opportunity to appeal.'' -AP

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US House votes to resume deporting immigrants WASHINGTON: The Republi- lican House majority about atcan-controlled House voted to re- tempts in the Senate to grant a sume the deportation of hundreds chance at citizenship to an estiof thousands of immigrants mated 11 million immigrants residbrought illegally to the United ing in the country illegally.

States as children.

And the White House reacted This is the first immigration-re- sharply, saying the House-passed lated vote in either chamber of measure would affect "Dreamers" Congress this year and a measure who are "productive members of of the daunting challenge facing society who were brought here as supporters of a sweeping overhaul of existing It also creates a law on the subnew low-skilled ject.

The party- guest-worker line vote of 224-201 was program, exaimed at block- pands the numing implementation of Presi- ber of visas dent Barack available for Obama's 2012 high-tech industry election-year order called the workers and DREAM Act reorders the systo stop deportations of many tem for legal i n d i v i d u a l s immigration that who could has been in benefit from it.

Democrats place for deon the House cades. floor reacted with boos when the provision was added to a routine young children, grew up in our spending bill for the Department communities, and became Ameriof Homeland Security. can in every way but on paper."

The vote was largely symbolic, Rep. Steve King, a Republican, since the administration has said in a statement that the vote threatened to veto the overall leg- prohibits the administration "from islation on budgetary grounds. implementing executive amnesty" It nevertheless stood as a stark without congressional action. warning from conservatives who "Bipartisan support for my dominate the ranks of the Repub- amendment is the first test of the

113th Congress in the House of Representatives on immigration.

My amendment blocks many of the provisions that are mirrored in the Senate's 'Gang of Eight' bill. If this position holds, no amnesty will reach the President's desk," he said.

The measure was drafted by a bipartisan group of eight senators,

then approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee last month on a vote of 13-8.

It also creates a new low-skilled guest-worker program, expands the number of visas available for high-tech industry workers and reorders the system for legal immigration that has been in place for decades. -AP

Indonesian woman dies in protest fire in Saudi JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: An In- the beginning of the year. donesian woman has died in a fire Workers without proper palit by workers outside her pers are becoming increasingly country's consulate in western concerned as violators of the imSaudi Arabia, where thousands migration rules in the oil-rich kingconverged seeking to resolve their dom will face penalties when the immigration status, a consular amnesty period ends on July 3, source said. with punishment including imprisSome 8,000 Indonesians gath- onment up to two years, and ered outside the consulate in fines up to 100,000 riyals (USD Jeddah trying to sort out their pa- 27,000). pers as illegal foreign workers in According to official statistics, the kingdom face a deadline to eight million expatriates work in regularize their position or leave. the kingdom. Economists say "Some of them lit a fire near the walls of the consulate seeking to Some 180,000 illegal forenter by force, but leadeign workers have left ing to the death of a woman," the source Saudi Arabia since April 1 said. under an amnesty that alBefore the fire, rocks and stones were lows them to try to sort out thrown at the consu- their papers or leave withlate by the Indonesian out paying a penalty, a workers frustrated by long waits to get their newspaper report said.This cases dealt with. wave brings to 380,000 the The action was "limited to the walls of the number of foreign workers compound and did not who have left touch the offices," said the consular source.

Police confirmed only that a fire there are another two million unhad left some people injured, with- registered foreign workers. out mentioning any fatality.

Saudi Arabia is aiming to cre"The fire has been brought un- ate job opportunities for its own der control," a police source said. unemployed by cutting the numSome 180,000 illegal foreign ber of foreign workers, although workers have left Saudi Arabia many of those are in low-paid jobs since April 1 under an amnesty that that Saudis would not accept. allows them to try to sort out their The world's largest oil exporter papers or leave without paying a is a goldmine for millions of penalty, a newspaper report said. people from poor Asian and Arab This wave brings to 380,000 countries that are reeling under the number of foreign workers high levels of unemployment. who have left Saudi Arabia since AFP

Health care threatens to derail immigration debate Cont'd from Page 44

So where does that leave newly legalized immigrants in provisional status with no access to publicly funded care?

In the aftermath of Wilson's outburst, the White House tightened its stance on the Affordable Care Act, saying that immigrants here illegally wouldn't be able to buy coverage in new health care exchanges even using their own money. But the Senate immigration bill does allow them to go into the exchanges with their own money once they obtain provisional legal status. For most, that would be prohibitively expensive.

Although current law bars immigrants here illegally from Med-

icaid and Obamacare, pregnant women, children, seniors and the disabled have access to emergency Medicaid services. Immigrants here illegally can also access community health centers.

That would be the case for immigrants getting provisional status under the immigration bill, too.

Beyond that, a certain number of immigrants would get employer-sponsored care. Right now, some 30 percent of immigrants here illegally are covered that way, according to the Migration Policy Institute. That number would likely rise at least somewhat if the immigration bill becomes law.

But the issues are far from settled. Along with border secu-

rity and other matters, health coverage is almost certain to be the subject of disputes on the Senate floor in the weeks ahead.

As debate on the legislation opened, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., argued that the bill offers ``commonsense reforms which will make our country safer and help undocumented immigrants get right with the law.''

A leading opponent, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., claimed the bill offers a false promise of enforcing immigration laws and securing the border. ``It will definitely give amnesty today, it will definitely give immediate legal status to some 11 million people today,'' Sessions said.

But the promise of enforcement

``is not fulfilled.''

A health care amendment of particular concern to advocates is expected to be offered by Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. It would bar immigrants from getting Obamacare subsidies for five years after they've gotten green cards. Hatch notes that a fiveyear prohibition on new green card holders exists in current law with respect to Medicaid and other programs. Democratic authors of the bill oppose Hatch's amendment but want to find some way to accommodate that and other changes he's proposing in order to get his vote.

Senators are confronting another complication created by their attempt to block immigrants

from getting Obamacare subsidies in the exchanges. Employers with 50 or more workers face penalties if they don't offer adequate health coverage to their workers, but some of those penalties depend on how many workers end up shopping in the exchanges with federal subsidies.

Since provisional immigrants don't have the right to get federal subsidies, it appears employers in some cases could face no penalty for failing to insure them, potentially giving employers an incentive to hire newly legalized immigrants over American citizens.

It's a problem senators say they want to work out on the Senate floor, but the solution is not clear. -AP

Immigration Post

June 17, 2013

India Post

47

www.indiapost.com

Response to USCIS union on immigration bill-II CYRUS D. MEHTA Continued from last week's article

W

hy do you focus so much on "illegalaliens?" I thought the USCIS is required to adjudicate applications so that people may come to the US legally. If you do your job properly, there will be more people in legal status in the US. Nowadays, when you carelessly deny an H1B extension request that you granted many times before, you place this individual and her family in jeopardy. All of the petitions that you receive from employers for H-1B visa, L visas or O visas, just to name a few, are for folks who will enter the US legally and who will also clearly benefit our country.

Moreover, an alien has a right to be represented by an attorney when filing an application for a visa benefit, and so I would suggest that you refrain from calling us "special interest groups." We as attorneys under ABA Model Rule 3.3 and 4.1 are required to file truthful applications on behalf of our clients, along with many other DHS rules at 8 CFR 1003.102 that can sanction improper attorney conduct. Attorneys are required to ethically represent clients, who are applicants applying for immigration benefits, that you must serve efficiently under your Congressional mandate.

Indeed, most of the times, attorneys representing applicants and the USCIS can be on the same side, developing interpretations of the law that would be consistent with Congressional intent and facilitate consistent adjudications. It is a win-win situation for everyone, including the American public, Indeed, most of the times, attorneys representing applicants and the USCIS can be on the same side, developing interpretations of the law that would be consistent with Congressional intent and facilitate consistent adjudications. It is a win-win situation for everyone, including the American public, if we can work cooperatively with you!

Currently, USCIS reports a 99.5% approval rate for all illegal alien applications for legal status filed

under the Obama Administration's new deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) policies. DHS and USCIS leadership has intention-

If there is an issue, there is nothing to stop the USCIS from inviting the applicant for an interview. You also have your FDNS folks do as much snooping around to their hearts content without regard to counsel being present. ally established an application process for DACA applicants that bypasses traditional in-person investigatory interviews with trained USCIS adjudications officers. These practices were put in place to stop proper screening and enforcement, and guarantee that applications will be rubberstamped for approval, a practice that virtually guarantees widespread fraud and places public safety at risk.

DACA is the model of an efficiently run USCIS program that is worthy of emulation and replication. There are many USCIS applications procedures that bypass the traditional interview process.

Also, if there is an issue, there is nothing to stop the USCIS from inviting the applicant for an interview. You also have your FDNS folks do as much snooping around to their hearts content without regard to counsel being present.

Moreover, most DACA applicants can establish their presence in the US through school records and other concrete proof, such as bank statements and even through their Facebook profiles, which could facilitate swift approval.

While illegal aliens applying for legal status under DACA policies are required to pay fees, DHS and USCIS are now exercising their discretion to waive those fees. Undoubtedly these practices will be replicated for millions of illegal aliens if S. 744 becomes law.

I thought there is a regulation at 8 CFR 103.7(c), which allows the DHS to waive fees if an applicant can demonstrate an inability to pay based on stringent criteria.

There's also statutory authority at

INA 286(m). As the head of a union, you are probably going beyond the scope of your position to challenge a regulation that was properly promulgated under the Administrative Procedures Act and the INA. How does a rule legitimately allowing fee waivers for a narrow class of individuals affect the working conditions of your employees in the union? Let's move on to the next concern in the RFE! US taxpayers are currently tasked with absorbing the cost of over $200 million worth of fee waivers bestowed on applicants for naturalization during the fiscal year. This is in addition to the strain put on our Social Security system that has been depleted by an onslaught of refugees receiving SSI benefits as soon as their feet touch US soil.

There you go again about fee waivers legitimately applied for under 8 CFR 103.7(c). You gripe about $200 million, but you forget about the immense contributions made by immigrants by way of taxes, purchasing power as consumers, and as entrepreneurs through job creating businesses.

By the way, one of the founders of Google, Sergey Brin, came to the US with his parents at the age of six because they faced antiSemitism in their native Russia. Yet, you deride refugees who have escaped persecution and legitimately come to the US pursuant to the Refugee Act of 1980 based on the U.N. Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.

I wonder whether you speak on behalf to the many dedicated USCIS officers who painstakingly determine whether an applicant qualifies for asylum or as a refugee under our obligations under the UN Convention. Do you also forget that America was built since its very inception and made great by people who escaped persecution from other countries? Have you lost sight of our most cher-

ished and enduring symbol that gave hope to millions when they landed on our shore - the Statue of Liberty?

According to a Kauffman Foundation study, the Startup Visa in S. 744, the bill which you oppose, could conservatively lead to the creation of between 500,000 and 1.6 million jobs, which in turn could give a boost to the US economy of between $70 billion and $224 billion a year. According to another report sponsored by Cato Institute - The Economic Benefits Of Comprehensive Immigration Reform by Raul HinjosaOjeda, the legalization of 11 million immigrants would be equivalent to more than $1.5 trillion added to GDP over 10 years. Yet you gripe about $200 million.

Large swaths of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) are not effectively enforced for legal immigrants and visa holders, including laws regarding public

213A, the examiner need not go further under the law. Congress has allowed agencies to sue the sponsor who has executed such an affidavit in the event that the alien seeks welfare benefits. Your allegation that students are not sufficiently monitored is shorn of any basis. What about STEM students whom we want to remain here and who can contribute to US competitiveness and innovation?

A new USCIS computer system to screen applications known as "Transformation" has proven to be a disaster as the agency has spent upwards of $2 billion for a system that would eventually allow an alien - now referred to as a "customer" under current USCIS policy - to upload their own information visa the internet for adjudication purposes. To date, only one form can be accepted into the program that has been in the making for close to 10 years.

There are thousands of dedicated USCIS examiners who carry out their duties diligently and thoroughly when adjudicating adjustment of status applications. If there is a properly executed Affidavit of Support pursuant to INA 213A, the examiner need not go further under the law. Congress has allowed agencies to sue the sponsor who has executed such an affidavit charges as well as many other provisions, as USCIS lacks resources to adequately screen and scrutinize legal immigrants and non-immigrants seeming status adjustment. There is also insufficient screening and monitoring of student visas.

There are thousands of dedicated USCIS examiners who carry out their duties diligently and thoroughly when adjudicating adjustment of status applications.

If there is a properly executed Affidavit of Support pursuant to INA

If the USCIS were to hire some crackerjack H-1B computer programmers, those same people whose applications you like denying, I think there will be "transformation" in less than 10 months!

Finally, and in closing, would you not agree that "customer" is a more dignified term than "alien"?

Concluded * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Immigration arrests reputed gang members CHICAGO: Authorities say they've arrested 18 reputed gang members and associates during a three-day operation around Chicago. Most are slated for deportation to Mexico.

Agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations made the arrests last week. Those detained

include members of the Latin Kings and Two-Six Boys.

An agency statement says nearly all those arrested are from Mexico and most have U.S. criminal records. All remain in custody on administrative charges pending deportation.

Gary Hartwig is the special agent in charge of Homeland Se-

curity Investigations in Chicago.

He says removing violent gang members from the U.S. improves public safety in Chicago.

The arrests stem from an ongoing investigation dubbed Operation Community Shield. The operation has resulted in the arrest of about 30,000 street gang members nationwide since 2005. -AP

48 India Post

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June 17, 2013

49 India Post

www.indiapost.com

June 17, 2013

Jiah Khan

India Post News Service

A

mongst celebrities why do only cine stars commit suicide and not crick eters or politicians?

The death of Jiah Khan, the film actress,

Guru Dutt

reopens the debate on cine star celebrity deaths. Why do so many suicides occur in the film Industry? Despite similar failure rates, there are no suicides in politics or in cricket.

Dr KK Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India and National Vice President-Elect IMA says that in cricket, we see cricketers under stress, they even lose their place in the team for years and yet they do not go into depression. The reasons may be the presence of a counselor in every team and opportunities to play in domestic games.

Amongst politicians also, a large number of

them have died of unnatural deaths but there • 12 celebrities died of cancer: Nazia are no suicides.

Hassan 35 (lung cancer), Nargis 51 and Jatin In the film industry, we have seen cases Kanakia 46 (cancer pancreas), Jennifer of Raj Kiran and Parveen Kapoor 51, Nutan 54, Babi (56) who were reRehman 58 (throat canported missing for years cer), Rajender Kumar 69, and nobody bothered.

Firoze Khan 69, Prithvi The same never happens Raj Kapoor 70, Mac in cricket. Parveen Babi Mohan 72 (lung cancer), was later found dead in Shamim Desai (stomach her flat. cancer), Sujit Kumar 75.

In the past, eight cine • Both Jagjeet Singh celebrities have commit70 and Amrish Puri 72 ted suicides. These indied of brain hemorclude Guru Dutt (39), rhage.

Divya Bharti (19), Nafisa • Actors who died beJoseph (26), Kuljeet cause of heart disease: Randhwa (30), Kunal Madhubala 36 (hole in Singh (31), Silk Smitha the heart), Bob Cristo 72 (35), Viveka Babajee (37) (rupture of heart); heart and now Jiah Khan (25). attack: Simple Kapadia So is celebrity status 51, Mohd. Rafi 55, Divya Bharti a risk factor for suicide?

Mohan Gokhale 45, Suicides are also comSanjeev Kumar 47, Vivek mon in medical profesShauq 47, Shafi Inamdar sion but not in nursing 47, Nirmal Pandey 48, profession. They are Amjad Khan 51, Mukesh hardly seen in cricketing 53, RD Burman 54, celebrities.

Kishore Kumar 58, Ravi Lifestyle disorders, Baswani 63, Prem Nath including heart attack, 65, Naveen Nishchol 65, diabetes, paralysis, liver Hemant Kumar 69, disease, kidney disease Suchitra Mitra 86, Dev and cancer are still the Anand 88, MF Hussain commonest causes of 85, Vinod Mehra 45, Sunil death amongst celebriDutt 75, Abir Goswami 37, ties.

Surinder Kapoor 85, • KL Sehgal (42), Geeta Praveen Babi 55 (diabetes Dutt (41) and Meena and heart disease) and Kumari (39) died of alcoRituparno Ghosh 50.

Kuljeet Randhwa hol-related liver diseases.

• Mazhar Khan 45 and

Shammi Kapoor 79 died due to kidney failure.

• Only three died of infections: Geeta Bali 36 due to small pox, Bhimsen Joshi 89 and Jagmohan Mundra 62 due to pneumonia.

Nafisa Joseph

• Only two celebrities were murdered: Gulshan Kumar 41 and Priya Rajvansh 63.

• There was only one pregnancy-related death: Smita Patil 31.

• Two died of prolonged illness: Mani Kaul 66 and Goga Kapoor 70.

• One died of multi organ failure: Bhupen Hazarika 85.

Out of 61 celebrity deaths collected so far, 25 died of heart disease, 12 died of cancer, 3 died of liver disease, 2 of brain attack, 2 with prolonged illness, one pregnancy-related, 3 infections, 8 suicides, 2, kidney failures, 2 murders and one multiorgan failure.

50 India Post

June 17, 2013 www.indiapost.com

Sooraj Pancholi arrested for abetting Jiah suicide MUMBAI: The Juhu police has arrested Sooraj Pancholi, son of actors Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab, for allegedly abetting the suicide of actor Jiah Khan.

The arrest came after her mother, Rabiya Amin, submitted a six-page letter, purportedly written by Jiah, detailing the "difficult relationship" between Jiah and Sooraj.

Jiah, 25, hanged herself from a ceiling fan at her Juhu apartment on June 3. The last conversation Jiah had was with Sooraj at 10.53 pm that day. Juhu police had recorded Sooraj's statement on June 4.

Rabiya said the family found the letter in Jiah's wallet in her room two days after she died. The letter states that Jiah was beaten up and forced to abort.

"The arrest is based on Rabiya's complaint and her statement," said Cherring Dorje, DCP (Zone 9). He added that the letter

would be treated as evidence, though there was no mention of the name 'Sooraj' anywhere in the letter.

Sooraj Pancholi

The police initially detained Sooraj for over 90 minutes and questioned him over the contents of the letter. "He has admitted to

the abortion and confessed that he hurt her physically. We arrested him after questioning," said an officer.

Sooraj said he had been avoiding Jiah for over two months, but could not after a point as she was very emotional, an officer said.

Rabiya told the police that Sooraj had physically and mentally tortured Jiah. She said Aditya Pancholi was against the affair, as Jiah was older than Sooraj.

"When Jiah came to London for her birthday a few months ago, she had bruises on her face. I asked her about it and she told me she was in love with Sooraj. I called her sisters to the room and she broke down," said Rabiya. "She once told me: 'He abuses me, hits me, doesn't respect me and embarrasses me in front of his friends'. I asked her to walk out of the abusive relationship and stop talking to him," she added.

Priyanka Chopra's father passes away MUMBAI: Priyanka Chopra's father, Dr Ashok Chopra succumbed to cancer at a suburban hospital in the city on June 10.

The entire film fraternity rallied around the broken star, and offered her their heartfelt condolences.

Dr. Chopra had been fighting a prolonged battle with the disease since 2005, and was constantly in and out of hospital.

Priyanka and her family had always stood like a rock by his side, with the former even canceling all her work commitments for the last few weeks to be by her ailing father's side. She had even conducted a 6-hour long pooja over the weekend.

Priyanka was reportedly closest to her dad, and many fondly refer to the actress as Daddy's little girl, owing also to the tattoo she sports on her wrist, out of enormous affection for her brave, army-

retired father.

The last rites of Dr. Chopra were performed by Priyanka's brother

Dr Ashok Chopra

Siddharth Chopra, in accordance with Hindu tradition. Many Bollywood personalities rushed to Priyanka's side, and were seen consoling her during the cremation.

Why only cine stars commit suicide?

Cont’d from page 49

On the other hand, amongst politicians a large number of them have died of unnatural deaths but there are no suicides.

Kunal Singh

The number one cause of death however remains heart attacks or lifestyle illnesses.

Politicians who have died in air crashes include Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose (alleged to have died in a plane crash), Homi J. Bhaba, S. Mohan Kumar Mangalam, Sanjay Gandhi, Ashok Birla, Surendra Nath, Madhav Rao Scindia, GMC Balyogi, OP Jindal, YSR Reddy and Dorjee Khandu.

Three died in road accidents, Rajesh Pilot, Sahib Singh Verma and Giani Zail Singh.

Eleven politicians who have died of a heart attack are Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru 74, Dr Zakir Hussain 72, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed 71, Lal Bahadur Shastri 61, Krishna Kant 75, Dr. BC Roy 80, Dayanand Bandodkar 62, G

Ramachandran 70, Sarojini Naidu 70, PV Narsimha Rao 83 and Arjun Singh 80.

Most cine celebrities died of heart attack before the age of 50

Viveka Babajee

Silk Smitha

and none of the politicians died of heart attack before the age of 50.

Many politicians were assassinated: Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, LN Mishra, Mahatma Gandhi, Beant Singh, Phoolan Devi and Abdul Gani Lone.

Only two politicians died of cancer: VP Singh and Chandra Shekhar (blood cancer) One politician died of surgical complications: Sikandar Bakht and one died of multi organ disease: S. Venkataraman.

Silk Smitha

June 17, 2013

Classifieds

India Post 51

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NEWS on your desktop www.indiapost.com

Horoscope

52 India Post

June 17, 2013

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Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar

JUNE 17TH - JUNE 20 TH (March 21 to April 20)

F

inancial pressure will evaporate and you can expect growth from now and on. You may develop a taste for hot and spicy food.

Luck is definitely on your side and this is the right time to approach the government agency to resolve an important issue. Planets are specially favorable for those in sales or connected with telecommunication industry.

(July 23 to August 22)

Y

our actions will be impulsive but will get the job done. Business meetings will go well and the other side may take some time to come back with the positive response. You may be getting ready for an upcoming big event in the family. Some of you may try to get out of a partnership also and start working on necessary paper work also.

(April 21 to May 20)

Y

ou may start going to gym or for a walk in order to get back in shape. You will have more than one chance to make some extra money. Spouse will buy some very fine quality item for the house.

You will also finish the project well before deadline and earn some appreciation from boss. You will take family out to a nice place for dinner.

(August 23 to September 22)

I

t will be an expensive week but the money will go on family and entertainment. Business will pick up all of a sudden. Bachelors will get introduced to another professional by a friend. Take second opinion when handling legal matters. Trip will be pleasant and relaxing.

Some of you will start looking for another good opportunity.

(May 21 to June 20)

C

hoices will be multiple but planets will help you go for the right one and the one with long term gains. Enjoy life with new friend but within certain parameters. Some of you may take over another business in partnership with some very like minded and already successful people. Let the past go other wise you will not be able to move forward.

(September 23 to October 22)

T

ry to think beyond immediate and go for the deal which give you less but for a longer duration. You may attend a big party this week with family. People in retail will benefit from favorable planets. some of you may need to deal with some legal paper work or process. It will be better to seek expert opinion before sending the reply.

(June 21 to July 22)

S

ome of you will be taking a trip with family to another state. You may also set the date to move to another house. You will continue to receive more good news about a child. People in business will have better sales. Important project you are working on will open new doors. Some one from past will try to come back in your life again.

(October 23 to November 22)

D

o not go for the property that needs fixing and repairs. You may start the paper work to buy a running business. Money you need will become easily available when time comes. Spouse may feel little drained out because of extra running around. You may take a short trip to an interesting place with some old friends or close relatives.

(November 23 to December 22)

O

ther side will make the commitment. A well known person with political connections will be helpful and get the job done. You will hit your professional goals with ease. People in business will see an upsurge in sales. New contract will come on easy terms and added incentives. You may start your research to buy another vehicle.

(December 22 to January 19)

T

ransiting planets in sixth will help those looking for a change in career. Sun in sixth will silence some one who has been creating obstacles in your path for past few months. Outcome in legal matters will be favorable only. You will be prone to loosing temper so watch out. You may replace or buy some electronic items for the kitchen.

(January 20 to February 18)

Y

ou continue to have the Midas touch. New association will be lucky. Some of you may launch another major project in association with some successful people. Property deal can also get finalized. Some of you will start making necessary arrangements to move to a beautiful location. Money wise you will continue to stay in safe zone.

(February 19 to March 20)

O

bstacles will be followed by easy solutions. Jupiter's transit in fourth will bring stability in career and remove all previous uncertainty. You will take a trip with family to meet an old friend and attend a big get together. Listen to spouse as the idea is not bad. You may make final payment on an old debt or credit card.

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

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

Philosophy

June 17, 2013

India Post 53

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis SADHGURU JAGGI VASUDEV

I

made my first friend at the age of three or four, after they sent me to school. I built such a bond with him, he was more than anything else to me. I still remember his name. I am sure he doesn't.

I had a wide variety of friends, hundreds of friends all over the place, but that's different. I am talking about the bond that I built with real friends - I always thought it was absolute. But over a period of time, with the experience of life, I realized there are very few people who see friendship like that.

Most people see friendship as context-oriented. When you are in school, you have one kind of friend. When school is over, you just drop them and pick college friends. When college is over, professional friends, and whatever else. That's how people look at friendship. I've not been able to look at it like that. I am not disgruntled, but it has been a learning experience about human nature.

My need for friendship was never too much but the moment I formed a friendship, I always thought it was for good and in every way absolute. I've found good friends here and there, but even for them, as life situations change, their needs and their focus on the friendship changes. For me it never changes.

JAC O'KEEFFE

Y

ou have said: "In Satsang it is not so much the words that are spoken because mind imagines it can understand whatever is beyond mind. It's not possible." Please, would you like to develop this? What is this mystery that happens in Satsang?

Mind is ultimately a tool that appears in consciousness enabling consciousness to be conscious of itself through manifestation. It is limited and finite and its perception is determined by the conditions that are at play at the moment of perception.

It has the ability to believe its own imaginings which include ideas about being able to grasp, own and control most things that come into its line of vision. If mind can create a concept, any concept, then it has material to work with and it readily believes that what is perceived is real. It can only deal with concepts and absolutely everything phenomenal rolls out from there.

Prior to concept is also a concept and mind will project a meaning on that also. Prior to mind, beyond or outside of mind points to a 'zone' that does not hold concepts. This is where mind cannot go because mind itself is a con-

I wouldn't say it is heartbreaking, but definitely it is disappointing that most people cannot form deep relationships in their lives.

They can form relationships only according to their needs; they cannot form relationships beyond their needs. A relationship just for the sake of relationship, that is not there in most people. They form a relationship when they need it; when they don't need it, they

I think life has been phenomenally generous with me. When I say generous, I am not talking about material things but the way life treats me wherever I go, the way it opens up for me without any effort. The life process is willing to open up all its secrets to me probably because of the bonding that I form with whatever I sit with.

Those few moments that I

an advantageous or useful thing, something that will help you live better or whatever else.

Even now when I travel around the world and meet all kinds of people, I don't network with them, I don't keep their phone numbers, I don't try to contact them, but I share something very deep with them in those few moments of being together and many of them do share that with me too. But my

I see friendship as two lives overlapping each other

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

I wouldn't say it is heartbreaking, but definitely it is disappointing that most people cannot form deep relationships in their lives.

They can form relationships only according to their needs

break it.

I am a little bit of a fool in such matters. Even now if I meet an old school friend, I still approach him the way I knew him at that time.

But he is somewhere else, no longer the way he was. Probably they move on with life and I don't.

I have always stayed a little outside of it. I valued life that way, so I always kept it that way. I think it continues to be so even today.

shared with someone, not necessarily just in terms of emotion - I was really not emotional about anyone in that sense - but somehow knowingly or unknowingly, moments of sharing were moments of uniting and becoming one in some way.

I never saw sharing as giving and taking; I always saw sharing as two lives overlapping each other. I did not see friendship as

sense of that sharing is a permanent process while I see that for most people, it is a passing process.

I think my ability to bond with anything or anyone deeply has in many ways been the key which has opened up dimensions of life and nature to me.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, founder of Isha Foundation, is an Indian yogi and mystic.

cept.

What is useful is to let mind know that it can't grasp what is beyond its capabilities - it can only work with that which can be reduced to concepts. Truth is only a concept when we talk about it, but in its essence it is prior to any concept. Like knowing that your car cannot fly up into the sky, mind is not wired to understand Truth

view from a wider lens and understanding can come from this.

More so there is an energetic transmission that is available at satsang if one is susceptible to an energetic change at that time.

Having the willingness to let go of opinions and beliefs and to be generally loose within body and mind allows maximum transmission. Leave all resistance out-

open, immediate and honest. Let your energy system become familiar with this. Perhaps mind has equated knowing with control.

The only thing that really is worth knowing is unknowable anyway!

Phenomenally let yourself feel that there is a place for both knowing and not knowing. Both happen. Disconnect the emotional re-

Satsang an opportunity to view from a wider lens

Jac O'Keeffe

and this needs to be known.

Yet Truth can be known by some other capacity. Let this be accepted by mind, that there is a 'zone' beyond its reach. This piece of information stops mind from grasping and desiring Truth.

Satsang, like any moment in life, is rich with opportunities to unplug from the stories of mind.

Satsang allows an opportunity to

Truth is only a concept when we talk about it, but in its essence it is prior to any concept. Like knowing that your car cannot fly up into the sky, mind is not wired to understand Truth side of satsang and without expectation sometimes something else can happen.

I just recognized the concept, that runs, "I have to know".

Likewise, the opposite - "I don't know" has been really scary for me.

There is a wonderful freedom in not knowing. There is rest in not knowing; it's a zone that is

sponse that mind has equated with these two states. There is knowing and there is not knowing, they are in fact totally equal.

Find the same in these two states and see how mind has attached values to knowing and not knowing.

Jac O'Keeffe is an Irish nonduality teacher now based in California.

What has he found who has lost God? And what has he lost who has found God? -Ibn 'Ata' Allah AlIskandari So long as inner experiences are not realized, learning and reasoning are of no avail.

-Sant Ravidas: Love is the energizing elixir of the universe, the cause and effect of all Harmonies.

-Rumi With the holy Name as one's foundation, this wavering mind is firmly held, and in Truth it dwells.

-Guru Nanak Whatever a seeker's higher destiny is, and whatever direction his Supreme Being bids him take to accomplish it, he must obey and not let himself be swayed by the persuasive arguments or criticism of others, no matter how logical their reasoning may appear or how harsh their condemnation may be.

-Edward Salim Michael True scriptures are those which teach kindness and compassion towards all living beings.

-Sant Dariya Sahib The happiness of the drop is to die in the river.

-Al-Ghazali

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June 17, 2013

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Naxal leader Sudarshan behind Chhattisgarh massacre

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he recent Chhattisgarh massacre in which 29 persons got killed, including Mahendra Karma, the controversial founder of the Salwa Judum, anti-Maoist 'people's movement' in the State, and Pradesh Congress Committee chief, Nand Kumar Patel, suggests that it was meticulously planned by a 'mastermind'.

Intelligence agencies and National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials suspected that it must be Katakam Sudarshan, secretary of Central regional Bureau of the CPI (Maoist) who must have planned and executed the Darbha valley carnage.

The agencies believed the 25 May massacre could not have occurred without his intervention.

Retrospectively, he is the one believed to have been the brain behind the infamous Dantewada massacre in April 2010, in which 76 CRPF security personnel were killed in the Naxal ambush.

DEEPAK KUMAR NAYAK

counter a few years ago. She too was a fiery, vocal and highly talented comrade. Both had joined the Naxal movement through People's War group, which later merged with the Maoist Communist Centre of India (MCCI).

Strategy In the CPI (Maoist), Sudarshan is renowned as a guerrilla war strategist. His strategy entails his clockwork precision in planning and executing lethal attacks which made his mark as the master strategist of the CPI (Maoist) organization. It is because of his meticulous strategy he was given the command of a company of the Maoists' People's Guerrilla Army to try and stall the Center's anti-

Background Katakam Sudarshan, also known by the aliases Anand and Mohan and Birenderji, is one of the top nine leaders and is part of the politburo of the CPI (Maoist).

After the elimination of Mallojula Koteswara Rao alias Kishenji in November 2011, Sudarshan is said to be heading the politburo which has around 14 members and is given the overall charge of the Naxal movement.

Further, he is believed to be in charge of Naxal operations in Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, and in particular, mostly influential in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada area.

Sudarshan, a native of Bellampally of Andhra Pradesh's Adilabad district, was a student of polytechnic course in Warangal before joining the People's War Group (PWG) in the 1980s.

He joined the Naxal Movement to fight for the causes of the Adivasis in the north Telangana region who he thought were being exploited. Since then, as secretary of the outfit he has worked rigorously in the field, leading the Maoist movement from north Telangana to the Adivasi-inhabited regions of Dandakaranya in Chhattisgarh.

He has 21 cases against him most of which are in Andhra Pradesh -approximately 17. All his cases are under the offence committed under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code relating to murder and carry a reward of INR 1200,000 on his head. His wife Sadhana, the secretary of Adilabad district in North Telangana was killed in an en-

Katakam Sudarshan

Naxalite Operation Green Hunt, the anti-Naxalite movement.

Even when the Salwa Judum movement was launched, it was he who meticulously planned various means to counter the same. For his ability to inflict maximum damage to the class enemy of the CPI (Maoist) he had been tasked with the elimination of Mahendra Karma and since the year 2006, he has made several attempts to assassinate him.

It was in May 2013 that Sudarshan entrusted his most trusted aide, Gaganna as the operational head for the Darbha Ghati attack. He is believed to have shifted gears, choosing a "soft target" in the Congress workers' cavalcade rather than hit at security forces, as the Maoists have mostly done so far.

The attack of the Congress convoy was in retaliation to a series of severe reverses inflicted to the Naxals in the region over the past few years by security forces in anti-Naxal operations and especially towards the atrocities carried on by the Salwa Judum. Even though the Supreme Court of India declared the militia to be illegal

and unconstitutional, and ordered its disbanding on 5 July 2011, the angst against the designers remained with the Maoists, which resulted in the mindless killing in the Darbha valley.

However, despite, the Intelligence Bureau having sent an alert that Sudarshan was active in the area and could be planning something, the state could not stop the inevitable Maoist attack.

The local state police and the top Congress leaders of the state participating in the political rally 'Parivartan Yatra' ignored the standard operating procedures that are considered crucial in Naxal-dominated regions.

Support Base Talking to Pahat (Dawn), a mouthpiece of Maharashtra State Committee of CPI (Maoist), Katakam Sudarshan said, to build support base for the CPI (Maoist), lands of over 1,000 farmers were leveled and 50 new reservoirs and farm-bunds have been built in the 'liberated' Dandakaranya zone in Chhattisgarh.

This program was launched in on 10 February 2011, the occasion of Bhumkal Diwas, when the Adivasis revolted against the British in Bhumkal, Bastar. Over 1.2 lakh people participated in the program which was a three-week-long activity. Sudarshan also claimed that they have constructed houses for 136 homeless in the region that cover parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

People are also finding it less necessary to travel to adjoining states for their daily needs. Trying to highlight that the villagers are participants in the armed conflict, he says, "And in such times, it has become possible for the people to unitedly fight police attacks."

By discarding various Acts like the 1970 Land Ceiling Act and the 2006 Forest Rights Act, Sudarshan says such laws have done no good to tribal farmers. However, the debate will go on whether the democratic government or the CPI (Maoist) is for the development of the tribals.

Since 2010, three years has passed by yet Sudarshan is yet to be brought to justice. Minister of State for Home RPN Singh has said, "Action will be taken if anyone is found guilty." Time will tell whether Sudarshan can be brought to justice or the million dollar question will be whether his arrest remains a distant dream for the NIA and the security forces?

The writer is Research Officer, IReS, IPCS

Man of moment

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he BJP has gone by popular sentiment in anointing Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as chairman of the national election committee which is a precursor for clearing his way to being nominated BJP's prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 elections. It has done so by disregarding opposition from once dominating figure of the eighty-plus LK Advani who continues to harbor prime ministerial ambitions, or at least having a say in who becomes the leader in case the BJP wins the 2014 elections. This could mark the end of the Vajpayee-Advani era in BJP with hopes of a younger leadership emerging, Advani has been trying hard to stay relevant in this Internet age where Modi's popularity has zoomed. It is ironical that Advani, who was seen as a leader who encouraged talent, cannot bring himself to handing over the baton to younger people.

In 2002, he was the one who dissuaded Vajpayee from demanding Modi's resignation in the wake of the Gujarat riots. But today, just because Modi is coming in the way of his own life-long ambition, he is trying to stop the Modi juggernaut. To scotch Modi's rise, he even tried to propose a counter panel for the assembly polls due this year. He praised BJP's Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chuahan and even propped him up as a better prospect as BJP's prime ministerial candidate for 2014 as against the "divisive and arrogant" Modi. At the Goa conclave of the BJP however, Chauhan went along with the party decision to elevate Modi.

There is no doubt Advani nurtured and brought the BJP organization to its present state. But as a man of wisdom he should realize times are changing and so are the people's expectations.

The old have to make way for the younger generation for the growth and welfare of the organization. By opposing Modi he can only play the game of the Congress which also refuses to let go of gerontocracy.

Last month, three national-mood surveys had suggested that if a national election were to be held then, the BJP-led NDA would get 47 seats more than UPA. But if the BJP were to go to the polls with Modi as its mascot, it would garner 65 seats more than UPA. This seems to have influenced the BJP think tank to handover the election planning leadership to Modi. It stands to reason that if only a projection of Modi could bring about such a result, what would be the influence on the electorate if it is actually announced that Modi would be leading the contest for 2014 as prime ministerial candidate. A new poll will show that many fence sitters would have crossed over to the Modi fold after this clear decision in his favor.

In fact Narendra Modi has acquired a larger than BJP image.

In a political atmosphere where nothing seems to move except bills, he has the image of a go-getter. His Gujarat model of development has not only impressed industrialists but also the youth of the country who are looking for jobs and proper infrastructure. His appeal is beginning to transcend religious boundaries.

After all, who would object to roads, electricity and water easily available in their area? After Mandal, it is time for the development revolution which is the hallmark of Modi.

A sobering thought is that even with Narendra Modi at the helm, the BJP or the NDA led by it won't be able to reach the magic figure for a majority. Which means it will have to look for allies and would have to compromise on its promises to please the allies. Here Modi would be facing a dilemma. Should he tone down his aggressive and abrasive manner to win over those opposing him or raise the rhetoric which has won him the popularity that he is enjoying at the moment? Or does he have some other trick up his sleeve to develop a no longer slumbering nation?

June 17, 2013

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