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Raghuram Rajan

Speculation mounts on Rajan successor Details on page 13

Appeal to sign Bhopal petition to White House Details on page 20

Shanghai gets a Disneyland

VOL 21, No. 1134

June 24, 2016

50¢

Periodical Postage

2ND WAVE OF REFORMS IN AVIATION, DEFENSE NEW DELHI: The Indian Government has launched a second wave of FDI reforms allowing 100 per cent inflows in civil aviation and food processing sectors while easing norms in defense and pharmaceuticals, steps apparently aimed at neutralizing fallout of Raghuram Rajan's decision to exit RBI. A significant change in local sourcing policy for singlebrand retail trading could now enable US-based Apple Inc to open stores under the decisions which also cover broadcasting carriage services, private security agencies and animal husbandry.

The major reform measures were decided at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said the decisions will make "India the most open economy in the world for FDI", but critics said it was a "panic" reaction to Rajan's decision to exit RBI and return to academia after September 4.

The stock markets also reacted positively to the news of FDI reforms even as they recovered from early morning plunge after talking-up by influential marketmen that helped counter Rexit (Rajan's exit) jitters.

Details on page 5

US asks NSG members to support India Details on page 8

China: Door open for talks on India in NSG Details on page 8

India-US defense ties closer than ever: Carter Details on page 9

Indian-American running for New Jersey seat

Details on page 50

Abhay Patel contesting for US Senate

Details on page 9

CONTENTS

Details on page 9

Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 48

INDIA POST SURVEY

Community Post -------------- 16-25

survey@indiapost.com

Edit Page --------------------------- 54

This week’s question

HealthScience Post --------- 32-35

Date Book -------------------------- 47

Horoscope ------------------------- 26

Was Rajan a hurdle to BJP’s economic plans?

Immigration Post ------------- 44-45 Life Style ----------------------- 50-53

Last week’s result

Modi’s address to US Congress was historic?

YES 81%

NO 19%

Philosophy ------------------------- 49 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4

LEADING FROM FRONT: Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads participants on the occasion of the 2nd International Day of Yoga at the Capitol Complex in Chandigarh on June 21. (Details on page 6)

Real Estate -------------------- 42-43 TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-15 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 36-39

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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arlier this week people observed what the United Nations has mandated as the World Refugee Day. Refugees as a category of people have always existed as there was no dearth of abject poverty, war, oppression and natural calamities. They were usually people escaping situations arising locally and more often than not, eased into the systems of their asylum as a bloc with potential political benefits. Don't we all know how valuable the Bangladeshi refugees in India had become as a vote bank?

Well, the situation is a bit more complicated in today's world than that simply because the reasons for human displacement in any part of the world are increasingly becoming a vicious cycle of cause and effect where the lines between the creators of conflict and those trying to douse it have become completely blurred.

Statistics show a staggering number upwards of 235 million international migrants worldwide and in the current context, more than 65 million refugees who fled the conflict situation in Syria, Iraq, South Sudan and Central Africa.

So the question: "Who is responsible for the refugees?" - whether we mean who is responsible for those people becoming refugees in the first place, and for taking on their post-displacement responsibility - is nobody's guess.

But is the question really that complicated? I guess not. And I think all those "responsible" one way or the other know who they are - the conglomerate of mercenary governments and corporations who have created the mess. A mess that is a putrid mix of race, religion and ideology with profit.

It is now beyond political pontification. These refugees are at everyone's doorstep. And it is now up to the people and not governments to deal with the sociological quagmire where both the giver and taker of asylum face the conflict of human ethics and values of compassion and dignity with those of simple survival.

Speaking narrowly, I'd say if any of you have been putting off that vacation to Europe, go now and not later.

And if I haven't managed to make this whole situation sound bleak enough, let me just say that the world hasn't seen the worst yet.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Enormous tattoo Taapsee Pannu has yet another treat for her fans, and this time it's in the form of an enormous tattoo

Cover Story: 2nd wave of reforms India is allowing 100% inflows in civil aviation & food processing while easing norms in defense and pharmaceuticals

Community: Interactive session The Consulate General of India, Chicago hosted an Interactive Session and B2B event with Kolkata chamber team

28 5 16

Immigration: Divided GOP Republican hopes are fading for a ``more presidential'' Trump as the party's divisions around him grow ever more acute.

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Life style: Disneyland for Shanghai

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Outspoken Governor As an outspoken RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan had a candid view on all topical issues economic and political

Munnar Incredibly beautiful hill town Munnar at 6000ft in Idukki district of Kerala is the most privileged summer resort.

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2nd wave of reforms in aviation, defense NEW DELHI: The Indian Government has launched a second wave of FDI reforms allowing 100 per cent inflows in civil aviation and food processing sectors while easing norms in defense and pharmaceuticals, steps apparently aimed at neutralizing fallout of Raghuram Rajan's decision to exit RBI. A significant change in local sourcing policy for single-brand retail trading could now enable US-based Apple Inc to open stores under the decisions which also cover broadcasting carriage services, private security agencies and animal husbandry.

The major reform measures were decided at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said the decisions will make "India the most open economy in the world for FDI", but critics said it was a "panic" reaction to Rajan's decision to exit RBI and return to academia after September 4.

The stock markets also reacted positively to the news of FDI reforms even as they recovered from early morning plunge after talkingup by influential marketmen that helped counter Rexit (Rajan's exit) jitters.

Congress spokesman Jairam Ramesh described the decisions as a "panic reaction" which would not have come had Rajan not made the announcement. He also said the Congress does not believe that FDI is a magic wand.

Briefing media, Commerce Min-

"Now most of the sectors would be under automatic approval route, except a small negative list. With these changes, India is now the most open economy in the world for FDI," the PMO statement said. The first batch of FDI reforms were announced by the government in November 2015.

The most important announcement relates to civil aviation in which 100 per cent FDI has now been allowed in airlines, except by foreign carriers. Norms for overseas investment have also been relaxed in brownfield airports.

Under the present policy, foreign investment up to 49 per cent is allowed under automatic route in domestic airlines. It has now been decided to raise this limit to 100 per cent, with FDI up to 49 per cent under automatic route and beyond that through Government approval.

In the defense sector, the policy has been tweaked to allow 100 per cent FDI by doing away with the condition of access to "state of the art" technology. It has now been modified to "modern or for other reasons", a move that will widen the scope of investment by foreign players.

The new norms have also been made applicable to manufacturing of small arms and ammunitions covered under Arms Act 1959.

Under the current policy, FDI up to 49 per cent was allowed under automatic route and beyond that under the approval route.

For the pharmaceuticals sector, the government relaxed the norms

Asked whether the announcement was timed to counter the 'hangover' of Rajan, she said, "This work was going on for a couple of months. Can all this work be done in a day?

It is proper to make the announcement when the work is complete." ister Nirmala Sitharaman said the decisions would help in attracting more investments, creating jobs and making India the global manufacturing hub.

Asked whether the announcement was timed to counter the 'hangover' of Rajan, she said, "This work was going on for a couple of months. Can all this work be done in a day? It is proper to make the announcement when the work is complete."

Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das said the changes would do away with dual clearances of proposals and will boost manufacturing and generate more jobs.

and permitted FDI up to 74 per cent through automatic route in brownfield projects and approval route beyond that limit to promote the development of this sector.

The move assumes significance as FDI in the existing pharma companies has been a contentious issue as concerns have been raised over some M&As of Indian pharma companies by foreign giants.

Some analysts stated that such activities were impacting accessibility and growth of the generic industry in the country.

In case of private security agencies, FDI up to 49 per cent is now permitted under automatic route

and up to 74 per cent through approval route.

The current policy permits 49 per cent FDI under government approval route in private security

government have resulted in increased FDI inflows from USD 36.04 billion in 2013-14 to US 55.46 billion in 2015-16, the highest ever FDI inflow for a particular finan-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

agencies.

The government has also permitted 100 per cent FDI under automatic route in several wings of the broadcasting carriage services which include teleports, direct-to-home, cable networks, mobile TV and headend-in-the sky broadcasting service.

However, the statement said: "Infusion of fresh foreign investment beyond 49 per cent in a company not seeking license/permission from sectoral ministry, resulting in change in the ownership pattern or transfer of stake by existing investor to new foreign investor, will require FIPB approval."

In order to promote manufacturing of food items, the government decided to permit 100 per cent FDI under approval route for trading, including through e-commerce in respect of such products manufactured or produced in India.

The government has decided to do away with the requirement of separate security clearance or RBI approval for setting up of branch or liaison offices by foreign companies dealing in defense, telecom, private security or information and broadcasting if the requisite approval of FIPB or the ministry or regulator concerned is in place.

The government has also decided to do away with the 'controlled conditions' for FDI in these activities relating to animal husbandry.

As per the existing policy, FDI in animal husbandry (including breeding of dogs), pisciculture, aquaculture and apiculture is allowed 100 per cent under automatic route under controlled conditions.

Measures undertaken by the

cial year, the statement said.

"However, it is felt that the country has potential to attract far more foreign investment which can be achieved by further liberalizing and simplifying the FDI regime. India today has been rated as number one FDI destination by

several international agencies," the statement added.

The changes in the FDI policy, it said, are aimed at liberalizing and simplifying the norms with a view to promoting ease of doing business, encouraging greater capital flows and making India an attractive destination for foreign investors.

The government has decided to do away with the requirement of separate security clearance or RBI approval for setting up of branch or liaison offices by foreign companies dealing in defense, telecom, private security or information and broadcasting if the requisite approval of FIPB or the ministry or regulator concerned is in place.

The government has also decided to do away with the 'controlled conditions' for FDI in these activities relating to animal husbandry.

As per the existing policy, FDI in animal husbandry (including breeding of dogs), pisciculture, aquaculture and apiculture is allowed 100 per cent under automatic route under controlled conditions. -PTI

PM says India now most open economy NEW DELHI: Launching the most open economy in the world second set of sweeping reforms, for FDI; most sectors under auPrime Minister Narendra Modi tomatic approval route," Modi has said it makes India the most said in tweets. open economy in the world for "Today's FDI reforms will FDI and would give boost to give a boost to employment, job employment as part of efforts to creation & benefit the transform the country. economy," the Prime Minister He said amendments in FDI said in a series of tweets with policy would promote ease of doing business as there He said with liberalisation of will now be 100 per cent FDI under gov- FDI regime, there have been ernment approval route for trading, in- more inflows to contribute to cluding e-commerce for food products growth of investment manufactured or produced in India.

"Govt radically liberalizes hashtag '#TransformingIndia'.

FDI regime with the objective of He said with liberalisation of providing major impetus to em- FDI regime, there have been ployment & job creation," Modi more inflows to contribute to said in a tweet. growth of investment, incomes "Key reform decisions were and employment. taken at a high level meeting "India rated as Number 1 FDI chaired by the PM, which makes investment destination by sevIndia the most open economy eral international in the world for FDI," he said. agencies...India records highest "In two years, Govt brings ever FDI inflows at US$ 55.46 major FDI policy reforms in sev- billion in financial year 2015-16," eral key sectors... India now the he said. -PTI

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Modi leads International Yoga Day celebrations CHANDIGARH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined over 30,000 people here for the second International Yoga Day celebrations as he pitched for treating diseases like diabetes through the ancient spiritual discipline.

Modi, dressed in a white-colored t-shirt and trouser along with a scarf, led over 30,000 partici-

Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana - performed yoga 'asanas' on pink and blue colored mats during the event. Separately, about 10,000 people also performed yoga at over 100 other locations in Chandigarh itself.

Earlier addressing the gathering, Modi pitched for treating diabetes through yoga.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes part in a mass yoga event on the 2nd International Day of Yoga at Capitol Complex in Chandigarh on June 21

pants, including defense forces personnel and school children, for the second International Day of Yoga celebrations here at the Capitol Complex amid tight security.

The Prime Minister participated in a mass demonstration of 'Common Yoga Protocol'. A yoga enthusiast himself, he performed yoga 'asanas' along with the people at the event.

Over 30,000 people from all ages - 10,000 each from

"I want to request trainers who are associated with yoga, from this public platform. From next year when we celebrate yoga day, in this one year, you continue to do what you do for yoga but focus on one subject and this is my subject - diabetes - Diabetes and yoga," he said.

"All people belonging to the yoga field, whatever knowledge they have, they must continue with the rest of their yoga activi-

ties but this (diabetes) must be the main focus," Modi said.

Expressing concern over rising number of patients suffering from diabetes, Modi asked yoga trainers to help in controlling the disease.

"In India, patients suffering from diabetes are rising. We might be able to get rid of this disease or not but with the help of yoga, diabetes can be controlled. Can we start a public campaign to suggest measures in yoga to the common man suffering from diabetes?

"It will be an achievement if we can help in treating diabetes. From next year, we can take another disease. But I want that for good health, we should address any one disease every year. We should run a public campaign with an aim to address one disease," he said.

Yoga is not only a way to get rid of a disease but it also guarantees wellness. For holistic development of lives, yoga is a great way, he said.

"India has given invaluable heritage to the world as we celebrate the second International Yoga Day. The world has accepted it in their way. Today from Indian government side, I am going to announce two awards. Next year, when yoga day will be celebrated on June 21, then from India, there will be a selection for two awards," Modi said.

"One at the international level for those putting in excellent work in the field of yoga and the sec-

ond one for those working in the field within the country. One International Yoga Award and the second National Yoga Award," he said.

After performing Yoga, the Prime Minister mingled with the people at the event, some of whom even took selfies with him.

He also met handicapped participants during the event.

Defense forces personnel, ITBP personnel, Punjab Armed Police personnel, Punjab Univer-

sisted in performing yoga 'asanas' at the Capitol Complex.

Elaborate arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth performance, officials said.

The Capitol complex was divided into 8 blocks where 500 master trainers along with their team members performed asanas.

Several LED screens were put up at the venue, where 300 biotoilets and 30,000 mats had been put in place.

After performing Yoga, the Prime Minister mingled with the people at the event, some of whom even took selfies with him. He also met handicapped participants during the event.Defense forces personnel, ITBP personnel, Punjab Armed Police personnel, Punjab University students and school children were among the participants sity students and school children were among the participants.

Wearing blue and white colored t-shirts and black trousers, the participants reached the venue early in the morning to perform yoga asanas at the mega event.

For the main event, the emphasis this year was on the participation of 'Divyangs' (handicapped persons), a term coined by Prime Minister Modi for the differentlyabled.

About 150 Divyangs were as-

Tight security arrangements were made with more than 5,000 police and paramilitary personnel keeping a vigil at the venue. Private vehicles were also barred from going near the venue.

Punjab and Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, who is also Union Territory Chandigarh Administrator, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar were among those present at the event. -PTI More Yoga Day stories and pics on pages 30-31

2000 pregnant women set yoga record AHMEDABAD: Nearly 2,000 pregnant women set a record by performing yoga in Rajkot, as nearly 1.25 crore people took part in the second International Yoga Day celebrations held at around 40,000 venues across Gujarat.

Chief Minister Anandiben Patel along with Governor O P Kohli and many other religious and spiritual leaders were present at state-level celebration held at GMDC ground here.

"Nearly 1.25 crore people participated in this second edition of International Day of Yoga, celebrated at 40,000 different places across Gujarat. In Rajkot, 2,000 pregnant women set a world record by performing yoga while 8,000 children on this ground set a world record by making a human chain," Patel told mediapersons after the event.

The CM practised 'asanas' for almost 40 minutes along with more than 30,000 participants, including IPS and IAS officers, MLAs, corporators and BJP leaders, who

2,000 pregnant women set a record by performing yoga in Rajkot

gathered at the ground.

Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court R Subhash Reddy and Justice K S Jhaveri also practised yoga with other dignitaries.

Ministers and local MLAs and MPs took part in the celebrations in their respective regions.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda participated in a yoga session held at Nikol area of the city.

In his recorded message,

played before the mass demonstration of 'Common Yoga Protocol', Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his best wishes to the participants.

The PM also expressed happiness at the rising awareness about yoga and its benefits.

"I am glad that people are now seeing yoga as not just a tool to get better health, but as an important part of daily life to achieve

complete wellness. I am confident that the whole world will join this yoga movement and move in the direction of achieving wellness," Modi said in his recorded message. While the Chief Minister said that 2000 pregnant women had taken part in the event, Rajkot District Collector Vikrant Pandey said 1600 women participated in the event.

He claimed they have broken

an earlier record set by China.

"Nearly 1,600 pregnant women today took part in the 2nd International Yoga Day and broke the earlier record of 913 pregnant women performing yoga set in China. We have recorded the event and the recording would be sent to jury members of Guinness Book of World Records," Pandey said.

Cont’d on page 31

June 24, 2016

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US asks NSG members to support India WASHINGTON: The US has asked members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to consider and support India's application to join the grouping during their plenary meeting in Seoul.

"We believe, and this has been US policy for some time, that India is ready for membership and the United States calls on participating governments to support

admit any applicant into the group, and the United States will certainly be advocating for India's membership," Earnest said on the eve of the 48-member grouping's plenary meeting in Seoul.

His comments came after China has said that India's membership is not on the agenda of the NSG meeting.

US President Barack Obama,

“We believe, and this has been US policy for some time, that India is ready for membership and the United States calls on participating governments to support India's application at the plenary session of NSG later this week” India's application at the plenary session of NSG later this week," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily news conference.

"At same time, participating governments will need to reach a consensus decision in order to

Earnest said, had an opportunity to discuss this issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he was at the White House early this month, he said.

"The United States, as you know, strongly supports India's application to join the Nuclear

Suppliers Group," Earnest said.

"We have made our views known both publicly and privately, and we'll continue to do so in advance of the meeting," Earnest said when asked if the US has reached out to members of the NSG in support of India's application.

At a separate news conference, the State Department reiterated the same.

"As you know, during Prime Minister Modi's visit, the President welcomed India's application to join the NSG and reaffirmed that India is ready for membership. We continue to call on the participating governments, the NSG, to support India's application at the plenary session this week itself," State Department Spokesman John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference.

"This is something that we have - India's application is something we have routinely talked to other NSG participating members.

This is not a new topic of discussion that we've had privately with the members," Kirby said.-PTI

'NSG exemption must apply to Pak also' BEIJING: In an unusual move, China's state media has defended Pakistan's nuclear record, saying it was A Q Khan who was responsible for atomic proliferation which was not backed by the government and argued that any exemption to India for NSG entry should also be given to Pakistan.

"While India strives for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) inclusion, it prevents Pakistan

eral years of house arrest. If the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the NSG can give India an exemption, it should apply to Pakistan as well," it said.

This is probably the first time Chinese official media has directly made a case for Pakistan's inclusion in the NSG. China officially maintains that there should be consensus about admitting all members.

"If India and Pakistan are allowed to join the NPT and adopt the CTBT, it will tarnish the authority of both. How can nuclear weapons development in other countries such as North Korea, Iran and Israel be dealt with," the article said from joining by insisting on the latter's bad record of nuclear proliferation. Actually, the proliferation carried out by Pakistan was done by Abdul Qadeer Khan, Pakistan's chief nuclear scientist, and was not an official policy of the Pakistani government," an article in the state-run Global Times said.

"Khan was punished by the government afterwards with sev-

"China and other countries are opposed to NSG including India while excluding Pakistan, because it means solving India's problem but creating another bigger problem. If India joins hands with Pakistan to seek NSG membership, it seems more pragmatic than joining alone," said the article titled 'China no barrier to India joining NSG'.

India and Pakistan conducted

nuclear tests in 1998, which were condemned by the international community, and the US, the EU and Japan all imposed harsh sanctions on the two countries.

After the September 11 attacks, the sanctions were gradually lifted. The US even signed with India a Civil Nuclear Agreement and backs India's bid to join NSG. But the issue of the legitimacy of India's "nuclear status" has not been solved, it said.

"If India and Pakistan are allowed to join the NPT and adopt the CTBT, it will tarnish the authority of both. How can nuclear weapons development in other countries such as North Korea, Iran and Israel be dealt with," the article said.

The article put the blame of proliferation from Pakistan squarely on nuclear scientist Khan.

Khan was disgraced in 2004 when he was forced to accept responsibility for nuclear technology proliferation and was made to live a life of official house arrest. In 2009, the Islamabad High Court declared Khan to be a free citizen of Pakistan, allowing him free movement inside the country.-PTI

China: Door open for talks on India in NSG BEIJING: China, which has she said. been opposing India's NSG memOn US' backing for India's NSG bership bid, has for the first time bid, Hua said, "We care about said the "door is open" for dis- rules. US just sets the rules. This cussions on the issue but took a is not an issue between China and swipe at the US for backing India, India but (about) the pillar for nonsaying it was one of those who proliferation system," she said. made the rule against the entry of Amid China's opposition, the non-NPT countries into NSG. US has given a fresh push to Chinese Foreign Ministry, India's NSG membership bid by however, asked the 48-member asking members of the elite club NSG to "stay focused" on to support India's entry into the whether the criteria should be grouping during the ongoing plechanged on entry of non-NPT nary meeting in Seoul. countries into the elite group.

While majority of the elite "I have not seen the US state- group members backed India's ment supporting India. But US is membership, it is understood that one of those who made the rule apart from China, countries like that non-NPT countries should Turkey, South Africa, Ireland and not join the Nuclear Suppliers New Zealand were not in favor of Group (NSG)," Chinese Foreign India's entry into the NSG. Ministry Spokesperson Hua China maintains opposition to Chunying told a media briefing.

India's entry, arguing that it has "The relevant rule was made on not signed Nuclear Non-Proliferathe principle that NPT was the tion Treaty (NPT). However, it has cornerstone of the NSG," she said. been batting for its close ally Hua made the remarks in response to a question on US asking members of the nuclear "We care about rules. US just trading club to support sets the rules. This is not an India's application.

Later talking to In- issue between China and dian media, Hua said India but (about) the pillar while discussions are going on among the for non-proliferation” NSG members, the admission of new members is not listed in the current Pakistan's entry if NSG extends plenary meeting in Seoul. any exemption for India.

"The door is open. The room Pakistan applied for NSG memis there. We never said we are bership, a week after India subagainst who (a country). We did mitted its membership application. not target any country, India or India has asserted that being a Pakistan," Hua said. signatory to the NPT was not esChina for its part cares about sential for joining the NSG as there non-proliferation treaty (NPT) as has been a precedent in this recriteria for admission of the new gard, citing the case of France. members into the NSG, she said.

India is seeking membership of "This is the core of the interna- NSG to enable it to trade in and tional non-proliferation. If the non- export nuclear technology. proliferation regime is changed The access to the NSG, which how can we explain the Iranian regulates the global trade of nuclear nuclear treaty," Hua argued. technology, is expected to open up "We just had a treaty with Iran. the international market for energyWe have North Korean issues starved India, which has an ambithere...So this concerns the core tious energy generation program. issue whether NPT and non pro- India is looking at 63,000 MW enliferation system could be im- ergy requirement through the pacted by this," she said. nuclear program by 2030.

Reiterating her earlier stateThe NSG looks after critical isment, Hua said that, "According sues relating to nuclear sector and to my understanding, it (entry of its members are allowed to trade new members) is not on the in and export nuclear technology. agenda of the NSG meeting in Membership of the grouping will Seoul." help India significantly expand its "The door is open for the ad- atomic energy sector. mission of the non-NPT members.

India has been reaching out to It is never closed. It is open. But NSG member countries seeking the members of the NSG should support for its entry. The NSG stay focused on whether the cri- works under the principle of conteria should be changed and sensus and even one country's whether non-NPT members vote against India will scuttle its should be admitted into the NSG," bid.-PTI

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India-US defense ties closer than ever: Carter WASHINGTON: Indo-US military ties are closer than ever as America's re-balance policy in the strategic Asia Pacific region is complimenting India's Act East policy, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said here as he praised India for helping strengthen Vietnam's military capabilities.

"In the closer than ever US-India military relationship which thanks to America's strategic and technological handshakes, with America's re-balance shaking

New American Security a top US think-tank Carter said that the Asia-Pacific security network is coming together in three key ways.

"First, some pioneering trilateral mechanisms are bringing together like-minded allies and partners to maximize individual contributions and connect nations that previously worked together only bilaterally," he said.

For example, the US-Japan-Republic of Korea trilateral partner-

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter

hands with India's Act East policy and the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative grasping the hand of Prime Minister Modi's 'Make in India' program includes more frequent exercises and more mutual defense co-development and coproduction," Carter told a Washington audience.

In his address to the Centre for

ship helps us coordinate responses to North Korean nuclear and missile provocations.

"And our three nations will conduct a trilateral ballistic missile warning exercise later this month," he added.

"And through joint activities like the aforementioned MALABAR Exercise, the US-Ja-

pan-India trilateral relationship is starting to provide real, practical security cooperation that spans the entire region from the Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific," Carter said.

Second and beyond relationships involving the United States many countries within the AsiaPacific are coming together on their own in bilateral and trilateral mechanisms, he noted.

"For example, India is increasing its training with Vietnam s military and coast guard on their common platforms.

And the Japan-Australia-India trilateral meeting last year was a welcome development and addition to the region s security network," Carter said.

"And third, and even more broadly, all of our nations are creating a networked, multilateral regional security architecture from one end of the region to the other through the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus," he said, adding that later this year he would host an informal defense ministers dialogue in Hawaii with all of the ASEAN countries.

Carter said the Asia-Pacific security network is not aimed at any particular country.

"Although we have disagreements with China, especially over its destabilizing behavior in the South China Sea, we're committed to working with them and to persuading them to avoid self-isolation," he said. -PTI

Indian-American running for NJ seat WASHINGTON: A 30-year-old Indian-American Democratic social worker is running for the US House of Representatives from New Jersey which is known to be a strong Republican bastion.

P e t e r Jacob, a staunch supporter of Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont, was elected unopposed in the Democratic primary on June 7.

He is seeking to unseat incumbent Leonard Lance of the Republican Party who has represented Congressional District 7 of New Jersey since 2009.

This is the same Congressional district from where Upendra Chivukula the first Indian-American to be elected to the New Jersey State Assembly tried his luck in 2012 and lost to Lance by more than 50,000 votes.

Another Indian-Americans Thomas Abraham ran as an inde-

Abhay Patel contesting for US Senate WASHINGTON: A 40-year-old Indian-American economic development professional has declared his candidacy for the US Senate from Louisiana.

Abhay Patel, from New Orleans, is one of the six Republicans to have entered into this race the seat of which has been vacated by Senator David Vitter who announced last year that he would not seek re-election for the seat.

Currently, the Vice President of business development for the New Orleans Business Alliance, Patel is a former Wall Street investment banker who at one time raised in excess of USD 30 billion for transactions like Hertz' acquisition of Dollar Thrifty.

"I'm not a career politician. I'm a businessman who learned about hard work and sacrifice by watching my immigrant parents," Patel said while announcing his candi-

dature.

"Over my career, I've advised some of our nation's most impor-

Abhay Patel

tant companies, led economic development and promoted the overall growth of our local, state and national economy," he said making his case to the people of Louisiana.

Observing that for Louisiana to thrive, however, Washington must get out of the way, he said the US Constitution was written to control the size and scope of the federal government, but today Washington controls every aspect of American life.

"I am a Republican who will

fight tirelessly to defend our Constitution and to ensure that the people of Louisiana have the power to control our own destiny," said Patel, whose parents are immigrants from India.

In an interview to a media outlet, Patel said that he wants to improve India-US relationship.

"India is fast becoming one of our closest allies and it is important that we continue to grow this burgeoning relationship," he said.

"With China to its east and Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran to its west, India's geography makes the nation a critical partner in helping the US and its allies achieve regional and global stability and security.

"In addition, the US can benefit from India's rising economy, bringing new opportunities in trade, investment, and technology," Patel said. -PTI

pendent in 2008 and got less than one per cent of the votes.

The 7th Congressional District of New Jersey is said to be a strong Republican bastion. The

Peter Jacob

party has retained this seat for the last 100 years, except for six years between 1975-1981.

However, Jacobs, hopes to turn the tide this election cycle given that his rival incumbent Lance is supporting Donald Trump.

In a Congressional district having a sizeable population of foreign born, extreme views are unlikely to sail through, he noted.

"It is ironic to me that Leonard Lance has endorsed Donald Trump, because Trump has preached out against the type of politician that Leonard Lance is," Jacob told local Daily Record.

"When they arrived in 1986, they had three things with them.

Just USD 20 in their pockets, hearts full of hope and sixmonths-old me in their arms," he said.

Today his parents own and operate a thriving business.

"I wouldn't say I'm a long shot.

I think 2016 is a very different year," he told the media outlet.

During his undergraduate and graduate years, Peter was a student activist and leader. He worked with the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW), the YWCA and the International Institute.

Through these and other community organizations, he helped fight the ongoing scourges of child abuse, human trafficking, and disastrous Iraq War. -PTI

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Cameron invokes India in anti-Brexit debate LONDON: British Prime Minister David Cameron has invoked increasing trade with India as part of his plea to the public to vote to remain in the EU in the crucial referendum, saying the UK could do more with the country but cutting off from the main market would be "economic madness".

Cameron was taking questions from the audience as part of a special BBC 'Question Time' show when he said, "The rise of countries like India and China...[means we have] big economies that we need to trade with more. But European trade and European economies have grown a great amount

since we joined in 1972".

He said Britain could "do more with India" but not at the expense of cutting itself off from the EU. Responding to a question on why the share of EU world trade had dropped from 20 to 15 per cent, he said, "It has dropped as a share of the total but as an entity it has increased".

Cameron also said that about 80 per cent of Britain's economy is services, things like insurance and banking and architecture and sales and advertising etc.

"We sell more in services today to Lux-

embourg than we do to the whole of India.

Of course, we need to do better with India; we need a trade deal with India. But the idea that we should cut ourselves off from our main market, I think is economic madness. We need to work to succeed in our main market and then open up the other markets," he said.

About 45 per cent of the UK's exports go to EU with its exports to the bloc accounting for 227 billion pounds and imports accounting for 288 billion pounds in 2014.

With opinion polls reflecting a very close contest between the side in favor to

remain and those in favor of an exit, socalled Brexit, some of the UK's senior-most entrepreneurs and professionals have come out strongly for remain.

Ken Gregor, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Tata Motors owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), said: "Remaining in the EU our largest market will increase Jaguar Land Rover's chances to grow, create jobs and attract investment in future technologies."

"Our European supply chain has been fundamental in helping us to meet customer expectations worldwide and achieve sustainable, profitable growth," Gregor said.

He joined Britain's car industry trade body, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' (SMMT), to warn leaving the EU would increase costs and threaten jobs.

-PTI

Hindu extremists biggest hurdle, says Pak ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Interior Minister has alleged that Hindu "extremist groups" like RSS and Shiv Sena are the "biggest hurdles" to normalization of IndoPak ties as he asked External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to name the "forces" which she said are against good bilateral relations.

"If the Indian foreign minister is serious and determined for (good) ties with Pakistan, then she should not talk through riddles or try for political point scoring. In fact, she should clarify and point out which forces in her opinion were against good ties between Pakistan and India," Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan said.

Khan was reacting to Swaraj's remarks that there are forces which do not want good relations between the Prime Ministers of the two countries and better ties between the two neighbors.

The Pakistani minister said in his opinion "extremist groups like RSS, Shiv Sena and Abhinav Bharat were the biggest hurdles in the way of normalization of ties as such groups have influence over the Indian government."

"If Indian government was serious in normalization of ties, then why it has closed doors for talks," Khan said.

He also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in the US Congress, sarcastically saying that "each word used by him showed his friendship policy" for Pakistan.

Khan said Sharif's relations with any world leader were above his personal relations and Indian foreign minister should not try to portray Sharif-Modi relations as personal.

Swaraj had said Pakistan has not refused to allow an NIA team to visit that country to probe the Pathankot airbase attack case and just sought "more time".

She had said the "warmth and ease" in relationship between Modi and Sharif can help resolve complex issues between the two neighbors. -PTI

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Trump unfit for holding public office: Harris WASHINGTON: In a blistering attack on Donald Trump, IndianAmerican California Attorney General Kamala Harris has said the presumptive Republican presidential nominee has an "unstable temperament" and his dangerous policy positions make him "unfit" for holding a public office.

All set to become the first Senator of Indian-origin this year, Harris said, "Donald Trump is doubling down on his outrageous, dangerous rhetoric."

"Most recently, he called for a ban on all Muslim immigrants and accused Muslim American communities of hiding terrorists," Harris said in an email to her supporters.

Harris is running for the United States Senate from California, a Democratic bastion.

Herself being a Democrat and a close friend of US President Barack Obama, her victory in the November general elections is considered a foregone conclusion by political pundits.

In her email, Harris slammed Trump for his recent rhetoric.

"Just days before that, he claimed that a federal judge was biased against him, because of the judge's

Mexican heritage," she said of the 69-year-old real estate tycoon.

"We already know that Trump's unstable temperament

gender, and religion -- and he doesn't want to -- not when it comes to the judiciary, not when it comes to women's health, and

Kamala Harris

and dangerous policy positions make him unfit to hold any public office, but his latest comments make even more apparent Trump's racism and incompetence," Harris said.

"Trump can't see beyond race,

not when it comes to civil liberties," the 51-year-old said as she urged her supporters to join the anti-Trump campaign.

In latest polls, Harris is leading her nearest rival Loretta Sanchez by a massive 25 points. -PTI

Texas varsity acquires Raja Rao's works HOUSTON: Renowned IndianAmerican author and philosopher Raja Rao's archive, that includes a broad range of materials from unpublished works to manuscripts of his well-known novels, has been acquired by the University of Texas for advancing the study of arts and humanities.

Rao's estate donated the archive to the Ransom Center, a humanities research library and museum at The University of Texas in Austin.

According to Ransom center, "It's a notable acquisition in part because Rao is widely considered to have been one of India's most noted authors, having received the Neustadt International Prize for Literature and other honors".

The Harry Ransom Center is an archive, library and museum at the University of Texas at Austin, specializing in the collection of literary and cultural artifacts from the US and Europe for the purpose of advancing the study of the arts and humanities.

Raja Rao (1908-2006), considered one of India's earliest and most outstanding English-language novelists, was the author of numerous works of fiction,

Taxmen to block PAN, LPG British firm merges with subsidy of defaulters Indian IT company NEW DELHI: In order to cripple and check the activities of willful tax defaulters, the Income Tax department has decided to "block" Permanent Account Number (PAN) of such entities, get their LPG subsidy cancelled and take measures to ensure that they are not sanctioned loans.

A number of such measures have been mooted by the tax de-

performing assets".

Further, it said, "Ministry of Finance can be suggested to withdrawn facility like LPG subsidy which is directly credited in to the bank accounts of the said defaulters."

This step, the strategy paper said, will act to "disincentive" the defaulters. The taxman also proposes that the identities of such blocked PANs be circulated to the Registrar of Properties "with a request for not The taxman will block PAN allowing any registration of immovable propin such a way "that these erties where such defaulters are not PANs are involved." sanctioned any loans or Such defaulters' information has also overdraft facility� been recommended to be circulated across tax partment, to be undertaken this offices so that their activities loans financial year, in order to curb the or government subsidy can be menace of large-scale tax avoid- plugged country-wide. ance and evasion.

The department has also deAs per a strategy paper pre- cided to subscribe to the Credit pared by the department, also ac- Information Bureau Limited cessed by PTI, the taxman will (CIBIL) data, on a possible payblock PAN in such a way "that ment basis, to check out the fithese defaulters are not sanc- nancial activities of defaulters tioned any loans or overdraft fa- and undertake action against cility by public sector banks, as them for recovery and freezing of the same is bound to become non- assets-PTI

LONDON: British IT and soft- value to the quality service curware firm RSK Business Solutions rently offered by our technical has merged with its Indian partner staff to range of customers BSL Information Technology to worldwide," Operations Director jointly deliver consultancy ser- of RSK Business Solutions Holdvices in different parts of the world. ings Limited Praveen Joshi said.

England-headquartered RSK The two companies claim to Business Solutions Limited (RSK deliver consultancy services BSL) merged with its Gurgaon- that help clients minimize busibased Indian partner BSL Infor- ness risks and maximize their mation Technology Private Limited (BSLi) to create UK-registered "This is very exciting time for RSK Business Solu- us and the merger adds a tions Holdings Limited.

The merger will en- brand value to the quality able both entities to service currently offered by jointly expand services to new regions and mar- our technical staff� kets, the firms said.

"The merger will enable us to business performance. provide a wider range of services "Their knowledge and expeto new and existing clients while rience of managing business maintaining the high levels of cus- and project risks across a wide tomer service and the high qual- range of industry sectors help ity of output to which our cli- to provide clients with practical ents have become accustomed," solutions that combine tradiManaging Director of the new tional management principles holding company Danny Bird with the bespoke software solusaid. tions that are essential in today's "This is very exciting time for working environment," RSK BSL us and the merger adds a brand said in a release.-PTI

short stories, poetry, talks, essays and "The Great Indian Way: A Life of Mahatma Gandhi" (1998), about Mohandas Gandhi's time in South Africa.

Rao's archive includes a broad range of materials, from unpublished works to manuscripts of his

Raja Rao

well-known novels 'Kanthapura' (1938), 'The Serpent and the Rope'(1960) and 'The Chessmaster and his Moves' (1988).

"Departing boldly from the European tradition of the novel, Raja Rao has indigenized it in the process of assimilating material from the Indian literary tradition," said R Parthasarathy, professor emeritus of English at Skidmore College.

Educated at the Aligarh Muslim University and the University of Madras and other foreign universities, Rao was already an internationally known author when he was recruited by former UT President John Silber to teach Indian philosophy and Buddhism in Austin.

His archive contains materials in several of the languages that Rao spoke, including English, French, Sankskrit and his native Kannada.

Rao won the Indian National Academy of Letters' Sahitya Akademi Award for Literature in 1964 for the philosophical novel 'The Serpent and the Rope.' In 1969, he was the recipient of the Padma Bhushan Award, one of India's highest awards for literature, and in 2007 he was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan by the government of India.

Alongside the archives by Rao at the Ransom Center are manuscript collections of prominent international writers including J M Coetzee, Anita Desai, Doris Lessing, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Amos Tutuola. -PTI

Tech News Rajan did 'extraordinary job': Sikka BENGALURU: Infosys' Indianorigin CEO Vishal Sikka has said Raghuram Rajan has been "outstanding" as RBI Governor and he being a green-card holder should not be an issue.

"I am here (as Infosys CEO). I am a US citizen. I don't think he (Rajan) was a US citizen but I am a US citizen. Be that as it is phir bhi dil hai Hindustani (I am an Indian at heart). That is what should count," Infosys Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Vishal Sikka said.

"He has been an extraordinary governor and we wish him all the best in his life and academia. I would love to see if there is some way to work together but he has done an extraordinary job and we wish him all the best," he added.

Asked if Rajan being a greencard holder should be an issue, Sikka said he did not think so.

When asked if Rajan should have been treated in a more dignified manner by the government, he said, "I do not know enough to comment on that but all I can say is that he has done a great job and we wish him the very best."

Describing Rajan as "one of the visionaries", Sikka said he saw the crisis in 2008 happen long before other people did and had a deep insight into how the economy worked.

"I am particularly excited to see what he will do next," he added.

On the impact of Rajan not going for the second term on the economy, Sikka said, "The economy is very strong. India is stronger. -PTI

India losing a skillful eco thinker: Amartya NEW DELHI: Terming RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan's decision not to seek a second term as 'sad' for the country, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has said India is losing one of the most skillful economic thinkers in the world.

"We are losing one of the most skillful financial economic thinkers in the world. It is sad for the country and it is sad for the government of the country too. RBI is not a completely autonomous institution," Sen told a private TV channel.

In an apparent reference to BJP MP Subramanian Swamy, who attacked Rajan on numerous occasions, Sen said, "It is true that some members of the ruling party, I understand, I have not seen that but somebody told me, have been sniping at Raghuram Rajan. That certainly is unfortunate." -PTI

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Successor soon, says Jaitley NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said the government appreciates the "good work" done by RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan and will soon take a decision on his successor.

"Dr Raghuram Rajan has announced his intention to go back to academics at the end of his current assignment. The government appreciates the good work done by him and respects his decision," he said in a Facebook post. "A decision on his successor would be announced shortly," he added. -PTI

From intolerance to new GDP numbers, Rajan had a view on all MUMBAI: An outspoken RBI Governor is rarity but Raghuram Rajan is the one who famously declared in James Bond style - 'My name is Rajan and I do what I do' and he had a candid view on all topical issues economic and political.

Keeping up this reputation, Rajan has himself decided to put at rest all speculation about his continuance by saying no to a second term "on due reflection, and after consultation with the government", but also made it clear he was "open to seeing" through his unfinished work on containing inflation and cleaning up the books of banks.

Be it speaking for tolerance after a Muslim was lynched for allegedly eating beef, comparing the Indian economy with 'a one-eyed king in a blind world' when strong growth was the central narrative, questioning the flagship programs or doubting the new GDP numbers, Rajan was often vocal and not in sync with what the government would have liked it to be.

On the lines of Brexit - used for the upcoming vote on whether Britain would remain in Europe or not - the speculation over Rajan's continuance had already prompted a new term 'Rexit'.

When BJP's newly-nominated Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy questioned whether Rajan was "mentally fully Indian" as part of his tirade against the RBI Governor, the former IMF Chief Economist said he would not reply to "ad hominem attacks" and give legitimacy to "so fundamentally wrong and baseless" allegations.

On his "Indian-ness" being questioned for holding a US green card, Rajan said, "Indian-ness, love for your country is complicated. For every person there is a different way that you show respect for your country... My mother-in-law will say karmayogi is the way to go - do your work."

In his three-year stint at the Central bank, the vocal Rajan has regularly given candid speeches and often chose his favorite ground of ideas - academic institutions - for speaking his mind on key issues.

He chose his alma mater IIT-

Delhi to make a passionate plea in support of tolerance following the brutal the lynching of an elderly Muslim in nearby Dadri over allegedly eating beef, saying tolerance and mutual respect are necessary to improve an environment

Asked once by a student why the humble Dosa - the South Indian dish - continued to cost high when RBI was claiming a victory over inflation, Rajan blamed it on lack of technology upgrades from its traditional Tawa preparation

Raghuram Rajan

for ideas and physical harm or verbal contempt for any particular group should not be allowed.

On a day when the RBI signed the all-important monetary policy agreement with the government, Rajan had invoked Hitler's regime to drive home the point that strong governments will not always drive move in the right direction.

While stating that a strong government should be led by those who have expertise, motivation and integrity and can provide the

and high wages of the person making it.

Among his first speeches after being appointed by the previous UPA government in the middle of an economic crisis, Rajan expressed reservations over the export-led focus of the 'Make in India' program of the Modi government.

Rajan, who was often called a rockstar Central banker and had rightly predicted the 2008 global financial crisis, opined the world

Among his first speeches after being appointed by the previous UPA government in the middle of an economic crisis, Rajan expressed reservations over the export-led focus of the 'Make in India' program of the Modi government. needed public good, Rajan warned at the lecture in Goa that "strong governments, may not, however, move in the right direction".

At the same time, his hard stand on cleaning up the books of banks and his insistence to focus more on containing inflation rather than lowering interest rates created much heartburn.

is unlikely to accommodate another country like China, and that we should rather focus on domestic consumption or make for India.

Rajan went public with a critique of the new GDP calculation method as well, which overnight made the country as the fastest growing major economy with a 7.6 per cent growth as against the low 5 per

cent when the NDA government took over.

"There are problems with the way we count GDP which is why we need to be careful sometimes just talking about growth," Rajan told the students of the RBI-promoted Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research here this January.

But the most contentious of the comments was one comparing the state of our economy with a one eyed king in the land of the blind, which was derided by some Union ministers.

In the face of the wild criticism, Rajan stood by the statement and apologized only to the visually challenged community; if they were hurt by the remarks and pointed out that we are still a poor economy that is home to the largest number of the poor on the planet.

Under attack from various quarters over his 'one-eyed is king' remark, Rajan called for raising the level of public dialogue and said people should not look for "insults" everywhere.

"I think we all have to work to improve public dialogue. Speakers have to be more careful with words and not be gratuitously offensive.

At the same time, listeners should not look for insults everywhere, and should place words in context so as to understand the intent," he said.

He also invoked Mahatma Gandhi, saying his famous quote - an eye for an eye will only make the whole world go blind - was also not meant to demean a handicap.

Top industry leaders, including Anand Mahindra, Deepak Parekh, NR Narayana Murthy, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and Mohandas Pai, said it will be "nation's loss" as Rajan brought economic stability and enhanced India's credibility on the world stage.

Surprisingly, there were no comments from industry chambers like CII and FICCI. There have been concerns that Rajan's exit, which has been termed as 'Rexit', could lead to adverse impact on the country's financial markets.

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Speculation mounts on Rajan successor NEW DELHI: Speculation has mounted on who will be the next RBI Governor amid political parties attacking the government and alleging RSS-BJP conspiracy for Raghuram Rajan's no to a second term, which the economists and former policymakers termed as a 'bad omen' for the Indian economy.

Industry and marketmen were also concerned about possible negative impact on the stocks, bonds and currency markets when they open tomorrow morning, while regulator Sebi and stock exchanges beefed up their risk management and surveillance mechanism to address any eventuality.

Though there was no official word, the rumor mills were busy on who would helm the central bank next, a day after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said a successor would be announced shortly for Rajan, whose term ends on September 4.

Deputy Governor Urjit Patel, former CAG Vinod Rai, SBI chief Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian, World Bank Chief Economist Kaushik Basu and Economics Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das were among those being speculated as possible contenders.

RBI will survive any Governor, says Rajan LONDON: Reserve Bank will own disclosure in a publicly- dissurvive any Governor and it is seminated "Message to RBI important not to "personalize staff" that he would return to this office", the outgoing academia after the end of his curRaghuram Rajan said days before rent three-year tenure. his surprise announcement that "Though a relative newcomer he was not interested in a sec- to the cut and thrust of Indian ond term. policymaking, Rajan knows betRajan, a former IMF Chief ter than to offer any comment on Economist who is credited to his reappointment," the magahave predicted the 2008 global zine wrote. financial crisis, has been often It said Rajan "need not even hailed as the 'rockstar central leave his office atop the Reserve banker' ever since becoming RBI Bank of India's tower in Mumbai Governor in to gauge two September 2013 factors central and for conto India's prostaining rupee perity". volatility amid The Econoglobal market mist further uncertainties. quoted him as Besides, he saying while has also been looking down, often praised the ships sailfor containing ing to nearby inflation to a docks provide large extent and clues as to the for forcing the buoyancy of banks to do a foreign trade Raghuram Rajan "deep surgery" "The imposito clean up their tion of steel books of bad loans. At the same tariffs earlier this year, a knocktime, he has also been criticized on effect from China's slowby some quarters for his hawk- down, all but stopped traffic for ish monetary policy stance and a time". refusing to heed to demands for It further said Rajan "favors lowering interest rates to boost incremental reforms over wholethe economy. sale ones. He has made it easier "What is important is to not to move money in and out of Inpersonalize this office. It will sur- dia, but not abolished capital vive any Governor, it is bigger controls in the way you might than any Governor," the Econo- have expected from a former IMF mist magazine quoted Rajan as chief economist". saying in its latest edition.

According to the magazine, The comments are believed to Rajan's three-year term is the have been made amid intense shortest of any G20 country and speculation on whether he would the recent governors have been get an extension or not as RBI given second terms as much as Governor in the run-up to his seven months in advance.-PTI

The names doing the rounds for the next RBI chief also include ICICI Bank veteran and BRICS Bank head K V Kamath, former Advisor to Finance Minister Parthsarathi Shome, former RBI Deputy Governors Rakesh Mohan and Subir Gokarn, former Finance Secretary Vijay Kelkar, former CCI Chairman Ashok Chawla, former CEA Ashok Lahiri, noted economist R Vaidyanathan and Sebi Chairman U K Sinha.

Like Rajan, Sinha was made Sebi Chairman during the previous UPA

regime but was given a surprise and rare extension by the NDA government in February days before his already extended tenure of five years was to end.

Another possible contender, Patel has been known as Rajan's 'inflation lieutenant', while Bhattacharya's tenure as SBI Chairperson also ends in September - the same month when Rajan would demit office.

Traditionally, applications have never been invited for the post of RBI Governor unlike many other

regulatory posts.

As per the reports, a high-level panel - the Financial Sector Regulatory Appointment Search Committee - could have been tasked to shortlist the candidates, after which the government would take the final call.

However, it is not clear as yet whether the short listing would be done by this panel, headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, or by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) as has been the case traditionally.-PTI

Rexit 'bad omen' for economy, say experts NEW DELHI: Calling RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan's exit a 'bad omen' for the Indian economy, eminent economists and former policymakers said it will be seen by the world as India's non-ap-

policymakers back home said it can prove to be "very costly" for Indian economy.

Gopinath told PTI, history will judge Rajan as one of the most effective central bankers of not

British Labor Party leader Meghnad Desai said he feels "sorry for India's reputation abroad", while World Bank's Chief Economist and India's former Chief Economic Advisor Kaushik Basu said Rajan has been one of the finest central bank governors proval to a policy against inflation and bad loans.

Rajan's colleague at Chicago University Booth School of Business Luigi Zingales termed it is a "huge loss for India", while Harvard University professor Gita Gopinath said it was "deeply disappointing" that the government instead of fighting hard to keep Rajan has let him go amid all the distasteful comments by those questioning his commitment to India's best interests.

Indian-origin economist and British Labor Party leader Meghnad Desai said he feels "sorry for India's reputation abroad", while World Bank's Chief Economist and India's former Chief Economic Advisor Kaushik Basu said Rajan has been one of the finest central bank governors anywhere.

Rajan, the on-leave Professor of Finance at Chicago Booth School, said he would return to academia but would be ready to serve India again in future.

Rajan indicated he was willing to take a shot at a second term, saying he was "open to seeing" through his unfinished work on containing inflation and cleaning up the books of bank, but said no to a second term "on due reflection, and after consultation with the government".

Echoing the sentiments of various top industry leaders from India, who termed Rajan's exit as 'nation's loss', the economists from abroad and the former

just India but of the world".

"This is a very sad day for the Indian economy and it is deeply disappointing that the government instead of fighting hard to keep Rajan has let him go amidst

all the distasteful comments including those that question his performance and his commitment to India's best interest," Gopinath, John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and of Economics, told PTI. Desai said it is a pity that Rajan decided to go and the task of his successor, whoever he or she is, will be very difficult.

"I am not surprised but sorry for India's reputation abroad. He was criticized for doing what a central banker has to do. It will be seen by the world at large that an anti-inflation policy, a policy of cleaning up non-performing assets of banks and being tough on banks' balance sheets are not policies which meet with approval in India," Desai told PTI.-PTI

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Sebi, exchanges beef up surveillance NEW DELHI: Regulator Sebi and stock exchanges have beefed up their surveillance and risk management mechanism to ring-fence capital markets from any excessive volatility tomorrow on account of RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan's surprise decision against a second term.

Banks and forex dealers are

management and surveillance mechanism in place, senior officials said they have beefed up the systems to check any adverse eventuality.

The regulator and the bourses would also keep a strict vigil for manipulators looking to exploit the volatile trends expected in stocks

also gearing up to meet any excessive money demand, especially for dollar, on concerns that Rajan's eventual exit this September could trigger capital outflows amid jitters among foreign investors.

Maintaining that the Indian capital markets have a robust risk

and derivatives, including those linked to rupee's movement against other foreign currencies, they added.

Besides, brokers, portfolio managers and other market intermediaries would be under a close watch for any attempts to lure small re-

Chidambaram 'disappointed and saddened' NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has said he was disappointed and profoundly saddened by RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan's decision

September 4, 2016, but I hasten to add that I am not surprised at all," he said in his reaction.

The former finance minister said the government had invited this development through a craftilyplanned campaign of insinuations, baseless allegations and puerile attacks on a d i s t i n guished academic and economist.

"As I had said some time ago, this government Raghuram Rajan with P Chidambaram did not deserve Dr against a second term, but he was Rajan. Nevertheless, India is the not surprised by the development. loser," he added.

"I am disappointed and proRajan was appointed RBI Govfoundly saddened by the decision ernor by the UPA government in of Dr Raghuram Rajan to leave the 2013 when Chidambaram was fiRBI on completion of his term on nance minister.-PTI

tail investors into promises of hefty gains from the futures and options trading, especially in banking stocks and indices.

According to officials, the financial market regulators, including RBI itself, were already bracing up for volatile trends ahead of the Brexit referendum this week, but Rajan's sudden announcement over the weekend has added to the worry.

"Only respite is that Rajan chose a Saturday to make the announcement as any such development on a weekday during trading hours could have been much more serious despite a robust risk management and surveillance mechanism in place," a senior official said.

The regulators are especially worried after having seen the markets going into a tizzy recently just on unconfirmed reports that Rajan was not keen on a second term.

While announcing his decision against a second term after his current 3-year tenure ends on September 4, Rajan himself referred to the "imminent sources of market volatility like the threat of Brexit", though he hoped that the RBI would be able to "ride out" these concerns.-PTI

Rajan realized he won't get second term: Swamy BHUBANESHWAR: BJP MP Subramanian Swamy, who demanded sacking of RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, has said his decision not to take a second term was good because he has realized he would not get another tenure.

"It (Rajan's decision) is good. The reasons I had given (against Rajan's continuance) were all valid. He has realized he would not get a second term. That's why he has made a statement himself," Swamy said reacting to Rajan's decision.

Earlier in the day, the newlynominated Rajya Sabha member, who has been running a strident campaign against Rajan, had said the Reserve Bank head is a government employee and is not selected on the basis of popular vote.

"Raghuram Rajan is an employee of the Government of India. We don't select employees on the basis of popular vote," he said.-PTI

From intolerance to new GDP numbers, Rajan had a view on all Cont’d from page 12

sequent developments are yet to be completed. Inflation is in the target zone, but the monetary policy committee that will set policy has yet to be formed.

"Moreover, the bank clean up initiated under the Asset Quality Review, having already brought more credibility to bank balance sheets, is still ongoing. International developments also pose some risks in the short term.

Pointing out to the over USD 360 billion forex kitty, Rajan said it is a record high and reiterated confidence of comfortably weathering the NRI deposit repayments due soon without any hitches.

While the Governor did not specifically refer to this, he said in his letter that the RBI would be able to "ride out imminent sources of market volatility like the threat of Brexit."

He also said that RBI has "made adequate preparations for the repayment of Foreign Currency NonResident (B) deposits and their outflow, managed properly, should largely be a non-event", referring to the concerns that the maturity of these bonds in September-October could impact the markets in terms of sudden pressure on the country's forex reserves.

Rajan has been gen- Rajan has been generally erally hailed by the in- hailed by the industry and dustry and experts, but experts, but has been unhas been under attack from some, including der attack from some, Swamy and a few other including Swamy and a leaders for what they call his failure to contain few other leaders inflation and lower inLike for any other RBI Goverterest rates to boost economy.

The Governor said he is confi- nor, the most contentious point in dent that his successor would the relationship with the Finance Ministry was the rate setting strattake the RBI to new heights.

"I am an academic and I have egy and by raising rates, he bealways made it clear that my ulti- haved contrary to the North Block mate home is in the realm of ideas. wishes.

The approaching end of my three Rajan, however, tried hard to year term, and of my leave at the convince that they wanted to help University of Chicago, was there- establish credibility to RBI's abilfore a good time to reflect on how ity to reign-in inflation and once much we had accomplished. he was confident of the shift in "While all of what we laid out the trajectory, started lowering the on that first day is done, two sub- rates.-PTI

Cong accuses govt of 'hounding out' Rajan NEW DELHI: Congress has accused the Narendra Modi government of "hounding out" RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan and said he has done what any "selfrespecting" person would do even as BJP declined to join issue, claiming it does not offer comments on independent regulators.

BJP MP Subramanian Swamy, who ran a tirade against Rajan, took a jibe at the outgoing RBI Governor's decision, saying whatever "fig leaf" he wants for hiding the reality, the people should not grudge it and tell him good bye.

Rajan was appointed RBI Governor by the UPA government in 2013 when Chidambaram was finance minister.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said the government had "hounded" a good man

as it did not have the courage to ask him to leave.

"The message that this fascist government is sending to regulators is that if you do not toe our line we will mount a campaign of calumny and wild insinuations and bludgeon you into submission. What Rajan has done is what any self- respecting man under such circumstances will do," he said.

Rajan had done a phenomenal work, he said.

D Raja of CPI asked the government to explain if the charges Swamy leveled against Rajan were "genuine or justified".

"What about charges leveled

by Swamy against Rajan. The Prime Minister and Finance Minister should explain if they agree with it or they let down Rajan." PTI

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June 24, 2016

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Jaitley lays foundation stone for IIM-Amritsar AMRITSAR: Education and agriculture will have to go hand in hand for India's development as has been the case in countries like Japan and South Korea, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said here as he laid the foundation stone for a new campus of IIM-Amritsar.

This would be the own campus of IIM-Amritsar, the 15th Indian Institute of Management in the country, which has been so far

hands for taking the education sector forward in Punjab.

Stressing that 55 per cent of people are engaged in agriculture, Jaitley pointed at rising unemployment in the farm sector which has forced people to look at other sectors for income and stressed on the need for good quality education.

He also said that the government's efforts to develop

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley laying the foundation stone for a new campus of IIM-Amritsar

operating from a temporary facility.

Jaitley said the government and private companies will have to join

the premier institute in Punjab will encourage more educational institutes to set up campuses in the state.

"Education and agriculture will have to go hand in hand as we have seen in other countries like Japan and South Korea... Government and private institutions both will have to contribute for development of education in India," Jaitley said.

The Union Minister also highlighted the contribution of Narendra Modi government in bringing reputed institutions like the AIIMs and IIMs to Punjab.

The new campus of IIMAmritsar, which commenced its first batch last year out of a temporary facility, will be built on a 60-acre land in Manawala on the National Highway-1.

Union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal also attended the event.

"In the coming years, IIMAmritsar will become a premier educational institution," Jaitley said.

In her address, Irani said that she hoped IIM-Amritsar will soon be among the top-five institutes of the country.

"I hope in Punjab, which is

known for farmers, milk and agro processing, the IIM-Amritsar will

have courses as per the state's priorities," Irani said.-PTI

'Difficult to avoid black money disclosure now' NEW DELHI: The chief of SIT on black money feels it will be "difficult" for those holding untaxed assets to avoid disclosure under the ongoing one-time compliance window opened by the Indian government after the limited success of a similar scheme launched last year for those with tainted money overseas.

SIT Chairman Justice (retd) M B Shah said the Income Tax department has "tightened each and every angle" under the current scheme, and hence evading disclosure under this scheme will be "hundred per cent" difficult.

"The last such scheme was not successful... rather it was successful to some extent in the sense that attention was drawn prominently that if something is found (at a later stage) they will be subsequently prosecuted... to some extent it had a deterrent effect.

"Now, this time it will be difficult (for evaders)," Shah told PTI. He said the issue of P-notes (participatory notes) has also been "controlled" to a large extent and hence it will not be easy for tax evaders to hide their assets and funds from agencies like the Income Tax department and they will now have to disclose it to them.

The SIT had last year suggested that market regulator Sebi put in place regulations that will help identify individuals holding P-Notes or offshore derivative instruments (ODIs), and take other steps required to curb black money and tax evasion through the stock market route.

P-Notes are used by a large number of foreign investors to park funds in the equity market without disclosing their identity to the Sebi.-PTI

Desi News Lotus Excellence Awards for the Indian-origin HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: Mayor Steve Chirico and Mayor Emeritus George Pradel presented 2016-Lotus Excellence Awards to students of Indian origin. The Lotus Excellence awards are an initiative of the Indian Community Outreach Board-NICO to recognize the achievers in Indian American community.

The Mayor Pradel Leadership Award was announced last year at the time of his retirement and is given to a senior with outstanding leadership skills. Mayor Chirico was the chief guest at the event and addressed the students and parents with best wishes. He was happy to see and know that such bright students live in his own city of Naperville. He encouraged youth to take part in extracurricular activities and said that he was so proud of these.

Details on page 19

SpellBee Dallas & Houston winners announced India Post News Service

DALLAS, TX: Continuing its quest for the best speller in the community, the 2016 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee traveled to Texas this past weekend with stops in Dallas and Houston.

With a huge turnout this year as well, the Bee attracted some top talent as well as young and new spellers that competed for the coveted prizes and titles.

In the Dallas Regional, Ananya Kodali (14) of Highland Village, Texas was the regional champ, Rohan Rajeev (13) of Edmond, Oklahoma, was the first runner up and, Smrithi Upadhyayula (14) of Coppell, Texas, was second runner up.

Details on page 19

Arizona varsity studying yoga's healing effects SURENDRA ULLAL

TEMPE AZ: In Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe, a health researcher has undertaken a study to determine if online yoga can help people faced with grief of stillbirth or rare blood cancer symptoms. Dr. Jennifer Huberty, an associate professor at the School of Nutrition and Health Promotion in the College of Health Solutions.

Details on page 24

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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Fundraiser nets $32,000 for Eye on India Festival

June 24, 2016

Details on page 22

Consulate has interactive session with Kolkata chamber team RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The Consulate General of India, Chicago in partnership with Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), Kolkata hosted an Interactive Session and B2B event on Monday June 13 at the premises of the Consulate.

The event was attended by nearly fifty leading business persons and entrepreneurs working in different sectors of economy in the US-Midwest, besides officials of Illinois Chamber of Commerce, International Business Council and US-India Chamber of Commerce.

The main speakers at the event were Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India, Sunder Advani, Regional President, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, Western India; William Delany, Chairman, International Business Council & Founder of Delaney Law for legal entrepreneurship, Matt Gambs, Chairman of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce & Vice President, Wintrust Financial , Ms. Lisa Waller, Vice President, BDG International and Ajit Pant, President and Member, Board of Directors, US-India Chamber of Commerce, Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed in his speech said that the IACC delegation has come to United States at a very appropriate time just a week after the completion of a very successful 4th visit of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted the robust health of Indian economy mentioning that as a result of bold reforms agenda and pro-growth policies followed by Government of India, the Indian economy is currently the world's fastest growing economy.

He said that in the first quarter of this calendar year, India's GDP growth rate has been around 8% up from 7.6% for the fiscal 201516. In 2016-17, India's economy is expected to accelerate to double digit growth rate on account of structural reforms and encouraging competitive federalism among the various states. He said that as

the two largest democracies in the world, the goal of our two countries is to strive for a sustainable and long term strategic partnership that could work for our common goals of peace and prosperity in the world. He concluded his speech stating that the catch man-

B2B event possible and for organizing the same at a very short notice. He said that IACC delegates are not only interested in finding partners in the United States but some of them are also interested in investing in United States. He said that the IACC

Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed in his speech said that the IACC delegation has come to United States at a very appropriate time just a week after the completion of a very successful 4th visit of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. tra today is "Invest in India, Innovate in India and Make in India."

Sunder Advani , Regional President IACC thanked the Consulate for making Interactive Session and

delegation's visit comes on the heels of the fourth successful visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has raised US-India relationship to a higher level.

William Delany, Chairman, International Business Council (IBC) , Illinois Chamber of Commerce mentioned that IBC helps Illinois companies expand their customer base into international markets by providing access, resources, business opportunities and connections to generate exports and economic growth.

It would be IBC's privilege to assist the visiting delegation to connect with Illinois based suppliers of goods and services.

Matt Gambs, Chairman of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and Vice President, Wintrust Financial Services informed the visiting IACC delegates about the investment and financial assistance being provided by Wintrust to promote investment and business projects internationally.

Cont’d on page 18

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NJ celebrates Yoga Day Big attendance at SF Yoga Day celebration in a big way India Post News Service India Post News Service

PISCATAWAY, NJ: A hot Sunday and even Father's Day couldn't stop hundreds of yoga enthusiasts from joining the Second International Yoga Day cel-

ebrations held in Piscataway, New Jersey. People cutting across age groups, nationalities and religious backgrounds lined up ahead of time to practice and celebrate this ancient Hindu science and heritage jointly coordinated and organized by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), Office of Consulate General of India (NY), VHPA, SEWA, Ekal, Overseas Friends of Deputy CGI (NY Consulate) Shri Manoj Mohapatra at the 2nd International Yoga Day celebrations, Piscataway, NJ.

Hundreds performing Yoga during the 2nd International Yoga Day celebrations, Piscataway, NJ.

BJP (OFBJP), Isha Yoga Foundation, Vihangam Yoga, Art of Living, Sahaja Yoga and various Yoga studios and other likeminded organizations Mrs. Akhila Pai (volunteer, HSS) kicked off the program by welcoming the packed audience on dot at 9:30 am. A video 'Namaste' that showed people across the globe joining together to celebrate Yoga day gave a glimpse of ancient Hindu saying of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam (Entire world is a Family). Over 600+ people performed yoga in three parallel sessions that were held for adults, kids and senior citizens.

The session for adults was conducted in the main hall that was packed to capacity and the entire floor was covered with yoga mats of different colors. People say laughter is the best medicine.

Laughing Yoga by Shri Maheshkant Vasavada from Ahmedabad set the trend and ran a riot of laughter among the participants.

Cont’d on page 21

SAN FRANCISCO, CA: The Consulate General of India, San

Francisco organized the 2nd International Yoga Day (IYD) in San Francisco on June 18 from 9.00 am1 pm at County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park.

The event was organized in association with several Yoga associations based in San Francisco and Bay Area including Isha Foundation, Brahmakumaris, Art of Living, Self Realization Fellowship, Path to Anandam, Yoga Society of San Francisco, Yoga Ascent of North America (YANA) etc.

Cont’d on page 19

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Community Across America

June 24, 2016

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Governor, Mayor meet Indian American delegation SURENDRA ULLAL

LOUISVILLE, KY: Kentucky Governor Mathew Griswold [Matt] Bevin and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer met with Chicago's Indian American Business Council [IABC] leading directors and Indo American Friends Group business delegation from India at the Hilary Conference Center in the sprawling Bellarmine University campus in Louisville, Kentucky.

Governor Kentucky Matt Bevin and Mayor Greg Fischer sat down for an extensive round table discussion in advancing and building bridges of business partnerships between India and the commonwealth of Kentucky. They expressed enthusiastic appreciation for this opportunity for a significant dialogue seeking to enhance business opportunities between Kentucky and India.

Governor Matt Bevin urged them to submit summarized briefs to identify ways that can advance

business opportunities. Only eight Indian American business companies are currently doing business in Kentucky and Governor Matt Bevin urged the Indian American Business Council to submit ideas, models and plans that seek to rapidly expand and

add more Indian American businesses in Kentucky and urged the IABC to be emissaries to help build bridges of business ties between India and Kentucky.

Poonam Gupta-Krishnan, Founder Director of IABC presiding over the formal conference set

the tone with her overview remarks outlining India's phenomenal growing economic power including the 'Make in India' initiative of Prime Minister Modi and the burgeoning opportunities for business to be developed between India and Kentucky. Poonam

Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin with IABC Directors (L to R) Poonam Gupta, Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Dr.Sanhita Agnihotri, Ajay Misra and Deepak Tiwari

cities and states across the United States and articulated to Governor Bevin that IABC could potentially play an effective role in helping the administration in identifying and employing innovative technological solutions that would address ways to reduce inefficiencies and redundancies in the administrative machinery and thus help contribute to a small extent in reducing the looming budget imbalances.

Deepak Tiwari, Kentucky's largest Indian American businesses owner, in his presentation outlined the growing opportunities that are readily available in the state of Kentucky. He urged an ongoing dialogue to bring about active trade exchanges.

Dr. Sanhita Agnihotri, IABC Strategic Advisor, added that both United States and India can benefit from flourishing business prospects. Dr. Ajai Prakash Misra, Chairman of the Indo American Friends Group and the Leader of the India business delegation assured the group's support to build robust trade ties.

Earlier, Zachary Scott of World Trade Center Kentucky and Ali Crain of Kentucky Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Chicago representatives and delegates from India. The Indian business delega-

Gupta who is also the founder of Govt Technology Foundation [GTF] - in her power point presentation - highlighted the ripe opportunities to foster trade exchange between India and Kentucky through small and medium scale enterprises, joint ventures, technology transfer, investment opportunities and export/import prospects.

Harish Kolasani, President IABC wel- Governor Matt Bevin urged comed Governor Matt them to submit summarized Bevin and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer briefs to identify ways that and thanked the promi- can advance business nent attendees from Louisville and busi- opportunities. ness delegation for making the trip to Kentucky tion visiting Illinois, Kentucky and Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Prin- Ohio includes Ms. Hema Virani, Raj cipal Director IABC, in his pre- Kumar Sharma, Jitender Vyas, sentation highlighted the pain- Tapan Jain, Dr Saransh Jain and Dr. fully looming budget deficits in Tanupriya Jain.

Consulate has interactive session with Kolkata chamber team Cont’d from page 16

Ms. Lisa Waller, Vice President, BDG International gave a very informative power point presentation highlighting freight forwarding and import/export logistics services being provided by BDG International.

She also said that BDG International offers special expertise with India in movement of goods from there to US and vice versa.

She also enlightened about custom house brokerage and international trade rules and regula-

tions.

Ajit Pant, President and Member, Board of Directors, US-India Chamber of Commerce Midwest (UICC) welcomed the visit of IACC delegation to Chicago and assured the members of the delegation that UICC would be happy to assist the delegates in business networking and they are free to contact him or UICC members in this regard.

At the conclusion of the event, B2B meetings between the IACC delegates and local business persons took place.

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June 24, 2016

India Post 19

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Lotus Excellence Awards for the Indian-origin HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: Mayor Steve Chirico and Mayor Emeritus George Pradel presented 2016-Lotus Excellence Awards to students of Indian origin. The Lotus Excellence awards are an initiative of

guest at the event and addressed the students and parents with best wishes. He was happy to see and know that such bright students live in his own city of Naperville. He encouraged youth

them to keep following their passion and dreams.

Krishna Bansal, Chairman of the NICO, welcomed the guests and said: "The primary mission of NICO is to embrace, preserve,

SpellBee Dallas & Houston winners announced India Post News Service

DALLAS, TX: Continuing its quest for the best speller in the community, the 2016 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee traveled to Texas this past weekend with stops in Dallas and Houston.

up.

The event is open to children of South Asian descent up to 14 years of age.

It will give South Asian children a chance to test their spelling skills in their core peer group. Interested spellers need their parent or guard-

Dallas Winners: (Left to Right): Sandhya Sharma, Regional Event DirectorDallas, Smrithi Upadhyayula, second runner-up, Ananya Kodali, regional champion, Rohan Rajeev, first runner-up, Rahul Walia, Founder of The MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee Mayor Steve Chirico, Mayor Emeritus George Pradel, Krishna Bansal, Chairman of the NICO along with Board presented 2016-Lotus Excellence Awards to students of Indian origin

the Indian Community Outreach Board-NICO to recognize the achievers in Indian American community.

The Mayor Pradel Leadership Award was announced last year at the time of his retirement and is given to a senior with outstanding leadership skills.

Mayor Chirico was the chief

to take part in extracurricular activities and said that he was so proud of these young bright minds.

Mayor Emeritus, Pradel, was the guest of honor and has always been a supporter of NICO Board and their projects. He commended the students for their hard work and encouraged

and promote the cultural heritage and contributions of IndianAmericans while educating them to get involved with the City of Naperville". Bansal advised students of Indian origin to contribute to community work in large numbers and become part of this great nation.

Cont’d on page 20

Big attendance at SF Yoga Day celebration

With a huge turnout this year as well, the Bee attracted some top talent as well as young and new spellers that competed for the coveted prizes and titles.

In the Dallas Regional, Ananya Kodali (14) of Highland Village, Texas was the regional champ, Rohan Rajeev (13) of Edmond, Oklahoma, was the first runner up and, Smrithi Upadhyayula (14) of Coppell, Texas, was second runner up.

In Houston, Raksheet Kota (13) from Katy, Texas was named regional champ, Alex Iyer (13) from Hill, Texas was first runner up.

Abhirami Jeeyseelan (13) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana second runner-

ian to register them online at www.southasianspellingbee.com.

Organized by Touchdown Media Inc., the 2016 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee is being conducted in 12 locations across the United States. Regional level events are held in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Seattle, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, D.C. Metro, New Jersey, New York and Boston. All events are free to attend and open to the public.

Accra, Ghana was announced as the 13th center from where spellers of South Asian descent will qualify for the finals.

Cont’d from page 17

The event was inaugurated by Consul General Ashok Venkatesan who stated that India is the birth place of Yoga and at present, it is being practiced widely by people of many countries. The program started with the screening of the video messages of Prime Minister of India and Minister of External Affairs, followed by common Yoga Protocol. Subsequently, several sessions on different aspects of Yoga were held by the Yoga Partners of the event.

The event was attended by around 1200-1500 people from San Francisco, the Bay Area and other places of California. Most of the

participants were local US citizens which included women and

youngsters, who attended with great enthusiasm and interest.

Houston Winners: (Left to Right): Rahul Walia, founder of The MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee, Shorauv Darsari, National Champion of the 2015 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee, Abhirami Jeeyseelan, second runner-up, Raksheet Kota, regional champ, Alex Iyer, first runner up and Syamantak Payra, National Champion of the 2012 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee

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AID appeal to sign Bhopal petition to White House GEETHA PATIL

T

hirty two years ago, on the night of December 2, 1984, the world's worst industrial disaster took place.

The Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, released at least 30 tons of a highly toxic gas called methyl isocyanate, as well as a number of other poisonous gases and killed more than 15,000 people over the years. The Indian Government figures now refer to an estimate of 15,000 but in reality this figure is way higher. More than 600,000 people living in the surrounding area were exposed to the deadly gas clouds that night.

These gases stayed low to the ground, caused burning of victims' throats and eyes, induced nausea, and many deaths on that night.

Estimates of the death toll vary from as few as 3,800 to as many as 16,000 by the sources.

Toxic effects of the poisonous gases and material remain in these areas even after 30 years. Many of

slowed when Michigan-based Dow Chemical took over Union Carbide in 2001. How can anyone in the world appreciate a three decade long sluggishness of these companies in doing their most urgent work? How can the innocent villagers living in the remote rural areas approach this company to do justice for their insensitive act?

Human rights groups say that thousands of tons of hazardous waste remains buried underground and the government has accepted that the area is contaminated. If that is the case, then why there are no long-term epidemiological researches sponsored by with governments, companies, or universities in the world? These could conclusively prove whether birth defects in these areas are directly related to drinking of the contaminated water.

There are thousands of heartbreaking stories of Bhopal gas disaster survivors. The Association

There are thousands of heartbreaking stories of Bhopal gas disaster survivors. The Association for India's Development (AID) has decided to help and support the struggle of Bhopalis and make their voice and suffering heard in the US White House those who were exposed to the gas have given birth to physically and mentally disabled children. The suffering, pain and frustration of innocent villagers are mounting.

For decades, survivors have been asking to have the site cleaned up, but neither Indian nor the US government is taking responsibility in directing the accountable company to do its humanitarian work immediately instead listening to their business excuses.

They say the efforts were

for India's Development (AID) has decided to help and support the struggle of Bhopalis and make their voice and suffering heard in the US White House to find relief to their several decades long fight.

The Bhopal campaign is one of the many struggles that Association for India's Development (AID) is supporting. Up to now, survivors have been demanding that the US Corporations responsible (Union Carbide Corp. and its current owner Dow Chemical Co.)

along with the Indian Government, readdress the issue by compensating the affected, cleaning up the premises, and providing reasonable medical care for the sur-

vivors. However, it has become clear that the US government too has played a role in hindering justice for the Bhopalis. The US Department of Justice has been silently shielding the corporations responsible by blocking the court notices to Dow Chemical in relation to the pending criminal case against it. The next hearing for this case is on July 13.

AID is proud to stand with the Bhopalis in this historic effort to petition the White House to stop shielding Dow Chemical. When they reach the magic number of 100,000 signatures, the White House has to respond to the petition and take action in the case.

AID's volunteers are requesting all the sensible people to join them in their effort to get justice.

Their 'sign the petition' is available on the website at h t t p s : / / petitions.whitehouse.gov//petition/uphold-international-lawstop-shielding-dow-chemical-accountability-corporate-crimesbhopal-india.

File photo of activists and survivors of the 1984 Bhopal gas leak disaster that killed and harmed thousands hold placard again Dow Chemical Company outside it's office in Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi, India, November 19, 2009

Forward the link to your friends and family and post about it on your social media accounts.

NOTE: After you sign the petition, you will immediately receive

an email from the White House asking you to verify your signature. Your signature will only be counted after you verify. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please make sure to check your spam folder.

In brief, AID is a volunteer movement supporting just, equitable and sustainable development in India. AID is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization with tax ID 04-3652609. AID supports grassroots organizations in India and initiates efforts in various interconnected spheres such as agriculture, energy, education, health, livelihoods, natural resources, social justice and women's empowerment.

Lotus Excellence Awards for the Indian-origin Cont’d from page 19

affected by the undesirable elements", Madhur Kimdi added.

Narayan Tata, a NICO Board Member said that art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. True artists find their medium and express themselves so fluently that others are mesmerized by their creativity and resulting art. Art in its purest form gives the human soul a voice for freedom of expression. The lotus flower is thought to be one of nature's pur-

"The creation of the NICO Board-Lotus Award was inspired by a singular objective to recognize and celebrate achievements of the Indian-American youth and to encourage and inspire the future leaders of our society", he added.

Saily Joshi, a NICO Board Member said the awards were presented to students who excelled in the field of Academics, Sports, Arts (Visual, Film, Music, Dance, True artists find their medium Digital Arts, Painting, and express themselves so Photography, Poetry, Drama, Theater etc.), fluently that others are mesLeadership, and Commerized by their creativity munity Service. The cash award of $500 was and resulting art. presented to multiple recipients in each award est symbols of creation. A true stucategory.

Eligible Students came from dent of art is one who has devoted District 203, District 204, IMSA himself to a medium, allowing room and home-schooled children. Ms. for mistakes, learning from each reJoshi went on to mention the im- sulting expression, and continuportance of recognizing students ously seeking to improve in the for all these disciplines and not journey to find the window to his just academic achievement. "It is soul.

"Awards of Excellence" were important to encourage our next generation to excel in fields that presented to Binita Gupta for her are traditional to our community", Leadership and overall achievements. Miss Gupta received the she added.

Madhur Limdi, a NICO Board first Mayor Pradel Award for LeadMember said: "In Indian culture a ership. Nihal Dantluri and Anvita lotus flower is associated with Hariharan were awarded in the many divine beings; you all must Art's Category, and Murugan have seen the image of Goddess Narayanan and Yash Agarwal Lakshmi seated on a lotus flower were awarded for academic while showering wealth on her achievement. devotes. It is said in our ancient A large number of people attext, the Puranas, that Brahma cre- tended the event which included ated the universe while seated on board members, Naperville coma lotus flower. The lotus plant munity leaders, and supporters grows in muddy water, yet is un- from the Indian community.

Community Across America

June 24, 2016

India Post 21

www.indiapost.com

NJ celebrates Yoga Day in a big way Cont’d from page 17

Apart from explaining the different forms of laughter and its benefits, this yoga made everyone relax and get familiar with each other and be ready for the next yogic forms to come.

Isha Foundation conducted a guided yoga session in which the participants did many Asanas (yoga postures) that benefit everyone in their daily routine.

Jayanthi Shriram conducted this session with a video message from Sadhguru (Head of Isha Yoga).

Vijay Kumar and Lal Mani of

kids enthralled the people present.

Small kids as young as five years performed acrobatic feats on top of a pole and around it creating gravity defying formations that left everyone present there in a state of awe.

Kids had a blast with yoga sessions by yoga teachers and games

by HSS. Eye Yoga that can benefit the kids was also taught along with simple meditation techniques just cut out for kids.

Senior citizens were helped to perform chair yoga, breathing and relaxation session along with yoga

Mallakambh demo by kids at the 2nd International Yoga Day celebrations, Piscataway, NJ.

Vihang Yoga conducted guided yoga asanas (yoga postures) that can be done at different times during our daily routine and made the participants do simple postures that help them cure common problems like back ache, posture related issues, and stomach related issues.

Vrushali and Anirban from the Art of Living Foundation sang devotional songs to relax the participants and did the Pranayama exercises. Art of Living volunteers also took entire yoga asana session for senior citizens.

for relaxing different joints of the human body that can give them pain free days.

Shri Manoj Mohapatra (Deputy Consul General, Indian Consulate, NY) delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of the Government of India for organizing this event. The Deputy CGI mentioned that several community organizations have come together to organize yoga events across the tristate in places like Time Square, Airport and community centers.

Shri Upendra Chivukula (Commissioner, Utilities, NJ) congratu-

Kids performing Yoga at the 2nd International Yoga Day celebrations, Piscataway, NJ.

The meditation session by Sahaja Yoga captivated the interest of the yoga enthusiasts present there. Explaining the relevance of Chakras (power centers in the body), the guided meditation relaxed everyone. The Sahaja Yoga team also conducted a similar meditation session for the kids.

Last but not the least 'MallaKambh' (Yoga on the pole) a power packed performance by

lated the organizers for putting together a great event for the benefit of humanity. A video message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Second International Yoga Day was shown.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Venkata Raghav (Coordinator, HSS NE Region) stressed the need for everyone to understand Yoga in its entirety and not just as a mere exercise. He said, yoga also in-

volves having a balanced diet, simple life style and not exploiting the nature and also to maintain harmony among all living beings.

Shri Nimesh Dixit (Community Relations Coordinator, HSS) presented the vote of thanks to all participants, supporting organizations, sponsors and volunteers for making the event a big success.

The participants were treated with a box of fruits after the program.

Ms Margarete said she liked the idea of bringing people together and doing yoga instead of one organization performing it. She also said she missed this event last year for she had no knowledge of the event but will not miss this in future.

Gargi Sapre, a college student from Plainsboro, NJ said that it was amazing to be part of this event. It gave her an opportunity to go back to her Hindu roots which always promoted a healthy and simple lifestyle. Not to be left behind even middle school students

Jahnavi and Rutuva, who took part in the kids yoga sessions, said they felt great doing the yoga postures and the meditation sessions relaxed them and increased their focus.

The participants were very happy to be part of this great event and the 600+ audience took a

pants personally thanked the organizers for arranging such a wonderful program and said that it is amazing to know the richness of this ancient Hindu science of yoga.

June 19th being Father's Day, many dads among the participants said there cannot be a better way to celebrate Father's Day than do-

Senior Citizens performing Yoga at the 2nd International Yoga Day celebrations, Piscataway, NJ.

pledge to lead a healthy lifestyle by incorporating yoga into their daily routines. Most of the partici-

ing yoga and live a healthy life for the happiness of your family.

22 India Post

Community Across America

June 24, 2016

www.indiapost.com

Fundraiser nets $32,000 for Eye on India Festival SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Over 200 guests gathered at the Bridgeport Arts Center and raised $32,000 to support Eye on India. The 2016 Eye on India Festival runs September

15 to October 2 at various locations across the city.

"Eye on India Festival was founded to provide an opportunity to bring the best in Indian art,

L to R: Dr. Ralph and Marta Nicholas (2016 Chicago-India Cultural Connection Award Recipients), Anuradha Behari and John Green (Professor at Columbia College and the 2015 Cultural Connection Award Recipient). Pic Inell

literature and culture to U.S. audiences while showcasing the work of local artists. This year we want to expand those efforts by bringing Indian artists into the classroom, community centers and beyond," said Eye on India Founder and President Anuradha Behari The evening was an exclusive preview of the fall festival and featured music, visual art, dance, film, fashion, food and more. Funds raised will help the newly created outreach efforts to connect visiting artists with Chicago nonprofits, schools and community centers.

Dr. Ralph and Marta Nicholas (Hyde Park) were honored as The Chicago-India Cultural Connection Award Recipients. Dr. Ralph Nicholas is a professor emeritus from the University of Chicago's Anthropology and Social Sciences department. His wife, Marta Nicholas, hosts the radio program "Music Around the World" broadcast on WHPK (University of Chicago).

The Gala evening featured a

virtuoso musical performance by 15-year-old Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts) pianist Rupa Elizabeth Sprecher. Born in Bengaluru, India, and blind from birth, Sprecher was adopted by a Chicago couple when she was 7years-old. She studied piano at DePaul's Community School of Music and has received many ac-

lumbia College Chicago. Four of the strongest pieces were selected to be modeled live at the Gala. Attendees were able to vote on the design they felt best captured the idea of what it means when the traditional and contemporary intersect. The winning student, Rachel Hentrich received a cash prize for continued studies from the Chi-

"Eye on India Festival was founded to provide an opportunity to bring the best in Indian art, literature and culture to U.S. audiences while showcasing the work of local artists.

This year we want to expand those efforts� colades and awards.

Attendees were also treated to a performance by Natya Dance Theater, a critically-acclaimed dance troupe rooted in the classical dance form of Bharata Natyam.

The fashion show "Zero Waste Sari Project," was collaboration between Eye on India and the fashion students and faculty from Co-

cago Indian boutique, Sahil.

Guests sampled cuisine from different regions in India, including the streets of Delhi, Jama Masjid-Muglai Food, streets of Punjab and delicacies from South India.

The 2015 Eye on India Festival runs September 15 through October 2, 2016.

Tough to organize the marginalised in rural India GEETHA PATIL

BOSTON: The Association for India's Developmet (AID), MIT and Boston Chapters in association with Alliance for Secular & Democratic South Asia, TwoCircles.Net and Massachusetts Global Action organized a talk on "Organizing Workers for a Democratic and Secular India Challenging Power Structures in Rural Bihar" on Sunday June 18 at MIT campus.

Keerthana Krishnan, an AID Boston volunteer introduced

JJSS mobilizes rural poor to demand better services from the government and to get the benefits of existing entitlements.

JJSS aims to bring about a larger change in the lives of rural poor speakers Kamayani Swami and Ashish Ranjan to the audience with their brief backgound and what they are currently working on in Bihar. Kamayani Swami works as a labor activist wirh Jan Jagaran Shakti Sangathan (JJSS) and she was also an AID Fellow.

Ashish Ranjan works as a Joint

Secretary of JJSS and Convener of National Alliance of People's Movement in Bihar. JJSS is a registered trade union of unorganised sector workers which is active in few districts of North Bihar.

The two speakers shared their presentation a n d highlighed in brief what they are doing in Bihar and what issues and challenges they ae facing in helping these marginalized workers in rural Bihar areas.

They said that in such areas with local power structures, it is very difficult for t h e s e marginalized people to even submit a job applicationunder National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) or get any entitlements provided by the state. This in turn causes millions of rural people to live in abject poverty.They made their presentation very pictorial and fact-based that narrated the

real stories existing in such remote areas.

JJSS mobilizes rural poor to demand better services from the government and to get the benefits of existing entitlements. JJSS aims to bring about a larger change in the

and documentation of irregularities as there is a high level of lack of awareness about NREGA entitlements and social audit checks.

The findings of the local surveys generated a lot of interest amongst local groups and people

formation (RTI) and issues of justice. They also organize youth programs and internships for local students to become aware of their activites and become a part of their mission.

JJSS does not take institutional

lives of rural poor by means of "sangharsh" (struggle) and "nirman" (constructive activities).

They organize campaign activities like awareness generation, checking if transparency safeguards were in place to check corruption

who are genuinely interested in issues of social change. This interest became the basis of the 'Jan Jagaran Abhiyan', Araria and was later renamed Jan Jagaran Shakti Sangathan (JJSS) which currently focuses on NREGA, Right to In-

funds but runs its activities on individual donations from friends, supporters and well wishers. If you want to support their activities, you can visit their website at http:/ /www.jjabihar.org/home-page.html for more information.

June 24, 2016

Community Across America

India Post 23

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BAPS Walkathon promotes nature conservation VINOD SHAH

The Walk start

CHICAGO: Inspired by the motto of "Think Globally, Act Locally," BAPS Charities in Bartlett celebrated their 15th annual Walkathon with greater efforts to promote nature conservation.

Taking the first steps in their hometown of Bartlett, community members planted a red oak tree in

lion Trees campaign to restore 1.6 million acres of land by 2025.

The Nature Conservancy's mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

With over 1 million members, the organization protects more than 119 million acres of land, thousands of miles of rivers, and

This year's walk brought together over 989 participants and 100 volunteers between the ages

efforts to contribute locally to this important cause, Rita Fletcher, Executive Director of

honored to be part of such a large community event hosted by BAPS. After the walk, he hum-

Members of Bartlett Board of Trustees, Bartlett Park District, The Nature Conservancy, BAPS Charities and guests participate in tree planting

The Walk participants

the Bartlett Park District and raised funds to build a restructured playground for physically disabled and special needs children.

Recognizing the need to promote environment awareness, this year BAPS Charities Walk Green is supporting The Nature Conservancy and its Plant a Bil-

operates more than 100 marine conservation projects globally since 1951. In support of this initiative, BAPS Charities' walks across North America will contribute to the rejuvenation of dying forests by helping plant over 70,000 trees in United States.

of a 9-month baby and a 90-year old gentleman. The walk launched with a traditional prayer for world peace and an opening speech by Village President, Kevin Wallace, who announced, "I'm so happy BAPS is having their walkathon today to benefit the park district and I just can't say how much they do to benefit our entire community."

Recognizing BAPS Charities

the Bartlett Park District said, "This is a wonderful event and an amazing goal as we are always budgeting for more trees and ways to promote going green. I'm so excited for this walkathon and Bartlett is better because you're here and because of your contributions."

Sergeant Geoffrey Pretkelis, Bartlett Police, volunteered at the walkathon and felt extremely

bly stated, "This is an incredible cause and what a tremendous effort by all of the volunteers. It's always a proud moment to give back to your community and BAPS has given back a lot to this community here in Bartlett. My favorite part about the walkathon is seeing all the ages of the volunteers and participants who are eager to help their community and their local park district."

Andhra Assn celebrates 'Vanabhojanalu' Picnic KEERTHI RAVOORI

CHICAGO: The Andhra Association of Chicago, CAA, a new Telugu organization of Andhrites in Chicago land area, held its first ever 'Vanabhojanalu' picnic at St. James Forest Preserve in Naperville on Saturday June 11,drawing around 1200 members and guests, the high temperature notwithstanding.

Chicago was abuzz with the Vanabhojanalu event much prior to kick-off. On the Event day, since 11 am in the morning, the crowds started thronging the forest preserve. By noon the park was filled with Andhra fervor & flavor. 'Aritaku lo bhojanam', traditional Andhra style lunch in a banana leaf was the highlight of the event. Saree clad Andhra women serving at the event made a beautiful sight. All those gath-

ered felt as if they were literally in Andhra Pradesh.

Members and visitors enjoyed a sumptuous Andhra meal from Karaikudi Indian Restaurant comprising Tandoori Chicken, Corn and the delicacies from Rayalaseema and Andhra regions.

The cooking competition paved the way for cooking instructions of how to make Andhra Laddu, a delicacy that is very popular among Andhrites. It was a bemusing spectacle to watch folks standing in line to form an Andhra Pradesh

state map.

Dr. Bhargavi Nettem, a family practice physician, demonstrated

the process of CPR. Sundar Dittakavi, President of CAA congratulated the organizers and

Gathering at Vanabhojanalu Picnic

sponsors for making the event a very memorable one. Dr UmaKatiki, Vice-President of CAA & Event Coordinator Karthik Desai executed the event with meticulous precision.

Andhra Pradesh Development Forum of North America, APDFNA, Directors Padma Rao Appalaneni and Bhanu Swargam explained the objectives of Development forum and how its network could be leveraged for carrying out various developmental activities in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Founder Chairman Srinivas Pedamallu presented prizes to the raffle ticket winners. American Telugu Association, ATA, conducted a registration drive for the upcoming ATA Silver Jubilee Conference in Chicago.

24 India Post

Community Across America

June 24, 2016

www.indiapost.com

Fund raising dinner by Bharat Seva Sangha MADHU PATEL

CHICAGO: Bharat Sevasram Sangha of North America, Chicago Chapter, is organizing Annual Fundraising Dinner and cultural program presenting prominent members of the cultural community of Chicago and India on Sunday, June 26 at 5 pm at the Temple auditorium in Aurora, a southwest suburb of Chicago The highlight of the evening will be a multimedia presentation "Vedic Roots of Hindustani Classical Music" that traces the origins of Indian classical music from Vedic times to the present.

The presentation will feature songs, dances and music from the oldest scriptures from the Vedas that form the foundation of Hindu religion dating back to 3500 BCE, and follow the progression of Indian music through the ages.

The combination of narration,

images, music and live dance will delve deep into the history, grammar and forms of Indian Classical music and dance explaining the fundamental elements of Indian

music like 'Naad', 'Saptak', 'Swara', 'Sruti', 'Alankara', 'Raga', 'Tala', etc.

The multimedia presentation "Vedic Roots" will be conducted

by Kushal Bose, President of BSS NA Chicago Chapter.

The evening will also feature prominent dancers Madhura Sane and members of Nritya Natya Kala Academy, Swati Chatterjee, prominent Film/Television /Jingles singer from Bombay, Pundit Puranlal Vyas, professional percussionist from Bombay now based in Chicago and Suresh Mehta, popular Bhajan singer from Chicago.

Bhara at Seva Sangh in Aurora The emcee of the

evening will be Chicagoland's journalist Ashok Easwaran.

The program will be inaugurated by Swami Purmatmanandaji with lighting of the sacred lamp and recitation of Vedic mantra, followed by welcoming address by Ms. Santosh Kumar, Chairwoman of the Bharat Sevasram Sangha Chicago chapter. The cultural pro-

gram will be followed by vegetarian dinner.

Bharat SevasramSangha is a non-profit educational and philanthropic organization. There are no admission charges for the event; personal tax deductible donations to the temple are accepted with gratitude (receipt will be provided for all charitable contributions).

Arizona varsity studying yoga's healing effects SURENDRA ULLAL

TEMPE AZ: In Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe, a health researcher has undertaken a study to determine if online yoga can help people faced with grief of stillbirth or rare blood cancer symptoms.

Dr. Jennifer Huberty, an associate professor at the School of Nutrition and Health Promotion in the College of Health Solutions, and her team at ASU are expected to receive a grant of about half-amillion dollars from US National Institutes of Health (NIH) for investigating yoga's effects on symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after stillbirth.

Participants access online yoga sessions through a site which offers a collection of over 400 classes, health-wellness challenges and fitness programs; reports indicate.

An additional about $2.5 mil-

The ASU efforts to explore yoga's healing effects have been accorded universal accolade by yoga lovers, especially Indian Americans.

Founded in 1885, ASU, which claims to be "a top ranked research university", was ranked number one among the "Most Innovative Schools" in America.

Michael M. Crow is ASU President, while Keith Lindor is Dean of College of Health Solutions.

Dr Tanmay Goswami, an ardent follower of Yoga and practicing Ayurvedacharya, said that the news gains significance as it comes close on heels of Yoga lovers across the world celebrating Second Yoga International day this week. Dr Goswami is an advisor to the Indian government Yoga program, Ayush Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hindusim, said

AZ Tempe Campus

lion grant will reportedly be sought from NIH by ASU in the next year in partnership with Mayo, for examining yoga's effects on symptom burden in patients of Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN), which is a kind of rare blood cancer. It would reportedly explore the online-streamingyoga's efficacy in reducing fatigue and improving the quality of life.

There was a significant improvement in depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep and symptom burden in a feasibility study ASU recently conducted over a 12week period with 30 MPN patients, reports claim.

that although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, yoga was a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all.

According to Patanjali who codified it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.

Yoga, referred as "a living fossil", was a mental and physical discipline, for everybody to share and benefit from, whose traces went back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus Valley civilization, Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out.

Community Across America

June 24, 2016

India Post 25

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'Half Boyfriend' takes on Chetan Bhagat's novel PRAKASH M SWAMY

NEW YORK: Judy Balan is back to doing what she's best at writing a parody! This is the genre in which she first tasted success.

Popular blogger and writer Judy Balan's first book Two Fates, a satirical take on Chetan Bhagat's Two States was an instant hit.

The author followed it up with Sophie Says and Nina the Philosopher series, which both received similar acclaim from fans. For her next project she has decided to parody yet another Bhagat novel.

The new book is titled 'Half Boyfriend' and Judy has co-authored it with Kishore Manohar.

She's treading on tested waters this time. "It's another CB parody, but it's entirely unlike Two Fates in terms of treatment. With Two Fates I had parodied CB's style (as opposed to just plot elements) and I thought I was being clever. But since it was my first book, most

the latest parody in town, Half Boyfriend by Judy Balan and Kishore Manohar - a fun, clever and shameless take on Chetan Bhagat's infamous novel. Sharp, funny and warm, Half Boyfriend works not just as a parody and a gentle takedown of mainstream Indian pop culture but as a story in itself, says Samit Basu.

Village boy meets pretty girl in a city college. Since we live in dramatic times, this can no longer go unnoticed. He decides to marry her.

She runs away as fast as possible.

He, however, has recently read a similar sounding book that tells him that this is all part of the game.

Emboldened, he doesn't give up.

She doesn't give up either.

A chase that takes them across the world ensues. Replete with archetypal villainesses, cheesy sidekicks, manic cross-country chases, and plenty of opportunities for item numbers, join our anti-hero as he Half Boyfriend works not arm-twists the all-powerful, and defies laws just as a parody and a and logic in an attempt gentle takedown of mainto end the book by stream Indian pop culture sleeping with the girl. but as a story in itself, says What happens finally... will blind stalker love Samit Basu. prevail? Will the name dropping of some of people ended up thinking it was the biggest people in the world not my style. So, it was a lesson in impact sales? Only time will tell. humility.

Half Boyfriend is a book brim"But that was always some- ming with a series of pointless thing I wanted to straighten out, events and unbelievable coinciso when my editor at Bloomsbury dences in a dead-end plot that is asked if I'd do a Half Girlfriend bound to tickle your funny bone. parody, it just sort of fell in place.

Judy Balan is the author of five I'd honestly be flattered if I were novels - Two Fates: The Story of Chetan Bhagat!" says Judy.

My Divorce (Westland), Sophie Bloomsbury India is presenting Says: Memoirs of a Breakup

Jains condemn Night Club shooting in Orlando SURESH SHAH

T

he Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) representing more than 150,000 Jains, has condemned the nightclub shooting in Orlando which left 50 dead. The 29-yearold shooter took hostages and opened fire inside an Orlando nightclub at around 2 am.

"We are deeply saddened by this sudden loss and urge people to remain clam. This is really tragic and sad. Reverence for all life form is the essence of Jain teaching. This is a time for prayers and efforts to stop such senseless violence in our nation. Jainism holds that taking of any life is a cardinal sin and we reiterate that nothing can ever justify terrorism and murder," A news

release from JAINA states.

JAINA also mentioned that "We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims."

JAINA President Ashok Domadia announced that the Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington along with other Jain communities would hold a prayer vigil for the victims.

JAINA (www.jaina.org), founded in 1981, is the umbrella organization of 71 North American centers in the USA and Canada. It functions as a philanthropic, educational and service-focused organization, staffed by hundreds of volunteers.

Coach (Westland), How To Stop Your Grownup From Making Bad Decisions (Harper Collins) which

Hashtags, and of course, Half Boyfriend. Judy writes comedy almost exclusively. She writes books,

Judy Balan

was published internationally in 2016, Tweenache in the Time of

blogs, columns, plays, has had her own radio show and is currently

working on her next novel.

Kishore Manohar has a bachelor's degree in Physics and his attempts to complete this were what pointed him to a completely creative career as a writer, designer and eventually Creative Head.

Today, he runs a brand consultancy business in India working primarily with healthcare and service businesses, is a founding partner of a tech start up in the US and also runs India's largest student health program.

A mixed skill set often finds him working on creative projects with friends and people with interesting ideas. Half Girlfriend is his first book and if allowed he might actually write more. He has a deep passion for museums, hospitals and public spaces and is looking to contribute to experiential design and branding of cities.

Horoscope

26 India Post

June 24, 2016

www.indiapost.com

June 24th - June 30th 2016 Please send your birthday, place of birth and time, so I can give you your zodiac sign, according to Vedic astrology. Send to Jaysastrology@gmail.com

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rofessional matters are looking up. Some of you may get promotion/ recognition.The health of the spouse looks better.The health of father also starts improving.Say no to involvement in speculation. Continue to work with patience up to September, 2016. It is better to avoid haste, conflicts and unnecessary driving.Take care of your health and don't get involved in arguments.

S

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A

he professional matters look better. Some of you may get promoted if the natal planets are strong. Work with patience.The child may bring happiness. Take care of your health and the health of the parents may cause concerns.The week is difficult for those who are in foreign lands.It is better to avoid conflicts and driving.

ome better developments are likely. Things are getting better slowly.

Some of you are likely to get promotion/recognition. Social interaction increases. The new professional opportunities are likely.Avoid conflicting situations during 2016, and take due care of your health.Exercise patience and avoid over ambitiousness. Be focused on new ventures and relationships.

void conflicts in professional and family matters. Handle relationships and health with patience.

Health is vulnerable.Child may need help. Avoid haste, conflicts, speculation, aggressive behaviour and unnecessary driving. Conflicts and financial concerns are likely to continue. Take care.

Enemies are likely to trouble.

Conflicts will put you to harm.

Manage obstructions with due patience.

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hose who are appearing in selections may get good results.The new professional opportunities should be put on hold. The week brings some good news for the family. The child may also bring some happy news.Those who are in foreign lands may find some relief from obstructions and delays, focus on health.

Work with patience. May experience expenses and losses.

he professional matters face conflicts and disputes. Some sudden stress is likely.Some sudden health concern is likely.The incidence of difficulties is indicated for those who are in foreign lands.Better to avoid unnecessary driving. Work with patience. Take care of your relationship matters.

Some immune disorder is likely. Take care of male partner. Workplace is main focus.

he professional matters are looking good. Some gains are likely.Business ventures may develop some sudden short lived problem.Child needs special attention. Things are improving further. The transit planetary influences caused

by Rahu/Ketu are difficult for those whose ascending degree is around 21 or some planet is around 21 degree in odd signs.

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he professional matters face obstructions and delays. Stay away from manipulations, don't get trapped in a situation that looks too good. Take care of your health and exercise patience. Seek medical attention if needed.

Avoid aggressive behaviour and haste up to September, 2016.Some additional income is likely. Silence is golden for you.Better to avoid driving and conflicts. Stay calm.

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T

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he professional matters may continue to face obstructions , delays and stress. Some health concerns persist, if so please see doctor get check out. Some additional mental tension is seen. Avoid haste conflicts, unnecessary driving/travel as Rahu and Jupiter in transit still causing problems. Handle obstructions and relationship matters with care up to September, 2016.

rofessional matters look better. The new professional opportunities should be put on hold.Take care of your health. Seek medical attention if needed.

Some sudden stress is likely.The child may need special attention upto September, 2016. Avoid speculation, don't get emotionally caught up in relationships.

Patience is the best medicine during this year.

he professional matters are looking better. Some of you are likely to get promotion/recognition. Some health concerns are likely, Seek medical attention is needed. Handle obstructions with patience in new business initiatives.The transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/ Ketu are difficult for those whose ascending degree is around 21 or some planet is around 21 degree in odd signs.

he professional matters face sudden concerns and obstructions. Some sudden health concerns are likely.Seek medical attention if needed. The incidence of conflicts, obstructions and sudden setbacks continues specially for those whose ascending degree is around 17. It is better to avoid unnecessary driving.Manage persisting difficulties with patience.

This weekly horoscope is more focused and accurate as these are based on ascending signs. The ascending sign is worked out on the basis of your date, time and place of birth. You will find the predictions at other places based on your Sun sign or Moon sign. The Sun remains in one sign of zodiac for one month whereas the Moon remains in one sign for about 54 hours. It is the ascending sign, which changes every couple of hours." That is how this site offers you more focused predictions.

JATIN P - ACHARYA MIHIR • JAYSASTROLOGY@GMAIL.COM • 630-675-7148

June 24, 2016

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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

28 India Post

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T

aapsee Pannu has yet another treat for her fans, and this time it's in the form of an enormous tattoo, which the Baby actress carries off with ĂŠlan. The tattoo is a temporary one that has been exclusively inked for a song, 'Tum Ho Toh Lagta Hai', which is part of Bhushan Kumar's new single. In the song, she has been paired with Saqib Saleem, of Mere Dad Ki Maruti fame. Saqib plays a tattoo artist, who is responsible for inking a beautiful woman's face on Taapsee's back.

The tattoo features the face of a woman with gorgeous, billowing hair adorned with flowers, over a fluid set of musical notes. "We have been together since we were kids, he always used to experiment with his artistic skills on me. This tattoo is another experiment done by him on me," Taapsee said.

B

ollywood divas Sonam Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor are all set to share screen space in the upcoming film 'Veere Di Wedding'. The news was confirmed by the 'Neerja' actress herself.

Sonam took to her Instagram page and shared a collage of pictures of the film's cast. Along with Sonam and Kareena the collage has the pictures of Swara Bhaskar and famous TV and film actor Tiku Talsania's daughter Shikha Talsania.

Sonam's sister Rhea Kapoor will be producing the film in collaboration with Ekta Kapoor. The movie will be directed by Shashanka Ghosh who had directed Sonam in the 2014 romantic comedy 'Khubsoorat'.

'Veere Di Wedding' is expected to be a fun ride and explore the spirit of the new age Indian women. It is about the journey of four characters from Delhi to Europe. The movie is said to be an adaption of 2005 Hollywood drama 'The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants'. It is expected to go on floors in Delhi in July.

June 24, 2016

1 Chitta Ve : Udta Punjab 2 Sab Tera: Baaghi 3 Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai: Sultan 4 Ud-Daa Punjab: Udta Punjab 5 Salamat: Sarbjit 6 Jag Ghoomeya: Sultan 7 Bol Do Na Zara: Azhar 8 Kar Gayi Chull : Kapoor & Sons 9 Cham Cham : Baaghi 10 Ikk Kudi : Udta Punjab

It has a strong message and it's a small special role. I thought it has a great message and (because I wanted) to be part of something good out there for my fans

K

areena Kapoor K h a n says it's a rarity for popular stars to take up movies on relevant subjects. But she agreed to do a "small special role" in 'Udta Punjab' - a movie on Punjab's drug menace - for the strong message that it conveys.

Kareena is seen essaying a doctor named Priti Sahani in the Abhishek Chaubey directorial, which has been in the midst of controversy for its theme.

"It has a strong message and it's a small special role. I thought it has a great message and (because I wanted) to be part of something good out there for my fans," added Kareena, who dedicated 20 days to the film.

June 24, 2016

Bollywood

India Post 29

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T

iger Shroff who isn't too many films old in the industry is usually compared with Hrithik Roshan. Speaking to a daily Tiger said he feels happy whenever he gets compared to Hrithik Roshan and that Hrithik is the reason why he is in the industry.

Speaking about his next 'A Flying Jatt' Tiger said that his body language in the first poster of the film slightly resembles an old poster of 'Krrish' as subconsciously he has studied Hrithik a lot.

H

e made a sizzling debut in Bollywood with 'Khoobsurat' in 2014. But this year, Fawad Khan's performance in 'Kapoor & Sons' catapulted him into the big league. Now he will be seen in the Karan Johar directed 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'.

When asked about his competition in B-Town, the 34-yearold Pakistani actor said that he doesn't keep track of what his contemporaries in Bollywood are doing. But if he hears about a good film, he watches it.

Fawad doesn't feel the need to compete with anyone. He believes in competing with himself and bettering his own craft.

P

riyanka Chopra's dream to produce a Bollywood film under her banner Purple Pebble Pictures is soon going to be fulfilled. Rumors suggest that the 'Quantico' star is ready to take one step ahead with the Indo-American astronaut Kalpana Chawla's biopic along with Viacom 18 Motion Pictures. Priyanka, who is back in India after completing her shoot for 'Quantico,' is keen on the biopic of the astronaut who died on her way back from a space mission when her space shuttle exploded. Chawla spent 31 days, 14 hours and 54 minutes in space. Our own desi girl will now play Kalpana Chawla's part in the film.

'Quantico' star is ready to take one step ahead with the Indo-American astronaut Kalpana Chawla's biopic along with Viacom 18 Motion Pictures.

T

he 'Hate Story 3' actress recently took a break from her busy schedule, to take care of her mother Parveen Khan, who recently underwent a heart surgery at a suburban hospital in Mumbai.

According to reports, Zareen Khan is the sole earner of the family and is responsible for taking care of everyone at home. After her mother's discharge, the actress has decided to take care of her personally and so, has taken a break from her shoots.

She ensures that her mother take her medicines on time and follows a balanced diet. She is hopeful that her mother will make a speedy recovery.

Top Stories

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June 24, 2016

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International Yoga Day celebrations

President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates a mass Yoga event at Rashtrapati Bhavan to mark the 2nd International Yoga Day in New Delhi on June 21

Officers and sailors of Indian Navy participate in a yoga seesion on the deck of INS Viraat on the occasion of 2nd World Yoga Day in Mumbai on June 21

Over 3500 Yoga enthusiasts took part in one of the biggest Yoga events in China ahead of UN Yoga Day People practicing Yoga ahead of International Day of Yoga on the banks on the river Thames and near the iconic Tower Bridge in London

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh takes part in a Yoga event to mark the 2nd International Day of Yoga in Lucknow on June 21

A Malaysian Indian girl participates in a yoga gathering ahead of the International Yoga Day in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

People take part in a Yoga session organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, ahead of the International Day of Yoga, in Oxford, UK

Top Stories

June 24, 2016

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UN Chief calls for commitment to unity UNITED NATIONS: Underscoring yoga's message of promoting harmony, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has asked citizens across nations to commit to unity regardless of ethnicity, faith, gender and sexual orientation.

"On this International Day of Yoga, I urge everyone to embrace

cious home," Ban said in his message for 2nd International Day of Yoga which is being commemorated across the world today.

Ban called for equality among humans irrespective of their nationalities and sexual orientation assumes significance in the wake of the tragic shooting in Orlando in which 49 people were killed and

Ban highlighted that as an exercise; yoga has multiple benefits and can help cultivate healthier lifestyles in current times when physical inactivity is linked with a number of non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. healthier choices and lifestyles and to commit to unity with our fellow human beings, regardless of ethnicity, faith, age, gender identity or sexual orientation. Let us celebrate this Day and every day as members of one human family sharing one common, pre-

over 50 injured when 29-year old Omar Mateen opened fire in a popular gay nightclub.

The UN Chief's message for yoga day was read out by veteran Indian diplomat and currently his Special Advisor on Myanmar Vijay Nambiar during a special

Union HRD minister Smriti Zubin Irani performs Yoga at an event on 2nd International Yoga Day, at Lal Parade Ground, Bhopal

Participants strike a pose during an event to mark International Yoga Day, at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia

Actor Arbaz Khan takes part in a mass yoga event on 2nd International Day of Yoga at Marine Drive in Mumbai

panel discussion organized here

by India's Permanent Mission to the UN on the eve of yoga day.

Ban said that the ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice of Yoga originated in India and is now practiced in various forms around the world.

"Yoga balances body and soul, physical health and mental wellbeing. It promotes harmony among people, and between ourselves and the natural world," he said, adding that the United Nations General Assembly had proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in recognition of its "universal appeal".

He noted the second observance of the International Day of Yoga highlights the important role healthy living plays in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted last year by all 193 United Nations member states.

Ban highlighted that as an exercise; yoga has multiple benefits and can help cultivate healthier

lifestyles in current times when physical inactivity is linked with a number of non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

"Practicing yoga can also help raise awareness of our role as con-

Delhiites turn out in large numbers for yoga day

sumers of the planet's resources and as individuals with a duty to respect and live in peace with our neighbors. All these elements are essential to building a sustainable future of dignity and opportunity for all," he said.

India's gift to world Meanwhile, renowned spiritual leader and Isha Foundation founder Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev said that yoga is India's gift to the world.

"We must understand that yoga is not an Indian (thing).

If you want to call yoga Indian, then you must call gravity European," Sadhguru said at a panel discussion organized here by India's Permanent Mission to the UN. Sadhguru said even though the idea of commemorating an international yoga day was mooted

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it was "almost like the world was

NEW DELHI: The national capital celebrated the second International Yoga Day with Delhiites turning out in large numbers at several venues earmarked for yoga demonstrations.

Connaught Place was packed with an estimated 10,000 volunteers, who had started assembling before dawn for the event that started at 5:30 am. Participants lined the three radial roads - inner, middle and outer circle - for the mega event.

Apart from Connaught Place, the AYUSH Ministry organized the event at six other locations Lodhi Garden, Nehru Park, Talkatora Garden, Swarn Jayanti Park in Rohini, Yamuna Sports Complex in Patparganj and District Park in Dwarka. At least 100 Resident Welfare Associations identified by the ministry also hosted Yoga Day events.

Minister for Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs, Venkaiah Naidu, was present on the dais as the chief guest along with LG Najeeb Jung and BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi. The dignitaries later joined the crowd for the 45minute yoga protocol. The event in Delhi's Connaught Place saw talks on yoga and musical performances. There were also special yoga performances by two differently-abled groups, including yoga on wheelchair.-PTI

waiting for it" when 177 nations supported the UN resolution proclaiming June 21 as International Day of Yoga.

"Yes, yoga originated from India and as Indians we are proud of it but it does not belong to In-

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

dia," he said, during the panel discussion 'Conversation with Yoga Masters' that also featured Tao Porchon-Lynch, 97 year-old Yoga Master and activist.

"The very fact that the UN has declared it as international yoga day means India has gifted it (Yoga) to the world. It does not belong to India anymore," Sadhguru said to an audience that included senior UN officials, ambassadors and other dignitaries from various countries.

Underlining that yoga is becoming a world-wide phenomenon, he said the science of yoga is not just about health and fitness but it is the "ultimate solution for every aspect of human existence."

He predicted that over the next 30-50 years, there will be a big movement towards scientific process for inner well-being.-PTI

2000 pregnant women set yoga record Cont’d from page 6

"All the women were maximum three months pregnant and were given special training before taking part in the event," he said, adding that 18 gynaecologists, health teams and 108 ambulance service were made available to meet any emergency.

The event was organised by the district authorities at Swaminarayan temple located on Kalavad road.

BJP state unit president Vijay Rupani, Collector Vikrant Pandey, RMC Commissioner Vijay Nehra, Mayor Jaiman Upadhyay, Deputy Mayor Darshita Shah also took part in anothet event organised on the Race Course ground.

Over 2.5 lakh people in Rajkot district took part in the event organised at nearly 260 places like government schools, colleges, government offices like PGVCL, Post Office, Western Railway (Rajkot division) and Saurashtra University. -PTI

„ Health

Line

Natural therapy institute for Panchkula PANCHKULA: An international-level Natural Therapy Institute would be constructed on 18 acres of land in Panchkula, Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij has said.

Besides, the state government has asked the Central Government to set up a 50-bed AYUSH hospital in the state, said Vij. Disclosing this at a state level yoga training camp here, he said the AYUSH hospital would provide world-class Ayurvedic medical facilities.

The state government was making all possible efforts to revive the country's ancient medicinal disciplines, Vij, who is also the state's Sports Minister said.

"A panchkarma centre would also be constructed in every district of the state. So far, such centers have been opened in four districts where patients are being treated through Ayurveda," the minister said.

Ayurvedic doctors are being posted in the primary health centers in the rural areas to provide people proper medical care, Vij said.

Expressing his gratitude to Ramdev for imparting yoga training at the camp, Vij said yogic practices not only bring positivity in thoughts and behavior but also keeps one physically and mentally fit. Meanwhile, Vij suspended Panchkula executive engineer B S Ranga for dereliction of duty. -PTI

„ Centre, TN plan excellence in blood donation NEW DELHI: On World Blood Donor Day, the Health Ministry signed a pact with the Tamil Nadu government to set up a state-ofthe-art centre of excellence in transfusion medicine.

With the average blood donation rate in India being 0.8, which is lower than those in many highincome countries leading to a shortfall in quantum and access to safe blood, these centers will procure blood through 100 per cent voluntary blood donation.

It is part of the Metro Blood Bank Project, a central scheme under the ministry in which such centers will come up in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata also.

These centers will have stateof-the-art technology in transfusion medicine for component separation, processing of blood and quality systems.

Cont'd on Page 34

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June 24, 2016

'Participation in yoga training not compulsory' Details on Page 35

Make yoga a mass movement, PM Modi tells ministers NEW DELHI: Ahead of the International Yoga Day on June 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought the support of all Union ministers and department heads to make yoga a "mass movement" for better physical and mental well being.

In a letter to all the ministers, Modi said the International Day of Yoga was a way of making yoga an integral part of our lives.

"The International Day of Yoga is not simply an event. It is a way of making yoga an integral part of our lives. It is a means of popularizing yoga among the masses, across social strata, in different age groups so that we can enhance our mental and physical well being. It is towards this end that I solicit your support," he said in the letter.

"It has been decided to take forward the momentum generated last year with greater and more active participation of all

sections of the society, particularly the youth," the letter said.

made to make it a people's program by highlighting the benefits

File picture of Yoga Day last year

The national event of mass yoga demonstration will be held in Chandigarh on June 21. Similar events will also be held across the nation and the world.

"All our efforts should be

of yoga for better physical and mental health and social harmony," the Prime Minister said in the letter.

The Ministry of AYUSH has designed a common yoga proto-

col for this event. Modi also enclosed with this letter, a booklet and a DVD on this protocol.

He said that along with the mass yoga demonstration at Chandigarh, the Centre aims to organize similar demonstrations at the state, district, block and panchayat levels and each state has been requested to plan its activities in tandem with the national effort.

"The state governments have also been requested to encourage the use of locally made yoga mats and apparel, preferably with locally available raw-material to provide employment opportunities to local artisans and small entrepreneurs. Special efforts would be made to involve persons with disabilities in all the celebrations.

"I request you to provide your support to make yoga a mass movement so that this great heritage can benefit all of us," Modi said. -PTI

5 Delhi hospitals fined for refusing free treatment NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has asked five private hospitals in the city, including Fortis Escorts Heart Institute and Max Super Specialty Hospital (Saket), to deposit "unwarranted profits" of over Rs 600 crore for refusing free treatment to the poor, the prime condition for land allotment lease.

Dr Hem Prakash, additional director (EWS) in the Health Department, said these five hospitals - Max Super Specialty Hospital (Saket), Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Shanti Mukand Hospital, Dharamshila Cancer Hospital and Pushpawati Singhania Research Institute were provided lands at concessional rates between 1960 and 1990 on the condition that they will treat the poor free of cost.

"These five hospitals have not abided by the conditions.

We had earlier in December 2015, sent notices to these hospitals seeking their explanation as to

why they failed to treat the poor and why they should not be fined. But none of them gave satisfactory replies so we initiated action against them," said Prakash.

"The penalty has been imposed on the basis of a High

cordingly," he said.

The hospitals have been asked to pay the amount by July 9, failing which further action will be initiated against them.

Total 43 private hospitals in Delhi were allotted land at concessional rates on the condi-

Court order passed in 2007 on a PIL demanding implementation of the provision of free treatment to poor and action against the erring hospitals. And the fine amount has been calculated ac-

tion that they will keep 10 per cent of their in-patient department capacity and 25 per cent of out-patient department capacity to treat EWS patients free of cost.

Fortis Healthcare's subsidiary

Escort Heart Institute and Research Centre has received an order to deposit Rs 503.36 crore for non-compliance of conditions of land allotment lease.

"The management will challenge the same in the High Court of Delhi or such relevant authority to seek suitable legal remedies available to it under law," the hospital said in a statement.

Devki Devi Foundation, of which Max-Super Speciality Hospital in Saket is a unit, said, "We believe the order is unfair to us, we stand fully committed to discharging all our obligations towards economically weaker sections (EWS). We are extremely serious towards fulfilling our obligations. While we study the order in detail, we will prefer an appeal against this order in the appropriate forum."

Director of Dharamshila Cancer Hospital Suversha Khanna said they will challenge the order in the court. -PTI

June 24, 2016

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CIIS honors Ayurveda practioner Acharya Shunya CROWNE PLAZA FOSTER CITY 1221 CHESS DRIVE

FOSTER CITY, CA: California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) awarded the Haridas and Bina Chaudhuri Distinguished Service Award to Acharya Shunya Pratichi Mathur On May 7 for her extraordinary achievement as a Vedic scholar and practitioner. The event was held at Crowne Plaza, Foster City.

CIIS President Joseph Subbiondo

spiritual studies and practice.

Dr. Chaudhuri, the former Chair of the Philosophy Department at Krishnagar College in West Bengal, India, and contemporary of yogi and Indian philosopher Sri Aurobindo, came to the USA as someone who was well-versed in Eastern and Western philosophies with a deep knowledge of integral yoga, based on the recommendation of Sri Aurobindo.

In 1968, Dr. Chaudhuri founded an educational branch of CIF which later came to

Acharya Shunya with (right) Raj Desai and Helen Desai (Trustees, CIIS), Shipra and Rita Chaudhari (daughters of Haridas and Bina Chaudhari), and (on left) Sanjai Mathur (Vedika Global Director), and Joseph Subbiondo, President of CIIS.

heartfully acknowledged Acharya Shunya's work in promoting the Vedic sciences and her groundbreaking efforts in founding Vedika Gurukulam (the Vedic Indian education model) shining light on health and consciousness with classes in Ayurveda, Vedanta and Yoga.

CIIS has evolved from its roots that took hold in 1951 in San Francisco, when Dr. Haridas and Bina Chaudhuri founded the Cultural Integration Fellowship (CIF) to promote intercultural understanding and harmony, non-sectarian universal religion, and creative self-development and self-fulfillment. It became a pioneering hub for

be known as CIIS. This has developed into a flourishing center for both undergraduate and graduate studies where hundreds of students come to study each year in fields as diverse as transpersonal psychology, expressive arts therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, ecology and Asian religions.

Each year CIIS honors Dr. Haridas Chaudhuri and Bina Chaudhuri, by presenting the Distinguished Service Award to an individual whose life exemplifies selfless service as modeled by its Founders. Previous recipients include Dr. Deepak Chopra and famous tabla maestro, Zakir Hussain.

Excess bills as hospitals did not avail rebate NEW DELHI: Despite incurring an expenditure of Rs 37.82 lakh on installation of water harvesting systems, seven Delhi government hospitals failed to avail a rebate of 15 per cent on their water bills, resulting in excess payment of Rs 2.76 crore to Delhi Jal Board during 2010-15.

This was observed by CAG in a performance audit report on the Department of Health and Family Welfare under the city government, which was tabled in Delhi Assembly.

"Seven government hospitals failed to avail benefit of 15 per cent rebate on their water bills and paid excess amount of Rs 7.28 crore, despite having installed water harvesting and/or recycling of waste water systems in their premises.

"Nevertheless, audit observed that the government did not initiate corrective measures to ensure that hospitals take up the

matter with DJB and get the available rebate on their water bills," the report said.

The report also pointed to the unfruitful expenditure of Rs 1.39 crore on solar water heating system.

"Two government hospitals got solar water heating systems installed in their buildings at a cost of Rs 1.96 crore. Due to poor planning and absence of any arrangement for the safety and security systems, major part of the systems became dysfunctional, resulting in unfruitful expenditure of Rs 1.39 crore," it said.

The audit scrutiny of the records further showed that the governing council of the Delhi State Cancer Institute adopted pay structure for its staff at par with AIIMS without consulting the Delhi government in contravention of the provisions of pattern of assistance. -PTI

CIIS is also creating a new faculty position, the Haridas Chaudhuri Endowed Chair for South Asian Philosophy and Culture, which will ensure that Indic spirituality and philosophy which is so critical to the founding mission of the university, will be taught in perpetuity.

In introducing Acharya Shunya, CIIS CIIS Trustee Dr. Ricki Pollycove honoring Acharya Shunya Board member, Mr. with Former CIIS President Prasad Vepa Prasad Vepa, spoke of the wonderful resonance between her teachings and the CIIS and Vedika Global. Their inherent refounding ideals of the Institute, since both latedness shined through as she empharecognize the central importance of the wis- sized the underlying educational philosodom of Vedanta. Acharya Shunya was spe- phy of both - integration of body, mind and cially moved to receive this award because spirit in the pursuit and revelation of the her grandfather, Baba Ayodhya Nath unchanging oneness that is truth.

Sinha, who was also her guru, was a conAcharya Shunya commented that the temporary of Sri Aurobindo and had met teachings of her Vedic lineage naturally inwith him on occasions, sharing their knowl- tegrate the sciences of Ayurveda, Yoga and edge of the spiritual traditions of India.

Vedanta as vehicles for the betterment of In accepting this award, Acharya Shunya the human condition, and ultimately for libhighlighted the beautiful synchronicity be- eration (also known as moksha in Sanskrit) tween the values of both organizations - from transient reality.

Health Science Post

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Cabinet okays raising retirement age of docs NEW DELHI: To retain the talent pool of health specialists in Central Health Service (CHS), the Cabinet has given its nod to raise the superannuation age of doctors from the present 62 to 65 years, a move which will help in effective implementation of national health programs.

Besides, it will help improve patient care and academic activities, Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters

non-teaching and public health specialists of CHS from 62 years to 65 years and doctors of General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs) sub-cadre of CHS to 65 years," an official statement said.

However, the government said this move would not have any financial implication as the vacant posts had to be filled up quickly to ensure continuity of patient care.

"The target group would be officers of nonteaching, public health and GDMO subcadres of CHS. The decision would help in better patient care, proper academic activities in Medical colleges as also in effective implementation of national health programs" after the Cabinet meeting.

There are about 4,000 doctors under Central Health Service, according to the Health Ministry.

"The Union Cabinet has given its approval for enhancement of the age of superannuation of

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier said the central government had decided to enhance superannuation age of all doctors in Central Health Service to 65 years with effect from May 31, 2016.

Citing shortage of doctors,

Modi had at a rally in Saharanpur on May 26 announced raising the retirement age.

"The target group would be officers of non-teaching, public health and GDMO sub-cadres of CHS. The decision would help in better patient care, proper academic activities in Medical colleges as also in effective implementation of national health programs for delivery of health care services," the statement said.

The age of superannuation in respect of all four sub-cadres of CHS - teaching, non-teaching, public health and GDMO - was 60 years prior to 2006.

The age of superannuation of the three specialists sub-cadres -teaching, non-teaching and public health) - was enhanced in 2006 from 60 to 62 years.

The age of superannuation of teaching sub-cadre was further enhanced from 62 to 65 years with the approval of the Cabinet in June, 2008 in view of huge shortfall of teaching specialists.

However, it was limited to teaching specialists and not those occupying administrative positions, the statement said. -PTI

India for flexibilities in IPR to combat AIDS UNITED NATIONS: With over 80 per cent of the affordable and quality antiretroviral drugs used globally to treat AIDS supplied

by Indian pharmaceutical industry, India has sought flexibilities in IPR under a global trade agreement to back its Endeavour of ending the deadly disease by 2030.

"We are well aware of the role that generic pharmaceutical manufacturers from India have played in initiating antiretroviral (ARV) treatment for over 17 million people by providing affordable and high quality ARV drugs.

We will continue to provide this support to the global community in ending AIDS by 2030," Minister for Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda said at a panel discussion on the sidelines of the highlevel General Assembly meeting on HIV/AIDS. He said India reminds the global community that, to continue the "important role" its generic pharmaceutical industry plays in

the treatment of HIV/AIDS, flexibilities related to the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) "need to continue".

He stressed India's commitment to provide comprehensive

ment, care and support to all its citizens to achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

"We have plans to increase access to high quality ARV treatment through our public health system in collaboration with the private sector and community

MCI proposal for 83 med colleges rejected NEW DELHI: The Union tice of "ghost" faculties and bring Health Ministry has turned down in more transparency. proposals for setting up of around Following directions of the 83 medical colleges based on rec- Oversight Committee constituted ommendations of Medical Coun- by the Supreme Court, India's cil of India (MCI). medical education regulator had The Ministry has also denied issued the circular to the colleges permissions to 47 medical col- asking them to consider it as leges in various states to expand "most urgent". their intake of MBBS students In another letter, the Ministry during the 2016-17 batch. letter said, "I am directed to refer At the same time, the Minis- to the letter of MCI recommendtry as per recommendations of ing to the central government not India's medical regulator has de- to renew the permission for adnied permission to increase or mission of 5th batch of MBBS stustart various superspeciality dents against increased intake courses in 39 such medical insti- from 100-150...for the academic tutions of the country for 2016-17.

However, the MinThe move comes after the istry has approved the establishment of 11 MCI recently directed all medical colleges for medical colleges to send in 2016-17.

The letter sent by details about their faculty the Ministry to the 83 establishments, said, "I am directed to enclose copy of year 2016-17 and to say that cenletter of MCI containing its rec- tral government has decided to ommendations to disapprove accept the recommendation of your scheme for establishment of MCI. new medical college...

"You are directed not to admit "...and to say that the Central any students against increased ingovernment has decided to ac- take from 100-150 in MBBS course cept the recommendation of MCI. for the academic year 2016-17. AdAccordingly disapproval of your mission in the next batch against said scheme is conveyed here- increased intake for the year 2017with," one of the letters said.

18 will be made only after the perIt added that the college or in- mission of the central governstitution can give a fresh appli- ment," one of the letters said. cation for the next academic sesDuring the regulator's executive sion strictly as per the provisions body meeting on May 13, MCI of IMC Act 1956. had recommended action includThe move comes after the MCI ing de-recognition and disconrecently directed all medical col- tinuation of admissions against leges to send in details about their medical colleges for "failing" to faculty within two days so as to meet the minimum standards, afupload these on its website, a ter it conducted inspections in move aimed at checking the prac- these colleges.-PTI

Centre, TN plan excellence in blood donation Cont'd from Page 32

Union Health & Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high level meeting on HIV/AIDS

services that encompass requirements of prevention, treat-

based organizations," he said here.

Cont'd on Page 35

The MoU was signed between J Radhakrishnan, Health Secretary Tamil Nadu and C V Dharma Rao, Joint Secretary, NACO under Health Ministry in the presence of Union Secretary B P Sharma and Additional Secretary N S Kang.

The agreement formalizes central government support to set up and run these centers in the state of Tamil Nadu, for which land has been provided free-of-cost by the state.

The centre has approved an outlay of approximately Rs 200 crore per centre for this.

"The excess of plasma gener-

ated will be sent for fractionation and help to produce life-saving costly plasma- derived medicines like albumin, clotting factors etc, for which the country presently relies on imports.

"In addition, this will also set up a revenue generation model to offset the operating costs," Sharma said.

Health Ministry has accorded approval for the first phase, wherein these facilities will come up in Chennai and Delhi.

India collects about 10 million blood donations every year and nearly 70 per cent of these donations are collected through voluntary non-remunerated donors. -PTI

June 24, 2016

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'Participation in yoga training not compulsory' CHANDIGARH: Participation of officers in the 3-day state-level yoga training program that concluded here was not compulsory, senior Haryana Minister Anil Vij said, a day after Chief Secretary's communication asking top bureaucrats to turn up for the event which had led to unease in the officialdom.

"As far as this program in Panchkula was concerned, this was just to give knowledge of Yoga and also to make everyone familiar in protocol of the program, which will be organized on June 21 in Chandigarh.

"This was a government program, not a RSS program. The Ayush Department organized this. No party was organizing this.

I do agree that many officers attended it, but there was no compulsion," Vij told

reporters.

He said the Chief Secretary's communication "was only for information of the officers".

He was asked to comment on the letter sent to 21 Additional Chief Secretaries and 15 Principal Secretaries from the office of Director, AYUSH, Haryana, on behalf of the Chief Secretary D S Dhesi, which stated that he had desired that these officers are expected to join the Yoga training camp conducted by Haryana's brand ambassador for promotion of Yoga and Ayurveda, Ramdev, in Panchkula.

"We have specifically organized this program for MLAs, Ministers, MPs, IPS, IAS officers, Judges, High Court Bar Association, and others, but there was no

'Prescribe generic medicines in HP' SHIMLA: Doctors in Himachal Pradesh the initiatives of the state were being replihave been directed by the government to cated by other states as well and the World prescribe generic drugs to patients and Health Organization (WHO) has also apthose prescribing branded medicines would preciated the efforts of the state governface action. ment which received the WHO SEARO Health and Family Welfare Minister of Award for tobacco control.

Himachal Pradesh Kaul Singh Thakur also called on all sections of the society to join hands to create awareness about "There is effective governmenttobacco use and said NGOs and NGO partnership in Himachal Panchayati Raj institutions can play an for tobacco control which has effective role in this direction.

Claiming the state to be the first emerged as one of the best smoke-free region among the larger states in the country, he said state gov- models in the country" ernment was taking effective steps to control use of tobacco including ban on "There is effective government-NGO the sale of single cigarette and suggested partnership in Himachal for tobacco concomplete ban on the sale of tobacco near trol which has emerged as one of the best educational institutions. models in the country," the minister said.

Addressing the concluding session of He said that 7500 Asha Workers and PRIs 'Orientation and Capacity Building Work- representatives were imparted training for shop' organized under National Tobacco generating awareness about tobacco conControl Programmed, Thakur said some of trol in the State.-PTI

India for flexibilities in IPR to combat AIDS Cont'd from Page 34

Nadda said India will need to "front load" its investments substantially to almost double the number of people on ARV treatment in less than five years.

He also reiterated India's commitment to work towards achieving the 90-90-90 treatment targets by 2020, an ambitious global treatment target to help end the AIDS epidemic.

As per the target, by 2020, 90 per cent of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status, 90 per cent of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy and a similar percentage of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.

India, which has made considerable

progress over the last few years in providing ARV treatment to almost a million people, is working to ensure that it detects those infected with HIV and fast track efforts in providing treatment to men, women and children without leaving any one behind.

Nadda told the panel that it is largely because of the "pioneering efforts" of India's pharmaceutical industry that it can even visualize putting 90 per cent of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) on treatment.

"India's role as the pharmacy of the world is well recognized globally, and high quality affordable generics from India have saved millions of lives globally," he said, adding that more than 80 per cent of the antiretroviral drugs used globally are supplied by the Indian pharmaceutical industry. -PTI

compulsion to attend," Vij stated.

"This was not an RSS program. This was part of a national program, rather international level program (Yoga Day function on June 21). We are proud that this year, the

International Yoga Day program on June 21 is being celebrated in State capital Chandigarh. The program which was organized for three days in Panchkula was also part of it," the state Health Minister said.

After the Chief Secretary's communication, some senior officers reportedly had said on condition of anonymity that they had been reduced to "RSS stooges" and were being forced to attend Yoga training

classes at 5 in the morning.

One officer had reportedly said that they were not there to forward the agenda of any particular party and they were serving the Union Government.

Vij said many senior officers attended the Yoga camp in Panchkula, where Yoga Guru Ramdev and Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar were present.

"Besides the Chief Secretary, senior bureaucrats including Ram Niwas, Dheera Khandelwal and P K Mahapatra were there," the minister said.

Many Ministers, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs and others attended the Yoga camp in Panchkula.

The Prime Minister himself would perform Yoga with more than 31,000 participants at Capitol Complex, Chandigarh on June 21, Vij said, adding as many as 10,500 participants from Haryana would participate in the program.-PTI

36 India Post

M

unnar is a haven of peace and harmony. This in credibly beauti ful hill town is positioned at a height of 6000ft in the Idukki district of Kerala and is the most privileged summer resort.

www.indiapost.com

Munnar was a significant resort even during the British monarchs in those colonial days.

Opulent with unique species of flora and fauna, the place also has an extensive stretch of tea plantations amidst the high mountains and unspoiled valleys, giving a pleasant feeling. The scented cool air is filled with the aroma of spices.

The rising and falling terrain of Munnar is covered with forests

and grasslands.

The undulated topography offers a breathtaking vision of craggy rocks, adding to the picturesque scenery the town captivates many tourists with its scenic beauty. Some of the trees found in the region are teak, red sandalwood, rose wood, jungle jack, etc. Munnar is also paradise for bird watchers as rare species

June 24, 2016

of birds are found in abundance and best explored on Kerala packages.

Cocooned in the State of Kerala, Munnar poses breathtaking scenery amidst the thriving green tea plantations with the combination of valleys, streams, cliffs, bubbling brooks, exotic wildlife and clear trout streams making it an irresistible place.

Munnar is a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts, honeymoon couples, wildlife and nature lovers. Accommodation facilities and tourist guides are available easily suiting the budgets. It is ideal for tourist to spend at least 2 nights so as to enjoy all that Munnar tour packages has to offer!

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June 24, 2016

Travel & Hospitality Post

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Parsekar firm on Chapora Evening flights start from Srinagar Airport eco-tourism project PANAJI: Notwithstanding opposition from the locals, Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar has announced that proposed Rs 100crore eco-tourism development project at Chapora River in North

yet to give its final nod. The report has been sent to all the seven village panchayats (where the project is proposed) for comment," he said.

"In my opinion it is one of the best projects which will attract high-end tourists and also create employment for the locals," Parsekar commented.

The Chapora river development project is an ambitious project supported by Union Shipping ministry, he said.

Parsekar said with Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar coastal areas being Goa would not be stalled. saturated, there is a need to have "The project is proposed by me as I want to promote hinterland tourism in Pernem taluka. It will help in attracting high-end tourists in this taluka," Parsekar said.

He said with the new international airport taking shape at Mopa in Pernem taluka, the state government wants to provide best tourism facility to the people.

"The project consultant report is still on paper and government is

more tourist spots specially in the hinterlands.

Rubbishing the land worries, the Chief Minister said government will not acquire land for the project.

"The private bidder will do the land acquisition directly from the villagers. The land will be acquired by giving full compensation to the locals or the company will work revenue sharing model with the villagers," he stated.

The project will include ferry terminals, a tourist village, museum, marinas, fishermen's wharf, hotels, underwater aquarium, sea world, bird park, adventure sports island, tree top hotel, hotel complex, exhibition centre, tented accommodation and cable cars. -PTI

shot by Aaron Burr.

Kerissa Bearce, 35, an instructional technology coach from Fort Worth, Texas, visited all those sites and many more when she came to New York to see the show with two friends. ``I pretty much don't remember anything about the founding of my country, but now I'm learning all of it,'' Bearce said.

Bearce is among thousands of ``Hamilton'' fans boosting visitor numbers at historic sites that in the

Visitors at the cemetery of Trinity Church photograph the grave of Alexander Hamilton, in New York's Financial District. Interest in historic sites associated with Hamilton has increased thanks to the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton.�

and the Centre to connect Srinagar and Jammu airports with other cities of the country through direct flights and also start international flights from Srinagar airport.

GoAir will operate the flight at 6.40 pm daily for New Delhi, an official spokesman said.

The Chief Minister was informed that 34 flights were operating from the airport daily.

Mehbooba appreciated GoAir for starting the evening flight and expressed hope that more operators would start early morning and late evening flights to and from the

(IAF), on the request of the state government, have agreed to allow flight operations from Srinagar Airport up to 10 pm and the operators should now take advantage of this extended flight operation timing especially in the summer season, when there is maximum tourist inflow to Kashmir.

Mehbooba said the government is working with various airlines

airport.

She urged GoAir to start late afternoon flight between Srinagar and Jammu as most of the people, including government officials, regularly travel on this sector.

She said discussions were on with various airlines to carry fresh flowers from Srinagar to New Delhi and Mumbai to boost the floriculture sector in Kashmir. -PTI

Chapora River

Historic sites get visitors thanks to 'Hamilton' NEW YORK: Historic sites connected to Alexander Hamilton are getting a lot more visitors than they used to, thanks to a little Broadway show you might have heard about.

Fans of the musical ``Hamilton,'' which won 11 Tony Awards, are hunting down every Hamilton spot they can think of, from his home in Harlem, to his burial site in Lower Manhattan, to Hamilton Park in Weehawken, New Jersey, near the dueling grounds where he was

SRINAGAR: Now travelers can take an evening flight from Srinagar to Delhi, with the norms being relaxed in this regard.

The first evening flight of GoAir was flagged off by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti from Srinagar International Airport, marking a significant development which is expected to go a long way in boosting tourism and help expansion of economic activity in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, she said the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Indian Air Force

past were barely on tourists' radars. Hamilton Grange, his Harlem home and a National Park site, had as many visitors in the first five months of this year as it did in all of 2015 - more than 35,000 people.

And that's a 75 percent increase over the 21,000 visitors who toured the Grange in 2014, the year before ``Hamilton'' opened. Artifacts at the site include a piano that Hamilton's daughter Angelica played. A replica of the instrument is featured in the show.

But fans are also finding their way to more obscure spots, like the Schuyler-Hamilton House in Morristown, New Jersey, where Hamilton courted his wife Eliza. ``We have 5-year-olds, 16-yearolds, 30-year-olds coming here now,'' said Pat Sanftner, who gives tours of the Schuyler-Hamilton House. ``We did not have that audience in our museum before. We had 60-year-olds. It's wonderful to have these conversations now with visitors. We're not just teaching. They're questioning us and they're thinking.''

Cont’d on page 39

Visits to Yellowstone National Park up 15% WEST YELLOWSTONE, Mont.: Yellowstone National Park saw nearly 445,000 visitors in May, a 15 percent increase over a year ago.

In fact, the total number of visitors counted through the end of May -nearly 594,000 - is more than 14 percent over last year's record rate.

The National Park Service says

the most striking increase in vehicle traffic was that 594 buses entered the park last month, a 48 percent increase over May 2015.

Park managers say the increased visitation is likely influenced by the park service's centennial year, marketing and tourism promotions in Montana and Wyoming and lower gas prices. -AP

Travel & Hospitality Post

38 India Post

June 24, 2016

www.indiapost.com

Cont’d from page 36

Tourist attractions Tata Tea Museum: A very popular tourist attraction in Munnar, Tata Tea Museum is located around 2 km from Munnar in Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea. The museum showcases various antiquities and the most famous among them is the burial urn excavated from the vicinity of Periakanal Estate, dating back to 2nd century.

Curious, old photographs and

lies about 2 km from Munnar town.

Amidst lush green forest and hills, and with fewer crowds, it is an ideal place for romantic escapes and picnics.

Cheeyappara Waterfalls: Located very close to Valara Falls, Cheeyappara waterfall lies between the towns of Neriamangalam and Adimali, along the national highway linking Cochin with Madurai. It is around 40 km from Munnar.

This is a seven step waterfall

Atukkad Waterfalls

machinery are also displayed in the museum. For the tourists, to get a glimpse into the history and culture of the region, a video presentation is screened here.

Anamudi Peak: Anamudi Peak lies to the interior of the Eravikulam National Park. This national park is at a peak of 2695 m, and it towers the sanctuary in grandiose pride.

This hill is opulent in various kinds of flora and fauna and is very well known for possessing endangered animals. Anamudi peak shelters many animals as it resembles the original abode for the animals with its dense forests. Nilgiri langurs, leopards, tigers, and macaques are found here.

Atukkad Waterfalls: The scenic waterfall of Atukkad lies at a distance of about 2 km from Munnar town. Amidst lush green forest and hills, this waterfall is a worth visiting spot in Munnar.

With fewer crowds, it is an ideal place for romantic escapes and picnics.

The scenic waterfall of Atukkad

and watching it cascading down is a meme rising sight. An ideal picnic spot, tourists can take a bus, taxi or auto rickshaw to reach this spot.

Echo Point: Echo point is situated15km away from Munnar and is an admirable adventure destination for the tourists. Some of the popular activities in this picturesque destination among the explicit views of the lush green hills are trekking and nature walks.

An appropriate place to disembark for some time, shriek and scream and enjoy the pleasure of your voice coming back. This is best enjoyed by the youngsters.

Forest Rose Garden: Forest Rose Garden is the beautiful rose garden which displays a variety of flowers. This treasure house of flowers also has a photo point from where tourists can take pictures with a tea estate background.

There is a small shop within the garden selling various horticulture products.

Hill View Park: Hill View Park is a popular tourist attraction in

Idukki and is known for offering panoramic views of the Cheruthoni and Idukki Dams. A well maintained park sprawling on an area of 8 acres, it is 1.5 Km from the Idukki town and at about 350 ft above the dam water level.

Idukki Arch Dam: One of the most popular attractions in Idduki, the Idukki Arch Dam is a hydro electric project encompassing 20 Small and Big Dams, 5 Rivers, a handful of Underground Tunnels and an underground power generator.

Lying in the heart of the district, the dam is ideally located between 2 mountains - Kuravanmala (839 meters) & Kurathimala (925 meters) and surrounded by lush natural environs. Located on Periyar River, the main attraction here is the breath taking view of the surrounding.

Kalvari Mount: At a distance of 5 km from Idukki lies the Kalvari Mount, a popular destination of tourists visiting the hill retreat of Munnar. Basically a steep slope, Kalvari Mount provides a view of Reservoir from Idukki to Ayyappancovil on one side and Kamakshy as well as Mariyapuram villages on the other side.

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate: Kolukkumalai tea estate is 35 km from Munnar. This is on a precipitous ridge above the scorching plains of Tamilnadu. This is the highest reputed tea estate at approximately 8000 feet above the sea level. It takes 90 minutes from Munnar to reach this tea estate.

It produces excellent flavorsome teas and is publicized as the world highest tea production. Besides tea, Kolukkumalai is promi-

Forest Rose Garden

nent for it panoramic views, and rugged mountains. On clear nights Kodaikanal is visible from this es-

Swiss live farms, where many superior ranges of cattle are taken care and nurtured. Mattupetti Indo

Mattupetty Dam

tate.

Kundala Dam & Lake: Located around 21 km from Munnar, this arch dam with its natural surroundings is a major attraction of Munnar. From the top of the Dam, tourists can have a panoramic view of the natural greens. Adjoining to the Dam is the beautiful lake with boating facilities.

Lakkom Waterfalls: Lakkom waterfalls, located around 25 km from Munnar towards Udumalaipettai, is visited by many tourists. This beautiful waterfall is a part of Eravikulam stream of Eravikulam National Park, which is one of the main tributaries of Pampar River. Though not really of a good height, the cascade still gives an amazing view and is ideal for swimming in its natural pool tucked away in total privacy.

Mattupetti Indo-Swiss Farm: Mattupetti is notable for its Indo

Swiss farm is open from morning to evening for the tourists to visit it.

This farm is well looked after, as it is abundantly rich in nature.

In fact, it is believed to be the nature's paradise with Mattupetti Lake being snuggled close on the Idukki hills, which is extraordinarily a nature opulent district of Kerala.

Mattupetty Dam: Mattupetty dam is approximately 13 km from Munnar in Kerala. It is situated at an altitude of 1700m above the sea level and is highly famous for the Indo-Swiss live stock projects. The dam is the perfect spot to see hundred ranges of high yielding cattle nurtured.

Close to the Dam is a beautiful lake, which is a well known tourist spot in the area. It offers boating facilities. The tourists are permitted to see three cattle sheds at the farm out of the eleven cattle sheds.

The Mattupetti dam as well as the lake is at close proximity from the farm and is a very charming picnic spot.

Nadukani, Idukki: An ideal picnic spot, Nadukani, situated at an altitude of 3000 ft, is a charming hill station in Idukki district. Located around 25 km from Idukki, Nadukani offers panoramic view of the blue mountains in northern side and Muvattupuzha River on the other side.

Moolamattom underground power station is another attraction close to Nadukani.

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June 24, 2016

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39

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Historic sites get visitors thanks to 'Hamilton' Cont’d from page 37

Turists have always visited Hamilton's tomb in the graveyard at Trinity Church in Lower Manhattan. But now, not only are more people paying their respects, but they're also looking for the graves of Hamilton's wife, sister-in-law, son and his buddy Hercules Mulligan. ``Visitors also now leave flowers, stones, coins, notes, even a potted plant, at Hamilton's monument and on Eliza's stone just in front of it,'' said Trinity spokeswoman Lynn Goswick.

The show's star and creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, wrote part of ``Hamilton'' at the Morris-Jumel Mansion in Manhattan's Washington Heights. The mansion's executive director Carol Ward estimates that half of their visitors now come because of the show. ``We've been riding the wave,'' Ward said. ``The show has gotten people interested in history in a completely new, fresh way.''

The Morris-Jumel Mansion is known for a dinner party hosted there by President George Washington for his cabinet, attended by Hamilton, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. (A different dinner party de-

Munnar Breathtaking scenery amid thriving tea plantations

Cont’d from page 38

The place being one of the boundaries of Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, one can also get a glimpse of many rare species of fauna such as hornbill, wild rabbits, sambhar, jungle mainah and elephants.

Painavu, Idukki: Painavu is the headquarter of Idukki district and is popular among the tourists for serving as a stopover for the Idukki and Cheruthoni Dam, both of which are located merely 7 km from here.

Pothamedu View Point: Situated at a distance of about 6 km from Munnar, this view point offers the spectacular views of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations of the place. With stretching hills, lush green mountains and pleasing scenic environs, it serves an ideal place for trekkers and hikers. In fact, a perfect place for adventure lovers and those who have an eye for photography.

Sita Devi Lake: Sita Devi Lake, also known as Devikulum Lake is a must see tour-

picted in the show's song ``The Room Where It Happens'' took place at Jefferson's residence, now marked with a plaque at 57 Maiden Lane in Lower Manhattan.) But the mansion has a Burr connection too: Burr married the rich widow who owned the house. She later divorced Burr, and her lawyer was Hamilton's son.

A truly obscure spot on the Hamilton trail is a well where a woman's body was found in 1800, located in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood. Hamilton and Burr defended the woman's lover against a murder charge, and while the well isn't mentioned in the musical, the trial is referenced in one song.

That was enough to send Bearce and her friends looking for the well, now located inside the COS clothing store on Spring Street. ``We were in pursuit of that well,'' said Bearce.

Other pilgrimage sites include Hamilton statues in Central Park and at Columbia University. A sign outside 82 Jane St. in Greenwich Village marks the site where Hamilton was taken to die after the duel left him mortally wounded.

Some destinations are advertising in the ist spot near Munnar. A thermal water spring is what attracts picnickers. The lake has some religious importance and is also revered by the locals.

Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam: Located approximately 35 km from Thodupuzha, Thumpachi Calveri Samuchayam is a famous spot for meditation and relaxing. The cool and scenic ambiance is also perfect for enjoying sunsets.

Top Station: Top Station is 41 km from Munnar, and is appropriately named. This is the main abode to the highest tea plantations of India. It takes one hour to reach Top Station from Munnar.

It is located on the borders of Kerala and Tamilnadu and dictates an absolute panoramic view. Tourists keep visiting top station as it is in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu and Idukki district of Kerala. It is at an altitude of 1700 meters.

Best time to visit Munnar experiences a moderate climate throughout the year.

How to reach

By Train: Nearest rail head is at Angamaly or Alwaye, both are nearly 120 km away from Munnar. Angamaly is an important rail junction in Ernakulam-Trissur route and is well connected to all cities in India.

By Air: Nearest major airport is Cochin International airport which is about 125 km away.

By Bus: Munnar is connected to other cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu by state government public transport buses. Many tour providers arrange packaged bus tours to Munnar from Cochin.

Broadway Playbill for ``Hamilton,'' including the Caribbean island of Nevis, where Hamilton was born, and the Museum of

American Finance on Wall Street, where Hamilton founded the Bank of New York.

The museum has an Alexander Hamilton Room.

The Alexander Hamilton Awareness Society (AHA) has been holding Hamilton celebrations since 2012, but bigger turnouts are expected this year for AHA's Celebrate Hamilton programs. Events scheduled for July include the ``Young Immigrant Hamilton Tour,'' July 7-8, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where Hamilton attended prep school, and a July 7 talk about Hamilton as ``Spymaster,'' focusing on his espionage work, at Fraunces Tavern in Lower Manhattan.

The New-York Historical Society launches ``Summer of Hamilton'' July 4 with a variety of programs plus artifacts like the pamphlet admitting Hamilton's affair with Maria Reynolds. Hamilton items already on display at the society include a pair of statues depicting him and Burr facing off in the duel, along with replicas of their pistols.

The ``I Love NY'' tourism campaign is pitching sites from a ``Path Through History'' trail using lyrics from the show. -AP

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June 24, 2016

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India Post 41

Realty Tidbits

Omaxe sales bookings up 11percent NEW DELHI: Real estate firm Omaxe Ltd sold residential and commercial properties worth Rs 1,648 crore in last fiscal, up 11 per cent from the 2014-15, despite fall in average sales realization.

The sales bookings in value terms stood at Rs 1,648 crore in 2015-16 fiscal against Rs 1,491 crore in the preceding financial year, according to company's analyst presentation.

In volume terms, the company's sales bookings rose 14 per cent to 4.89 million sq ft during last fiscal.

The average sales realization fell by 3 per cent to Rs 3,372 per sq ft in 2015-16 fiscal.

Out of the total sales bookings, housing segment contributed Rs 1,264 crore while commercial added Rs 384 crore.

"Group housing in New Chandigarh, Allahabad and Lucknow were the major contributors to sales for full year period," Omaxe CEO Mohit Goel said.

Area delivered during last fiscal was 6 million sq ft, while the company launched 2.7 million sq ft area.

The firm's gross debt stood at Rs 1,306 crore at the end of the last fiscal, while net debt stood at Rs 1,070 crore.

Recently, Omaxe reported 30 per cent increase in net profit to Rs 78.32 crore during last fiscal as compared to Rs 60.07 crore in the 2014-15 fiscal. Income from operations increased by 17 per cent to Rs 1,667.78 crore in the 2015-16 fiscal from Rs 1,431.09 crore in the previous year.-PTI

Milwaukee home sales jump 12 percent

MILWAUKEE: Sales of existing homes in the Milwaukee area rose 12 percent in May compared with the same month last year.

The Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors reported that 2,111 homes were sold last month in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties. That compares with 1,880 homes in May of 2015.

Sales in Milwaukee County jumped 21.5 percent in May, compared with the same month in 2015.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports May marked the 19th time in the last 21 months that yearover-year sales increased in the Milwaukee area.

Home sales are up nearly 9 percent in the four-county area through the first five months of 2016. Real estate professionals say those sales might be even higher if more homes were for sale, but inventory is tight. -AP

Real Estate 42 India Post

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June 24, 2016

Christian group fixes West Virginia homes HUNTINGTON, W.Va.: A Christian group is fixing up homes in West Virginia. The city of Huntington says in a news release that Nashville-based World Changers is providing 210 students and 13 adult supervisors from eight states for the project. They're painting, installing windows, and repairing roofs, porches and decks on 12 homes in Huntington and one in Milton. The homeowners who met income guidelines applied for the program through the city of Huntington's Department of Planning and Development. -AP

Model preview of Fielding at Wallis Ranch in Dublin June 25 India Post News Service

DUBLIN, CA: It's time for a celebration you won't want to miss, claims Trumark Homes in a press release. On Saturday, June 25, it has invited everyone to the Model Preview of Fielding at Wallis Ranch, a new neighborhood by Trumark Homes in Dublin.

The press release says, "Come out from 11:00am to 3:00pm to experience the stunning model homes and enjoy food from the Grilled Cheese Bandits, treats from the Garden Creamery and fun activities! With two-story singlefamily home options, unique open floor plans, 10-foot high ceilings, picturesque outdoor spaces and convenient amenities all around, Fielding ensures these homes are always your style. So visit tomorrow and see why Fielding embraces personal spaces for living and growing.

"New single-family homes at Fielding invite you to break away from it all and experience life like never before. Four impressive two-story floor plans with op-

tional bedrooms and lofts provide the space you need, offering designs that range from 1,809 to 2,685 square feet and feature up to five bedrooms and three baths. For private outdoor living, select plans offer optional covered patios, while two-car garages, inviting interiors and flexible designs pro-

amenities. Gourmet kitchens become culinary retreats with premium Whirlpool® stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and striking Shaker-style cabinetry. Great rooms with oversized windows make space for quiet nights at home or entertaining with family and friends. Plus,

vide the utmost convenience and comfort. Fielding is priced from the high $900,000s.

"Perfectly suited for familyfriendly living, Fielding offers a host of exceptional features and

additional features include a tankless water heater, ample prewiring throughout and electric vehicle conduits in each garage.

"In the heart of Dublin, Wallis Ranch is an exceptional master-

planned community with eight neighborhoods and sought-after amenities that create a unique opportunity. Where trees line the streets and community means family, 806 new homes will reflect old dreams and new ideas, spanning from 1,514 to 4,317 square feet with two to six bedrooms and two to five-and-one-half baths. From attached townhome-style condominium and courtyard-style homes to single-family residences, each collection will be connected to the land and the people who live on it.

"Plus, a sought-after Bay Area location means exceptional conveniences, excellent schools and a short commute to jobs, businesses and recreation."

Giving details of the location, the release says, "The entrance to the event will be at the corner of Tassajara Road and The Quarry Lane School/Rutherford Drive.

Wallis Ranch is located at 4201 Wallis Ranch Drive, Dublin, California 94568. To learn more, please visit LiveFielding.com or call (408) 209-6306 or (408) 515-3229 for more."

Court orders action against Unitech NEW DELHI: A court here has ordered initiation of proceedings against real estate major Unitech Ltd and its top bosses in a case of alleged cheating lodged by an investor for not giving him possession of a flat booked in 2006 in Greater Noida, adjacent to the national capital.

Unitech Ltd, its Chairman Ramesh Chandra, Managing Directors Ajay Chandra and Sanjay Chandra and four other Directors have been named as accused in the complaint.

Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Sandeep Yadav passed the order against them for the alleged offence of cheating under section 420 of IPC saying they had "guilty intention to cheat the petitioner from the beginning".

The complaint was filed by

Gurgaon resident Paramvir Singh Narang alleging that he had booked a flat in Unitech Cascades at Greater Noida in 2006 for which he had paid a total sale consideration of Rs 39.07 lakh.

a magisterial court after which he filed a revision petition before sessions court.

"Since respondents after receiving total agreement payment of Rs 39.07 lakh neither offered possession of apartment nor refunded the amount with simple interest at 10 per cent per annum, it can be safely concluded that they were having guilty intention to cheat the petitioner from the very beginning of transaction," the ASJ said.

"Even the legal notice issued by complainant to accused persons Unitech Ltd Chairman Ramesh Chandra was not replied. Hence, The flat was to be handed over section 420 of the IPC gets attracted

by April 2008 but the company to the facts of present case," the failed to abide by its agreement, judge said. following which he lodged a comThe court has ordered proplaint. His plea was dismissed by ceedings against M/s Unitech Ltd,

its Chairman Ramesh Chandra, Managing Directors Ajay Chandra and Sanjay Chandra and Directors Anil Harish, Minoti Bahri, Ravinder Singhania and Sanjay Bahadur.

"It is clear from the averment of complaint and testimony of the complainant that respondents have neither handed over possession of the apartment to petitioner within stipulated period nor have they refunded the amount with interest.

"In fact, legal notice issued by petitioner in this regard went unheeded. Therefore, a clear case of cheating is made out against respondents as respondents cheated the complainant and dishonestly induced him to pay a sum of Rs 39.07 lakh to them on the promise of handing over the possession of apartment," the court said. -PTI

Real Estate Post

June 24, 2016

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Wipro seeks to set up IT SEZ in Kolkata NEW DELHI: Software major Wipro has sought the government's nod to set up an IT special economic zone (SEZ) in Kolkata.

The company's application will be considered by the inter-ministerial body, Board of Approval

Kolkata, the Board's meeting agenda said.

"Development Commissioner of Falta Special Economic Zone has recommended for in-principal approval (of the proposal).

State government's recommendation is awaited. The proposal of

(BoA), headed by Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia, in its meeting on June 22.

Wipro has proposed to set up IT/ITeS (IT/Information technology-enabled service) SEZ over an area of 19.76 hectares in

the developer is submitted for consideration of BoA," it added.

Real estate firm Embassy Property Developments has also sought approval to set up a similar zone in Karnataka.

The board would also take the

case of Devbhumi Realtors Pvt Ltd, which wants to surrender its IT zone in Telangana.

Besides, nine SEZ developers and units, including Gulf Oil Corporation and Lanco Solar, have sought more time from the government for implementing their projects.

In the last three years till February, the BoA has granted more time to as many as 132 developers of SEZs across the country to complete projects.

SEZs are exports hubs which contribute about 23 per cent to the country's total outbound shipments.

The commerce ministry is taking steps to revive investors interest in these zones.

The Board deals with SEZ related matters.

Exports from SEZs have declined 1.89 per cent year-on-year to Rs 3.41 lakh crore in April-December of 2015-16.

Exports from such zones stood at Rs 4,63,770 crore in 2014-15 compared with Rs 4,94,077 crore in the previous fiscal. -PTI

Sebi rejects Alchemist's plea for extension NEW DELHI: Rejecting Alchemist Infra Realty's plea to grant more time to refund investors money, markets regulator Sebi has said it will initiate attachment and recovery proceedings against the company.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), in an order in June 2013, had directed the firm to refund the money illegally raised from investors within three months. Later, the timeframe was extended to 18 months by the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT). With the deadline expiring in January 2015, Alchemist approached Sebi again seeking a further extension of 24 months for complying with the regulators directive.

In an order, Sebi has rejected the company's plea, saying it is almost three years since the final order was passed by it and despite such a long period, Alchemist had not made complete refunds to its investors. "The company's laidback attitude and non-cooperation with the auditor in the verification exercise made it impossible for the auditor to verify the refunds

claimed to have been made. Therefore, it would be a travesty of justice to allow more time to the company for making repayments to investors," it said.

Accordingly, "Sebi shall take necessary steps to initiate attachment and recovery proceedings against the company/directors for

the purposes of making refunds to investors and shall also initiate further proceedings".

The company sought extension on the ground that due to an overall slump in real estate prices, it was not able to crystallize any agreement either for disposal or development of such lands and that the development and/or dis-

posal of such lands in due course is likely to yield a sum far in excess of the amount presently outstanding.

The firm also contended that it has to wait for some time so that there is correction in the real estate market and the properties are able to fetch their just and reasonable value.

The company claimed that it had repaid Rs 1,077 crore as on March 2013 out of Rs 1,916 crore garnered from investors. As per the order of SAT, the firm could approach Sebi only in the case of any "eventuality arising in future" for seeking further extension of time to implement the regulators order.

"Timing the market or waiting for price correction of real estate cannot be termed as an eventuality. The company was well aware of the timeframe to make refunds in terms of the order passed by SAT. Further, the interest of investors cannot be prejudiced by allowing the company to wait for a price which matches with its liking," Sebi Whole-Time Member Prashant Saran said in his 22page order. -PTI

CP world's 7th costliest office destination NEW DELHI: Delhi's Connaught Place has slipped one notch to become the world's seventh most costly office destination, according to property consultant CBRE. Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) is at the 19th position and Nariman Point at 34th, according to CBRE Research's Global Prime Office Occupancy Costs biannual survey.

"With annual occupancy cost of USD 149.71 per sq ft, New Delhi's Central Business District (CBD) of Connaught Place ranks as the seventh most expensive prime office market in the world," CBRE said in a statement.

Hong Kong (Central) became the highest-priced office market with an overall prime occupancy costs of USD 290 per sq ft per annum, followed by London-Central (West End) with annual occupancy cost of USD 262.29.

Beijing (Finance Street), Beijing (Central Business District) and Hong Kong (West Kowloon) are at third, fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

Tokyo (Marunouchi/ Otemachi), London-Central (City), New York (Midtown Manhattan) and Shanghai (Pudong) featured in the list of top 10 most expensive office markets globally.

In CBREs ranking released last December, London-Central (West End) was at the first position while

Connaught Place sixth.

CBRE South Asia Chairman and Managing Director Anshuman Magazine said: "Over the past year, the commercial real estate market in India has witnessed positive movement. At rank seven, Connaught Place (CP) continues to attract occupiers and witnesses steady leasing activity for front office space."

"Its (CP) central location and ease of connectivity continues to attract big corporates - especially banks, other financial institutions and engineering firms," he said.

Overall, Magazine said, India continues to be a preferred destination for various multinationals to expand their operations or to set up offices due to adequate supply of quality space.

According to the survey, Asia continued to dominate the list of the world's most expensive office locations, accounting for seven of the top-10 markets.

Global prime office occupancy costs, which reflect rent, plus local taxes and service charges for the highest-quality, prime office properties, rose 2.4 per cent yearon-year. -PTI

Godrej to develop 100 acres in Bengaluru NEW DELHI: Godrej Industries subsidiary Godrej Agrovet Ltds board has approved monetization of its 100 acre land in Bengaluru through joint development with group company Godrej Properties.

In a BSE filing, Godrej Industries informed that "the board of directors of Godrej Agrovet Ltd (GAVL) at its meeting has granted approval for joint development by GAVL and/or its subsidiaries of land/s admeasuring approximately 100 acres, at Sarajpur, Bengaluru with Godrej Properties Ltd, the developer".

As GAVL has not been carrying out any operational activity on the land for a long time and the land is available for alternate use, the board believed that GAVL would benefit through such asset

monetization by way of joint development on this land with the expertise of Godrej Properties.

Recently, Godrej Properties has partnered with AR Landcraft to develop 100 acre township project in Greater Noida.

Godrej Properties, the real estate arm of the Godrej Group, plans to develop a golf centric township on this land parcel with a saleable area of about 4 million sq ft.

In January, Godrej Properties had announced its entry into the Noida real estate market in tie-up with a local developer Lotus Greens.

At present, Godrej Properties is developing residential, commercial and township projects spread about 120 million sq ft in 12 cities.

-PTI

In Brief Special camps for LTV to Hindus from Pak NEW DELHI: Keeping its promise to provide relief to minorities from neighboring countries, the NDA government is holding special camps for granting them Long Term Visa (LTV) or citizenship.

The special camps are being held in seven states - Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Delhi - for the benefits of Hindu and Sikh refugees from Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The first two camps were held in Thane and Mumbai and similar camps will be held in other places till July 27, a Home Ministry official said.

The move to grant citizenship rights to minority Hindus is in consonance with the BJP's declared aim of positioning India as a refuge for Hindus fleeing persecution anywhere in the world, much like Israel's stance towards Jews.

In its election manifesto before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had declared India as "a natural home for persecuted Hindus" who "shall be welcome to seek refuge".

The special camps will examine the applications for LTV and citizenship and dispose off as much as possible, the official said.

The Home Ministry will also facilitate the refugees open bank accounts, purchase of dwelling units for self-occupation and selfemployment, get driving license, PAN card, Aadhar card. -PTI

„ Mexican drug lord in custody for deportation MEXICO CITY: The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency says that Mexican drug lord Hector ``El Guero'' Palma has been transferred to immigration custody pending his deportation to Mexico.

The agency said in a statement that Palma was transferred from a U.S. prison, one day ahead of his previously scheduled release date. It said ``Palma will remain in ICE detention while the agency makes arrangements to carry out his removal to Mexico.''

Local media have reported that Palma will be handed over next week at the Tijuana border crossing. But ICE said it won't confirm the circumstances of the handover ``for security and safety reasons,'' adding, ``The agency will only confirm that an individual has been removed once the action has been successfully completed. `` -AP

Immigration

Overcoming struggles, immigrant rose to top in school

44 India Post

www.indiapost.com

June 24, 2016

Details on page 45

GOP lawmakers distance selves from Trump comments WASHINGTON: Dismayed Republicans scrambled for cover from Donald Trump's inflammatory response to the Orlando massacre, while President Barack Obama and Democrat Hillary Clinton delivered fiery denunciations that underscored the potential peril for the GOP. Republican hopes are fading for a new, ``more presidential'' Trump as the party's divisions around him grow ever more acute.

Clinton, campaigning in Pittsburgh, said, ``We don't need conspiracy theories and pathological self-congratulations. We need leadership and concrete plans because we are facing a brutal enemy.''

In Washington, Obama said of Muslim-Americans: ``Are we going to start subjecting them to special surveillance? Are we going to discriminate against them because of their faith?''

After meeting with counterterrorism officials, a sternfaced Obama said: ``We heard these suggestions during the course of this campaign. Do Republican officials actually agree

with this? Because that's not the America we want.''

Several of Trump's fellow Republicans clearly did not agree with him. They were nearly as unsparing as the Democrats in their criticism of his boundary-pushing response to the killing of 49 people

suggested moderate Muslims and perhaps even Obama himself might sympathize with radical elements. He renewed his call to temporarily ban foreign Muslims from entering the country, and added a new element: a suspension of immigration from areas of the world

Donald Trump

at a gay club in Orlando, Florida, by an American-born Muslim who pledged loyalty to the Islamic State group.

Among other things, Trump

with a proven history of terrorism against the U.S. and its allies. ``Mr. Trump seems to be suggesting that the president is one of them, I find that highly offen-

sive, I find that whole line of reasoning way off-base,'' said Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. ``Mr. Trump's reaction to declare war on the faith is the worst possible solution.''

GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois said Trump's comments could be used to radicalize uneducated Muslims. ``I guess I appreciate Mr. Trump's fieriness in talking about it, and strength, but you don't do it by alienating the very people we need and those are moderate Muslims,'' said Kinzinger. ``To use religion as a test, to say we're going to discriminate against all Muslims, is so counterproductive it really almost doesn't deserve being talked about.''

Trump responded to Obama's criticism in a statement saying: ``President Obama claims to know our enemy, and yet he continues to prioritize our enemy over our allies, and for that matter, the American people. When I am president, it will always be America First.''

House Republicans said they would meet with Trump on July 7.

Cont'd on Page 45

Pontoons, airships to plug Indo-Bangla border NEW DELHI: Pontoon bridges, sluice gates and airships will be deployed to plug the riverine and vulnerable frontier patches along the 60-km stretch on the Indo-Bangla border in Assam with government hoping to completely seal it by June next year.

With the help of high-resolution cameras, a stricter vigil will be kept on the porous border that is perennially used for infiltration and smuggling of cattle and drugs, officials privy to the development said.

The Border Security Force has constituted a team of senior officials to accomplish the target by involving officials from the Assam government and those from premier technology institutions like IITs. As per a blueprint prepared

in this regard, a total of 60.7-km long Indo-Bangla International Border (IB) in Assam is to be plugged by deploying smart technology and non-physical barriers.

Hence, in riverine areas pontoon bridges are proposed to be laid so that BSF personnel can patrol and make 'morchas' (obser-

vation posts) atop them to monitor any movement along the border where rivers and rivulets run.

Of the 284-km Indo-Bangla border that falls in Assam, about 224km is fenced. India shares a 4,096km frontier with Bangladesh on the eastern flank.

Also, it is proposed to build

In riverine areas pontoon bridges are proposed to be laid so that BSF personnel can patrol and make 'morchas' (observation posts) atop them to monitor any movement along the border where rivers and rivulets run.

over two dozen sluice gates on the rivers, including in Dhubri area, so that the flow of water can be controlled and regulated and the phenomenon of Brahmaputra River 'changing its course' during monsoons checked.

Officials said the border guarding force can also create some permanent watch towers in the area marked by dense jungles.

"Ever year when Brahmaputra changes course the BSF posts get hit and some get demolished.

Many have to be abandoned.

Sluice gates can provide a solution to this challenge," they said.

It is also proposed, the blueprint said, to deploy static aerial platforms like aerostats that can be loaded with intelligent highresolution cameras to 'watch over' the border area.

Cont'd on Page 45

Immigration Post

June 24, 2016

India Post 45

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Overcoming struggles, immigrant rose to top in school BOSTON: When she was younger, Barbara Ferreira never imagined she'd be her school's valedictorian or the first in her family to attend college. At times, she wasn't even sure she would get to stay in the United States until graduation.

In middle school, the Brazilian immigrant was an indifferent student. She had other concerns, as her mother struggled to support Barbara and her older sister by cleaning houses, and they worried about their immigration status. ``I was never really confident in school,'' said Ferreira, 18. ``I was always the quiet student in the back of the room who was scared to give an answer, because I always felt like it wasn't the right answer.''

But last week, Ferreira stood before her teachers and classmates as valedictorian of City on a Hill Charter Public School, where faculty members said she has been not just a hard-working student, but also a compassionate member of a community.

Guidance counselor Diana Mastrocola said she first noticed Ferreira during a lunch break on a day of MCAS testing. ``She was just so bubbly, and energetic, and encouraging: `Come on, guys! We've got this! We can

do this!' " Mastrocola said. ``And then the second we restarted the testing, she was focused, back to work, serious. She doesn't rush through things. She really pays attention to detail.''

Ferreira said she developed close relationships with teachers at the Roxbury charter school, who recognized that she was struggling early on, as she transitioned from a traditional public school as a freshman. Because she lacked

really understood how the system worked, how government worked, even before we dug out all the information that they needed.''

Ferreira's academic trajectory changed about six years ago, when her mother became the livein housekeeper for a busy Jamaica Plain husband and wife, both business owners. The couple and their daughter have encouraged Barbara to see her potential and strive for achievement, she said.

Ferreira said she developed close relationships with teachers at the Roxbury charter school, who recognized that she was struggling early on, as she transitioned from a traditional public school confidence in her academic abilities, she was hesitant to ask for help.

By her senior year, it was clear that she was uncommonly intuitive and inquisitive, said Nick Delis, who taught Ferreira in an Advanced Placement government class. ``We were doing notes and just throwing questions out there'' on the first or second day of class, Delis said, ``and it seemed like she, more than any other student . . .

``They helped me a lot, telling me how the school system works here in Boston,'' Ferreira said. ``They hired me a math tutor when they found out I was struggling in math. . . . They said they believed in me, even though I never did very well in middle school.''

Ferreira's mother, Cacia Oliveira, said her employers treat them like members of their family, and she is grateful that they have embraced Barbara as if she were their own child.

Mother and daughter have

GOP lawmakers distance selves from Trump comments Cont'd from Page 44

The lawmakers' reactions underscored an atmosphere of anxiety and unease among Republicans on Capitol Hill, who hoped to see Trump moderate his impulses in the weeks since clinching the nomination. The presidency and control of Congress are at stake in November.

Instead the opposite has occurred as the billionaire businessman has stoked one controversy after another and shows no sign of slowing down.

One senior Senate Republican, Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, went so far as to suggest Trump might not end up as the party's nominee after all. ``We do not have a nominee until after the convention,'' Alexander asserted in response to a question. Reminded that Trump is the presumptive GOP nominee, Alexander retorted: ``That's what you say.''

Other congressional Republicans claimed, improbably, not to have heard what Trump said. ``I just don't know what he was talk-

ing about, I frankly don't know what you're talking about. I hadn't heard it,'' said Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, in response to a question about Trump's suggestions about Obama.

As he has in the past, House Speaker Paul Ryan denounced Trump's plans, saying: ``I do not

``I continue to be discouraged by the direction of the campaign and comments that are made,'' said Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, Republican chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. think a Muslim ban is in our country's interest. I do not think it is reflective of our principles not just as a party, but as a country.

And I think the smarter way to go in all respects is to have a security test and not a religious test.''

Ryan, who endorsed Trump

only recently after a lengthy delay as he grappled with the implications of the celebrity businessman's candidacy, ignored shouted questions about whether he stood by his support. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters he would not be commenting about Trump. ``I continue to be discouraged by the direction of the campaign and comments that are made,'' said Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, Republican chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. Trump's address was not ``the type of speech that one would give that wants to lead this country through difficult times.''

For many Republicans the prospect of continually facing questions about Trump was plainly wearing thin. ``I'm just not going to comment on more of his statements. It's going to be five months of it,'' said Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming.

Said Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina: ``What Trump does or says, every time he says something doesn't mean I have to have an answer for it.''-AP

come a great distance in both miles and circumstances.

They immigrated to Massachusetts from Governador Valadares, Brazil, as a family of four - mother, father, and two little girls - when Barbara was 2. They settled first in Westborough, then lived in several Central Massachusetts communities. ``We came here . . . for the American dream,'' Ferreira said. ``We just felt like there's more opportunity here.''

That dream took a hit when her parents separated. Barbara was 5 and her sister Rafaela was 11, and

the girls and Cacia were all in the country as the father's dependents. During the acrimonious split, he attempted to legally disavow them and have them sent back to Brazil, Ferreira said.

If they had been deported, she said, they would have returned to Brazil with nothing. But the judge was compassionate. He allowed the two girls and their mother to stay in Massachusetts legally and to appear in court separately from the girls' father.

That didn't mean their immigration status was sorted quickly or easily. -AP

Pontoons, airships to plug Indo-Bangla border Cont'd from Page 44

"A smart operational command and control room will be created that will have all the machine and human surveillance feeds coming to it. The control room will be connected with optic fiber so that it can collect data from the ground and relay it up to Guwahati and further to the BSF headquarters in Delhi," they said.

BSF Director General K K Sharma and Additional DG A P Maheshwari had recently travelled to the affected areas in Assam and also briefed newly appointed Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal about the survey and analysis they conducted in the IB areas. .

Officials said the force is also looking at placing 'unattended ground sensors' in forward areas of the IB so that any movement can be picked up in the dense forest areas.

"An assortment of high resolution cameras, radars, infra red sensors and hand-held thermal imagers is being planned to be deployed to ensure that the border is sealed and that any breach is quickly reported. A special team

is working on this," they said.

However, the maximum work of infrastructure creation is to be done by state government and civic agencies, they said.

The BSF has also submitted a preliminary assessment report in this regard to the Home Ministry and a delegation of senior officials is set to travel again to Assam next month, they said.

They said out of the total 60.7kms of the unfenced Indo-Bangla border in Assam, at 100 locations covering 11.9-km an 'all weather' fence is proposed to be created while at the other 48.8-km border area, non-physical barriers like these smart solutions will be deployed.

In the run up to the Assembly elections in the state, BJP had promised to seal the IndoBangladesh border in the state completely to check illegal immigration from the neighboring country.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh had also held a high-level meeting in Delhi last week and had asked agencies to ensure that the job of sealing the Indo-Bangla border in Assam is completed by June, 2017.

-PTI

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Datebook

June 24, 2016

NEW JERSEY Upcoming

India Post 47

NEW YORK

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming

Upcoming

Sat, Jun 25 • Sundown Affair : A RoofTop

Fri, July 15 • Qawali Night With Tabriaz Aziz Mian Qawal

CHICAGO

Sat, Jul 16

Sat, Jun 25

• Suhana Safar- A Musical Journey

• Rachna Sarang Academy: Kathak Dance Festival

Venue: St. Demetrius Ukrainian Ctr, 591 Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, NJ 07008 Time : 5:00 pm

Venue: Miller Theatre, 2960 Broadway, New York, NY 10027 Time : 07:00 pm

Sat, Jul 23

Sat, Jun 30

Sat, Jul 9

• Sensational Heartthrobs

• Bollywood Fever

Venue: Empire Meadowlands Secacus, 2 Harmon Plaza, Secaucus, NJ 07094 Contact: 732-900-4200

Venue: Colden Auditorium, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, NY 11367 Time : 08:00 pm

Venue: Aura San Jose, 389 South 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95113 Time: 10:00 pm

Sun, Jul 17 • Sunidhi Chauhan and Ayushmann Khurrana Live In Bay Area

Sun, Aug 7 • IFMP Annual Summer Picnic

Sat, Jul 16

Fri, Jul 15

Venue: City National Civic, 135 W San

• Qawali Night With Tabriaz Aziz Mian Qawal

Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113

• KSHAAM-E-GHAZAL

Venue: Mercer County Park East, 1346 Edinburg Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550 Time: 11:00 pm

Party Venue: Crystal Jade Jiang Nan, 4 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111 Time: 05:00 pm

Venue: Paradise Ballrooms, 4100 Peralta Boulevard, Fremont, CA 94536 Time: 07:00 pm

• Not Fair - Special Indian Standup Comedy Night Venue: Broadway Comedy Club, 318 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 Time : 6:30 pm Contact: 646-543-8127

Venue: Paradise Ballrooms, 4100 Peralta Boulevard, Fremont, CA 94536 Time: 7:00 am

Fri, July 1

Time: 06:30 pm

ATLANTA Upcoming

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

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

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services

• Bollywood Night Summer 16 presents DJ Hans

Sat, Jun 25 • Bollywood Sultana - Featuring 1 Female DJ

Venue: Studio 8 – Downtown San Jose, 8 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113 Time: 10:00 pm

Venue: CLUB Eden, 1716 I Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20006 Time: 9:00 pm

Sun, Jul 3 • Folkfest - Regional Folk Dances of India.

July 5 - 9 • Chinmaya Mission Atlanta Summer Camp 2016

Swami Ishatmananda

Venue: Mexican Heritage Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose, CA 95116 Time: 4:00 pm Contact: 408 238 8321

Venue: Chinmaya Niketan, 5511 Williams Road, Norcross, GA 30093 Time: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Contact: 678-717-9814

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

Sat, Aug 20 • Dream Team Star Show - The BIGGEST STAR

Sun, Jul 10 • Thaikkudam Bridge Live In Atlanta!!

Venue: The Forum, 3900 West Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA 90305 Time: 07:30 pm

Venue: Lassiter Concert Hall, 2601 Shallowford Road, Marietta, GA 30066 Time: 5:00 pm

Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

• Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life

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

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Philosophy

June 24, 2016

India Post 49

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis JEAN PAUL SARTRE

I

f one considers an article of manufacture as, for example, a book or a paperknife - one sees that it has been made by an artisan who had a conception of it; and he has paid attention, equally, to the conception of a paper-knife and to the pre-existent technique of production which is a part of that conception and is, at bottom, a formula.

Thus the paper-knife is at the same time an article producible in a certain manner and one which, on the other hand, serves a definite purpose, for one cannot suppose that a man would produce a paper-knife without knowing what it was for. Let us say, then, of the paperknife that its essence - that is to say the sum of the formulae and the qualities which made its production and its definition possible - precedes its existence.

The presence of such-and-such a paper-knife or book is thus determined before my eyes. Here, then, we are viewing the world from a technical standpoint, and we can say that production precedes existence. When we think of God as the creator, we are thinking of him, most of the time, as a supernal artisan.

Whatever doctrine we may be considering, we always imply that the will follows, more or less, from the understanding or at least accompanies it, so that when God JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU

T

he aim of the Discourse is to examine the foundations of inequality among men, and to determine whether this inequality is authorized by natural law. Rousseau attempts to demonstrate that modern moral inequality, which is created by an agreement between men, is unnatural and unrelated to the true nature of man.

To examine natural law, Rousseau argues, it is necessary to consider human nature and to chart how that nature has evolved over the centuries to produce modern man and modern society.

To do this, he begins in the imaginary state of nature, a condition before society and the development of reason. Discarding the Biblical account of human creation and development, Rousseau attempts to conjecture, or guess, what man in this state would be like.

He examines man's physical and mental characteristics, and finds him to be an animal like any other, motivated by two key principles: pity and self-preservation. The only real attribute that separates him from the animals is his perfectibility, a quality that is vitally important in the process Rousseau goes on to describe. Man in the state of nature has few needs, no

creates he knows precisely what he is creating. Thus, the conception of man in the mind of God is comparable to that of the paperknife in the mind of the artisan: God makes man according to a procedure and a conception, exactly as the artisan manufactures a paperknife, following a definition and a formula. Thus each individual man is the realization of a certain conception which dwells in the divine understanding.

Atheistic existentialism, of

ists, encounters himself, surges up in the world - and defines himself afterwards.

If man as the existentialist sees him is not definable, it is because to begin with he is nothing. He will not be anything until later, and then he will be what he makes of himself. Thus, there is no human nature, because there is no God to have a conception of it.

Man is nothing else but that which he makes of himself. That is the first principle of existential-

stand by wishing or willing is a conscious decision taken - much more often than not - after we have made ourselves what we are. If it is true that existence is prior to essence, man is responsible for what he is. Thus, the first effect of existentialism is that it puts every man in possession of himself as he is, and places the entire responsibility for his existence squarely upon his own shoulders.

And, when we say that man is responsible for himself, we do not

Existence of man comes before his essence Man is nothing else but that which he makes of

Jean Paul Sartre

Like the mad dog running around in all directions, the greedy person, un-

himself. That is the first principle of existential-

aware, consumes every-

ism. Man is, indeed, a project which possesses

thing, edible and non-ed-

a subjective life, instead of being a kind of moss,

ible alike. Engrossed in

or a fungus or a cauliflower.

which I am a representative, declares with greater consistency that if God does not exist there is at least one being whose existence comes before its essence, a being which exists before it can be defined by any conception of it.

What do we mean by saying that existence precedes essence?

We mean that man first of all ex-

ism. Man is, indeed, a project which possesses a subjective life, instead of being a kind of moss, or a fungus or a cauliflower. Before that projection of the self nothing exists; not even in the heaven of intelligence: man will only attain existence when he is what he purposes to be. Not, however, what he may wish to be.

For what we usually under-

mean that he is responsible only for his own individuality, but that he is responsible for all men. Our responsibility is thus much greater than we had supposed, for it concerns mankind as a whole.

Translated by Philip Mairet from a public lecture given in 1946. The 111th birth anniversary of Jean Paul Sartre was observed on June 21.

idea of good and evil, and little contact with other humans. Nevertheless, he is happy.

However, man does not remain unchanged. The quality of perfectibility allows him to be shaped by, and to change in response to, his environment. Natural forces such as earthquakes and floods drive men into all parts of the globe, and force them to develop language and other skills. As men come into

self-preservation are replaced by amour propre, which drives men to compare themselves to others, and to need to dominate others in order to be happy.

The invention of property and the division of labor represent the beginning of moral inequality.

Property allows for the domination and exploitation of the poor by the rich. Initially, however, relations between rich and poor are

Inequality is now more or less unrelated to man's original nature; physical inequality is replaced by moral inequality.

Rousseau's account of the operation of society focuses on its various stages. Beginning with the trick played by the rich, he sees society as becoming more and more unequal, until its last stage, which is despotism, or the unjust rule of everyone by one man.

desire and anger, people wander through reincarnation over and over again.

Love me when I least deserve it, because that's when I really need it.

Above is the sky of the mind, and beyond this sky is the Lord I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I need to be.

have no regrets in the end.

As an attempt to escape from this war, the rich trick the poor into creating a political society. The poor believe that this creation will secure their freedom and safety, but in fact it merely fixes the relations of domination that existed before dangerous and unstable, leading to a violent state of war. As an attempt to escape from this war, the rich trick the poor into creating a political society. The poor believe that this creation will secure their freedom and safety, but in fact it merely fixes the relations of domination that existed before, creating laws to establish inequality.

the intoxication of sexual

While you are alive, conquer death, and you shall

Invention of property gave rise to inequality

contact more frequently, small groups or societies start to form.

The human mind begins to develop, and as man becomes more aware of others, he develops a series of new needs. The emergence of reason and society are related, but the process by which they evolve is a negative one. As men start to live in groups, pity and

From Sikh Granth

Let

mercy

be

your

mosque, faith your prayer-mat, and honest living your Koran.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

For Rousseau, the worst kind of modern society is that in which money is the only measure of value.

Excerpted from a summary of 'Discourse on Inequality' in sparknotes.com. The 204th birth anniversary of Jean-Jacques Rousseau is being observed on June 28

Just because you're smart doesn't mean you can't act stupid.

Pride in social status is empty; pride in personal glory is useless.

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

50 India Post

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June 24, 2016

Performers take part in a parade with various Disney characters on the opening day.

SHANGHAI, China: Children's choir, Sleeping Beauty and other Disney characters, and even some Communist Party leaders are among the newest attractions at Shanghai Disneyland, Walt Disney Co's first theme park in mainland China, which opened with a lavish celebration on June 16.

A Chinese vice-premier joined Disney CEO Bob Iger in cutting a red ribbon at an opening ceremony, showing the ruling party's support for the

e Shanghai he enters th as ts ac re r to t.

The first visi Disney Resor

$5.5 billion investment in promoting tourism at a time of slowing economic growth. They read letters of congratulations from the Chinese and American presidents, Xi Jinping and Barack Obama.

"This is one of the proudest and most exciting moments in the history of the Walt Disney Co.," Iger said after the choir sang. Later, actors dressed as Sleeping Beauty, Donald Duck and other Disney characters danced on stage.

The $5.5 billion Shanghai Disneyland could help the Hollywood giant burnish the brand behind "Frozen" in the world's most populous film market and revive its struggling international theme park business.

Analysts expect Shanghai Disneyland to become the world's most-visited theme park, attracting at least 15 million and as many as 50 million guests a year.

Cont'd on Page 53

opening day of as they attend the up s es dr s or Visit rt. the Disney Reso

June 24, 2016

India Post 51 www.indiapost.com

Udta Punjab: A riveting dose of reality As Abhishek Chaubey's Udta Punjab begins to unspool, it becomes apparent almost instantly that it isn't an average commercial Hindi film. It is easy to see why influential forces wouldn't want it to be seen.

It is a film that articulates the bitter truth yes, much of it might have been exaggerated for dramatic effect about the reality of substance abuse in Punjab and its causes. In language and deeds, it pulls no punches.

The screenplay, jointly written

by Sudip Sharma and the director, is unambiguous about its stand on drug addiction: it sides with those that lead the fight against the peddlers and with those who wage war on their inner demons.

Bolstered by strong acting all around, Udta Punjab soars on the wings of an edgy storyline that goes for the jugular.

As the robust title songs plays out, the film introduces the audience not only to the volatile man who belts out the number, pop star Tommy Singh (Shahid Kapoor),

but also to three other principal characters without spelling out who they are.

Over the next few minutes, the script quickly places the crucial

narrative cards on the table.

A Bihari girl (Alia Bhatt) who works on an agricultural land on the border, stumbles upon a pouch of heroine that has been thrown in from across the border as part of a deal.

Assistant sub-inspector Sartaj Singh (Punjabi actorsinger Diljit Dosanjh in his first Bollywood role) is seen as part of posse of compromised cops who let trucks with drug consignments pass their checkpoint for a consideration.

Fighting the worsening drug menace is Dr Preet Sahani (Kareena Kapoor Khan), whose

Actress Alisa Khan abandoned by family

S

mall time Bollywood actress Alisa Khan was reportedly abandoned by her family after her ex-boyfriend leaked a video of their intimate moments.

She was found wandering aimlessly on the streets of Delhi.

The actress, who has featured opposite Emraan Hashmi's co-star in yet unreleased film 'Aaina', has now claimed that she is being abused on social media after her story of living on the Delhi streets surfaced. Alisa said that her family disowned her after her ex-boyfriend leaked her MMS online. She has also registered a police complaint against her ex-boyfriend.

A report in Hindustan Times quoted the actress as saying, "My family threw me out and I was on the road. I had no option but to beg to the media for help. I raised a voice against this. This is a case like Pratyusha (Banerjee). I don't want to die and I will keep fighting till I get justice. My great grandfather was an emperor and courage is in my blood. I am living on the road and suffering. If you google

me, men and women are writing nasty things about me."

Speaking about what exactly happened, Alisa said, "My exboyfriend leaked the MMS online a month ago. I came to Delhi in April and I was shooting and this happened overnight. People who follow me, informed me about this.

I don't know when he actually put it online. I was sleeping at home when people in my Bollywood circle informed me. I was shocked."

She, however, didn't seem to know much about her ex-boyfriend. "He was just known as Sameer. I don't know his full name.

He was my boyfriend, not my husband," Alisa said.

She also didn't want to seek financial help from her co-star Emraan. "It is against my ethics. I am a celebrity.

I am a star. How can I ask for money?

I can only

fight. I have my morals. I cannot beg. I can fight and I will fight," she said.

Alisa said that she had to sell all her jewellery and phone to meet her expenses after her family turned her out of the house, adding, "People are offering me money to sleep with them. They know my condition is bad."

The actor pleaded for justice and requested the publication to take this as a "big story because as a woman I am getting exploited."

Alisa was seen in 2013 film 'My Husband's Wife', besides some music videos.

role expands when the ASI's heroin addict brother is wheeled into her hospital frothing at the mouth.

From here on, Udta Punjab presents a life and death battle for all the four the crooner and the farm hand fight to drag themselves out of a hole, while the cop and the doctor join forces to get to the bottom of the drug racket.

While the first half of the film is devoted largely to setting the stage for the dramatic high points leading up to the climax, Udta Punjab turns increasingly violent as the cop's young brother tries to flee the de-addiction centre, Tommy Singh runs away from a concert, and the nameless Bihari migrant worker makes a dash for freedom from those that have held her captive.

The climax of Udta Punjab, which is explosive and bloody, defines the enormity of the crisis that the north Indian state faces today.

Udta Punjab makes no bones about who is to blame for the current situation. It goes to the extent of pointing fingers at elected

representatives of the people and fake pharma companies that divert government-controlled supplies of opium to feed the state's drug cartels.

Udta Punjab is a rare Mumbai film that blends a riveting, and often unsettling, narrative around facts and details drawn from real news reportage. It does so with style and flair, aided immensely by outstanding performances by the principal cast.

Shahid Kapoor does not hold back a whit in fleshing out the robust but troubled rock star.

Dosanjh, in contrast, underplays his part to great effect.

Kareena Kapoor Khan, who has the least etched out of the four principal roles, makes the most of the limited opportunities.

Alia Bhatt is a revelation in Udta Punjab. She subsumes her peppy urban girl persona into her rustic character so completely as to be barely recognizable.

Udta Punjab is a thriller that offers much more than the genre usually does. Unmissable.-PTI

Sachin Tendulkar was scared of this bowler MUMBAI: He could be the Master Blaster to the world, a menace for all great bowlers in the history of cricket but there was one medium pacer who challenged

Hansie Cronje

Sachin Tendulkar in his career.

Former South Africa skipper Hansie Cronje is the man we are talking about; the middle-order batsman who rolled his arms - 43

wickets in 68 Tests; 114 wickets in 188 ODIs - got the precious wicket of Tendulkar five times in Tests and thrice in limited-overs.

Tendulkar handled the likes of Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Wasim Akram and Allan Donald but didn't know what to do with Cronje.

Once, in an interview with The Guardian, he said: "Honestly. I got out to Hansie more than anyone.

When we played South Africa he always got me out more than Donald or Shaun Pollock. It wasn't that I couldn't pick him - it's just that the ball seemed to go straight to a fielder.

"I was going great guns in Durban one year and played some big shots against Donald and Pollock. Hansie came on and I flicked his first ball straight to leg-slip. I never knew what to do with him."

-Courtesy Deccan Herald

52 India Post

June 24, 2016 www.indiapost.com

`Mad House' exhibit straddles art and design NEW YORK: Imagine a house containing a towering bronze pitchfork and shovel that will never be used for gardening; a working vacuum cleaner - topped with the gilded bust of a horse that will never clean floors; and an oversize saucepan - made of crystal, bronze, wood and gilding - that will never find its way to the stove.

The art and design duo known as Studio Job specialize in creating works inspired by household goods but never intended for use.

Now, the Museum of Arts and Design in New York has transformed two floors into a ``Studio Job Mad House,'' featuring some of these eye-popping designs.

The exhibit, which runs through Aug. 21, is set up as an imaginary house of an imaginary collector of Studio Job's works. It exudes a sense of history, fantasy, irony and opulence.

The design team, founded in 1998, is composed of Belgian conceptual and 3-D designer Job Smeets and Dutch graphic designer Nynke Tynagel. Their works straddle art and design, and nod to medieval traditions of patronage by producing monumental works in high-end materials like

bronze, crystal and gold. ``They tend to react to what is common and do the exact opposite, challenging the perception of what is normal,'' says Ronald Labaco, a senior curator at the museum who organized the exhibit.

The works, many commis-

The New York installation features 57 pieces, including sculpture, lighting, furniture, floor covering, wallpaper, drawings and other works produced over the past 16 years.

Adding to the sense of entering a realm of the unreal, the

Part of the exhibit "Studio Job Mad House" at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York.

sioned by patrons, rely on ancient crafts like bronze casting, gilding, marquetry, stained glass and faience, all with a contemporary perspective. The designs often draw from pop culture (like the movie ``King Kong'') or historical events (like a bombing in London or the sinking of the Titanic).

museum's wood flooring has been covered in a vinyl covering that Tynagel designed to resemble a sort of cartoon of a wood floor.

The walls are covered in her brickthemed, gray-and-white wallpaper, which vaguely resembles the inside of a medieval castle. ``We always think about plac-

Mumbaikars biggest consumers of wellness services NEW DELHI: Mumbai has topped the list of the Indian cities where "people look and feel their best," according to a new study.

The study conducted by nearbuy, sheds light on the blossoming wellness industry in the country and how different cities are reacting to the same.

cures, pedicures, hair straightening and other indulgent offers than any other place in the country," the survey said.

It showed that while over 42 per cent Mumbaikars visited spas and salons at least once a month, only 20 per cent and 35 per cent people in Bangalore and Delhi re-

It surveyed over 2000 people across several cities to reveal that Mumbai is the "Most Pampered City" in the country.

"Customers in Mumbai bought more full body massages, foot reflexology, haircuts, facials, mani-

spectively spoilt themselves with monthly beauty services.

The study showed that 58 per cent of the respondents liked to explore various salons, contrary to the 22 per cent who preferred the one they have been visiting for

years.

35 per cent of the people haven't known their beauticians for long enough and 25 per cent have known them only for a couple of years, it said.

The frequency of visiting salons was also determined by their locations and the offers they provided.

"A whopping 70 per cent of the consumers visit spas on the basis of their location or the offers they get," the study said.

Consumers of wellness services in Delhi showed a higher degree of loyalty towards their beauticians as compared to their counterparts in Bangalore and Mumbai, who prefer exploring more options.

"36 per cent Delhiites go to the same beautician whereas 40 per cent Bangaloreans and 44 per cent Mumbaikars respectively prefer to explore," the study said.

However, most customers refrain from switching their hair dressers as, "40 per cent Delhiites, 33 per cent Bangaloreans and 36 per cent Mumbaikars trust their own hairdressers with their treasured locks." -PTI

ing our work inside a castle. We see it as a small society with every aspect of life within it,'' Tynagel said in a 2010 interview, quoted in the wall text.

The pieces in the exhibit are organized along loose, sometimes contradictory ideas, such as love/ lust, agrarian/preindustrial and church/religion. ``The idea is to create a kind of dialogue between the works,'' Labaco says.

Four private commissions are on public view for the first time, including a caste-bronze ``Pitchfork and Shovel'' (2014); ``Heart'' (2012-13) and ``Dr. Cruetzen Illuminator (2011-12), both in stained glass; and a ``Unity'' cabinet in

marquetry. ``Unlike most designers working today, we are not coming from modernism,'' says Smeets. ``Our contribution is that we've recovered a lost path. Is that design? Is it art? I'm not sure‌ We're situating decorative arts within the 21st century.''

Highlights include ``Perished Bench'' (2006), veneered of rosewood and maple in a delicate, complex pattern of real and imagined extinct animals. It opens in the style of a 15th century Dutch triptych, but is made using the latest in computer-controlled laser technology. The theme - the transience of life - echoes themes common in 17th century Dutch painting. -AP

Lincoln Centre's festival draws inspiration from India NEW YORK: The art and cul- tries. ture of South India will be the cenThe festival will open with the terpiece of a prestigious music fes- US premiere of Human Requiem, tival held annually at the renowned an intimate and unique theatrical Lincoln Centre here, with award- choral event performed by German wining choreographer Mark Mor- classical choir Rundfunkchor Berris curating a 10-part series that lin. will shed light on the universal The series will also include pernature of India's artistic heritage formances by Bombay Jayashri, and dynamism. who trained as a Carnatic vocalist The 7th season of Lincoln and became internationally known Centre's 'White Light Festival' will for the lullaby she sang in Ang open on October 16.

Morris, who has spent decades travel- The series will also include ing to southern India, attending annual festi- performances by Bombay vals, concerts, and Jayashri, who trained as a dance performances, will curate 'Sounds of Carnatic vocalist and beIndia', a 10-part special came internationally known focus on South India, the centre said.

"This year's White Light Festi- Lee's 2012 film, "Life of Pi". val spotlights artistic expression The festival will also see peroriginating in and inspired by formance by the all-male Kerala South India with a 10-part special Kalamandalam Kathakali Troupe, focus on India...exploring place, who will perform the 'Dussasana culture, tradition, and creativity of Vadhom (The Killing of this vibrant region," it said.

Dussasana)'.

Along with members of the Utilizing elaborate costumes, Mark Morris Dance Group, artists colorful makeup, refined gestures, rooted in centuries-old South In- ornate singing and accompanying dian classical traditions including percussion, the all-male troupe will Jayashri, the Kerala bring to life mythological tales Kalamandalam Kathakali Troupe, from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, master percussionist V. the centre said.

Selvaganesh, musicians and dancA special performance by the ers from Nrityagram, traditional Mark Morris Dance Group will revocal music dynamo T M Krishna, prise two India-inspired solos 'O will "shed light on the universal Rangasayee' and 'Serenade' as nature of India's artistic heritage well as a humorous 1983 duet set and dynamism." to a lively Tamil film score.

The international The all-female troupe multidisciplinary festival will have Nrityagram will present the "pow41 performances in 10 venues over erful imagery, compelling physicalthe course of a month, by artists ity, and emotional honesty" of the and companies from nine coun- Odissi dance.-PTI

June 24, 2016

India Post 53 www.indiapost.com

Shanghai gets a Disneyland Cont'd from Page 50

By contrast, Walt Disney World drew 19.3 million people in 2014.

Speaking as a light rain fell, vicepremier Wang Yang quipped, "I would like to call this a rain of US dollars or of renminbi," the Chinese currency.

Wang, a member of the ruling

Despite slower growth, China's economy still is one of the world's best-performing and tourism spending is rising.

Shanghai represents a market of 300 million people living within three hours of the park by car or train in one of China's most affluent regions. China's bullet train network can draw in areas further

Shanghai mayor Han Zheng, (L) Chinese vice-premier Wang Yang, (C) and Disney's chief executive officer Bob Iger cut the red ribbon during the opening ceremony at Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai.

party's Politiburo, described the park as an example of Sino-US "practical cooperation" and "people to people exchanges".

The festive sentiment was tempered by news from Florida that an alligator killed a 2-year-old boy at Disney's flagship Walt Disney World. The boy drowned after the animal dragged him into a lagoon on June 14.

afield.

YouGov, a market research firm, said 44% of people it surveyed in China in May said they plan to visit Shanghai Disneyland within a year. It said 80 percent plan to take family members.

"Disney is good. I had a lot of fun during the trial," said Wang Lei, who works for a restaurant chain in Shanghai.

"I'm sure I will go again, maybe again and again," she said after a pre-opening visit earlier in the week. "I'll bring my kids and relatives from my hometown."

Chinese are not cutting back on tourism despite the weak economy, said Shaun Rein, managing director of China Market Research in Shanghai.

"They are still spending on experiences and on their kids," Rein said. "It's going to be a huge success. Everybody in China who has a kid or a grandkid is going to want to go to Shanghai Disney."

Disney's opening follows a decade of negotiations, five years of construction and weeks of testing.

Iger said more than 1 million visitors already have tried out its rides, shops, restaurants and two hotels.

Global brands like Disney are rushing to create products for Chinese tastes.

The company added Chinathemed elements and put the emphasis on popular characters at the Shanghai Park, while downplaying its American identity.

At the entrance, instead of "Main Street USA," it's "Mickey Avenue."-AP Near its iconic Storybook Castle, Disney created a "Garden

Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo haven't made a profit in six of the past 10 years, Wible figures. So the main advantage of the huge park may be promotion of the brand and merchandise.

Disney has many inexperienced but ambitious competitors in China.

The country's biggest devel-

A man visits Shanghai Disney Resort during a three-day Grand Opening event in Shanghai.

oper, Wanda Group, opened a 20 billion yuan ($3 billion) entertainment complex in the southern city of Nanchang in May and said it plans more. It bought Hollywood studio Legendary Entertainment in January, and Wanda founder

Priyanka mother's birthday in London LONDON: Actress Priyanka Chopra might be one of the busiest stars working but there's always time for mommy. The 33-year-old actress celebrated her mother Madhu Chopra's birthday in London on June 16.

The cake looked good. And Mrs Chopra, even better. It was a lovely, rainy day and

Disney's CEO Bob Iger holds a grand opening gala concert at Shanghai Disney Resort.

Priyanka enjoyed it: The same day Priyanka was spotted at the Mumbai airport.

She looked trendy in a tee and green pants paired with a jacket.

of the Twelve Friends" using characters such as Remy from "Ratatouille" and Tigger from "Winnie the Pooh" as animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Disney says the Wandering Moon Teahouse, modeled on a building in eastern China, is the only Chinese-style structure in any of its parks.

The park should generate some $1.5 billion to $4.5 billion a year in revenue, according to Drexel Hamilton analyst Tony Wible.

However, Disney's state-owned Chinese partner, the Shanghai Shendi (Group) Co. Ltd., which owns 57% of the 7.5-sq km park, will get the lion's share.

Disney's international parks in

to surpass Disney as the biggest global tourism company by 2020, China is a challenging environment in other ways, with official controls on business activities and on taking profits out of the country. Live shows such as Disney's "Lion King" musical must be approved by Chinese censors.

Wang Jianlin, Asia's second-richest businessman, said he hopes

Disney's DisneyLife direct-toconsumer online movie and book offering was closed in April, five months after opening, amid a Chinese regulatory review.

In the Shanghai Park, Disney needs its Chinese partner's approval to change restaurant prices and other management details.

"They are hamstrung in a lot of areas," said Rein. But still, he said, Shanghai Disneyland "is far above anything else in China."

One big risk is that the park will prove so popular potential visitors may be put off by the crowds.

Jin Yasi, a 33-year-old housewife from Wuhan, came with her husband and their two daughters, aged 6 and 3, dressed as Elsa from "Frozen" and as Snow White. Jin said she has visited Hong Kong Disneyland, the company's first park in Greater China, three times.

"The castle is definitely great," said Jin. But after waiting an hour to get through a security check, she said, "I think they should offer better service."

A Chinese girl gets a Princess makeover at the Disney Resort.

54

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The rise & value of Think Tanks in India S

India Post

DR D SUBA CHANDRAN

uhasini Haidar in her recent commentary (South Block in the Shade) in The Hindu has highlighted an interesting foreign policy phenomenon in India - the rise of think-tanks.

Though she sees it as a factor in checking the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) from being "India's primary interlocutor for the world," many working on foreign policy have been asking for an effective role by the think-tanks with quality inputs to the Establishment.

For a long time, the Indian political establishment across the board has viewed independent think-tanks in the country primarily from a negative perspective as being foreign funded (thereby implying that they follow a different agenda than that of the government).

Though the different ministries (especially the Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) and the MEA) and different wings of the Indian armed forces have - directly or indirectly - supported their own, these think-tanks did not have a negative tag in the governmental corridors.

Do independent think-tanks such as the India Foundation (IF) and Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) challenge the role of the South Block? Or do they signify, along with few others such as the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and Gateway House (GH) - the rise of think-tanks that are much needed and timely? And do they not help the state in today's world of having "speciality" independent institutions?

Unfortunately, those who criticize the VIF and the IF view them primarily based on who is funding them, and whom they are close with inside the Indian establishment.

Such a perspective is not drastically different from the previous governmental perspective that those think-tanks funded by foreign foundations are essentially bad. Why should the background of the funders come to the forefront, instead of the work of these think-tanks and more importantly, their utility?

From the US to Japan, there are think-tanks funded and supported by the rightist, economic, environmental, and liberal foundations and lobbies.

In India, think-tanks like the ORF, GH, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) etc - have

all been supported by business houses. Especially in a country where there is no governmental support for independent thinktanking, institutions will have to be dependent on sources - domestic and external.

The issue here is not about who is funding but instead what value they bring in for the larger foreign policy establishment; and more importantly, their effectiveness in reaching out to the world. True, the MEA has to remain "India's primary interlocutor for the world."

Has it not been the case since independence? Despite that, there has been repeated emphasis that given the contemporary need and the vastness of global interactions, India would need additional power to help the MEA carry forward.

Let us face the facts. Given the bureaucratic tangle and the need for paper work within and with the Indian Ministry of Finance (MoF), independent think-tanks are much better placed to take forward a few multilateral dialogues.

And this presents a huge opportunity for the think-tank environment in India. Today, the situation for independent think-tanks is sharply different from those initial days in the 1990s when visionaries like RK Mishra and PR Chari established think-tanks like the ORF and Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) respectively - independent from the government.

From funding to hiring quality researchers - it was not an easy task for these pioneers then. Today, the situation is substantially different.

Global think-tanks such as the Brookings Institution and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP) have established a chapter in India. All three wings of the Indian armed forces the army, navy and air force - have been supporting their own: the Centre for Land and Warfare Studies (CLAWS), the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) and the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS) respectively, in addition to the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).

Additionally, TERI and Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) have their own focus on issues relating to environment and economy.

There is competition and at the same time cooperation among

them. There is already an initiative amongst the leading think-tanks in New Delhi to have a dialogue amongst themselves, so that they could make useful contributions to India's foreign policy decisionmaking, and also take forward some of the larger external objectives of the country.

Though the number of thinktanks have witnessed a phenomenal increase in the last ten years, a majority of them are located in New Delhi.

A huge country such as India, with substantial issues all over its land and maritime territories, also needs regional think-tanks based in Chennai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Mumbai and Jammu.

There are a few in these cities, but have serious problems with funding and outreach. Given India's regional matrix and the role played by the states, it is imperative to have successful regional think-tanks.

Second, it is also imperative to invest in think-tanks focusing on non-foreign policy issues. Science, environment, trade, maritime issues etc are specialized areas that demand focused attention.

For example, the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) in Bengaluru (with whom this author is associated) has a specialized focus on science but is least aligned with the foreign policy establishment in India.

Finally, if think-tanks have to have maximum impact on decisionmaking, they have to substantially improve their inputs.

Organizing conferences, dialogues and hosting dignitaries from outside cannot be their primary functions.

There have to be "quality" inputs, which are "actionable."

While "research" has to be the bedrock of these institutions, they should have "policy" relevance, otherwise there would not be a big difference between a PhD and policy research reports.

There is a new dawn of independent think-tanks in India. It would not have happened without the South Block and the PMO making a conscious decision to open up. The latter should not expect the former to be their second fiddle. Let them remain independent and yet be integrated within their own space.

The writer is Professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, & former Director, IPCS

Rajan & reforms I

n the globalised world, economies cannot survive in isolation.

Despite the good growth prospects being advertised, India's exports registered a double-digit decline and industrial output contracted by 0.8 per cent in April after three months of better performance. Still the Asian Development Outlook 2016 says economic growth in India has accelerated in Fiscal Year 2015. It is projected to dip marginally in FY2016 due to a slowdown in public investment, stressed corporate balance sheets, and declining exports, then pick up in FY2017 "as newly strengthened bank and corporate finances allow a revival in investment."

If this revival doesn't take place India will have no Raghuram Rajan to blame. He will be leaving after his term expires on September 4 and go back to academia as a professor in Chicago University. He was willing to continue for another term but voices from within the BJP government made it impossible for him to carry on.

Dr Rajan had brought international prestige to the RBI Governor's post. He was respected in the West and it was said that investors felt confident with Dr Rajan at the helm. No governor of any central bank of any country had such a high profile as Dr Rajan. The impact of his eminence was felt both ways. He seemed to be working independent of the government and spoke out of turn on subjects which were not in his remit. Government spokespersons rejected the fear that investors will now think twice before coming to India. They feel that investors come on the strength of the leader of a government and not impressed by the Governor of the central bank.

Still, to douse the fires started by Rajan's exit, the Indian government has launched the second wave of FDI reforms which include allowing 100 per cent inflows in civil aviation and food processing sectors while easing norms in defense and pharmaceuticals.

It shows that the BJP was constrained in fully implementing its economic policies faced with the Rajan wall. An RBI Governor has always been a part of the Government and its policies and not an adversary, as Rajan was proving to be.

He had been appointed by the previous UPA government led by the Congress and did not see eye-to-eye on many of the government's plans. Replying to charges that the government had announced these bold reforms to counter negative impact on the market from Rajan's exit, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "We were working on these (FDI reforms) for couple of months. We have made the announcements after the work has been finished." It couldn't have been done in one day, she retorted.

Some intellectuals are predicting doom for India after Rajan's exit. However, after a sharp sell-off on Dalal Street, the domestic stock markets have bounced back. Also the bold reforms have strengthened the confidence.

Commenting on Rajan's exit, Rajiv Kumar of Center for Policy Research has said in his column in Indian Express that "Rajan riled a few of Modi's cabinet colleagues by not engaging with them as equals and instead responding to them through public platforms, almost in hectoring tones."

He also mentions that having inherited Rajan as governor of the RBI, Narendra Modi and Arun Jaitley gave him maximal support and the widest space to implement his plan. "The government withstood the criticism for not letting interest rates decline more rapidly, as many demanded. The government also backed down twice in the face of opposition by Rajan, first to the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) recommendations and second, to the creation of an independent public debt office in the ministry of finance. What more would a government do to retain talent?" he asks.

Now that it has a free hand, the government should announce a competent person as the new RBI Governor and not a mere party supporter as some of the recent appointments have shown.

June 24, 2016

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June 24, 2016