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VOL 20, No. 1084

June 26, 2015

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SPECTACULAR YOGA DAY CELEBRATIONS

Details on page 32

GOP appoints 2 Indians to key positions

No retrospective legislation, Jaitley assures Details on page 24

China blocks UN move for Pak action on Lakhvi Details on page 11

Indian nurses in UK could be forced to return

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Keith Vaz re-elected chair of Parl panel

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Indo-US awards for Knowledge Initiative

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US court issues show-cause notice to Sahara Details on page 11

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

Should a government officially promote yoga?

Last week’s result

Should India take credit for yoga?

YES 83%

NO 17%

NEW DELHI: Amid chants of 'Om' and recitation of 'Mantras' for universal peace, millions across the globe joined in spectacular celebrations to mark the inaugural International Day of Yoga, in a tribute to the ancient Indian spiritual and exercise discipline known to balance mind, body and spirit.

From glaciers of Siachen to the troubled waters of the South China Sea, from Sydney's popular Bondi beach to the banks of the Thames in London, from obscure parks to the barracks of Tihar Jail, people stretched and bent and sat in quiet meditation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the occasion as the "dawn of a new era of peace".

The largest of spectacles unfolded early morning on the imposing Rajpath, where Modi, whose call led to declaration of June 21 as International Day of Yoga by the UN, sprang a surprise as he performed various asanas and pranayams with nearly 36,000 people, an eclectic mix of top-ranking commanders of defense forces, frontline politicians and the hoi polloi.

The Rajpath event made it to the LEADING FROM THE FRONT: Guinness Book of World Records for the A bird's eye view of Rajpath on the largest yoga demonstration at a single occasion of International Yoga Day. venue with 35,985 people participating.

(Inset) Prime Minister Narendra Modi It also set a new record for the largest participating in the mass yoga number of people of various nationalidemonstration at Rajpath on the occasion of International Yoga Day, in ties - 84, performing yoga at one place.

New Delhi on June 21

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 30-31 Classifieds ------------------------- 48 Community Post -------------- 16-22 Date Book -------------------------- 47 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-35 Horoscope ------------------------- 46 Immigration Post ------------- 44-45 Life Style ----------------------- 50-53 Philosophy ------------------------- 49 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 37-39 TechBiz Post ------------------- 24-27 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

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June 26, 2015

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

Publisher’s Diary

L

ast week, when billionaire business tycoon Donald Trump declared his candidacy for United States President - with a predictably pompous if not ludicrous announcement speech in New York - I knew the Republican roster of Presidential hopefuls is not just crowded, but is fast degenerating into a political freak show. "I am rich," said Trump with an in-your-face smugness in his speech, making it the primary criteria for his success and by a default extension, his claim to the Big Office.

Okay, this is one show for which I really don't care to get ringside tickets to because more than anything else, I think it will be embarrassing to watch the by now dozen odd contenders debate themselves hoarse through the Republican primaries.

And then imagine the din and clamor all of these candidates, their spokespersons, their supporters and detractors, the pundits and opinionators, news anchors and comedians, not to leave out the PAC-backed advertisements, are going to create in the media, especially on television.

Of the 13 Republicans who have already made official announcements of their candidature, not one is even close enough in credentials or capabilities that foregone Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton is gleefully flaunting around.

C'mon, not all of them even have a former President on their side.

Desi American Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who disowns his Hindu birth and dissociates himself from his Indian roots, has been making a lot of noise about running and is likely to throw in his hat in the ring by the end of this month. Even until about five years ago, I was enthusiastic about the possibility of an Indian American running for President. But not now, not if it has to be Bobby Jindal. Because, where Trump is clownish in his conservative beliefs, Jindal is way too serious about the same and that's scary.

So, in my list of potential GOP nominees, if Trump is at the bottom - considering of course that he sticks around till the primary cycle - Jindal is just a notch above. But what choice do the conservatives have left? Only Hillary Clinton, so far.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Engagement soon?

According to grapevine, Bollywood couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone will get engaged in February

Cover Story: Yoga Day Millions across the globe joined in spectacular celebrations to mark the inaugural International Day of Yoga

Community: Chicago celebrations The Yoga Day celebrations in Chicago were a memorable affair with 2000 to 2500 enthusiasts participating

Health care subsidy California is on the cusp of extending state-subsidized health care coverage to children who are in the country illegally.

Life style: Healing village Kairali is a healing village which adheres to the tenets of Ayurveda. To the last A. Ayurveda authentic to the last C.

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Jaitley assurance Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has assured US investors that govt does not intend to legislate retrospectively

Rajaji National Park Rajaji National Park is well known for its verdant scenic beauty and is enriched with worthy bio diversity.

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Spectacular Yoga Day celebrations NEW DELHI: Amid chants of 'Om' and recitation of 'Mantras' for universal peace, millions across the globe joined in spectacular celebrations to mark the inaugural International Day of Yoga, in a tribute to the ancient Indian spiritual and exercise discipline known to balance mind, body and spirit.

From glaciers of Siachen to the troubled waters of the South China Sea, from Sydney's popular Bondi beach to the banks of the Thames in London, from obscure parks to the barracks of Tihar Jail, people stretched and bent and sat in quiet meditation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the occasion as the "dawn of a new era of peace".

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

PM Narendra Modi participating in the mass yoga demonstration at Rajpath

Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Naval Chief Admiral RK Dhowan at a mass yoga session on the International Day of Yoga 2015 at Rajpath in New Delhi

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh participating in the International Yoga Day celebrations, in KD Singh Bandhu Stadium, Lucknow on June 21

The largest of spectacles unfolded early morning on the imposing Rajpath, where Modi, whose call led to declaration of June 21 as International Day of Yoga by the UN, sprang a surprise as he performed various asanas and pranayams with nearly 36,000 people, an eclectic mix of top-ranking commanders of defense forces, frontline politicians and the hoi polloi.

The Rajpath event made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest yoga demonstration at a single venue with 35,985 people participating. It also set a new record for the largest number of people of various nationalities - 84, performing yoga at one place.

An avid yoga practitioner for many years, 64-year-old Modi, who was not scheduled to perform the 'asanas' climbed down the podium after his address to the gathering and joined others seated or sprawling on mats along the boulevard, one of Delhi's iconic landmarks.

The entire two-km stretch from Rafi Marg crossing near Vijay Chowk to India Gate was lined with blue and red mats over green carpets with people of all ages twisting, bending and stretching on the Rajpath, the venue of the famous Republic Day parade, performing various yoga exercises.

Attired in a loose white shirt and trousers and a tricolor scarf wrapped around his neck, Modi did most of the 21 'asanas' along with thousands of participants as part of the common yoga protocol, following simultaneous instructions in Hindi and English also beamed live on giant digital screens.

Modi expressed his gratitude to the United Nations and 193 countries for their "unprecedented support" in passing an India-sponsored resolution to declare June 21 as International Day of Yoga and said a "new era"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the gathering on the occasion of International Yoga Day, at Rajpath, in New Delhi on June 21

Army personnel at a Yoga Session on International Yoga Day at Kargil

has begun to train the human mind to scale new heights of peace and harmony. Modi also cautioned against commodifying yoga.

US Ambassador to India Richard Verma was among scores of diplomats who attended the mega

event.

Several top bureaucrats, including secretaries to union ministries and officials from the PMO were also present.

Guinness World Records officials Marco Frigatta and Victoria Julie Tweedy during the Yoga Day event at Rajpath in New Delhi on June 21

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From coast to coast, Americans Spectacular Yoga Day observe Yoga Day celebrations

People from the Greater Washington National Capital area thronged at the historic National Mall to observe the First International Day of Yoga in Washington DC on June 21

WASHINGTON: From coast to coast, from a small township in remote North Dakota to the historic National Mall in Washington, thousands of enthusiast Americans came out in large numbers with their mats to perform the ancient Indian spiritual practice, marking the first International Yoga Day. Reflective of the increasing popularity of Yoga in the US, the organizers in Houston had to in-

and practice basic skills of Yoga.

At a giant stage of the Sylvan Theatre facing the National Mall, a number of Yoga teachers were seen giving demonstration of various "asanas" describing them in detail and commenting on their advantages and also cautioning against doing this for people suffering from some ailments.

"This is great. Normally we do not get to hear about so many

Indian Ambassador to the US Arun K Singh, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal and former Miss America Nina Davuluri during an event organized by the Embassy of India to mark the International Yoga Day in Washington DC on June 21

crease the capacity of their venue as a large number of health enthusiasts turned up for the celebrations.

For health-conscious Americans, Yoga is now practiced by one in every 10 Americans. The Yoga industry is estimated to be worth USD 27 billion in the United States alone.

"This is good for health. If you do yoga regularly, you do not get sick," said young Chris outside the Smithsonian metro station as he headed towards the national mall with a mat in his hand.

He was not alone as dozens of people were seen coming outside this metro station nearest to the National Mall on a sunny but breezy Sunday morning to learn

asanas at one place from renowned yoga parishioners," said an enthusiast who drove some 50 miles from a Washington suburb

to attend the event at the National Mall, which among others was attended by the Indian Ambassador to the US Arun K Singh, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal and former Miss America Nina Davuluri.

"Yoga is a union between mind and body, with something with holistic health benefits," Ambassador Singh said in his remarks at the National Mall, adding that several hundred events were being held in the United States on the day. Several Governors including those from Massachusetts, Illinois, Virginia, Maryland and Texas and mayors of various cities issued proclamations to observe the occasion.

"Yoga is just one manifestation of the rich cultural heritage that India and Indian Americans share with the world," said Biswal in her remarks.

"Today nearly 10 percent of the American population and three percent of children participate in some way in Yoga," US Secretary of State John Kerry said in his Yoga Day greetings.

White House also sent its representative to the yoga event at the National Mall and greeted people on behalf of President Barack Obama.-PTI

Enthusiasts perform Yoga on International Yoga day, at Marine Drive in Mumbai on June 21

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy chief Minister Manish Sisodia participating in a mass yoga session along with other yoga practitioners to mark the International Day of Yoga 2015 at Rajpath in New Delhi Cont’d from page 5

So were Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung. Locked in a bitter turf war, they were, however, seated in separate enclosures.

Later, addressing a two-day international conference on yoga for holistic health, Modi said, "If we make yoga a commodity, then maximum damage to it will be done by us. Yoga is not

world.

The Prime Minister cautioned against one-upmanship on the ancient practice, saying it belongs to all countries and all communities.

Though several Muslim organizations had complained about chanting of Hindu Mantra 'Om' and said 'Surya Namaskar' (Sun Salutation), a group of asanas, were against the tenets of Islam, quite a few from the community

Senior BJP leader LK Advani and former CM of Himachal Pradesh Shanta Kumar performing Yoga during International Yoga Day celebrations in Palampur on June 21

a commodity, yoga is not a brand which has to be sold."

Drawing attention to boards of 'pure ghee' shops in the market, Modi said 50 years back these were never seen but today they exist because money is there.

"This should never happen in relation to yoga. Never should a time come when we hear that only my yoga is true and all the rest are uselessly holding their nose and spending dollars. This is not a trade or organization but a state of mind.

Under attack from Congress for "usurping" the traditional discipline, Modi said yoga is "not the brainchild of a government" or the United Nations but a gift from many generations and many traditions from across the

were present at the Rajpath event. The government had scrapped Surya Namaskar from the protocol and said Muslims could chant 'Allah' instead of 'Om' during the exercise.

Modi and his team has been insisting on the importance of "soft power" India could wield through yoga. Yoga is a USD 27 billion industry in the US where over 20 million people practice it.

As Indian soldiers dressed in special weather clothing practiced yoga at the frozen heights of Siachen, the highest battlefield in the world at 18,800 ft above the sea level, tens of thousands took out their mats on foreign shores and performed complex yogic postures.-PTI More pics on page 14

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US marks Yoga Day with great fervor WASHINGTON: Governors of key US states and mayors of important cities issued proclamations to mark the first International Day of Yoga as Americans turned up in large numbers in support of the ancient Indian spiritual practice.

America, where First Lady Michelle Obama has generated a new sense of health and fitness

numbers across cities and towns in the US expressing their full support to the First International Day of Yoga - an initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Various wings of the Obama Administration also marked the occasion by issuing proclamations and citations.

"Yoga has been a spiritually, mentally, and physically healing

Americans turned up in large numbers across cities and towns in the US expressing their full support to the First International Day of Yoga - an initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Various wings of the Obama Administration also marked the occasion by issuing proclamations and citations consciousness over the past six years, celebrated the day with enthusiasm with nearly a dozen governors of key states and mayors of important cities issuing proclamations to mark the day.

Americans turned up in large

practice for centuries. As the United Nations recently declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, I encourage all Virginians to participate in this important day.

Your commitment to mindfulness and health contributes to the

growth of a healthier Virginia, and a healthier nation," Virginia Governor Terence McAuliffe said.

The ancient art of yoga is a discipline of both body and mind, said Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

Teaching strength, flexibility, patience and mindfulness, its surge in popularity worldwide has provided spiritual and physical comfort to countless men and women, he said.

Around 3,500 yoga lovers across Houston performed yoga to mark the first International Day of Yoga.

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner proclaimed June 21, 2015, as International Day of Yoga in Illinois, for the cultural significance of yoga and to raise awareness about the benefits of the discipline.

"Yoga represents an ancient practice and holistic approach to improving one's quality of life and well-being.

The practice of Yoga encourages lifestyle behaviors and habits that foster good health," he said.

Maryland Governor Lawrence Hogan also joined the global yoga day celebrations.

"People of Maryland join to-

Mayor of San Jose Sam Liccardo and Mayor of Cambridge David P Maher also issued proclamations to mark the day.

Hundreds participate in a collective yoga session during the International Day of Yoga at the George R. Brown Convention Center on June 21 in Houston

gether in expressing our great respect, admiration and sincere best wishes for a joys and memorable observance, we are pleased to confer upon you this Governor's Citation," he said.

Mayor of the City of Irvine, Steven S Choi said yoga is an ancient process incorporating mental, physical and spiritual practices to help keep the human mind and body in good health.-PTI

Yoga Day celebrations above expectations: Swaraj NEW YORK: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said here that the enthusiasm with which the first UN International Yoga Day was celebrated across the world was much better than the expectations of her government.

She said the highlight of the commemoration at the UN was that UN Secretary General ban Kimoon, his wife, congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and the President of the General Assembly Sam Kutesa themselves practiced yoga when spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar conducted the yoga session at the UN. Swaraj said she was pleased that the International Yoga Day commemoration was much better than the expectations of the Indian government.

She termed the event at the UN as among the most significant across all cities of the world and added that the most significant fact that astonished her was that the UN chief and his wife participated in the whole protocol of yoga.

The minister said that Yoga is considered the heritage of India but its popularity, acceptance and power in the world was demonstrated at the International Yoga Day. Along with national integration, yoga is facilitating humanity integration also and the yoga day was celebrated by breaking the barriers and differences of

caste religion nationality across the world, she said while talking to a TV channel.

Swaraj also met UNGA presi-

preciation for India and its growing soft power.

Swaraj, who addressed the first International Day of Yoga

Swaraj said at the Hindu Temple Society of North America.

While yoga is one of India's most important gifts to the world,

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addressing Yoga enthusiasts during an event to observe the 1st International Day of Yoga Day at Times Square in New York on June 21. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and India’s Permanent Ambassador to the UN, Asoke Kumar Mukerji are also seen

dent Sam Kutesa and a number of diplomats from several countries.

India's soft power Earlier, she said UN's decision to commemorate the International Day of Yoga underlines the ap-

celebrations at the UN, also attended a function marking the day at the Hindu Temple Society of North America.

The way the day was commemorated around the globe, "the world had made the first International Day of Yoga its own,"

the UN's decision to commemorate the day underlines the appreciation for India and its growing soft power, she said.

Swaraj said the color of the skin, religious or political affiliation or the nationality did not matter for the hundreds of thou-

sands that performed yoga in the city.

"They were all united by the awareness of the power of yoga," she said.

The External Affairs Minister said "today we have made a good beginning" and the future is filled with immense possibilities.

She cited the benefits of yoga in the treatment of asthma, diabetes, drug addiction and heart disease. "Yoga is about self discovery and self acceptance," she said.

Yoga codified: Jaitley Meanwhile, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who was in San Francisco to hold a round-table discussion with members of US-India Business Council, said, "Yoga, which has been an ancient art or a science as some preferred to call it in India, over the last centuries has been codified also and the practitioners have hugely benefited from it."

Asked about the overwhelming response to the International Day of Yoga, Jaitley said, "I would attribute it to two factors. One is the concern that everyone has about human health and human body. The other is in a world of conflicts and tensions, people looking for calmer alternatives."

Jaitley asserted that yoga is "defying any kind of a religious barrier, it is defying geographical barriers."-PTI

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Times Square turns into Yoga Square NEW YORK: The iconic Times Square here turned into a Yoga Square as some 30,000 enthusiastic people in colorful dresses per-

formed the ancient spiritual practice, celebrating the first UN International Yoga Day. External Affairs Minister

Sushma Swaraj who witnessed the yoga practice at Times Square described the day as "historic" and thanked the people for their

participation and making the day a grand success.

"I congratulate you. It is a historic moment and you have made it doubly historic with your large presence," she said in her remarks on the occasion.

"You are all now Ambassadors of Yoga," she told the young yogis, recalling that first time there were just 300 performers and now it's 30,000 people who have joined here.

She said yoga could provide relief from stress.

Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, US Congresswoman Tulsi Gabard and India's permanent Representative to the UN Asoke Mukerji were also present at the Times Square and briefly addressed the gathering.

Thousands of performers in colorful dresses practiced different 'asanas' of the ancient Indian spiritual art.-PTI

Very much excited about Yoga Day: Ban Ki-moon

Yoga enthusiasts perform yoga at Times Square to observe the 1st International Day of Yoga in New York on June 21

Several hundred practiced yoga during the 13th annual Solstice in Times Square event on June 21, in New York

Yoga easiest way to save youth: Modi UNITED NATIONS: Yoga is the easiest way to save the young generation from moving towards violence, suicides and depres-

sion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a video message to the UN, marking the first International Yoga Day.

"When today's young generation moves towards violence, moves towards suicides, lives in depression, I think Yoga is most easy way to save them," Modi said in the brief video message played at the UN headquarters here.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated the Yoga Day participants and said that India feels proud that UN took the subject ahead and 177 countries of the world sponsored it.

"India's priceless legacy is today world's legacy," he said.

"For the welfare of mankind, we must connect with our legacy of yoga because this legacy is man's legacy. This is world's legacy, your legacy, and this is your responsibility to handover the legacy to the coming generation," he added. -PTI

NEW YORK: UN Secretary June 21.

General Ban Ki-moon has exSwaraj informed Ban that 192 pressed his excitement at the first countries, with the only exception International Day of Yoga during of Yemen, will be commemorating his meeting with External Affairs yoga day.

Minister Sushma Swaraj, saying Ban also thanked Swaraj for the day has garnered "unprecedented" enthusiasm from people around the world.

Ban called on Swaraj at the Manhattan hotel where the Indian leader is staying. He w a r m l y greeted her with a "Namaste, kya haal chaal hain" as he shook her hands.

Ban, accompanied by senior UN officials, congratulated External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj with United Swaraj on Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the UN in New the comYork on June 21 ahead of Yoga Day celebrations memoration of the first International Day of the" excellent arrangement" and Yoga. hospitality during his visit to In"I am also very much excited," dia in January this year. he said.

He said he had the opportunity The UN chief told her that the to meet Prime Minister Narendra world body had been observing Modi again in Seoul in May. many international days on variSwaraj exchanged pleasantries ous themes but the excitement with the UN chief. Spiritual leader and enthusiasm for the yoga day Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also met Ban is unprecedented. when the UN chief arrived to meet "(There is) a lot of enthusiasm. Swaraj.

We have been observing many inAccompanying Swaraj were ternational days on something India's ambassador to the UN but this one (yoga day) is unprec- Asoke Mukerji, deputy permaedented, most exciting," he said. nent representative Bhagwant Ban said he had been told that Bishnoi and other senior Indian nearly two billion people would officials. have participated in the yoga day Ban and Swaraj then held across the world by the end of closed door discussions.-PTI

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World bends, stretches, twists to mark Yoga Day

T

ens of thousands yoga enthusiasts around the world on Sunday June 21 took to mats and stretched, bent and twisted their bodies in complex postures in a symbol of universality of the ancient Indian spiritual practice as they marked the maiden International Day of Yoga.

ganized special events all over the country.

Ahead of the day, India along with the local government in Chengdu had organized a fiveday international conference in Yoga.

Yoga is not new to China as it is widely practiced all over the

Yoga from the Peking University here. With the growing popularity of Yoga in China, he expressed confidence that it will become second home for Yoga.

More than 500 Yoga practitioners participated in the group Yoga demonstration at the inaugural ceremony which was attended by local government officials, diplomats, members of Indian community, media and academicians. The event was organized in partnership with Art of Living (China) which also conducted day long Yoga Workshops.

in a statement.

In the UK, the day began with the main event on the banks of

Charge d' Affaires Hemant Kotalwar highlighted the importance of Yoga in the daily life in

United Kingdom

Afghans and foreigners perform yoga during the first International Yoga Day, at the Indian Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan on June 21

Over a thousand people participated in dozens of events across Australia to mark the day, with Prime Minister Tony Abbott appreciating Yoga's universal appeal. He said, "For thousands of years, yoga has provided its followers with a guide to bringing their minds, bodies and spirits into balance."

Melbourne saw over 500 people gather at the Springers Leisure Centre to kick off the day with 'Surya Namaskar' and bending and twisting their bodies in complex postures.

Yoga events were also held on Sydney's popular Bondi beach and in the Australian capital Canberra.

China BEIJING: The first International Day of Yoga made big splash in China as thousands of Yoga enthusiasts took part in over a dozen cities of the Communist nation.

Embassy of India in Beijing and Consulates at Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong or-

country specially by young people, but the International UN Day of Yoga has galvanized all the Yoga bodies to organize events to further popularize it.

The Chinese government too has given its nod for Yoga when Premier Li Keqiang attended YogaTai Chi meet during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi here. China has also voted for June 21 as International Yoga Day by the United Nations.

The Yoga events were held in more than 14 cities of China including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Kunming, Xiamen, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Wenzhou and Changzhou.

As many as 16 events took place in Beijing including at Peking University, Geely University, Hot Springs Leisure City and Chaoyang Park, an Embassy statement said.

Indian Ambassador to China Ashok K Kantha, started the celebrations for International Day of

LONDON: Leading NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul has complimented Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making the inaugural International Day of Yoga a success.

"I would like to compliment Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making the International Yoga

Yoga enthusiasts perform at a session to mark World Yoga Day in Beijing on June 21

Thames as hundreds gathered across cities to celebrate the ancient Indian exercise.

British Prime Minister David

his inaugural speech at the Embassy of India's auditorium.

The program was organized for diplomats, executives of business firms, Indian community members and the officials of the Mission, with emphasis that simple forms of yoga can be performed at any place including in the office.

Students from the Indian community school presented dance performances based on yoga postures. The interactive session received an overwhelming response from the audience, according to a press release by the Embassy.

Egypt

The Yoga event in Geneva has been organized by the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva and UNOG, The United Nations Office at Geneva on June 21

Day a success. It is a great achievement and it makes all of us proud. The success was possible because of the great leadership of Modi.

"It makes us proud of our Prime Minister and the country that today Yoga was practiced in 192 countries in the world," Paul said

Cameron said in his message: "The UK is pleased to support International Yoga Day. We were one of 177 countries to vote in favor of Prime Minister Modi's proposal and we are pleased to see the enthusiasm with which it is being embraced, both in UK and around the world."

Yoga also reached the UK's iconic Stonehenge, with a small group of yoga enthusiasts holding a short class as thousands converged at the neolithic site to witness the sunrise for its longest day on earth or the summer solstice.

Saudi Arabia

Yoga enthusiasts taking part in a Yoga event on International Day of Yoga in Hong Kong on June 21

RIYADH: Celebrating the first International Day of Yoga, India organized a lecture cum demonstration on the ancient Indian spiritual practice here which was attended by more than 250 people including diplomats.

CAIRO: A special event marking the first International Yoga Day was held in Egypt and was attended by people from all walks of life, including Egyptian officials, celebrities and Indians here.

The guest of honor at the event organized by the Indian Embassy was the well-known Egyptian football player Emad Meteb, who was representing his leading football team Al-Ahly.

"Yoga is the pundit that brings peace and harmony to us and makes a balance between the body, the mind and spirit," Indian Ambassador Sanjay Bhattacharyya said during the event.

"The practice of yoga brings people together and creates a sense of balance in our interaction with the environment around us," said the Ambassador, who only came to Egypt a month ago and described the country as his "second home".

The event, which falls during the holy month of Ramadan, took place in the evening after Iftar and featured yoga classes by Indian and Egyptian trainers as well as some shows by children and young trainees.

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World bends, stretches, twists Americans practice yoga, boosting $27 bln market to mark Yoga Day Cont’d from page 9

Around 14 Egyptian schools of yoga joined the celebration, which was held at India House in Zamalek.

In the run up to the International Day of Yoga, the Embassy had also organized a photography competition entitled 'Yoga in Egypt'. Three Egyptian winners of the competition were honored during the event.

Embassy.

Yoga experts from India gave a demonstration followed by common Yoga Protocol to all participants for 33 minutes.

Similar events were also held at Chiangmai, Phuket and Pattaya.

Thailand's minister of tourism and sports Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul was the chief guest at the event attended by ambassadors, representatives from the UN and Indian associa-

being sent for preparations of events planned for the International Yoga Day.

Nepal In Nepal, despite heavy rains, over 800 enthusiasts took part in a yoga session in Kathmandu, also attended by noted Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala.

The event was organized by the Indian embassy in the presence of Vice President Parmananda Jha.

Vietnam

Israelis participate in a mass yoga session to mark the International Yoga Day in Tel Aviv on June 21

tions.

Hong Kong In Hong Kong, torrential rains lashing the city did not dampen the enthusiasm of people, as more than 2,000 Hong Kongers gathered at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park to know the benefits of yoga for health and well-being and also to follow a simple Common Yoga Protocol.

About 30 Yoga and health organizations of Hong Kong supported the event as the guests together performed some simple exercises and meditation under a common Yoga Protocol, in the guidance of well-known teachers.

Thailand In Thailand, an open field at a Bangkok university was turned into a "yoga studio" as thousands of Thais, Indians and other expatriates gathered to celebrate the day.

More than 7,400 people were on the grounds at Chulalongkorn University to participate in the event organized by the Indian

Pakistan As the world celebrated the inaugural International Day of Yoga, in Pakistan it remained confined to the premises of Indian High Commission here with the staff of the mission along with other foreign diplomats in the country performing 'asanas'.

The members of the diplomatic community in Pakistan and staff of the Indian High Commission performed various Yoga postures in the premises of the mission to celebrate the ancient Indian spiritual practice.

The event started at 7 am and went on for two hours.

Speaking on the occasion, High Commissioner T C A Raghavan highlighted the importance of the International Yoga Day and the concept of Yoga.

There was some initial initiative

by Pakistani authorities to mark the day, but it was cancelled later.

Pakistan had rejected visa to an Indian Yoga teacher who was

In Vietnam, hundreds took part in the celebrations at Hanoi's Quan Ngua Sports Palace, and in Ho Chi Minh City and seven other provinces.

"The response was amazing, way beyond our expectations," Preeti Saran, India's ambassador to Vietnam said.

In Hanoi, at least 4,000 spectators watched 800 people perform yoga asanas. In Ho Chi Minh, there was a turnout of 3,000 people who watched 500 people do yoga.

Japan The International Day for Yoga was also held across Japan.

India's Ambassador to Japan Deepa Wadhwa said Tokyo itself had several events on the Yoga Day. Wadhwa flagged off at the premises of a Japanese school where around 500 yoga enthusiasts were attending.

Singapore Over 4,000 people participated in a two-hour program held at 50 centers across Singapore. The event was led by High Commissioner Vijay Thakur Singh and Singapore's Minister in The Prime Minister's Office, Grace Fu.

France An event was held in Paris, where people dressed in white sat on mats under the Eiffel Tower and practiced yoga.

WASHINGTON: While the Vinyasa yoga studios can be world celebrated the first Interna- found all across America, but are tional Yoga Day, over 20 million more concentrated in some states Americans have already been than others. practicing the ancient Indian mediAlaska hosts the most yoga tative exercise, fuelling the whop- studios per capita out of every ping USD 27 billion yoga indus- state in the US, despite its minustry in the country. cule population, Huffington Post Years ago, when the US was reported in March. first introduced to the 5,000- year"Yoga is becoming an increasold Indian physical, mental and ingly popular form of exercise in spiritual practice that aims to the US and it is imperative to systransform body and mind, more and more number of Americans A whopping 20.4 million have resorted to it for people reportedly practice health benefits and no more confuse yoga with yoga in the US, a significant yogurt. increase from the 15.8 A whopping 20.4 million people reportedly million yoga practitioners practice yoga in the US, a significant increase in 2008 from the 15.8 million yoga practitioners in 2008. tematically examine its health benThe business of yoga is grow- efits, especially the mental health ing fast, too. Americans are benefits that this unique mindspending over USD 11 billion a body form of activity may offer," year on yoga classes and gear said Edward McAuley, Illinois ki(pants, mats, bags, blocks), up 88 nesiology and community health per cent from 2008, according to professor. media reports.

Many breweries have also With an increasing number of joined the yoga bandwagon hostyoga practitioners comes an in- ing 'happy hour events' where one creasing number of places to prac- can attend a yoga class and grab a tice. Bikram, Ashtanga and beer at an attractive price. -PTI

Brazil President, Bhutan PM hail Yoga Day NEW DELHI: Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tsering Tobgay have appreciated the way the yoga day was celebrated while hailing the art of keeping body and mind in good shape.

"Brazil supported the resolution of the UN. Yoga helps health and well being of people. Increasingly, Brazilians practice yoga which brings harmony, balance and interaction," Rousseff tweeted, which was retweeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

She appreciated Modi's role regarding the celebrations of the yoga day.

In his response, Modi tweeted,

"Thank you President Rousseff for the kind words on Yoga & #YogaDay. The spirit with which Brazil joined Yoga Day is appreciable. We must take forward the enthusiasm seen during #YogaDay & inspire people to make Yoga a key part of their daily live."

Tobgay, while commenting on the yoga day, tweeted, "Feeling relaxed after taking part in the mega yoga event organized to mark International Yoga Day by the Indian Embassy."

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai also tweeted an appreciative message on the first International Yoga Day.-PTI

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GOP appoints 2 Indians to key positions WASHINGTON: Two IndianAmericans have been appointed to key positions in the Republican party with the mandate to in-

Niraj Antani

volve community leaders within the party fold.

Niraj Antani, a Ohio State leg-

islature, and Janak Joshi, a Colorado State legislature, have been appointed to the board of the 2015?2016 Future Majority Project of the Republican Party.

The Board is chaired by T W Shannon, Chair, former Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

According to a media release, the Future Majority Project seeks to recruit, train and elect Republican candidates from diverse communities on the state level who better represent the full diversity of America.

In 2013-2014, FMP recruited hundreds of new candidates and elected 43 new leaders to office.

With this cycle, FMP aims to recruit 250 new, diverse candidates and see 50 of those candidates appointed or elected to office.

China opens 2nd route for Kailash pilgrims NAIDUILA, China: China has opened a new, "safer" and "more convenient" route for Indians undertaking the arduous KailashManasarovar Yatra as the first batch of pilgrims crossed the Indian border and entered Tibet via Nathu La, in the latest confidence-building measure between the two neighbors.

A total of 43 Indian pilgrims, several of them middle-aged, went through the second land crossing in Tibet, the new route in addition to the existing Lipulekh

The move will "further promote religious exchanges between the two countries", state-run Xinhua reported.

"This new route is safer, more convenient and comfortable than the former one," said Dong Mingjun, vice chairman of Tibet regional government, at the pass.

It will shorten the pilgrimage time from more than 20 days to about eight, he added about the new route that will enable pilgrims to travel the 1,500 km-long route from Nathu La to Kailash by buses.

The 43 pilgrims crossed over from the Indian side of the border in Sikkim as the first batch of the a n n u a l Y a t r a Pilgrims stand near the Nathu La pass waiting to be cleared through for their Kailash Mansarovar journey this border route and Pass and the only route earlier that were warmly welcomed by Chiwas badly damaged in the nese officials in Tibet.

Uttarakhand floods in 2013.

The pilgrims belonging to difThe opening of the second ferent age-groups and hailing route through the Himalayan pass from various parts of India made of Nathu La in Sikkim, 4,000 meters their way to the Nathu La pass above sea level, was officially an- after a two week-long journey acnounced during Prime Minister climatizing themselves for the Narendra Modi's visit to China last high-altitude journey to Kailash month and will allow more Indi- which stands at an altitude of ans to undertake the pilgrimage. about 6,500 meters in Tibet.-PTI

"As someone who has served in the trenches of state government, I understand the importance of recruiting the right candidates

Janak Joshi

with the right message in every district and state across the country," said Shannon. -PTI

China blocks UN move for Pak action on Lakhvi UNITED NATIONS: China has blocked India's move in the UN demanding action against Pakistan over release of Mumbai attack mastermind and LeT commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi in violation of a resolution of the world body as it contended that India provided insufficient information.

As the UN Sanctions Committee met here at India's request, a clarification was to be sought from Pakistan over Lakhvi's release in the 26/11 trial but the Chinese representatives blocked the move on grounds that India did not provide sufficient information, official sources said.

In a letter to the current Chair of the UN Sanctions Committee Jim McLay, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Asoke Mukherjee last month had said Lakhvi's release by a Pakistani court was in violation of the 1267 UN resolution dealing with designated entities and individuals.

The sanctions measures apply to designated individuals and entities associated with terror groups including al-Qaeda and LeT, wherever located.

The sanctions' committee has five permanent and 10 non-permanent UN member states in it.

The release of Lakhvi had also raised concerns in the US, UK, Russia, France and Germany with Washington calling for him to be re-arrested.-PTI

Keith Vaz re-elected chair of Parl panel LONDON: Keith Vaz, Britain's longest-serving Indian-origin MP has been re-elected as chair of Parliament's influential Home Affairs Select Committee, even as a controversy rages over his help to scam-tainted former IPL chairman Lalit Modi in obtaining British travel documents.

The Leicester East MP had been challenged to the post by fellow Labor MP F i o n n a McTaggert but the MPs voting for the post decided to keep him in the post.

"I am a genuine and passionate believer in the scrutinizing role of Parliament, a role that is predicated on detailed and fair scrutiny of the executive. The Select Committee system is one of the most important and impressive features of our parliamentary democracy, and it is one that we should cherish," Vaz, 58, had said in his application for re-election.

British MPs from all parties voted in the hotly contested elections to chair the Commons departmental select committees, with

as many as five MPs from the same party fighting for the same roles.

Over the years, the Home Affairs Select Committee has emerged as more powerful than a shadow Cabinet minister or even a junior minister.

Vaz has been battling controversy in the last few weeks over his alleged role in helping controversial Indian Premier League

Keith Vaz

founder Lalit Modi acquire travel documents through the UK Home Office.

However, the parliamentary standards commissioner had decided he had no case to answer and ruled out an investigation.

The Goan-origin MP had denied any wrongdoing in the matter.-PTI

US court issues showcause notice to Sahara NEW YORK: In fresh troubles for Sahara, a US court has issued show-cause notice to the group in connection with a USD 350 million lawsuit seeking attachment of its two prized hotel assets here Plaza and Dream Downtown.

The lawsuit has been filed by Hong Kong-based JTS Trading Ltd, which had proposed to partner UAEbased Trinity White City Ventures and arrange loans from Swiss banking giant UBS to acquire the crisis-ridden Indian group's three overseas hotels Grosvenor House in London and the two in New York.

In the lawsuit filed with the Supreme Court of the State of New York against Trinity, Sahara and UBS, JTS has now alleged that Trinity cut it off from the deal

for direct negotiations with Sahara. JTS has also accused Sahara and UBS of having "aided and abetted" the UAE firm in breaching its "fiduciary duties" under their agreement.

Looking into the suit, the court

Plaza and Dream Downtown

has now passed an 'order to show cause', asking Sahara India Pariwar to show cause in the court on July 8 why "an order should not be made" for attaching the group's interest in the Plaza and Dream Downtown hotels in New York.-PTI

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'Indo-US Knowledge Initiative Indian nurses in UK could be forced to return Awards' announced NEW DELHI: Eight partnership projects between higher education institutes of India and the US were announced here, seeking to further broaden bilateral ties in the education sphere.

The 'Indo-US 21st Century Knowledge Initiative Awards', formerly known as 'Obama-Singh 21st Century Knowledge Initiative', is in continuation of the educational partnership between the two countries.

The awarded projects would receive a grant of up to USD 1,90,000 each that can be utilized over a three-year period.

It is aimed at "encouraging mutual understanding, educational reform, and economic growth, as well as the development of junior faculty at Indian and American institutions of higher learning," a US Embassy statement said.

The awards would be given to two categories of projects.

While one category includes projects led by US-based institutions, the other one is those Indian-led institutions.

The US-led projects include Miami University's partnership with Karnataka-based Christ University for a training model for

culturally competent and evidence-based mental health care for diverse societies.

Among others, Iowa State University has tied up with National Institute for Fashion Technology, Delhi (NIFT-Delhi) for developing a "multi-dimensional approach" to

It is aimed at "encouraging mutual understanding, educational reform, and economic growth, as well as the development of junior faculty at Indian and American institutions meet 21st century retailing education and industry challenges for India and the US. University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and Indian School of Business, Hyderabad would jointly work on a project titled "Cooperative-competitive, datadriven, operational strategies for extremely resource-constrained

settings in emerging economies".

"Partnering to sustain India's biological diversity in the context of rapid environmental change" is the title of the project between Colorado State University and National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore and Centre for Ecological Research, Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore.

Meanwhile, Dayalbagh Educational Institute's tie-up with Arizona State University figures in the list of Indian-led partnerships.

The other partner institutions include Cochin University of Science and Technology and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego.

Jamia Millia Islamia and University of Minnesota would work on a project titled, "Indo-US Collaboration for Training in Environmental Health Sciences".

Tamil Nadu's Gandhigram Rural Institute and University of North Florida are the other partner institutions.

In November, 2009, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Barack Obama had announced this initiative as an "affirmation" of their commitment to build an enhanced partnership in education.-PTI

LONDON: Over 30,000 nurses to leave the UK after six years if from India and other non-Euro- they are not earning at least 35,000 pean countries employed with pounds per annum.

Britain's state-funded National The cut-off date for the new Health Service (NHS) could be rules has been set at 2011, meanforced to leave the UK under new ing the first batch of nurses earnimmigration rules. ing less will be sent home in 2017.

The UK's Royal College of "The UK will be sending away Nursing (RCN) has warned that a new salary threshold of 35,000 At a time when demand is pounds a year could hit more than 30,000 nurs- increasing, the UK is pering staff from non-Eu- versely making it harder to ropean nations.

India is the second- employ staff from overseas," largest supplier of nurs- said RCN general ing staff to the country after the Philippines, secretary Peter Carter with over 15,000 fulfilling nursing shortages within the nurses who have contributed to the NHS. health service for six years. Los"The immigration rules will ing their skills and knowledge and cause chaos for the NHS and then having to start the cycle again other care services. At a time when and recruit to replace them is comdemand is increasing, the UK is pletely illogical," Dr Carter said. perversely making it harder to An NHS staff nurse who employ staff from overseas," said trained in Belgaum, Sandeep RCN general secretary Peter Duggani, warned that NHS Trusts Carter. are continuing their hiring drive The Conservative party led in India despite this impending government is planning to intro- job insecurity.-PTI duce new stricter requirements for non-European migrants, including a minimum pay bar for workers which means they would have

India set to record highest coffee production NEW DELHI: Coffee production in India is expected to touch a new peak of 3,55,600 tonnes this marketing year starting October, as the crop prospects are encouraging due to adequate rains in most growing states, state-run Coffee Board has said.

The country's total coffee output has reached a record 3,27,000 tonnes in the ongoing 2014-15 coffee year, though slightly lower than the earlier estimate of 3,31,000 tonnes made for the same period, it said in a statement.

The coffee year runs from Oc-

tober to September.

Releasing the initial production estimate for 2015-16, Coffee Board said: "The post blossom crop forecast for the year 2015-16 is placed at 3,55,600 tonnes. This is an increase of 28,600 tonnes over the final crop estimate of 2014-15."

Of the total, Arabica production is estimated at 1,10,300 tonnes in 2015-16 as against 98,000 tonnes this year, while that of Robusta production is pegged

are quite encouraging with a promise of highest record crop thanks mainly to the timely and adequate blossom and backing showers in traditional areas and non-traditional areas," it said in a statement.

According to the Board, much of the production gain is expected to come from Karnataka, where total coffee output is pegged at 2,56,500 tonnes in 2015-16, as against 2,33,230 tonnes in the

at 2,45,300 tonnes as against 2,29,000 tonnes in the said period, it said.

Arabica and Robusta are the varieties of coffee.

"Overall, the crop prospects of 2015-16 at post-blossom stage

current year.

"The main reason for increased crop forecast in the state is that all coffee growing areas have received timely and adequate blossom and backing showers during this year.-PTI

PM condemns attack on Afghan Parliament

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the attack on Afghan Parliament, terming it as a "despicable and cowardly act" and asserted that India stands shoulder to shoulder with people of that country in this hour.

"The attack on the Afghanistan Parliament is a despicable & cowardly act. There is no place for such attacks in a democracy," Modi tweeted.

"My prayers are with those injured. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Afghanistan in this hour," he said in another tweet. Taliban militants attacked the Afghan Parliament this morning, with gunfire and explosions rocking the building, sending lawmakers running for cover in chaotic scenes relayed live on television.

The insurgents tried to storm the complex after triggering a car bomb but were repelled and have taken position in a partially-constructed building nearby, officials said of the ongoing attack.

All Members of Parliament were safely evacuated after the attack, which came as the Afghan president's nominee for the crucial post of defense minister was to be introduced in Parliament.-PTI

June 26, 2015

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Spectacular Yoga Day celebrations

Union Minister for Communications & Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad participates in the mass yoga demonstration on the occasion of International Yoga Day, in Sports Authority of India Stadium, Kolkata

Army personnel at a Yoga Session on International Yoga Day at Siachen Glacier

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J.P. Nadda participates in the mass yoga demonstration, on the occasion of International Yoga Day, in Hyderabad

Hundreds of people perform yoga to mark the International Day of Yoga in downtown Seoul, South Korea, June 21

Taiwanese perform yoga poses at the start of International Yoga Day in Taipei, Taiwan, June 21

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3 Indian cities in top wellness destinations MUMBAI: Three Indian cities - Jaipur, New Delhi and Mumbai have been featured in the list of top 15 destinations with the best hotels for wellness across Asia in the first quarter of 2015, according to a survey.

"India, which has its own history of health and wellness traditions Ayurveda therapies and Yoga, features three times in the top 15 with Jaipur and New Delhi (placed 12th, 86.11 per cent) and Mumbai (15th, 84.73 per cent)," report by a travel search engine 'Wego' across Asia-Pacific and Middle East, showed.

The report described wellness tourism as traveling to seek improved health and well-being through physical and spiritual activities.

"With the increased popularity in Yoga around the world, India's Ministry of Tourism is currently drafting a policy to promote the exercise in a bid to attract more

New Delhi

foreign visitors to experience it in the country from where it originated," Wego Chief Marketing Officer Joachim Holte said.

He said the Global Spa & Wellness Economy Monitor values wellness tourism at USD 3.4 trillion, a number that is expected to continue to grow exponentially each year.

Wellness tourism is no longer a niche industry and has made a solid impact on global tourism overall, he said.

"Some destinations automatically imply relaxation and recharge by their very nature and reputation, so it's no surprise that Bali is at the top of the list scoring 88 per cent of positive hotel reviews for wellness," Holte added.

Bali, which topped the list, has a reputation for perfecting the wellness retreat combining specialized luxury spas, using unique

Mumbai

traditional and natural therapies.

Its growing popularity is reflected in the number of airlines now offering direct flight connections from as far away as Dubai, the report showed.

Bali's hinterland Ubud, ranked 13th,

known as the Island of the Gods scored 85.7 per cent, the location a hub for seekers of rejuvenation and a renewed life balance.

Cambodia's Phnom Penh and Siem Reap capture the exotic flavors of traditional Asian healing and relaxation, stood on the list at number two and three spots with 88.19 and 87.82 per cent, respectively.

Jaipur

At 87 per cent, the luminous water and luxury resorts of Maldives featured at fourth place, followed by Hong Kong's combining contemporary and traditional Chinese therapies at fifth place, and Hanoi (Vietnam) at the sixth position.

"Travelers' tastes are changing and they becoming more diverse. Entire new markets are arising from within the spa and wellness category, including medical and cosmetic tourism.

"Travelers seek a focused experience derived from alternative or historic cultural approaches that can result in a complete lifestyle change, for better health and balance in everyday life," Holte said. -PTI

Desi News Bohemia the rapper to perform at Festival of Globe India Post News Service

T

his year the Festival of Globe (FOG) is being celebrated from Aug 7th to Aug 16th. It features SF Global Movie Fest, FOG Awards, Famous Grand Parade and Mela (Fair).

The FOG just added a unique hip blend this year as the rapper known as "Bohemia the king of Punjabi rap" announced his participation at FOG awards. Bohemia is popularly recognized as the creator of Punjabi rap music. His hit singles like 'Kali Denali', 'Charso Bees' and his appearance in the Bollywood film 'Chandni Chowk to China' with Akshay Kumar has put Bohemia in a league of his own as a pioneer of a new genre.

Details on page 20

Yoga Day celebrated on grand scale in Dallas India Post News Service

DALLAS, TX: The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial of North Texas (MGMNT) in association with Art of Living (AOL) organized the first "International Day of Yoga" at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Park, Irving City in Texas State on Sunday June 21.

The drizzle and at times rain did not stop more than 300 Dallas residents and Yoga enthusiasts from attending the event. Rao Kalvala, Secretary, MGMNT in his welcome address stated that celebrating the event at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, one of the prominent landmarks in the USA, is a rewarding experience.

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Ekal commits Rs 2 crore for Nepal quake victims

June 26, 2015

Details on page 22

Yoga Day in Chicago a memorable affair with thousands attending RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The International Yoga Day (IYD) celebrations in Chicago would have turned out to be a much more glorious affair but for the concurrent celebration of Father's Day by the mainstream American society and an unfortunate twist given by some religious bigots, deeming it a sectarian event.

And yet it was a memorable affair largely because of a relative good turn out of Yoga enthusiasts from across Chicago land - anywhere between 2000 to 2500 throughout the day - who enjoyed each and every bit of their presence participating in various activities which included Yoga , Pranayam, Meditation, Yoga exhibition, relevant talks on Yoga and of course good food - proffered

Lamp lighting at the Yoga Day signaling the event kick off.

Pics Asian Media USA

Union Minister Najma Heptulla addressing the gathering

Details on page 18

Yoga Guru launches YogaAyurved Club RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Dr Tanmay Goswami, an active member of the recently launched Scheme for Voluntary Certification of Yoga Professionals, was in Chicago this week to attend the International Yoga Day organized under the initiative of Indian Consulate in Chicago. At the behest of his number of followers he announced setting up 'Gosval Club of Yoga & Ayurveda, Chicago' (Global Org of Social Vedic Art in Lives) on the day IYD was celebrated here.

Details on page 19

Yoga dignitaries

by twenty pus voluntary service organizations that had backed Indian Consulate in hosting the show.

The kind weather and free parking at the Odium Expo Center in Villa Park were decidedly plus factors. The consensus was still that there should have been a larger participation from non desis and non Indians and the feeling was that Indian Consulate should have put in more efforts in this that would have ensured not only bigger attendance but also given a more color to the event, especially when Yoga is fast catching up with Americans.

The welcome news was that Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner issued a special Proclamation declaring June 21 as International Yoga

Indian CG Dr Sayeed with his gracious wife participating in Yoga session

Group that represented cross section of the community with dignitaries on the podium

Day in Illinois. Another welcome development was that a good number of elected officials attended the event. Indian Minister for Minority Affairs Najma

Heptulla was a gracious guest speaker and in her inspiring speech she underlined the fact that Yoga has no religious or geographic boundaries and praised

efforts by the Indian Consulate in organizing the event in a much disciplined manner in Chicago.

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June 26, 2015

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Yoga event a big hit in SF with 3000 attending

the fact that the United Nations has taken forward this mission of Yoga to the world SAN FRANCISCO: The Indian Consu- and it was co-sponsored by 177 countries. late, San Francisco organized the first Inter- India's invaluable heritage has become the national Yoga Day 2015 event on Sunday world's invaluable heritage today.

Stating that each country in the present June 21 in Marina Green Park, Marina Boulevard, San Francisco from 9.30 AM - 2.30 day world is feeling isolated today, he PM. Organized on a large scale it was a huge added that this situation is not in the collective interest. Highlighting the positive aspects of Yoga, he stated that it would lead to a stress free human mind, through which it would ultimately lead to the stress free society. He heartily felicitated the world community for supporting the International Yoga Day. In his address to the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addresses a gathering in San Francisco audience, Chief Guest on the occasion of the First International Day of Yoga.

Arun Jaitley described Yoga as an art and sciand grand success. Over 3000 people from ence that stabilizes the human mind, conSan Francisco and surrounding areas of the trols human emotions and brings the human body back in tandem in a state of fitCalifornia state participated in the event.

India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was ness. Stating that it is now a codified scithe Chief Guest at the event organized in as- ence and the world today adopts it as an sociation with the Art of Living Foundation established practice, he added "I must say and other like minded organizations includ- that we are delighted that coming from a ing Isha Foundation, Bramha Kumaris, Yoga civilization where it started, it carries the Ascent of North America (YANA), message of peace, humanity, well being of Ashtanga, Overseas Volunteers for better the human being and the human mind world across".

The participants enthusiastically participated in the event and did the 'Yogasanas' with much discipline and commitment. Significantly, a large number of local and native Americans also participated in the event. Several other dignitaries including Consul General, Consulate of India, San Francisco, Ashok Venkatesan; CEOs of several Tech Companies; a Council India (OVBI), Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh Member from the Bay Area; prominent photographer Benoy Behl etc also participated (HSS), Yoga Bharathi, Iyengar Yoga etc.

The event started with a prayer and it in the event.

All the Yoga organizations who particiwas followed by several sessions by above mentioned Yoga associations. The video pated in the event have spread the mesmessage given by Prime Minister Narendra sage of the benefits of practicing yoga Modi on the occasion of International Yoga through their sessions. Further, hundreds Day, 2015 was also played. In his message of people were found learning many things PM Modi stated that India feels proud of from the booths established by these assoIndia Post News Service

ciations at the event.

The event was also sponsored by several corporate companies including Tech Mahindra, Satyam, Infosys, CKGS, Incred-

ible India, Emirates Airlines, Bank of India, New Delhi Restaurant, Mama Chea, San Francisco Recreational Park etc.

In addition, a number of yoga events were also organized by several associations in surrounding areas, with the support of the Indian Consulate, including in San Jose, Sacramento, Fresno, etc.

There were proclamations

by City of San Hose, Mayor of City of Cupertino and from California State Senator Bob Wieckowski recognizing June 21, 2015 as International Yoga Day.

Community Across America

18 India Post

June 26, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Yoga Day celebrated on grand scale in Dallas India Post News Service

DALLAS, TX: The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial of North Texas (MGMNT) in association with Art of Living (AOL) organized the first "International Day of Yoga" at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Park, Irving City in Texas State on Sunday June 21.

The drizzle and at times rain did not stop more than 300 Dallas residents and Yoga enthusiasts from attending the event. Rao Kalvala, Secretary, MGMNT in his welcome address stated that celebrating the event at Mahatma Gandhi

"Yoga doesn't mean twisting and bending body in different impossible impressive postures. Yoga is not a show business or fashion but it is the need of the Nation.

Yoga is not a one-day affair but it is a daily routine. Yoga means bringing the body, mind and spirit in absolute harmony. Our body, mind and emotions function at their highest peak once we practice yoga daily. It is very heartening to see that more than 2 billion people from over 192 Nations commemorating the first International Yoga day which proves that Yoga has no boundaries or barri-

Rao Kalvala, Dr Prasad Thotakura and Mrs Shabnam Modgil and others at the Yoga Day celebrations in Dallas

Shroff, Ankur Bora, Deepa and other volunteers. Mrs Modgil mentioned the importance of Yoga in daily life.

Art of Living team explained the different formats of yoga and gave lecture demonstration that was followed by all attendees for more than an hour followed by Pranayama, Yogasanas, Medi-

tation and Bhajans.

Taiyab Kundawala, Co-Chair of MGMNT in his closing remarks thanked the City of Irving, the FunAsiA, electronic media, print media, Bombay Photography, Dallas residents and the Art of Living for their unconditional support.

He urged all to support and participate at the upcoming Gandhi Peace-Walk on October 2.

Yoga Day participants at the Yoga Day in Dallas

Memorial, one of the prominent landmarks in the USA, is a rewarding experience.

Dr Prasad Thotakura, the Initiator & Chairman of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Project stated:

ers".

Mrs Shabnam Modgil, the Board of Director of MGMNT introduced the Art of Living Team including Rajneesh Gupta, Shreedar Thuljaram, Dr Nick

Dallas Indian Americans get together at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial place in Dallas

INE MultiMedia receives $30,000 grant Gayatri Center being launched DR ASHOK JAIN

WALTHAM MI: INE MultiMedia Inc, a non-profit company devoted to education, empowerment, enrichment and entertainment, received a $30,000 grant from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation, which supports Harvard Pilgrim's mission to improve the quality and value of

four pillars: education, enrichment, empowerment and entertainment, and this grant will enable us to fulfill our mission by producing quality programs and events which will help our community at large." In addition to the grant, Harvard Pilgrim will provide other support to INE MultiMedia, added Dr Sheth.

Dr Manju Sheth

Karen Voci

healthcare for the people and communities it serves.

"It is such an honor for INE MultiMedia to receive this grant from Harvard Pilgrim," said Dr Manju Sheth, MD, president of INE MultiMedia. "The mission of our non-profit company rests on

Karen Voci, president of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation said that INE MultiMedia's programs and services make a tremendous contribution to the South Asian community and help create positive impacts.

Created in 1980, the Harvard

Pilgrim Health Care Foundation is a not-for-profit health plan that provides a variety of insurance plan options and self-funding arrangements to more than one million members in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It has distributed more than $133 million in funds. In 2014, it awarded nearly $2.9 million in grants to 710 nonprofit organizations within the four states.

Upendra Mishra, vice president of INE MultiMedia, said that under its Eastern Harmony banner, Harvard Pilgrim combines the traditions of western medicine with those of China and India INE MultiMedia is focused on South Asian community in the United States as well as in the South Asian sub-continent, was founded by community leader Dr Sheth and Mishra, publisher of India New England News and IndUS Business Journal. In addition to working with non-profit organizations, INE MultiMedia promotes art, culture, education and empowerment through interviews, workshops, seminars and multimedia presentations and documentaries.

in Katy, Texas

India Post News Service

KATY, TX: A Temple of Goddess Gayatri, "Center for Gayatri Consciousness", will formally open in Katy (Texas) on June 27.

AWGP head Dr Pranav Pandya was to preside over the event and then come to Chicago but he is reported to have shortened his US visit and the Katy event will now be graced by Se-

Goddess Gayatri Center in Katy Texas

A project of All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) headquartered in Haridwar (India), its grand-opening ceremonies on June 26 and 27 include Kalash Yatra, Yagya, Pran Pratishtha, Mahayagya, etc. Besides Ma Gayatri, murtis of Lord Ganapati and Lord Hanuman will also be installed.

nior Pundits from Haridwar.

AWGP, whose tagline is "The Manmaking Odyssey for Transmission of Era", was founded by Shriram Sharma Acharya (1911-90), and claims to have a following of over 100 million with over 4,000 centers worldwide.

June 26, 2015

Community Across America

India Post 19

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Yoga Guru launches Yoga-Ayurved Club Singh, Director General of QCI and Anil Jauhri C.E.O, NABCB. Dr Tanmay mentioned that at Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi, in the presence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister for AYUSH, Sri Sripad Nayak, Narendra H R, Vasava Reddy, Sunil Singh; 21 people were given Yoga Certification.

RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Dr Tanmay Goswami, an active member of the recently launched Scheme for Voluntary Certification of Yoga Professionals, was in Chicago this

Yoga Day in Chicago a memorable affair with thousands attending Cont’d from page 16 Conducting Yoga classes

Dr Tanmay Goswami addressing IYD attendees

week to attend the International Yoga Day organized under the initiative of Indian Consulate in Chicago. At the behest of his number of followers he announced setting up 'Gosval Club of Yoga & Ayurveda, Chicago' (Global Org of Social Vedic Art in Lives) on the day IYD was celebrated here.

The launch on the Yoga day

was an instant success and he conducted Yoga Classes for his sixty disciples at River Woods, a Northwest Suburb of Chicago.

This club is aimed to give Indian Vedic wisdom, knowledge of Yoga and health to the mainstream American society as well as true followers of Yoga in Chicagoland.

In his address to the Yoga attendees at the IYD, Dr Goswami pointed out that Yoga is ancient wisdom but essential for modern time. It is important to calm the mind, as life is too busy in places like Chicago.

'Yogastu Chitta Vritti Nirodhah' (in a state of yoga, all misconceptions of mind disappear). It is important to bring balance in social life, working life and personal life.

With the help of Yoga & meditation one can achieve inner peace

which cannot be purchased anywhere in market by money, but is definitely possible by Yoga.

The Voluntary Certification of Yoga Professionals is Mentored by Ministry of Ayush and is owned

by Quality Control of India. With help of this national scheme, Yoga professionals can get certificate of Competence Standard at India as well as out of India. The benefit of this scheme is that Yoga professionals have certification of Standard and thus Yoga can be practiced nationally as well as internationally with good uniform standard.

Dr Tanmay Goswami is one of the members, of this National Committee. It is chaired by Sri Sri Ravi Shanker of Art of Living, Sri Shripad Naik, Minister of Yoga & Traditional Medicine, Dr R.P

Swami Ishatmanandji, President, Vivekanand Vedanta Society was a keynote speaker while dignitaries attending the event were Senator Michael Noland, Illinois, Mrs Christine Winger Illinois State Representative, Tim Schneider - Cook County Board of Commissioner & Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party , Mayor of Oakbrook Dr Gopal Lalmalani, Mayor of Burr Ridge M Mickey Straub, Dennis Jung Outreach Coordinator, liaison to the Asian American community for the office of Governor Bruce Rauner, Matthew Abbott Outreach Coordinator Senator Mark Kirk, Nimish Jani Trustee Schaumburg Township, Mrs Beena Patel - Cook County Clerk's

He went on to add that Yoga Day celebrations enjoyed wholehearted support from different sections of the Indian-American community in Chicagoland, transcending the boundaries of region, religion and language. He thanked the Federation of Indian Associations Chicago (FIA) and all the socio-cultural organizations for their unflinching support to the Yoga Day. Referring to the United National General Assembly (UNGA) adopting an India-led Resolution on December 11, 2014 declaring June 21 as the "International Day of Yoga," he said that 177 nations joined India as co-sponsors for this Resolution, the highest number ever for any Resolution in the 193-member UNGA. He then detailed a series of in-

Musicians stimulate local talent at Tyagaraja Festival PROF T.E.S. RAGHAVAN

CHICAGO: The annual Chicago Tyagaraja Utsavam (CTU), the threeday 'festival' celebrated here at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago over the Memorial Day weekend

ize the compositions of the saintly musician-composer Tyagaraja among the growing children of Indian origin. It is made possible through monthly group rehears-

The classical Carnatic vocal compositions (kriti) of Tyagaraja, who lived in the late 18th C. and early 19th C. in Tiruvayyaru in present day Tanjore district in Tamil

The three-day Tyagaraja festival celebrated recently at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago nurtured local musical talent by master-musicians from India

saw budding local talent as well as several new faces from India.

CTU's prime goal is to popular-

als conducted by many dedicated teachers from the western and northern suburbs of Chicago.

Nadu, are considered to be among the finest in Carnatic music.

Cont’d on page 22

A section of the Yoga day attendees

Office, Raja Krishnamoorthy, the Democrat Congressional candidate for Illinois' 8th District.

In his welcome address, Indian Consul General Dr Ausuf Sayeed observed that Yoga represents a 6000-year-old tradition that goes back to pre-Vedic times and is an epitome of India's ancient, deeprooted and diverse civilization.

"Yoga is an invaluable gift of India to the world and it pre-dates any religion in the forms as we know today. Yoga represents the union of man with self, a unity of mind and body and a holistic approach to health and well-being," he said

teresting activities for the event which included common Yoga Asanas, Surya Namaskar, Meditation workshops, informative lectures and discourses, book and photo-exhibitions on yoga, screening of documentary films on yoga and special activities for senior citizens and children.

He lauded the efforts of a few individuals - Viresh Virani, Harendra Mangrola, Nirav Patel, Jagan Bukkaraju and Ms Vandana Jhingan, and from the Consulate O.P.Meena, Gunjan Bajpayee and Elizabeth - who worked tirelessly to make the International Yoga Day celebrations a grand success.

Community Across America

20 India Post

June 26, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Bohemia the rapper to perform at FOG Area and makes a point of representing California when he writes his year the Festival of his songs, this will be the first time Globe (FOG) is being cel- Bohemia will perform in California ebrated from Aug 7th to since his 'Pesa Nasha Pyar' day alAug 16th. It features SF Global most a decade ago. "This is very Movie Fest, FOG Awards, Famous similar to when I was invited to the Coke Studios. It will be all live and Grand Parade and Mela (Fair).

The FOG just added a unique real and I plan to do an even bigger hip blend this year as the rapper performance at FOG compared to known as "Bohemia the king of any of my shows,' Bohemia said.

Along with an unprecedented Punjabi rap" announced his participation at FOG awards. Bohemia live stage performance, Bohemia is popularly recognized as the cre- also plans to be involved as a ator of Punjabi rap music. His hit youth ambassador and help raise funds for the FIA nonprofit. Plans include Along with an unprechaving Bohemia attend edented live stage perforboard meetings to have mance, Bohemia also plans a better youth representation. Bohemia to be involved as a youth also plans to donate ambassador and help raise money to charity to create awareness funds for the FIA non-profit. among our youth about our values of sosingles like 'Kali Denali', 'Charso cial and cultural responsibilities.

'I am very excited to have Bees' and his appearance in the Bollywood film 'Chandni Chowk Bohemia on board; we are actively to China' with Akshay Kumar has working on bringing you a festiput Bohemia in a league of his own val much bigger than the last one, Bohemia's participation is a testaas a pioneer of a new genre.

While he was raised in the Bay ment to that' said Dr Romesh Japra,

India Post News Service

T

FIA Convener and Chairman.

Multicultural Festival FOG is the only International Film Festival that is multicultural, blends the world of cinema with Silicon Valley, marches into FOG Awards and culminates with Fair Mela and a Grand Parade.

San Francisco Global Movie Fest features the best of world cinema with a gateway to Silicon Valley that fosters creative and technical talent. It presents the newest and best films from around the world.

• Over 100 films screening over 10 days • Participation from over 30 countries • Investor pitch, master classes & workshops • FOG Awards at SAP center with 20,000 attendees • Mela Fair with Culture Fest, Music Fest, Art Fest, Food Fest and a free Health Fair • Grand Parade celebrating Global Cultures and Democracy with over 150,000 attendees

Mischievous Pak bid to hurt Air India

"Bohemia the king of Punjabi rap" announced his participation at FOG awards.

Bohemia is popularly recognized as the creator of Punjabi rap music. His hit singles like 'Kali Denali', 'Charso Bees' and his appearance in the Bollywood film 'Chandni Chowk to China' with Akshay Kumar has put Bohemia in a league of his own as a pioneer of a new genre

MACHO PATEL

CHICAGO: The mischief and trouble from Pakistan is not confined to borders and fomenting inland terrorism. It has spread to the point of hurting our tourism industry and national airliner by spreading mischievous reports and innuendo It allegedly got a report spread in the media, including on the social media, that a passenger had found "a lizard in his/her meal tray" on board AI 111 (Delhi-London) of 11June (Thursday) with photograph attached.

Air India sources here said that the airliner has thoroughly investigated the "incident" and found it to be false and totally baseless.

"No such complaint by any passenger of the flight has been received on board the flight or at the Air India office in London," this source added.

Earlier, in late March this year, a section of the press carried a news item about an incident where a passenger was reported sick on board an international flight and more than one passenger claiming

to be doctors, came forward to help in the medical emergency case.

They wanted to see the pilot. According to the report, these doc-

tance on board a London-Delhi flight. He was assisted by a lady passenger who came forward to help him.

FOG events schedule tors and the sick passengers were Pakistani nationals and were trying to get access to the cockpit.

Air India has clarified that the above reports are totally false.

During last week one of the passengers required medical assis-

The passenger who required medical assistance was a British passport holder and the nurse who assisted him was of Indian origin. There were no Pakistani national(s) as mentioned in these reports.

August 7-16: SF Global Movie Fest at Camera 12 Cinemas in San Jose August 15: Grand FOG Awards SAP Center August 15 and 16: Mela (Fair), Cultural and Musical Extravaganza in Fremont August 16: Grand Parade in Fremont August 16: Appreciation Dinner, 7 pm

June 26, 2015

Community Across America

India Post 21

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Local singers enchant with songs of 90's FREMONT: "Saptak Music" a music team led by Dimple Patel of Bay Area hosted an enchanting music event, in Fremont- Newark (Mehran Restaurant) which focused exclusively on very popular Movie songs produced in "Nineties" involving selected local professional singers of Bay Area. The event was highly suc-

of 90's selected for performance at this concert were: Dil to Pagal Hai (rendered by Puma and Dimplebhai). The musical event had about 23 filmi songs presented by the team of singers and due to space constraint, a few highlights are provided here, as follows: 1.

Yeh Dil sun raha hai (Khamoshi) - by Anuja 2.Pehla Pehla Pyar Hai (Hum Aapake Koun

cessful as the House was fully packed with music lovers.

Bollywood Movies of 90's (1990-2000) mark a "watershed" between the movies produced during 1950s-1980s and those produced from 1990-2000. Both of these musical eras had distinct characteristics in different ways.

In place of erstwhile well known music composers and directors, as well as playback singers, a new crop came up, as some well known music directors as well as actors were no more, unfortunately due

Hai) Sachin 3.Kahi Aag lage lag jaye (Taal) - Puja 4. Kehra hai kyya (Bombay) - Deepti 5. Ishq Bina Kya jeena Yaaron (Taal) Puja, Dimple and Sachin) 6. Ye kali kali Ankhe (Baazigar) - Dimple 7. Ye Nazanabi (Dil se) Sachin 9. Odh lee Chunariya (Pyar Kiya to Darna Kya) Sachin and Anuja. 10. Jarasa Jhumalu main Dilwale Dulhaniya le jayenge (Deepti and Dimple) and the last one (11) Tare Hai Baraati- Dimple and Guest Singer Anisha Bakshi.

All these songs presented were

to their premature demise.

The organizers designated the event as "Dil to Pagal Hai", as this movie had become very popular in 1990, with star-studded cast Shahrukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit singing this melodious song, besides Karishma Kapoor as a supporting actress.

The principal singer performers at this musical event were: Dimplebhai Patel, Sachin Srivatsava, Anuja Surlaker, Puja Paranjpe and Deepti Venkat.

Deepti, being also a dancer, apart from her singing skills, added a new dimension to the theme.

Some of the most popular songs

tantalizing and received thunderous applause, from the audience.

The musical program was emceed by the well known Urdu poet Annie Ji Akthar, who with her mellifluous Urdu+ Hindi language quoted several shayarees and anecdotes, gave interesting details about the theme of the event, narrating how movie music of 90's was quite distinct from the earlier music era spanning from 1950s80s.

Sangeet Dhwani, a community based organization promoted and publicized this event. Anita Amin had done a lot of marketing and publicity for the event and her ef-

India Post News Service

forts were appreciated. The Musicians' Band was awesome to make all songs so soulful. Sound was well managed by Edwin and his team.

Lastly, the organizers had invited Dr Romesh Japra, President of Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) as the Chief Guest. Dr Japra commended the excellent performance of Bay Area talented singers and observed that local talent needs be given high prior-

ity for such events.

He announced a few important details about the 23rd Annual Festival of India Parade scheduled

by FIA on August 15 and 16 at the Paseo Padre Park way, Fremont with the Grand Parade on August 16 which will be attended by movie stars Rani Mukherji, Neha Dhupia, Kangana Ranaut, Irfan Khan as well as popular play back singer Sonu Nigam.

Besides these highlights, FIA

has scheduled a Grand Movie Festival of Globe (FOG) From August 7 to 16 which includes screenings of over 200 movies from different countries. As this Global Festival is being organized by FIA is unique and dazzling, Dr Japra expects the crowds gathering at the venue exceeding one million to enjoy and appreciate the key events which are timed to glorify India's Independence Day.

22 India Post

Community Across America

June 26, 2015

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Ekal commits Rs 2 crore for Nepal quake victims India Post News Service

FREMONT: On April 25, 2015 when the 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Himalayan range nation of Nepal, it took one of the worst catastrophic tolls in human history in terms of lives destroyed, lives

lost and the economic damage it inflicted on all facets of poor country's life. At last count, more than 9,000 people had reportedly lost their lives, 28,000 were injured,

fore had personal stake in rebuilding this nation and its lives. As of April 2015, Ekal had 1,500 schools operating in Nepal's rural areas.

Ekal, was not only familiar with its people, its culture and life's necessities, but also, had well-established rapport with the local gov-

ernments.

Shyamji Gupta, Founder-Chairman of "Ekal-India" happened to be in Nepal when the earthquake struck and so he personally initi-

Nepali regulars, within hours.

A comprehensive plan for helping out victims was charted. Food and water were made available immediately. Medicines and shelter equipment for the displaced were dispatched overnight from India.

Considering the extent of mindboggling human toll, Bajrangji Bagra, President, Ekal-India immediately allocated Rs. 1 crore for this humanitarian work. Within days, Ekal's own survey indicated that 626 Ekal-Villages were affected, 365 Ekal teacher's housings were destroyed and over 250 Ekal schools were badly damaged.

In earthquake ravaged regions, Ekal extended help irrespective of people's personal affiliations, caste, region and creed as its motto life is. Besides, essential food items and medicines, 9743 tarpaulin, and 11,500 blankets were distributed through Ekal-Parivar, which benefited approximately 5,000 families in 400 villages.

The team of doctors also treated 500 patients in 'Sindupalchowk' district and 400 patients in 'Lalitpur' district alone

Besides essential food items and medicines, 9743 tarpaulin, and 11,500 blankets were distributed through EkalParivar, which benefited approximately 5,000 families in 400 villages. almost 40,000 people were homeless, millions were displaced and tens of thousands businesses were destroyed. Worst hit were the

ated the relief efforts after witnessing the tragedy first-hand that unfolded. As the news of destruction hit the world, 'Ekal Orgz' un-

Villages.

Unlike other rescue-relief organizations that converged on Nepal in the aftermath of earthquake, 'Ekal Vidyalaya' already had deep roots in Nepal for years and there-

der the leadership of Ravidevji Gupta sprang into action to start coordinating rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts with its selfless volunteering force of 1,600

for wounds, gastric problems, psychiatric interventions and orthopedic injuries. Ekal-USA, through its appeals to Donors raised hundred thousand Dollars for Nepal-relief. According to Subhashji Gupta, past President and current Advisor to Ekal-USA, total commitment of Ekal in Nepal is likely to exceed Rs. 2 crore.

Rehabilitation is the major task ahead and Ekal is into it for a long haul. Ekal-Pariwar's future plans include building 4 hostels for earthquake-afflicted children where they could be appropriately looked after and groomed and also establishing community centers in badly affected village for collective activities.

Ekal is also exploring possibilities of adopting 'villages' for rehabilitations. This is going to require lot more funding. Therefore, Ekal is currently seeking generous financial support from our communityat-large. Pl donate generously at www.ekal.org. "Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation" is tax-exempt duly registered charity Organization in USA.

Musicians stimulate local talent at Tyagaraja Festival Cont’d from page 19

cylindrical wooden drum (chenda melam) and group folk dance (kaikottikali), as preamble to the yearly morning procession. Guest vocalist from India, Serthalai Ranganatha Sharma, topped this celebration of Kerala by demonstrating the voice culture of its Carnatic musicians. The homage to Tyagaraja concluded with a group rendering of Geetaarthamu in Suruti ragam.

The second day concluded with a violin recital by Padma Sri Kanyakumari from India with her brilliant student from the East Coast Kamalakiran Vinjiamuri, accompanied by Trivandrum Balaji on mridangam and K.V. Gopala Krishnan on kanjeera (tambou-

Tyagaraja's five gems (pancharatnam); group offerings by aspiring elder musicians (pragata samarpanam); singing of divine names (divya-naamasankeertanam) meant for special occasions at temples and homes during marriages and festivals; "Bhaavayaami Raghu-Raamam" ("I contemplate Rama of the Raghu clan") introducing its composer Maharaja Swati Tirunal of Kerala to a special forum for music students from northern suburbs; and musical praise (abhivandanam) of Lord Rama and Hanuman - they were are all parts of this year's festival.

The Pancharatna, which are always sung at Tyagaraja festivals Guest vocalist from India, everywhere, are set to Serthalai Ranganatha five (ghana) ragas - Nata, Gaula, Aarabhi, Varaali Sharma, topped this celand Shree - which lend ebration of Kerala by demthemselves to elaborate improvisation and to onstrating the voice culture veena-playing. of its Carnatic musicians.

Four specially trained students from Surya Prakash's residential learn- rine). Her astounding speed, creing center (guru-kulam) gave a ative rendition of Annamacharya's sample ragam-taanam-pallavi composition "mElu lEdu tElu lEdu" (RTP) in ragams Vasantha and in the novel ragam Amrutavarshini, effecting the tran- Naaraayanaadri, subtle delineasition purely through a judicious tion of ragam Hari Kamboji and modal shift. Kamala Kiran on vio- expansive rendering of lin and Vinod Seetaraman on "Kalikiyunte" in Keeravani, all mridangam skillfully managed the constituted a musical feast.

Other highlights were "Rama's modal shift requirements.

Prakash's workshop sampled the childhood" (baala-kaandam) vocal styles of Madurai Mani Iyer through dance-drama choreoand the latter's guru Madurai graphed to Tyagaraja kritis by Hema Rajagopalan, musical disPushpavanam. (hari-katha) by The distinctive culture of course Kerala state was highlighted Subbaraman and Selvi Alamelu on through its traditional temple or- Oothukkadu Venkata Kavi's origichestra (pancha-vaadyam) com- nality as composer, and Bharat prising four drums and a wind in- Sunder's mastery of over the strument (kombu), fanfare on the ragam Bhairavi.

June 26, 2015

India Post 23 www.indiapost.com

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Tech News Prabhu suggests Railway durbars once a month CHANGANASSERY, Kerala: Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has suggested that top railway officials "open a durbar (mass contact program)" once in a month to listen to the problems being faced by millions of its passengers.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone for constructing a new railway station here, Prabhu said solving the problems of passengers at the railway station itself will help railway boost its image.

"One thing I can suggest to the General Managers and Divisional Railway Managers... at least once in a month, you can open a durbar (mass contact program) here to understand people's problem.

"It is not only devolution of power, it is also devolution of responsibility. If we take people into confidence, they themselves will become our brand ambassadors," Prabhu said.

He also said DRMs and GM should use social media to find the people's aspirations and find local solutions for local problems.PTI

Switzerland 'attractive' for money laundering BERNE: In a first major admission of being an "attractive location" for laundering of assets amassed illegally abroad, Switzerland has said it needs to further strengthen systems for combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

The admission comes at a time when Switzerland has been facing immense pressure from India and many other nations to share details of Swiss bank customers suspected to have used the famed secrecy walls of banking institutions in the European country to hide their illicit funds.

Without disclosing the names of the countries from where the financial crime proceeds could be coming in, a high-level government panel of the Alpine nation said that Switzerland is not immune to the financial crime and the banks are the most exposed financial entities to such risks.

While some Swiss banks have individually settled cases of alleged tax evasion by American citizens and by persons of other countries, this is the first time that Switzerland has admitted to the country being an "attractive" place for foreigners to keep their ill-gotten money.-PTI

TechBiz 24 India Post

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June 26, 2015

Modi made India resurgent, regaining recognition CHENNAI: Stating that countries now want to engage in business with India, Union Minister M Venkiah Naidu has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made the country resurgent and regain its recognition.

Addressing a meeting here on the one year of the BJP-led NDA government, Naidu said when assuming office, it had "inherited" fiscal and current account among other "deficits" but introduction of radical reforms by the Modi government has steered the country's economy back on track, he said. -PTI

No retrospective legislation, Jaitley assures US investors WASHINGTON: Terming the controversial retrospective taxation regime a "legacy issue", Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has assured US investors that the government does not intend to legislate retrospectively and is looking to put a "quietus" to the matter.

Jaitley said the government has categorically made it clear that "we do not intend to legislate retrospectively. We do not intend that any fresh action under the old retrospectively laws be taken."

"So for the future, this is a closed issue. And the investors are quite appreciative of that. As far as past is concerned it relates to only some individual companies and the issue is pending before some judicial or dispute redressal mechanism body," he told reporters here.

"And therefore, when I said we are looking for putting a quietus to this, I had in mind waiting for the expeditious disposal of that dispute," Jaitley said here.

Jaitley said: "Just as some transfer pricing has been resolved by a judgment of the Bombay High Court, which we accepted and we put an end to the whole issue, that

is what the similar quietus I was referring to," he said.

Jaitley, who is on a nine-day visit to US, has held talks with senior American officials including Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and US Trade Representative Michael Froman and met some top CEOs on a one-on-one basis and also collectively.

He termed the controversial ret-

more efficient, with a possible future rate cut.

"Normally I do not comment on what the central bank is going to do. All what I can say that with inflation broadly under control, there is a large expectation that with possible future rate cuts, the economy would become more efficient," he said.

"I am sure that the central bank in India as a responsible institu-

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addressing a news conference in Washington DC on June 20. Also seen in the picture is the Indian Ambassador to the US, Arun K Singh

rospective taxation regime a "legacy issue."

The Finance Minister said the Indian economy would become

tion will take all these factors into consideration," Jaitley said.

Referring to the meetings he had with the banks, Jaitley said:

"We have been nudging the banks to transfer the maximum benefit to the customer itself."

Responding to a question, Jaitley said the Government in principle has agreed to be a party to Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). He, however, said the details of the signing date has to be worked out.

Jaitley said FATCA would have a "positive impact" on automatic sharing of information on a real time basis.

"That would help in our campaign to prevent undisclosed assets from being accumulated outside the shores of India," he said.

Talking about the adverse effect of a "low monsoon" on rural sector, he said the government intends to increase spending on National Rural Employment Guarantee Act program.

"In my budget speech, over and above the Rs 54,000 crore which is earmarked for MNREGA, I already indicated there was a likely surplus resource this year.

Therefore, we would enhance spending on MNREGA," Jaitley said.

Cont’d on page 26

Nikesh Arora appointed SoftBank president TOKYO: India-born former Google executive Nikesh Arora has been appointed the President of Japan's telecommunications giant SoftBank Corp that paid the "rising star" a whopping USD 135 million for the financial year 2014.

Arora, 47, who earlier held the vice president's post, was appointed company president and chief operating officer at a general meeting of shareholders here.

In a management reshuffle last month, Arora - then investments head - was named as a potential successor to company chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son, as the telecoms conglomerate steps up its overseas expansion.

Arora joined the Japanese company just last September. He was previously chief business officer of Google Inc., which he entered in 2004 as a telecom industry analyst before being recruited by Son. Hailed by Son as a "rising star", Arora received 16.556 billion yen (nearly USD 135 million) for the period through March, 2015.

Of the total, 14.6 billion yen was paid as an entering bonus

Nikesh Arora

and compensation for his work as an executive at a SoftBank subsidiary, the Asahi Shimbun re-

ported, citing the conglomerate's latest financial report.

Unlike elsewhere in the world, there are few business executives in Japan who are paid several billions of yen a year and rare for a Japanese company to pay more than 16 billion yen annually to an executive, it said.

In less than a year at SoftBank, Arora has already directed about 200 billion yen (USD 1.67 billion) worth of deals that include investments in Indian technology startups Snapdeal, an online marketplace, and taxi-booking service Ola Cabs, Nikkei Business Daily reported. -PTI

TechBiz Post

June 26, 2015

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India's aviation growth to be double of global PARIS: Eyeing big orders from Indian airlines, world's leading aircraft maker Airbus has said that India's aviation market will grow at over 10 per cent annually in next ten years, which would be double the average global growth rate.

Bullish on India as a marketplace as well as manufacturing hub, Airbus has already committed to source products worth USD 2 billion cumulatively over the next five years and it is now looking to provide customized maintenance and other services for all its airline customers in India closer to their base.

bus India Managing Director Srinivasan Dwarkanath told PTI in an interview here at the Paris International Air Show.

"In terms of market, India will be one of the top three aviation markets globally in the next 20 years. It is already one of the fastest growing markets," he said, adding that the country would need to double its aircraft fleet even if one per cent more of its population starts traveling by air.

"We are expecting an annual growth rate of over 11 per cent for the domestic market in India over the next ten years, while the com-

bined growth rate for domestic and international routes would also be more than 10 per cent.

That would be almost double

the global growth rate," he said.

Dwarkanath said Airbus wants to be "very close to its customers and we want to be in India".

"In our Global Market Forecast 2013, we had said that India would need 1,291 new passenger and freight aircraft by 2032.

"In just two years, more than one-third of this projected requirement has been met, which means more than 800 more would be needed by 2032. But it seems we would have to revise upward the forecast," he said.

"If we compare it with other countries, the aviation penetration is very low in India, which provides huge growth opportunities.

Even if one per cent more people start traveling by air, India would need to double its aircraft fleet.

"The growth prospect is huge and therefore I feel we may have to revise our growth forecast in the future," he added.

Speaking about Airbus' presence in India, Dwarkanath, who is also the Vice President for International Cooperation, South and South-East Asia, said that for customer service it has got its own

Indian airlines doing better; need to get fares right

'Make in India jugalbandi of IT & manufacturing'

"If we compare it with other countries, the aviation penetration is very low in India, which provides huge growth opportunities.

Even if one per cent more people start traveling by air, India would need to double its aircraft fleet.�

"India is very much on Airbus map for all the important work that we do globally and it is not just from the market perspective," Air-

PARIS: Bullish on Indian aviation market, top aircraft maker Boeing has said that operating environment has improved for airlines in the country but there is a need to get the airfare metrics right to make profits.

"We are very clear that the Indian market is going to grow at the fastest rate across the world. Our 20-year annual growth rate forecast for India currently stands at 8 per cent and we had estimated the country's aircraft requirement at USD 205 billion.

"But we will revise upward this

forecast this month," Boeing India President Dinesh Keskar said.

Keskar, also a Senior Vice President at Boeing Asia Pacific, said at the Paris International Air Show that fundamentals remain good for the Indian aviation market, irrespective of the absence of any major announcements of orders placed by Indian carriers at the week-long show.

"There are basically three factors that affect the aviation market - fuel prices, exchange rate and the basic supply-demand ratio.PTI

Poor infra, high taxes deter foreign airlines MIAMI, US: Poor aviation infrastructure and "difficulty" in doing business like high taxes and regulations have deterred foreign airlines from investing in Indian carriers, the chief of global airlines' body IATA has said.

Tony Tyler, Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), also termed the proposed system to replace the 5/20 rule, which allows Indian carriers to fly abroad only after five years of domestic operations and a 20-aircraft fleet, as "misguided" and said

such rules "should not be there".

Tyler, who spoke to Indian journalists here recently on the sidelines of the 71st annual general meeting of the IATA, is likely to visit India soon when he may raise these issues with the government.

Asked why there were very few takers among major foreign airlines like British Airways or Lufthansa after the Government allowed them to invest in Indian carriers, he said "you will have to check with the airlines for their reasons of not investing." -PTI

PARIS: Anand Mahindra, one of India's most well-known entrepreneurs, has defined his vision for the ambitious 'Make in India' initiative as a "jugalbandi" between the country's IT and manufacturing prowess.

The chairman and managing director of the USD 16.9-billion Mahindra Group believes that it is the diversified business houses like his that need to take the lead and work with the Narendra Modiled government to achieve the right kind of policy framework for such a cross-sector collaboration.

"Make in India will not work if we take a conventional linear approach. It has to be a leapfrogging into the future and India is ideally placed to do this," the 60-year-old businessman told PTI in an interview on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show.

"It requires a different holistic approach and recognition that it's not simply a question of stepping into China's shoes. Our 'Make in India' has to be different from China's in the sense that we have to do a 'taal-mel' or 'jugalbandi' of our IT skills that exist and our evolving manufacturing skills and become intelligent manufacturers." -PTI

maintenance training centre to unique service. We keep innovatlook at the aircraft that has been ing," he added. sold to the customers in India.

Dwarkanath said that Airbus "This centre initially catered to customers in India, then we expanded it to neighboring countries, now to even many far-off countries such as Mexico.

"We provide training to the engineers at this centre Airbus India Managing Director Srinivasan Dwarkanath for customers across various countries through this centre," he has also got many aerospace partsaid. nerships in the country, starting Dwarkanath said, "We also with a pact with Hindustan Aerohave an Airbus preferred pilot train- nautics Ltd 25 years ago. ing centre in cooperation with CAE "For our A320 aircraft, HAL is and InterGlobe. We also want to a big supplier. Then there is set up our own training centre Dynamatic which is again a very going ahead. important supplier and it has be"We are now looking to pro- come a single source supplier for vide tailored support package to all the Flap Track Beams for our the airlines. The airlines just need A320, as also for A330. to clean the aircraft and then we "There are many other impordo all necessary maintenance tant partners including Mahindras work, while airline can focus on and Tata, which is more about deits core activities." fense sector.

"We have got Airworks as one Tatas are a partner in the very of the partners. Vistara is the first important Avero replacement as airline to take this service. We are well as for other important opportalking to other airlines for this tunities.-PTI

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June 26, 2015

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Bilateral issues discussed with top US officials WASHINGTON: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley met top US officials here and raised India's concerns over key bilateral issues, including tantalization agreement and the proposed Bilateral Investment Treaty.

In a series of meetings with US

said the Finance Minister.

Jaitley who is on a nine-day US tour, also flagged off some of the important issues for India, including the tantalization agreement.

The tantalization agreement aims to protect interests of professionals of Indian-origin who

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley closing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange on June 17

Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and US Trade Representative Mike Froman, Jaitley discussed bilateral issues of mutual interests and concerns.

"There has been a continuous dialogue (between the two governments in the last one year),"

contribute more than USD 1 billion each year to the US social security.

"We had our own concerns with regard to the tantalization agreement so that our professionals could get the benefit which are otherwise being denied to them," Jaitley said.

When asked about progress made on the tantalization agreement, Jaitley said bilateral issues can only be resolved by flagging them and by flagging them repeatedly.

Jaitley also discussed issues of increased trade cooperation and preparation for the economic dialogue with them.

"There is a much greater understanding on subjects of mutual interest," Jaitley said.

They also discussed the progress made on the negotiations of the proposed Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between the two countries.

The proposed treaty, which New Delhi calls Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (BIPPA), seeks to protect investments between the two nations.

India has signed BIPPAs with over 80 countries. However, it has put a freeze on these agreements following a spate of suits from telecom companies. "There were references from the US side about their concerns with regard to intellectual property regulations in India," Jaitley said. -PTI

All-woman network forays into higher education THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After making its presence felt in various fields from pickle making to IT business, Kerala's woman self-help group Kudumbashree is stepping into the higher education sector by setting up a community college in the state.

The flagship initiative is to be implemented with the support of Mumbai-based prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).

Eligible members of the allwoman network could avail a post-graduate diploma in Development Praxis free of cost under the program, Kudumbashree officials said.

The fee of a similar one yearcourse would cost about Rs one to Rs 1.5 lakh at TISS, they said.

"The community college initiative is a milestone in the history of Kudumbashree. We have a number of educated members and this project will help them expand the horizons of their dreams of higher education," Kudumbashree Executive Director K B Valsala Kumari told PTI.

TISS, one of the pioneers in the education of social sciences, would provide all technical and other back support for the program.

the mission and the daughters of those members who are five years' old in the network can apply for the course.

The selection will be made

10 per cent growth not impossible: Jaitley WASHINGTON: The path to 10 grew by 7.3 per cent in terms of per cent growth in Indian GDP. economy is not impossible, Fi"It is important that we reach nance Minister Arun Jaitley has that target, but it is more imporsaid citing economic reforms, tant that we sustain it for a couple policy changes along with a good of years," the Finance Minister monsoon as the basis for his opti- said in his remarks on 'Putting Inmism. dia back on track: A pathway to "This (10 per cent growth rate) double-digit growth', at the Ameriis reasonably possible. can Enterprise Institute (AEI), a That is where India's potential top US think-tank. is," Jaitley said at an event here "If we are able to sustain it for a soon after his arrival on the sec- couple of years, then I think, we ond leg of his nine-day US tour to will be able to have direct benefits attract American investors.

The Minister said The Minister said India's India's seven plus per seven plus per cent growth cent growth rate came rate came backdrop of a backdrop of a terrible monsoon last year and terrible monsoon last year a second round of crop and a second round of destruction in March crop destruction in March this year. The manufacturing sector was almost this year. The manufacturing crawling, and the sector was almost crawling growth rate was around five per cent, he said.

"Now with a lot more money as far as India is concerned, more being invested in infrastructure jobs, better economy and hopeand governments even conduct- fully over the next 10 years or so ing their fiscal policy in order to deplete the poverty levels in the help the manufacturing sector, segments that are more impacted there is a significant growth pos- by it," Jaitley said giving his oversible as far as this area is con- view of his government's economic policies. cerned," he said.

"I can't say as to what figure Hopefully, with a better monsoon this year, agriculture must do India's growth rate would achieve. better and would add to the But I am certainly of the view that the seven-and-a- half per cent nation's economy, he said.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) growth that we are presently at is has the potential to add at least not India's optimum potential. This one per cent to the GDP of India, year, we hope to touch about eight he said adding that last year, India per cent," he said.-PTI

No retrospective legislation, Jaitley assures US investors Cont’d from page 24

The syllabus and study materials of the course, which comprises nine months' classroom study and one month's field work, are drawn out by professors and TISS experts, she said.

Kudumbashree members with at least two years' experience in

through a multi-level process, comprising an entrance test, group discussion and interview.

An advisory committee, in which education experts and social activists of high repute are members, would monitor the execution of the program.-PTI

He said the monsoon this year appears to have started off quite well. "I am still keeping my fingers crossed. But, the impact of the adverse weather condition both a low monsoon and also the hailstorm had adversely affected the rural sector."

"Therefore, the increase in rural income has not been at the level that would have pleased us. We want to have an increased spending," he said.

Jaitley said the government is "seriously considering" some budgetary support in infusing capital. "Inducting capital is on our agenda," Jaitley said, adding that this can be done in two ways.

"One is to bring down the government equity to 52 per cent, which we have already an-

nounced. Banks can slowly move in that direction," he said.

"And the second of course is that the government is seriously considering some budgetary support in infusing capital. The exact amount as we finalize would let you know," Jaitley said in response to a question.

According to him, as the economy picks up and stalled projects take-off, plus some actions by the banks themselves, the NPA (non-performing assets) would gradually improve.

So from an all-time high of 6 per cent, the NPAs came down to 5.64 per cent and to 5.2 in the quarter ending in March.

"It is still too early to detect a pattern in it. I will wait for a quarter or two to analyze if there is some pattern in improvement," he said.

-PTI

June 26, 2015

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UK unions 'recognize' shortfall in pension fund: Tata LONDON: The UK trade unions' decision to suspended strike at Tata Steel plants in the country recognizes the substantial shortfall in the pension fund and the need to jointly address it, the steel maker said.

The unions - Community, Unite, Ucatt and GMB - suspended the strike scheduled for June 22 after a new pension offer from Tata Steel UK, which keeps British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS) open.

Earlier, they had temporarily suspended the industrial action at Tata Steel.

"We are pleased that a meeting of trade union delegates from Tata Steel sites across the UK has agreed to recommend to members a proposal which would enable UK employees to retain a modified final salary pension scheme," a Tata Steel UK spokesperson said.

Trade unions representing workers of Tata Steel UK had announced strike action on June 22 - the biggest industrial action in the UK in nearly three decades - over the proposed changes in the firm's pension

India slips to 61st place on Swiss money list ZURICH: India has moved down to 61st place in terms of foreigners' money in Swiss banks and it now accounts for a meager 0.123 per cent of the total global wealth worth USD 1.6 trillion in Switzerland's banking system.

While the UK and the US have retained their top two positions with the largest shares of the foreign clients' money with Swiss banks, Pakistan has inched up to 73rd place.

Interestingly, just two big banks - UBS and Credit Suisse - account for nearly twothird of the total money kept by foreigners in Swiss banks, while their share in case of Indians is even higher at about 82 per cent.

As per the latest data released by Switzerland's central banking authority SNB (Swiss National Bank), Indians' money in Swiss banks declined by over 10 per cent to about 1.8 billion Swiss francs (USD 1.98 billion or Rs 12,615 crore) in 2014.

This accounts for just 0.123 per cent of the total funds kept in the Swiss banks by people from across the world.

This is the second lowest level of Indian money in Swiss banks -after an increase of over 40 per cent in 2013 - and the latest data comes amid an enhanced clampdown against the famed secrecy wall of Switzerland's banking system.

The funds, described by SNB as 'liabilities' of Swiss banks or "amounts due to the customers of banks in Switzerland" are official Swiss figures and do not indicate to the quantum of the much-debated alleged black money held by Indians in the safe havens of Switzerland.

Besides, SNB's official figures do not include the money that Indians or others might have in Swiss banks in the names of entities from different countries.-PTI

scheme. Over 17,000 people work at Tata Steel across sites in Wales and around England.

The new pension offer had been reached following talks between Tata Steel and the unions facilitated by the conciliation ser-

vice ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service).

Tata Steel spokesperson said trade unions have lifted the one-day strike and have extended the suspension of industrial action after unions have consulted their members on the modification proposal.

"The decision recognizes the substantial shortfall in the pension fund and the need to jointly address it, given the challenging business environment in the UK. The recommended proposal includes fair and balanced modifications to existing scheme arrangements to achieve this," he said.-PTI

India Post 29

June 26, 2015 www.indiapost.com

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

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

www.indiapost.com

June 26, 2015

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

P

A

ccording to the latest grapevine, Bollywood couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone will get engaged in February next year and soon after the engagement, the couple might enter into wedlock.

The 'Ram-Leela' couple is speculated to exchange rings in February 2016. According to a report, "Deepika and Ranveer have got approval from both the families and are all set to exchange rings and make their relationship official in February 2016."

In an old interview, Ranveer expressed his desire to settle down, "I used to resist growing up but it is happening very organically. I am 29 and have a very simple aim today. I want to be an honorable family man. I have been thinking a lot about settling down."

Deepika said in an interview that if she fell for someone, she can quit stardom and lead a domesticated life as family comes first for the reigning queen of Bollywood. The dimpled actress says, "I can quit acting and lead a domesticated, happy family life away from the limelight. For me, nothing is more important than the relevance of family in our lives. That feeling of completeness."

I used to resist growing up but it is happening very organically.

I am 29 and have a very simple aim today. I want to be an honorable family man.

I have been thinking a lot about settling down."

arineeti Chopra is all set to move into her new home on Carter Road in Bandra, just a stone's throw away from where Karan Johar lives.

The house-proud actress reveals, "Yes, I bought a new home. And I've taken time off to do up my d r e a m home all on my own, brick-bybrick."

Parineeti has a professional architect. But she is personally looking into every aspect of the home's design and decoration. "Since I've the time before I go into another film, I am enjoying the process of picking sofa covers and cushions all on my own.

Oh ya, I am doing every inch of the house myself."

She shifts into her dream house at the end of June. "It's almost ready. It's a 4bedroom. And I am proud to say I put forward the design myself." The process of collecting design data began years back.

"I've always

been interested in interior designs. Wherever I travelled, I'd take pictures.

It could be a hotel room, or a shop.

Anything that caught my fancy, was clicked by me. I've an exhaustive folder of thousands of pictures."

She hopes to throw a housewarming party with Karan Johar of course as a prominent guest.

Bollywood

June 26, 2015

India Post 31

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K

areena Kapoor is happy and wished her ex-boyfriend Shahid Kapoor all the best for his coming wedding.

Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor dated for three years before calling it quits in 2007. The 'Haider' actor will get hitched to a Delhi based girl, Mira Rajput on July 10.

"I was aware about his marriage. Shahid had told me he is getting married. I am happy. Marriage is a beautiful commitment and I wish him all the best," Kareena told PTI in an interview.

Kareena, who was married to actor Saif Ali Khan for three years now, said that she has no advice for anybody and she might attend his wedding if invited, "I am nobody to advise anyone. Yes, I would."

Kareena will share screen space with Shahid in 'Udta Punjab' and the film also features Alia Bhatt and Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh.

Kareena is not paired opposite Shahid.

Kareena is happy for Shahid's recent success and wished to work with him in near future. "I am happy for him. He is doing wonderful work... He is a good actor. I would love to work with him."

A

rizona-based actor-choreographer Lauren Gottlieb came to be known in India after acting in Remo D'Souza's ABCD: Any Body Can

Dance.

The Bollywood choreographer-director first spotted her in the American dance reality show, So You Think You Can Dance, and after learning that she's also an actor, signed her on for his film. Also featuring veteran choreographers Prabhudheva and Ganesh Acharya among others, the dance flick gave a boost to Lauren's career. She got signed on for popular dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, which helped her develop her fan base.

The talented actress, who will now be seen playing a pivotal role with Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor in ABCD 2, credits Remo for giving her a big break and is clear this is why she's supporting him and the franchise.

Lauren says, "Remo sir has been very instrumental in my career growth. What matters to me the most is the equation I share with him, everything else is secondary. Besides being a prolific performer and filmmaker, he's a nice soul too."

S

hruti Haasan, who has wrapped up the shooting of Tigmanshu Dhulia's Yaara, says she feels fortunate to work with the acclaimed filmmaker so early in her career.

"It has been wonderful working with Tigmanshu sir. I'm happy that he gave me such a great role to play.

I'm lucky to work with him so early in my career," Shruti said here.

Dhulia has also acted in films, and Shruti feels that is a bonus for him as a director.

"Since he is such a fine actor, he understands both mediums really well. So he can put across his vision better. And acting according to those instructions was challenging, but fun," she added.

Shruti has mixed feelings about the conclusion of the film's shoot.

"I feel sad that the journey has ended. It's been wonderful working on Yaara, and playing a beautiful role."

Yaara also stars Vidyut Jamwal and Amit Sadh in lead roles and it is a friendship drama.

"I feel sad that the journey has ended. It's been wonderful working on Yaara, and playing a beautiful role."

„ Health

Line

Michelle Obama pushes healthy food MILAN: US First Lady Michelle Obama arrived here with her mother and daughters in Milan, where she is set to push her healthy food agenda at the World Expo.

The first lady kicked off the Italian leg of her trip to Europe, which began in London, with a cooking demonstration at the James Beard American Restaurant alongside a group of schoolchildren.

Obama has long worked on "Let's Move!", her program to get American children to eat more healthily and be more active.

"We'll be sharing some of our successes," Obama told Italian newspaper La Stampa.

"But more importantly, we'll be taking the time to learn from leaders here in Italy and all around the world to find out what's working for them."

Obama told the paper that while the US is still grappling with a serious obesity problem - one in three American children is overweight or obese - and while the global prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled since 1980, there is "a lot of reason for hope".

US daycare centers are increasingly giving children fruit and vegetables instead of cookies and snacks, while thousands of restaurants are creating healthier kids' menus, she said. -AFP

„

New trend: men are heading to the spa

NEW DELHI: Make way ladies, more men are now seen heading to the spa to relieve stress, lose weight, get in shape or just to treat themselves.

"In recent years, more men have been seen coming to the spa and they are quite aware of what they want," says Harish Kalathil, Spa Director at the Park Hotel.

Men in the age group of 25 to 30 years old, he says, are attracted to the variety of spa sessions now in vogue.

Industry experts say there is a boom in the men's spa section this year. "Men are booking spa appointments more than the women.

They want prolonged sessions that include sauna bath followed by a proper spa diet," says Shalini Tewari, Corporate Head, Spa and Loyalty, Rejuve, Lalit Suri Hospitality.

While in the West, the spa has gone the express treatment route, at home the sessions have become longer with people wanting an entire wellness package, which includes gym or yoga workout sessions followed by a spa treatment and a spa diet. -PTI

Health Science

Weightlifting helps man get healthy after retirement

32 India Post

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June 26, 2015

Details on Page 35

AAPI Meet call to give back to society & Motherland India India Post News Service

ORLANDO, FL: Members of American Association of Physi-

Dr Ravi Jahagirdar, President of AAPI, delivering his address at AAPI's India Engagement Forum

cians of Indian Origin (AAPI) pledged their wholehearted support to give back to the society here and back home in India at the 33rd annual convention held in Orlando on Thursday, June 18.

Attended by more than 2,500 delegates from across the nation, the annual convention was held from June 17 through June 21 at the Renaissance Or-

lando at the SeaWorld Orlando, Florida. It turned out to be a huge success.

"The 2015 AAPI Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly offers an exciting venue to interact with leading physicians, health professionals, academicians, and scientists of Indian origin," said Dr Amish Parikh, Chairman of the AAPI convention.

Dr Ravi Jahagirdar, President of AAPI, in his opening remarks at the India Engagement Forum said that "a major objective of AAPI has been about giving back to India, our motherland."

Pointing to several members of AAPI devoting their time, talents, skills and resources to help and support numerous projects and programs, he added "AAPI India Engagement is a way of coordinat-

ing these individual efforts for the sake of streamlining them and to make it easier and sustainable in a way that more members can contribute and help make a positive impact in the lives of millions of Indians."

Dr Ravi alluded to the Pilot Projects for Head-Injury Program in India. "The response to our initiative has been fabulous," he said. "More than 40 organizations - 27 from India and the rest from the US - have joined our efforts and we have harnessed our connections to have Superstar Bachchan to be the face of our program on creating awareness on Trauma and Brain Injury."

Anwar Feroz, Honorary Advisor of AAPI, while moderating the session, which focused on enhancing collaboration between physicians of Indian origin and India, updated the audience on the many initiatives AAPI has taken

in the past decade in their efforts to give back to their motherland, India. "AAPI's Engagement Forum was a way to strategize AAPI's health initiatives and make it most effective."

Dr Jogi Pattisapu, in his remarks praised the dedication of AAPI members. "The passion we see in this room is incredible," he said. Describing the Project on Neurotrauma, he said, India has the highest number of accident death rate anywhere in the world.

Elaborating the goals of ASMART, which stands for Achievable, Scalable, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic, Time Bound, he said, with collaboration of government of India, during a historic Delhi Workshop, a Guidelines Development Team with leading parishioners and institutions has been set up.

Cont'd on Page 34

AAPI office bearers and Members at the inauguration of the 33 rd annual convention at SeaWorld, Orlando

Convetion gets spiritual lift from Sri Sri India Post News Service

ORLANDO, FL: Even as the world geared up to mark the maiden International Day of Yoga, nearly 2,000 AAPI delegates and their families had an authentic experience of yoga and meditation with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar during the 33rd annual convention here in Orlando, FL on Friday, June 19.

Delegates of AAPI that represents nearly 100,000 Physicians, Fellows, and Residents in the United States, were led to meditate after an inspiring ad-

dress on Yoga and Health by global thought and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The unique event served as a platform for AAPI members to discuss the im-

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar leading the meditation during AAPI's 33rd annual convention

portance of meditation in resolving the nation's pressing health concerns and how Ayurveda, Yoga, and Meditations, the ancient traditions of India offer so-

lutions to the most pressing health problems of the world.

Sri Sri travels the world sharing wisdom and insights on a number of timely and important topics. He has written books that teach and inspire. His talks motivate and encourage, offer comfort and reassurance, and provide insights for daily living.

Sri Sri being greeted by AAPI leaders, Dr Ravi Jahagirdar, President of AAPI, Dr Seema Jain, President-Elect

Cont'd on Page 35

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Dr Seema Jain takes over as new AAPI Chief India Post News Service

ORLANDO, FL: In the presence of 2,500 participants, Dr Seema Jain, took the oath of office as the President of AAPI on Saturday June 20, a part of the important formality culminating the 33rd Annual Convention of this prestigious organization of physicians of Indian origin.

The delegates from across the nation

Dr Seema Jain addressing the gathering

came together to celebrate their achievements and to plan for ways to move forward, enriching and supporting one another for the greater good of humanity through education and dedication to their motherland India and to their adopted land, the United States, at the historic meet in Orlando

dent of AAPI, in his address, said, "When I became the President of AAPI, the vision for AAPI was spelled out on a traditional Vedic concept of "Panchsheel" , the five action pillars: Education, Community/Charitable service, Member Support Programs, Mentorship / Mantle, and Legislative Action, to further the voluminous achievements of the past 33 years."

As he handed over the reign of AAPI to Dr Seema Jain at a terrific gala, Dr Jahagirdar had this to say with much satisfaction and pride:, "This tumultuous year of achievements for AAPI draws to a close with a premonition that the future will be even more productive and that AAPI is now on an unmistakable march into a bright future."

Cutting edge CMEs that offered insights into several healthcare and medical issues, focus on ways to actively participate in the nation's legislative process on ways to prevent diseases, while working with the government of India and voluntary agencies to effectively train physicians in India, women's forum, fashion shows, mega entertainment by Bollywood stars, Sonu Nigam, Dr KJ Yesudas, cultural programs, healthy living, yoga, health walk, meditation, honoring those who worked hard to make a positive impact in their respective areas of work, and networking and renewing of friendships and bonds were some of the highlights of the 33rd annual convention in the magical city.

A group of attending delegates with family members

Dr Jayesh Shah, past President, AAPI administered the oath of office as the more than 2,500 delegates cheered loudly, greeting the new President of AAPI, the largest ethnic medical association in the country.

"With your support, dedication and hard work we will make sure that this is a turning point in the history of AAPI. Our key strategic initiatives will be as follows: Excellence of Education, Empowerment, Enlightenment, and Evolution," Dr Seema Jain said.

Along with Dr Jain, Dr Ajay Lodha as President-Elect, Dr Gautam Samadder as Vice President, Dr Naresh Parikh as Secretary and Dr Suresh Reddy as the Treasurer of AAPI assumed charge in the presence of leading luminaries and over 2,000 AAPI delegates from across the nation. Dr Aravind Pillai was administered the oath of office as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, AAPI by the out-going chairman, Dr Ajeet Singhivi.

Dr Ravi Jahagirdar, the out-going Presi-

AAPI had three dynamic speakers, Vani Tripathi, Dr Margaret McLaren, and Bhakti Sharma, at the Women's Forum, who were selected for not only their enthralling speaking abilities and their expertise in their fields, but also for the varied messages they were able to individually convey to a packed audience at the Discovery Hall.

The event also had the AAPI Golf Classic, AAPI's Got Talent and the Be Fit Be Cool Walk in partnership with the Orlando Health Foundation as part of AAPI's National Childhood Obesity program. Notable speakers at the event included US Surgeon General Vice Admiral (VADM) Vivek H. Murthy, Kailash Satyarthi, 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, recognized for his works against child labor; Sri Sri Ravi Shankar a humanitarian leader and a spiritual teacher; Preet Bharara, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York; and several top Indian performers including Mystic India, Jay Sean, Sonu Nigam and K

J Yesudas. tation in resolving the nation's pressing The conference provided an enriching health concerns and how Ayurveda, Yoga, platform for members comprising medical, and Meditations, the ancient traditions of mental health, and dental physicians in India offer solutions to the most pressing America to engage with the latest in medi- health problems of the world. cal technology, research and advances in Dr Jain called upon AAPI members to the world of all types of medicine and den- join in this historic journey: "AAPI's mistal. The convention included CME and sion is clear, our programs will continue to DME accredited courses as well as variety of panel discussions, presentations and a research competition. There were forums for AAPI Young Physicians Group (AAPI YPS) and for AAPI MSRF for medical students, residents and fellows.

A nearly sold out Exhibitor Hall included Oath Ceremony for newly elect President Dr Seema Jain medical and pharmaceutical products, jewelery, fashion de- strive and our impact is infectious on bensigns, devices and equipment and medical efiting society. We as physicians make sigand dental, practice-related services. nificant contributions for the betterment of Delegates of AAPI that represent nearly people's lives. As members we can make 100,000 Physicians, Fellows, and Residents these contributions through the 4 E's: Exin the United States, were led to meditate cellence of Education, Empowerment, Enafter an inspiring address on Yoga and lightenment, and Evolution. Today I ask Health by global thought and spiritual you to set aside your differences, and join leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The unique me in this noble journey to make our misevent served as a platform for the AAPI sion possible! We make history - starting members to discuss the importance of medi- today!"

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Congressional GOP plans to continue health law subsidies WASHINGTON: Congressional Republicans will move to temporarily continue health care subsidies for millions of people if the Supreme Court overturns the aid, according to plans discussed in the House and Senate.

In addition, the GOP proposals would dissolve many of the basic requirements of President Barack Obama's health care law, including mandates that most people buy coverage and most companies provide it to their workers, Republicans said. Eventually, they hope, the entire law would be repealed.

Should the justices annul the subsidies, which are a crucial girder of the 2010 law, GOP leaders hope their plans would let them take the political offensive against the statute. They also hope it would let them avoid blame from voters for making millions of lower-earning Americans risk losing health coverage. ``First of all, we're taking care of people who are going to get hurt,'' said Rep. Charles Boustany, R-La. ``Secondly, we're creating a bridge to help the states deal with the fiasco.''

Such an effort would be sure to encounter solid Democratic opposition in Congress and a veto from the President, who has championed the law's extension of health coverage to millions.

The details emerged as Republicans on both sides of the Capi-

tol met privately to discuss how to respond to the court's politically explosive ruling that's expected in the next two weeks. The decision could result in nearly 7 million people losing subsidies to

rules, including its abolition of lifetime coverage limits and its requirement that family policies cover children until age 26. States doing that would get federal block grants they could use to continue

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., accompanied by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington.

buy coverage under Obama's contested health care overhaul.

Lawmakers and aides said the plans were not final and could still change.

Under the plan presented by a quartet of committee chairmen to House Republicans and described by several legislators, if the courts voided the subsidies, the aid would continue anyway for the remainder of 2015.

After that, states could abandon all of the health care law's

subsidizing people buying insurance, aid the states could structure however they choose.

The block grants would last for two years - by which time the GOP hopes to have captured the White House and retained control of Congress. After that, the law Republicans call ``Obamacare'' would be eliminated altogether - leaving it up to the new president and Congress to craft a new approach.

If a state turns down the block grant, individuals could receive

tax subsidies directly as they do now.

Senate Republicans are discussing a similar structure although fewer details were available. Senators said their plan would temporarily provide aid to people losing subsidies - perhaps as block grants to states - and would abolish the mandates for individual and employer-provided coverage.

A leading author of the evolving Senate approach, Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., said it would help people now receiving subsidies through the 2016 elections, when the GOP hopes to capture the White House and keep congressional control. ``We need to fix health care in America, but Obamacare cannot be fixed,'' Barrasso told reporters.

The GOP's approach carries political risks, including whether they can unite behind an approach and push it through Congress. A number of conservatives have already expressed opposition to extending the law's subsidies at all. ``I do not believe we should extend subsidies. I think the proper answer is to allow states to opt out'' of the law's requirements, said Sen. Ted Cruz, RTexas, a candidate for his party's presidential nomination.

Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla., said House GOP leaders argued that the situation presents an opportunity for Republicans.

``This is transitioning out of Obamacare, not repealing it and not even affirming it. It's transitioning,'' Ross said. ``I think at the end of the day when we realize that we have one opportunity to respond and that Congress will be the focus of that response, we have to be together and do that, I think that that may carry the day. It's going to take a lot of coalescing.''

The high court is expected to rule on a lawsuit brought by conservatives and backed by the GOP. They say that under the law, the aid is limited to states operating their own insurance marketplaces, and is not allowed for the roughly three dozen that use the federal HealthCare.gov website.

Democrats say the overall bill's context makes clear that the subsidies were designed to go to residents of every state.

In the 34 states most likely to be hit hardest - should the justices erase those subsidies - about 6.4 million people receive the aid, averaging $272 monthly, according to the Health and Human Services Department. Analysts have warned that most of those people would no longer be able to afford health coverage if the assistance ended.

Many Republicans say that since Obama would not let them kill his own law, a complete overhaul will have to await the outcome of the 2016 elections.-AP

AAPI Meet call to give back to society & Motherland India Cont'd from Page 32

"We see the passion, and AAPI the leadership is committed to carry forward this partnership in working towards awareness, prevention, free hospitalization and rehabilitation of trauma and

Jharkhand, chosen as the pilot program.

The same theme of giving back to India echoed in the evening at the Classical Music Concert by legendary playback singer, Dr K.J. Yeshudas.

Devoted to the collective ef-

Dr K J Yesudas, along with his troupe performing a classical music concert

brain injury.

Dr Rakesh Srivastava, President of the American Surgical Society of India, told the audience about his initiatives in bringing affordable surgical process in India, with particular reference to the Trauma and Brain Injury Guidelines proposed in the state of

forts coordinated by the AAPI Charitable Foundation, Dr Rakesh Gupta, Chair of the Foundation, gave a brief description of the numerous initiatives of the Foundation in India and the US. AAPI has always been present when calamities strike whether it is the Tsunami, Katrina, or Earth-

quakes of Gujarat and Maharashtra. AAPI is supporting three cancer centers and has developed three major trauma centers and a hospital in Bhuj. AAPI has raised funds to help cyclone victims in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa, earthquake victims in Maharashtra and Gujarat and Nepal as well as the Kargil Jawan fund and the Prime Minister's Fund. AAPI runs 17 clinics serving millions of people in 12 states; Dr Gupta said the goal is to have a minimum of one medical clinic in each of the 29 states in India.

He appealed to AAPI members to support the Foundation by raising $100,000. AAPI delegates came out instantly pledging instantly on the spot helping raise the amount the Foundation needed. "It was very remarkable and truly amazing that AAPI members were able to rise up to the occasion and help the Foundation raise the required money instantly in less than 10 minutes to support the projects for the next one year," Dr Seema Jain, the incoming President of AAPI, applaud-

ing the generosity of AAPI members, said.

The annual AAPI convention offers its members a forum to deliberate on ways to enhance their own professional growth and identify ways to network and stay united and offer a unified voice to

States, represents the interests of over 60,000 physicians and 15,000 medical students and residents of Indian heritage in the United States. For over 30 years, Indian physicians have made significant contributions to health care in this country, not only practicing

A section of the audience

protect their rights as well as explore possibilities to give back to the society, she said. "We always did work but did not have structure and sustained collaboration," Dr Jahagirdar had said.

AAPI, the largest ethnic medical organization in the United

in inner cities, rural areas and peripheral communities but also at the top medical schools and other academic centers.

For more details, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.aapiconvention.org and www.aapiusa.org

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Convetion gets spiritual lift from Sri Sri Cont'd from Page 32

"The secret of meditation is in letting go," Sri Sri told the gathering, which included AAPI members and their families.

"Stress arises when we have too much to do, and not enough energy or time to do it.

We can neither change time nor the number of things we need to do. So, the only option is to increase energy levels. And this can be accomplished through yoga, breathing techniques and meditation," Sri Sri elaborated.

His message to educators was: "Education has five aspects - Information, concepts, attitude, imagination, freedom. It is education that makes us human, and if it doesn't, we need to look into the causes. It is educationists who can help us in this effort." He added, "As teachers mentor thousands of youth, they can bring a great transformation in society."

A happy mind lets you stay calm; make better decisions and improve the overall quality of life, he told the doctors, acknowledging that they lead a stressful life. "You live on average ten years less than the patients you treat," as a consequence of the stressful life you lead, he told them.

Research has demonstrated the benefits of yoga and meditation as an effective method in reducing stress, managing depression and improving the sense of well-being.

In just three decades, the programs and initiatives by Sri Sri have touched the lives

of over 370 million people in 152 countries, including many areas of conflict and disaster where he has offered stress- and trauma-relief programs, which have been successful in reducing the negative effects of PTSD and curbing violence.

Leading up the 20 minutes long meditation, Sri Sri told the doctors: "Meditation is that space where thoughts have subsided and the mind is in complete rest.

Meditation is the journey from movement to stillness, from sound to silence. Yoga is like a vast ocean.

Yoga offers many things to different people at many different levels-whatever they aspire for: union with the cosmic consciousness, or physical health, mental clarity, emotional stability, spiritual ecstasy all this is part of yoga." With the chanting of "Om" that filled the auditorium, the entire assembly in silence, he told them to go with the flow of the mind.

On the importance and the need to practice Yoga, which leads to one's holistic health, he said, "Yoga is more than just stretches, poses and an elastic body. It provides inner comfort and enables you to access your intuitive ability, which is a necessary ingredient in any field - be it business, arts, science or sports."

"The ancient secrets of Yoga hold the key to open a new dimension in your life beyond body and mind that will unlock your potential and tap into a field of infinite possibilities to live a deeper, more joyous life. Yoga brings good health, sharp-

Weightlifting helps man get healthy after retirement ERIE, Pa.: LeRoy Burton felt a lot older than 67 when he walked into Joe Orengia's gym 13 years ago.

Burton was overweight and fighting prostate cancer. The Millcreek Township man spent his days watching television and eating. ``I didn't even want to get out of bed in the morning,'' Burton said. ``I had no energy.''

Now Burton is an 80-year-old record-setting weightlifter who is 40 pounds lighter, cancer free and much stronger than he was when he first walked into the gym.

Twice a week he works out at Joe's Gym and trains other weightlifters, some of whom are older than he is. ``Ready to have some fun?''

Burton asked Walt Chapman as the 96-year-old prepared to do a few stiff-legged dead lifts.

Burton watched as Chapman lifted the barbell eight times, exhaling after each repetition. He gave Chapman a little more encouragement, then wandered over to another weightlifter and chatted with her.

Orengia said he hired Burton in part because he relates well to

the older people who often work out weekday mornings and early afternoons. ``Even at 69, some of these people think I'm a young guy,'' Orengia said with a hearty laugh. -AP

b

ness of intellect, creativity, emotional stability and a broad vision."

Earlier, Dr Ravi Jahagirdar, President of AAPI, in his welcome address, stressed the importance of ancient Indian traditions and how they sow the way to a healthier life in modern world. He thanked Sri Sri for

coming to share with AAPI delegates his wisdom. He also thanked the many sponsors of AAPI who make conventions a success. He invited on stage H.R.Shah, CEO of TV Asia and Dr Sudhir Parikh, CEO of Parikh Media, who received plaques of appreciation from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

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„

Realty Tidbits

Tata Housing website sells 30 luxury units NEW DELHI: Tata Housing says it sold more than 30 units in premium and luxury segment in 2014-15 for Rs 75-80 crore through its ecommerce portal.

The company also sells affordable houses through its portal tatahousing.in.

Tata Housing has become the first real estate developer to sell a villa worth Rs 5.5 crore through ecommerce portal, it said in a statement.

"In 2014-15 the company sold more than 30 units with a price tag of over Rs 1 crore for Rs 75-80 crore through its ecommerce portal," a Tata Housing spokesperson said.

Tata Housing MD & CEO Brotin Banerjee said: "With increasing penetration of the internet we are confident that the online medium will be the fastest growing channel of sales for the industry."

Banerjee added that the company will continue to invest in innovation to improve the online home buying experience in terms of interface, security and quality of transaction.

The company recently integrated a payment gateway which will allow customers to complete the entire transaction online.

Tata Housing has presence in Mumbai, Lonavala, Talegaon, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Bhubaneswar and is also now in the process of expanding its footprints to other parts of the country. -PTI

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Square Yards merges with realizing.in

NEW DELHI: Real estate advisory firm Square Yards has joined hands with online search and discovery platform realizing.in to maintain its leading position and ramp up market share.

"To consolidate its leading position and ramp up market share towards targeted 15 per cent in a couple of years, Square Yards has merged its business with www.realizing.in," a company statement issued here stated.

With the merger, the entire team of Realizing.in would join Square Yards, with its founders, Vivek Agarwal and Hitesh Singla, joining the firm's executive committee as partners.

Realizing.in portal would be rechristened as Square Yards and the group would continue to build research and knowledge capital capabilities under 'Realizing' brand to ultimately evolve it into a big data analytics platform for global real estate, it said. -PTI

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DB Realty joint venture for Mumbai project MUMBAI: City-based real estate firm DB Realty has said it has joined hands with ECC and Konark to develop a residential project in Andheri in suburban Mumbai."ECCDB-Konark joint venture is developing a residential project 'DB Skypark' near Terminal 2 of International airport in Andheri," DB Realty said in a filing to the BSE. DB Realty will have a 75 per cent share in the project, the company said. The JV will develop seven towers of 12 storey each with a total built up area of 4.7 lakh sqft. -PTI

Get a first look at the exquisite Terrace Ridge model homes India Post News Service

DUBLIN, CA: The highly anticipated Terrace Ridge model unveiling happens this Saturday, June 27 at 10 a.m., giving eager homebuyers their first opportunity to explore three beautifully decorated and furnished residences within a stunning elevated setting. Set against the Dublin foothills, this limited edition of just 36 brand new single-family homes offer stately exteriors, richly appointed interiors and unparalleled amenities that accommodate the priorities of growing families.

Those interested in raising their perspective of luxury are invited to bring their family and friends to this Saturday's event, get a first look at the model homes, enjoy refreshments and

entertainment, and learn more about owning at this exclusive new Dublin address. For immedi-

veiling is a can't-miss event for buyers ready to explore greater heights of new-home luxury," said

ate details on Terrace Ridge, log on to www.LyonTerraceRidge.com.

"This Saturday's model un-

Kathy Floyd, Director of Sales for William Lyon Homes. "Join us for a model home tour and find out how you can be one of the rare

few to own at Terrace Ridge."

An array of two-story luxury designs are available at Terrace Ridge, ranging from approximately 2,829 to 3,127 square feet, with 4 to 5 bedrooms, 4 to 5 baths, chef-inspired kitchens with islands, large great rooms, covered patios, lofts in select plans and 2-car garages. Select locations offer distant views of the valley and rolling hills. Prices start from the low $1.2 millions.

Set in convenient Dublin, residents enjoy easy access to TriValley's business employers, shops and leisure destinations.

Nearby is I-680, as well as a BART station for commutes to San Francisco and Oakland. In Pleasanton, the Altamont Corridor Express 'ACE' Train is on-hand for trips to Fremont, San Jose and Santa Details on Page 39 Clara.

Delhi's CP 5th costliest prime office market MUMBAI: Delhi's Connaught Place has ranked fifth in the list of most expensive prime office markets in the world, owing to rupee depreciation.

According to a survey by property consultant CBRE, at nearly USD 157 per sqft per annum, Delhi's central business district (CBD) of CP has gained the fifth spot in the list of most expensive prime office markets in the world.

Mumbai's alternative business district of Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), however stood at the 15th position, while Nariman Point was ranked 30th on the top 50 rankings for global prime office properties.

"Although Connaught Place moved up one spot in the rankings, due to the rupee depreciation, occupancy costs in this market remained largely stable due to a positive market sentiment," CBRE South Asia Chairman and Managing Director Anshuman Magazine said.

The office occupancy costs in Bengaluru rose by about 2.2

percent in the Bengaluru CBD, broadly in line with global inflation, he said.

According to the survey, London's West End remained the world's costliest prime office market, while Asia continued to dominate the most expensive office locations, accounting for four of the

Beijing's Finance Street at USD 196 per sqft, Beijing CBD (USD 188 per sqft) and New Delhi's CBD of Connaught Place at US 157 per sqft rounded out the top five.

"Occupancy cost trends were mixed, with regional surveys showing stronger hiring intentions among employers in India,

top five markets.

London West End's overall prime occupancy costs of USD 267 per sqft topped the 'most expensive' list, while Hong Kong's total prime occupancy costs stood at USD 254 per sqft, followed by

Taiwan, New Zealand, the Philippines and Japan while corporate hiring activity remained muted in other locations.

India and the Philippines continued to benefit from growing IT back office services looking for

operational and costs efficiency," Magazine said.

The study also found that the real estate recovery in Ireland remained on track, with Dublin (26.1 percent) and Belfast (13.3 percent) showing the largest and fourth-largest year-on-year prime occupancy cost increase, respectively, among the 127 cities surveyed.

The change in prime office occupancy costs mirrored the gradual recovery of the global economy, he said.

According to the survey, global prime office occupancy costs rose 2 per cent year-overyear, with the Americas up 2.9 per cent, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) rising 1.5 per cent and Asia Pacific up 1.4 per cent.

"Occupier caution has declined and corporate confidence has been on the rise and this confidence is starting to translate into a degree of expansionary momentum," CBRE Global Chief Economist Richard Barkham said. -PTI

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Govt nod to 'Housing for All' scheme NEW DELHI: The Government has given its approval for the launch of the 'Housing for All by 2022' scheme paving the way for affordable homes to the urban poor and slum dwellers at low interest rates.

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted the recommendations of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to in-

crease interest subvention to 6.50 per cent on housing loans to beneficiaries belonging to economic weaker section (EWS) including slum-dwellers and low income groups (LIGs).

The Cabinet's decision will benefit the urban poor by an amount of nearly Rs 2.30 lakh each and as a result the monthly EMI will come down by nearly Rs 2,852 per month.

According to a senior Housing and Urban Poverty Department

Alleviation official, at present, with the interest rate of 10.50 per cent, current EMI on admissible loan component of Rs 6 lakh, over 15year loan duration works out to be Rs 6,632 per month.

With Cabinet deciding on credit-linked subsidy to 6.50 per cent, EMI comes down to Rs 4,050 per month, benefiting the urban poor by Rs 2,582 per month, he

said.

On the whole, central assistance in the range of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2.30 lakh per beneficiary would be provided under different components of the National Urban Housing Mission in urban areas to build 2 crore new houses to meet the housing shortage, over the next 7 years.

As per the earlier approval of the Union Cabinet, there are four components to the National Urban Housing Mission.

Under the redevelopment plan of slums with the participation of private developers using land as a resource component, a central grant of Rs 1 lakh on an average per beneficiary would be provided.

States/Union Territories are at liberty to use this grant for any slum redevelopment schemes to be taken up to make such projects viable, if required.

In the second category, affordable housing through creditlinked subsidy scheme, an interest subsidy of 6.50 per cent on each housing loan to EWS and LIG beneficiaries would be provided by the central government.

Under third component of affordable housing in partnership with private and public sectors, central assistance of Rs 1.50 lakh to each beneficiary would be provided to promote housing stock for urban poor with the involvement of private and public sectors, provided 35 per cent of dwelling units of the projects proposed are earmarked for EWS category.

For the fourth category of subsidy for individual beneficiary-led construction or enhancement of houses, a central assistance of Rs 1.50 lakh would be provided to each eligible urban poor beneficiary to enable him build his own house or undertake improvements to existing houses.

The housing stock demand may further increase further to the demand assessment to be made by the states and UTs based on online registration through integration of Adhaar Number of Jan Dhan Yojana accounts. -PTI

Industry hails 'Housing for All' as a milestone NEW DELHI: Hailing the Cabinet's decision of launching 'Housing for All by 2022' mission for providing affordable homes to the urban poor at low interest rates, the real estate industry terms the decision as a "milestone".

"This is a welcome step taken by the Union Government.

This decision will work as a milestone in Indian housing sector. Every stakeholder of the industry would get benefited by this step," Industry body Credai NCR President Manoj Gaur said in a statement.

Gaur added that subsidy for beneficiary-led individual house

construction, promotion of affordable housing for weaker sec-

The scheme will lead to greater social inclusion and will be beneficial for the urban poor including the slum dwellers. tion through credit linked subsidy, all these steps will be a boon for affordable and weaker

section of the society.

Echoing the views, Tata Housing Managing Director and CEO Brotin Banerjee said: "The approval of Housing for All could be a precursor to introducing key reforms for the real estate sector. The scheme will lead to greater social inclusion and will be beneficial for the urban poor including the slum dwellers."

Banerjee added that the urban housing shortage to increase to more than three crore units by 2022, and it is a positive step towards fulfilling the dream of owning a house for every Indian.PTI

NY authorities charge Brooklyn landlord NEW YORK: Authorities brought criminal charges against a landlord they say drove tenants out of rent-regulated apartments by doing construction and demolition at his building and shutting off the heat.

The indictment charges Brooklyn landlord Daniel Melamed with three counts of unlawfully evicting tenants from rent-regulated

plaints. ``New York's real estate boom is generating jobs. It is creating revenue. But it also has put thousands of tenants at risk to unscrupulous landlords,'' Schneiderman said outside the building. ``Bad landlords have an incredible incentive under the current laws to get rent-regulated tenants out of their buildings by any means nec-

Mayor Bill de Blasio Hosts a Press Conference with Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Corner of Union Street and Troy Avenue, Brooklyn.

apartments, endangering the welfare of a child and filing a false document. Authorities also accused the engineer he hired to oversee construction on the 14unit building, Pirooz Soltanizadeh, of filing a false document. Both pleaded not guilty.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said the Crown Heights landlord's arrest was the first to come from their joint task force launched in February to inspect properties that have been the subjects of harassment com-

essary, and harassment is reaching new lows.''

They have multiple pending investigations, Schneiderman said.

De Blasio said there have been too many abusive landlords in the city. ``Too many times they've gotten away with abusive actions toward tenants,'' he said.

Meanwhile, the state law for the city's rent regulations has expired with Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders in Albany trying to negotiate an extension and pos-

Gera eyes 50% increase in revenue MUMBAI: Pune-based realty player Gera Developments is eyeing 50 per cent increase in sales over the next two years to more than Rs 650 crore, even as it plans to add another one million sqft of development over the period, a top company official said.

"There is a slowdown in the sector as a whole. But the model that we have adopted of slowly expanding our business, we expect to add another one million sqft of projects, including commercial and residential, over the next two years," company's Managing Director Rohit Gera told PTI here.

The company currently has a portfolio of 6.28 million sqft of projects including commercial and residential across three markets-Pune, Bengaluru and Goa.

The company expects to clock around Rs 400 crore this fiscal.

"We have completed and delivered nearly 3.7 million sqft so far and around 2.24 million sqft is under various stages of construction. The ongoing projects and the new addition gives us a vision of achieving 50 per cent increase in revenues over the next two years to over Rs 650 crore," he said.

The company, which has four commercial projects under the brand 'Imperium', plans to open few more in its existing markets.

"Besides this, our focus will also be on launching more 'child centric' residential projects in these markets. We already have one each in Pune and Bengaluru.

We also want to launch it in Goa," he added. -PTI

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Get a first look at the exquisite Terrace Ridge model homes Cont’d from page 37

Abundant retail and dining opportunities are also close by, including Hacienda Crossings Shopping Center with its Regal Cinemas and IMAX. Recreational opportunities feature

Mount Diablo State Park, Emerald Glen Park, Fallon Sports Park, Dougherty Hills Dog Park and Dublin Ranch Golf Course. Parents enjoy inclusion in the wellregarded Dublin school district and nearby private schools.

Google's Nest targeting 'thoughtful' homes SAN FRANCISCO: Google's Nest Labs is releasing new versions of its surveillance-video camera and talking smoke detector as part of its attempt to turn homes into yet another thing that can be controlled and tracked over the Internet.

The gadgets unveiled are Nest's most significant product updates since Google bought the Palo Alto, California, company last year for about $2.75 billion. A few months later, Google bought surveillance-camera maker Dropcam for $517 million to help Nest realize its ambition of creating ``thoughtful'' homes.

Like several other technology companies, Google is implanting its own products and services into homes as more appliances and other gadgets feed into an Internet-connected matrix. Nest, which is led by former Apple engineer and iPod designer Tony Fadell, is playing a central role in Google's expansion into homes.

off vision, Fadell said, but not any longer. ``We have changed the conversation of the connected home,'' Fadell boasted.

Google and other technology companies will still need to overcome people's concerns about protecting their privacy before automated homes become commonplace.

NEW LOOK, NEW NAME FOR CAMERA The Dropcam is changing its name to the Nest Cam as part of an upgrade that will feature higher-definition video, a sleeker design, a stand with a magnet that can be connected to refrigerators and better infrared technology for recording images in the dark. It will cost $199.

Nest is also offering a $10-permonth subscription service that will store up to 10 days of video, send alerts about suspicious activity and bundle up to three hours of clips likely to be of the most

The Dropcam is changing its name to the Nest Cam as part of an upgrade that will feature higher-definition video, a sleeker design, a stand with a magnet that can be connected to refrigerators and better infrared technology for recording images in the dark. It will cost $199.

Google is building an operating system called Brillo to enable all the Internet-connected home devices to communicate with each other. Brillo will compete against a similar system called HomeKit offered by Apple.

In most instances, a person's smartphone will serve as a remote for controlling all the Internetconnected appliances. The smartphones can also be used to receive notifications about what's happening in the house.

The concept of a fully automated home once seemed like a far-

interest to the home occupants.

BETTER NOSE FOR FIRE Nest's next-generation smoke detector will have more sophisticated sensors for sniffing out fires and a 10-year lifespan, up from seven years. The device also will perform automatic tests each month to ensure its speaker and horn are working properly. As with the original version of the smoke alarm, it will announce a potential problem in an automated voice before resorting to a loud alarm. It will sell for $99. -AP

It matters who your builder is and William Lyon Homes is a company built upon a legacy of pride and integrity.

A team of visionaries who are passionate about homebuilding and committed to providing a high quality home buying and home ownership experience, William Lyon Homes has earned a solid track record for outstanding construction and customer service since 1954. The company

continues to expand its well-respected brand beyond California, Arizona and Nevada and into other market areas across the Western region with the acquisition of Polygon Homes, its newest division in Washington and Oregon, and its Village Homes division in Colorado.

William Lyon Home shares are publicly traded on Nasdaq under the symbol WLH. For updated in-

formation and to learn more, visit www.lyonhomes.com.

To visit Terrace Ridge, travel I-580, exit Tassajara Road and proceed north. Turn right on Silvera Ranch Drive, then right on Terrace Ridge Court. The Sales Gallery is located on the left and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, call 925.605.6045, or visit www.LyonTerraceRidge.com.

40 India Post

P

laced perfectly along the lusting greeneries of the hills and foothills of Shivalik mountain ranges in Uttarakhand, Rajaji National Park is well known for its verdant scenic beauty and is enriched with worthy bio diversity. Established in 1983, Rajaji National Park is formed by amalgamating three famous sanctuaries namely Rajaji Sanctuary, Chilla sanctuary and Motichur sanctuary. The Rajaji National Park got its name after the renowned Indian statesman Sri C. Rajgopalachariya, popularly known as Rajaji.

The National Park is a large protected region of area nearly 820 square km spreading over three districts Pauri

June 26, 2015

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Garhwal, Haridwar and Dehradun of Uttarakhand state in India.

This National Park is rich in flora and fauna and forms the Shivalik ecological balances of the natural system. The Shivalik track is assumed to be more than 10 million years old and the area is enriched with valuable fossils. The Park is rich with the flow of majestic Ganges for about a distance of 24km. The park's diversity and rich vegetation owes it to Ganges and many other streams and brooks.

The Park comprises rich vegetation including grassy lands, board leaved mixed forests, Sal forests and scrublands. This area houses a large variety of birds and animals; they include mam-

THIS NATIONAL PARK IS RICH IN FLORA AND FAUNA AND FORMS THE

SHIVALIK

ECOLOGICAL BALANCES OF THE NATURAL SYSTEM. THE SHIVALIK TRACK IS ASSUMED TO BE MORE THAN 10 MILLION YEARS OLD AND THE AREA IS ENRICHED WITH VALUABLE FOSSILS. THE PARK IS RICH WITH THE FLOW OF MAJESTIC GANGES FOR ABOUT A DISTANCE OF 24KM.

mals of different species, snakes, rare lizards, frogs and other types of amphibians, kinds of butterflies Rajaji National Park is a perfect place for nature loving tourists, to mix up with the natural vegetation, animals, reptiles and birds. The park is open to public all the days from mid November to mid June. During rainy season it remains closed.

Cont’d on page 42

June 26, 2015

Travel & Hospitality Post

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Soon free Wi-Fi at Qutub Minar, Red Fort NEW DELHI: Soon international and domestic tourists thronging Qutub Minar, Red Fort and Humayun's tomb will be able to avail free Wi-Fi service.

The Wi-Fi facility will be free for first 30 minutes and post that usage, any browsing will be chargeable and the tourists will have to buy vouchers.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rail Tel Corporation to install free Wi-Fi service at Red Fort, while they have done a tie-up with MTNL for providing internet at Qutub Minar and Humayun's tomb.

"We have written to service providers to install Wi-Fi hotspots at three historical sites. We have given principal approval to go ahead with the project and the telecom companies will soon start the work," a senior ASI official said.

According to officials the services can

be availed within a 200-metre radius of the monument.

Goa E-Tourist visa for 31 more countries PANAJI: The Goa International airport is set to issue E-Tourist Visas (ETVs) to 31 new countries enlisted for this facility granted by the Centre recently, a move that will boost tourism during monsoon.

The existing policy had provided this

benefit to 45 countries and with the inclusion of 31 more countries, the facility is now available for citizens from nearly 75 countries. The Centre plans to extend this to 150 by next year, a press release issued by state tourism department here said.

Now tourists eligible for ETVs under the new visa policy are from Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Belgium, Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala, Hungary, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, Malaysia, Mongolia, Mozambique, the Netherlands, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Surinam, Sweden, Tanzania, East Timor, Turks and Caicos Islands, the UK, Uruguay and Venezuela.

The airport at Dabolim has already made arrangements for catering to citizens from

75 countries, availing of ETV facility. As on June 8, as many as16,875 ETVs were issued at the Dabolim airport, it said.

The tourism ministry is expecting a good footfall of foreign tourists during monsoons (June-September) as the new trend has set in of foreign tourists arriving to the state as free independent travelers (FITs).

Records indicate that even though the charter season has shown a marginal dip in arrivals, a sizable number has arrived in Goa as FITs, making up for the loss of charter tourists, it added.

The charter arrivals, however, registered an increase from Ukraine (129 flights) followed by Iran (42 flights). The state also witnessed a successful season as far as cruise liners were concerned.

A total of 25 cruise liners anchored at MPT bringing 24,131 tourists from Europe as against 17 last year.

State tourism minister Dilip Parulekar said, "Goa tourism is looking forward to the new season 2015 commencing in September. And new initiatives such as hot air balloon, amphibious vessel and seaplanes will

also begin operations and will be a major attraction in the coming season." -PTI

However, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has asked the service provider

not to carry out any construction or installation within the protected monument.

Service provider is in process of deciding number and location of hotspots to be installed at each site.

The ASI has also identified others spots in the country where this free Wi-Fi plan will be implemented.

In a MoU with BSNL they have decided to install Wi-Fi services at Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Sarnath and Sun temple Konark. The service at Taj Mahal has been inaugurated "BSNL will bear all the installation charge and will not share any revenue with ASI. They will also ensure that a minimum internet speed is maintained for uninterrupted online browsing," the ASI official said.

While ASI has also made a contract with BSNL for installing Wi-Fi at Mahabalipuram, Hampi, Khajuraho and Brihadeeswara temple at Tanjore but in these locations ASI will share the installation cost.

"ASI will share installation cost with BSNL, while revenue will go to the service provider," the officer added. -PTI

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RAJAJI NATIONAL PARK Verdant scenic beauty and awesome Jungle Safari Cont’d from page 42

Tourist Attractions

plored sprawling grasslands.

During the safari one can spot many wild animals including Asian Elephants, Tiger and King Cobra, Panther, Bear, Chital, Sambar, Wild Boar, Kakar, Python, Monitor Lizard, Wild Cats. You can also spot many birds and many species of different plants, shrubs and trees.

Chandi Devi Temple: Chandi Devi Temple, placed ideally on a hillock named as Neel Parvat near

Jungle Safari: To enjoy the wild life and nature in its pristine form, the jungle safari in Rajaji National park is a perfect option. The enchanting experiences of nature walks, Jungle safari by walk or by vehicle at Rajaji National Park is really awesome.

Adventurous tourists can venture out for Jeep Safaris and Elephant Safaris in the 34 km long tracks of Rajaji National Park. One can take a breath taking safari through hilly terrains, green valleys and plains, undulating forest tracks, vegetated river beds, thick and dense forest lands and unex-

Rajaji National Park was constructed in 1929 by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh. The hill and the temple are on the banks of the sacred river Ganges. The main deity is Chandi Devi and it is believed that the idol of the goddess was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.

Bird Watching: Bird watching is a celebration in Rajaji National Park. The Bird sanctuary in the wetland of Assan Barrage is located near the convergence of two rich rivers, Yamuna and Assan.

The region is a paradise for bird watchers and Nature loving enthu-

Accommodation facilities are available for tourists in the forest rest houses. This magnificent park provides handful of chances to nature lovers and genuine tourists to make merry in the wild life, lusting scenery and captivating landscapes.

siasts. This area contains many endangered species of rare birds.

Even though the declared Sanctuary is small in area, the region is amazingly rich with domestic and migratory birds. This barrage is a halting place for many trans-Himalayan migratory birds, during their travel to southern India and also during their return.

Best season to visit here is from

October to June.

How to reach

By Train: Nearest railway station is Haridwar, which is just 43 km away from Rajaji National Park.

Dehradun is the major rail junction nearby, situated at a distance of 21 km from Rajaji National Park.

By Air: Nearest airport is Jollygrant which is 21 km away from Rajaji National Park and is

situated in Dehradun. Jollygrant airport is well connected to Delhi airport.

By Bus: Rajaji National Park is well connected to many cities in the region by buses. Private and public buses offer services from Rajaji National Park to Haridwar (43 km), Rishikesh (14 km), Dehradun (21 km) and also to Delhi (223 km).

NGO to address Agra monkey menace NEW DELHI: A Delhi-based wildlife conservation NGO has signed a pact with Agra Development Authority (ADA) to scientifically address monkey menace in India's most popular tourist destination.

Wildlife SOS, a Delhi based wildlife conservation organization said as per the MoU, a detailed plan has been drawn up to tackle monkey-menace in the city.

The first stage of the plan involves an extensive survey of the primates in the area and at least 70 per cent will be vaccinated against rabies.

To reduce aggression amongst the animals, this will be followed up by sterilization drives, which will also serve as a long-term solution to the growing population of the primates in the city, the

statement said.

A statement by Wildlife SoS said that there was a growing number of incidents involving monkeys, including monkey bites and attacks, on tourists and residents.

"Not only are tourists and public impacted by the monkey bites but the possibility of zoonotic disease spread through bites such as rabies is a real concern," a statement quoting ADA said.

The initial stage of the project

is expected to be completed in a year with the creation of a rapid response unit and infrastructure for holding and treating the monkeys (inoculation and sterilization).

The project is slated to take off 6 weeks from the date of signing of the MOU, at which point surveys of the monkey troops and identification of high conflict zones will begin, followed by trapping of identified monkey troops.

"We are confident that this will be a scientific and pragmatic solution to help increase the tolerance of people and also resolve human-primate conflict in Agra city. This can also serve as a model to emulate in other cities that have similar conflict situations," Geeta Seshamani, co-founder, Wildlife SOS, said.

-PTI

Travel & Hospitality Post

June 26, 2015

India Post 43

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India wants to learn from Singapore: Minister SINGAPORE: India has said it is keen to learn from Singapore how it has developed modern technology and promoted cleanliness and tourism.

"We have much more to give back to the developed countries like Singapore in the form of rich heritage, our values and our traditions," Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Mahesh Sharma told PTI after co-opening an exhibition of Buddhist art at a Singapore museum.

"We want to learn from Singapore the modern technology, the cleanliness and tourism (development)," he said, citing the example of Sentosa Island resort among others.

"Their expertise in developing the country is definitely exemplary.

We want to learn the same. But we also want to give this world a lot more in the form of culture, values and traditions," said Sharma, who co-opened the exhibition with Singapore's Culture, Community and Youth Minister Lawrence Wong.

Sharma reiterated the "very close relationship" between India

and Singapore, and highlighted from the life of the Buddha, and India's wish to share knowledge symbols used to represent Buddhist concepts. and teaching of Buddha.

The sculptures include 1.2The exhibition, "Treasures from Asia's Oldest Museum", has Bud- metre-tall sandstone Standing dha art from the Indian museum Buddha from Sarnath, dating to in Kolkata and is part of celebrating Singapore's 50 years of independence and 50 years of diplomatic relations with India.

The exhibits at Singapore's Asian Civilizations Museum are collaborated by the Kolkata museum, which is Asia's oldest, and is sponsored by the Indian government.

Tourism Mahesh Sharma The exhibits of over 80 sculpture and paintings traces Bud- the 5th Century, and a 10th-cendhist arts from the 2nd century tury carving from Nalanda of BC, the Jataka stories or the past Queen Maya giving birth to the life stories of Buddha, scenes Buddha. -PTI

Help Nepal by sending tourists, says Minister KATHMANDU: Nepal has appealed to the international community to send tourists to its famed heritage sites to revive its ailing tourism industry as it reopened another heritage palace complex,

Kripasur Sherpa

nearly two months after deadly earthquakes damaged many historical sites and killed nearly 9,000 people.

Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, a medieval period temple and palace complex enlisted in UNESCO

World Heritage site was reopened for tourists here.

Speaking during its opening, Tourism Minister Kripasur Sherpa called on international community to send more visitors to the heritage sites of Nepal to help rebuild the monuments and shrines devastated by the earthquakes.

The earthquakes that struck Nepal on April 25 and May 12 have damaged nearly 90 per cent of the palaces, shrines and monuments which were built at least 300 years ago.

The Kathmandu Municipal Corporation (KMC) has provided helmets to the tourists willing to visit the cultural and religious site of Hanumandhoka Durbar Square here belonging to the Malla era.

"If you want to help Nepal, send visitors to our monuments and shrines. There are beautiful places and historical and cultural sites which are less affected by the earthquake and it is safe to visit these places," Sherpa said.

Nepal government has opened Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath and Swoyambhu, enlisted by the UNESCO as heritage sites.

More than 128 tourists have visited Kathmandu Durbar Square within 48 hours of its opening.

Bhesh Narayan Dahal, Director General of Department of Archaeology has asked the government a fund of Rs 1.8 billion for the next fiscal year for renovation and reconstruction of the devastated shrines and monuments of Kathmandu valley.

He said the government will soon start the reconstruction and renovation works at the heritage sites and it will be completed within the next 5-79 years period. -PTI

Exhibit of vanishing roadside landscape DEARBORN, Mich.: An exhibit that looks at the vanishing landscape of roadside attractions along U.S. highways has opened at Henry Ford Museum in suburban Detroit. ``Roadside America: Through

A roadside sign from the "Roadside America: Through the Lens of John Margolies" exhibit at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.

the Lens of John Margolies'' runs through Jan. 24 at the museum in Dearborn. An appearance by the author, photographer and lecturer on American architecture and design is also scheduled.

For several decades, Margolies photographed the unusual and the everyday of roadside attractions, including movie theaters, gas stations, diners and motels, providing a comprehensive study of American roadside architecture, the museum said.

The exhibit includes slides and items recently acquired by The Henry Ford from Margolies' collection of photos, diaries, pennants, postcards and luggage labels.

Inside the exhibit, viewers can learn more about the inspiration behind his collection, including the books and camera equipment he used. Visitors can view travel logs that Margolies collected via touch screen or step inside an oversized postcard for a photo.

Three vehicles from The Henry Ford's collection that are not normally on display will be part of the exhibit. At the entrance, visitors will see the 1950 Buick Roadmaster. A 1950 Chrysler New Yorker and a 1963 Studebaker Avanti also will be seen.

Henry Ford Museum is part of The Henry Ford, a history attraction that includes Greenfield Village. The exhibit is supported by the Ford Motor Company Fund. AP

Othello's Tower builds trust in divided Cyprus FAMAGUSTA, Cyprus: Greek and Turkish Cypriot politicians have pledged to preserve Cyprus' rich cultural heritage after hailing the restoration of a 14th century seaside garrison that is the fictional setting of Shakespeare's play ``Othello.''

The promise came amid renewed hopes that the east Mediterranean island nation's ethnic divisions can be healed.

Seizing on the strong positive vibe from peace talks that resumed last month after months of stalemate, politicians from both sides of the divide inspected the completed restoration work of the Othello Tower and Citadel during a visit to the sandstone structure in the city of Famagusta. It reopens next

month. ``Restoration of this monument is proof that when Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots cooperate, we can create miracles,'' said Christos Christofides, from the Greek Cypriot left-wing AKEL party. ``We need a solution like the desert needs water.''

Turkish Cypriot Turfan Erhurman from the left-wing CTP party said that culture should rise above politics to bind the two communities, which until a decade ago had virtually no contact with each other. ``I believe that the cultural position of Famagusta is very rich and we have to protect it together,'' Erhurman said. -AP

In Brief Hardware snag hits US visa services globally WASHINGTON: A hardware problem in the State Department's computer system has hit America's visa issuing processes across the globe, an official has said.

"The Bureau of Consular affairs is facing some technical problems with the visa systems.

This is a global issue, and we're working around the clock to fix it," State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

In fact, more than 100 computer experts from both the private and public sectors across the US are working on this, he said.

The problem stems from a hardware failure. "That failure right now is preventing the Department from processing and transmitting the mandatory security-related biometric data checks at our embassies and consulates," Kirby said.

"Certainly we regret this inconvenience to travelers, recognize that this is causing hardship for those that are waiting for visas, and in some cases their family members or employers in the United States," he said.

Noting that it is very much a security issue, he said, "That's why we're taking it so seriously.

So we're going to get it done, we're going to get it done right, and we're not going to rush as well."

"We're working on this as fast as we can, but it's important to get it done right. Of course, we're going to continue to post regular updates on our website," Kirby said. -PTI

„ Visa-free travel between India, Spain NEW DELHI: Diplomatic passport holders from India and Spain will soon be able to travel to each other's country without visas.

The Union Cabinet gave its approval for signing of an agreement on the abolition of visa requirement for holders of diplomatic passports between India and Spain.

The agreement will facilitate visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic passport of one country while entering into, transiting through, exiting from or staying for up to 90 days in the territory of the other country, an official statement said.

Certain safeguards are also proposed to prevent misuse of the facility.

India has similar agreement with 40 countries. -PTI

Immigration 44 India Post

www.indiapost.com

June 26, 2015

Court revives post-9/11 detainee claims Details on page 45

California on cusp of offering young immigrants health care SANTA ANA, Calif.: In a move that adds momentum to efforts to integrate immigrants, California is on the cusp of extending statesubsidized health care coverage to children from low-income families who are in the country illegally.

Democrats, immigration groups and health care advocates celebrated the announcement as both a cost-saving move and social progress for the state's estimated 2.5 million immigrants who are in the country illegally. Critics, however, worry that the overburdened state-funded health program can't handle another 170,000 children.

Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders announced a $115.4 billion budget agreement that for the first time includes state funding to cover low-income children under 19 regardless of their legal status in Medi-Cal, the state's health care program for the poor. ``This is a historic day,'' said Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles. ``With this budget we're saying that immigrants matter.''

Legislative Republicans were noticeably silent on the announcement as the minority party struggles in California to rebrand itself to attract a younger and more diverse voter base. They warned

that the proposal won't help immigrants access doctors because of the shortage of providers who accept Medi-Cal. Still, low-income immigrants welcomed the possibility of accessing free health coverage. Currently, the state only offers emergency and pregnancy-related services.

Alicia Arango, 31, of Inglewood said she's eager for her 10- and 12-

wasn't always enough when her son had stomach troubles. ``Sometimes we wouldn't even pay the rent, and they'd charge us surcharges, but we preferred to pay the surcharge than for our child not to see a doctor,'' said Arango, who came to the country nine years ago from Mexico.

Itzamar Carmona, a 19-year-old college student from Oakland, said

Patient Rosa Guerra, 52, right, gets a free eye exam during the Binational Health Week event held at the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles. A budget deal between Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders would make California the first in the nation to offer state-subsidized health care to children who are in the country illegally.

year-old sons to have insurance.

Her husband works two restaurant jobs to support the family but that

having health coverage makes a difference.

Carmona, who was born in

Mexico, said she used to hide when she had a fever or felt sick to prevent her parents from worrying about having to take her to the doctor. In contrast, her younger brother, who was born in the United States, was covered by Medi-Cal and made frequent trips to the doctor and dentist. ``I would just go to school and deal with it because I didn't want my parents to have to deal with me being sick - another issue they had to worry about,'' she said.

For a child to be eligible for Medi-Cal, a family of four would have to make less than $59,625 a year. If approved, coverage would begin in May 2016.

According to the National Immigration Law Center, four states Washington, Illinois, New York and Massachusetts - already provide health coverage to children regardless of their immigration status.

California's push to cover children who are in the country illegally marks a significant cultural shift because of the size of its immigrant population and the state's previous voter-approved policies to deny public benefits to immigrants in the country illegally, said Gabrielle Lessard, a health policy attorney with the law center.

Cont'd on Page 45

Warning on failure to amend H1B petitions HASAN ABDULLAH

O

n May 21, USCIS re leased Guidance on when an employer should file an amended H-1B petition after a landmark Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) decision, Matter of Simeio Solutions, LLC. It held that employers must file amended H-1B petitions when a new Labor Condition Application (LCA) is required based on a change in the worker's worksite.

Specifically, a new LCA, which is a form filed to inform the Department of Labor of conditions of employment, must be filed when a worker moves from one geographic region, known as a Metropolitan Statistical Area

(MSA), to another.

This decision is at odds with previous guidance issued back in on October 23, 2003, in the form of an advisory letter written by then USCIS Director Efren Hernandez.

This letter specifically advised that a mere change in an H-1B worker's geographic location, in and of itself, does not require an employer to file an amended petition.

Recently, USCIS has been conducting work site checks on H-1B workers, and in situations where the worker is not found at the worksite listed in the originally filed H-1B petition and LCA, USCIS has been issuing notices of intent to revoke the H-1B status of these workers, and ulti-

mately revoking petitions where the worksite changed without an amended petition.

USCIS has been issuing notices of intent to revoke the H-1B status where the worksite changed without an amended petition.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has stated that it believes that based

on law, liaison meeting minutes, and prior correspondence that no new petition is or should be required. It certainly would be costly to many consulting companies, and perhaps many will ignore the warning of "adverse action" as it is yet to be seen how USCIS will enforce the Simeio decision.

Readers who are interested in learning more about the implications of the Simeo decision or who would like discuss their immigration matters with an experienced attorney may visit our website at www.usavisalaw.com where they may find our contact information.

The writer is Attorney at Law

Immigration Post

June 26, 2015

India Post 45

www.indiapost.com

Anti-immigrant parties form EU Parl group BRUSSELS: A coalition of farright, anti-immigrant parties in the European Parliament have announced they are uniting to form a political group under the leadership of France's National Front chief Marine Le Pen. The move of the National Front, the Dutch PVV of Geert Wilders, Austria's Freedom Party, Italy's Northern League and the Belgian Flemish Interest Party will give them more clout in the European Union legislature and add more of an anti-EU flavor to its proceedings. The group will also push its strong anti-immigrant agenda. ``I am happy to announce the beginning of the group Europe of Nations and Freedoms,'' Le Pen told reporters, surrounded by leaders of the other political groups.

``We will be a political force that cannot be compared to our previous situation.''

Most of the parties made gains in last year's European election but until now had failed to find enough cohesion to form a united group. ``This is D-Day. This is the beginning of our liberation,'' said Wilders, the Dutch political firebrand best known for his anti-Islam and anti-immigration stance.

Forming a recognized group gives the politicians more staff, access to funds and more rights to start initiatives.

To get full standing in the 751seat legislature, a group needs to have at least 25 members from seven nations. Le Pen's National Front already has 23, so individual member-

French far right party, Front national, President Marine Le Pen, center, arrives for a media conference with other far right leaders at the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday, June 16.

ship was not so much a problem as getting the country quota.

Court revives post-9/11 detainee claims NEW YORK: Former top US officials can be held liable for the abuse of hundreds of detainees rounded up after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks for minor immigration violations, a federal appeals court said, citing the importance of the rule of law even in times of crisis.

The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals said in a 2-1 ruling that former Attorney General John Ashcroft, ex-FBI Director Robert Mueller and the former head of

an agency that policed immigration may have exceeded the constitutional limits of their authority in the quest to find terrorists responsible for 9/11.

"Detaining individuals as if they were terrorists, in the most restrictive conditions of confinement available, simply because these individuals were, or appeared to be, Arab or Muslim exceeds those limits," according to

the majority opinion co-written

by Judges Rosemary Pooler and Richard C.Wesley.

"It might well be that national security concerns motivated the defendants to take action, but that is of little solace to those who felt the brunt of that decision. The suffering endured by those who were imprisoned merely because they were caught up in the hysteria of the days immediately following 9/11 is not without a remedy," the 2nd Circuit said.

In an opinion that was both concurring and dissenting, Judge Reena Raggi said Congress rather than the judiciary should decide whether those who were detained can sue executive policymakers as individuals for money damages.

The opinions stemmed from a 2002 lawsuit seeking unspecified damages. It claimed that federal officials violated rights by impris-

oning detainees under harsh conditions on the basis of their race and religion after calls for help from the public prompted 96,000 tips to the FBI from civilians nationwide in the week after the attacks.

More than 80 men among 762 detainees across the country were jailed at a Brooklyn federal lockup, many of them charged only with minor civil immigration violations. In all, the Justice Department has said 491 detainees were arrested in the New York area, with many held in a New Jersey facility.

Rachel Meeropol, a Center for Constitutional Rights attorney working on the case, called the ruling a "huge victory."

"I think the public needs to fully grapple with what happened after 9/11 in their name," she said. "These were men who were swept up off the streets of New York and New Jersey and disappeared.... They were treated as terrorists for months until cleared of any connection to terrorism and then deported. This is a stain on our country's history that has never been fully addressed."

Meeropol said there are now eight plaintiffs, including two who were named when the lawsuit was first filed in Brooklyn federal court.

Five original plaintiffs settled in November 2009 for a total of USD 1.26 million. The money was shared according to the length of time they were incarcerated, she said. All were deported, and most of them are banned from returning.-AP

On top of the five parties, two Poles and a member of Britain's UKIP party also joined to get to seven nations. UKIP itself, the most vocal far-right, anti-EU party

so far in the legislature did not participate in the new group. And the new far-right group decided not to take in Greece's Golden Dawn party.

The political impact on the legislature is still expected to be minor since the Christian Democrat-led EPP group has 221 members and the S&D socialists have 191.

With the parties' strongly nationalist agendas and belief in independent decision-making, Wilders acknowledged it would sometimes be tough to act as one. ``Of course we have differences, but the differences are not our weakness but our strength,'' Wilders said.

The announcement of the multi-nation group comes amid a political drama and legal troubles within France's National Front. -AP

California on cusp of offering young immigrants health care Cont'd from Page 44

Anti-illegal immigration advocates said California has already granted driver's licenses and college scholarships to people who are in the country illegally. They worry it will entice more people to cross the border illegally. ``The issue really comes down to, the more you offer, the more will come,'' said Don Rosenberg, a 62-year-old retired entertainment and publishing executive.

Supporters say the state, which is enjoying billions of dollars in surplus, can afford to help the poor.

The state budget includes $40 million to begin covering low-income children who are in the country illegally. The cost to taxpayers is estimated to increase to $132 million annually once fully imple-

mented.

The plan is expected to easily win approval from a Legislature controlled by Democrats.

Frustrated by federal inaction and galvanized by President Barack Obama's executive order to spare some immigrants from deportation, immigrant rights advocates turned to California's Statehouse to agitate for change this year.

Democratic lawmakers said they plan to continue to push for universal health coverage that would cover all low-income residents, regardless of their legal status or age. ``For me, a win will be until we actually have truly health for all,'' said Sen. Ricardo Lara, D-Bell Gardens, the author of SB4, which seeks to extend health coverage to adult immigrants who are in the country illegally.-AP

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

Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney

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Horoscope

46 India Post

June 26, 2015

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar June 25th - July 1st 2015 (March 21 to April 20)

O

nly a diplomatic approach will help you get the job done quickly.

Be careful when you sign any contract or important papers this week. Clearance from the government agency could come during the week. You may get slightly hurt when handling some tools. Investing in a property will be a great idea. You will enjoy the party with family.

(April 21 to May 20)

P

eople will notice the change in your attitude.

It will help you attain your goals quickly. There is no harm in being in good mood but use the right vocabulary or will end up creating some strong opponents. Some of you may try hard to cut down on spicy and hot food. Spouse may complain of aches and pains in body and need extra rest.

(May 21 to June 20)

P

eople prone to blood pressure should not let their guards down for next several weeks and take medication on time and of course eat light. A person with initial N will be the root cause of problems.

Money will come in plenty and from totally unexpected sources. If you play your cards right, the deal could close by the end of next week.

(June 21 to July 22)

Y

ou will throw all fears and worries aside and take time out to enjoy with family. Suddenly you may start realizing the divine help as even the attempts made half heartily will hit the bulls eye. Any change in career at this point will prove beneficial quickly. Some of you diversify or try your luck in totally different field.

(July 23 to August 22)

(November 23 to December 22)

V

ery creative and fruitful week. Deal will go through and papers will get signed without any change.

You may be assigned a very important project and this could be a stepping stone in your career. You will take time out of busy schedule to enjoy with family and may have few guests for dinner at your place. You will enjoy the company of anew colleague.

(August 23 to September 22)

N

ew opportunities will keep knocking at your door. Bachelors may finally find a very suitable match.

Some of you may be offered partnership in a new venture by an old friend. You may also be thinking of replacing one of your ailing vehicle with a newer model. Some of you may be getting ready to travel to long distance with family.

(September 23 to October 22)

O

ne wrong move will make it a bumpy ride and the obstruction will be severe. Advise from an old and matured person will help you steer the life in right direction quickly. Sale of the property may bring in much needed cash. Just be little careful and try not to disclose your plans or strategy to a friend at the party.

(October 23 to November 22)

H

ard work will not go waste. You will take a break and do some soul searching and make huge change in your way of thinking and define a different strategy to deal with day to day problems. Over the counter medicine will help suppress the health issue. New opportunity will be a stepping stone in career and you should go for it.

PANDIT PARASHAR, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations.

He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com

M

ind will be full of bright ideas and you will quickly start looking for ideal partners. Some of you may also receive a nice offer from a well known company. Children will make plans for a short trip. It will be better to seek advise before you answer that legal query. Planets are favorable to get money from stocks or lottery even.

(December 22 to January 19)

P

lanets will help those looking for another job closer to home. You will successfully resolve many tricky situations and trim down unnecessary wastage of money. You may also dispose off some gadget not in use. An old friend will call and try to arrange a get together. You may be travelling to a nice and warm area with family to attend a party.

(January 20 to February 18)

W

atch out what you eat this week. People in business will be able to recover many old debts. You may have some friends come over at your place for dinner. you may spend little more time at work and finish the project well before deadline. You may also do some charity work. A child may need extra attention and may need to see a doctor.

(February 19 to March 20)

T

hings will keep getting better and most of your plans will be successful.

It will be better to accept the partnership with some like minded people. You may travel to a very warm area with family to attend a social event. Property deal may also get finalized. You should be little careful in responding to an inquiry by a government agency this week.

510-886-4370 www.parashar.com

Datebook

June 26, 2015

NEW JERSEY Upcoming Sat, Jun 27 • Gandhiji My Mentor The First Gujarati Monat Venue: Crossroads South Middle School, 195 Major Rd, South Brunswick Township, NJ 08852 Time : 5:30 pm Contact: 908-458-3047

Sat, Jul 11 • Spectacular 30th Anniversary Celebrations Venue: Newark Symphony Hall, 1030 Broad St., Newark, NJ 07102 Time: 9:00 am

Sun, Aug 2 • Nitin Mukesh live in concert New Jersey Venue: Sayreville War Memorial High School, 820 Washington Road, NJ 08859 Time: 5:30 pm Contact: 8482191079

NEW YORK Upcoming Fri, Jun 26 • Exclusive Indian Standup Comedy Show Venue: Broadway Comedy Club, 318 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 Time : 6:30 pm

India Post 47

www.indiapost.com

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CHICAGO

Upcoming

Upcoming

Sat, Jun 27 • Marathi Cinema 100 - A Dance Journey with Prashant Damle Venue: California State University, East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Hayward, CA 94542

1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's

Venue: Carrington Hall, 1201 Brewster

Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes

Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94062 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 408-802-5128

Time: 5:00 pm

• Chand Raat Mela and Concert

Contact: 510-579-8211

Venue: Antun's, 244 W Old Country Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801 Time : 6:00 pm Contact: 732-277-6687

Sun, Jun 28 • Paatasala Telugu School

Sun, Jul 16 • Desi Kids Star Entertainment

registration

Venue: Sunnyvale Hindu Temple Commu-

Venue: Telugu Times, 68 S Abel St,

nity Hall, 420 Persian Dr, Sunnyvale, CA

Milpitas, CA 95035

94089

Time: 8:00 am

Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 408-903-0578

• Dhammal Comedy Of Father And Son Venue: Community Center Auditorium, 14309 Holly Ave, flushing, NY 11355 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 732-822-6163

Sun, Jun 28 • Ishq Mein Risk - June 28th Show

ATLANTA

Venue: India Community Center, 525 Los

Sat, Aug 1 • Gujarati Comedy Play Pappa Avaj Hoi Che

Coches Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 08:00 pm

Sun Jul 19 • Shreya Ghoshal Live In Bay

Upcoming

Venue: Gujarati Samaj Inc, 5331 Royalwood parkway Tucker, Atlanta, GA 30084 Time: 8:00 pm

Area Venue: City National Civic, 135 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 408-476-6118

Fri, Aug 7 • Iffer - Antakshiri & Karaoke Night Venue: Golden Peacock Banquets, 24989 Santa Clara St, Hayward, CA 94544 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 6509212846

Upcoming

Sat, Jun 27 • The Classic Burmans

Thu, Jul 16

Sat, Jul 18

ILLINOIS

Fri, Aug 7 • ICHF Presents Arathi Dance Fest 2015 Venue: Dallas City Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 2148838538

Mon, Aug 31 • MITHAS 2014 Membership Venue: Wong Auditorium, MIT, 70 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02142 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 857-205-9731

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 Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Swami Ishatmananda • Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life Venue: Public Library-95th Street 3015 Cedar Glade Rd Naperville IL 60564 Time: 1st friday of every month 7-8 pm Contact: 630-637-0662

• India Eternal: From the Vedic Age to the Present Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 N. Main Street Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 630-655-8822

India Post

Classifieds

June 26, 2015

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For Classifieds Ads Call NORTHERN CA (Sonia) Tel: 510-938-8668 sonia@indiapost.com (Priya) Tel. 510-275-4467 priya@indiapost.com SOUTHERN CA (Shashi Trivedi) Tel: 562-441-5511/ Fax: 562-947-0632 shashi19@yahoo.com CHICAGO (Ramesh Soparawala) Tel: 773-973-7394 / Fax: 773-973-7396 sramesh@aol.com NEW YORK (Pinky) Tel: 908 338 3752 pinky@indiapost.com

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48

Philosophy

June 26, 2015

India Post 49

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis JEAN-PAUL SARTRE

D

elving into the ways individual beings-for-itself relate to one another, Sartre argues that we, as human beings, can become aware of ourselves only when confronted with the gaze of another. Not until we are aware of being watched do we become aware of our own presence.

The gaze of the other is objectifying in the sense that when one views another person building a house, he or she sees that person as simply a house builder. Sartre writes that we perceive ourselves being perceived and come to objectify ourselves in the same way we are being objectified.

Thus, the gaze of the other robs us of our inherent freedom and causes us to deprive ourselves of our existence as a being-for-itself and instead learn to falsely selfidentify as a being-in-itself.

The key concepts of Sartre's vision of the world are the being-initself and the being-for-itself. One way of understanding how they relate to each other is to think of being-in-itself as another word for object and the being-for-itself as another word for subject. The beingin-itself is something that is defined by its physical characteristics, whereas the subject is defined by consciousness, or nonphysical and nonessentializable attributes.

These concepts overlap to a certain degree, since the being-foritself, or subject, is also possessed 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.

of some of the physical self, or some of the attributes of an object or being-in-itself. It thus follows that sometimes a being-for-itself can be harmfully and mistakenly regarded as a being-in-itself.

The interaction of beings possessed of consciousness is a major focus for Sartre, and as he describes a being-for-itself to interact with another being-for-itself, the key concepts are "the gaze" and "the other." Without question, in Sartre's view the gaze of the other is alienating. Our awareness of being perceived not only causes us

vidual who objectifies us, thus reversing the relationship.

The pattern of relations Sartre describes appears frequently in society. The assertion of freedom and transcendence by one party often results in the repression of those conditions in another. Racebased slavery and the treatment of women by men in patriarchal societies are two obvious examples.

According to Sartre, the most essential characteristic of being is its intrinsic absence of differentiation and diversity. Being is complete fullness of existence, a mean-

no rocks: only being.

Consciousness always has intentionality-that is, consciousness is always conscious of something.

It thus imposes itself on being-initself, making consciousness the burden of the for-itself and of all being. On a similar note, the foritself at all times depends on the in-itself for its existence.

In Sartre's ontology, consciousness knows what it is only through the knowledge of what it is not.

Consciousness knows it is not a being-in-itself and thus knows what it is, a nothingness, a

Gaze of the other robs us of our freedom

Our awareness of being perceived not only

Jean-Paul Sartre

PATANJALI YOGA SUTRAS

Yoga is the cessation of the movements of the mind. Then there is abiding in the Seer's own form.

causes us to deny the consciousness and free-

Everything is sorrow for

dom inherent to us but also causes us to rec-

the wise.

ognize those very qualities in our counterpart.

to deny the consciousness and freedom inherent to us but also causes us to recognize those very qualities in our counterpart.

Consequently, we are compelled to see the other who looks at us as superior, even if we recognize his gaze as ultimately dehumanizing and objectifying. In response to the gaze of the other, we will assert ourselves as free and conscious and attempt to objectify the indi-

ingless mass of matter devoid of meaning, consciousness, and knowledge.

Consciousness enters the world through the for-itself and with it brings nothingness, negation, and difference to what was once a complete whole of being. Consciousness is what allows the world to exist.

Without it, there would be no objects, no trees, no rivers, and

nihilation of being. Yet, to Sartre, despite the fact that the for-itself is nothing, it exists only in its relation to being and thus is its own type of is.

Based on a summary of 'Being and Nothingness' at sparknotes.com. The 110th birth anniversary of French philosopher, playwright, novelist, political activist, biographer and literary critic Jean-Paul Sartre falls on June 21

Man in the state of nature has few needs, no 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

start to live in groups, pity and 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, re-

isted before, creating laws to establish inequality. 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

It is only when the correct practice is followed for a long time, without interruptions and with a quality of positive attitude and eagerness, that it can succeed.

Sloth is the great enemy the inspirer of cowardice, irresolution, self-pitying grief, and trivial, hairsplitting doubts. Sloth may also be a psychological cause of sickness. It is tempting to relax from our duties, take refuge in ill-

Invention of property marks beginning of inequality

health and hide under a

Initially relations between rich and poor are dan-

celibacy, spiritual vigor is

nice warm blanket.

When one is confirmed in gained.

gerous 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. and other skills. As men come into 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

lations between rich and poor are 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 ex-

Distractions arise from Jean-Jacques Rousseau

rule of everyone by one man. This development is not inevitable, but it is extremely likely.

Based on a summary of 'Discourse On Inequality' at sparknotes.com.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer of the 18th century. His 303rd birth anniversary will be observed on June 28

habitual thought patterns when practice is intermittent.

The sequence of mutation occurs in every second, yet is comprehensible only at the end of a series.

sure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

50 India Post

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June 26, 2015

Pics Preeti Verma Lal

PREETI VERMA LAL

O

were hanging languorously on dark mountains, clouds were rumbling and puddles were unforgiving.

Soon, a mighty iron gate creaked open, a security guard in blue saluted, the paved pathway curved sharply and the car screeched into the 60-acre healing village. A woman in white hastened out of the lobby with brass

ne rainy June after noon. On way to Palakkad, the bus tling city that takes its name from Pala (an indigenous tree) and kadu (forest). A scrap of land that puffs about the world's largest mountain pass. Kerala's seventh most populous city that was once called Palakkattussery. Where Tipu Sultan lorded over a fort. Where the palm fronds sway gleefully in the rains. And Malampuzha Reservoir tames the rivers. Palakkad, a city which is called the gateway to God's own country.

That rainy June afternoon, however, the city was not my destination. From the Coimbatore airport I was heading south-west to the much-awarded Kairali, the AyurvedicShalni Healing Village in on ramp with models Gupta Palakkad. On way, ribbons of mist

lamps and the general manager gifted a traditional neriyathu (white scarf with golden border). That's how an authentic Ayurvedic experience begins in the 16-year old healing village run by KV Ramesh and Geeta Ramesh.

Kairali is not a ritzy spa. Does not pretend to be one. It is a healing village which adheres to the tenets of Ayurveda. To the last A.

Ayurveda authentic to the last C. So true to Ayurveda that it all begins with your dwelling. The 27 nakshtras of Vedic astrology. Of the 30 villas, 27 are named after the nakshtras and every guest is matched with the room of his nakshtra. Sages believe that a house that matches a person's nakshtra is the most propitious for him. At Kairali, each room is styled

accordingly and also follows Vaastu Shastra and Feng Shui.

A day in Kairali begins at the crack of dawn. A yoga session under the guidance of a guru.

Then a healthy breakfast waits at the Canteen (they refrain from calling it a restaurant) that begins with lukewarm water infused with the goodness of njerinjil and pathimugam (both medicinal plants). Food is strictly vegetarian. No alcohol. No smoking. Not even pop or soda. No stale food.

No refrigerated food. Not even a menu from where you pick and choose.

You eat what the chefs rustle fresh in the kitchen. On the plate there could be raagi dosa, wheat payasam with jaggery, urad dal jalebi dipped in honey syrup, oat/ vegetable soup, steamed puttu (rice powder + grated coconut) simple, nutritious dishes.

Cont'd on Page 53

India Post 51

June 26, 2015 www.indiapost.com

75 year old woman excels at swimming NATCHEZ, Miss.: At a recent two-day meet in Meridian, a college student told Rita Tebbetts she wished she could swim like her. ``I told her it's not too late,'' the 75-year-old said.

Tebbetts knows. She first began swimming competitively when she was 55, after the death of her first husband. At the time, Tebbetts only competed within the state of Mississippi.

Once she remarried, her husband, Harvey Tebbetts, encouraged her to broaden her horizons and begin competing elsewhere, as well.

During the meet in Meridian,

Tebbetts swam as the only woman in her age group in the 200-meter individual medley, 50-meter breaststroke, 100-meter breaststroke, 50meter backstroke and 100-meter backstroke.

In addition to the events, she took part in four relays that were mostly for fun.

Tebbetts set records in all five events, creating a benchmark for future competitors. At the end of the meet, Tebbetts left wearing a thick collar of medals.

However, Tebbetts isn't in it for the medals. ``Being there is wonderful,'' Tebbetts said. ``I feel like I'm accomplishing something just

being there.''

While this was far from

Rita Tebbetts won five gold medals at swim meet in Meridian

Bollywood an international phenomenon: Cindy MUMBAI: She may not be aware of Hindi movies but American supermodel-actress Cindy Crawford says Bollywood is huge and a global phenomenon today.

"Everyone knows about Bollywood... It is huge. It is an international phenomenon. I have realized that I should have done my homework properly. I don't watch a lot of movies including American," Cindy told PTI in an interaction here.

"I watch Academy awards.

I prefer watching TV shows. I could have said that this is my Bollywood favorite actor or film but I don't want to lie," she said, adding that she would love to be part of Bollywood film if offered a role.

When asked about participating in reality shows, Cindy said, "I don't think I want camera all the time on my face. It might be fun, you never know where life is going to take you."

The 49-year-old supermodel, who was in the city to celebrate her 20-year association with watch brand, Omega, said that ageing

"scares" her.

"Age does scare me. It is not fun. If you are not ageing then you are dead. For beauty, there are no secrets to follow...it's about eating right, doing exercise, not smoking, sleeping early and I am not a party-

Cindy

Tebbetts' first competition, it was one of the first where she had fit-

goer," said Cindy, who looked stunning in a knee-length dress.

She added beauty and agility are hereditary to a great extent. "...Then a lot of it is genetic. I have both my grandmothers alive...one is 93 and another 96. I look up to them. My granny just walks and that is the advice she gives me," the diva said.

Being a supermodel, she advises people to wear clothes that make them feel comfortable and thereby bring in confidence to carry themselves well.

Cindy is quite excited about her forthcoming book, titled "Becoming".

"The book will feature 50 images with essays about various life lessons I have learnt since my childhood days till now," she said.

Cindy launched the 'Constellation Pluma' collection, which has a light coral-colored dial with an elegant yet understated design, at Omega bouCrawford with Bollywood star Abhishek tique. -PTI Bachchan in Mumbai

ness support in the form of Alex ``Dre'' King. King is still working toward his certification as a personal trainer. ``It's more like she's my workout partner,'' King said.

But for Tebbetts, he has been a source of guidance and knowledge. ``We started out as strangers, but it's worked out real well,'' Tebbetts said.

For a long time, Tebbetts worked without a coach or personal trainer. Harvey Tebbetts encouraged her to get one, even giving her a business card for a personal trainer.

She never called though. ``I was afraid of getting too muscular if I worked out,'' she said.

One day, Harvey saw King helping out others. He approached him and asked if he'd help out Tebbetts.

King had never worked with someone Tebbetts's age before. ``I wanted a challenge because it was something new and I wanted

to know if I could do it,'' King said. ``But I did not want to fail.''

They began working together on Jan. 21. One of Tebbetts's biggest fears had been getting onto the block at her competitions.

In the past at competitions, she would often ask for help climbing onto the block so she could get into her starting position for the event. She was often afraid of losing her balance.

Tebbetts was not used to a starting block because where she swims in Natchez doesn't have one.

So when King asked her what her goals were, Tebbetts knew it would be on her list. ``That was one of the first things he helped me overcome,'' Tebbetts said.

She began stepping up and down on a bench to work on her balance.

Together, they worked on building up Tebbetts's endurance and stamina, getting her ready for competitions. ``I do feel a difference,'' Tebbetts said. ``I feel like I have more stamina.''

On July 3-9, Tebbetts is heading to the Senior Olympics in Minneapolis, where she has won ribbons in the past. She will compete on July 7-9. ``Our goal is to put her in a competition with other people and still set records,'' King said, referring to Tebbetts' personal times.

For Tebbetts though, the best part is still just being there. ``I guess it's just the challenge, pushing myself beyond what I thought I could do,'' she said. -AP

52 India Post

June 26, 2015 www.indiapost.com

Innovations of modern Japanese home design

C

hallenged to build homes that create a feeling of light, space and tranquility in some of the world's most densely populated areas, Japanese architects have had no choice but to think outside the box. Literally.

Basic elements like walls, windows and floors are reinvented to solve design conundrums, such as homes built on footprints the size of studio apartments or surrounded on all sides by other buildings. Frequently, the materials of choice are a combination of reinforced concrete, wood and glass.

With interest in micro-housing growing worldwide, such innovations have made Japanese architecture a leading force in contemporary home design. A new book, ``The Japanese House Reinvented'' (Monacelli Press) by Philip Jodidio, surveys over 50 contemporary homes, by both emerging and established firms. ``Faced with the constraints of very dense urban areas and a lifestyle that has long taken into account small spaces, Japanese architects and their clients have shown a surprising willingness to experiment,'' writes Jodidio, who has written more than 100 books on contemporary architecture, including monographs on architects Tadao Ando and Shigeru Ban. The elegant houses in the book

seem almost miraculously livable and show a way forward for challenging architectural puzzles.

But they are not for the timid.

In a Yokohama house designed

by Takeshi Hosaka Architects, the basement level of a 980-square-foot house features a hardwood floor that slopes sharply upward at one end toward the street-level window above, resembling a sleek sort of skateboard ramp. There is no defining line between floor and wall.

The ceiling, in turn, slopes steeply upward, allowing for an enormous, almost story-high window.

The unusual design creates an urban basement with plenty of natural light and privacy all at the same time, and gives the diminutive two-story building the outward appearance of being three stories tall.

An even tinier home in Tokyo, this one designed by Koji Tsutsui and Associates, features powerfully angled ``bent boxes'' of reinforced concrete, which manage to hide views of neighboring houses while allowing in sunlight through a partially sheltered balcony.

There's space on the balcony for a few plants and small trees. ``For a house this small, surrounded on all four sides, we had to be really creative about light, and the space had to be very multipurpose,'' said Satoshi Ohkami, an associate at the firm, adding that

many Japanesedesign solutions could be applied elsewhere in the world.

In a similarly small Tokyo house

by Hiroyuki Shinozaki Architects, a movable staircase separated

from the structure allows for different shelf-like floor levels at irregular heights, and rooms that can be easily reconfigured for changing needs.

Not all the houses are diminutive, however.

Like many Americans, Japanese tend to prefer houses over apart-

Re-inventing Khadi, the independent label way NEW DELHI: Khadi is attracting small upcoming fashion labels who are exploring possibilities to reinvent the intricate handspun fabric and keep it relevant in an industry driven by experimentation.

With chic silhouettes and eyecatching designs, the appeal of the natural fabric, which now comes in a variety of beautiful colors, has seen an upsurge, say designers.

"It isn't too difficult to establish Khadi in niche and more expensive markets. However, the story is different for when it comes to cost-effective markets," says Astha Vashisth, founder and designer at Delhi-based Fayakun Design Studios.

Vashisht has made it her business to re-invent woolen khadi from the valley of Ladakh and retail it in refreshingly different silhouettes in colors that range from natural indigos and breezy whites.

The store provides interesting combinations of reds and mustard as well.

Given the predominantly hot climate, Khadi is the perfect fabric for the country. The Cotton Rack,

a newly founded Jaipur-based women's wear label, has decided to retain the organic appeal of the fabric and produce garments that blends comfort, style and detailing.

The brand's founder Vinayak Sharma, an alumni of NIFT says he wants to create khadi wear

whose designs are as attractive as those from multi-national brands.

Laila Tyabji, founder of Dastkar, a Delhi-based NGO for craft says,

"In my view Khadi ticks all the buttons as the global consumer becomes increasingly conscious of eco-friendly fabrics that have a low carbon footprint, are low cost, low maintenance, and handmade from natural materials that can breathe."

The new face of khadi has introduced itself in a wide range from traditional kurtas in unique color combinations such as shades of maroon with mustard and black, navy blue with shades of yellow and lively colors of turquoise, pink and orange to the modern pin-tuck crop tops paired over sleeveless top, peplum tops, palazzos and shorts.

Noted names in the fashion industry Ritu Kumar, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Gaurang Shah showcase a wide vibrant range from bridal collections in khadi to traditional sarees with work of jamdani, zari and gota-patti among many more.

"Thanks to the eminent designers, Khadi has become popular not worldwide. Fluidity of the fabric helps me work with Khadi," said Priyanjoli Basu, Founder of the 2012 label Priyanjoli. -PTI

ments, and roughly 60 percent of Japanese dwellings are single-family homes, Jodidio writes. Many of them are in dense urban areas.

See-through flooring, reflective ceilings, plentiful balconies, mezzanines and inner courtyards, and windows and walls at surprising angles are more the rule than the exception among homes by these Japanese architects.

Windows come in all shapes and sizes, frequently appearing at unexpected angles.

And lightdrenched inner courtyards are juxtaposed by frequently closed-looking exteriors, some of which even conceal entries.

The architect Go Hasegawa designed one Tokyo house with a louvered floor, consisting of wood flooring with generous slivers of open space between the floorboards, giving the illusion of space and allowing sunlight from a big

upper window to reach the ground floor. ``It is truly open. Air, sound, smell and the everyday life of the family come up and down through this louvered floor,'' Hasegawa said. ``Now is the moment we can innovate the house and help create a new way of living. Not only architects, but I feel clients, also,'' are engaged in that quest, he said.

Much as sliding, rice-paper screens traditionally made indoor areas more flexible in Japan, intermediate floor levels and inner open spaces add a feeling of space.

And the grandeur of nature is evident in simple yet dramatic touches, such as a single tree in a minuscule inner courtyard or balcony, or a sliver of visible sky at the top of a wall. ``We design minimalist and clean design to get rid of clutter,'' said Ohkami, speaking from Mill Valley, California, where his firm has a studio (Tsutsui is currently a visiting professor at the University of California in Berkeley). ``We focus on details and materials within the space to create the character, and the materials become very important. Concrete is a lot more common in Japan in the United States. People are hesitant here to use concrete. I don't know why exactly. Architecture has to be flexible.'' - AP

Mary Lynn to do special appearance in '24'

W

hile the first season of the Indian version of '24' had a great start, Anil Kapoor is all set for the second season. Though his remake is filled with popular Indian TV stars and film celebrities, this time around the actor has decided to bring Mary Lynn Rajskub, who played the role of the CTU analyst Chloe O'Brian in the original series, in the Hindi remake of the series.

Mary Lynn will be doing a special appearance in the Hindi version of '24'. Excited about being a part of the Indian remake, Mary added that she requested Anil Kapoor (producer of '24') to sign her for the series. In fact, she had asked him if she could retain her character as Chloe in the Hindi series but Anil had denied it. Now, Mary expressed happiness when Anil finally agreed to cast her in a small yet important role in the series. The two (Anil and Mary) met on the sets of the English series

'24' wherein Anil shot for 15 episodes with the actress. Anil played the role of Omar Haasan, president of a fictitious nation, Islamic Republic of Kamistan, in the original series.

However, Mary's role in the Hindi series is still being kept under wraps. Currently, the second season of '24' is in the pre-production stage.

Mary Lynn Rajskub

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June 26, 2015 www.indiapost.com

Books on Yoga for modern lifestyles NEW DELHI: From a fitness instructor to a top international fashion model and a danseuse - a range of people have penned books to make yoga relevant to modern lifestyles and help to cope with everything from trauma to weight loss.

Bollywood's celebrated Yoga guru Payal Gidwani Tiwari who is credited for the sculpted looks of various celebrities such as Kareena Kapoor, Malaika Arora Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sridevi, and Saif Ali Khan among others has written "Body Goddesses: The Ultimate Yoga Guide" for women.

Payal's essential mantras guarantee not just weight loss but also promise a healthier lifestyle. Designed for all age groups, the book

by Penguin Random House comes enriched with easy to follow exercise regimes and tips.

"It's ironic that Yoga was taken from India to the West, where it was adapted brilliantly by everyone, from Madonna to Beyonce,

and only accepted by us when it gradually made the full circle, even though it has been our legacy for ages," says Payal.

Payal's book was released on June 21 designated as the International Day for Yoga.

Earlier this month, a yoga manual in braille titled "Yogikasparsh" written by Nivedita Joshi was released.

Bharatnatyam dancer Yamini Muthanna in her book "The Power of Yoga" published by OM Books suggests a practice to prepare people to be alert and aware of the ever changing circumstances of life. Yoga, she says, can help negotiate the many ups and downs of everyday living, big and small.

Yoga stimulates glands, facilities cell replacement, improves blood circulation, increases flexibility, detoxifies the system, stalls ageing, keeps one energetic, calms the mind and strengthens the body and helps to connect with the deeper self - all without making one sweat!

Yoga asanas, says Yamini can be sequenced to suit each person, an exclusive vinyasa (flow) specifically to cater his or her day's schedule.

For instance, if an individual needs to make a presentation at a conference - a couple of asanas could be sequenced to help calm

directed to activate certain nerve points governed by energy centers within the body called 'chakras'. These chakras are aligned along the length of the spine and networked to various auxiliary 'chakras' which controls the body's reflexes and improve functions.

the nerves and concentrate better.

These 'asanas' or pranayams are

Yamini's book aims to guide a sequence of asanas to cope better with daily lives characterized by various situations.

It comprises an instructional manual and a pack of flash-cards containing photographs of asanas and illustrations indicating the chakra positioning and direction of energy fields.

International top model Colleen Saidman Yee in "Yoga for Life: A Journey to Peace and Freedom" talks about how yoga taught her to deal with her drug habit, epilepsy as well as fear and post traumatic stress.

Teen creates pageant for special-needs contestants EVANSVILLE, Ind.: Hannah Remole recently stumbled upon a television special about a pageant for girls with disabilities. Then she created her own pageant.

The Central High School senior was looking for something to do for her Girl Scouts Gold Award Project when the idea came to her in the form of HBO's documentary ``Miss You Can Do It,'' which spotlights young pageant contestants with disabilities from around the country. ``I just knew that's what I wanted to do,'' Remole told the Evansville Courier & Press, ``I wanted to be able to bring that to girls in my county.''

After a little planning and budgeting, ``Miss Golden,'' the Vanderburgh County 4H Fair's first pageant for special-needs girls and women, was born.

Remole said she was also inspired by one of her cousins with a disability. ``I imagined seeing her up on stage with girls who have gone through similar things and seeing her smile,'' Remole said.

So, she met with the coordinator of the Vanderburgh County 4-

H Fair Queen Pageant, Beth Schmitt, who agreed to be Remole's mentor to get the ball rolling. ``I knew the fair would be perfect. I love 4H and have always been super involved,'' Remole said.

The pageant is 6 p.m. July 25 in the 4-H auditorium. The deadline for entering to be a contestant is June 26.

Contestants, who range in age from 10 to 35, will participate in an

interview with the judges. Contestants will be asked two or three questions out of the five she chose from a list of 20. There will also be on-stage modeling. A crowning ceremony will follow. ``All girls will win something,'' Remole said. ``There will be one overall winner for each class and then one of those the winners will be Miss Golden.''

Remole and Schmitt are still working on some final touches for the pageant. ``One of our biggest challenges is looking for a sponsor for a ramp we need to build for the inside stage that is accessible for wheelchairs and other disabilities,'' Remole said. ``We do not have any sponsors committed yet. We talked to some Mary Kay reps to ask if they're willing to donate makeup, and we also need hairdressers to come out and do hair.''

Remole hopes she is creating a tradition. She wants to see Miss Golden pageants at the 4-H Fair for years to come. ``I hope to make every girl feel beautiful and special. I know that is something my cousin struggles with,'' Remole said. ``Every girl should be called beautiful, disability or not.'' -AP

55-year-old Colleen, who runs a yoga studio in New York says in her book brought out by Simon & Schuster India shares personal anecdotes along with her insights and practical instructions for applying yoga to everyday issues and anxieties.

Specific yoga sequences accompany each chapter and address everything from hormonal mood swings to detoxing, depression, stress, and increased confidence and energy.

Step-by-step instructions and photographs demonstrate her signature flow of poses.

Colleen has a string of celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Serena Williams, Bon Jovi, Donna Karan as her students.

"Women in my classes cope with addiction, body and relationship issues, mother issues, competitiveness and an inability to tell the truth. All these create stagnation and tension in the body. Yoga gives us the tools to overcome the obstacles that exist between us and freedom, joy and gratitude," says Coleen The book has been divided into Yoga sequences that show the way to observe and let go of habits, forgiveness towards ourselves, strength and confidence to stand on your own feet, turning yourself upside down by learning a new perspective, subtle practices for difficult times, facing fears, and practicing truthfulness among others. -PTI

Healing Village Kairali devoted to tenets of Ayurveda Cont'd from Page 50

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at fixed hours. Bad meal timings are a big no-no.

The goodness of Kairali lies in its Ayurvedic Hospital where the doctors decipher your ailments and prescribe the treatment and diet accordingly. Treatment programs often range between 7, 14 and 21 days, though it could be longer for chronic ailments. The massages are specific to the ailment and are combined with yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic diet. Kairali offers more than 100 massages includ-

ing Panchakarma, Shirodhara, Abhyangam, Pizhichil, Khadikizhi.

Completing the Kairali experience, there's a coconut grove, a lotus pond, a gurgling creek, an herbal garden, a swimming pool and even hammocks to curl up and

forget the woes of the world. Everyone leaves Kairali, the Ayurvedic Healing Village, feeling healed. Mind, body and soulhealed.

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Radicalism in the Maldives: Should India be worried?

India Post

ROSHNI THOMAS

I

The worrisome factor is that these reported jihadists have been young men and/or couples with infants who travel to Syria via Turkey making false excuses about their journey.

There are no organized jihadist groups inside the Maldives but the country has proven to be a fertile source for new recruits for the Islamic State (IS). Bilad Al Sham Media (BASM) is an online media forum run by a group of Maldivians in Syria promoting the IS and praising the activities of Maldivian jihadists in Syria.

The Maldives has a very young population and this may seem to be an advantage but on the contrary, it could be a problem. MalĂŠ is unable to provide stable education for its growing young population because of its geography of atolls and its dependence on expatriate teachers.

conservatism and radicalism and violent extremism cannot be used interchangeably. So, are the political parties using religion to gain a stronger and broader foothold among the public for their political interests? Democracy appears to be falling into disorder in this picturesque island state and the environment seems conducive to breed extremism.

Given the geographical proximity the two countries share, the rise in the number of Maldivians joining extremist groups is a security concern for India. Besides, stability of the Maldives is strategically significant for India also because of the increasing Chinese influence in the island-nation.

More importantly, Maldivianorigin extremists have in the past carried out their activities in the southern states of India. Moosa Inas, a prime suspect in the 2005 Sultan Park case, had traveled to Pakistan via Kerala.

Asif Ibrahim, another Maldivian captured in Kerala was there to start a new Maldives-based terror group in Thiruvananthapuram. These instances have been monitored and handled by the Indian government but what about the increasing numbers of radicals inside the Maldives? Can India help curb the phenomenon?

While India and the rest of the international community can help, the matter is domestic and The Judge criticised President Nasheed for appearing late and dishevelled at the needs to be handled from hearing even though he was clearly hurt, caused by Police officers who within. manhandled him as they forcefully dragged him into the Court Reportedly, MalĂŠ has formuUnemployment levels are high, lated a new counter-terrorism law tions were placed on the practice of other religions. With the sud- leaving the youth frustrated. Given - which, among other issues, den change to democracy in 2008, the shortage of educational op- criminalizes fighting in foreign the nation that was under a restric- portunities, many parents send countries -soon. However, this law tive rule for three decades began their children to Saudi Arabia and is yet to be implemented.

The issue here is that the growing more religiously conser- Pakistan and those studying thevative and blaming the MDP gov- ology often end up studying in Maldives, besides having increasernment for ruining the sacred val- madrassas, a high number of which ing numbers of religious extremues of Islam by bringing in West- are unregulated and propagate ists also has a corrupt, unstable radical and extremist teachings. political structure. This simply ern ideologies and culture.

On their return, these pupils makes the environment more conIn December 2011, the opposition parties held a mass rally called insist that the population follows ducive for radicalism.

India has been quick when 'Defend Islam' with 20,000 an undiluted form of Islam in the Maldivians. These protests even- country. This is one of the main Maldives has faced any crisis. tually resulted in the resignation reasons for the increasing While India cannot directly help grassroots radicalization that the Maldives combat the problem of of President Nasheed in 2012. radicalization, it can provide more There have been concerns Maldives faces.

This has further led to the for- educational opportunities and seabout the increasing numbers of Maldivians joining jihadist groups mation of Jamiyyatul Salaf (JL) and curity assistance along with the rest such as the al Qaeda and the Is- Islamic Foundation of Maldives of the international community.

(IFM). They are conservative reliThe balance of not pressurizlamic State.

According to the Commis- gious groups that work with the ing the country into feeling consioner of Maldivian Police, government to ensure that Islam is trolled by the international comHussein Waheed, over 50 followed via moral policing. Their munity but still voicing concern Maldivians have been known to practices are quite unsecular, non- and seriousness over the issues be fighting foreign wars. However, secular and they actively restrict is tricky but needs to be achieved.

The writer is Research Intern, the MDP claims that there are the practice of other religions.

Here, it is important to note that IPCS about 200. n March 2015, Mohamed Nasheed the man who led the fight for democracy in the Maldives was sentenced to 13 years in prison. There has been a pattern of regular accusations of corruption against the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) since the now ousted Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed defeated Maumoon Gayoom's 30 year autocratic rule in 2008.

Over the last decade, the country has undergone a tumultuous transition to democracy. This wasn't without a simultaneous rise in religious conservatism. There have been radicalized Maldivians who have joined the Jihad in Syria and elsewhere. Why is this happening in the Maldives, and should India start paying closer attention?

During Gayoom's rule, restric-

Yoga Day

Y

oga has been popular for the benefits it provides. Over 20 million Americans were already practicing this ancient Indian meditative exercise before the United Nations designated for it an international day to be celebrated on June 21 every year. Yoga is easy; it is free. It doesn't require any gym or any equipment. It can be done in the privacy of your home. The credit for making the Yoga Day such a roaring success must go to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who initiated the move at UN and found a ready response with 177 nations joining India as co-sponsors for this Resolution.

However, at the Guinness record making gathering at Rajpath, New Delhi, India, PM Modi sought to put the record straight by declaring that Yoga is not a mere physical exercise. "It is actually a philosophy of disciple and meditation that transforms the spirit and makes the individual a better person in thought, action, knowledge and devotion."

Yoga Day may have been a tremendous success but there are many purists who frown at the populist nature of yoga being taught these days. Its spiritual aspect has been abandoned and it has been transformed into a crass business.

It has benefited thousands of people seeking peace of mind and health but also those who have commercialised yoga. This is particularly true of the state of Yoga in America. In fact the way it is being practiced in the West, it will be almost unrecognizable to a traditional Indian practitioner.

In India itself, the late well known Yoga guru BKS Iyengar had lashed out at those who "sell programs like kapalbhati", saying such preceptors are corrupting Patanjali's yoga. Iyengar, who had been teaching yoga on the world stage for more than 75 years, said over-publicizing of specific aspects like 'kapalbhati' is wrong and is a "short-cut" best avoided. The reference was obviously to the New Delhi based Yoga guru Ramdev.

Over the centuries, the word "yoga" has been used to describe a wide range of diverse - and sometimes contradictory - practices and philosophies, from ascetic self-mutilations to Tantric rituals, from austere silent meditations to ecstasies of devotional song, from selfless service to total withdrawal from the world.

The purists say the term "yoga" derived from Sanskrit means joining. The reference is to the ultimate joining of the soul with its creator. The present day focus on mere physical well-being is destroying the soul of this ancient, 5000 years old art which originated in India.

Modern lifestyles are leading to stress, mental conflicts and eating disorders. Medicines are costly and only benefit the rich. If in such a state there is a form of exercises like yoga which can cure such disorders at little cost, why fret if it is not the pure variety as proposed by the ancients? If it leads to physical well being it is worth the 'asana'.

One such purist recently asked the government to ensure that the discipline of original yoga is ensured. However it is not the function of any government to promote yoga or any other such practice. The spectacular success of the Yoga Day world over was described by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj as a testimony to India's soft power.

Political commentator C. Raja Mohan has a word of advice for the Modi government. He says in his Indian Express column, "Governments can easily leverage the instruments of hard power. But soft power, which emanates from deep societal structures, is rather intangible. To be sure, there are things that the government of India can do - ranging from visa liberalisation to nurturing the nation's rich heritage and modernising its cultural infrastructure. But Delhi should learn to stay out of the business of "promoting" it. Much like propaganda, which works best when it's not seen as such, soft power strategies are most effective when they are subtle and indirect."

June 26, 2015

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