IndiaPost_06-29-2012

Top Stories

V O I C E

O F

I N D I A N S

W O R L D W I D E

India Post www.indiapost.com

Manmohan Singh with Barack Obama

Singh, Obama meet on sidelines Details on page 6

Ravi walks out of prison; will not be deported Details on page 8

Kochi to host Pravasi Bhartiya Divas 2013

NEW YORK • WASHINGTON D.C. • CHICAGO • ATLANTA • CALIFORNIA

VOL 17, No. 928

June 29, 2012

50¢

Periodical Postage

INVEST PRIORITY TO THE DEVELOPING G20 countries' decision big success for India

LOS CABOS: In a big success for India, the G20 countries have agreed to give priority to investment in infrastructure in developing countries as a way to stimulate global growth which has been stunted due to the faltering world economy and the Eurozone crisis.

"We will intensify our efforts to create a more conducive environment for development, including supporting

infrastructure investment," said a 14-page declaration released at the end of the seventh summit of the Group of 20 developed and developing countries in this Pacific Ocean resort in Mexico.

The declaration said that it recognized the impact of the continuing crisis on developing countries, particularly low income countries.

Details on page 5

Manmohan Singh with Wen Jiabao

India, China to step up defense, security dialogue Details on page 6

Minister Krishna meets with INOC leaders Details on page 9

Angry Mittal says India risking progress

Details on page 9 Details on page 10

US Treasury Secretary puts off India visit

Saif Ali Khan to be FIA I-Day Grand Marshal

Details on page 10 Details on page 12

Blagojevich’s Indian American aide arrested

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 34-35 Classifieds ------------------------- 47

Details on page 9

Community Post -------------- 12-19 Date Book -------------------------- 46 Edit Page --------------------------- 49

INDIA POST SURVEY

HealthScience Post --------- 36-39

survey@indiapost.com

Horoscope ------------------------- 28

This week’s question

Immigration Post ------------- 40-43

Manmohan Singh earns more respect abroad than at home?

Life Style ----------------------- 24-27 Philosophy ------------------------- 48

Last week’s result

Indian politics harming ties with US? YES 87%

NO 13

REAL JUGGERNAUT: Devotees gather as three giant chariots are pulled during the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri, some 70kms east of Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, on June 21. This year marks the 135th annual Rath Yatra, where wooden images or idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, are mounted on ceremonial chariots and taken out in a procession, where hundreds of thousands participate

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 44-45 TechBiz Post ------------------- 20-23 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

2

India Post

www.indiapost.com

June 29, 2012

June 29, 2012

www.indiapost.com

India Post

3

4

India Post

June 29, 2012

India Post

IndiaNewsweekly Post

www.indiapost.com

The Weekly Newspaper Serving Indians Worldwide

Romesh & Sunita Japra Publishers Subhash C Japra Co-Publisher Vikram Paul President Krishan Sharma Mg Director & Joint Editor Ranjana Sodhi Managing Editor Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor Naresh Sodhi General Manager Ghanshyam Bisht Supervisor Graphics SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY Vijay Thapar CPRO & Advertising Sonia Sidhu Management Analyst Radhika Jhamb Correspondent Sudesh Kumari Correspondent Deepa Japra Youth Post Correspondent Rama Mehra Advertising Bhumi Bhutani Health Science Correspondent Jaya Gautam Correspondent Sujata Singh Correspondent Sirisha Chandraraju Correspondent Isha Patnaik Correspondent Raaj D. Photo Journalist Srinivas Mangipudi Photo Journalist LOS ANGELES Mrs Shashi Trivedi Bureau Chief J S Bedi PR & Marketing Mrs Prem Kishore Sr Correspondent Greg Heffernan Correspondent Ms Bobby Sharma Correspondent Babeeta Kaur Dhillon Correspondent Pavan Kaur Bhatia Correspondent CHICAGO Ramesh Soparawala Resident Editor A Q Siddiqui Correspondent ST. LOUIS Ashwin Patel Correspondent NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY Pinky Kaur Bureau Chief Srirekha N. Chakravarty Correspondent Nikita Japra Correspondent Sukhvinder Saini Circulation ATLANTA Sanjay Saggere Bureau Chief FLORIDA B K Madnani CANADA Firdaus Ali Correspondent BOSTON Gope Gidwani Bureau Chief

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

I

t's hardly surprising that Rajat Gupta was found guilty in the insider trading scam. US Attorney Preet Bharara could not have found a better poster boy to be made an example of in his mission to rid Wall Street of corruption, much in the style of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani who rid the streets of New York of the mob in the '80s.

Without needlessly sympathizing with Gupta, irrespective of whether he deserved what he got or not, I'd say there's much more to cleansing Wall Street corruption than convicting a Gupta, however high profile he might have been, which Bharara is well aware of.

Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist at Duke University thinks Gupta's conviction would hardly be a deterrent for others on Wall Street. Likening insider trading to something as compulsive as texting while driving, Ariely says, "It will make people on Wall Street pause, but because the motivation on Wall Street is to make money, people will always violate the law."

Says Michael Weinstein, a former federal prosecutor who chairs the white collar defense practice at the law firm Cole Schotz: "This case is not going to prosecute away insider trading."

If you ask me, any Wall Street clean up has to begin in the corridors of Capitol Hill. Sure, earlier this year, law makers, in an attempt to save face with the electorate, passed the Stock Act, which prohibits members of Congress from trading stocks and other securities based on confidential information they receive as lawmakers. The bill passed overwhelmingly in both Senate and the House, but not much was made of a last minute change incorporated by House members. The change allows for collection of "political intelligence" from political insiders for the use of hedge funds, mutual funds and other investors. In effect, while lawmakers cannot make direct use of their inside information to trade in stocks, they can pass that information on to others who can use it for mutual benefit.

For me neither is Bharara a hero, nor Gupta a villain. At least, not so long as the real culprits continue to masquerade as lawmakers.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

DETROIT Ashok B Jain, M D Bureau Chief Gurminder Singh SAN DIEGO Neelu Bhardwaj Bureau Chief SACRAMENTO Madan Sharma Bureau Chief Janak Sidhra Correspondent Upen Shukla Correspondent

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

CENTRAL VALLEY (CA) Dr Ram Saini Bureau Chief Sheila Rogers Correspondent

E-SUBSCRIPTION: Vikram Paul Tel: 510-789-7520 Extn: 208; E-mail: subscribe@indiapost.com

YUBA CITY (CA) Satnam Tatla Correspondent CAROLINAS Nalini Raja Patel Correspondent INDIA Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor & Bureau Chief Tripti Parule Correspondent NEW DELHI Vinod Kumar Khatana Graphics Madan Bangari Graphics PUNJAB Shiv Japra Bureau Chief Anil Kanwar Senior Correspondent/ Marketing DOABA, PUNJAB Romesh Kaura Correspondent HYDERABAD M Sagar Kumar Bureau Chief MUMBAI Nidhi Soparawala Correspondent Frank Fernandes Correspondent Vaidehi Patel Correspondent Hema Trivedi Marketing Diana Gabriel Marketing India Post (ISSN-1064-3868) is published weekly for $30 for 52 issues yearly by India Post, 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538. Periodicals postage paid at Norwalk, CA and additional mailing office.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the corporate headquarters: 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Copyright © 1994 Indamec, Inc. DISCLAIMER India Post assumes all advertisers to be reliable and responsible for all liability for their claimers

INFO-CENTER 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-797-7799, Fax: 510-790-2806; E-mail: info@indiapost.com

HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Prateik injured While holidaying in Singapore, Prateik was indulging in water sports when he injured himself near the eye.

34

Cover Story: G20 priority G20 countries have agreed to give priority to investment in infrastructure in developing countries as a way to stimulate growth.

Community: Grand Marshal Saif The 2012 India Day Parade (IDP) of the Tri-state (NY, NJ,CT) will be led this year

by Grand Marshal Saif Ali Khan Pataudi.

Immigration: Respite to immigrants President Barack Obama has said the US will stop deporting talented illegal immigrants who entered America as children.

1

12 40

Classifieds: Tel: 510-938-8668; E-mail:classifieds@indiapost.com Graphics Inquiry: Tel: 510-936-9490; E-mail: ghanshyam@indiapost.com For Editorial: Sonia Sidhu Tel: 510-797-7799; E-mail: sonia@indiapost.com

For advertisement rates call the office nearest to you: SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-938-8667 e-mail: nareshsodhi@gmail.com

LOS ANGELES 12908 Indian Lane Norwalk, CA 90650 Fax: 562-947-0632 Tel: 562-441-5511, shashi19@yahoo.com Tel: 562-929-4213, kimi@indiapost.com

CHICAGO

2543 W Devon Ave Chicago IL 60659 Tel: 773-973-7394; Fax: 773-973-7396; Email: sramesh@aol.com

NEW YORK Tel: 212-944-1931, Fax: 732-969-3735 Tel: 908-338-3752 (Marketing) Tel: 732-283-4939 (Editorial) E-mail: indiapost2000@yahoo.com

NEW JERSEY 21 Longfellow st., Carteret, NJ 07008 Tel: 732-969-1114; Fax: 732-969-3735 E-mail: indiapost2000@yahoo.com

BOSTON Tel: 617-298-9200; Fax: 617-298-1104 GOPE; E-mail: ggidwani@aol.com

ATLANTA 67 Peach Tree Dr., Ste. 102, Buckhead Atlanta, GA 30309 Tel: 404-425-3021 E-mail: sanjay@eBolo.com FLORIDA 8401 West Sample Road 30, Coral Springs, Florida - 33065 TORONTO, CANADA Tel/Fax: 416-744-8610

DELHI Jin Kushal Suri Complex, 3rd Floor, 230-A, Masjid Moth, (NDSE Part-II) New Delhi - 110049 Tel: 11-46142940, 26257769 Fax: 11-46142969 E-mail:delhi@indiapost.com

Life Style: Sonu in Chicago The impact of Sonu Nigam’s performance in Chicago was that the 5000 plus audience wanted him to go on and on.

Techbiz: Zinnov positive India is no longer an emerging market but a happening one, where market ups & downs should be acceptable, says Zinnov.

24 20

MUMBAI

• Fernandes Mansion

Tam Taloa, Bassien (W) Mumbai Tel: 09619 330159

• Hema Trivedi

7 Crescent Chambers, Tamarind Land, Fort Mumbai 400023 Tel: 93223 44471

• Diana Gabriel

Tel: 98200 28348

For editorial, contact: editor@indiapost.com or call 510-797-7799

Travel: Morni Hills Morni in Haryana is ideal for a holiday with its cool clime, beautiful natural vistas and myriad opportunities for trekking.

29

Cover/Top Stories

June 29, 2012

India Post

5

www.indiapost.com

Investment priority to developing nations G20 countries' decision big success for India

Heads of the G20 leading economies pose for a family photo at the convention center in Los Cabos, Mexico, on June 18

LOS CABOS: In a big success for India, the G20 countries have agreed to give priority to investment in infrastructure in developing countries as a way to stimulate global growth which has been stunted due to the faltering world economy and the Eurozone crisis.

"We will intensify our efforts to create a more conducive environment for development, including supporting infrastructure investment," said a 14-page declaration released at the end of the seventh summit of the Group of 20 developed and developing countries in this Pacific Ocean resort in Mexico.

The declaration said that it recognized the impact of the continuing crisis on developing countries, particularly low income countries.

"The Los Cabos declaration fully reflects our initiative that investment on infrastructure in developing countries can play a major role in strengthening development and in stimulating global recovery," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in a statement at the conclusion of the summit.

Singh while pushing for expansion of investment in infrastructure in developing countries said it is of special significance.

"Investment in infrastructure is necessary as means of stimulating global growth," he said at the plenary session of the summit of the G20, which accounts for 80 per cent of the global output.

"It lays the foundation for rapid growth in the longer term while providing an immediate stimulus for their economies and

also for the global economy by providing robust sources of demand," he said.

Committed to fight slowdown, corruption Committing to fight economic slowdown and combat corruption, the G-20 leaders have expressed confidence that USD 450 billion firepower of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would help in safeguarding financial stability and preventing global crisis.

Pointing out that global economy continues to be vulner-

The declaration said that it recognized the impact of the continuing crisis on developing countries, particularly low income countries.

"The Los Cabos declaration fully reflects our initiative� said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh able, the declaration issued at the end of the two-day G-20 summit here said, "This effort (to provide USD 450 billion to the IMF) shows the G-20 and the international community's commitment to take the steps needed to safeguard global financial stability and enhance the IMF's role in crisis prevention and resolution."

It called for collective action to

deal with financial market tensions and promote trade, growth and jobs.

"Clearly, the global economy remains vulnerable, with a negative impact on the everyday lives of people all over the world, affecting jobs, trade, development, and the environment... We will act together to strengthen recovery and address financial market tensions," said the declaration.

Among other G-20 leaders, the Summit was attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who said that "my overall assessment of the meeting is that there was general agreement that policy in all countries must shift to strengthening growth... there was also general agreement that the most urgent problem we must tackle is to reduce uncertainty about the Eurozone."

India has committed USD 10 billion as part of the USD 75 billion pledged by the five-nation BRICS bloc to the strengthen IMF's firepower to deal with the global crisis.

On the issue of corruption, which is being raised by India at different global fora, the declaration called upon the members nations and other stakeholders to play an active role in combating the menace and deny safe havens to proceeds of such activities.

"We renew our commitment to deny safe haven to the proceeds of corruption and to the recovery and restitution of stolen assets," the declaration said.

Corruption, it added, "impedes economic growth, threatens the integrity of markets, undermines

fair competition, distorts resource allocation, destroys public trust and undermines the rule of law.

We call on all relevant stakeholders to play an active role in fighting corruption."

Concern over protectionism Referring to trade issues, the G-20 leaders expressed "deep concern" about rising instances of protectionism and expressed their commitment for "open trade and investment, expanding markets and resisting protectionism in all its forms, which are necessary

The declaration said that the United States will calibrate the pace of its fiscal consolidation by ensuring that its public finances are placed on a sustainable long-run path so that a sharp fiscal contraction in 2013 is avoided conditions for sustained global economic recovery, jobs and development.

"We underline the importance of an open, predictable, rulesbased, transparent multilateral trading system and are committed to ensure the centrality of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Recognizing the importance of investment for boosting economic

growth, we commit to maintaining a supportive business environment for investors," the declaration said.

The declaration also expressed the commitment of the G-20 nations to reduce imbalances and strengthen public finances of deficit nations with sound and sustainable policies and moving toward greater exchange rate flexibility.

"Despite the challenges we all face domestically, we have agreed that multilateralism is of even greater importance in the current climate, and remains our best asset to resolve the global economy's difficulties," it added.

Recognizing the need to pursue growth-oriented policies that support demand and recovery, the declaration said that the United States will calibrate the pace of its fiscal consolidation by ensuring that its public finances are placed on a sustainable long-run path so that a sharp fiscal contraction in 2013 is avoided.

G-20 members, it added, will remain vigilant of the evolution of oil prices and will stand ready to carry out additional actions as needed, including the commitment by producing countries to continue to ensure an appropriate level of supply consistent with demand.

"We welcome Saudi Arabia's readiness to mobilize, as necessary, existing spare capacity to ensure adequate supply.

We will also remain vigilant of other commodity prices," the declaration added.

Cont’d on page 7

6

Top Stories

India Post

June 29, 2012

www.indiapost.com

India, China to step up defense, security dialogue RIO DE JANEIRO: India and China have agreed to step up their defense and security dialogue and work to take steps to ensure that the two countries achieve a USD 100 billion trade target by 2015.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao spoke of the need to continue with this dialogue at their 40-minute meeting on the sidelines of the Rio+20 Environment Summit here.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai said that during the discussion on trade and eco-

mence soon.

Reflecting the good chemistry shared between them, Wen told Singh that their meeting in Brazil was the 13th between them.

Mathai said the two leaders also discussed the issue of transborder rivers flowing in India and China during which Beijing agreed to transfer of information in this regard to New Delhi.

Official sources said this move sent a strong signal from China on sharing of information with India on the rivers issue. This was also important since India was a lower riparian country.

"Defense and strategic dia-

Delegations of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Premier of China Wen Jiabao meeting on the sidelines of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on June 20

nomic cooperation Prime Minister Singh invited Chinese investment in infrastructure in India.

Mathai also said that Indian rice exports to China will com-

logue (between India and China) should continue and be stepped up," Mathai said.

The two countries have already agreed to establish a "strategic

and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity". They have also reiterated their intention to promote regular ministerial-level exchanges and make full use of the strategic dialogue and other bilateral dialogue mechanisms.

Prime Minister Singh also spoke of Indian naval ships recently visiting China.

On the boundary question, Singh and Wen said the Special Representatives of the two countries have been asked to prepare a joint work done so far. The two leaders also spoke of the joint mechanism set up by the two countries. The mechanism was floated by Wen last year.

Mathai described as good the bilateral meeting. He said the two countries are on track to achieve USD 100 billion trade target by 2015.

Chinese authorities have already given the green light for Indian exports of basmati rice following a long and tortuous sixyear process that has been seen as underscoring the difficulties of navigating the complex bureaucratic hurdles that bar entry into the China market.

This year Negotiations were on since at least 2006, when President Hu Jintao visited India. It took another visit from Hu six years later, when he traveled to New Delhi last month for the BRICS Summit in April, to give the final push to a long-running process.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh meeting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao

Indian exporters can begin shipping basmati rice to China after both countries agree on a mutually satisfactory quarantine protocol.

On the trans-border rivers issue, China has maintained that its hydropower project on Brahmaputra River in Tibet was not obstructing the water flow to India. It has also said that its dam was not big enough to affect the

lower riparian regions like in India.

But Arunachal Pradesh government says that the Brahmaputra River was suddenly found to have almost dried up at a town in the state; Tsangpo River is the Tibetan name for Brahmaputra. It originates from Angsi glacier, located on the northern side of the Himalayas in Burang County of Tibet. -PTI

India to soon start exporting Singh, Obama meet on sidelines rice to China 20 Summit, days after the two leaders agreed to work together to address the faltering global economy and the painful Eurozone crisis.

Indian officials said Singh and Obama met briefly as the leaders of the Group of 20 leading economies hammered out strategies to deal with the global economic slowdown and the crisis in the 17-nation Eurozone.

The two leaders share an excellent bonhomie, with the 50-yearold President often turning to the 79-year-old economist-turned politician for advice on economic issues.

On the margins of the summit, Singh had bilatPrime Minister Manmohan Singh with Barack Obama, President of USA at the G20 Summit eral meetings with Gerin Los Cabos, June 18 man Chancellor Angela Merkel and the host LOS CABOS: Prime Minister dent Barack Obama had a brief country President Felipe Manmohan Singh and US Presi- informal interaction during the G- Calderon.-PTI

RIO DE JANEIRO: India will tonnes. soon start exporting rice to China In September last year, the Inas the two countries have re- dian government permitted export solved the quality and other regu- of non-basmati rice. Since then, latory issues. over 5 million tonnes of nonBriefing reporters about the basmati rice has been shipped. outcome of Prime Minister Chinese authorities have given Manmohan Singh's meeting with the green light for Indian exports his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao on the sidelines of the Rio+20 In September last year, the Environment Summit Indian government permitted here, Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai said that export of non-basmati rice.

Indian rice exports to Since then, over 5 million China will commence tonnes of non-basmati soon.

The two neighbor- rice has been shipped ing countries have mutually sorted out the issues con- of basmati rice after a long and cerning quarantine protocol pav- taxing 6-year process. Negotiaing the way for export of premium tions on the issue of rice exports basmati rice. were on since 2006, when PresiIndia is the world's second larg- dent Hu Jintao visited India. est rice producer after China. But, It took another visit from Hu basmati rice is grown only in In- six years later, when he traveled dia and Pakistan. to New Delhi last month for the India exported 2.4 million BRICS Summit in April, to give the tonnes of basmati rice last fiscal, final push to a long-running proout of total output of 3.5 million cess. -PTI

Top Stories

June 29, 2012

India Post

7

www.indiapost.com

PM concerned over slow progress in IMF reforms LOS CABOS: Voicing concern over the very slow progress in IMF's quota reforms, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said that quotas must reflect economic weight in a manner that is

mit of the Group of 20 leading economies, Singh regretted that progress in quota reform is proceeding more slowly than raising resources.

Singh said it is also important

‘Progress in quota reform is proceeding more slowly than raising resources. I recognize that there are practical reasons why the quota reform agreed in 2010 will not be completed by the end of 2012, but it must be done expeditiously thereafter,’ he said "simple" and "transparent".

In his second intervention at the plenary session of the Sum-

that the quota review schedule for January 2013 is completed in time.

The Prime Minister's remarks

came a day after India announced a USD 10 billion contribution to the IMF's additional firewall of USD 430 billion to help the world body in stabilizing the Eurozone.

"Progress in quota reform is proceeding more slowly than raising resources. I recognize that there are practical reasons why the quota reform agreed in 2010 will not be completed by the end of 2012, but it must be done expeditiously thereafter," he said.

"Quotas must reflect economic weights, in a manner that is simple and transparent," the Prime Minister said, as G-20 leaders reviewed the progress in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reforms agenda.

India upset with 'weak' political will of rich countries RIO DE JANEIRO: India has said it is disappointed with the "weak" political will in developed countries to provide developing nations enhanced means of implementation of objectives of Green Economy, which will also be a "green-wash" if the process is not democratized.

As around 100 world leaders including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gathered here for the Rio+20 Summit, India also firmly rejected unilateral measures and trade barriers under the guise of Green Economy, which was the buzz ahead of the deliberations here.

It, however, recognized Green Economy as one of the means to sustainable development and poverty eradication.

"Green Economy has to be bottoms up and democratized.

Otherwise it will be no more than green-wash. Cost of Green Development cannot be unaffordable for the poor," Environment Minister Jayanti Natarajan told reporters.

In a success for India at the Rio summit, also called the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, world leaders agreed to set up two important mechanisms one for Technology Transfer and another for Finance. Both were Indian proposals, which received strong support from G77 countries, including from Africa, LDCs and small island states.

"We are now keen to collectively ensure that these mechanisms are operationalised and deliver effectively for developing countries," Natarajan said and welcomed the speedy conclusion of the Rio+20 outcome document

which took into consideration India's interests and concerns.

"As far as India is concerned, the outcome document takes into consideration our interests and concerns and we are satisfied with the overall package. India was constructive at Rio and, in addition to our own proposals, which met with widespread support, our delegation played a crucial role in bridging differences and building

meaningful action by all parties and not constrain development," she said.

Natarajan said one significant development has been the restoration of the centrality of the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) in the environmental discourse.

"Equity and its manifestation, the principle of CBDR, are at the heart of international cooperation

Once the quota reform is carried out, India's share at IMF is set to rise to 2.75 per cent from 2.44 per cent, making it the eighth largest shareholder in the multilateral agency from its present eleventh position.

The implementation of the quota reforms has been delayed as countries such as the US have not yet ratified the proposal.

The prime minister also said that prudential rules adopted in banking regulation did not discriminate against lending to developing countries.

Welcoming the progress made in financial regulatory reform, he however said much remained to be done.

He said the G-20 leaders discussed the need to move towards a banking union in Europe to help strengthen financial stability.

Singh said the objectives of quota reforms can be best achieved by recognizing the predominant role of GDP on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) basis in the formula without going into other variables.

"This basic position should not be compromised in any way and we need to reiterate out position strongly", he said.

According to recent IMF data, India has overtaken Japan to become the world's third-largest economy in purchasing power terms.

The data showed that India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in PPP terms stood at USD 4.46 tril-

lion in 2011, marginally higher than Japan's USD 4.44 trillion, making it the third-biggest economy after the US and China.

India's share in world GDP in terms of PPP, a measure of relative consumer prices across countries, stood at 5.65 per cent in 2011 against Japan's 5.63 per cent, with the gap expected to widen significantly by 2017.

We elcoming the progress made in financial regulatory reform, he however said much remained to be done.

He said the G-20 leaders discussed the need to move towards a banking union in Europe to help strengthen financial stability In five years, the IMF estimates the share of India's GDP in PPP terms would grow to 8.09 per cent compared with 4.8 per cent for Japan.

The PPP system allows GDP comparisons to be made by asking how much money would be needed to purchase the same goods and services in two countries and using that to calculate an implicit foreign exchange rate. -PTI

Investment priority to developing nations Cont’d from page 5

(L to R) India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, China's Premier Wen Jiabao, Benin's President Boni Yayi and Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner pose during the UN Conference on Sustainable Development Rio+20 family photo, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on June 20

consensus on many important issues," she said.

Natarajan said India was satisfied that no specific goals and targets have been agreed.

"We look forward to engage constructively in the intergovernmental process to outline and develop goals that would be applicable to all countries, not just developed countries, integrate the three pillars sustainable development, respect CBDR and involve

for sustainable development and we are glad that we have collectively agreed on this key issue, which is of great significance to developing countries, not least in the climate change context.

"When we talk of the Green Economy, India is committed to a Green World Economy but, I must hasten to add, a real green economy - not a Green Washed Greed Economy, as our environmentalists say." -PTI

Against the background of renewed market tensions, it said, the Euro Area members of the G-20 will take all necessary measures to safeguard the integrity and stability of the area, improve the functioning of financial markets and address financial sector problems.

"We look forward to the Euro Area working in partnership with the next Greek government to ensure they remain on the path to reform and sustainability within the Euro Area," it added.

The G-20 also welcomed the commitment by China to allow market forces to play a larger role in determining movements in the Remnimbi (RMB), continue to reform its exchange rate regime, and to increase the transparency of its exchange rate policy.

The member nations, it added, will endeavor to move more rap-

idly toward market-determined exchange rate systems and exchange rate flexibility to reflect underlying fundamentals, avoid persistent exchange rate misalignments, and refrain from competitive devaluation of currencies.

On reforms of the IMF, the G20 leaders agreed to complete the comprehensive review of the quota formula, to address deficiencies and weaknesses in the current quota formula, by January 2013 and to complete the next general review of quotas by January 2014.

"We reaffirm that the distribution of quotas based on the formula should better reflect the relative weights of IMF members in the world economy, which have changed substantially in view of strong GDP growth in dynamic emerging markets and developing countries," the declaration said. -PTI

8

Top Stories

India Post

June 29, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Singh talks N-cooperation with Hollande, Putin ON BOARD PM'S SPECIAL AIRCRAFT: The new French President Francois Hollande has pledged to continue France's strategic partnership with India with same vigor as his predecessors Jacques Chirac and Nikolas Sarkozy who belonged to rival parties.

Hollande expressed this sentiment during his first meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the G20 summit at Los Cabos in Mexico after recently winning the presidential elections defeating Sarkozy.

Singh also congratulated Hollande on winning the elections.

Official sources said the two leaders discussed Indo-French nuclear ties and referred to the progress in the cooperation in building the world's largest nuclear plant at Jaitapur (6 x 1650 mw) in Maharashtra.

Nuclear issues also figured in Prime Minister Singh's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders discussed the Indo-Russian nuclear power project at Kudankulam.

Putin was told by Singh that the first two units (1000 mw each) of the project are on track and

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh meeting the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit

that the discussions are underway for the third and fourth units for which the Russian side has to come back with further details.

Putin and Singh shared the view that the two countries needed to work together more intensely to augment their traditional defense cooperation.

It was felt that India and Russia will have to work out a long-

term arrangement in areas like defense cooperation to avoid situations of repeated signing of MoUs. This will ensure there are no delays in projects like in key areas of defense.

Official sources said that during discussions on the Jaitapur nuclear plant, Singh and Hollande were confident that the ongoing discussions will reach an early

Ravi walks out of prison; will not be deported NEW YORK: India-born student Dharun Ravi was released from a US prison after he completed 20 days of his month-long jail term following his conviction for spying on his gay roommate, but will not be deported to his native country India.

at 8:35 am (local time).

The former Rutgers University student was convicted on charges of bias intimidation and invasion of privacy for spying on his gay roommate, who later committed suicide.

Ravi was wearing a dark blue

Dharun Ravi walks out of Middlesex County jail in North Brunswick, N.J.

A bearded and smiling Ravi, 20, was escorted out of the Middlesex County jail by his lawyer Steve Altman after his release

T-shirt and khaki pants and headed straight toward Altman's car with neither of the two talking to the media.

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said earlier that Ravi would not be deported to India after taking into account his record.

"Based on a review of Ravi's criminal record, ICE is not initiating removal proceedings at this time," the ICE's Office of Public Affairs said in an emailed statement to PTI. Ravi's release comes a day after the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said he would not be deported to India once he his released from prison.

Ravi shaved off 10 days from his month long sentence by getting five days credit for good behavior and a similar number for working in prison.

Ravi had been sentenced to a 30 days in jail, three years' of supervised release, ordered to do 300 hours of community service and pay a fine of about USD 11,000 after he was convicted in March this year of using a webcam to spy on the sexual encounters of his roommate Tyler Clementi in September 2010. -PTI

Manmohan Singh meeting the President of France, Francois Hollande, on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit, at Los Cabos, Mexico on June 19

conclusion.

The issue of India's bid to seek membership of the elite 46-nation nuclear club Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) also came up during discussions Singh had with the Russian and the French leaders.

Both Russia and France have declared their support for India's candidature for NSG. Prime Minister Singh also had brief meetings with British, Canadian and Australian Premiers David Cameron, Stephen Harper and Julia Gillard respectively.-PTI

India may not be called to inject fund for IMF LOS CABOS: India may not be Prime Minister Manmohan called upon to inject USD 10 bil- Singh had said that he was happy lion (Rs 55,000 crore) into the IMF to announce that India has debailout fund to help the debt- cided to contribute USD 10 billion wracked Eurozone tide over its fi- to the IMF's additional firewall of nancial crisis after it announced USD 430 billion. its contribution if the global ecoR Gopalan, Secretary in the nomic situation gets better, an of- Department of Economic affairs, ficial said. said that infrastructure investment R Gopalan, Secretary in the in developing countries has never Department of Economic Affairs, in the forefront at the G20 as much said that the USD 10 billion dollar it was at the seventh summit. contribution announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ‘It (contribution) is considat the G20 Summit is still ered part of our reserves. considered part of the The country may not be country's reserves and that the situation has called upon to give the not reached where a money if the world situation transfer of funds have gets better,’ he said been effected.

"It (contribution) is considered part of our reserves.

"It is significant that infrastrucThe country may not be called ture requirement of developing upon to give the money if the countries was brought to the fore world situation gets better," he at the Los Cabos Summit, whether said. the investment is through finance "India's contribution of USD 10 or development channels. It is for billion as part of the USD 75 bil- the first time that it came up in a lion pledged by the five-nation big way at the G20.

BRICS bloc to the IMF's additional India was successful in bringing firewall of USD 430 billion is a all G20 countries onboard. All the message to the financial markets countries have attached signifithat a firepower is available to cance to the idea of giving priority meet the contingencies and to to infrastructure development in give confidence and calm the mar- developing countries as a way of kets," the official said. stimulating growth," he said. -PTI

Top Stories

June 29, 2012

India Post

9

www.indiapost.com

Minister Krishna meets with INOC leaders India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: George Abraham, President of the Indian National Overseas Congress, USA along with senior office bearers called upon India's Minister of External Affairs S. M. Krishna and senior member of the Congress party.

Minister Krishna was in Washington DC heading the delegation on the occasion of the US India Strategic dialogue with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

George Abraham was accompanied by Senior Executive members, Treasurer Kanwal Sra, Kerala Chapter Chief Kalathil Varghese, Former Vice President and current Executive Committee member, Mohinder Singh, and Lavika Bhagat Singh, President of the Washington Chapter.

The delegation briefed the minister about the developments and progress of the INOC, USA. Kanwal Sra along with Mohinder

Minister of External Affairs, S. M. Krishna meets with Indian National Overseas Congress, USA Senior Leaders in Washington DC

Singh shared their recent involvement in Punjab elections and winning of Mohinder Singh's brother to the Punjab Legislative Assembly.

Kalathil Varghese shared Kerala

Diaspora participation in Kerala elections where Congress party was voted to the Assembly.

Lavika Bhagat Singh highlighted the activities and informed regarding meetings with Mr Kapil Sibal,

Indian-American arrested for bribery tax fraud NEW YORK: An Indian-Ameri- Chicago restaurant, Nayak alleg- tion as US President.

Nayak was charged with 10 can businessman, who was a edly promised to raise a million former fund-raiser and key figure dollars for Blagojevich if Jesse counts of mail fraud, five counts in the senate seat scandal of now Jackson Jr was appointed to the of interstate travel in aid of rackjailed Chicago governor Rod US Senate to replace President eteering, and four counts of filing false income tax returns for Blagojevich, was arrested here Barack Obama.

Blagojevich was convicted of the years 2005-2008. on charges he paid bribes to physicians for patient referrals and filed false income tax returns.

Raghuveer Nayak, 57, was charged in a 19count indictment that was returned by a federal grand jury last week and unsealed following his arrest, US Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois P a t r i c k Fitzgerald said.

Nayak, a fundraiser for Raghuveer Nayak leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after pleading not guilty Blagojevich in a federal fraud case and Representative Jesse The indictment seeks forfeiJackson Jr, owned multiple area trying to sell President Barack outpatient surgery centers in Obama's vacant senate seat. ture of at least USD 1.8 million and around Chicago. He is Nayak had also told the FBI that in alleged fraud proceeds, or scheduled to appear before Jackson made a "pay-to-play" substitute assets, including Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez offer to get Blagojevich to ap- Nayak's Oak Brook, Illinois resipoint Jackson to fill the senate dence and two surgery centers. in US District Court.

During a 2008 meeting in a seat left vacant by Obama's elec- PTI

India's Minister of Human Resource Development and Sam Pitroda, Indian innovator and Advisor to the Prime Minister.

Multiple plans discussed included future events to engage

the Diaspora in Congress activities with a special focus on upcoming 2014 elections in India.

These events will be attended by various AICC members, including Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament and senior party leaders. Other topics discussed included upcoming US elections and Diaspora issues.

Mr. Krishna acknowledged and applauded the efforts put forth by the Overseas Congress and assured all members present that their efforts are valued and appreciated.

INOC leaders also brought to his attention various concerns of the Pravasee community and requested strengthening the ongoing dialogue in that regard and offered the services of INOC as one of the interfaces to allay those concerns. The Minister was also informed of the creation of the NRI-Interface committee under the INOC banner to deal with these issues.

Kochi to host Pravasi Bhartiya Divas NEW DELHI: The next Pravasi Bhartiya Divas - India's annual event to connect with its Diaspora - will be held in Kochi from January 7 and will mainly focus on attracting investment and enhancing engagement with the community in diverse sectors.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will address the 11th edition of the high-profile event on January eight while the President will deliver the valedictory address on January nine.

Nearly 2,000 overseas Indians including top businessmen, entrepreneurs and economists will participate in the three-day conclave being organized by Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.

"The next Pravasi Bhartiya Divas will be held in Kochi. Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had requested us for holding the event in the state," Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi told reporters.

The Minister said the main theme of the event will be to discuss ways and means to further increase the two-way engagement of the Diaspora with the country.

"We will try to further enhance the engagement between the Diaspora and the country of their origin," he said.

Ravi said Indians living across the globe including in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Gulf countries will participate

‘The main theme of the event will be to discuss ways and means to further increase the two-way engagement of the Diaspora with the countryof their origin,’ in the mega event.

"I will go to Gulf region to invite people to the event," said Ravi.

The Minister said a special session on issues relating to women will be organized.

Officials said a number of key Union Ministers and Chief Ministers of various states will interact with the Diaspora community.

The last Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was held in Jaipur earlier this year. -PTI

Top Stories

10 India Post

June 29, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Develop anti-trafficking law: US tells India WASHINGTON: US has recommended India to develop a comprehensive anti-trafficking law and increase prosecutions and convictions on all forms of trafficking, even as it noted that New Delhi is making significant efforts to comply with the minimum standards for its elimination.

For the second consecutive year, an official US report has placed India on Tier 2 list of countries, whose governments do not fully comply with the minimum standards of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act's (TVPA), but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards.

The report was released by the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.

India, the report said, is a source, destination, and transit country for men, women, and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking. The forced labor of millions of its citizens constitutes India's largest trafficking problem.

Men, women, and children in debt bondage are forced to work in industries such as brick kilns, rice mills, agriculture, and embroidery factories, the report said.

A common characteristic of bonded labor is the use of physical and sexual violence as coercive tools. Ninety per cent of traf-

ficking in India is internal, and those from India's most disadvantaged social strata, including the lowest castes, are most vulnerable, it said.

"There were new reports about the continued forced labor of children in hybrid cottonseed plots in Gujarat, and reports that forced labor may be present in the

The report also mentions a US court's default judgment of USD 1.5 million in favor of an Indian domestic worker who sued a former Indian consular officer who had employed her while assigned to duty in the United States; no appeal was filed Sumangali scheme in Tamil Nadu, in which employers pay young women a lump sum to be used for a dowry at the end of a three-year term," the report said.

An increasing number of job placement agencies lure adults and children for forced labor or

sex trafficking under false promises of employment. Indian boys from Bihar were increasingly subjected to forced labor in embroidery factories in Nepal, it added.

Noting that women and girls are trafficked within the country for the purposes of forced prostitution, the report says religious pilgrimage centers and cities popular for tourism continue to be vulnerable to child sex tourism.

The report also mentions a US court's default judgment of USD 1.5 million in favor of an Indian domestic worker who sued a former Indian consular officer who had employed her while assigned to duty in the United States; no appeal was filed.

"The domestic worker accused the Indian diplomat of forcing her to work without adequate compensation for three years and subjecting her to physical and mental abuse," it said.

The State Department recommended India to develop a comprehensive anti-trafficking law or amend anti-trafficking legislation to be in line with the 2000 UN TIP Protocol, with adequate penalties prescribed by the UN Transnational Organized Crime Convention; and increase prosecutions and convictions on all forms of trafficking, including bonded labor. -PTI

Clinton impressed by confidence of Bihar's karate girl WASHINGTON: Highly impressed by the karate girl from Bihar whom she met during her trip to Kolkata in May, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, for the second time in less than a month, has shared her story with the audience here as to how confident and inspiring she was.

"One young girl, full of life, came up and asked me if I wanted to see her perform some karate moves, and I said of course. And the way she stood up, so straight and confident, the pride and accomplishment in her eyes, was so inspiring," Clinton told a select audience at the State Department where she launched the 2012 Trafficking in Persons Report.

"This was a child who'd been born in a brothel to a young mother who had been forced and sold into prostitution. But when her mother finally escaped and took her daughter with her, they were out of harm's way and finally

able to make choices for themselves," Clinton said while referring to her short-interaction with Poonam Khatoon (16).

On May 6, oozing with confidence, Poonam told Clinton that she was a karate champion and

‘It wasn't so much the karate as it was the way she stood so straight, looked me in the eye, had a sense of pride and accomplishment about her,’ Clinton then told reporters asked her whether she would like to watch her perform. Clinton laughed and asked Poonam to show some of her skills.

"Now I don't know what's go-

ing to happen to that young girl, whose image I see in my mind's eye, in the years and decades ahead. But I do know that with a little help, her life can be so much better than her mother's. And that's what we need to be focused on, and it's what we need to try to do for all victims and survivors," Clinton said.

Soon after her return from New Delhi, Clinton had narrated the story of her meeting with this karate girl to reporters in Washington. "It wasn't so much the karate as it was the way she stood so straight, looked me in the eye, had a sense of pride and accomplishment about her," Clinton then told reporters.

After releasing the 2012 Trafficking report, Clinton said today it is estimated as many as 27 million people around the world are victims of modern slavery, what is sometimes call trafficking in persons.-PTI

India 'condemning' millions to stay poor, says angry L N Mittal NEW YORK: Joining the likes of N R Narayana Murthy and Azim Premji to blame the Indian government for policy inaction, UKbased NRI billionaire L N Mittal has said the country is potentially condemning millions to remain in poverty by not helping industrialization.

"Industrialization is an impor-

L N Mittal

tant part of every major economy's development and by risking progress in this way, India is potentially condemning hundreds of millions to remain in poverty longer than previously anticipated," Chairman and CEO of world's largest steel-maker ArcelorMittal said.

Addressing the World Steel

Dynamics conference here he said, "the Indian government must concentrate on smoothening the path for foreign investors ...there are understandable challenges in India relating to land acquisition and raw materials, but nevertheless the government must find a way to overcome these roadblocks more swiftly," ArcelorMittal has waited for six years to implement its USD 30 billion projects mostly in Odisha and Jharkhand states, facing problems relating to land acquisition and regulatory issues.

Mittal made these comments at a time when global rating agencies like Fitch and Standard and Poor's have downgraded India's rating outlook.

Wipro chief Azim Premji recently told global investment analysts that the country was leaderless and Infosys cofounder N R Narayana Murthy said India was in a sorry state of affairs.

Mittal said, "I hope that they are able to re-focus and return to the higher level of growth rates."

While in the long run, the country enjoys considerable opportunities and requires enormous infrastructure investment, "... its economy is experiencing some quite serious challenge," he said. -PTI

US Treasury Secretary postpones India visit

Timothy Geithner

WASHINGTON: US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has decided to postpone his India trip

considering that his Indian counterpart, Pranab Mukherjee, is expected to resign as Finance Minister to file his nomination for presidential election.

According to a Treasury statement, in light of Mukherjee's candidacy for President of India and his expected resignation as Finance Minister, Geithner's trip to India for the next meeting of the US-India Economic and Financial Partnership, originally scheduled for June 27-28, has been postponed.

"Mukherjee has been an effective ally in the G-20 and a strong partner in deepening the economic relationship between the United States and India," the Department of Treasury said in a statement.

The meeting is expected to be rescheduled in the months ahead, the Treasury said. -PTI

Top Stories

June 29, 2012

India Post

11

www.indiapost.com

'Indian Americans third largest among Asians' WASHINGTON: Indian Americans are the third-largest group among Asian Americans, who according to a latest report have now overtaken Latinos as the biggest group of new arrivals in the US every year.

In 2010, 36 per cent of new immigrants were Asians compared to 31 per cent for Hispanics, the Pew Research Centre said in a report according to which Indian Americans are the third-largest group among Asian Americans after Chinese and Filipino.

Chinese (4 million) top the list among Asian American communities in the US, followed by Filipino (3.4 million) and India (3.1 million).

The report "The Rise of Asian Americans" says that 24 per cent of adult Indian Americans live in the West, compared with 47 per cent of Asian Americans adults overall.

Further 65 percent of Indian Americans are either Democrats or of Democrat leaning.

Indian Americans also have a very high income.

According to the Pew report, Indian-American's median annual household income is USD 88,000 per annum as against USD 66,000

of Asian Americans and USD 49,800 of an average American household.

Eighty-seven per cent of Indian Americans of more than 18 years of age were born outside the US as against 74 per cent of Asian American adults.

The report says that 24 per cent of adult Indian Americans live in the West, compared with 47 per cent of Asian Americans adults overall Further 65 percent of Indian Americans are either Democrats or of Democrat leaning The report reveals that 55 per cent of Indian Americans feel that they have better freedom to express views in the US than in India, as against 69 per cent among Asian Americans.

While only 33 per cent Indian

Goldman pays large chunk of $30 mn legal fee for Rajat Gupta NEW YORK: Financial ser"Goldman has been advancing vices firm Goldman Sachs has paid Gupta money to pay his lawyer's a large chunk of the nearly USD bills because the bank's by laws 30 million legal fees for its former require it to pay the legal fees of board member Rajat Gupta's de- its top officers and directors for fense, a media report said. conduct that occurred while act"Goldman Sachs has paid for ing on behalf of the company," the the bulk of Gupta's legal defense, NYT said. which has cost nearly USD 30 mil"And Delaware - where lion," the New York Times re- Goldman is incorporated - has ported, citing a source familiar generous laws regarding indemwith the matter. nifying executives to protect them Proctor & Gamble paid the re- from incurring personal liability for maining balance, NYT said.

Gupta who was a ‘Goldman has been adboard member at vancing Gupta money to Goldman Sachs and pay his lawyer's bills beProctor & Gamble was found guilty of passing cause the bank's by laws confidential boardroom require it to pay the legal discussions at Goldman fees of its top officers to the former founder of and directors’ hedge fund Galleon, Raj Rajaratnam.

As per a deal reached between their work while doing their jobs," Goldman and Gupta before the it added. trial, the latter would have to reThe publication noted that imburse the bank for the legal fees Gupta's lawyer fees does not only advanced to him if found guilty, include his month-long trial, but the report noted. also two-and-a-half- year legal In addition, Goldman must con- odyssey that led to the charges tinue to pay Gupta's bills until a against him, including a pitched final resolution of Gupta's appeal, battle with the Securities and Exa process that could take a couple change Commission in a related of years. civil case. -PTI

Americans feel that they have better freedom to practice religion in the US than India, as against 52 per cent of Asian Americans.

Indian Americans on an average are much higher educated that an average American or even Asian Americans.

Thirty-two per cent of Indian adults (of the age of 25 and above) have a bachelor's degree as against 29 per cent among Asian Americans and 18 per cent among Americans.

Similarly 38 per cent of Indian Americans (of the age of 25 and above) have advanced degrees as against 20 per cent of the Asian Americans and 10 per cent among Americans.

The report also reveals that Indian Americans tend to marry among themselves.

As many as 86 per cent of the Indian Americans marry inside the community, the Pew report said based on figures of new marriages between 2008 and 2010.

Only two per cent of Indian Americans married among non-Indian Asian and another 12 per cent among non-Asians.

According to the report 71 per cent of Indian Americans are mar-

Indian-American to run for Georgia Senate BHUBANESWAR: Odishaborn entrepreneur Bikram Kumar Mohanty has been chosen by US President Barack Obama as the Democratic Party candidate for Georgia State's Senate elections to be held on July 31 and November 6.

The 45-year-old Indian-American is a native of Chandabali area in Bhadrak district, around 100km east of Bhubaneswar. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Innovative Rehab Solutions, a healthcare company based in Georgia's Valdosta city.

After graduating from Bhadrak College, Mohanty joined the National Institute of Orthopaedics in Kolkata in 1988 and then migrated to the US in 1994.

In an emailed message, Mohanty said as a student he got an opportunity to serve in the Missionaries of Charity as a clinical intern.

"I do know that my experience and proven record in healthcare industry will facilitate achieving the milestone of balancing the state budget and creating jobs," he said.

ried compared with 59 per cent of Asian Americans and 51 per cent of the US adults.

Among Asian-American newlyweds, Japanese have the highest rate of inter-marriage and Indians have the lowest.

More than half of recent Japanese newlyweds married a non-

A Pew Research survey finds Asian Americans are more satisfied than the general public with their lives, finances and the direction of the country, and they place a greater value on marriage, parenthood Asian; among recent Indian newlyweds, just one-in-eight did.

The report also reveals that 73 per cent of Indian Americans above the age of 18 years speak English very well compared with 53 percent of all Asian-American immigrants.

Releasing the report, the Pew said Asian Americans are the highest-income, best-educated and fastest-growing racial group in the US, with Asians now making up the largest share of recent immigrants.

A Pew Research survey finds Asian Americans are more satisfied than the general public with their lives, finances and the direction of the country, and they place a greater value on marriage, parenthood, hard work and career success.

Indian Americans lead all other groups by a significant margin in their levels of income and education.

Seven-in-ten Indian-American adults ages 25 and older have a college degree, compared with about half of Americans of Korean, Chinese, Filipino and Japanese ancestry, and about a quarter of Vietnamese Americans.

On the other side of the socioeconomic ledger, Americans with Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese and "other US Asian" origins have a higher poverty rate than does the US general public, while those with Indian, Japanese and Filipino origins have lower rates. -PTI

S&P downgrade setback to India: Powell WASHINGTON: The possible do more in Afghanistan, Powell downgrade of India's investment said that New Delhi is already status by Standard & Poor's "re- "playing an important role" in flects" some of the current prob- this war-torn country. lems India is having, the US Am"India's private sector has bassador to India Nancy Powell come into Afghanistan and has said. looked for opportunities; invest"I think, it reflects some of the ing in mining and in commercial problems India is currently facing. ventures.

It had a number of indicators "We are continuing to encourwhich are worse than it has been age them to do that and India is in the past," Powell told the Asia Society in ‘India's private sector has an interview.

"It does not take come into Afghanistan and into account the potential for India, changes looked for opportunities; that might occur with investing in mining and in additional liberalization, additional invest- commercial ventures ment, looks like there is going to be a good monsoon." going to host an investor's con"And I think that it does not ference on 28th of June for the reflects those things, then obvi- international community to look ously that would be a setback for at other opportunities for investIndia's hopes to continue to grow ment in Afghanistan," she said. at the eight-nine per cent rate," Responding to a question if a she said responding to a ques- strong India-US relationship a tion on S&P threat to downgrade necessary counterbalance to India's investment status.

China's regional influence, When asked about the recent Powell said the US is looking to statement of the Defense Secre- encourage the entire region to tary Leon Panetta calling India to work together. -PTI

Desi News Mesmerizing Kuchupudi dance drama SURI SWAMI

DALLAS: Invoke the divine and celebrate the wedding of Lord Srinivasa, was the theme of the evening gathered at the Eisemann Center, Richardson TX as a part of the "Kalyana Srinivasam", a mega Kuchipudi Dance Drama on Lord Srinivasa hosted by the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) on Sunday, June 17.

The program was co-hosted by the Natyanjali Kuchipudi dance school of Srilatha Suri established to promote the exquisiteness of Kuchipudi dance in North America in general and Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex in particular.

Rajeswari Udayagiri and Chandrahas Maddukuri duo served as the leaders of the ceremony for the evening.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA www.indiapost.com

12 India Post

Wells Fargo, HDFC sign agreement for US-India remittance service

June 29, 2012

Details on page 18

Saif Ali Khan to be Grand Marshal of FIA I-Day Parade

Details on page 14

Patang, the film evokes kite festival of Gujarat SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: After winning awards and acclaim at prestigious film festivals across the globe, including its World Premiere at the Berlin Film Festival and North American Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, the colorful and vibrant motion picture Patang had its theatrical release on June 15 in New York City (Cinema Village), New Jersey (Big Cinemas in Edison and North Bergen), and Chicago (AMC River East 21).

This was followed with a release on June 22 in Toronto and Vancouver.

Details on page 16

Punjabi Youth Graduation Nite

by PCS RAJINDER SINGH MAGO

CHICAGO: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) hosted its twelfth annual "Punjabi Youth Graduation and Scholarships Awards Night" on Sunday, June 10 at Viceroy of India Banquet Hall in Lombard, Illinois.

More than 250 guests attended the event.

The guests of honor were about 25 class of 2012 graduates from the Punjabi community.

Arvind Singh, co-founder President and CEO of Utopia Inc. with 25 years of entrepreneurial and other life experiences to share, was an inspiring keynote speaker.

Details on page 17

Consul General Parbhu Dayal with FIA leaders

Saif Ali Khan

tude and the pleasant experience during his term. He then welcomed the current President Mr. Kanubhai Chauhan, a pioneer in promoting Bollywood shows in USA and a successful businessman and movie producer. Mr Chauhan addressed the gathering and followed up with inviting the executive committee of the 2012 IDP on stage.

such epic magnitude.

Among the dignitaries that addressed the invited guests were, Vice Chairman of FIA Mr. Yash Paul Soi, Past President & Trustee Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Past President & Trustee Mr. Dipak Patel, FIA's Grand Sponsor for three years in a row Mr. Husam Ahmad of HAKS. The event also presented AV

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The 2012 India Day Parade (IDP) of the Tri-state (NY, NJ,CT) will be led this year

by Grand Marshal Saif Ali Khan Pataudi. This was announced here

by Mr. Kanubhai Chauhan, President of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), at the Curtain Raiser Event of the umbrella organization of Tri-state. He also announced that apart from Saif Ali Khan, there will be surprise Super Star celebrities in attendance at the parade as well. The Curtain Raiser Event was held in Manhattan on June 13. The venue was the Indian Consulate.

Mr Chauhan added that FIA will continue with the prestigious Lighting of the Empire State Building in Tri-colors as well as the Opening Bell Ringing Ceremony at Nasdaq for this year as well.

The Curtain Rasier officially jump started the campaign for the 2012 India Day Parade (IDP) that FIA has been organizing since the past 32 years. The Parade is a stellar milestone event celebrated to mark the Indian Independence Day. In his opening statement, Immediate Past President Mr. Bipin Patel expressed his grati-

Mr. Kanubhai Chauhan, added that FIA will continue with the prestigious Lighting of the Empire State Building in Tricolors as well as the Opening Bell Ringing Ceremony at Nasdaq for this year as well The inauguration was started by orchestrating a lamp lighting which was performed by Consul General Prabhu Dayal, Grand sponsors as well as the FIA's Board of Trustees and Past Presidents which included Mr. Ramesh

Patel, Mr. Yash Paul Soi, Mr. Chandrakant Trivedi, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Mr. Rambhai Gadhvi, Mr. Dipak Patel, Mrs. Shobhnaben Patel to name a few.

The next to speak was Chairman of FIA, Mr. Ramesh Patel, a well known community leader and an activist since past 50 years. He is one of the founding fathers of FIA along with many other community organizations.

Mr. Patel emphasized the fact that FIA along with the celebrations of Indian Independence and Republic Day is also at the forefront in addressing and fighting for burning community issues like immigration, domestic injustice, discrimination, bias and hate crimes etc.

Consul General Prabhu Dayal gave high marks to the FIA's efforts of social activities that benefit the Indian community in the Tri-state along with putting together remarkable events. Mr Dayal stated,"This is the largest Parade outside of India in the world. This a very fascinating show of celebration of Indian Independence in the world."

He commended the efforts put together by the FIA day in and day out to put together an event of

Consul General Prabhu Dayal gave high marks to the FIA's efforts. He stated,"This is the largest Parade outside of India in the world. This a very fascinating show of celebration of Indian Independence in the world" presentation from the 2012 Committee as well as a dance show performed by local artists.

The ceremony was summed up with a 'Vote of Thanks' by the General Secretary of FIA Mr. Srujal Parikh.

Community Across America

June 29, 2012

India Post 13

www.indiapost.com

Ravishankar Prasad blames UPA for India ills India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) - USA held a round table luncheon meeting with BJP Chief Spokesperson and General Secretary, Mr Ravishankar Prasad at Bombay Palace restaurant in Manhattan on June 13. A strong OFBJP delegation consisting of its key leaders from tri-state area, headed by the president, Mr Jayesh Patel accorded welcome to Mr Ravishankar Prasad and apprised him of the major activities of the organization.

Mr Ravishankar Prasad elucidated the current politico-economic situation in India and blamed the UPA government headed by Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA chair-person Mrs. Sonia Maino Gandhi for this pathetic situation. He elaborated that the prime minister has power with no authority and Mrs. Sonia has authority but no accountability.

He said, that under the watch of these two people, one corruption scandal after another have been tumbling down from the cupboards of the Congress led government.

He also said, that Dr. Manmohan Singh, who is touted as the renowned economist, is prevailing over the historic price raise; dwindling economy; high inflation; heavy taxation; low investments and stashing away of black money in foreign countries.

Mr Prasad highlighted the significant

achievements made by the nine BJP or NDA ruled states in India in contrast to the states that are ruled by Congress or UPA. All nine BJP or NDA administered states have

He revealed growth statistics and innovative programs pertained to other BJP/NDA rule states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and more.

Mr Ravishankar Prasad.

He reminded the commonality between Indian and Jewish communities who have survived many foreign invasions and barbaric onslaught; calamities; and sufferings due to alien rule.

They are doing well today in their chosen fields and societies. He said that they are the role models to the nations who intend to achieve success by sheer hard work and through the path of non-violence

achieved double digit growth rate, he said.

He gave an example of Mr Narendra Modi's Government in Gujarat making that state a favored destination of auto industry in Asia which is in direct competition with China.

On another note, he talked about the forced or lured religious conversions that are taking place in India, and said that the so-called Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims are finding rampant discrimination in

their new found religions to their horror. He reminded the commonality between Indian and Jewish communities who have survived many foreign invasions and barbaric onslaught; calamities; and sufferings due to alien rule. They are doing well today in their chosen fields and societies.

He said that they are the role models to the nations who intend to achieve success by sheer hard work and through the path of non-violence. He advised the OFBJP karyakartas to be more effective in furthering the interests of India in US and recognized the good work being carried out by OFBJP at various levels.

Earlier, OFBJP Past President, Mr Suresh Jani welcomed the gathering and President Jayesh Patel introduced the delegates to Mr Ravishankar Prasad.

Mr Jayesh Patel gave an account of significant contributions made by the OFBJP during the past three years for various causes and issues pertained to Indian American community. He highlighted major programs like the massive rally in Washington, DC in support of the plight of Kashmiri Hindus, Dharun Ravi case, discrimination faced

by Indian American community in New Jersey, hardships faced by NRIs at India consulates etc.

Organizing General Secretary, Mr R. P. Singh gave vote of thanks.

Pew's one-dimensional portrayal of Asian Americans HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: The Asian American Center for Advancing Justice is deeply concerned about how a recent study by the Pew Research Center doesn't portray Asian Americans in the proper perspective.

While the report, "The Rise of Asian Americans," should be applauded for the attention it provides to an often misunderstood racial group, its narrative largely ignores the tremendous social and economic diversity within Asian American communities. Failure to fully recognize the challenges

racial groups. These portrayals are overly simplistic.

The Pew Research Center report holds up Asian Americans as the most educated. Yet data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Asian American adults are less likely than Whites to have finished high school and that Chinese and Vietnamese Americans are among seven Asian American ethnic groups to have below average attainment of a high school diploma.

These same data show that Southeast Asians, including Hmong,

The Pew Research Center report holds up Asian Americans as the most educated. Yet data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Asian American adults are less likely than Whites to have finished high school many Asian Americans face could result in proper appreciation of educational, economic, and social service needs of America's fastest growing racial group. This in its turn impacts on addressing the issues by policy makers.

Authors of the "The Rise of Asian Americans," as well as many mainstream media outlets covering its release, paint a picture of Asian Americans as a model minority, having the highest income and educational attainment among

Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese Americans, are among those least likely to hold a college degree.

The Pew Research Center report also notes that Asian Americans have the highest median household income. Yet household income is a poor measure when applied to immigrant communities, which feature a greater number of workers per household and include a greater number of persons who rely on the income those

workers produce.

Census Bureau data on per capita income indicate that Asian American incomes fall below those of Whites nationwide. Per capita income data by ethnic group further shows that Hmong, Cambodian, Laotian, and Bangladeshi Americans have incomes more similar to those of African Americans and Latinos than Whites.

Findings such as these are in-

cluded in Advancing Justice's recent report, "A Community of Contrasts: Asian Americans in the United States, 2011," which documents the social and economic diversity within Asian American communities across a variety of indicators. It provides valuable portraits of the most disadvantaged Asian American ethnic groups, nearly all missing from the Pew Research Center report. "A Community of Contrasts" can be

found online at www.advancingjustice.org.

One-dimensional portrayals of Asian Americans as universally successful have serious consequences, rendering invisible the needs of some of the most vulnerable families in the United States.

The myriad of Asian American experiences demand a more nuanced and sophisticated narrative than "The Rise of Asian Americans" provides.

Community Across America

14 India Post

June 29, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Mesmerizing Kuchupudi dance drama SURI SWAMI

DALLAS: Invoke the divine and celebrate the wedding of Lord Srinivasa, was the theme of the evening gathered at the Eisemann Center, Richardson TX as a part of the "Kalyana Srinivasam", a mega Kuchipudi Dance Drama on Lord Srinivasa hosted by the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) on Sunday, June 17.

The program was co-hosted by the Natyanjali Kuchipudi dance school of Srilatha Suri established to promote the exquisiteness of Kuchipudi dance in North America in general and Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex in particular.

Rajeswari Udayagiri and Chandrahas Maddukuri duo served as the leaders of the ceremony for the evening. Manjulata Kanneganti, TANA Southwest Regional Representative extended a warm welcome to the visiting guests and several hundreds of local Telugu community members for this one-of-a kind dance drama.

Chivukala being honored by TANA

the upcoming leaders of the Indian origin. In his brief address, Chivukula congratulated TANA for bringing the Telugu community together and promoting the rich Indian culture in North

with unique set of situations involving many characters for the clear understanding of the story.

Each scene is uniquely choreographed with various characters supported by breathtaking

Padmavati is well presented. The audience was enthralled and taken in by every scene and passion of the performers was clearly visible.

Prasad Thotakura, President of TANA reiterated TANA's contin-

Dr. Sobha Naidu for her decades of accomplishments and service to Indian art and culture. He thanked Srilatha Suri of Natyanjali Kuchipudi dance school and her disciples for performance to the Dallas area Telugu community.

The "Kalyana Srinivasam" team leader Padmasree Dr. Sobha Naidu was felicitated with a title "Viswa Natyaachaarya Siromani" and the Artistic Director of Natyanjali Kuchipudi Dance School Srilatha Suri was bestowed with "Natya Kala Choodamani.

All the performers were recognized with certificates and bouquet of flowers by the TANA executive team. Mementos were presented to all the sponsors and Chandrahas Maddukuri and Rajeswari Udayagiri for doing an outstanding job as the emcee of the day.

Kalyana Srinivasam mega Kuchipudi dance drama came to an end with vote of thanks by Ram Yalamanchili, Secretary of TANA

All the performers were recognized with certificates and bouquet of flowers by the TANA executive team. Mementos were presented to all the sponsors Scenes from Lord Srinivasa's wedding

The event was attended by Upendra Chivukula, Deputy Speaker of the NJ Assembly, as a Chief Guest. He was recognized with a "Distinguished Service Award" for his impeccable public service and for being a beacon for

America.

"Srinivasa Kalyanam" is a romantic devotional ballet depicting the story and the wedding of Lord Srinivasa with Padmavathi. The ballet has been divided into a dozen different complex scenes

sounds and techniques to simulate the respective environment.

Use of special equipment in almost every scene is an indication of the effort level from the choreographers. Various events leading to the romantic union of the Lord with

ued focus on serving the Telugu community with result oriented programs. He invited everyone to attend the 19th TANA Convention to be held from July 4-6, 2013 at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas. He commended Padmasree

to the audience for their attendance, visiting guests and special thanks were given to media partners Eknazar, FunAsia, Yuva Telugu Radio, and TV9 for their excellent coverage before and after the event.

Big grant for Punjab's needy students India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: Washington-based Sikh Human Development Foundation has given a helping hand to needy students pursuing higher education in Punjab and other Northern Indian states. It has given scholarships to 504 students in 159 institutions/colleges totaling about $ 210,000 for the academic year ending in 2012.

"This number is up from 412 of the last year" said Gajinder Singh Ahuja, Secretary General of SHDF. He added, "15 scholarship recipients belonged to farmers' families where the farmer had committed suicide to escape the excruciating debt burden."

He further stated, "Need based scholarships are granted after a rigorous screening process and our findings reveal that 60% of

scholarship recipients were from families with income of less than a dollar a day per person and 18% from families with slightly more than a dollar a day per person income."

"There is increased emphasis on female

areas."

Chairman of SHDF, Amar Jit Singh Sodhi, said, "SHDF has granted 2373 scholarships since year 2001 when this program was initiated and 774 students have already gradu-

"This number is up from 412 of the last year" said Gajinder Singh Ahuja, Secretary General of SHDF. He added, "15 scholarship recipients belonged to farmers' families where the farmer had committed suicide to escape the excruciating debt burden" education in our program. 69% of the scholarships went to female students and 31% to male students. 52% scholarship recipients were from rural areas and 48% from urban

ated and have become professionals. It is heartwarming that some of the scholarship recipients have landed in multi-national companies or found top career jobs

throughout India and overseas."

"These individuals have become a source of pride, happiness and economic security for their siblings and parents. Each successful scholarship recipient adds to the sum total of human happiness and is a national asset. Each one of them is a compelling story. This is the end product of SHDF efforts."

Dr. Rajwant Singh, SHDF's Outreach Director, said, "In rupee terms, this year we have distributed more than Rs. one crore (close to $ 210,000) as pure scholarship money. This is perhaps the largest single grant money given by the Diaspora community to needy but bright students surviving in extreme poverty and yet who dream of standing on their own feet.

Cont’d on page 15

Community Across America

June 29, 2012

India Post 15

www.indiapost.com

Father's Day at Hari Om Mandir Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Hari Om Mandir, a socio-religious organization in Medinah, a northside suburb of Chicago, celebrated Father's Day with a Desi twist on Sunday, June 17. People streaming right since 11

To commemorate Father's Day, a token gift of incense stick and bell was distributed to all devotees.

Suresh Bodiwala Chairman of the Asian Media, was thanked for services to Hari Om Mandir.

After Aarti and Mahaprasad, the devotees dispersed cherishing memories of Father's Day am enjoyed beautiful bhajans recited by devotees.

The practice of Father's Day celebration was started in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd, born in Arkansas. Her father, the Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, was a single parent who reared his

Devotees at Hari Om Mandir celebrating Father's Day.

six children in Spokane, Washington. It seeks to highlight the contribution of the father in the development of child.

Celebrations at Hari Om Mandir were started by Sneh Chaudhary, Secretary of the Board, welcoming all to celebrating Father' Day. President Rajeev Bharel narrated various activities performed by the Mandir with the cooperation of all.

He also outlined upcoming programs and requested all to attend them in large numbers.

Ayodhia Salwan, Chairman, Board of Trustees also welcomed all fathers and mothers and touched upon the importance of a father.

He informed everyone that the Green Card petition for Priest Yogesh Pandya had been approved. Krishan Tejpal, Chairman of the Senior Citizens' Committee,

Big grant for Punjab's needy students Cont’d from page 14

Their success brings a sense of hope for other students in Punjab and neighboring areas who might be facing similar dire circumstances.

This is only possible due to our farsighted and generous donors."

Mr. Sodhi emphasized, "This program, inspired by the timeless vision of Sikh Gurus, is converting the stench of poverty and drift to drugs and drinking amongst the youth in Punjab and other areas into fragrance of hope and dignity. SHDF is just a group expression of compassion, vision and the belief that our acting together can effect change."

Mr Ahuja added, "40% of the students are in different fields of engineering, including Computer Science Engg. (16%), Elec. and Communication Engg. (14%) and several other engineering fields.

21% of the students are in Computer Applications, 18% in Medical fields (doctors, nurses and other) and 12% in IT fields. Rest

of the students are in other professional fields such as MBA, Bio Tech, Agriculture, etc."

SHDF is largely supported by donors from Washington Metro

"This program, inspired by the timeless vision of Sikh Gurus, is converting the stench of poverty and drift to drugs and drinking amongst the youth in Punjab and other areas into fragrance of hope and dignity area and by many successful entrepreneurs throughout the US. It partners with Nishkam Sikh Welfare Council for implementing this program in India.

was honored along with his wife.

To commemorate Father's Day, a token gift of incense stick and bell was distributed to all devotees. Suresh Bodiwala Chairman of the Asian Media, was thanked for services to Hari Om Mandir.

After Aarti and Mahaprasad, the devotees dispersed cherishing

Priests doing Aarti. (Pics: Asian Media USA)

memories of Father's Day. Hari Om conducts every Sunday a Havan followed with general congregation participation in Aarti and Bhojan Prasad. On every first Saturday of the month, there is Devi Jagran from 7-10pm.

Every Monday there is Shiv Puja and every Tuesday a Hanuman

Challisa Path. There are two learned priests available in temple, for Poojas, Havan, Kathas etc in the temple and at home.

Upcoming events are Sat. June 30th 6:30-8:00 pm Swami Adyatamanand Ji Parvachan. July 8th 11am-5pm Raunak Mela (Taste of India)

Community Across America

16 India Post

June 29, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Patang, the film evokes kite festival of Gujarat SURENDRA ULLAL

Kites in the sky and kites on the ground

CHICAGO: After winning awards and acclaim at prestigious film festivals across the globe, including its World Premiere at the Berlin Film Festival and North American Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, the colorful and vibrant motion picture Patang had its theatrical release on June 15 in New York City (Cinema Village), New Jersey (Big Cinemas in Edison and North Bergen), and Chicago (AMC River East 21).

This was followed with a release on June 22 in Toronto and Vancouver. The Bay area release is slated on June 29 along with additional US cities in July. Starring Seema Biswas, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Mukund, Shukla, Sugandha Garg, Aakash Maherya, and Hamid Shaikh, it is directed by Prashant Bhargava and produced by Jaideep Punjabi.

It will be a thrilling event for the youth here just as it has been in India for many years past.

Acclaimed film critic Roger Ebert raves about Patang: "The storytelling is effortlessly made part of the hypnotically beautiful visuals, and woven into a kaleidoscope of colors, faces, music and a little romance.

Bhargava is masterful in the way he allows his story to emerge from his mosaic, instead of spelling it out by the numbers.

Evokes the old and new Indias side by side as well as I've seen done."

Patang is the official selection in many international festival-forums, namely Berlin Film Festival, Jerusalem Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival, Hong Kong Asian Film Festival and Geneva International Film Festival. It is a winner as the Best Narrative Feature at Hawaii International Film Festival and DC APA Film Festival.

A poetic journey to the old city of

Gujarat. It is a holiday when every family meets outdoors. People of all ages fly kites from dawn to dusk. On crowded rooftops, there is fun-loving rivalry to outdo each other in kite flying skills.

The fascination and the revelry associated with the kite flying cuts across age groups, class and communities. Although, Uttarayan is predominantly a Hindu festival marking the awakening of the gods from

Acclaimed film critic Roger Ebert raves about Patang: "The storytelling is effortlessly made part of the hypnotically beautiful visuals, and woven into a kaleidoscope of colors, faces, music and a little romance. Bhargava is masterful in the way he allows his story to emerge from his mosaic, instead of spelling it out by the numbers Ahmedabad, Patang weaves together the stories of six people transformed by the energy of India's largest kite festival. When a successful Delhi businessman takes his daughter on a surprise trip back to his childhood home for the festival, an entire family has to confront its own fractured past and fragile dreams.

Uttarayan (known as Makar Sakranti in other parts of India) is the kite-flying day in

their slumber, history has it that India developed a rich tradition of kite flying due to the patronage of Kings and 'Nawabs' who found the sport both entertaining and a way of displaying their prowess.

Months before the festival of Uttarayan, homes in the localities of various cities in Gujarat turn into kite producing factories with all family members doing their bit in the seasonal cottage business. The paper

and sticks are cut, the glue is stirred and thousands of kites are prepared in the market. The string is coated with a special glass powder and rice paste, all set to cut each other's strings and knock down the kites.

The size of the kite ranges from nine inches to three feet.

Members of various communities irrespective of cast and creed, are engaged in the business of kites. Although the Kite Festival is celebrated all over Gujarat, it is the most exciting in the capital city of Ahmedabad. An enthusiastic Gitesh, who lives in the U.S. and continues to be a fan of this joyous outdoor celebration, says that "The Patang Bazaar (kite market), situated in the heart of Ahmedabad city, comes alive on this occasion. It is open 24 hours a day during the Uttarayan week."

A visit to the Bazaar in the middle of the night proves beyond all doubt that the entire population of the city is obsessed with kites and they crowd the streets and buy the stocks while negotiating and enjoying through the night. It's adventurous, skillful and a test of one's endurance. Unfortunately many young lives used to be lost in olden times, though such instances are wide and far between now, thanks to the precautionary measures taken by both the local government and people.

Saldef concludes leadership development program weekends, the first in Washington, DC in October and the second in Los Angeles, CA in May. The latter of these weekends fo-

"We are proud of each of our new graduates and are excited to see the great things they will do for the community", said Kavneet

The program spanned two weekends, the first in Washington, DC in October and the second in Los Angeles, CA in May. The latter of these weekends focused on providing the participants with "tools for change" including an understanding of how to influence policy makers

India Post News Service

WASHINGTON; Last month, Saldef successfully concluded its inaugural Leadership Develop-

ment Program (LDP), under its ground-breaking SikhLead youth development initiative. The program selected 17 highly talented and accomplished young Sikh

Americans from around the country for 6 days of leadership training, professional development and advocacy training.

The program spanned two

cused on providing the participants with "tools for change" including an understanding of how to influence policy makers, organize communities, and leverage media to positively impact the Sikh community.

Singh, Saldef's Managing Director. "We also look forward to their involvement with the next class of participants as they take an active role in creating a network of emerging Sikh American leaders."

Cont’d on page 17

June 29, 2012

Community Across America

India Post 17

www.indiapost.com

Punjabi Youth Graduation Nite by PCS RAJINDER SINGH MAGO

PCS officials at the PCS Graduation and Scholarship Awards Night gala to honor "Class of 2012 Graduates"

CHICAGO: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) hosted its twelfth annual "Punjabi Youth Graduation and Scholarships Awards Night" on Sunday, June 10 at Viceroy of India Banquet Hall in Lombard, Illinois.

More than 250 guests attended the event.

The guests of honor were about 25 class of 2012 graduates from the Punjabi community.

Arvind Singh, co-founder President and CEO of Utopia Inc. with 25 years of entrepreneurial and other life experiences to share, was an inspiring keynote speaker.

The celebration included recognition awards, scholarships, keynote address, cake cutting ceremony, DJ music, dancing, networking, and delicious Indian cuisine.

The participants of "Rangla Punjab 2012" the PCS Annual Vaisakhi cultural program were also awarded. The dinner party was free to the graduates and Rangla Punjab participants.

P.C.S. $1000 scholarship this year was awarded to Manmit Kaur Sandhu of Lake Park High School in Roselle. Manmit won for her high scholastic achievements and also participation in community service and Punjabi cultural activities. Two $750 scholarships

were awarded to Ramandeep Kaur and Rai Barinder Singh Ghotra for similar achievements. The scholarships were presented to the winners by PCS Chairman Dr. Amarjit Singh and Harinder Pal Singh (M.I.T.S.).

The scholarship award dinner

The guests of honor were about 25 class of 2012 graduates from the Punjabi community. Arvind Singh, co-founder President and CEO of Utopia Inc. with 25 years of entrepreneurial and other life experiences to share, was an inspiring keynote speaker event was co-sponsored by Dr. Surjit Singh Patheja, Dr. Amarjit Singh, Dr. Robert Singh, Surinder Singh Palia and Surinder K. Jain (Viceroy of India Banquets).

Navjot Singh, who graduated from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee Wisconsin major-

Manmit Kaur Sandhu receiving the first scholarship. (L-R) Harinder Singh (MITS), Manmit Kaur Sandhu, Dr. Amarjit Singh PCS Chicago Chairman, Harkirat Singh Sandhu, Rajinder Singh Mago, PCS Board of Governors

ing in Accounting, was a special student speaker at the event.

Navjot received National Student Scholar Award along with being the 2nd team All American Basketball conference player of the year. "To be successful," Navjot said, " work hard, play

Graduates listening to the keynote address given by Arvind J. Singh, co-founder, President & CEO of Utopia.

hard, and develop time management skills."

The motivational keynote speaker Arvind J. Singh congratulated the graduates and gave them ten short and sweet real life pragmatic "Helpful Tips" to be successful in college and in life.

Saldef concludes leadership development program Cont’d from page 16

LDP is designed to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated, and entrepreneurial group of young Sikh American leaders as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership.

The purpose of this program is to empower Sikh American youth

in becoming effective leaders committed to exploring and realizing both their personal potential and that of the Sikh American community.

Saldef conveyed its thanks to many who provided their valuable time to serve as panelists and guest speakers during the program: • Dr. Varun Soni, Dean of Reli-

"Follow your passion, take risks, learn from your mistakes, take care of your body, make a difference, maintain your integrity, do not forget to have fun, give back to the community, and respect your family and friends," advised Arvind Singh. He also an-

gious Life, University of Southern California • Tanzila Ahmed, Asian Pacific American Legal Center • Jheanelle Wilkins and Bree Romero, The Leadership Conference • Salam Al-Marayati, Executive Director, MPAC • George Wu, Former Executive Director of OCA

nounced a $1000 scholarship for entrepreneurial leadership in honor of his parents.

The PCS Chicago recognition certificates were presented to the class of 2012 graduates by Dr. Navdeep Kaur Sandhu, Harinder Singh MITS and Padma Bhushan

Dr. Amarjit Singh.

A special cake cutting ceremony honoring all the class of 2012 graduates was also held. An exclusive invitation for the first dance at the celebration party was given to the graduates.

PCS vice president Surinder Singh Sangha welcomed the gathering. Balwinder Singh Girn coordinated the Rangla Punjab participants' awards.

Arvind J. Singh was honored, with a plaque presented to him by the PCS Chairperson Dr. Amarjit Singh with all the PCS officials standing by his side.

The community service volunteer Surinder Singh Bhatia and Rangla Punjab 2012 event coordinators Jeetu Kaur, Sukhwinder Kaur, Jaspal Singh Saini, Winston Kelly (Kohl's) and Rishpal Singh (Sunshine DJ), were also honored with plaques by PCS officials.

All the performing artists of "Rangla Punjab 2012" the PCS Vaisakhi cultural show were given trophies and certificates for their hard work, participation, and excellent performances.

All of the attendees enjoyed the party, relished delicious Indian cuisine, DJ music and dance.

The dance floor was jam packed with young Bhangra lovers till late into the evening.

18 India Post

Community/California

June 29, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Wells Fargo, HDFC sign agreement for US-India remittance service RAKESH KAPOOR

(L-R) Wells Fargo's Executive Vice President and Head of Global Remittance Services Daniel I. Ayala, Wells Fargo East Bay Regional Banking President Micky S. Randhawa, and HDFC Bank's Executive Director Harish Engineer at the signing.

MILPITAS: An agreement for "US-India Remittance Service" was signed here between two major banks, HDFC Bank & Wells Fargo & Company at the India Community Centre. With the addition of HDFC Bank's more than 2,500 branches and over 8,900 ATMs, Wells Fargo customers' beneficiaries can now choose from a network in India of over 5,200 branches and more than 16,000

of this agreement, payout locations in India have been doubled for "US-India ExpressSend Remittance".

There were lot of people at the press conference who were curious to know about the remittance issues. In the packed hall Mr. Micky Randhawa welcomed the Key Guest Mr. Harish Engineer, Mr Daniel Ayala, and some fellow bankers along with the audience.

(L-R) Wells Fargo's Executive Vice President and Head of Global Remittance Services Daniel Ayala, HDFC Bank's Executive Director Harish Engineer, and Wells Fargo East Bay Regional Banking President Micky S. Randhawa at the press conference held inside the India Community Center in Milpitas.

ATMs for remittances to India.

At this occasion were present the key guest Mr. Harish Engineer, Executive Director, HDFC Bank and his team from Mumbai, India, Mr. Daniel Ayala, Executive Vice President and Head of Wells Fargo's Global Remittance Services, from San Francisco Bay Area in California and Mr. Micky Randhawa, East Bay President , Wells Fargo Bank.

The main signatories, who signed the agreement for their respective banks, were Mr. Harish Engineer for HDFC and Mr. Daniel Ayala for Wells Fargo. As a result

Mr. Randhawa introduced both the stalwarts to the audience. He said "Harish Engineer is a Science Graduate from Bombay University and holds a Diploma in Business Management from Hazarimal Somani College, Mumbai, India.

He has been associated with HDFC Bank since 1994 in various capacities and is at present The Executive Director on the Board of the Bank responsible for Wholesale Banking including International Banking. Mr. Engineer has over 39 years of experience in the fields of finance and banking.

Today he is here to sign this his-

(L-R) Wells Fargo's Executive Vice President and Head of Global Remittance Services Daniel Ayala and HDFC Bank's Executive Director Harish Engineer shake hands to seal their new partnership.

toric agreement."

Mr. Randhawa introduced Daniel Ayala as Executive Vice President and Business Unit Manager for Wells Fargo's Global Remittance Service Group. He manages Product Development, Product Management, operations and customer service activities. Ayala and his team manage the Wells Fargo ExpressSend service and other products focused on consumer re-

"India has one of the highest remittance volumes in the world according to the World Bank," said Daniel Ayala. "This is evident from high customer demand as well. We are glad we can make payout locations even more convenient now” mittance to Asia and Latin America.

Ayala is also a global payment system expert with more than 18 years of related consumer and wholesale banking experience.

Previously he was responsible for corporate and financial institutions treasury management activities focused on product management, marketing and sales management for Citibank, JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America.

Micky Randhawa himself is a 20 year company veteran. He is the East Bay President of Wells Fargo Bank. He previously served as Community Banking President in

the Southern California region. He served a geographically and ethnically diverse community which spanned from downtown San Diego to the Mexico border and across to Arizona border.

Since Randhawa began his career with Wells Fargo in 1990 as a teller, he has served as Store Manager, Business Sales Manager, Premier Sales Manager and District Manager.

Randhawa is actively involved in the community, serving as a volunteer, advisor and board member for non-profits including Wells Fargo's Greater Bay Area Region Volunteer Chapter, Khalsa School, which serves Indian Community in the South Bay, Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the California State University East Bay Educational Foundation.

He has also been involved with the Alzheimer's Association, Diabetes Research Foundation and GENCO Charitable Trust.

"India has one of the highest remittance volumes in the world according to the World Bank," said Daniel Ayala. "This is evident from high customer demand as well. We are glad we can make payout locations even more convenient now by expanding our remittance payout network in India with HDFC Bank."

"While we're a major player in the Gulf-India remittance market, this alliance with Wells Fargo will help us expand in the US-India sector, which has been growing exponentially. Given our reach and the web-based nature of the service, this will allow people to send money back home in one of the safest and fastest possible ways.

HDFC Bank places great emphasis on use of technology to pro-

vide faster and better service and this remittance alliance is testament to the leadership position in technology the Bank is striving towards," said Harish Engineer, executive director, HDFC Bank.

"Wells Fargo's expansion of its remittance service over the years has been remarkable for its steadiness and success," said Gwenn Bézard, Aite Group research director. "When other U.S. banks got distracted away from money transfers, Wells Fargo invested in improving the product.

“When private equity firms with grandiose plans to roll up the market threw the towel in, Wells Fargo continued to expand its network. The deal with HDFC Bank highlights once more the value of time and commitment over fast and furious in this market."

Wells Fargo ExpressSend customers can send up to $5,000 per day to their beneficiary's HDFC Bank account using the accountbased ExpressSend service for a $5 fee. The fee for account-based transfers to HDFC Bank will be waived through August 31.

Remittances to HDFC Bank are denominated in Indian Rupees.

Once a customer has set up the ExpressSend agreement and the beneficiary account information is verified with HDFC Bank, the customer needs to conduct their first transaction in a store. Subsequent account-based transactions can be conducted online through Wells Fargo.com, at a Wells Fargo banking location or through Wells Fargo Phone Bank. Funds are sent to HDFC Bank quickly for credit during HDFC Bank's local processing hours Monday - Saturday, excluding India holidays.

Cont’d on page 19

Community/California

June 29, 2012

India Post 19

www.indiapost.com

LA & Bay Area Spelling Bee winners announced

Bay Area Winners: (L to R) First Runner Up Siddharth Kulkarni of San Jose, CA; Regional Champ Surya Auroprem of San Jose, CA and Second Runner Up Rutvik Gandhasri of San Jose, CA with Rahul Walia, Founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee. India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: The 2012 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee has begun its 11 city tour with the first two events in Los Angeles and Bay Area.

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

"It is very heartening to see that each year we get fresh faces and new talent which

is a continuing testimony to our community's strength in this craft," said Rahul Walia, Founder - South Asian Spelling Bee. In LA, Samruddhi Hande from San Diego, CA was the regional champ and Sumaita Mulk from Goodyear, AZ was the first runner up while Shreya Nalapati from High Lands Ranch, CO was second runner up.

In Bay Area, Surya Auroprem from San Jose, CA was the regional champ and Siddarth Kulkarni from San Jose, CA was

LA Winners: (L to R) First Runner Up Sumaita Mulk of Goodyear, AZ; Regional Champ Samruddhi Hande of San Diego, CA and Second Runner Up Shreya Nalapati of High Lands Ranch, CO with Rahul Walia, Founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee.

first runner up while Rutvik Gandhasri from San Jose, CA was second runner up.

"As the title sponsor of the Spelling Bee for the fourth consecutive year, MetLife congratulates all of the families who participated in this year's event. It was great to have such talented children participate and to share information with the parents about how they can prepare for the rising cost of college," said Laurel Daring, assistant vice president, MetLife Diverse Markets.

The winners received cash prizes of $500,

Wells Fargo, HDFC sign agreement for US-India remittance service Cont’d from page 18

Question Answer Session There was a question answer session after the press conference and the following were the major questions answered: Q. When we send money from here the bank charges$5 or $8 or whatever to remit the money to India. So do we have to pay there in India also some fee?

Ans. (Harish Engineer) No you do not have to pay any fee or charge in India.

Q: If we send money from US to India and for example say that the one dollar is equal to Rs. 50.00. Do we get the same rate when it is received in India or the rate changes at payout location?

Ans. (Daniel) No, rate at payout location does not change. The rate is locked out actually and you receive the same rate.

Q: I am a Wells Fargo Bank a/c holder and if the money is sent from my a/c to HDFC Bank a/c in India, or in any other bank there, can the money be received safely and without any hassles.

Ans. (Harish) Yes, if the account is in HDFC Bank, but for other banks the arrangement is still to be made.

Q: I want to send $ 15,000.00

to my bank, can I send money in one transaction and the charge will be the same as $5?

Ans. (Daniel) Yes we can send the money but in three days as the daily limit at present for sending the remittance is $ 5000.00 per day with the fee of $ 5 per transaction.

So the money can be sent in three days with total charge of $ 15.

Q: Can we send the money online and do we need to give any transaction code also?

Ans. (Daniel) Yes we can send the money on-line without any problem and the code is only needed when the money is sent through the remittance companies, not by us.

Q: Can we open an a/c in India from here, and how.

Ans. (Randhawa) Yes you can open an NRI a/c from here by providing your passport copy as identification and your driving license as proof of your address.

For an Indian a/c you have to give your India proof of address, any photo ID such as copy of Pan Card or Ration Card and your picture.

Q: For how long an a/c can be current without transactions or when it is necessary to make any transaction to keep the a/c running.

Ans. (Randhawa) Account can be current or operative up to 6 months without the transaction.

After that it becomes inoperative or dormant.

Q: what is inoperative or dormant account?

Ans. (Randhawa) Inoperative means it is not functional, to keep it fuctional you must do at least one transaction in 6 months.

After the Question Answer round Micky Randhawa added that customer always wants new products.

That is why we are here with this Global Remittance Service with the HDFC Bank. He said that HDFC Bank was a big Bank but with amalgamation with the other four banks it has become even bigger .

We as Wells Fargo have large numbers of customers and HDFC Bank also has large numbers of customers and the question was that we have to make a difference and we did it by joining the hands and on this day I want to give you a free offer to send $ 5000.00 to India for free of charge up to 31st of August.

Reporting & Pics by Rakesh Kapoor who is at present working as Administrator for Fremont Hindu Temple.

$300 and $200 respectively.

Children up to 14 years of age are eligible to participate and the contest saw spellers of even 6 years of age compete and make it past a few rounds. There are nine more cities on the anvil.

The top two winners plus one parent each from every city will be given an all expenses paid trip to NJ on August 17 for the Finals.

The contest will be telecast globally on Sony Entertainment Television-Asia.

Bay Area 5K for 5Ks Walk on Sept 22 India Post News Service

SUNNYVALE: The Sikh Coalition is hosting its second annual '5K for the 5Ks' Walk/Run in the Bay Area on Saturday, September 22 at Baylands Park, Sunnyvale, CA. Last year, over 450 enthusiastic community members participated in the Sikh Coalition's first annual Bay Area 5K for the 5Ks Walk/Run. Participants ranged from infants in strollers to ener-

getic grandparents in their nineties.

The event surpassed all expectations for celebrating the Sikh identity and raised over $55,555 for the Sikh Coalition.

The walk/run was followed by food, fun, children's activities and entertainment including performances by Ishmeet Narula, Mandeep Sethi, Raginder 'Violinder' Momi, BAR-B: Bay Area Royal Bhangra, Inni Kaur, Kikli and Vikram Singh.

Tech News Airtel Nigeria pays fine for poor quality ABUJA: Airtel Nigeria, subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, South Africa's MTN, Abu Dhabi's Etisalat and local operator Globacom have paid USD 3.7 million in fine imposed on them by the country's telecom regulatory authority for poor quality of service.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had penalized the four operators in the country for poor quality of services after a Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) test carried out on their networks for the months of March and April.-PTI

Apollo Hospitals wins 'G 20 challenge' Award HYDERABAD: Apollo Hospitals has won the 'G20 Challenge on Inclusive Business Innovation' award at the G20 Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico.

'G20 Challenge on Inclusive Business Innovation' is a global competition managed by International Finance Corporation (IFC) a member of the World Bank Group.

Apollo Hospitals was declared the winner (the only healthcare organization in the World to be awarded) for its 'Reach Hospitals' initiative.

Guj delegation in China's Sichuan province BEIJING: In the backdrop of China's plans to develop 12 large provinces located in the western and central regions, an Indian delegation from Gujarat is exploring trade and business opportunities there.

The delegation is currently touring China's Sichuan province to explore trade and business opportunities between both the provinces, following up on the last year's visit of Gujarat state Chief Minister Narendra Modi to China.

Gujarat and Sichuan province look to collaborate in a big way, a statement by the visiting delegation said.

The 12 member business delegation headed by Bharat Lal, Resident Commissioner of Gujarat, is in Chengdu on the invitation of Sichuan province Government to forge partnership in trade, business and investment as well as address their industry and business leaders, the statement said.-PTI

TechBiz 20 India Post

www.indiapost.com

June 29, 2012

Motorola launches Razr Maxx in India

A

s expected, Motorola Mobility has officially launched the Razr Maxx in the Indian market, pricing the device at Rs. 31,590. Furthermore, Motorola has also announced that they will soon launch the dual-core Razr V in the Indian market sometime in the future.

The Motorola Razr Maxx looks very similar to the sleek Android-powered Motorola Razr, except for a slightly thicker back due to its enormous 3,300 mAh battery. This device is powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core Cortex A9 processor and includes 1GB of RAM. Storage can be expanded by 32GB using a microSD card, to add to the built-in 8GB capacity.

Zinnov says Indian economy poised to overcome downturn India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Zinnov Management Consulting, a leading Market Expansion and Globalization Advisory firm, has presented a positive and robust outlook on the Indian economy as opposed to the sentiments that are doing rounds in the industry. Close on the heels of, and in striking contrast to Fitch's recent downgrade of India's credit rating outlook to negative, Zinnov believes this to be a momentary phase and showcased reasons for it to be a promising decade.

Commenting on the market situation, Mr. Praveen Bhadada, Director- Market Expansion, Zinnov, said "India is no longer an emerging market but a happening one, where such market ups & downs should be acceptable.

Both multinationals as well as Indian companies aspiring for growth should continue to take focus on the long-term view, with which they established their presence in country.

"While quarterly numbers are important, it is also equally essential to focus on market creation activities and opportunity realization to reap benefits in the next

five-year horizon. With the rapidly growing internet and mobile user base and increasing demand for services through new technology challenges, investors should not be deterred by a temporary phase when the fundamentals continue to remain strong", he added.

Showcasing and listing some of the strong reasons why various

ers, over 600 million people use mobile phones, 15 million people do online transactions and over 51 million people log on to Facebook. Over 170 million UID numbers have already been allocated to Indian residents. The $30 B+ domestic IT market is growing at a much faster rate than the exports market. India is already see-

With the rapidly growing internet and mobile user base and increasing demand for services through new technology challenges, investors should not be deterred by a temporary phase

Praveen Bhadada

spokes of the ecosystem need to keep faith in these turbulent times, Zinnov brought to light some of the factors on which, we should be betting high on: • India technology consumption is exploding: India currently has over 123 million internet us-

ing $B+ start-ups emerging.

Ecommerce market is expected to reach $23 B+ in the next 4 years.

Cloud computing is expected to see revenues of the order of $5 B in the next 5 years.

• GST implementation will accelerate economic growth: While

GST implementation has been long delayed, but once implemented, GST is expected to increase India's GDP by 0.9% to 1.7% as per NCAER. This will also result in export gains of 3.2-6.3% and import gains of 2.4-4.7%. GST along with FDI in retail segment will increase the FMCG industry size by $50 Billion.

• Indian MNCs and vast base of SMBs will be impossible to ignore: 61 Indian companies feature in the Forbes list of top 2,000 global companies. Over 175 companies can potentially feature in the list by 2020. India also has 45 million SMBs, making India the second-largest country in terms of SMB potential, next only to China.

• Large states in India are already booming: India's top 5 most populous states can hold the combined population of Brazil, Mexico, Philippines, Vietnam and Egypt. Maharashtra's GDP is equivalent to that of Singapore.

GDP of states such as Delhi, Bihar, Chattisgarh, and Goa has grown over 10% in FY12. Over 2,700 investor MOUs were signed in Gujarat in just one day as part of the global investors' summit in 2012.

Cont’d on page 22

BJP's Prasad lists policies to raise growth in India India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Mr Ravi Shankar Prasad, Senior-most General Secretary of BJP and Member of Indian Parliament, delivered the keynote address to the IndiaAmerica Chamber of Commerce (IACC) here on June 13. Mr Prasad is a highly respected senior BJP leader and has held the positions of India's Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Law and Justice, and Information and Broadcasting.

Outlining the BJP policies, Mr Prasad said, "We want greater growth. We want to make the pie bigger and to provide the atmosphere and structure that will

make this happen. India needs good governance, clear and growth oriented policies and right management."

"We want greater growth. We want to make the pie bigger and to provide the atmosphere and structure that will make this happen” The event brought together the U.S. investors and leaders for an

interactive discussion with India's principal opposition party, BJP, on the decline in India's GDP and the rupee, impending downgrade of

Ravi Shankar Prasad

India's rating and what BJP is trying to do to maintain the confi-

dence of foreign investors.

Rajiv Khanna, President, India-America Chamber of Commerce started the evening by asking the keynote speaker several challenging questions. The live debate with Mr Ravi Shankar Prasad provided an analysis of the internal and external economic threats to India's financial and economic position.

The evening reception also helped the attendees understand the dynamics of Indian economy, learn how to seize opportunities to invest into this new markets and gain completive edge in India.

Cont’d on page 22

TechBiz Post

June 29, 2012

India Post

21

www.indiapost.com

ATM-like cup-cake machine unveiled in US LOS ANGELES: For all those who have a midnight sweet tooth craving, a bakery chain in the US has come up with the world's first automatic cup-cake vending machine, allowing one to buy the cakes as easy as taking money from an ATM. The machine can hold 600 cupcakes and was installed in front of Sprinkles' flagship store in Beverly Hills here.

A touch screen display on the machine will allow customers choose from a range of flavors, including vanilla, red velvet, chocolate marshmallow and cinnamon sugar.

"It's the concept of making sure someone can get a freshly baked cupcake at anytime," Sprinkles spokesperson Vineet Chaplot was quoted as saying by CNN. "We have a lot of customers who like to come later at night."

To the casual passerby, it looks just like a regular old cash-dispensing ATM, but a second look

tells a different story. Customers flick a touch screen to get started, then up pops a menu of cupcakes, cake mixes, apparel and doggie cupcakes. Then they make a selection, swipe a credit card, and wait for the fun part.

"While the credit card is processing, you'll see a video of the actual camera on the robotic arm going and getting the cupcake that you'll receive," said Chaplot.

The robotic arm places the cupcake onto a platform, and then the

Zipping through all highway tolls by 2014 NEW DELHI: Cruising through national highway toll plazas will be a reality by 2014 with the help of electronic collection system which will save the country Rs 87,000 crore a year.

"Within two years we intend to bring all toll roads under the electronic collection system," Road Transport and Highways Minister C P Joshi told PTI. The system, which has already been made operational on pilot basis at Chandimandir near Panchkula on the Delhi-Parwanoo highway, the toll is paid electronically.

It works through Radio Fre-

taneously all toll plazas on National Highways will be equipped with the system to read this tag," Joshi said.

The present manual system of toll collection suffers from several loopholes.

"There are many complaints of overcharging and undercharging.

There is a congestion and crowding of vehicles at toll booths leading to wastage of time and fuel," he said.

According to a study by the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata, and the Transport Corporation of India, delays at toll plazas cost the economy an esti-

quency Identity (RFID), which is given to the vehicle by embedding a smart chip, which can store value like the pre-paid mobile cards.

Doing away with the manual system, the RFID would enable toll collection without making the vehicle stop.

"Inexpensive sticker tags with unique IDs would be fixed on the windshield of the vehicle. Simul-

mated Rs 87,000 crore every year.

The minister said the initiative follows recommendations of a high-level committee, headed by Chairman of Unique Identification Authority of India, Nandan Nilekani.

The country at present has about 10,000 km of National Highways under toll with about 200 manual collection centers. -PTI

dainty cardboard box is revealed at the turn of a cylinder.

"We're stocking the cupcakes day and night, so anyone that comes to get a cupcake is getting a fresh one. It's not something that's been sitting in the machine for a long time."

Sprinkles is expanding this technology to their nine locations across the country. New York, Washington DC and Chicago will see Cupcake ATMs on the streets this summer. -PTI

Facebook buys facial recognition firm NEW YORK: Social networking giant Facebook Inc has acquired Israeli facial recognition firm Face.com for an undisclosed amount in a bid to strengthen its photo sharing platform.

Face.com's software is used for facial recognition on photos loaded on its websites and through mobile applications.

"Facebook has acquired Face.com," Face.com Founder Gil Hirsh has said on his blog.

The announcement comes about two months after Facebook shelled out USD 1 billion for photo-sharing service firm Instagram.

Although financial details of the deals were not disclosed, media reports have pegged the transaction in the range of USD 60 million to USD 100 million.

Announcing the deal, Hirsh said, "Facebook is a part of your life every single day. We keep up with our friends and family, share interesting (or mundane) experiences from our daily lives, and perhaps most importantly for us, we share a lot of photos." "...By working with Facebook directly, and joining their team, we'll have more opportunities to build amazing products that will be employed by consumers - that's all we've ever wanted to do," he added.-PTI

Jet Airways to withdraw JFK flights from Sept MUMBAI: Loss-making carrier Jet Airways has said it will temporarily suspend services to New York (JFK) from September 10, though it would continue to operate to Newark International Airport.

The airline, which posted a loss of over Rs 294 crore in the quarter ended March 31, said that as part of its "ongoing network evaluation with clear focus on profitability, (the airline) will be redeploying its assets on its existing route network.

"This has hence necessitated the temporary suspension of the airline's Brussels-New York (JFK) flight effective 10th September 2012."

However, Jet would continue uninterrupted to two major gateways in North America, Newark

and Toronto, with its MumbaiBrussels-Newark and Delhi-Brussels-Toronto routes," it said in a filing to the BSE. Regarding those passengers booked on the JFK flight beyond September 10, the airline will "ensure that the affected guests are offered alternative flights on our own services to New York (Newark) or that of partner airlines" then onwards.

The company said the decision to stop the JFK flight was taken "in view of the current global economic conditions and its impact on business worldwide".

Jet Airways recently decided to cut money-losing international routes, including long-haul flights to Johannesburg and some shorthaul flights to the Gulf as part of a consolidation plan. -PTI

22

TechBiz Post

India Post

June 29, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Fitch lowers rating outlook of SBI, ICICI, PNB NEW DELHI: Global agency Fitch has cut credit rating outlook to negative from stable of 11 financial entities including SBI, ICICI Bank, PNB and Axis Bank.

The action follows the revision earlier this week of India's outlook to negative.

"The outlook revision of the financial institutions reflects their close linkages with the sovereign by virtue of their high exposure to domestic counterparties and holdings of domestic sovereign debt," Fitch said in a statement.

The list of downgraded entities includes six government banks (including an international banking subsidiary of a government bank), two private banks. These include Bank of Baroda, Bank of Baroda (New Zealand) Ltd (BOBNZ), Canara Bank, and IDBI Bank.

Besides two wholly owned government institutions -- ExportImport Bank of India and Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd have also been similarly downgraded. Besides, the outlook of IDFC Ltd and Indian Railway

Finance Corporation Ltd outlook has also become negative.

However, Fitch said the banks continue to have reasonable customer deposit base, domestic franchises and adequate capital.

The non-banking financial entities, meanwhile, lack the funding

India faces an "awkward combination" of slow growth and elevated inflation, Fitch had said, adding that the country "also faces structural challenges surrounding its investment climate advantage, which puts them more at risk during times of increased market volatility, it said.

Fitch also said sovereign support for both the large banks and

'policy-type institutions' is expected to remain strong, with the former benefiting from their large share of system assets and deposits and the latter from their association with the government.

According to analysts, the cut in the rating outlook may raise the cost of overseas borrowings for such institutions.

Earlier this week, Fitch lowered India's credit rating outlook to negative, citing corruption, inadequate reforms, high inflation and slow growth.

India faces an "awkward combination" of slow growth and elevated inflation, Fitch had said, adding that the country "also faces structural challenges surrounding its investment climate in the form of corruption and inadequate economic reforms".

Standard and Poor's (S&P) had in April lowered India's rating outlook to negative from stable. It also warned on June 11 that the country may be the first in the BRIC grouping to falter and its sovereign credit rating may slip below investment grade. -PTI

Zinnov says Indian economy poised to overcome downturn Cont’d from page 20

• Indian non-metro markets hold tremendous untapped potential: In the last 10 years, IIT-JEE has been topped by a non-metro individual 9 times. 5 out of 6 Indian Olympic medal winners since 1990s have come from non-metro cities. 60% of the 80 cricketers playing in India's national team since 2001 have come from nonmetro cities.

• Infrastructure improvements are on the rise: Construction and real estate accounts for over 25% of the total Indian GDP. Projected infrastructure investments in the 11th five year plan were nearly 2.5 times that of anticipated investments in the 10th five year plan.

The total projected investment in the 11th Five Year Plan was $78 B+ for road infrastructure and $64 B+ for railways. MNERGA scheme had a total outlay of $30 B for the period 2006-11. In FY11 alone 41 million people were employed under this scheme.

• Indian Media & Entertainment industry will outpace major global markets: IPL (Indian Premier League) already has a valuation close to that of NBA (National

Basketball Association). 160 million people watched IPL on televisions world over. India is already the largest movie making industry with more than 1,100 movies per year as opposed to just 700 in Hollywood. Over 20 million people

Zinnov additionally identified strong sales leadership, vertical specific solution capability, India specific customer success stories, strong training programs and effective partner ecosystem as some of the key Success Factors go for movies every day. India also has more than 600 TV channels and 70,000 newspapers across the country.

• Rising education level is making large base of Indians employable: India's literacy level has increased by 9.21% in the past 10

years to reach 74.04% in 2011. The number of Universities in India increased from 364 in the year 2004-05 to 654 in 2010-11. The number of students enrolling for higher education increased by 103% in the last decade. The number of graduates from Technical Colleges increased by 27% in just one year from 550,000 in 2010 to 700,000 in 2011. The government has decided to set up 6,000 model schools at the block level to benchmark excellence. GOI has framed a National Skill Development Policy to cater to the needs of the Industry for skilled workers.

Last but not the least, it read that while India is certainly going through a difficult phase, aggravated by political uncertainty, but the fundamentals remain strong.

While quarter results paint a challenging picture, the long-term potential in the Indian domestic market cannot be ignored.

Zinnov additionally identified strong sales leadership, vertical specific solution capability, India specific customer success stories, strong training programs and effective partner ecosystem as some of the key Success Factors for the Indian Market, for times to come.

GAIL wants US to relax norms for more LNG imports NEW DELHI: Close on the heels of sewing nation's first gas import deal from the US, stateowned GAIL India wants Washington to relax rules so that it can buy more liquid gas (LNG) to meet growing energy needs of the country.

Gas-surplus US at present allows exports of small amounts of natural gas. It has so far allowed only Cheniere Energy to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Sabine Pass LNG terminal to countries that have not signed freetrade agreements with the US such as India.

GAIL recently signed an agreement to import 3.5 million tons of LNG from Sabine Pass, a subsidiary of Cheniere Energy.

But given the growing gap between demand and supply, GAIL Chairman B C Tripathi wants to tap all of the seven LNG export terminals planned in the US and has written to Oil Ministry and Ministry of External Affairs seeking diplomatic intervention to push Washington to allow other terminals to sell gas to India.

The seven planned LNG terminals only to nations that have signed free-trade agreements (FTAs) with the US. "This implies that GAIL, as a representative company of India, cannot conclude any contractual

arrangement with these seven LNG export terminal companies till the time non-FTA approval is given to them," he wrote. "This is coming in way of GAIL's efforts to finalize liquid shale gas export from the US to India whereas time is very ripe now to strike LNG deals at competitive prices".

Tripathi said GAIL's September 2011 acquisition of 20 per cent stake in Eagle Shale Assets in Texas of Carrizo Oil and Gas, has "provided it with an opportunity to understand the North American gas market".

This led to GAIL sewing up the LNG supply deal with Sbaine Pass at a price linked to US Henry Hub gas price as against the practice of tying it up with oil.

He said LNG imports from the US was largely dependent on approvals from the Department of Energy, Federal Energy Regulation Commission and clearances from various departments of the US pertaining to land, water, air etc.

While FERC's approval was related to construction and conformance to the regulations, approval of DOE pertains to export of LNG to countries which signed FTA with US and/or nations which have not signed FTA with the US but are not covered under any sanctions for trade relations. -PTI

BJP's Prasad lists policies to raise growth in India Cont’d from page 20

The discussion explored how BJP strongly supports foreign investments and the US companies interested in investing in India. Mr Prasad said, "Reform has to be sold politically, but the investment sentiment must not be shattered. Our politics is very clear - greater growth leads to greater wealth which can then be distributed.

The debate on how the pie should be divided is a long and unending one in India. Our policy is clear - we want to make the pie bigger and to provide the atmosphere and structure that will make this happen. India needs good governance, clear and growth oriented policies and right management." "[With the decline in the Indian rupee,] I cannot think of a better

time to invest in India. We are rich in human capital and those who perform are rewarded. We, the BJP, rule 36% of the country, nine states to be exact, most of which have double digit growth rates."

The India-America Chamber of Commerce works to promote trade and investment between the U.S. and India, and business-to-business dialog between the business and policy leaders of India and the U.S. - the world's two largest democracies.

The Chamber serves as platform for open and spirited interaction among the U.S. and Indian business leaders from the private and public sectors. The Chamber's meetings include keynote presentations by visiting cabinet ministers, ambassadors and other prominent business leaders from the U.S. as well as India.

TechBiz Post

June 29, 2012

www.indiapost.com

ICICI launches US bluechip equity fund

Mr Nimesh Shah (left), Managing Director & CEO, ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Ltd, and Mr Sankaran Naren, Chief Investment Officer — Equity, at a press conference to launch ‘ICICI Prudential US Bluechip Equity Fund’ in Mumbai on June 19

MUMBAI: ICICI Prudential AMC has launched its first equity fund - 'ICICI Prudential US Bluechip Equity Fund' - which will directly invest in blue-chip companies in the US. The new fund has an investment strategy of investing in top 20-25 ideas among the blue chips listed on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq.

"This new fund will invest in those companies with minimum USD 4 billion of market capitalization with distinct competitive advantage," ICICI Prudential AMC Vice-President and product and communication head Himanshu Pandya told reporters here.

He also said companies in healthcare and medicine along with technology is on the radar of

the fund house.

The new fund offer will stay open for subscription till July 2, 2012 in which retail investors can invest through systemic investment plan (SIP) with a minimum application amount of Rs 5,000.

As per the fund house, the current US market reflects political stability, strong corporate governance, sound financial accounting and fewer challenges in comparison to other markets which will help in diversifying the portfolio of investors through this investment.

On the currency-based risks involved in this product, Pandya said this will be evened out in the long-term.

The company has also entered into a three-year exclusive arrangement with research house Morning Star which will provide it with research inputs regarding the US market, he added.

ICICI Prudential, which is a joint venture between ICICI Bank and the England-based Prudential, is one of the largest fund houses with an investor base of around 2 million. -PTI

Internet content censorship from India up 49 pc NEW YORK: Internet giant Google has reported a sharp rise of 49 per cent in online content censorship from India as it said the trend of blockage were increasing from governments round the world, more surprisingly from Western democracies.

Google Inc said it had received more than 1,000 requests from governments around the world in the second half of last year to take down items such as YouTube videos and search listings, and it complied with them more than half the time.

The Internet giant said political comments were a prime target as the number of requests for the company to remove content from the reach of Internet users jumped manifold.

"We noticed that government agencies from different countries would ask us to remove political content that the users had posted," a top Google official said.

He said the number of content removal requests received by Google in India was 49 per cent higher in the second half of last year than in the first six months.

But the requests made by New Delhi were not released in the

company's transparency report.

Google reported that it went along slightly more than half of the approximately 1,000 requests it received to remove material or links.

The Google report does not provide insights from countries such as China, where tight Internet controls allow blocking of content.

"It's alarming not only because free expression is at risk, but because some of these requests come from countries you might not suspect Western democracies not typically associated with censorship" The net blockage request from governments ranged from satires on military Generals in Pakistan, request from UK police officers to terminate six YouTube videos for terror contents and SOS for removal of as many as 149 videos

for allegedly insulting the monarchy in Thailand.

Google said Pakistan's Ministry of Information of Technology asked it to remove six YouTube videos that satirized the country's military and senior politicians.

"We did not comply with the request," it said.

A company top official said that the prime request from the governments were mostly to take down political speech.

"It's alarming not only because free expression is at risk, but because some of these requests come from countries you might not suspect - Western democracies not typically associated with censorship."

Like India, content removal requests doubled from the US in the second half of last year as Ukraine, Jordon and Bolivia showed up for the first time on the list of countries out to have materials removed.

From political to terror inspirations, Google said that requests at times became ludicrous as Canadian officials wanted removal from YouTube of pictures of a citizen peeing on his passport and flushing it down a toilet.-PTI

India Post

23

24

India Post

RAMESH SOPARAWALA

CHICAGO: Sonu Nigam came, Sonu performed and Sonu captured Chicago! The impact of his mesmerizing performance at Akoo Theatre in Rosement was so much that the 5000 plus members of the audience wanted him to go on and on, despite the fact that the time bound show had gone beyond twelve midnight.

The organizers led by Amrish Mahajan had to come on the stage and announce that Sonu Nigam will come again this year and that too in the month of July for a second performance subject to the availability of the theatre.

A playback singer and an actor rolled together, Sonu Nigam

www.indiapost.com

June 29, 2012

SONU CONQUERS CHICAGO is tremendously popular among Bollywood fans and those in Chicgoland could not be an exception. People streamed in not only from far and nearby suburbs, but also from neighboring States of Wisconsin and Indiana.

The jam packed hall went on

reverberating with applause, clapping and dancing at times encouraging Sonu Nigam and 20 plus artists to give their best and they did not disappoint those who spent time and money to come to the show. They thanked the Chicago show organizers Abiha Javid Khan

Sonu entertaining music lovers Pics Asian Media USA

Sonu Nigam Live in Concert "Klose To My Heart" with many skilled musicians commenced their tour in North America on June 8 in Atlanta, GA, and would go to all major cities culminating with the last performance on 16 July in New York from Studio Elite and Amrish Mahajan from Sai Consulting.

Sonu Nigam Live in Concert "Klose To My Heart" with many skilled musicians commenced their tour in North America on June 8 in Atlanta, GA, and would go to all major cities culminating with the last performance on 16 July in New York. The Sonu Nigam musician troupe includes 9 violinists, 2 keyboard players, 1 drum player, 3 Dholak and or Tabla players, 2 Congo players, 2 Octapad players, 2 Guitarists, 1 Saxophone player, 1

Diksha singing

trumpet player and 1 flute player.

It was conducted by a maestro.

After the warm up of the orchestra, a female singer came on stage and sang two songs and then Sonu took charge and belted out over 50 songs which really are close to his heart. He proved his versatility in singing and churned out the numbers sang by erstwhile top Bollywood singers - Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Mukesh, Manna Dey and others. He was accompanied by equally talented two female singers Jonita Gandhi and Diksha Nigam, his sister.

Cont’d on page 25

June 29, 2012

India Post

25

www.indiapost.com

Lot of fun working with Freida: Riz Ahmed natural and that creates a really nice atmosphere on set.

Q: Did you read Tess of the D'Urbervilles before embarking on this film?

A: After Michael told me about the film, that was when I read the book but I hadn't read it previous to that. At first I thought it was kind of daunting to try and combine two great characters from literature but what became clear was that it wasn't going to be a literal adaptation of Hardy's novel.

Angel's love for Tess is pure whilst Alec's is a more selfish love.

In the novel they're never really

India Post News Service

F

reida Pinto returns to India with her next film Trishna which releases in the U.S. on July 13. Co-starring Riz Ahmed, this powerful look at the tension between ancient privilege and modern equality comes from acclaimed filmmaker Michael Winterbottom, director of the Angelina Jolie-Irrfan Khan film A Mighty Heart.

Trishna premiered at prestigious events like the Toronto International Film Festival and Tribeca Film Festival and will open in selected US cities in July. Based on Thomas Hardy's classic novel Tess of the D'Ubervilles, Michael Winterbottom's film stars Freida Pinto who soars as Trishna in her most revealing performance yet.

Trishna lives with her family in a village in Rajasthan, India's largest state. As the eldest daughter, she works in a nearby resort to help pay the bills. Jay (Riz Ahmed, Four Lions) is the wealthy son of a property developer. When he takes up managing a resort at his father's request, he meets Trishna at a dance and their fates cross. Jay finds every opportunity to win Trishna's affection and she accepts his efforts with shy curiosity.

But when the two move to Mumbai and become a couple, Jay's deep family bond threatens the young lovers' bliss. Shot with

Winterbottom's agile camera, Trishna is a powerful look at the tension between ancient privilege and modern equality, between codes of urban and rural life and ultimately a hymn to both the glory and the tragedy that comes with beauty in all forms.

Oxford-educated actor and musician Riz Ahmed, who plays the lead role of "Jay" in Trishna opposite Freida Pinto, sat down to talk about his new film in the interview below: Q: What was it like working with Freida?

A: A lot of fun - she's a very cool girl. I think she's an incredibly instinctive and natural actress. She's very generous and there's minimal fuss with her. Working with her is one of the easiest processes because she's incredibly self-sufficient. She's generous about giving you space and time to develop your character. For me it's ideal to work with someone like that, particularly when you're working with Michael and the process is one where things change and evolve and everything's very flexible. Michael wants you to be

Sonu conquers Chicago

Sonu Nigam with organizers - Amrish Mahajan and Abiha Khan Cont’d from page 24

Sonu is well recognized in India and the world over with three International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, four Screen Awards, three Zee Cine Awards, two Lions Gold Award, and three Annual Central European Bollywood Awards

for his Hindi songs. He has two Filmfare (South) Awards for his Kannada songs as well.

Besides performing some of his popular hits, he also paid tribute to Late Jagjit Singh and Mehdi Hasan who made a significant contribution to Indian music industry.

It was a truly a remarkable show leaving the audience spell bound by his amazing talent! His heart and soul deeply imbibed with music brought out his inborn talent and passion for singing.

(Asian Media USA contributed to the story)

each other. The idea of morality is very pertinent because it's very important to point out that some western audiences may find themselves slightly confused as to why Trishna feels embarrassed about sleeping with Jay and why she feels she needs to run away and why she feels mortified at having had the abortion.

This is all a big deal for her. The issue is about traditional morality and that's what it's like in large swathes of the world to this day, where sex before marriage and having children out of wedlock is still a huge deal and that shame

‘I think she's an incredibly instinctive and natural actress. She's very generous and there's minimal fuss with her. Working with her is one of the easiest processes because she's incredibly self-sufficient’ on the scene at the same time so that meant we could take on the spirit or psychology of one character and then at different stages in the story, introduce the other.

To begin with, Jay idealizes Trishna in the same way that Angel idealizes Tess. He sees her as a pure woman and views the experience as a return to a natural way and all that is good and pure.

When Jay is at the hotel with his friends, he spots this girl from the village and this real obsessive but full-blooded love emerges and at this point we see Angel's spirit of his affection for her, but what we start to get is a gradual decline into Alec. Having a novel to base the characters and ideas on gives you a rich armoury for you to draw on.

If we'd have been too faithful to the novel, we'd have all gone mad!

Q: There are strong similarities between Hardy's England and what's happening in India right now. Can we explore that?

A: Yes, that's a very interesting thing to draw on. India is changing at breakneck speed with modernization, industrialization and mass migration from the countryside into more urban centres and we explore how the old world and new world are rubbing up against

can destroy a family in terms of their public standing. Maybe people need to realize that's a reality when they're watching the film.

Q: You filmed in India with a small crew, on real locations and there was a lot of improvisation.

What were the challenges and what were the joys of that?

A: Working with Michael, there's always a very small crew, it's a very intimate and very informal experience. Michael never calls action or cut. It's a very relaxed, gentle, natural process in term of the atmosphere created for the actors. For the production crew I guess it's not so relaxed it's crazy that's because there's so much that's being achieved and Michael has very high standards and he's a real stickler for authenticity. The burden of that kind of pressure probably falls on the production but for the actors it's a really unique experience. There's no right or wrong - you just have to embrace the fact that you don't know what the hell's going happen because there isn't really a script and you've got a very basic idea and you just jump into it and that's the whole nature of improvising and the nature of working with Michael.

26

India Post

June 29, 2012 www.indiapost.com

Elegance & glamour at fashions by Rohini JS BEDI India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Elegance and Glamour was the theme for fashions by Rohini's Fashion Show at the LA Convention Center last

month. The red carpet was well attended by Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities. Actress Penny Johnson Jerald (of the Castle series) came in a beautiful burgundy wrap sari by Rohini.

Rohini's Fashion Show con-

sisted of various saris, lehengas and suits. The final showstopper look was a jacket style lehenga which has gained a lot of popularity lately. The look is extremely flattering for all body types and is a nice twist to the traditional

Rohini

lehenga. Stylists Reneta Jhunjhnuwala and Urvika Jhunjhnuwala helped style the beautiful Indian wear designs.

They decided to go with gorgeous up-dos ordained with chunky necklaces worn as headpieces complimented with small flowers. Using a bold statement necklace as a head piece is one of the easiest ways for creating that red carpet va-va-vroom look. Indian wear is filled with color, glamour and elegance and these head pieces definitely helped enhance the look.

Rohini's designs are perfect for cocktail parties, weddings, red carpet occasions and more! Her boutique, which is nestled in the heart of Artesia, CA, has a little something for everyone.

Season's new fashion remixed with Cocktail

C

ocktail (the film) is trending this summer, and in a big way! Apart from the trailers and the music, youngsters are eyeing the film for fashion tips.

This time around, the lead actors of Homi Adajania's film- Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty - are going to be your fashion gurus. The movie ensures that there is enough fashion for all, no matter what your personality type.

Designer Anaita Shroff Adajania, who styled the three actors, says, "The film stands out for its fresh and casual styling. The three young independent characters will be seen dressed in a fashion forward style, hip and real, strutting with an attitude never seen before. One gets a clear sense of each of them by their sartorial choices."

She adds, "The characters are so clearly defined that getting their wardrobe together was a really easy, fun task. Gautam (Saif) freely moves from corporate blazers and jeans to casual shorts and tees.

Veronica (Deepika) is the rule breaker, the fashion renegade who wears designer brands and mixes them with high street fashion to

Deepika in Cocktail

create a heady mix, and Meera (Diana Penty) is Miss Conservative, coming from Delhi, she finds comfort in western clothes that are more minimal, but yet cool."

June 29, 2012

India Post

27

www.indiapost.com

Sridevi to address community of NRI women known a world outside her home and family, would be addressing NRI women on Facebook.

She will also open a Twitter account meant specifically for Indian women in distress, particular, linguistic distress, in any part of the world. In essence, she would be required to break free of her shy reclusive image to reach out, and offer remedies to women caught in critical situations."

India Post News Service

O

ne of Bollywood's most reclusive divas is all set to break free of her unapproachable image to reach out to thousands of women across the world. Sridevi has so far restricted her limitless talents to her onscreen roles, keeping herself aloof from life beyond the camera and beyond the domain of her domesticity.

That is about to change. The shy hermetic diva is about to come out and reach out to a very special galaxy of Indian women across the world: the NRI housewives who find themselves isolated in foreign lands due to linguistic constraints.

To rewind a bit, Sridevi in her comeback film English Vinglish plays an Indian housewife in New York, compelled to grapple with a whole cultural transition.

Linguistic barriers play a very prominent part in the film. Sridevi will take the message of linguistic bridge-building beyond the film, to Indian housewives across the world via the digital and various other media.

Though the plans at this mo-

"We're hugely surprised by how much effort Sri has made to overcome her inherent shyness to reach out. The process started during the shooting.

She made an effort to bond with actors of every nationality.

Now she has wholeheartedly agreed to lend her celebrity status to Indian women abroad who have lost their bearings and are clueless about how to get back

‘She will also open a Twitter account meant specifically for Indian women in distress, particular, linguistic distress, in any part of the world. In essence, she would be required to break free of her shy reclusive image to reach out, and offer remedies to women caught in critical situations’

Sridevi in a scene from English Vinglish

ment are absolutely hush-hush, we've come to know that the producers of English Vinglish plan to establish a rapport between

Sridevi and NRI women through micro-blogging sites.

Says a source close to the project, "Sridevi, who has never

A panel of experts would guide Sridevi in providing advice to women on topics that she may not be familiar with. But we came to know that Sridevi intends to handle the international crisismanagement provision for ladies largely by herself.

An international distress helpline is also in the offing. Says a source close to the project,

on the radar. Sri empathizes with their predicament. She has been a bit of an Alice in Wonderland in Bollywood."

When contacted, the film's producer, filmmaker R Balki explained, "We always intended to take the film's statement to a world outside the theatre. Yes, Sri will form a community of overseas women, digitally and otherwise."

Horoscope

28 India Post

June 29, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar JUNE 29TH - JULY 5TH (November 23 to December 22)

(March 21 to April 20)

F

ind the truth before you make that big decision. You will be successful in cutting down on expenses up to only a certain extent.

You will have a great opportunity to spend time and learn from very successful and famous people this week. Running around will be too much and you may even have to travel out of state to attend to some business.

Y

ou will finally make up your mind and stop wasting time on unnecessary issues. Focused, You will achieve a lot and finish all pending work and still have lots of time on hand for recreation and to relax. Money wise the roller coaster ride will continue but you will meet all commitments on time. You don't have to spend fortune to impress some one.

(April 21 to May 20)

Y

ou will hear few encouraging news this week. Past experience can help you deal with current situations better. Relationship will keep getting stronger and the final say is yours, but you will need to be quick. Things will improve at current job and expect full cooperation from new colleagues. You will be able to control your expenses now.

(December 22 to January 19)

T

his should be an extremely fruitful week. All the planets are very well aligned to help you achieve a lot. Investing in real estate, commercial or residential will be very beneficial. Things will stabilize at work and from now and onwards you will have no fears about career. You will receive a big check in mail and bank balance will grow.

(January 20 to February 18)

(May 21 to June 20)

Y

ou may feel little helpless with no real solution. It will be hard to find trust worthy people to discuss the situation. Things will get better at work and people in business will see sales shooting up suddenly. A close family member may confirm his visit. You may visit a holy place by yourself. You will be working on a bright idea.

A

nalyze your response carefully and you should not think of retaliation. Its time to fine tune your talents as planets bring back the self confidence. Sun in house of luck will get you the results for hard work and patience maintained in the past. A child continues to need your moral support and guidance. Contract signed now will be very beneficial.

(February 19 to March 20)

(June 21 to July 22)

E

motions will play the major role in decisions regarding your future location and career. Strong Venus in third will take you to places unexplored in the past. Some of you will be suggested minor surgery to overcome health problem. Money will come but disappear fast this week. You will call an expert for his valuable advice and guidance.

(July 23 to August 22)

L

et the head rule over heart and you will easily resolve a challenging situation. Application will go through and the process will start.

You will gain victory over your opponents and may receive favorable decision in legal matters pending for long. There will be some encouraging changes at work also. You will buy an interesting item.

(August 23 to September 22)

L

ucky planets will bring you closer to few very influential people.

You will benefit from mistakes made by others. Some of you may accept another part time job. Incomes and revenues will keep improving from now and on. Lease will need to be renewed this week.

You may travel to a nice place with family. Park your vehicle at safe place only.

(September 23 to October 22)

Y

ou will be looking for little adventure in life and will be successful, but stay within legal parameters. You will treat yourself with new cloths and some expensive item. Though there is no immediate threat but some fears will continue to occupy mind about career. It will be a better week for people in retail. Money will not be an issue.

(October 23 to November 22)

L

ife will become more exciting because of new company. Most of the things you plan will go through without any difficulty. Trip will be good and results will be almost immediate. Again be careful when it comes to signing any paper or contract. A nice property may slip out of your reach but you will have no regrets. You may plan an overseas trip also.

T

ake a chance with some one extending not only support but good company. You can make extra money if you put your talent to work. You may find it difficult to get job done from subordinates.

Proposal will be good and the bachelors should not be scared to make the commitment. A child will need your help in doing research about next step.

Change likely in professional life of Virender Sehwag

V

irender Sehwag, a star in the Indian cricket team was born on 20 October 1978 in Delhi, India. A Libra, he belongs to a Jat family.

He joined the Indian Test cricket team in 2001 but played his first One Day International in 1999.

He performed outstandingly in 2008 and was honored for it as the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World.

He holds many records including the highest score made by an Indian in Test cricket (319), the fastest triple century, and so on.

He has scored more than 300 runs twice in Test cricket. In an ODI in March 2009, Sehwag made the fastest century ever scored by an Indian.

In 2012, Sehwag`s life will revolve mostly around his professional life and career and his efforts to make his future endeavors a success.

He will not lose his passion for the game.

This year will also be excellent for his personal life as there will be an improvement in his relationships. Mercury will help him excel at communicating his feelings to others this year which will help him get closer to his partner.

This is an excellent year for him to sign important deals, launch any important projects and enter into a partnership. Towards the end of the year there might be a significant change in his professional life and he may adapt to a changing work environment. Sehwag will do well if he manages to control his emotions and not get stressed if things don't happen as desired.

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

925-833-7170

website: www.parashar.com

29 India post

S

ituated in the lower reaches of the Shivalik range, Morni is ideal for a holiday with its cool clime, beautiful natural vistas and myriad opportunities for trekking, rock-climbing and other adventure sports. Just five hours from Delhi and 45 km from Chandigarh, Morni in Ambala district in the state of Haryana combines the best of an idyllic retreat with tons of action, adventure and fun.

Tourist attractions: At an elevation of 3600 feet above sea level, Morni has a fascinating range of flora and fauna. Pines crown the hilltops and trees like neem, oak, pipal, jamun,

www.indiapost.com amaltas and jacaranda cover the slopes. When the flowering trees

June 29, 2012 birds like quails, sand grouse and common doves as well as animals

Morni Hills is ideal for a holiday with its cool clime, beautiful natural vistas and myriad opportunities for trekking, rockclimbing and other adventure sports blossom, the hillsides are awash with color, presenting a delightful sight. Morni is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers with its teeming population of

like jackals, hyenas, sambhars and even a jungle cat or two.

Cont’d on page 30

30

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

June 29, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Clean India campaign to cover 100 monuments NEW DELHI: Seeking support of corporates and PSUs for the Clean India campaign, Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai has launched the pilot project at Qutab Minar aimed at improving the conditions at heritage sites to attract more tourists.

"There will be about 100 monuments to be taken up in the PPP model under the Clean India campaign to keep these tourist sites neat and clean and environment friendly,"

"Currently there are about six million foreign tourists coming to the country and our aim is to increase it to 12 million," he said adding "for this we have to provide a hygienic environment

of PSUs and corporates to work out the details," he said.

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), the PSU under the ministry, is entrusted with the pilot project at Qutab Minar.

"Currently there are about six million foreign tourists coming to the country and our aim is to increase it to 12 million," he said adding "for this we have to provide a hygienic environment in around tourist destinations across the country."

Radio jingles and posters were also released on the occasion.

There is also a plan to carry the campaign message on train tickets, Sahai said.

Supporting the campaign Culture Minister Kumar Selja said "we have to keep the environment around our monuments clean and we should make it as a movement."

Clean India campaign has been initiated by the ministry with the objective to increase tour-

ist arrivals to the country and to improve quality of services and provide a hygienic environment in and around tourist destinations across the country in sync with the 12th Five Year Plan of the Centre, said a senior Tourism Ministry official.

The campaign is a multi-pronged action and comprehensive strategy to ensure an acceptable level of cleanliness and hygiene practices at tourist destinations for an inclusive and sus-

tainable development of tourism through ownership and involvement of private and public sector stakeholders.

The project will also address issues like conversion of Qutab Minar complex into friendly zone for physically challenged persons, tourist help desks and deployment of volunteers for better management amongst others.

ITDC has been networking with various stakeholders including Municipal Corporation of Delhi, ASI, Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Development Authority, Traffic Department, shop owners and trade association around the Qutab Complex to make the project a success. -PTI

Sahai said after launching the project.

The projects involve round the clock garbage clearance, drinking water facilities, maintenance of parking lots and toilets and proper signages at the heritage complex among others.

"The campaign will be carried out in the PPP model with the involvement of PSUs and corporates. I am convening a meeting

Idyllic Haryana retreat with action, adventure & fun Narrow paths lead to these centers of attention. The locals follow agriculture as main profession.

The tourist authorities are examining the viability of hang-gliding in Morni, introducing yet another special attraction.

How to reach: Air: Chandigarh which is about

Cont’d from page 29

Among the spurs of the hills, lie two lakes. The larger is about 550 meters long and 460 meters broad. The other lake is 365 meters either way. A small hillock divides the lakes, but there is some hidden connection between the two, as the water level of the two lakes remains the same.

In the hills the remains of an old fort speak of the history of the place.

Locals tell us that the fort belonged to the Queen of Morni Hills. The upper crest of the hills is covered by pine trees. The climate is salubrious and the hills provide ample opportunities for trekking.

For water sports like boating, canoeing, kayaking and sailing, a minimum depth of 5 to 6 feet is required, which is available in the

lakes we see here.

A small temple on the banks contains a Trimurti (the Hindu Trinity), which dates back to the 12th

century AD when a Shiva temple was also supposed to have existed at the site.

As Morni hills are relatively un-

explored, they offer a rich opportunity for adventure seekers and explorers. Trek to the lakes named Tikkar Tal, are sure to be a source of pleasure.

Trek to Ghaggar offers another chance to explore the unknown.

Morni is a splendid green hillside dotted with flowering trees. The river Ghaggar cuts a deep valley within these hills as it flows down the mountains.

A number of small villages lie here. For the adventure conscious, a trek to the Ghaggar river bank can also be made. Morni hills must have been a centre of historic interest for ruins of an old fort lie in the hills.

This fort is believed to have been built by the Queen of Morni Hills.

As Morni hills are relatively unexplored, they offer a rich opportunity for adventure seekers and explorers. Trek to the lakes named Tikkar Tal, are sure to be a source of pleasure.

Trek to Ghaggar offers another chance to explore the unknown 45 km away from the city center is the nearest airport.

Train: Nearest railway station is Chandigarh which is well connected to all major cities in India.

Bus: Different kinds of bus services are available connecting Morni Hills with other cities, including Chandigarh.

June 29, 2012

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

31

www.indiapost.com

Indians look for holiday destinations closer home NEW DELHI: Holiday destinations closer home in Asia are increasingly being favored by Indian tourists as they look to lessen the burden of weaker rupee against dollar on their leisure trips, according to travel service providers.

And those sticking to their original choice of traveling to exotic locations, are being forced to cut down the number of days spent outside the country.

"This quarter, destinations like Bhutan, Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam contributed a healthy 40 per cent growth from the Indian outbound travel," TUI India Senior Vice-President Sunil Hasija told PTI. According to BhutanTravelAgency.com Director Kartik Tiwari, Indians prefer to holiday at locations that have advantages like reduced travel time, easy visa opportunities and are cost effective.

"We have seen the maximum growth this quarter with almost 30 per cent of our tourism from India," Tiwari said without sharing specific details.

According to Pearl International Tours & Travel (PITT) Executive Director Arjun Seth macro

economic conditions like inflation, slow industrial and service output, paralysis in economic reform, fuel prices and the depreciation of the rupee by 20 per cent in India have impacted travel to exotic locations.

"While North America, UK,

"Cox & Kings has not seen any shift in the travel pattern amongst travelers due to rupee depreciation. Our summer bookings have been in line with our growth projections," Cox & Kings Director Peter Kerkar said Scandinavian countries and Maldives is the flavor of the season, the dent in the pockets for all to have to shell out more in rupee terms has taken its toll by people cutting their average summer

breaks from 10 days to 6 days," he said.

With sky high domestic airfares due to Kingfisher and Air India cutting flights because financial troubles, domestic travel is also hurting, he added.

The rupee has been on a downward spiral over the past few months against the US dollar.

Although destinations in Asia have become the favorite, the demand for places in the US and Europe is still buoyant, according to Cox & Kings.

"Cox & Kings has not seen any shift in the travel pattern amongst travelers due to rupee depreciation. Our summer bookings have been in line with our growth projections," Cox & Kings Director Peter Kerkar said.

If one has to compare between South East Asia and European countries, the cost difference due to rupee depreciation is not more than 10 per cent and this is not a reason for shift in destinations, he added.

"On the other hand, what travelers may do if they find holidays expensive they may downgrade, that is instead of going for 10 days to a European destination, they may go for seven days," he added. -PTI

Hong Kong expects 5.5 pc growth in Indian tourists MUMBAI: Over half-a-million Indian tourists are expected to visit Hong Kong this year, a rise of about 5.5 per cent over last year.

"In 2011, we received around 4,98,063 visitors from India, representing 1.2 per cent of the total arrivals.

However, as the global economy is expected to be sluggish in 2012, which may affect visitor's interest in outbound travel.

We foresee a 5.5 per cent growth in general," representative of Hong Kong Tourism Board in India Sunil Puri told PTI. HKTB has allocated 12.5 million Hong Kong dollars, which is 14 per cent more than last year, for promotion in India.

The focus will be on the four metros - Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai, which are all connected to Hong Kong by direct flights and contribute about

80 per cent of all Indian arrivals, Puri said.

HKTB will collaborate with travel agents. It will launch 2-phase campaign targeting summer and winter holiday seasons.

"The campaign will roll out through a travelogue giving a first hand experience about the destination," HKTB said in a release.

Bollywood actress Sandhya Mridul has been roped in to host the travelogue, it added. -PTI

South Africa eyes one lakh Indian tourists KOCHI: SouthAfrica is eyeing one lakh Indian tourists this year, including over 8,500 visitors from Kerala, South Africa Tourism Country Manager Hanneli Slabber said here.

Over the years, South Africa has been receiving huge number of tourists from India. Last year, 90,367 Indians visited South Africa, a 26.2 per cent jump compared to 2010. This year the target is one lakh Indian tourists, she told reporters here.

According to latest reports, Indian tourist arrival figure for January-February 2012 has gone up by

18 per cent where in a total of 14,001 Indians visited South Africa compared to 11,864 for the corresponding period in 2011.

About 6,805 tourists visited South Africa in February, up 24.9 per cent compared to 5,449 visitors in February last year.

Last year, 5,000 tourists from Kerala visited South Africa, and this year at least 8,500 visitors are expected from this state, Slabber said. Many young visitors from India, including from Kerala, undertake to do voluntary work during

their paid vacation, which was very encouraging, she said.

The currency fluctuations will impact tourist arrivals as air fares will take a bigger slice of the pie, Slabber said. From this year, two road shows will be held each year to promote tourism in India, she said.

South Africa Tourism has also launched a program 'Learn South Africa', which aims to train travel professionals to promote, plan and organize attractive packages to South Africa as per their client's varied interests, she added. -PTI

Ladakh to get a golf course venue for international golfers, who can try their hands at the game.

Speaking on the occasion, Omar said tourism has been the mainstay in the economy of Ladakh and its strengthening and upgrading has been flagged as an important sector by his government.

"We want to create different attractions for tourists so that they visit here again and again," he said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

LEH, J&K: Ladakh, the frontier region of Jammu and Kashmir, will get an 18-hole international standard golf course by middle of 2014.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah laid the foundation stone of the Rs 12-crore Golf Course here. The course will be developed over an area of 76 hectares and is expected to be completed within next two years, an official spokesman said.

The state's golf circuit - covering Jammu, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Leh - will be completed with the opening of this

"Golfers can use this course to play in a different geographical condition and enjoy the unique beauty of this area," he said Omar said construction of a golf course in Leh would give impetus to the efforts of the government to showcase this area for high class sports tourism.

"Golfers can use this course to play in a different geographical condition and enjoy the unique beauty of this area," he added. -PTI

If You are looking For the BEST & the MOST AUTHENTIC VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT IN TOWNCome to One and Only One Place

Publicly Acclaimed Top Vegetarian Restaurant Serving NORTH INDIAN • SOUTH INDIAN • GUJARATI • JAIN DISHES

TASTE OUR 30 PLUSE MOUTH WATERING DISHES ONCE YOU COME TO US YOU WILL NOT ELSEWHERE THAT IS OUR GUARANTEE

2508 W. Devon Ave.Chicago, IL 60659

Tel:(773) 274-5800 Fax: (773) 262-4465 E-mail: aryabhavan@aol.com www.aryabhavan.com

CATERING IS OUR SPECIALITY

www.indiapost.com

32

June 29, 2012

India Post www.indiapost.com

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

Competitive Rates & Confirmed Seats for All Major Airlines 10635 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132

Tel: (314) 423-9990 or (800) 55 SEEMA Fax: (314) 423-0391

New York (Hicksville)

AIRWING TRAVELS INC. Est. 1991

Tel: (516) 931 4600

Toll Free: (866) 532 3413

New Jersey (Iselin)

Tel: (732) 658 5450

Lowest Fares / Confirmed Seats to INDIA & Other Destinations Worldwide Save upto 40% on First and Business Class OPEN 7 DAYS - Call or Email : AIRWINGTRAVELS@GMAIL.COM

NEWS on your desktop www.indiapost.com

June 29, 2012

India Post 33 www.indiapost.com

SKY WORLD TRAVEL 1-888-695-0005

CONSOLIDATORS (INTL. & DOMESTIC) : 3HWHUVRQ 6WH &KLFDJR ,/

SPECIAL LOW FARES TO BOMBAY, DELHI, MADRAS, CALCUTTA, DHAKA, KARACHI, LAHORE etc.

Tel: 773-728-9071 773-315-8597

E-mail us at: skyworldtravels@hotmail.com

FOR ALL YOUR

MATCHLESS EXPRESS TOURS 2600 W. Peterson Ave., Suite 105 Chicago IL 60659 Experienced Travel Consultants Pasport and Visa Services available * Confirmed seats (Even in High season) * Low Airfares * Courteous Service 2240-42 West Devon Chicago IL 60659 Ph# 773-338-4080 Fax# 773-338-4088

Call and Contact

Tel. (773) 338 6260

TRAVEL NEEDS INTERNATIONAL DOMESTIC AIR INDIA AND ALL OTHER MAJOR AIRLINES. PACKAGE DEAL TAJ TOUR-SOTC

CALL:

Sita Ram Patel @ 847-568-0535

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Naina Re: Dangerous Ishq 2 Pani Da Rang: Vicky Donor 3 Chokra Jawaan: Ishaqzaade 4 Mar Jayian (Sad): Vicky Donor 5 Jannatein Kahan: Jannat 2 6 Pareshaan: Ishaqzaade 34

India Post

www.indiapost.com

June 29, 2012

7

Dhadhang Dhang : Rowdy Rathore

8

Aa Re Pritam Pyare : Rowdy Rathore

9 Duaa: Shanghai 10 Morcha: Shanghai

P

rateik recently injured himself near his eye, while indulging in water sports. While holidaying in Singapore, Prateik went to do some water sports at Mana Mana East Coast Park, a beach in Singapore.

Prateik tried his hand at rafting and stand up paddling. While he was doing stand up paddling, he lost his balance and fell off the boat and ended up hurting himself. The boat's paddle hit him near the eye. He got a deep cut on his eyebrow and just managed to save his eye.

He started bleeding and was administered first aid. Prateik was in great pain but since he is very fond of water sports, he continued with the sport.

I

3-ITEM GIRL

R

ani Mukherjee will soon be seen in not one, not two but three item songs in Anurag Kashyap's "Aiyya".

Sachin Kundalkar, the director of the film, "Aiyya" said, "The film is a mixture of reality and dream and Rani will be seen doing three item songs in her dream in the film."

The film will be co-produced by Anurag Kashyap and Viacom 18.

The story is about a Marathi woman (Rani), who gets attracted to men who smell good. Rani will be paired opposite southern star Prithvi Raj. "I don't know for how many years I was trying to work with her (Rani). Luckily this script excited her," Kundalkar said.

"Prithvi is an amazing actor and both are looking very fresh in the film," he added.

Rani will now have to work a little hard for her role as she will have to undergo language training to perfect the character of a Marathi girl.

PRINCESS IN INDIA

n a recent interview to The Sun, Amy Jackson confessed her massive movie star status in India makes her feel like a princess. The Liverpool beauty has her own make-up artist, personal assistant, cook, driver, dance and language teachers in India.

Amy says she cannot walk freely in the streets of Mumbai as she will be mobbed by her legions of adoring fans. In fact, she describes her life in India as a mad whirlwind. But, she does not mind it as she has met the love of her life in co-star Prateik Babbar, with whom she lives together.

Amy also reveals there is a darker side to Bollywood. She says she has faced racism as a white foreign girl in a bitchy and competitive industry.

Amy confesses she receives nasty messages on Twitter especially from the older generation. Yet she is counting her blessings and says she must be the luckiest girl in the world to reach where she has today.

June 29, 2012

Bollywood

India Post

35

www.indiapost.com

S

he is fairly new to the industry but Richa Chadda, who was seen in "Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye" and has a role in "Gangs of Wasseypur", takes objection to the word Bollywood and says she would like to be known as a Hindi film actress.

"I don't like the word Bollywood. I don't want to be called a Bollywood actress. I would like to be called a Hindi film actress... I don't mean to challenge Bollywood, I love it. But I don't think we should derive a name just because there is Hollywood," Richa said.

She is aware that her views can stir up a debate. At the same time, she is proud of the fact that she is part of the film industry that is giving competition to Hollywood.

"We are the only industry in the world that has guts to stand up in front of Hollywood. If you go to Europe, their cinema is suffering.

In Japan and China, everywhere cinema has taken a huge hit because of Hollywood. And Holly-

INTELLECTUAL ABHAY

A

bhay Deol has been roped in to play Sonam Kapoor's batchmate, colleague and love-interest at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in Aanand Rai's Raanjhnaa.

Abhay plays a well-read, articulate soft spoken JNU student who has a relationship with Sonam Kapoor. Getting Abhay into the intellectual character was easy enough. Sonam with her fashionista's image needed more practice to look convincing as a thinking politically conscious citizen. But the real challenge is for Dhanush. He not only had to learn Hindi from scratch his dialogue delivery should not look incongruous in front of Abhay's easy fluency. He has asked for more time before he starts shooting.

The shooting has been pushed forward from May to June to give Dhanush that extra time work on his Hindi.

Rumor has it that the director had a tough time convincing Abhay and Sonam to share screen space together after their public exchange of acrimony over Aisha.

Aanand denies this. "They behaved like two mature artistes.

They looked at their roles, not at their past history. I see a very special chemistry happening between them in Raanjhanaa."

Bolly word wood is America's largest export to the world."

"I feel very proud to be part of the industry which has the guts to make big budget, expensive films. We are in good place. Like if 'Avengers' and 'Rowdy Rathore' come together for a release, then also there is no comparison. 'Rowdy Rathore' will still do well," she said.

The actress says Bollywood is an imaginary landscape.

"What is Bollywood? When we go to LA, we see a board - Hollywood, which is a place. We are taking it from there and saying Bollywood... I think Bollywood is an imaginary landscape. Actually, we are working in the Hindi film industry," Richa said.

HIS FIRST CAR

F

ilmmaker Anurag Kashyap has bought a car for himself for the first time.

“So got my first vehicle that I bought myself, a Mahindra XUV, super and 100 percent Indian. Proud,” Kashyap tweeted.

The filmmaker, who is known for making critically acclaimed movies like “Dev D”, “Gulaal” and “Udaan”, reveals it took him nearly two decades to buy his own vehicle.

“It has taken 20 years to be able to buy my first vehicle, had to be an Indian brand,” he posted.

Kashyap is looking forward to the release of his new film “Gangs of Wasseypur.”

„ Health

Line

Shrinking stomach may boost booze abuse

CHICAGO: A big new study says obesity surgery may increase patients' chances for alcohol abuse.

Patients in the study who had gastric bypass surgery faced double the risk for excessive drinking two years later. That's compared with those who had a less drastic weight-loss operation.

Researchers think gastric bypass surgery changes how the body digests and metabolizes alcohol.

Only 11 percent of the bypass patients had drinking problems two years after the operation, but that was 50 percent more than before surgery. There was little change in patients who had other obesity operations.

The study involved nearly 2,000 patients from 10 centers nationwide. It was released online in the Journal of the American Medical Association. -AP

„ NY Marriage Act lawsuit seeks health care benefits NEW YORK: A New York hospital worker and her spouse have filed a lawsuit saying spousal health benefits were denied to the same-sex couple.

The lawsuit filed in federal court in Manhattan sought past and future health care benefits and a declaration that the Westchester County couple is entitled to the benefits.

The lawsuit's plaintiffs remained anonymous. Defendants included Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield and St. Joseph's Medical Center. Neither immediately responded to messages for comment. -AP

„ State invites public to comment on SeniorCare MADISON, Wis.: The state is inviting the public to comment on possible changes to the popular SeniorCare program.

Three public hearings are scheduled across the state starting next week in advance of the state Department of Health Services submitting a request to the federal government to renew the program.

Deputy DHS Secretary Kitty Rhoades says the department plans on keeping the program in its current form and will seek an extension through 2015.

The department says nearly 87,000 senior citizens receive prescription drug benefits through SeniorCare. -AP

Health Science 36

India Post

www.indiapost.com

June 29, 2012

No health risk from faulty breast implant LONDON: A top British medical expert says faulty French-made breast implants do not pose any long-term health problems to women even if they rupture.

Details on page 38

Officials say Court won't derail Oregon health law SALEM, Ore.: No matter what the U.S. Supreme Court decides about the future of the federal health care law, Gov. John Kitzhaber's ambitious Medicaid overhaul will go forward, state officials said here.

But if the court throws out the entire federal law - not just the most controversial parts - officials said the ruling could jeopardize a new health insurance exchange, a marketplace where individuals and small business can shop for coverage starting in 2014.

The Supreme Court is expected to rule this month on the constitutionality of the federal health law's individual mandate requiring everyone to have health insurance or pay a fine.

State officials say the ruling will have only a minimal impact on Kitzhaber's plan to create new coordinated care organizations to manage the care of low-income patients on the Oregon Health Plan. The first coordinated care organizations begin operating

Aug. 1, and Kitzhaber hopes they'll slow the growth of health care costs by preventing avoidable hospital visits and reducing waste. ``Whatever happens, we're still moving full steam ahead, and we feel like this is going to be essential regardless of the outcome'' at the Supreme Court, said Mike

cision, officials insist, because it is authorized under federal laws that predate President Barack Obama's 2010 health law.

The Supreme Court's decision has little bearing on the work to build a coordinated care organization, said Jeff Heatherington, chief executive of Family Care, which

If the Supreme Court strikes down the entire federal law, the decision would wipe out more than $60 million in grants that are paying for the development of the exchange.

The loss of federal funding would make it very difficult to keep the exchange alive Bonetto, Kitzhaber's health policy adviser.

Federal health officials have tentatively agreed to give Oregon $1.9 billion over the next five years to help pay for the transition to the new model of delivering health care. That money would be unaffected by the Supreme Court's de-

has applied to cover Medicaid patients in the Portland area. ``I really believe that we'll just continue to go forward on the CCO development,'' Heatherington said.

The court's impact on a separate Kitzhaber health care initiative is less clear. The Oregon Health Insurance Exchange will provide

a place for small employers, along with individuals who don't get health coverage from a job, to compare plans and shop for coverage.

The federal law will give many lower-income Americans a subsidy to help pay for coverage.

If the Supreme Court strikes down the entire federal law, the decision would wipe out more than $60 million in grants that are paying for the development of the exchange. The loss of federal funding would make it very difficult to keep the exchange alive, director Rocky King said.

However, if the court slices up the health care law, throwing out the individual mandate and related provisions but leaving alone the rest of the law, the exchange can still work, King said.

But prices would probably be higher, he said. ``As long as the subsidy money is there, I can still get enough enrollments to make the exchange work very well,'' King said. -AP

Govt bans blood tests for tuberculosis diagnosis

T

he Indian government has banned the manufac ture and sale of serodiagnostic tests (diagnosis based on blood serum) for tuberculosis. These tests are deemed to give 'inaccurate results based on poor quality and grossly insufficient data' by Dr Ashok Kumar, Deputy Director General of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP).

In a strongly worded letter, Dr Kumar pointed out that 1.5 million people are subjected to these tests every year in the private sector which have cost them around US$ 15 million (Rs 839 cr). He said several meta analyses have proved the inaccuracy of these tests and wasn't good enough to replace microbiological test. Inaccurate TB results leads to people who need treatment not getting it and unnecessary treatments for un-

bution of the serodiagnostic test kits for diagnosis of tuberculosis.

It is estimated that due to high false positivity of commer-

Dr Kumar pointed out that 1.5 million people are subjected to these tests every year in the private sector which have cost them around US$ 15 million (Rs 839 cr) affected people which besides the cost also results in side-effects.

Earlier the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Arun Panda on June 7 stated that serodiagnostic test kits have

led to imprecise results and inconsistent diagnosis of TB, leading to risk to human lives.

According to Section 26(A) of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 1940, the Centre has prohibited the manufacture, sale and distri-

cially available serological tests, 1,57,000 false (non-diseased) cases may be wrongly treated in India alone. According to experts, billions of rupees are wasted because of wrongs treated TB cases.

June 29, 2012

Health Science Post

India Post

37

www.indiapost.com

Cell therapy can avert shoulder replacement

E

xcruciating pain and stiffness in the right shoulder after an accident over a year ago prevented 20-year-old Kunal Ajit Bhide from picking up a racket.

Not to allow his badminton dreams to be shattered, Kunal, who had by then reached the nationals got a shoulder implant to continue playing, a move that turned out to be a mistake as it led to further deterioration of cartilage, the tissue that binds bone to muscles.

perts said is widely used in knee joint surgery but had never been used in India or south Asia for shoulder joints.

Babhulkar, the President of the Shoulder Society of India since September 2011, who is known for his extensive research on shoulder and joint replacements, said, "ACI is the optimal treatment for cartilage defects, especially in young adults. There are certain procedures to relieve symptoms for a brief period, but they fail to address the

The progress made in ACI as a treatment for cartilage defects and joint problems has taken a couple of years now, attributed mainly to increased awareness among doctors and patients, as also reduced cost owing to availability of cell culturing within India. However, despite being affordable and with obvious benefits, traditional modes of treatment average about 30-40 percent higher compared to ACI Having tried several other treatments, a pain-free functional life seemed far from reality for Kunal, a fourth-year engineering student.

"I could turn my arm 120 degrees but had to stop playing badminton," says Kunal who then met Dr Ashish Babhulkar, a Joint Replacement Surgeon at Pune's Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital.

Babhulkar recommended that the implant be removed and instead Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI), a method ex-

root cause of the problem. Patients often experience a relapse within a couple of years," Babhulkar said.

ACI, a two-step minimally invasive procedure, ensures natural and permanent repair by forming a new hyaline cartilage.

That's why special instrumentation was needed for the surgery, as the shoulder is a complex joint making it difficult to approach the cartilage and implant the chondrocytes or cartilege cells cultured at a cell processing centre.

"Kunal had a 6.6-mm defect on the right shoulder. A small piece of healthy cartilage was harvested and sent to the Cell Processing Centre of RMS Regrow in Lonavala for chondrocyte culture for four weeks. The cultured cells were implanted. The implantation has been successful and in six to eight weeks of post-operative rehabilitation, Kunal will regain full range of motion and function," said Babhulkar.

The progress made in ACI as a treatment for cartilage defects and joint problems has taken a couple of years now, attributed mainly to increased awareness among doctors and patients, as also reduced cost owing to availability of cell culturing within India.

However, despite being affordable and with obvious benefits, traditional modes of treatment average about 30-40 per cent higher compared to ACI. People have comparatively higher disposable income nowadays. Add this increased spending power to insurance coverage (usually overlooked by most) and it becomes plain that regenerative medical techniques like ACI are now within reach of the middle class.

Satyen Sanghvi (chief scientific officer, RMS), said, "With greater importance being given to personal healthcare, people must now start to seriously consider whether they are getting their money's worth by investing repeatedly in temporary treatments. After all, an almost new joint is always much better than an old temporarily repaired one."

TIP OF THE WEEK

Heal mouth sores with honey

D

ab painful canker and cold sores with unpasteurized honey four times daily until these skin woes disappear, and they'll heal 43 percent faster than if you use a prescription cream, say researchers at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center in the United Arab Emirates. Raw honey's natural enzymes zap inflammation, destroy invading viruses and speed the healing of damaged tissues, say the study authors.

Health Science Post

India Post

38

June 29, 2012

www.indiapost.com

No health risk from faulty breast implant LONDON: A top British medical expert says faulty French-made breast implants do not pose any long-term health problems to women even if they rupture.

The implants made by the now-defunct French company Poly Implant Prothese were pulled from the market last year in several countries amid fears they could rupture and leak silicone into the body.

Around 47,000 British women are believed to have been given the PIP implants, which were filled with industrial, rather than medical-grade, silicon. The government asked Bruce Keogh, medical director of Britain's National Health Service, to launch an investigation last December to assess what threat, if any, the implants posed to the woman's health.

Keogh studied the 240,000 implants of differing brands that have been given to 130,000 women in England and looked at data from other countries including France and Australia. He said that studies showed the PIP implants were

more likely to rupture than other brands, but do not pose a longterm risk to the health of the women who have them.

He said repeated tests in several countries showed that the implants are not toxic.

Australia's medical watchdog, however, said health officials have found no evidence that the PIP implants had an increased risk ``Therefore we do not believe they are a threat to the long-term health of women who have PIP implants,'' he said. ``We have, however, found that these implants are substandard when compared to other implants and that they are more likely to rupture.''

Countries have differed in how they treat women with the PIP im-

plants.

France has said it will pay for some 30,000 French women to have their implants removed.

The U.K. government has agreed to remove any implants put in by the National Health Service, such as those for cancer patients, but said women who had the surgery done privately have to have those clinics remove the implants.

Australia's medical watchdog, however, said health officials have found no evidence that the PIP implants had an increased risk of rupture in Australian women.

In the Czech Republic _ where the implants were banned in 2010 _ the country's health ministry said it would negotiate with the country's health insurers on how to cover the cost of removals.

Keogh said any woman in the UK who had possible symptoms of a rupture, such as tenderness, soreness or lumpiness, should first see her family doctor who would then refer her to a specialist. -AP

Potential for drug targeting to treat diabetes

S

cientists from the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biol ogy (CCMB) have found that knocking out a gene in mice led to higher insulin production and better glucose tolerance. The finding holds the potential for drug targeting to treat diabetes.

The team, led by Satish Kumar, serendipitously found that knocking out the WDR13 gene, resulted in hyper insulin secretion and improved glucose clearance. The team genetically engineered a mouse by knocking out the gene, which is conserved in all organisms from fishes to humans and encodes a protein.

It is a member of the WD-repeat proteins that have a wide range of cellular functions.

The increase in insulin production was caused by enhanced beta cell proliferation and higher islet mass in pancreas. This gene was knocked out for the first time, said Vijay Pratap Singh, lead author of the study, which was published online in science journal PLoS ONE recently.

The test animals went on to develop mild obesity as they aged.

Interestingly, however, they continued to have better glucose clear-

ance in spite of mild obesity. It was not yet known if the obesity was due to higher insulin levels or some different function of the gene.

Dr. Kumar said that by inhibiting the functions of this protein, insulin production could be enhanced.

"Indirectly, we discovered a

WDR13's function of regulating cell division.

The real challenge would be to develop a drug, which would interfere in a limited way with the functioning of the gene, so as to avoid rapid cell proliferation.

Dr. Kumar said their research initially was not related to diabe-

The team genetically engineered a mouse by knocking out the gene, which is conserved in all organisms from fishes to humans and encodes a protein. It is a member of the WDrepeat proteins that have a wide range of cellular functions. The increase in insulin production was caused by enhanced beta cell proliferation and higher islet mass in pancreas drug target because now we know that if we interfere with this protein, there is more insulin," he said.

However, he noted that there was a flipside to the finding. While there was no problem with the 'knockout' mice up to one year, subsequently, their cell proliferation increased - such phenomenon lead to tumors. The researchers were not aware of the

tes. "We were doing basic biology. This is side implication with an interesting lead."

Describing the finding as a "good and useful observation," CCMB director Ch. Mohan Rao said: "We are trying to decipher the cause for increase in fatty cells and the pancreatic cells." There was scope for drug development if the two could be separated.

Cardiovascular death risk linked with living solo

A

ccording to a recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine, people living alone, who have arterial vascular disease, have a greater chance of dying from cardiovascular health problems than those living with other people.

The study claims that around 1 in every 7 American adults live by themselves, and when a person is socially isolated, their risk of health problems increase.

The researchers highlight that living alone may result in the following factors: The person may not have adequate access to health care treatment.

The person may neglect their health and their behavior towards their health may not be as diligent as if they had someone looking after them.

The person may become stressed, due to neurohormal-mediated emotions, which, according to the authors, may lead to cardiovascular risk.

Lead author of the study Jacob A Udell, M.D., M.P.H., from Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School in Boston, and his team set out to determine if living solo was indeed linked with increased risk of death and cardiovascular risk.

The authors analyzed information from the global Reduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued

Health Registry (REACH).

The data showed that of the 44,573 REACH volunteers, 8,594 were living alone.

The authors concluded that there was a 14.1% higher risk of mortality when the volunteers lived alone, compared with 11.1% for those living with others.

Cardiovascular death risk in the volunteers was 8.6% for people living solo, and 6.8% for those not living alone.

The person may neglect their health and their behavior towards their health may not be as diligent as if they had someone looking after them When the researchers took age into account, they determined that people living alone who were between the ages of 45 to 65 had a 7.7% increased risk of death, compared with 5.7% for those in the same age group who were not living alone.

Volunteers who were between the ages of 66 to 80 and were living alone had a 13.2% greater risk of death, compared an increase of 12.3% in people the same age.

Over 400 drugs will now be cheaper BANGALORE: People who cannot afford generic drugs to save lives will soon get them at 50% of the original price. The state government, in association with the Karnataka State Cooperative Consumer Federations, is going to set up Janatha Bazaar generic drug stores at all hospitals coming under the medical education department.

The first such store WAS opened by chief minister DV Sadanda Gowda at Victoria Hospital.

"Such stores will be opened at hospitals to serve the needs of the poor and middle income group.

We are going to cover more than 400 types of drugs," said SA Ramadas, minister for medical education. "Top manufactures have already agreed to provide branded drugs at 50% concession. It will help the public in a big way as we will be providing lifesaving drugs at these stores.

People are advised to make better

use of this," he said.

To avoid inconvenience to people, an order will soon be issued to government doctors to prescribe only those branded drugs which are available in dispensaries of these hospitals.

On whether the state government will give subsidies to companies providing drugs at half the price, the minister said: "The government is not compensating them. As per the rule, manufactures of generic drugs are enjoying concession with regard to several duties. So they have agreed to provide the drugs at concession rate."

The department plans to adopt a holistic integrated medical treatment in hospitals coming under the department. "We've constituted a committee to study and recommend adopting the treatment. Experts of homeopathy, ayurveda and others are included in the committee which will submit its report in 15 days," he said.

June 29, 2012

Health Science Post

India Post

39

www.indiapost.com

Lawsuit claims jail denied man HIV drugs CHICAGO: A Chicago man filed a federal lawsuit claiming an Illinois jail prevented him from taking his prescribed HIV medications for a week, harming his health and violating his constitutional rights.

Arick Buckles, 40, asked for his medications repeatedly while in the Bureau County jail in Princeton, according to his lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Peoria.

His partner offered to bring the pills to the jail, but that request was rebuffed, the lawsuit claims.

The county was more worried about the cost of providing Buckles' HIV drugs than about his health, said American Civil Liberties Union attorney John Knight, who is helping represent Buckles. The drugs, a three-pill combination, cost more than $2,000 a month, according to Buckles' jail medical notes released to him by the county and shared by him with The Associated Press.

Buckles' own pills from home were barred because he kept them in a day-byday organizer, not in their original containers, he told the AP last year.

The county was more worried about the cost of providing Buckles' HIV drugs than about his health, said American Civil Liberties Union attorney John Knight, who is helping represent Buckles. The drugs, a three-pill combination, cost more than $2,000 a month, according to Buckles' jail medical notes released to him by the county and shared by him with The Associated Press Bureau County Sheriff John Thompson, a defendant in the lawsuit, didn't immediately return a phone call seeking comment from The Associated Press. County board

Experts say science lacking on 9/11 and cancer NEW YORK: Call it compassionate, even political. But ... scientific? Several experts say there's no hard evidence to support the federal government's declaration this month that 50 kinds of cancer could be caused by exposure to World Trade Center dust.

The decision could help hundreds of people get payouts from a multibillion-dollar World Trade Center health fund to repay those ailing after they breathed in toxic dust created by the collapsing twin towers on Sept. 11, 2001.

But scientists say there is little research to prove that exposure to the toxic dust plume caused even one kind of cancer. And many acknowledge the payouts to cancer patients could take money away from those suffering from illnesses more definitively linked to Sept. 11, like asthma and laryngitis. ``To imagine that there is strong evidence about any cancer resulting from 9/11 is naive in the extreme,'' said Donald Berry, a biostatistics professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Yet this month, Dr. John Howard, who heads the federal agency that researches workplace illnesses, added scores of common and rare cancers to a list that had previously included just 12 ailments caused by dust exposure.

Lung, skin, breast and thyroid cancer were among those added; of the most common types of cancer, only prostate cancer was excluded. ``We recognize how personal the issue of cancer and all of the health conditions related to the World Trade Center tragedy are to 9/11 responders, survivors and their loved ones,'' Howard said in a June 8 statement.

He declined requests for an interview with The Associated Press. His decision, based on an advisory panel's recommendation, will go through a public comment period and additional review before its final.

Several factors about the decision by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health raised eyebrows in the scien-

chairman Dale Anderson said he couldn't comment because he hadn't seen the lawsuit. The Illinois Department of Corrections looked into the matter last year and found

tific community: Only a few of the 17 people on the advisory panel are experts at tracking cancer and weighing causal risks; they were outnumbered by occupational physicians and advocates for Sept. 11 rescue and cleanup workers.

Exposure to a cancer-causing agent doesn't necessarily mean someone will develop cancer. And if they do, conventional medical wisdom says it generally takes decades. But the panel agreed to cover those diagnosed with cancer within just a few years of the disaster.

Dr. John Howard, who heads the federal agency that researches workplace illnesses added scores of common and rare cancers to a list that had previously included just 12 ailments caused The panel members favored adding cancers if there was any argument to include them.

They added thyroid cancer because a study found a higher-than-expected number of cases in firefighters who responded to 9/11, even though thyroid cancer is generally linked to genetics or high doses of radiation. The same study found a lower-than-expected number of lung cancers, but it was added because it was considered a plausible consequence of inhaling toxins at the site.

Even lawyers for the first responders were stunned: They had expected to see only certain blood and respiratory cancers put on the list. ``I understand the urge to want to compensate and reward the heroes and victims of that tragedy,'' said Dr. Alfred Neugut, a Columbia University oncologist and epidemiologist. -AP

``no violations of the county jail and detention standards,'' said department spokeswoman Stacey Solano.

The case is an example of the inadequate health care inmates with HIV frequently face, said Knight, who is part of a national AIDS project for the ACLU. Similar complaints have come from Colorado, California, Ohio, Nevada and Missouri, he said. ``The ACLU regularly hears these complaints about jails and prisons,'' Knight said. HIV drugs are expensive and jail personnel don't always understand how important it is for patients to take them consistently. Bias against people infected with HIV contributes to the problem, Knight said.

Buckles' jail stint in 2010 resulted from an outstanding warrant for passing bad checks. He was clearing another outstanding warrant in another county when the Bureau County warrant came up on the computer and he was transferred there.

Buckles has said he's turned his life around since a period of writing bad checks about eight years ago. Clearing up the outstanding warrants was part of that effort.

Knight said he's been waiting a year for a response from Bureau County Sheriff John Thompson to a letter requesting a fix for the problem. The lawsuit ``was the only step we had to ensure that this never happens again,'' Knight said.

The lawsuit claims unspecified damages for Buckles' immediate symptoms _ vomiting, weight loss and swollen lymph nodes and for his mental and emotional distress.

Buckles ``feared he would die if he did not adhere to his prescribed HIV treatment plan,'' the lawsuit states.

Skipping HIV medications can raise a patient's virus count, making the patient more contagious and raising the risk of developing drug resistance. HIV doctors often stress the importance of patients taking their prescribed medications without fail.

Buckles, a public health outreach worker for HIV and AIDS patients, regularly counseled others on the importance of sticking with their medications. -AP

In Brief Mexico's leader praises Obama's decision LOS CABOS, Mexico: Mexico's president is praising President Barack Obama for having the ``courage'' to limit the deportation of some young illegal immigrants living in the U.S. President Felipe Calderon thanked Obama on behalf of the Mexican people for what he called a ``valuable decision.'' Obama announced that illegal immigrants will be able to avoid deportation if they can prove they were brought to the U.S. before they turned 16 and are younger than 30, have been in the country for at least five continuous years, have no criminal history, and graduated from a U.S. high school or earned a GED or served in the military. -AP

Ala activists praise Obama move on immigration MONTGOMERY, Ala.: Alabama immigration activists praised the Obama administration's decision to quit deporting many younger illegal immigrants, a policy move criticized by Republicans.

The Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice, which has opposed the state's clampdown on illegal immigrants, said the change in federal procedures was a step in the right direction.

Coalition member and recent high school graduate Victor Palafox, who is in the country illegally after being brought to the United States from Mexico by his parents as a child, called the administration's announcement an ``enormous victory'' for young people across the country. -AP

Immigration 40

India Post

www.indiapost.com

June 29, 2012

Romney won't say he'll overturn immigration order BRUNSWICK, Ohio: Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney refused to say in an interview that he would overturn President Barack Obama's new policy allowing some young illegal immigrants to stay in the United States. Details on page 42

Obama says talented young illegal immigrants can stay in US WASHINGTON: In an electionyear policy change, President Barack Obama has said the US will stop deporting and begin granting work permits to young talented illegal immigrants who entered America as children and do not pose a risk to national security or public safety.

The shift on the politically volatile issue of immigration policy prompted immediate praise from Latino leaders who have criticized Congress and the White House for inaction, while Republicans reacted with outrage, saying the move amounts to amnesty - a negative buzz word among conservatives - and usurps congressional authority.

"Effective immediately, the Department of Homeland Security is taking steps to lift the shadow of deportation from these young people," Obama said in his remarks to the White House press corps at the Rose Garden. "Over the next few months, eligible individuals who do not present a risk to national

President Barack Obama

‘This is a temporary, stopgap measure that lets us focus our resources wisely while giving a degree of relief and hope to talented, driven, patriotic young people.

It is the right thing to do’ security or public safety will be able to request temporary relief from deportation proceedings

and apply for work authorization," he said. Obama said the changes caused by his executive

order will make immigration policy "more fair, more efficient and more just." "Now, let's be clear. This is not amnesty. This is not immunity. This is not a path to citizenship. It's not a permanent fix.

This is a temporary, stopgap measure that lets us focus our resources wisely while giving a degree of relief and hope to talented, driven, patriotic young people. It is the right thing to do," Obama said in his speech during which he was interrupted a few times by a member of the press.

"These are young people who study in our schools, they play in our neighborhoods, they're friends with our kids, they pledge allegiance to our flag. They are Americans in their heart, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper. They were brought to this country by their parents, sometimes even as infants, and often have no idea that they're undocumented until they apply for a job or a driver's license or a college scholarship," he said.

'Culturally unique' precedent on P-3 visa CYRUS D. MEHTA

ACLU hits Ariz. jail on conditions for immigrants FLORENCE, Ariz.: American Civil Liberties Union is faulting the Pinal County Jail in Florence, Ariz. over jail conditions for immigrant detainees.

The Maricopa Monitor reports that the ACLU of Arizona sent a letter to federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Department of Homeland Security officials that threatened litigation, calling the conditions at the jail ``unconstitutional.''

Victoria Lopez, program director for the ACLU of Arizona, said the complaint about the conditions specifically applies to a separate wing of the facility that has 625 beds set aside for immigrants detained by ICE. -AP

U

S Citizenship and Immigra tion Services' (USCIS) Ad ministrative Appeals Office (AAO) issued a binding precedent decision in Matter of Skirball Cultural Center, 25 I&N Dec. 799 (AAO 2012) addressing the term "culturally unique" and its significance in adjudicating P3 visa petitions for performing artists and entertainers.

This decision is significant in light of a growing trend where the culturally unique artistic tradition of one country or ethnicity is influenced by artistic traditions from elsewhere. For instance, musicians trained in Indian classical music have incorporated Western jazz and rock influences.

The most famous example of such a fusion band was Shakti, which incorporated South Indian Carnatic music and jazz elements, featuring guitarist John McLaughlin, South Indian

violinist L. Shankar and Zakir Hussain on tabla and T.H Vikku Vinayakram on the ghatam (an earthen pot).

Examples of hybrid groups abound all over the world, and a contemporary example is Afro Celt Sound Systems, which is a hybrid of African and Celt music. Afrobeat

corporate the music which is unique to a particular country, nation, society, class, ethnicity, religion, tribe, or other group of persons.

The Skirball Cultural Center filed a P-3 nonimmigrant petition on behalf of a musical group from Argentina that was denied a per-

The most famous example of such a fusion band was Shakti, which incorporated South Indian Carnatic music and jazz elements, featuring guitarist John McLaughlin, South Indian violinist L. Shankar and Zakir Hussain on tabla is another classic example of a fusion genre that originally fused American funk music with African rhythms, and its main exponent has been Fela Kuti. Until this decision, there was a risk that such groups would not be considered to be "culturally unique" as they did not in-

forming artists' visa for failing to establish that the group's performance was "culturally unique" as required for this visa classification.

USCIS noted that "due to the unusually complex and novel issue and the likelihood that the same issue could arise in future deci-

sions, the decision was recommended for review."

The AAO approved the petition after its review of the entire record, which included expert written testimony and corroborating evidence on behalf of the musical group.

USCIS said that the regulatory definition of "culturally unique" requires the agency to make a caseby-case factual determination.

The decision clarifies that a "culturally unique" style of art or entertainment is not limited to traditional art forms, but may include artistic expression that is deemed to be a hybrid or fusion of more than one culture or region.

The petitioner had sought classification of the beneficiaries as P3 entertainers for a period of approximately six weeks. The beneficiaries were musicians in the group known as Orquesta Kef. Cont’d on page 43

Immigration Post

June 29, 2012

India Post

41

www.indiapost.com

'Immigration policy change will help many' GARY, Ind.: Indiana agencies that work with illegal immigrants say President Barack Obama's decision to stop deporting those who came to the U.S. as children will help many people who have been assimilated into American culture and lack the experience of growing up in their native countries.

The Obama administration said the change will affect as many as 800,000 immigrants who have lived in fear of deportation. It by-

Mexico, they probably couldn't operate,'' Sharp, whose agency works with immigrants, told the Post-Tribune.

Most of them have gone to high school and college and generally obey U.S. laws, Sharp said.

The biggest violation for many of them is driving without a license, which they cannot obtain if they're not in the country legally, he said.

Under the administration plan, illegal immigrants will be able to

Under the administration plan, illegal immigrants will be able to avoid deportation if they can prove they were brought to the U.S. before they turned 16 and are younger than 30, have been in the country for at least five continuous years, have no criminal history, graduated from a U.S. high school or earned a GED or served in the military passes Congress and partially achieves the goals of the ``DREAM Act,'' legislation that would have provided a pathway to citizenship for young illegal immigrants who went to college or served in the military.

Lawrence Sharp, executive director of the International Community Alliance in Gary, said the new policy will help illegal immigrants who have been in the U.S. since childhood become fully engaged members of this country. ``If they had to go back to

avoid deportation if they can prove they were brought to the U.S. before they turned 16 and are younger than 30, have been in the country for at least five continuous years, have no criminal history, graduated from a U.S. high school or earned a GED or served in the military. They also can apply for a work permit that will be good for two years with no limits on how many times it can be renewed.

Likely Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney responded to the policy change by saying the sta-

tus of younger illegal immigrants was important and should be addressed with legislation. He would not say if he would reverse the policy.

However, some conservatives vehemently disagree with the new policy, even while expressing compassion for illegal immigrants who were brought to the country as children. They say Obama's unilateral action by executive order deliberately skirted the law.

Adeline Torres, head of Hispanic services for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gary, said the church has started working on getting information out to local immigrants. ``This is going to help a lot of kids, especially the ones in school right now or the ones wanting to go to school,'' she said.

It's in the country's interest to make sure these immigrant children are well-educated so they can help pay taxes and support struggling programs such as Social Security, she said.

Torres also stressed that it has become much more difficult to become a citizen than it was when current citizens' ancestors came to America. The waiting time now can last 12 to 20 years.

Sharp said the new policy also will help the parents of the affected immigrants. Many often are embarrassed about the situation they've put their children in, he said, so the new policy also will give them some relief. -AP

South Asian organizations welcome Obama move India Post News Service

M

embers of the National Coalition of South Asian Organizations (NCSO) have applauded the White House for the announcement to offer immigration relief to undocumented students in the form of deferred action.

South Asian youth and families stand to benefit from this change in policy, given that individuals from South Asian countries are among the 1 million undocumented students in the United States.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, undocumented individuals brought to the United States before they turned 16 and are younger than 30, have been in the country for at least five continuous years and presently reside here, have

no criminal history, and have graduated from a US high school or served in the military could receive relief from deportation and permits to work legally in the United States. DHS expects to

porary form of relief that does not lead to citizenship. Congress must still take action to craft a permanent solution for relief in order to fix the range of problems with our broken immigration sys-

South Asian youth and families stand to benefit from this change in policy, given that individuals from South Asian countries are among the 1 million undocumented students in the United States begin the process for applications within 60 days. Our organizations will release additional information about the impact of this new policy in the near future, and will work with DHS and the White House to ensure its full and fair implementation.

NCSO said, "It is important to note that deferred action is a tem-

tem. But, the announcement from the White House marks an important moment in the struggle for immigration reform in our country. Today, we lift up the tremendous advocacy of the DREAMers and grassroots organizations around the country, whose courage paved the way for this policy change."

PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law

Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc.

1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1

http://www.proy-singh.com

2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659

42

Immigration Post

India Post

June 29, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Romney won't say he'll overturn immigration order BRUNSWICK, Ohio: Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney refused to say in an interview that he would overturn President Barack Obama's new policy allowing some young illegal immigrants to stay in the United States.

Obama's order has put Romney in a difficult position, forcing him to decide between possibly alienating Hispanic voters with tough talk and stoking anger within the most conservative Republicans who were slow to warm to him during the primary process to select a presidential nominee.

The candidate was asked three times in an interview on CBS' ``Face the Nation'' whether he would overturn the executive order if he's elected in November. He refused to directly answer. ``It would be overtaken by events,'' Romney said when pressed for the second time by moderator Bob Schieffer during the interview while the former Massachusetts governor's bus tour stopped in Pennsylvania.

He explained the order would become irrelevant ``by virtue of my putting in place a long-term solution, with legislation which creates law that relates to these individuals such that they know what their setting is going to be, not just for the term of a president but on a permanent basis.''

Romney's comments represent a further softening of his rhetoric on immigration since the Republican primary campaign ended. Back January, when he faced the challenge of winning over the rightwing base of his party, he pledged to veto legislation backed by Democrats that would have created a path to citizenship for ille-

campaign on America's slow economic recovery, a potential weakness for Obama amid stubbornly high unemployment. But Obama's announcement forced Romney to veer from the jobs-and-economy talking points with which he is most comfortable.

In the TV interview, Romney suggested that Obama's decision on immigration was motivated by politics. The order bypasses Congress, including the Republican-

Still, Plouffe acknowledged that Obama's team expects an extraordinarily close election. ``It's going to come down to a few votes per precinct in a few states,'' Plouffe said in an interview on NBC's Meet the Press. His comment underscores the reality that a small number of extra votes from Hispanics could make the difference in some key states like Nevada and Colorado.

The Obama administration

Romney has tried to focus his campaign on America's slow economic recovery, a potential weakness for Obama amid stubbornly high unemployment. But Obama's announcement forced Romney to veer from the jobs-and-economy talking points with which he is most comfortable Mitt Romney

gal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. Instead of emphasizing the plight of illegal immigrants, Romney focused on the consequences illegal immigration has for U.S. jobs.

Obama's immigration announcement disrupted the start of Romney's five-day bus tour through small cities and towns in six important states.

Romney has tried to focus his

controlled House. ``If he felt seriously about this he should have taken action when he had a Democrat House and Senate, but he didn't. He saves these sort of things until four and a half months before the general election,'' Romney said.

Obama adviser David Plouffe, sent by the White House to four television talk shows, contended that Obama's action, which appeals to Hispanic voters who are critical to the president's re-election effort, was not ``a political move.''

said the policy change will affect as many as 800,000 immigrants who have lived in fear of deportation. Obama's move partially achieves the goals of the Democrats' long-stalled legislation aimed at young illegal immigrants who went to college or served in the military.

Under the administration plan, illegal immigrants will be able to avoid deportation if they can prove they were brought to the United States before they turned 16 and are younger than 30, have

been in the country for at least five continuous years, have no criminal history, graduated from a U.S. high school or earned an equivalent diploma or certificate, or served in the military. They also can apply for a work permit that will be good for two years with no limits on how many times it can be renewed.

Romney's broadcast interview touched on a variety of topics, from the European financial crisis to Obama's health care law aimed at extending insurance coverage to tens of millions of Americans.

Romney said that the American banking sector ``is able to weather the storm'' in Europe. He said European countries are capable of dealing with their mess ``if they choose to do so'' and the U.S. doesn't want to get into the business of bailing out foreign banks. Romney also does not favor another round of economic stimulus by the Federal Reserve, saying a previous one didn't have the desired effect.

The former Massachusetts governor, whose health care plan for the state served as the model for the national health reform law, outlined steps he'd take if the Supreme Court strikes the Obama administration's bill down. On Iran, Romney said he would be willing to ``take military action if necessary'' to prevent the country from becoming a nuclear power. -AP

GOP senators won't say if Obama plan is amnesty WASHINGTON: When it comes to President Barack Obama's new immigration policy, Senate Republicans are quite sure they don't like it. They just don't want to say if it amounts to amnesty, at least not yet, while they await guidance on the politically charged issue from presidential candidate Mitt Romney. ``If it leads to citizenship as a reward for some kind of illegal entry, I think it could be argued'' to be amnesty, said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who normally is one of Obama's most plainspoken critics.

Sen. Saxby Chambliss of Georgia said the president's announcement could be called ``amnesty light,'' if not the real thing. ``It all depends on how you define `amnesty,' and I'm not going to get into that debate,'' added Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl, secondranking party leader and another frequent critic of Obama. ``I wouldn't use the A-word to describe this. ... That's a word that gets used a lot,'' said Sen. John Cornyn. The Texas lawmaker is in charge of the party's efforts to win control of the Senate this fall

and has seen internal divisions develop since Obama's announcement between his party's establishment and lawmakers and candidates more aligned with the tea party.

These days, at least, amnesty is most often used by Republicans wanting to accuse Democrats of being soft on illegal immigration, much of which involves Hispanics who make their way across the border from Mexico.

In his announcement, Obama said the government will no longer seek to deport illegal immigrants under the age of 30 who were brought to the United States before they turned 16 and have been in the country for at least five continuous years.

They also must have no criminal history and either have graduated from a U.S. high school, have earned a GED diploma or certificate or have served in the military. ``Let's be clear, this is not amnesty, this is not immunity, this is not a path to citizenship, this is not a permanent fix,'' Obama said from the White House Rose Garden. ``This is the right thing to do.'' Administration officials said

about 800,000 individuals could be affected.

While the White House and Democrats in Congress say the president's action was modeled on the DREAM Act, that measure includes a path to citizenship, a critical political distinction.

These days, at least, amnesty is most often used by Republicans wanting to accuse Democrats of being soft on illegal immigration, much of which involves Hispanics Romney, who has vowed to veto the DREAM Act, has recently softened his rhetoric on immigration as he works to cut into Obama's support among Hispanic voters. So far, he has not said whether he supports or opposes what the president did.

While they sidestepped the question of amnesty, McConnell

and several other Republicans sent Obama a letter seeking an explanation of his authority to bypass Congress on the policy switch. The request, announced

by Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, also asked precisely how the new policy would work, and whether federal funds will be used to implement it.

Whatever Romney says, Republicans aligned with the tea party are more outspoken than the party's establishment on the issue. ``This is amnesty,'' Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina, a favorite of tea party Republicans, said in a quick reaction to Obama's announcement. ``Congressman (Jeff) Flake and President Obama, advocates for amnesty,'' Wil Cardon alleged in one emailed statement, issued as part of his uphill battle for the GOP nomination to the Senate in Arizona.

Andrew Wilder, a campaign spokesman for Flake, said the congressman ``does not support giving amnesty to illegal immigrants, and he never has.''

Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, one of the party's more outspoken lawmakers in the immigration issue,

has announced he intends to file suit challenging Obama's authority to bypass Congress and change the policy on his own.

Also in the House, Rep. Ben Quayle, R-Ariz., has introduced legislation to block Obama from implementing his own policy. In some regards, his state serves as a microcosm of the broader debate inside the party.

In addition to Kyl's comments, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., told reporters during the day he neither wanted to ``repeal it or not repeal'' what Obama announced.

Like many other Republicans, McCain said Obama was now doing ``something that he said he didn't have constitutional authority to do a year ago.'' Also like other members of his party, he said the president's announcement had complicated efforts to work out a comprehensive solution to a vexing problem.

House Speaker John Boehner told reporters that because the economy is so weak, Obama has ``turned to the politics of envy and division, which I don't think the American people are going to accept.'' -AP

Immigration Post

June 29, 2012

India Post

43

www.indiapost.com

'Culturally unique' precedent on P-3 visa Cont’d from page 40

The ensemble of seven musicians from Argentina had been performing together for between four and eight years, according to a letter dated September 2009, and performed music that blended klezmer (Jewish music of Eastern Europe) with Latin and South American influences. “ The group's biography stated that the band had developed "its own and unique musical style" based on "the millenary force of tradition and the powerful emotion of the Jewish culture, mixed in with Latin American sounds."

The petitioner also provided a letter from an associate professor at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication supporting the band's claim to cultural uniqueness, among other submitted expert opinion letters and published materials.

The decision noted that Congress did not define the term "culturally unique" and the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (now USCIS) defined it in regulations as "a style of artistic expression, methodology, or medium which is unique to a particular country, nation, society, class, ethnicity, religion, tribe, or other group of persons." See 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(p) (3) (2012).

In her decision denying the pe-

tition, the director stated that a hybrid or fusion style of music "cannot be considered culturally unique to one particular country, nation, society, class, ethnicity, religion, tribe, or other group of persons."

The AAO said that the director's reasoning was not supported by the record, noting: [T]he fact that the regulatory definition allows its application to an unspecified "group of persons" makes allowances for beneficiaries whose unique artistic expression crosses regional, ethnic, or other boundaries.

While a style of artistic expression must be exclusive to an identifiable people or territory to qualify under the regulations, the idea of "culture" is not static and must allow for adaptation or transformation over time and across geographic boundaries. The term "group of persons" gives the regulatory definition a great deal of flexibility and allows for the emergence of distinct subcultures.

"Furthermore, the nature of the regulatory definition of "culturally unique" requires USCIS to make a case-by-case factual determination based on the agency's expertise and discretion. Of course, the petitioner bears the burden of establishing by a preponderance of the evidence that the beneficiaries' artistic expression, while drawing from diverse influences, is unique

to an identifiable group of persons with a distinct culture. “ To determine whether the beneficiaries' artistic expression is unique, the director must examine each piece of evidence for relevance, probative value, and credibility, both individually and within the context of the entire record.

The AAO pointed out that the director's decision failed to note that the beneficiary group was a klezmer band and "seemed to struggle to identify the nature of the group's musical performance, focusing instead on the group's musical influences The AAO pointed out that the director's decision failed to note that the beneficiary group was a klezmer band and "seemed to struggle to identify the nature of the group's musical performance, focusing instead on the group's musical influences. Here, the evidence establishes that the benefi-

Ariz. law expected to prompt suits from both sides PHOENIX: Police agencies that would enforce the most controversial part of Arizona's 2010 immigration law are expected to get squeezed by legal challenges from opposite sides if the U.S. Supreme Court upholds the law in the coming days.

Opponents of the Arizona law, known as SB1070, are likely to sue police departments on claims that officers racially profile people as they enforce the provision of the law that requires police to check the immigration status of people they stop for other reasons.

But legal challenges also are expected from the other side: from supporters who could claim that a police agency has broken the law if it restricts the enforcement of SB1070. ``There are people just waiting to challenge this law on both sides of the spectrum,'' said Tucson Police Chief Roberto Villasenor.

A little-known section of the law lets anyone sue an agency that has a policy that restricts the enforcement of immigration law.

The provision was aimed at hold-

ing cities accountable for ``sanctuary policies'' that discourage or prohibit officers from inquiring about a person's immigration status. Agencies that are found by a court to have sanctuary policies face fines of $500 to $5,000 for each day such a violation remains in effect after the filing of the lawsuit.

The right to sue was among the parts of the law that were allowed to take effect in July 2010. But a federal judge has barred police from enforcing the law's more contentious sections, such as a requirement that officers check the immigration status of people they stop for other reasons.

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule before the end of the month on Gov. Jan Brewer's appeal of the 2010 ruling. Legal experts expect that the court likely will uphold the requirement for immigration-status checks, siding with Arizona officials' legal argument that SB1070 is not trumped by federal immigration law.

Such a ruling will prompt groups that already have chal-

lenged the law to ask the courts to again prevent enforcement of the controversial sections based on other arguments, such as racial profiling.

While seven challenges to the law have been filed, no lawsuits have been brought to court so far that alleged that a police agency had a sanctuary policy.

The question about what types of immigration inquiries police can make came to a head in Arizona during 2007 when Phoenix police Officer Nick Erfle was killed by an illegal immigrant, who shot the officer as he tried to arrest the immigrant on a warrant. -AP

ciaries' music is, first and foremost, Jewish klezmer music that has been uniquely fused with traditional Argentine musical styles."

The AAO said it found particularly persuasive an expert opinion explaining that klezmer music, "while often associated with ethnically Jewish people, is an artistic form that has migrated and is continually mixed with and influenced by other cultures."

The AAO also noted the fact that the beneficiaries were South Americans born to Eastern European immigrants and therefore were influenced by both cultures to create something new and unique to their experience.

All the opinion letters submitted also recognized the existence of a distinct Jewish Argentine culture and identity that was expressed in the beneficiary group's music.

Furthermore, the AAO noted, the published articles submitted recognized a musical movement in Argentina that fuses Argentine styles with influences from Jewish music and other Eastern European styles, and the articles and opinion letters placed the beneficiary group at the forefront of this trend.

Accordingly, the AAO found that the petitioner had established by a preponderance of the evidence that the modern South

American klezmer music performed by the beneficiary group was representative of the Jewish culture of the beneficiaries' home country of Argentina and that the group's musical performance therefore fell within the regulatory definition of "culturally unique."

The AAO added that the petitioner had submitted an itinerary showing that the beneficiary group would be performing at Jewish cultural centers and temples during its U.S. tour, which provided further evidence that the performances would be culturally unique events.

Matter of Skirball Cultural Center remarkably recognizes the significance of crossover cultural trends and that "the idea of culture is not static," which is increasing in our globalized world, where people have access to music from anywhere on an iPhone and have learned to enjoy fusion and hybrid forms.

The favorable impact of this decision can extend to other art forms such as dance and drama too. Thanks to this decision, audiences in America need not fear of being deprived of hearing their favorite fusion bands live! * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

„

Realty Tidbits

Puravankara sets up office in Saudi Arabia NEW DELHI: Bangalore-based real estate developer Puravankara Projects is venturing into Saudi Arabia to cater to the housing needs of non-resident Indians living in the country.

There is a large interest among Indians in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to invest in luxury and affordable homes in India and with a new office in Al Khobar, Dammam, Puravankara is hoping to tap into this growing market for its projects in India. The company has had a presence in Dubai for over two decades. To reach out to NRIs, the company has also set up a 24/7 sales support desk in India through which Indians anywhere in the world can reach out at any time.

„

BMC approves 78 skyscraper projects

MUMBAI: Civic authority Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and its high-rise committee have approved development proposals for 78 skyscrapers over 70 meters of height across the city. Of these approved proposals, around 38 are new proposals while 40 were pending with the earlier committee.

These approvals are being cleared now in the backdrop of almost more than a year and a half passing by without any major approvals for realty projects in the city.

Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry (MCHI) has welcomes the civic authority and its high-rise committee's decision to approve these development proposals. With approvals gaining momentum, developers are now talking about passing on benefits of lower interest and financing cost to consumers.

Real Estate 44

India Post

June 29, 2012

www.indiapost.com

'Effective Land Reforms Act required' MUMBAI: Alleging that the current Land Acquisition Act was "pro-corporate houses and anti-tribals", a member of National Land Reforms Council (NLRC) has demanded an effective and comprehensive Land Reforms Act. "The current Land Acquisition Act is procorporate houses and against the tribals. Therefore, we demand a pro-poor, comprehensive and effective Land Reforms Act, which will help in the rehabilitation of tribals and farmers," Rajgopal P V, member of NLRC, chaired by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, told reporters here.

How 3 homeowners fought property tax bills MARCIE GEFFNER

D

eclining house values create great opportunities for homeowners to contest their property tax bills and potentially save big money.

Each jurisdiction has its own rules, procedures and deadlines to appeal property taxes. The bottom line is that a little research, communication and patience can pay off when you fight a property tax bill.

To prove the point, here are three real-life stories of homeowners who have fought or are fighting - their property tax assessments.

the local Board of Equalization.

"The county gives you a 15minute conference. You sit down across from the assessor's representative. He presents his facts, you present your facts, and there

new assessed value will be what we agreed on," he says.

The secret to his success was what he characterized as "accurate data," showing the disparity in sale prices between older and

Best comps win Michael Garard, a real estate broker at Garard & Associates in Highlands Ranch, Colo., has contested the property tax assessment on his house three or four times in the last 10 years with mixed results.

Most recently, he scored a big win: a drop in the valuation from $535,000 to $480,000 that will cut his tax bill by about $300 a year for at least two years.

The exercise took about four or five hours, during which Garard researched comparable properties in the brokers' multiple-listing service, drove out to see those properties and attended a hearing at

is a mediator. We came to a meeting of the minds, and 20 days later, we got the notice that said the commissioners have agreed that the

newer houses in his neighborhood. The assessor had based the tax valuation on newer houses.

Garard argued those weren't com-

parable to his older home.

Some homeowners might find the process tedious, but Gerard says he enjoys the challenge.

"It's fun when you save money," he says.

No 'double whammy'

Geoff Hauer, broker/owner of Cherry Point Properties in Denver, Colo., also says presenting data was key to his successful property tax challenge.

He used the purchase of his own house during the valuation period as a data point to support his case.

"They had valued the home at $530,000. We had purchased the home during that window for $470,000 and made some improvements. I thought the value should be $480,000, and that's where it ended up," he says.

The process started when Hauer received a four-page document from the assessor, outlining the valuation and comparable sales on which it was based.

That was followed by a flurry of email messages in which Hauer put forward his data, an assessor's inspection of the property and a few weeks later, a second notice with the lower valuation.

Cont’d on page 45

Lodha Group buys Washington House for Rs 375 cr MUMBAI: Nearly two years after it put up the property for sale, the United States consulate is learned to have finally sold Washington House, its three-storey residential building at Altamount Road, to Lodha Group for over Rs 375 crore.

The city-based realty developer is believed to have already paid a token amount of over Rs 50 crore to the consulate. Talks are on with Tata Realty and other bidders for the sale of Lincoln House, which housed the office and residence of the US consul general at Breach Candy.

The three-storeyed Washington House covers 2,702 square meters. It is listed as Grade III property and falls under the Coastal Regulation Zone II. Property rates in the immediate vicinity currently range between Rs 60,000 and Rs 70,000 a sq ft.

Lodha Group will demolish the building and

replace it with a luxury residential tower.

Highly placed sources said the deal was reached about a month ago but had not been inked as the consulate is yet to receive the go-ahead from state and central authorities,

The bidding memorandum had said that the US government expected to procure clearances from the MEA and state and local authorities for the sale within 90 to 180 days of getting the confirmation letter from

The three-storeyed Washington House covers 2,702 square meters. It is listed as Grade III property and falls under the Coastal Regulation Zone II. Property rates in the immediate vicinity currently range between Rs 60,000 and Rs 70,000 a sq ft including the ministry of external affairs.

Abhishek Lodha, managing director of Lodha Group, said, "We haven't concluded the deal yet." Anshul Jain, DTZ's chief executive officer, the global property consultant for the transaction, refused to comment.

the winning bidder.

However, if the clearance did not come through within this period, the memorandum said the US government could cancel the transfer of property and hand the money back to the bidder or reach a mutual deci-

sion to extend the time limit for obtaining the said approval from MEA. Property sources said Lodha's bid, close to the reserve price of Rs 350 crore, is in tune with current market conditions. The Altamount Road property is believed to have received three bids.

"There is always going to be an appetite for property in these prime locations," said Anshuman Magazine, managing director of CBRE, global property consultant.

Altamount Road winds up the hill off Pedder Road and is rated as the 10th costliest street in the world (2010, Wealth Bulletin). Breach Candy, Carmicheal Road, Nepeansea Road and Altamount Road have always been prime residential locations in south Mumbai where property prices range between Rs 45,000 and Rs 85,000 a sq ft.

Real Estate Post

June 29, 2012

India Post

45

www.indiapost.com

Slum rehabilitation key but no timeline yet: Ajit Project and the Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Project in 2004-05.

With just 1,976 acres of land at its disposal - Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore airports all have more than double that - the Mumbai airport is severely constrained for space. Besides, the slums compromise the security of the airport.

Over 18,000 rehabilitation apartments for these slum dwellers - measuring 269 sq ft each - are almost complete in Kurla (West), located barely 3 km from the airport slums.

Only a small fraction has been allotted to

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh in Mumbai

U

nion Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh has admitted that the issue of rehabilitating slums encroaching the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) land would be crucial for the airport's performance. "Slum rehabilitation is very much necessary for this airport to function. We are looking into the issue but no timeline has been fixed for it so far," said Singh, who was in the city to assess the development of the CSIA. "We have to be judicious in using the land area in the landlocked CSIA," Singh said.

Sources said the minister discussed the

issue with Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan.

The private operators of CSIA, one of the busiest airports in the country, face the challenge of clearing 276 acres of encroached land. The rehabilitation project is many years behind schedule after several false starts, contributing to CSIA becoming one of the most congested airports in the region. With 85,000 shanties to be relocated eventually, the project will be Mumbai's biggest slum resettlement project, considerably larger than the rehabilitation of 34,000 families under the Mumbai Urban Transport

How 3 homeowners fought property tax bills Cont’d from page 44

Hauer expects to save $500 to $800 per year, but doesn't yet know the exact figure because the locality hasn't set the mill levy, or rate, that's used to calculate the tax. Even if the levy increases, he'll still see savings compared with what his bill would have been, he says.

"What often happens is that when valuations go down, the mill levy will go up, so their receipts are consistent. If my home was overvalued, I'd get the double whammy of the higher mill levy on that overvaluation," he says.

Hauer says being a real estate broker, investor and appraiser makes the challenge easier, but he adds that any homeowner can fight an assessment and win if the data support a lower valuation.

Win, lose, wait Harvey Kaufman, a homeowner in Woodmere, N.Y., has been fighting his property tax assessment in court since 2008 and has won some battles, though not yet achieved a final victory.

"There is a back-and-forth, back-and-forth, and we won, they won," he says. At issue is the tax assessor's decision to increase

the value of Kaufman's home during a major remodeling project. At the time of the reassessment, Kaufman says, the house had no garage door, windows or bathrooms. He and his family were living with his mother-in-law.

The difference in the valuation amounts to "several hundred thousand dollars," Kaufman says.

"We've paid it. They have my money." he says. "When I heard that we won, I thought, when can I pick up my shopping bag? But not yet�

His most recent win was a judge's order that will allow his case to be heard in court. Meanwhile, he remains angry and bitter about his tax bill.

"We've paid it. They have my money." he says. "When I heard that we won, I thought, when can I pick up my shopping bag? But not yet. They were very good to take my money, but will I ever see it again? God will only know."

Courtesy Bankrate.com

Chavan also said land acquisition issues plague two airports in the state - the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Nagpur International Airport. "We have got some land for the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the rest is being acquired. New land has also been bought for the Chakan Airport near Pune," said Chavan.

Chief Secretary J K Banthia will run the new task force jointly set up by the Civil Aviation Ministry and the state government to look into the issues of developing airports in the state, Singh said.

Over 18,000 rehabilitation apartments for these slum dwellers - measuring 269 sq ft each - are almost complete in Kurla (West), located barely 3 km from the airport slums. Only a small fraction has been allotted to projectaffected slum dwellers project-affected slum dwellers, however, with surveys to enumerate slum residents eligible for free resettlement and the policy for rehabilitation still stuck.

Singh said, "We are considering using the Juhu Aerodrome to ease the traffic flow until work on the new terminal is complete."

Chavan also said the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has mapped out the land including aeronautical and non-aeronautical uses and said the rehabilitation process is under way.

Meanwhile, Pramod Hindurao, chairman of CIDCO, which is the nodal agency for the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport, also met Singh, seeking help in expediting work on the proposed airport. Senior CIDCO officials also briefed the minister on problems encountered in obtaining No-Objection Certificate from AAI. Singh also reportedly promised to look into the project approval, which is stuck with bureaucrats unsure if the approving authority should be the state government.

No rate cut means trouble, say developers

R

eal estate companies, bat tling falling sales and tight liquidity and expecting a rate cut to improve their fortunes, say they are 'highly disappointed' at the Reserve Bank's refusal to oblige.

No action on the rate front could lead to major trouble in the economy, these companies have argued.

"There was this expectation that some policy action would come in the light of slower growth.

There were expectations that both the repo rate and cash reserve ratio would be cut.

"It was disappointing to that extent," said Ashok Tyagi, group chief financial officer, DLF. Although Tyagi said DLF, the country's largest developer, had seen good offtake in recent months, overall the situation looks grim.

According to PropEquity, a realty research firm, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and the National Capital Region saw one of the sharpest falls in absorption of homes in the first quarter of 2012.

MR saw a drop of 58 per cent and NCR one of 57 per cent.

Said Pradeep Jain, chairman of

Parsvnath Developers: "We are highly disappointed. At this stage, RBI should have taken aggressive steps to boost growth and spur investments in the country.

"There is a large gap between demand and supply of homes.

With the current liquidity scenario, I expect the gap to grow wider." Real estate companies' borrowing costs have moved up by a third in the last one and a half years, from 11.5-12 per cent to 16 per cent now.

Rate cuts would have helped, say developers such as Pujit

Aggarwal, managing director and CEO of Mumbai-based Orbit Corporation.

"If rates do not come down, I am a little afraid that the economy would fall into recession in the next five to six months," said Niranjan Hiranandani, managing director of Hiranandani Constructions, a Mumbai-based broker and president-elect of the Indian Merchants Chamber.

Adds Lalit Kumar Jain, president of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India, "The situation is already grim."

46

Datebook

India Post

June 29, 2012

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY

Upcoming

Upcoming

ILLINOIS

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming

Sat June 30

Fri June 29

• Javed Ali Live in Concert

• Konkani Sammelan 2012

Tues July 3

Fri June 29

Venue: Colden Center, 6530 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY Time: 8pm Contact: 718-639-2881

Venue: New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ Time: 12am Contact: 781-325-8171

• DJ Rekha- Live Bhangra Venue: Tantrik, 800 Superior St, Chicago, IL Time: 9pm

• Raat Baaki: A night with DJ Akhtar & Surprise Celebrity All the way from Mumbai

Tues July 3 • Talavya at Joe’s Pub-Summer Heat tour Venue: Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette St, New York Time: 9:30pm Contact: 201-467-4431

Wed July 11 • After Work Brazilian Cruise Party: Drink & Dane on the Hudson Venue: Pier 40, West Street, New York Time: 6:30pm Contact: 646-756-0016

Mon July 9 • Tamil Summer Camp Venue: VFW Post, 11 Henderson Road, Kendall Park, NJ Time: 1pm Contact: 732-800-2336

Fri July 20 • Art of Living Course Venue: Unitarian Universalist Church, 401 N Kings Highway, Cherry Hill, New Jersy Time: 6:30pm Contact: 732-668-8937

Sat July 21 • Gurdas Maan- Live in Concert Venue: Copernicus Theater, 5216 W. Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL Time: 8:30pm Contact: 847-230-7977

Tues July 03 • Red,White & you with India’s DJ Notorious!

Venue: Crescendo, 222 W Ontario, Chicago, Time: 9:00pm Contact: 312-325-5046

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming Sat June 23 • MSMF India Food Fest Venue: Andrew Haydon Park, 3169 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, CT Time: 11am Contact: 613-739-7028

Sun July 1 • Grand Guru Purnima Sri Pada Puja: Amma Sri Karunamayi Venue: Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria, 200 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta, GA Time: 4pm Contact: 678-380-5477

Sat June 30 • Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2012 Grand Finale Venue: Massbay Community College, 50 Oakhand Street, Wellesley Hills, MA Time: 5pm Contact: 781-640-6060

Venue: Avalon Night Club, 777 Lawrence Expressway, Santa Clara, CA Time: 8:30pm

Sat June 30 • Fiji Festival Venue: Cal Statre University East Bay, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Hayward, CA Time: 8:30pm Contact: 408-394-1501

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Sat June 30 • Pan IIT 2012 Picnic Venue: Camp Liberty Shelter, Liberty Park, 19211 Studebaker Road, Cerritos, CA Time: 11:30pm Contact: 818-209-0172

Sat July 14 • Voice of Karaoke- State lavel Karaoke Competition Venue: Chinmaya Mission, 14451 Franklin Ave, Tustin CA Time: 1:00pm Contact: 661-317-0982

Sat July 7 • Mani’s Madness in Bay Area Venue: San Jose Airport Garden Hotel, 1740 North First Street, San Jose, CA Time: 7:00pm Contact: 510-453-1521

Sat July 14 • Summer Picnic Venue: Lake Elizabeth Park, 4000 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA Time: 10am Contact: 510-713-2686

Sun July 15 • Sevathon by India Community Center Venue: Baylands park, 969 Caribbean Drive, Sunnyvale, CA Time: 7pm

Sat July 28 & Sun July 29 • Sanskriti Music and Dance Festival Venue: Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton,CA, 94566 Contact: contact@sanskriti.org Highlights: Inaugural Musical Program, Opening Ceremony, Vilolin Recital, Santoor Recital, "Music Meets Bells", "Windows of The World", Documentary, Kathak Recital Classical Vocal & A Journey Through Thumris

Thurs Sept 27 • Ballet Folklorico De Mexico Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466

Fri Nov 2 • Spirituals to Funk Venue: Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-322-9862 Highlights: Dr John And 5-time Grammy award winners Blind boys of Alabama.

Fri Oct 19 • Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466

Fri Nov 2 • Spirituals to Funk Venue: Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-322-9862

Classifieds

India Post 47

www.indiapost.com

NEWS on your desktop www.indiapost.com

www.indiapost.com

June 29, 2012

NEWS on your desktop www.indiapost.com

48

Philosophy

India Post

June 29, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis

T

he songs of Kabir are tremendously beautiful like this one: O friend, where dost thou seek me?

Lo! I am beside thee.

I am neither in temple nor in mosque: I am neither in Kaaba nor in Kailash: Neither am I in rites and ceremonies, nor in yoga and renunciation.

If thou art a true seeker, thou shalt at once see me: thou shalt meet me in a moment of time.

Kabir says: "O friend! God is the breath of all breath."

Kabir has the heritage of two rich traditions: Hindu and Mohammedan. If you are just a Hindu, of course, you are poor. If you are just a Mohammedan you are poor.

Kabir is a poet; he is not a philosopher. He has not created a system. He is not a theoretician or a theologian. He is not interested in doctrines, in scriptures. His whole interest is in how to flower and become a god. His whole effort is how to make you more loving, more alert.

It is not a question of learning much. On the contrary, it is a question of unlearning much. In that way he is very rare. Buddha, Mahavir, Krishna, Ram, they are very special people.

They were all kings, and they were well-educated, well-cultured. Kabir is a nobody, a man

J

ean-Jacques Rousseau argued that we are inherently good, but we become corrupted by the evils of society. We are born good - and that is our natural state. In later life he wished to live a simple life, to be close to nature and to enjoy what it gives us - a concern said to have been fostered by his father.

Through attending to nature we are more likely to live a life of virtue. Rousseau was interested in people being natural.

"We are born capable of sensation and from birth are affected in diverse ways by the objects around us.

As soon as we become conscious of our sensations we are inclined to seek or to avoid the objects which produce them: at first, because they are agreeable or disagreeable to us, later because we discover that they suit or do not suit us, and ultimately because of the judgements we pass on them by reference to the idea of happiness of perfection we get from reason.

These inclinations extend and strengthen with the growth of sensibility and intelligence, but under the pressure of habit they are changed to some extent with our opinions. The inclinations before

of the masses, very poor, very ordinary, with no education at all, with no culture. And that is his rarity. Why do I call it his rarity?

Because to be ordinary in the world is the most extraordinary thing. He was very ordinary - and he remained ordinary.

The really spiritual person is one who is absolutely ordinary.

Kabir is very normal. You would not have been able to find him in a

he is "as mad" as all others are.

In fact, in the world, normal persons don't exist.

Kabir is really that normal person that you never come across in life, with no desire to be special. When he became enlightened, then too he remained in his ordinary life. He was a weaver; he continued to weave.

His disciples started growing in numbers - hundreds, and then

will die as a weaver."

He continued in his ordinary way. He will go to the marketplace to sell his goods. He will carry water from the well. He lived very, very ordinarily. That is one of the most significant things to be understood. He never claimed that he is a man of knowledge - because no man of knowledge ever claims it.

Kabir says he is ignorant, he

Kabir is absolutely ordinary, a normal person He is not interested in doctrines, in scriptures.

His whole interest is in how to flower and become a god. His whole effort is how to make you more loving, more alert

Saint Kabir

crowd. His specialty is not outward. You cannot just find him by looking at his face.

It is difficult. Buddha was special, a very beautiful man, a charismatic personality. Jesus is very special, throbbing with revolution, rebellion. But Kabir? Kabir is absolutely ordinary, a normal person.

Remember, when I say normal, I don't mean the average. The average is not the normal. The average is only "normally" abnormal;

this change are what I call our nature. In my view everything ought to be in conformity with these original inclinations." (Émile, Book 1 translation by Boyd 1956: 13; see also, 1911 edition p. 7).

As Ronald Grimsley has written, 'From the outset Rousseau had drawn inspiration from his own heart and found philosophical

thousands, and then many more thousands were coming to him.

And they will always ask him to stop weaving clothes - "There is no need. We will take care of you."

But he will laugh and he will say, "It is better to continue as God has willed me. I have no desire to be anything else. Let me be whatsoever I am, whatsoever God wants me to be. If he wants me to be a weaver, that's why I am a weaver. I was born a weaver, and I

concentrate its entire being there, with no need to remember the past or reach into the future, where time is nothing to it, where the present runs on indefinitely but this duration goes unnoticed, with no sign of the passing of time, and no other feeling of deprivation or enjoyment, pleasure or pain, desire or fear than the simple feeling of ex-

does not know anything. And this has to be understood, because this will make the background in your mind for his poetry. From where is this poetry coming? It is coming out of his innocence, flowering out of his innocence. He says he does not know.

Excerpted from a talk by Osho Rajneesh The 572nd birth anniversary of Kabir will be observed on June 26

Saint-Pierre in my solitary reveries, whether I lay in a boat and drifted where the water carried me, or sat by the shores of the stormy lake, or elsewhere, on the banks of a lovely river or a stream murmuring over the stones."

(Rousseau 1979: 88 - 89) Rousseau's is sometimes described as a romantic vision.

A state where the soul can find a resting-place

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

As soon as we become conscious of our sensations we are inclined to seek or to avoid the objects which produce them: at first, because they are agreeable or disagreeable to us

truth in the depth of his own being' (1973: 135). His later writings, especially Reveries of the Solitary Walker, show both his isolation and alienation, and some paths into happiness. 'Everything is in constant flux on this earth, he writes (1979: 88): "But if there is a state where the soul can find a resting-place secure enough to establish itself and

istence, a feeling that fills our soul entirely, as long as this state lasts, we can call ourselves happy, not with a poor, incomplete and relative happiness such as we find in the pleasures of life, but with a sufficient, complete and perfect happiness which leaves no emptiness to be filled in the soul.

Such is the state which I often experienced on the Island Of

The 'Romantic' is said to favour the concrete over the abstract, variety over uniformity, the infinite over the finite; nature over culture, convention and artifice; the organic over the mechanical; freedom over constraint, rules and limitations.

The 300th birth anniversary of Jean-Jacques Rousseau will be observed on June 28

Out beyond the ideas of right-doing and wrongdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there.

-Rumi It is all only a great game of pretending.

-Ramana Maharshi All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.

-Edgar Allan Poe In the beginning was the Word and the word was with God and the Word was God. -Gospel of St. John In the beginning was Brahman with whom was the Word and the Word was truly the supreme Brahman.

-The Vedas It takes just such painful and terrible things to occur for the great emancipation to take place.

-Nietzche Great doubt--great awakening. Small doubt-small awakening. No doubt--no awakening.

-A Zen Joy, anger, grief, delight, worry, regret, modesty, insolence-- let them be.

Without them, you would not exist. Without you, they would have nothing to take hold of.

-Chuang Tzu

You Insure all your Valuables, all are replaceable except YOU! So Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

Edit Page

June 29, 2012

India Post 49

www.indiapost.com

Iran risking damage to image with meddling in Afghanistan ARYAMAN BHATNAGAR

S

ince the fall of the Taliban in 2001, Iran has invested heavily in Afghanistan, particularly in western Afghanistan.

Tehran has sought to develop the western provinces - particularly Herat, Nimruz and Farah - as its spheres of influence, which could also act as a buffer if civil war was to break out in Afghanistan.

As the 2014 deadline is fast approaching, Iran is attempting to further consolidate and enhance its clout in the country. Apart from signing a strategic agreement pact late last year, the two countries have also inked an economic cooperation agreement and a prisoner transfer deal. However, Iran's hostile relations with countries such as the US because of its controversial nuclear program have been and will continue to be an obstacle to its soft power arc in Afghanistan.

fluence to emerge as the main hub for the 'silk route' trade.

An end to Iran's spending spree?

The consolidation of the above gains and the achievement of future objectives would require Iran to continue a considerable amount of investment in Afghanistan.

However, the stand-off over Iran's nuclear program is likely to prevent that from happening.

The current round of sanctions imposed by the US and the EU, which have targeted the main source of Tehran's income - revenue from oil exports - seem to have severely dented Tehran's spending abilities.

A number of EU countries have already halted their purchase of Iranian oil and once the EU sanctions are fully imposed starting 1 July, European demand is expected to dry up completely. More promi-

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, left, meeting with President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan in Kabul.

Iran's 'constructive' role in Afghanistan Iran's spending spree in Afghanistan has been key to its current standing in Afghanistan and has generally been appreciated by both the Afghan government and its people. Having provided close to a billion dollars in aid over the past decade, Iran is a leading donor to Afghanistan, being one of the few nations to have actually delivered on its pledges. Iranian aid has been instrumental in infrastructure development and the opening up of business and economic opportunities.

Moreover, through its support and funding of educational, religious and media institutions, Iran has managed to directly engage the Afghan population and develop close ties with certain religious and ethnic groups, which have become the basis of Iran's influence in Afghanistan. The efforts to link up Afghanistan to Central Asia and China to the Persian Gulf through roads and railways originating in Iran also signals a projection of its existing in-

nent customers of Iran's oil - India, Japan and South Korea - have also significantly reduced their imports. As a result, Iranian exports have fallen by 40 per cent since the beginning of the year, translating into an estimated US$10 billion in lost revenue.

The fallout has been immediate.

Reports have already emerged about the scrapping of several projects resulting in unemployment and massive cut-backs in the multi-million dollars worth of government subsidies. Iran has also been forced to make compromises on certain foreign policy goals reflected in the reduction of its financial support for Hezbollah.

It is highly likely that Iran would have to significantly scale-down its current levels of spending in Afghanistan, and would also be unable to complete a number of important projects, such as the proposed railway to China and Central Asia.

American presence in Afghanistan Despite Iran's constructive role in Afghanistan, the aid from the US and other Western allies has

been substantially higher and is likely continue in the future. This definitely cuts into Iran's influence as Afghanistan is not, and will never be, overwhelmingly dependent on Tehran.

However, Iran's perception of the American threat and consequent response to it is likely to be more counter-productive to its cause. It has long held the view that the US troops stationed in Afghanistan pose a security threat to Iran and, for this reason, has constantly attempted to thwart them.

These have included attempts to influence Afghan parliamentarians to vote against the US-Afghan strategic pact, fuel antiAmerican sentiments through the manipulation of the media and educational institutions, and cut off its fuel supplies to Afghanistan. Iran has also sent in

According to Mohammad Ali Karimi, a lecturer at Kabul University, there is growing resentment among the people in Afghanistan towards the interference of Iran in its political affairs shiploads of textbooks into western Afghanistan, which have been found offensive by the Sunni Muslims. The incitement of sectarian tensions, along with the covert and measured support provided to the Taliban is meant to make the task of managing the country even tougher for the US. Although Iran may be seeking to protect its own interests through such sabotage, it is risking damage to its image in Afghanistan. The Afghan parliament has already warned Iran against interfering in the country's political affairs.

According to Mohammad Ali Karimi, a lecturer at Kabul University, there is growing resentment among the people in Afghanistan towards the interference of Iran in its political affairs. If it is not careful, Iran runs the risk of being viewed through the same negative prism as Pakistan is generally viewed - essentially a 'spoiler' willing to interfere in Afghanistan to further its goals, even at the expense of Afghanistan.

The writer is Research Officer, IPCS

India Post The Modi dilemma

W

hether the BJP does well or not in the 2014 General Elections depends on one person - Narendra Modi.

He is like the lizard in the proverbial mouth of the snake. If the snake spills it out, it will be taken as an insult. And if it swallows it, it will come to harm. In a situation where the ruling UPA has been scoring plenty of self-goals on the economy, the NDA finds itself unable to take advantage of the situation in view of the Modi phenomenon stuck in its throat.

There is a strong section in the BJP which believes the country will elect a Modi-led BJP driven by his success as a development chief minister. There is an equally apprehensive section which believes that outside Gujarat, Modi will not be acceptable due to his communal image. While the BJP is floored by the dilemma and is hardly able to air it, the simmering issue has been brought to the fore by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whose JD (U) is a constituent of NDA, the grouping which would like to lay claim on power in 2014.

Nitish Kumar has said that the NDA's candidate for prime ministership should be a secular person. That description doesn't fit Narendra Modi whose Muslim-baiting politics colors his record and thus disqualifies him. The few allies that the NDA has today will turn their face away if the BJP seriously proposes the name of Modi. Narendra Modi may not have said it in so many words, but he wants to straddle the national stage as Prime Minister and there are many in BJP who think he will make a strong PM unlike the tepid version that the UPA has been presenting. He would be taking bold decisions for the progress of India just as he does in the BJP showpiece of development, the state of Gujarat. India however cannot afford to be reshaped in the image of Gujarat, which doesn't welcome a section of India's citizens.

Modi is also known to be extremely vindictive. Even within his party he cannot tolerate dissidents. The manner in which he had a strong opponent like Sanjay Joshi removed from the party provides a trailer of the kind of politics he will indulge in if ever he succeeds in his mission to move to the Center.

The BJP doesn't have a leader of any stature at the Center who can challenge Narendra Modi. LK Advani is too old and Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley, the present opposition leaders in the two houses of Parliament, are nothing more than good orators. They do not enjoy the confidence of the nation. In fact the stalemate in the BJP is worse than the one in the UPA. It is not only not able to project a prime ministerial candidate; it is not able to decide even on a Presidential candidate. With Pranab Mukherjee assured of election, it would have been graceful to accept the situation and not oppose him. But the BJP thinks that agreeing to a UPA nominee without a fight will damage its image for the big fight in 2014. If it fights and loses, how will that enhance its image? And the funny part is nobody wants to be a NDA candidate in this scenario.

Purno Sangma, the former Speaker of Parliament and who belongs to the North East, is standing as an independent and a tribal. It is a symbolic fight for the principle that it is time for the nation to elect a tribal as the President of India. If the BJP now backs Sangma, it will prove it has nothing to offer of its own for 2014.

50 India Post

www.indiapost.com

June 29, 2012

June 29, 2012

www.indiapost.com

India Post 51

52 India Post

www.indiapost.com

June 29, 2012