India-Post_07-03-2015_e-paper by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Anu Natarajan

Anu stresses significance of local elections Details on page 10

Jindal criticizes Obama over gay marriage Details on page 5

Congressmen attend Indo American meet Details on page 16

India, US ink MoUs on health infra, research Details on page 32

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

Will India attack in UNSC affect China? Last week’s result

Should a government officially promote yoga? YES 43%

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VOL 20, No. 1085

July 3, 2015

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Periodical Postage

INDIA SLAMS UNSC APATHY ON TERROR

UNITED NATIONS: Days after China blocked its move in the UN for action against Pakistan over Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi's release, India has slammed the "indifference" of some permanent UNSC members towards restraining terrorists, saying it has questioned the Security Council's ability to combat terrorism. "Terrorists have attacked UN institutions and peacekeepers with impunity, without being prosecuted," India's Ambassador to the UN Asoke Mukerji said at the 70th Anniversary Commemoration of the UN Charter in San Francisco. "The indifference of some permanent members of the Council to even fetter such terrorists under the Council's own sanctions regimes has questioned the seriousness and ability of the Council to tackle what is perhaps the single biggest threat to international peace and security today," he said.

Jaishankar has talks with top US officials Details on page 6

US supports Modi's probusiness reforms Details on page 5

TOUGHEST INDIANS: Nasik based Hitendra Mahajan and

Disappointment over pace of reforms: Moody's Details on page 6

his younger brother Mahendra pose in Annapolis after completing

Airbus keen to participate in 'Make in India' Details on page 6

the 4,800-km Race Across America. The doctor

CONTENTS

brothers set a

Bollywood ---------------------- 30-31

milestone by

Classifieds ------------------------- 48

becoming the

Community Post -------------- 16-24

first Indians to complete the ultramarathon

Date Book -------------------------- 47 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-35 Horoscope ------------------------- 38

within the

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

stipulated time

Life Style ----------------------- 50-53

of nine days

Philosophy ------------------------- 49

in the 'team of

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4

two'

Real Estate -------------------- 36-37

category.

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

Details on page 5

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

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Publisher’s Diary

he US Supreme Court is on a roll! The past week saw the highest court in the land deliver two landmark judgments back-to-back - one, that will help President Obama leave office with a signature legacy; and another, that will alter the way the US, and perhaps the world to some extent views the institution of marriage. President Obama is probably relaxing now, content to leave office with his single largest legislative success, the 2010 Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, firmly ensconced in the nation's healthcare lexicon. The SC upheld the nationwide availability of tax subsidies that are crucial to implementing the healthcare law. This is the second ruling in three years against a major challenge to the law brought by conservatives, which ensures that the law stays put in its letter-and-spirit implementation nationwide, at least for the rest of Obama's tenure in the White House. What, however, has wider - and I mean, worldwide - social implications is the other ruling, where the Supreme Court has practically rendered marriage genderless. Marriage, in the United States is no longer a union of one man and one woman, but what could be construed as a union of two individuals. The ruling essentially requires all of the states in the country to recognize same-sex marriages. Whatever be the repercussions at home, this ruling could well set conventional societies the world over to reorient social structures, families, relationships, gender identities, and society as we know it - towards a new sociological order. Irrespective of whether one agrees with the wise old judges or not, it does make one wonder about the genesis of the family as we have so come to accept as "normal". Surely, for the pre-modern societies, the legalization of marriage as a union between a man and a woman, was a "new normal" then just as genderless marriages would be for the post-modern world? Who is to define what "normal" is or for that matter, who is to impose what nature may have ordained? In my opinion, it is neither progression nor regression, but simply another facet of the Darwinian theory of natural selection. Here's to a new normal!

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Noisy passion Sonakshi Sinha too is inclined towards music. The actress recently enrolled in a class to learn to play the drums.

Cover Story: UNSC ‘indifference’ India has slammed the "indifference" of some permanent UNSC members towards restraining terrorists

Community: Leadership reception IACS hosted its first Leadership Reception in Washington DC that was also attended by members of the US Congress

Migrant labor Indian companies in the UK have expressed concern over planned changes to the criteria for hiring migrant labor

Life style: Fruit crown If you see hordes of men and women walking round with fruit crown, you'll know it is the Sao Joao festival in Goa

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BIS warning Banking regulators' body BIS says easy monetary regimes are resulting in a buildup of financial vulnerabilities.

Vijayawada Although mentioned in various legends and myths, Vijayawada today is a significant trade and commerce hub

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India slams UNSC 'indifference' on terror UNITED NATIONS: Days after China blocked its move in the UN for action against Pakistan over Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi's release, India has slammed the "in-

the UN Asoke Mukerji said at the 70th Anniversary Commemoration of the UN Charter in San Francisco. "The indifference of some permanent members of the Council to even fetter such terrorists under the Council's own sanctions regimes has questioned the seriousness and ability of the Council to tackle what is perhaps the single biggest threat to international peace and security today," he said. Mukerji said the use of sanctions is often cited as proof of the Council's effectiveness. "Yet, the track record India's Ambassador to the UN Asoke Mukerji of the Council over the past few years in using difference" of some permanent this tool in an objective, transparUNSC members towards restrain- ent and effective manner, espeing terrorists, saying it has ques- cially to counter terrorism, has tioned the Security Council's abil- been challenged," he said at the ity to combat terrorism. event on June 27. "Terrorists have attacked UN Mukerji's remarks come against institutions and peacekeepers the backdrop of permanent memwith impunity, without being pros- ber and veto-wielding China ecuted," India's Ambassador to blocking India's move in the UN

demanding action against Pakistan over release of Mumbai attack mastermind and LeT commander Lakhvi in violation of a resolution of the world body. China blocked the move on grounds that India provided insufficient information. Mukerji said the mushrooming conflicts and human suffering in many parts of the world today are symptoms of a breakdown of international peace and security, the primary responsibility for which was given by the UN Charter to the 15-nation Security Council. The Indian envoy questioned why the five permanent members of the Council have not faced democratic approval in any UNSC election over the past 70 years. "Within the Council, a special and privileged responsibility has been given by the Charter to the five allied powers that were victorious in the Second World War. It is ironic that these five have not faced the yardstick of democratic approval in any UN Security Council election over the last 70 years," he said, adding that the world has been transformed by a "surge of democracy". Mukerji

said two powerful tools that the Council has used to implement its authority are the use of peacekeepers and the enforcement of sanctions. "However, as global security has become more fragmented, the tendency of the Council to mandate UN peacekeepers volunteered by countries not permanently represented in the Council to take on interventionist combat operations has become controver-

"However, the inability of the Security Council to effectively deal with conflicts is as much due to its increasingly unrepresentative character, which prevents it from seeking sustainable political solutions to crises," he said. Mukerji quoted Ugandan President Yoweri Musevini as saying that out of the global human population of seven billion people, the five permanent members represent only about 1.9 billion people.

Mukerji said the mushrooming conflicts and human suffering in many parts of the world today are symptoms of a breakdown of international peace and security, the primary responsibility for which was given by the UN Charter to the 15-nation Security Council sial," he said. Mukerji stressed it is common to blame the Security Council's failures on the way in which the Council conducts its business, including in the use of that most undemocratic mechanism of decision-making given to the permanent members, the veto.

"It is clear, therefore, that only urgent and comprehensive reforms of the Security Council will enable this body to shoulder its primary responsibility in the 21st century, and ensure socio-economic development and respect for human rights," Mukerji added.-PTI

Jindal criticizes Obama, Hillary US supports Modi's over gay marriage pro-business reforms WASHINGTON: Indian-American Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has lashed out at US President Barack Obama and Democratic presidential aspirant Hillary Clinton for their views on same sex marriage, alleging that they evolved their views based on opinion polls. "Both the President and Hillary evolved their views because of opinion polls. They can read opinion polls just like the Supreme Court," said Jindal, the 13th Republican aspirant to aim for the White House in 2016 election. "My view of marriage is based on my Christian faith. No early court's decision is going to change that. I think marriage is between a man and a woman," Jindal, 44, told 'Meet the Press' of NBC News in an interview. Obama has said the ruling is a victory for America while Clinton also praised the landmark decision of the US Supreme Court which legalized same sex marriage, holding that gay people can get married in all 50 states of the country. "I think they're all created equal in god's eyes. And I think we need to respect and love those we disagree with. I think we can have

religious liberty without discrimination. My views on marriage aren't evolving with the polls. I can read polls just like the President can. It's based on my faith. I think it should remain between a man

Bobby Jindal

and a woman," he said. Jindal said America has moved towards a much better view on race relations. "I've said we need to stop viewing ourselves as hyphenated Americans. We're not AfricanAmericans, or Indian-Americans, we're all Americans. I think viewing people by the color of their

skin is the dumbest way to view people," he said. "So, I think it's offensive to equate evangelical Christians, Catholics, others that view marriage as between a man and a woman as being racist. We're not racist. We love our fellow man. We think we're all equal under god's eyes. We simply believe marriage - we don't believe we should change the definition of marriage simply because of opinion polls or because of a court that, quite frankly, isn't looking at the constitution," Jindal said. Jindal's popularity rating in his own home State is quite low and when asked about it, he said he does not take decisions based on opinion polls. "If I were afraid of polls, I never would have been elected in two landslide elections, winning the highest percentage in our state's last election for governor," he said. Jindal said he wants to run a campaign where "we embrace our principles".PTI

WASHINGTON: The US sup- ruption is always a concern. So ports the "pro-business reforms" any government should address of the Modi Government but at it," Toner said, adding that the US the same time remains concerned is supportive of the reform proabout difficulties caused to non- cess. governmental organizations, a top "Certainly private companies, State Department official has said. whether they are US or other na"I would say, speaking gener- tionalities, look at the investment ally, we're supportive. I can say climate when they are thinking Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi's about investing somewhere and pro-business reforms, including obviously, corruption plays into his commitment to fighting cor- that evaluation and assessment. ruption as well as his public re- So certainly corruption is never a marks, recently and regarding improving India's position in the "We have been encouraged World Bank's Ease of by some of the reforms that Doing Business report - these are initiatives he has pledged to underthat clearly take time to take, Prime Minister Modi. implement," State Department Spokesper- We will see how they are son Mark Toner said. implemented," Toner said "We have been encouraged by some of the reforms that he has pledged good thing and we encourage all to undertake, Prime Minister governments including India to Modi. We will see how they are address it," he said. implemented," Toner said. Toner said US remains conHe said fight against corrup- cerned about difficulties caused tion cannot be done in a day. to civil society organizations, "This obviously is not some- NGOs, by the manner in which the thing that can be done overnight. Foreign Contributions Regulation But more broadly speaking, cor- Act has been applied.-PTI

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Jaishankar has talks with top US officials WASHINGTON: India's role in South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region was discussed along with a host of issues including terrorism and trade as Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar held parleys with top American officials here on taking Indo-US ties forward. Jaishankar had a series of meetings with the US officials here

India's role in South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region, including for promotion of connectivity and economic integration and relief and reconstruction in Nepal after the earthquake of April 25, according to a statement issued by the Indian Embassy here. "They reviewed the implementation of initiatives taken during the

Deputy Secretary of State Blinken, who hosted a luncheon in honor of Jaishankar, discussed with him a range of bilateral, regional and global issues of topical relevance. The two officials also explored deeper collaboration and engagement to address emerging global challenges like terrorism during which he discussed issues ranging from ease of doing business to cooperation on terrorism and climate change. During his day-long visit, Jaishankar met US National Security Advisor Susan Rice, Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Trade Representative Michael Froman among others. Jaishankar and Rice discussed

two summits between leaders Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and President (Barack) Obama in the past one year," the statement added. Prime Minister Modi and President Obama held their first bilateral summit in the White House last September. In January this year, Obama traveled to New Delhi to be the Chief Minister at the Republic Day parade during which he met

Modi for the second time. Deputy Secretary of State Blinken, who hosted a luncheon in honor of Jaishankar, discussed with him a range of bilateral, regional and global issues of topical relevance. The two officials also explored deeper collaboration and engagement to address emerging global challenges like terrorism, climate change and cyber issues and policy coordination on internet governance and other matters. During their meeting, Jaishankar and Froman covered the ground of India-US economic and commercial engagement. "They agreed to work together to promote and reinvigorate economic partnership, and to create infrastructure and policy framework to make it attractive for businesses of the two sides to engage with each other," the statement said. During the Foreign Secretary's stay in the US, Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Dana J Hyde also called on him and briefed him about the independent US government foreign aid agency's planned engagement with India.-PTI

Some disappointment over pace of reforms: Moody's NEW DELHI: In a 'credit negative' for its sovereign and bank ratings, India's rural economy will remain subdued through this fiscal, while "some disappointment" has emerged about pace of reforms under the Narendra Modi government, global giant Moody's has said. In its latest 'Inside India' report, Moody's Investors Service said the consensus view on India's economic growth prospects is relatively optimistic - in line with Moody's baseline scenario of economic expansion of 7.5 per cent in the current fiscal. "Forecast represents the highest projection amongst G20 economies, and provides a key pillar of support for the Baa3 sovereign rating and positive outlook," it said. This is the lowest investment grade rating, but a 'positive' outlook indicates room for further upgrade.

Airbus keen to participate in 'Make in India' NEW DELHI: European major Airbus has expressed its keen interest in participating in 'Make in India' program in the area of defense and space. The interest was expressed by Bernhard Gerwert, CEO of Airbus Defense and Space, when he called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi here. Gerwert told Modi that Airbus was keenly interested in becoming a partner in the 'Make in India' initiative, through a cluster approach with regional partners, according to a PMO statement. The Prime Minister welcomed the interest shown by Airbus in India, it added. Airbus Defense and Space is a division of Airbus Group responsible for defense and aerospace products and services. During the meeting, Modi discussed with Gerwert various projects in India, in the aerospace, defense and civil aviation sectors. Gerwert recalled the Prime Minister's visit to the Airbus manufacturing facility in Toulouse in France in April and said it had generated "positive atmosphere and interest". During that visit, Airbus had announced that it would increase

its Indian outsourcing to USD 2 billion. Airbus Group CEO Tom Enders, who had received the Indian leader in Toulouse, had said: "India already takes a centre-

CEO, Airbus Defence and Space, Bernhard Gerwert calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on June 30

stage role in our international activities and we want to even increase its contribution to our products." In India, Airbus Group already operates two engineering centers

-one focused on civil aviation and the other on defense - besides, a research and technology (R&T) centre which together employ over 400 highly qualified people.PTI

However, the results of polls conducted by it last month showed "some disappointment...with regard to the pace of reform under the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and increasing concerns about the risk of policy stagnation. "Specifically, almost half of the poll respondents identified sluggish reform momentum as the greatest risk to India's macroeconomic story." In the report, Moody's further

said "the multi-party, federal democracy in India underpins a gradual pace of policy implementation. "While many of the policies are positive for India's institutional strength, the direct impact of growth-enhancing reforms is only likely to take full effect over a multi-year horizon." Moody's further said it expects India's weakened rural economy to remain subdued through the fiscal year ending March 2016, particularly if the risk of below-average monsoon rainfall materializes. "A sustained soft patch for India's rural economy would weigh on private consumption and non-performing assets in the agricultural sector, (which is) a credit negative for the sovereign and banks," Moody's Vice President and Senior Research Analyst Rahul Ghosh said. The rural income growth in India has been stuck in the mid-tolow single digits in so far this year, well off the 20 per cent-plus rates clocked in 2011. The slower rural income growth is partly the result of increased fiscal restraint by the Central government, which Moody's believes is unlikely to change in the coming quarters. Elaborating further on policy reforms, Moody's said the plans to cut the country's corporate tax rate to 25 per cent from the existing 30 per cent over the next four years will be "credit positive" for all Indian corporates insofar as it will reduce their tax expenses and increase their competitiveness over the medium term.-PTI

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AIIB will bridge infrastructure APG to monitor Pak compliance on Lakhvi financing gap: Pak BEIJING: China-led USD 100 billion Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will become an important forum to bridge an infrastructure financing gap in Asia to help regional economies achieve stable and sustainable growth, according to Pakistan's Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. Dar signed the articles of agreement of AIIB along with India and 48 other countries here. Seven more countries were expected to sign the agreement after ratification by their national legislatures. The articles of agreement have been concluded through extensive consultations among founding members "in a democratic way," Dar told state-run Global Times. He rebutted reports that China is seeking a dominant role in the bank. "I don't think there is any such indication, to be honest," he said. He said important decisions require a majority of at least 75 per cent of votes and approval of twothirds of all member countries. China has 26.06 per cent of the voting rights in the bank, so it is unlikely to monopolize the decision-making, nor is this China's will, he said, adding that China is open to negotiations and will coordinate with other founding members.

The bank estimated that Asia will need USD eight trillion from 2010 to 2020 for infrastructure investment in fields such as energy, transportation, telecommunica-

Dar said that Pakistan hoped to draw financing support for communications and energy infrastructure projects including projects for construction of roads,

NEW DELHI: India has been successful in bringing Pakistan under monitoring of Asia Pacific Group to enforce UN sanctions against underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, terror mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and LeT founder Hafiz Saeed despite strong opposition from China. Officials said China has stood by Pakistan on terror asking India to back off at the recently-concluded meeting of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global body, held in Brisbane, Australia, when New Delhi had strongly raised non-compliance by

US to derail China's attempt and roped in the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), an autonomous and collaborative international organization consisting of 41 members and a number of international and regional observers. APG will now monitor and ensure Pakistan's compliance of UN sanctions against terrorists as Islamabad is a member of the international body, officials said. China had objected to India raising the issue at FATF on the grounds that Pakistan is not a member of the grouping.

Pakistan's Finance Minister Ishaq Dar

tion, water and sanitation, but the region is facing a gap between great demand and inadequate capital supply. "The AIIB is especially created to serve the needs of infrastructure funding in the region," he said. As a country which is in dire need of infrastructure investment,

China willing to invest in Kashmir BEIJING: China's multi-billion vestment in PoK by his country dollar investment in PoK does not did not mean that China fully acmean it supports Pakistan's sov- cepts Pakistan's sovereignty ereignty over the area, a top Chi- over that area and believes that nese South Asia expert said here. Kashmir is a disputed territory. "Do not think that our pres"If in future, Pakistan and Inence or economic activities in PoK dia solve their dispute over means our support to their (Pakistan's) sovereignty request. If India Ye said mere investment in opens its side of Kashmir, Chinese companies PoK by his country did not will be happy to invest mean that China fully there," Ye Hailin, South Asia expert with the accepts Pakistan's government-affiliated Institute of Interna- sovereignty over that area tional Strategy Studies, said. He said China was making only Kashmir, we will be on our cominvestments in Pakistan-occupied mitment no matter at that time the Kashmir to develop trade relations region is controlled by which with Islamabad and it would be side," Ye said. more than happy to invest money If the Indian side of Kashmir in the Indian side of Kashmir. also opens its market to Chinese Speaking to a group of Indian companies we will be happy, he journalists here, Ye said mere in- said.-PTI

dams and power generation, and Pakistan will continue to fully participate in the decision-making process of the AIIB. The AIIB is designed to finance infrastructure construction in the continent. The AIIB, which will have billions of dollars to lend, is expected to go into operation later this year. -PTI

L to R: Dawood Ibrahim, Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi

Islamabad on freezing assets of Lashkar-e-Taiba and its affiliates and Dawood. However, India has been successful in convincing allies like the

Maharashtra MoU with Blackstone, Panchsil MUMBAI: The government of western Indian state of Maharashtra has signed an MoU with Blackstone and Panchsil SPV for three projects worth Rs 4,500 crore and generation of some 50,000 jobs. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on a week-long tour of the US, said Blackstone will invest Rs 750 crore in EON Free Zone SEZ, Rs 1,200 crore in Hinjewadi Phase-3, Rs 1,500 crore in IT Park in Central Mumbai and Rs 1,050 crore in other IT parks in Mumbai. "Big news! Investment of around Rs 4,500 crore & jobs up to approx 50,000 to be generated. Results of new IT policy being shown within a week itself!" Fadnavis tweeted. "Coca Cola announces Rs 500 crore investment at Lote Parshuram in Chiplun MIDC, Maharashtra," he said, in another tweet.

Fadnavis also interacted with US industry executives from the US-India Business Council (USIBC) in New York. Hardselling Maharashtra as an investment destination, the Chief Minister reeled off opportunities in the state, along with the reforms

to promote ease of doing business. "The state eagerly awaits formation of JVs in important projects such as DMIC, smart cities, manufacturing, agriculture, aviation, engineering and IT," Fadnavis said while addressing the meeting.-PTI

India has been insisting that Pakistan must seize assets of fugitive Dawood Ibrahim and most wanted terrorists Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi as all three are in UNSC's al Qaeda sanctions list which makes it incumbent upon Islamabad to freeze their holdings. The UN Security Council's al Qaeda and Taliban Sanctions Committee has listed Dawood, Saeed and Mumbai terror attack key conspirator Lakhvi and impose sanctions on them. As a UN member state, it is the responsibility of Pakistan to freeze their assets. The committee, established pursuant to UN Security Council resolution 1267 (1999), is a Security Council subsidiary organ that oversees the implementation by member- states of the three sanctions measures - assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo imposed against targeted individuals and entities associated with al Qaeda, as designated by the Committee in its sanctions list. India has been maintaining that 1993 Mumbai serial blasts key accused Dawood is in Pakistan, though Islamabad denies it. Hafiz Saeed roams freely in Pakistan while Lakhvi, set free from a Rawalpindi jail last month, is currently living in the country. Dawood was put in UNSC sanction list in 2003, Saeed and Lakhvi in 2008. -PTI

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'Tanned. Rested. Ready' - Jindal's campaign slogan WASHINGTON: "Tanned. Rested. Ready." That is Indian-American Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal's new 2016 presidential campaign slogan and the "tanned" part is supposed to be a reference to his skin tone. "The liberal media that developed this week was disgusting: Apparently Bobby isn't brown enough for them," wrote Timmy Teepell, Jindal's campaign manager, in an email to supporters. "Well, this will make the left even more upset. We are now selling the first limited edition t-shirt of the campaign, and I want you to know about it," Teepell was

quoted as saying by The TimesPicayune. Jindal, 44, used a similar line about being "tanned" in his official presidential campaign launched on June 24. National media has seized on Jindal's relationship with the Indian community, even as he himself has tried to distance himself from his Indian roots. Jindal, a Republican, has time and again reiterated his remarks about de-hyphenating Indians and other ethnic groups from Americans. "I am done with all this talk about hyphenated Americans. We are not Indian-Americans,

E-visa entry likely for 7 more airports NEW DELHI: Seven more airports, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency Varanasi and Ahmedabad in his home state, will soon be declared as entry points along with the existing nine where citizens from eligible countries can land with an e-tourist visa. Besides these two, Jaipur, Amritsar, Gaya, Lucknow and Trichy will be declared as entry points as government is expecting a rush of Chinese tourists when the e-tourist visa facility will be finally rolled out to the citizens of the neighboring country. The existing nine airports where one can land with an e-tourist visa are Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram.

"We are also planning to set up additional counters in the existing nine airports as we are expecting rush of Chinese tourists," a Home Ministry official said. As promised by the Prime Minister, India is all set to roll out etourist visa facility to Chinese nationals along with citizens of 31 more countries soon. Issues related to e-visa to be offered to citizens of the 31 countries were discussed threadbare at a high-level meeting attended by representatives of ministries of Home, External Affairs and Tourism. "Preparations are going on smoothly. We want to announce some more countries along with China whose citizens will be offered e-tourist visa," the official said.-PTI

Bobby Jindal

African-Americans, Irish Americans, rich Americans or poor Americans. We are all Americans," he had said while announcing his 2016 presidential bid. In February, several news outlets questioned whether a portrait that hangs in Louisiana's Capitol makes Jindal appear to be a white

man. Though against categorization of Indian-American, Jindal does not shy away from his parents' immigration story in political speeches. The governor frequently references the tough journey his parents took from India to Baton Rouge as a point of pride. He made sure to outline their travails during his official

presidential launch. Jindal's talk a b o u t dehyphenating Americans had riled many Indians and he faced a barrage of criticism on Twitter following the announcing of his presidential bid. T h e governor's team has termed this as absurd and said that the new t-shirt which has the slogan imprinted on it is one way they are trying to discredit this type of criticism. Jindal, the first Indian-American to make a presidential bid, is the 13th Republican aspirant to target the White House in this election cycle. -PTI

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SATYAGRAH BOUND Indian Americans Making A Difference

July 3, 2015

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A MONTHLY SERIES - BY RISHI KUMAR

deeper to better impact issues near and dear to our hearts. Are we doing enough? Our involvement can simply start with developing a healthy curiosity in our local community, instead of being 'busy' bystanders. Once we get involved, we quickly discover, how easy it is for us to impact change and how uplifting the experience is; personally rewarding and transformative at the same time. There are some of us who are already beginning to or have made their mark in doing just that. With this monthly series, we want to highlight these SatyAgrah souls as inspiration for all of us. Here is a satyaGrah soul, who has embarked upon a path not troddenâ&#x20AC;Ś

Anu stresses significance of local elections

ATYAGRAH SOULS is a monthly column highlighting the achievements of Indian Americans locally and beyond, raising political awareness for our readers by presenting such role-models of inspiration for each of us to strive for similar purposes and reach greater heights. Indian Americans are going through a transitional evolution, as we get entrenched, establishing ourselves in the free world, doing some good, as entrepreneurs, high tech geeks, doctors and lawyers. We are imposing our goodwill upon this fantastic country. But in quiet moments we may concur that our involvement can run a bit

nu you thought of running for public office when the Indian community in the bay area was still fledgling. What led you down this path of community service and running for office? What were some of the hurdles you overcame as a pioneer? My work as a professional urban planner and architect brought me in contact with the structure of city government and the process of development. As I began my work as a consultant with several cities, leading community groups through a visioning process to identify their goals, I became fascinated with the local decision making pro-

et us meet ANU NATARAJAN. Anu joined the One Child board in April this year. Anu was elected to the Fremont City Council and served for ten years. On Council, she was an advocate for sensible, sensitive and sustainable planning as the engine for economic growth and community building. She believes in the importance of placemaking. She represented Fremont on regional and national boards such as Smart Growth America's Local Leaders Council, Boardmember of the Local Government Commission, Stopwaste and Recycling Board of Alameda County, Housing Authority of Alameda County and SPUR San Jose. She enjoys both politics and policy making and considers herself to be a policy wonk.

Council, I jumped at it before I had too much time to think about it. At the time I did it, I With State Treasurer John Chiang was really interested in where Fremont was as the fourth largest city on the Bay Area cess. When I was asked to apply to be on transitioning into a somewhat more urban the planning commission in Fremont, it was city than it had been and I wanted to be part a natural extension to the work I had been of steering the growth and development of the city. I hadn't really considered the truly surprising and enjoyable aspect of becoming a representative of the Bay Area Indian-American community as the first Indian-American elected to city council. In the early days, I cerWith Attorney General Kamala Harris and Ash Kalra tainly had my share of facing stereotypes about Indian-Americans doing. When the opportunity came up to con- and as the only woman on Council. I made sider throwing my hat in the ring for City sure that I did not play victim and took and

Anu is currently working with MidPen Housing Corporation as their Director of Policy and Advocacy. She most passionately enjoys the mission of the organization - building communities and changing lives by creating affordable and well-designed homes for those in need. Anu has a background in architecture, urban design and planning and is a LEED AP. She has professional experience as a planner in both agency and consulting roles, and has also worked as an architect. In her work with the American Leadership Forum - Silicon Valley, Anu focused on community engagement and outreach by building a network of networks and using technology in innovative ways. Anu volunteers with community organizations, and also enjoys exploring new cities and their architecture, meeting people, and reading. She and her husband are raising their daughter in Fremont.

created opportunities to make people know me as an individual and not a stereotype. It was small things like people calling me Councilmember Anu instead of Councilmember Natarajan, to making assumptions that I was a staffer to my male colleagues - and being surprised at my strong opinions.

ning, design, development and land use issues. I believe I was able to steer and frame the conversations around an aggressive and

How was your experience on the Planning Commission and city council? Do you think you accomplished enough? What were some of the drawbacks and hurdles At Parkmont Elementary during Read America week to getting things done? bold vision for Fremont. While a lot of things I served on the Fremont City Council for got done, there were several years we were 10 years, 3 years as vice mayor. Prior to that, in the middle of a deep recession and we I was on the planning commission for two could not make things happen as quickly. years. I believe I enjoyed the trust of staff, community members and colleagues as a Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; d on page 11 subject matter expert when it came to plan-

July 3, 2015

SATYAGRAH BOUND Indian Americans Making A Difference

India Post

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Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; d from page 10

With State Controller Betty Yee

In looking back, those years that we dealt with deep budget cuts and service cuts and dealing with people's emotions and expectations was a great learning experience in leadership and communication. Tell us about your run for Mayor of Fremont? What would you have done differently to win? How could the Indian community have helped you win? After having served on Council for eight years, I ran for Mayor in 2012. There were five candidates including a Chinese American former councilmember. As you know, the largest ethnic groups in Fremont are the Indian-Americans and the Chinese-Americans. I ran a very rigorous campaign both in terms of fundraising and a strategic and well run field campaign. We had hundreds of volunteers that helped in various ways with a sense of wanting to create history - to help elect the first woman mayor and the first Indian-American mayor in Fremont. I had strong support both locally and regionally. There were some factors that played into the race which were beyond my control. The local Democratic Party chose to endorse my opponent although it was widely known that I was the more progressive democrat which helped tremendously with his victory. What was somewhat disappointing also was the really low turn-out of the IndianAmerican community. I do not believe that every Indian-American would have voted for me simply because I was Indian-American but that I had reached out to them and had hoped for a more robust participation in the election process. There were also some community leaders that chose to work against me, which had an impact. I believe we have a lot to learn from the ChineseAmerican community in how they position their candidates and band together to elect their candidates. Given the rabid division in the Fremont Indian community, how has this impacted us? Can Indian Americans do a better job of staying united and working for a common cause? Given our truly democratic roots, I would

Anu stresses significance of local elections venture to say that we should not aspire to about running a campaign and what it enhaving this community vote simply along tails. I make sure to make time to meet with ethnic lines. We can do a much better job of better communication reinforcing the importance of our representation. We can also work towards minimizing divisions created by the outside that only weaken us as a community. And we should certainly do a far better job of not only increasing voter registration but voter participation. We are not President of the Board, Stopwaste at a point where we can win simply based on the community any potential candidate or folks that are votes but this should be a strong base to thinking about running for office and talk them through the process and especially the pitfalls that I faced. I believe we are well positioned to have a slew of young Indian Americans get elected to office. I want to make sure that we emphasize the importance of local office as we continue to have some seek national office. While it may not have the same appeal, it is critical for us to understand the significance of local elections - as the saying goes - all politics is local. And to continue to build a robust pipeline.

With Mayor Sam Liccardo

build on. What are you doing to encourage up and coming leaders in the community? On Council, I worked to make sure we had representation from the Indian community and had women appointed to boards and commissions. As part of my work with the American Leadership Forum, Silicon Valley, I pulled together multi-ethnic collaboratives to stress the importance of political engagement. I have spoken at several events

What do you see in the future for yourself? In terms of my political future, I am certainly keeping my options open for the right opportunity to continue my service. I continue to be engaged in Fremont and the region with hosting new councilmember workshops and serving on regional boards and commissions. I also hope to help with the East Bay Women's Political Caucus. What is your message to the young Indian American girl / woman, who perhaps sees

With East Bay Electeds

in you a great role model, about community engagement and leadership? Jump in and get involved. Do not wait to be asked or seek permission. If you have a passion or desire, reach out and let people know of your interest and ask for help in getting there. I will say that you do not need to be elected to office to be a community leader - there are several important ways to contribute and stay engaged. As you get out of your comfort zone and face public scrutiny, make sure you have a support system in place to lean on. And finally, do not get into elected office if you want to be liked by everyone and expect gratitude for what you do - this can be an awe-inspiring and a thankless job all at the same time. Do it because you care and want to give back to the community. That was very insightful Anu. Appreciate you sharing your views so candidly. ******* Dear readers, do you have a story to share? We invite your success stories you are familiar with locally. The ones who helped address a simple issue in the community to make life a bit better. Perhaps someone you know made a run and got elected to the school board, was appointed to the planning commission. Provide us your insights on Indian Americans locally and nationally who are making things happen. These perspectives will help construct roadmaps for our community to empower ourselves, to hopefully ignite a desire in all of us to represent our local communities as doers, leaders, and make this glorious country of America a better place.

ABOUT RISHI: Rishi is Silicon Valley's energizer bunny deeply engaged in his local community. He is an elected city councilmember in Saratoga, CA who continues to follow his passion for community service and community building. Rishi's day job is as a Silicon Valley hi-tech executive but his zeal for community service effervescent. Rishi Kumar is the President of the Bay Area Indian American Democratic Club (www.baiadc.org) whose charter is to further the interests and values of Indian Americans, work towards political empowerment and advance ethical standards in the political system. Rishi would love to get your recommendations for coverage of engaged Indian American leaders who are trailblazers in your community. You can reach him via his websitehttp://www.rishikumar.com/ www.RishiKumar.com.

Tech News Greece crisis may trigger outflows from India NEW DELHI: The economic crisis in Greece may trigger capital outflows from India and the government is consulting the RBI to deal with the situation, Finance Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi has said. Stating that the Greece situation has no direct impact on India, he said there may be some indirect effect via Europe on capital inflows and outflows here. "A Greece crisis does not have any effect directly on India. (But) interest rate may firm up in Europe. In case of firming up of interest rate in Europe, there can be outflow of capital from India," Mehrishi told reporters here. Terming the situation as dynamic and evolving, he said, the crisis may have an indirect impact on India by way of its outcome on the European currency euro. "To the extent it affects the euro, there might be some indirect impact on India. If yields on euro bonds go up, then it might impact inflows and outflows from India," he said. He said nobody can predict how the situation evolves. "Obviously we are in touch with the RBI but they will do what they have to do," he said. Asked if any Indian company has an exposure in Greece, he said, "I don't know." "If yields on G-Sec go on in the US, then it might impact inflows and outflows in India. We really don't know how they (foreign investors) will relocate their portfolio," he added.-PTI

Flipkart launches campaign to educate sellers MUMBAI: E-commerce platform Flipkart has launched a nationwide campaign to educate sellers about taking their business online. The campaign 'Apne Sapne Jee Kar Dekho' aims at educating entrepreneurs/manufacturers/SMEs about the advantages of getting their business up on Flipkart's platform, the company said in a statement. Flipkart, through the campaign will help new sellers with fast-track registrations to the platform and additionally provide special support services, such as dedicated pick-ups, product shoots, training on platform usage and payments. The 45-day long campaign will be live in over 15 key cities, the online retailer said, adding, "Targeted at both the metros and nonmetros, this campaign focuses to give sellers a more holistic view of ecommerce and encourage them to be a part of this growing ecosystem.-PTI

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July 3, 2015

Alaska tribe to boycott FedEx for NFL sponsorship JUNEAU, Alaska: Alaska's largest tribe is boycotting FedEx until the company pulls its sponsorship from the Washington, D.C. NFL team or that team changes its name. The Juneau Empire reports that the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska announced that it has told tribal employees that use of FedEx services will be discontinued because many consider the NFL team's name to be derogatory to indigenous people. FedEx is one of the team's top sponsors. It purchased naming rights to the stadium in 1999.-AP

Persistent low rates indicate global eco malaise, warns BIS BASEL/NEW DELHI: Raising the red flag over interest rates remaining "extraordinarily low" globally, banking regulators' body BIS has said easy monetary regimes are resulting in a build-up of financial vulnerabilities. The observation of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) comes against the backdrop of concerns that sudden reversal in relaxed monetary policies of advanced economies could have a significant fallout on emerging markets, including India, which have been witnessing higher foreign capital inflows. In its annual report, BIS said globally, interest rates have been extraordinarily low for an exceptionally long time, in nominal and inflation-adjusted terms, against any benchmark. "Such low rates are the most remarkable symptom of a broader malaise in the global economy: the economic expansion is unbalanced, debt burden and financial risks are still too high, productivity growth too low, and the room for maneuvering in macroeconomic policy too limited. "The unthinkable risks are becoming routine and being perceived as the new normal," it said. According to BIS, this malaise also reflects the failure to come to grips with financial booms and busts that leave deep and enduring economic scars. "Domestic policy regimes have been too narrowly concerned with stabilizing short-term output and inflation and have lost sight of slower-moving but more costly financial booms and busts. "And the international monetary and financial system has spread easy monetary and financial conditions in the core economies to other economies through exchange rate and capital flow pressures, furthering the build-up of

financial vulnerabilities," BIS said. Recently, Reserve Bank of India Governor had cautioned against competitive monetary policy easing by central banks. Meanwhile, BIS said there should be increased reliance on structural policies rather than demand management policies. Such an approach would help

sponse to the unusually weak post-crisis recovery. "The rates are a vivid reminder of the extent to which monetary policy has been overburdened in an attempt to reinvigorate growth...in longer term, they risk weakening the financial sector and economic activity, by hindering rational investment decisions and

To address the deficiencies in the global financial system, BIS has suggested a three-pronged strategy that includes moving away "from illusory short-term macroeconomic fine-tuning towards mediumterm strategies". "abandon the debt-fuelled growth model that has acted as a political and social substitute for productivity-enhancing reforms", it added. Claudio Borio, Head of the Monetary and Economic Department, BIS, said persistent exceptionally low rates reflect central banks' and market participants' re-

entrenching debt dependence," he said. To address the deficiencies in the global financial system, BIS has suggested a three-pronged strategy that includes moving away "from illusory short-term macroeconomic fine-tuning towards medium-term strategies". There is a need to shift from

overwhelming attention on nearterm output and inflation towards a more systematic response to slower moving financial cycles, it noted. Furthermore, BIS said the focus should move away from "a narrow own-house-in-order doctrine to one that recognizes the costly interplay of domestic-focused policies". The BIS report - for April 2014 to March 2015 - said central banks outside the major advanced economies were left to factor these very accommodative, but increasingly divergent, monetary policies into their own policy decisions. In China and India, the central banks eased, but policy rates were still close to recent historical norms, it added. "The easing in India came against the backdrop of a deceleration of inflation from a high single-digit pace, strong economic growth, and an improved fiscal situation. "The authorities in India also announced a new monetary policy framework agreement, with a 4 per cent target for consumer price inflation from early 2016 onwards," the report said. In the case of China, BIS said the country's central bank reduced interest and required reserve ratios to counter a slowing pace of economic activity. -PTI

2nd Green Revolution should begin from east India: PM HAZARIBAGH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for second Green Revolution, saying it should start immediately from eastern India. He said Indian agriculture has been lagging in several areas including inputs, irrigation, value addition and market linkages and his government was committed to modernizing the sector and making it more productive.

"We have seen the first Green Revolution but it happened several years ago. Now it is the demand of time that there should be second Green Revolution without any delay. And where is it possible? It is possible in eastern UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Odhisa," Modi said while laying foundation stone of Indian Agricultural Research Institute at Barhi.

"That is why the government is focusing on the development of this area. For that we have started this research institute," the Prime Minister said. He said urea plants in this area have been closed and a decision has been taken to reopen them as farmers will need fertilizers. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 15

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July 3, 2015

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50 nations sign agreement on China-led AIIB BEIJING: Representatives from 50 founding countries, including India, have signed an agreement that provided the legal framework for the China-led USD 100 billion multilateral Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The 60-article agreement specified each member's share as well as governance structure and policy-making mechanism of the bank, which is designed to finance infrastructure in Asia. The delegates from 50 founding countries gathered at the Great Hall of the People for the signing ceremony. Australia was the first country to sign the agreement, followed by 49 other members. Seven more countries are due to sign by the end of the year. The AIIB will have authorized capital of USD 100 billion, and Asian countries will contribute to up to 75 per cent of the total capital. Each member will be allocated a share of the quota based on their economic size, according to the agreement. "China, India and Russia are the three largest shareholders, taking a 30.34 per cent, 8.52 per cent, 6.66 per cent stake, respectively. Their voting shares are calculated at 26.06 per cent, 7.5 per cent and 5.92 per cent," state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

President Xi Jinping, ninth from right, poses for a group photo with Swiss Economy Minister Johann Schneider-Ammann, ninth from left, and delegates attending the signing ceremony for the Articles of Agreement of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 29

The AIIB is designed to finance infrastructure construction in the continent. The AIIB, which will have billions of dollars to lend, is expected to go into operation later this year. Speaking at the signing ceremony, China's Finance Minister

Lou Jiwei said the AIIB will uphold high standards and follow international rules in its operation, policymaking and management to ensure efficiency and transparency. After signing the agreement, representatives of prospective founding members will take the

Use online calculator to file tax return NEW DELHI: With the new Income Tax Return (ITR) forms being recently notified for assessment year 2015-16, filers can do an easy check of their annual tax liability on a new computer-based 'calculator' launched by the CBDT. The 'tax calculator' is an online computer-based program hosted on the official website of the I-T department and is meant to help the taxpayer assess their due tax, in a general fashion, as notified for an assessment year by the government. The CBDT had notified the new forms ushering in the ITR filing season which ends on August 31. Officials said the 'calculator' has been updated and calibrated by the Central Board of Direct Taxes, the apex policy making body of the department, according to the new announcements made by the Finance Minister in respect to tax rates in his last Budget speech.

The facility can be used by any taxpayer whether individual, corporate or any other entity, to compute the liability. However, it comes with a word of caution from the tax department that filers should not solely rely on it as complicated

cases of ITR have different requirements which may not be addressed by the 'calculator'. "The calculator is only to enable public to have a quick and an easy access to basic tax calculation and does not purport to give correct tax calculation in all circumstances. It is advised that for filing of

returns the exact calculation may be made as per the provisions contained in the relevant Acts, Rules etc," a disclaimer by the department says. A senior official said the facility has been hosted on the website of the department www.incometaxindia.gov.in - for the ease of all taxpayers who either do an e-filing or manual filing of ITR. The 'calculator' has been calibrated to compute the total tax liability of an individual or any other category of taxpayer under various heads like income from house property, capital gains, profits and gains of business or profession and agricultural income among others. After it faced criticism, the Finance Ministry simplified the ITR forms excluding columns seeking additional details like the filers' foreign travel history and dormant bank accounts.-PTI

agreement back to their respective countries for legal adoption processes, the Chinese Finance Ministry said. The US and Japan, which oppose the AIIB, are the most prominent countries not to join. The establishment of the new financial institution is seen as a diplomatic win for China, the world's second largest economy.

The AIIB was proposed by President Xi Jinping in October 2013. A year later, 21 Asian nations, including China, India, Malaysia, Pakistan and Singapore, had signed an agreement to establish the bank, which will be headquartered in Beijing. The AIIB is seen as a rival to the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. -PTI

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India, Thai sign treaties including DTAT BANGKOK: India and Thailand have signed a number of important agreements, including the double taxation avoidance treaty, and exchanged instruments of ratification on the extradition treaty inked in 2013, which provides for the legal framework for seeking extradition of fugitive offenders. The tax treaty provides for the framework to avoid double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes so as to promote bilateral economic cooperation. On the last day of her three-day visit, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj co-chaired the 7th meeting of the India-Thailand Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation. The extradition treaty signed between the two countries in 2013 provides for the legal framework for seeking extradition of fugitive offenders, including those involved in terrorism, transnational crimes, economic offences etc. The treaty provides for the extradition of any person, who is wanted for trial or for the imposition or enforcement of any sentence by one Contracting state and is found in the territory of the other Contracting state.

The exchange of instruments will help both the countries in expedited extradition of fugitives. This treaty will further strengthen the relationship between the security agencies of the two countries, officials said. The two sides also signed a

other East Asian Summit countries in the establishment of Nalanda University in Bihar. The agreements were signed by Swaraj and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn. Another significant develop-

Signing of revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Establishment of Nalanda University. By signing this agreement, Thailand joins

ment during Swaraj's two-day visit here is the signing of a MoU on the establishment of an Ayurveda Chair in one of the Thai Universi-

Smartphone technology to help blind people 'see' LONDON: Scientists are developing new adaptive mobile technology that could enable visuallyimpaired people to 'see' through their smartphone or tablet. Specialists in computer vision and machine learning based at the University of Lincoln, UK, funded by a Google Faculty Research Award, are aiming to embed a smart vision system in mobile devices to help people with sight problems navigate unfamiliar indoor environments. Based on preliminary work on assistive technologies done by the Lincoln Centre for Autonomous Systems, the team plans to use color and depth sensor technology inside new smartphones and tablets to enable 3D mapping and localization, navigation and object recognition. The team will then develop the best interface to relay that to users - whether that is vibrations, sounds or the spoken word.

"This project will build on our previous research to create an interface that can be used to help people with visual impairments," said Project lead Dr Nicola Bellotto, an expert on machine perception

and human-centered robotics from Lincoln's School of Computer Science. "There are many visual aids already available, from guide dogs to cameras and wearable sensors. Typical problems with the latter

are usability and acceptability. "If people were able to use technology embedded in devices such as smartphones, it would not require them to wear extra equipment which could make them feel selfconscious. "There are also existing smartphone apps that are able to, for example, recognize an object or speak text to describe places. But the sensors embedded in the device are still not fully exploited. "We aim to create a system with 'human-in-the-loop' that provides good localization relevant to visually impaired users and, most importantly, that understands how people observe and recognize particular features of their environment," said Bellotto. The research team, which includes Dr Oscar Martinez Mozos, a specialist in machine learning and quality of life technologies, and Dr Grzegorz Cielniak, who works in mobile robotics and machine perception, aim to develop a system that will recognize visual clues in the environment.-PTI

ties. The MoU is between the Ministry of Ayush and Rangsit University of Thailand under which the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences will set up a Chair at the Thai University to undertake academic and research activities in Ayurveda. This particular MoU was signed by Ambassador of India to Thailand Harsh Vardhan Shringla and the President of Rangsit University Arthit Quarairat. "Laying a sound foundation for future ties. India & Thailand sign a number of important agreements," MEA spokesperson Vikas Swaroop tweeted. In his other tweets, he said, "The exchange of Instruments of Ratification of Extradition Treaty strengthens framework of our legal cooperation.

"Signing of revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement strengthens framework of our economic cooperation." Swaraj began the day with a call on Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, President of Privy Council. Co-chairing the 7th Joint Commission meeting, she emphasized trade and investment, connectivity, security cooperation, defense, science and technology and people to people contact as key drivers. "Our Act East policy perfectly compliments Thailand's Look West policy," she said at the meeting. She had earlier described Thailand as an important pillar of India's policy and a valued partner, saying the relationship between the two countries has expanded to virtually all areas of bilateral cooperation in recent years. "Our bilateral relations with Thailand are based on deeprooted cultural, religious and neighborly association between the people of our two nations. Our common heritage of Buddhism and the philosophy of compassion, tolerance, non-violence and peace have laid strong foundations for this relationship," she had said earlier. -PTI

Twitter's Indian-origin executive leaves company NEW YORK: A top Indian-ori- company's next chapter. I'm off to gin executive at micro-blogging pursue some exciting new site Twitter has resigned, the lat- projects; more soon! #staytuned," est in a recent string of departures the tweets read. from the company including that Twitter did not immediately anof CEO Dick Costolo. nounce a replacement for Garg, Rishi Garg, whose departure the Vice Presicomes just two dent for Corpoweek after rate DevelopCostolo anment and Stratnounced he was egy at Twitter, a stepping down role that put him as the in charge of the company's CEO. Mergers & AcCostolo has quisition stratbeen replaced by egy, has anco-founder Jack nounced his deDorsey on an inparture after a terim basis. tenure of 13 Other highmonths. level departures Rishi Garg "After an over the last 18 amazing ride as months include Twitter's VP Corporate Develop- product chief Daniel Graf, COO Ali ment and Strategy, I'm saying fare- Rowghani, and CFO Mike Gupta. well today," he tweeted. Before joining Twitter, Garg was "Our team has built a stronger the M&A chief for fellow Jack Twitter with a dozen acquisitions Dorsey company Square. in the last year. Hats off to @dickc According to his online profile, for admirable leadership, humor, Garg received a BA in Economics energy, and trust," Garg said, us- and MS in Industrial Engineering ing Costolo's Twitter handle to from Stanford University, and an thank him. MBA from the Harvard Business "I can't wait to witness the School. -PTI

July 3, 2015

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'Paris deal should reflect differentiated responsibilities' NEW YORK: The developing countries' bloc of Brazil, South Africa, India and China have underscored that the ambitious Paris Agreement on climate change to be adopted later this year should "fully reflect" differentiated responsibilities of developed and developing countries. Developed countries should take the lead by undertaking ambitious emission reduction targets, ministers from the BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India, China) bloc said as they met for the 20th Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change here over the weekend. India was represented by Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Ravi Prasad along with Brazil's Minister for the Environment Izabella Teixeira, South African Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa and Special Representative for Climate Change Affairs of China Xie Zhenhua. In a joint statement issued after the ministerial, the ministers underscored the need for the Paris Agreement to address in a balanced manner all six elements identified in

2nd Green Revolution should begin from east India: PM Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 12

Emphasizing the need for use of scientific methods for farming to increase productivity, Modi said "Unless we prepare a balanced and a comprehensive integrated plan, we will not be able to change the lives of farmers." Pitching for 'per drop, more crop', Modi stressed the need for research in the field of agriculture to determine the health of soil and its needs in terms of seeds, water quantity, amount of fertilization etc.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

He said the government was taking steps to train youth in soil testing so that such labs could be set up on the pattern of pathological labs for humans. "This will also lead to job creation," he added. Turning to pulses, he said India has to import these because of shortfall in production and noted that a special package has been given to farmers engaged in cultivation of pulses. "The production of pulses in the country is very low and I urge farmers that if they have five acres of farming land, use four acres for other crops but cultivate pulses on at least one acre," Modi said. PTI

the Durban mandate - mitigation, adaptation, finance, capacity-building, technology development and transfer, transparency of action and support. In this regard, they stressed that an ambitious outcome of the ADP (Durban Platform for Enhanced Action) should not focus solely on mitigation, but should also address the other elements in a balanced and comprehensive manner. "With regards to mitigation, Ministers underscored the need for the provisions of the agreement to fully reflect differentiated responsibilities and distinct development stages of developed and developing coun-

tries, with developed countries taking the lead by undertaking ambitious, economy- wide, absolute emission reduction targets and providing finance and technology support to developing countries," the statement said. It added that developing countries will also enhance their efforts, in the context of sustainable development, enabled and supported by finance, technology development and transfer and capacity-building from developed countries. The ministers from the emerging nations underscored that commitments under the Paris Agreement will be in accordance with the principles and provisions of the UN

Framework Convention on Climate Change. They stressed that contributions will be nationally determined and reflect each party's highest possible effort, in accordance with its common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. Contributions should be comprehensive, addressing mitigation, adaptation and the provision of support by developed to developing countries, they said. "As developing countries facing multiple challenges in? terms of social and economic development and poverty eradication, BASIC countries are undertaking ambitious actions domestically on climate change. -PTI

Desi News Bohemia, king of Punjabi rap, to perform at FOG India Post News Service

his year the Festival of Globe (FOG) is being celebrated from Aug 7th to Aug 16th. It features SF Global Movie Fest, FOG Awards, Famous Grand Parade and Mela (Fair). The FOG just added a unique hip blend this year as the rapper known as "Bohemia the king of Punjabi rap" announced his participation at FOG awards. Bohemia is popularly recognized as the creator of Punjabi rap music. His hit singles like 'Kali Denali', 'Charso Bees' and his appearance in the Bollywood film 'Chandni Chowk to China' with Akshay Kumar has put Bohemia in a league of his own as a pioneer of a new genre. Details on page 24

Hindu Temple hosts Maharudra Yagna for peace VIKRAM RANGALA

CHICAGO: The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago hosted a historic and massive three-day convocation culminating in Maharudra Yagna for universal peace, welfare and prosperity recently. Thousands of devotees and hundreds of priests and scholars participated in the mass chanting of ancient prayers, culminating in Maharudram Yagna, a fire sacrifice whose history dates back 5000 years. Details on page 19

Bappi Lahiri set to regale at FIA I-Day SURENDRA ULLAL

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA July 3, 2015

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16 India Post

Fathers' Day celebrated at Indo American Center Details on page 23

Congressmen attend Indo American Leadership Reception in DC NEELA PANDYA

WASHINGTON DC: The Indo American Community Services (IACS) , an Illinois based no profit organization, hosted its first Leadership Reception on June 23 in Washington DC that was attended by members of the US Congress and professionals numbering 100. The event celebrated the achievements of Indian Americans in Congress, provided an opportunity for members of all professions to connect with each other and build their network. IACS is dedicated to empowering the South Asian community through a variety of events including diversity job fairs, woman's conferences, leadership intern programs, professional and leadership networking, and entrepreneurial conferences. The event was attended by Ed Royce, Chairman of the Foreign Service Committee who expressed his admiration for India. "We look forward to building the relationship between India and the United States and we thank the community here for the bridge that they help provide so that these two great democracies can work ever closer together for a common goal" Illinois Congressman Bill Foster was also present and expressed his appreciation for the organization. "I am so pleased to be able to say how much we appreciate the Indo American Community Service that is growing

rapidly in its success and its influence in Illinois as well as in DC. IACS is very valuable for opening the lines of communication

is so great about this event is raising new leaders in the Indo American community, and this community, as we can see, is defi-

terns at his office. Other notable guests included Balan Ayyer, the first Indian American Brigadier General in

Right to left: IACS Team - Anil Mehta, Kalyan Medikundam, Jagan Bukkaraju, Senator Sullivan, Sreenivas Katragadda, Ramesh Garapaty, Satyender Goel. In the back Brigadier General Balan Ayyar

between members of Congress" Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly was impressed by the event and said, "I would love to have some interns in my office and be a role model to the young Indian Americans and maybe encourage some of them to run for office." Alaskan Senator Republican Dan Sullivan spoke to the group as a whole and said "What to me

nitely expanding politically. I've always been impressed by this community that is always ready to fill new roles and responsibilities in our great country." Congressman Danny Davis spoke about India being largest democracy in the world and Indians' contributions here in United States and pledged to continue to support Indian American in-

Some of the IACS Leadership invited guests with Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Congressman Ed Royce, Congressman Danny Davis

U.S. Air Force, Deputy Chief Technology Officer of the United States Ryan Panchadasaram, senior staff from the offices of Illinois Senator Mark Kirk's, Congressman Menendez's, U.S. Senator Blumenthal, Congressman Mike Honda and other Congressional offices. Manu Bhardwaj, Senior advisor for Deputy Secretary of State and Vikrum Aiyer, Senior Advisor to the White House economic council and other Indian American corporate leaders and Entrepreneurs were also present. President of IACS Sreenivas Katragadda said, "These intern programs are crucial in providing Indian American students a unique experience that can get them involved in the government. The Indian American Community has been expanding in the science and business fields and it is also important that we be active within the government as well and these internships give young people a great opportunity to do so. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 17

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Local organizations made Yoga Day memorable HARISH RAO & MADHU PATEL

CHICAGO: International Yoga Day was celebrated across Midwest area but the main event was in Chicago held at ODEUM Expo Center in Villa Park from 10 am in the morning till 5 pm in the evening.

all seniors body MAFS did a remarkable job in attending to the visitors and yoga lovers briefing them about the importance of Yoga and Meditation. MAFS also provided food packages while FIA gave Yoga T shirts.

Yoga Art of Living

Although the Indian Consulate was the prime organizers it was quite evident that it was fifteen plus local community organizations which shared huge responsibility in making the event a memorable one despite below expected attendance.

Yoga MAFS talk

The Art of Living, Sahaj Yoga, Science of Spirituality, Gayatri Gyan Mandir, Isha Foundation, Brahma Kumaris, Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh, Federation of Indian Associations, and culminating them

The Yoga exhibition was expected to be a star attraction but it had only thin attendance that led one of the visitors to observe that it was not conceived well. The following organizations participated in the Yoga day celebrations [i] Art of living Foundation [ii]Gayathri Gyan Mandir [iii] Isha Foundation [iv] Patanjali Yogpeeth [v] Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centers [vi] SEWA International [vii] Science of Spirituality [viii] Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh [ix] Yog Sadhan Ashram of Chicago [x] Akhu Ausar [xi] Kriya Vedanta Gurukulam

Yoga Kids

Congressmen attend Indo American Leadership Reception in DC Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

IACS has worked with numerous members of Congress to involve Indian American students in intern programs at Congress to help them gain experience and inspire them to run for positions in future.

Starting in Chicago in 2010, IACS has been expanding rapidly. These past 5 years IACS has hosted events in Texas, New York, and New Jersey, and made its debut in Washington DC. Its nationwide coverage has helped the organization connect with more Indian Americans and serve people from all fields.

[xii] Sahaj Marg Spirituality Foundation [xiii] Metropolitan Asian Family Services [MAFS] [xiv] Bharatiya Senior Citizens

Dhyanam" ('Enlightened Meditation'). Among other activities organized were: Book Exhibition: A special book exhibition on Yoga by the Consulate. Photo exhibition: Selected photographs

Yoga festival

[xv] American Association of Retired Asians The program had started with PM's special message on the occasion. The Art of Living Foundation performed Common Yoga Protocol / demonstrating Common Asanas. A couple of thousands actively participated in Common Yoga Protocol. The Keynote Speech was delivered by Swami Ishatmanandaji, President, Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago on "Prabuddha

on Yoga by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga [MDNIY] and by Raja Choudhury by the Consulate, Screening of documentary films: "History of Yoga: the path of my Ancestors" directed by Deepika and Ramji and "Yoga: Harmony with Nature" directed by National Film Award Winner Raja Choudhury, Guided Meditation Workshop: by the Brahm Kumaris Meditation Center, Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 18

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Local organizations made Yoga Day memorable Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 17

Surya Namaskar Demonstration: by the Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh, Talk on benefits of Yoga & Hath Yoga posture & Cleansing Demonstration: by the Yog Sadhan Ashram, Surat Shabd 'Yoga An Ageless Technique': by The Science of Spirituality, Cyclic Meditation Workshop:

(Stop Diabetic Movement) by SEWA International, Workshop on Yoga Therapy: by Akhu Ausar, Yoga and Pranayama for Seniors: by Patanjali Yogpeeth (USA) Trust, Chicago, Chair Yoga demonstration for seniors: by American Association of Retired Asians (AARA), Laughing Yoga for seniors: by Metropolitan Asian Family Services,

Yoga Seniors Org

Workshop for Children: by Overseas Volunteer for a Better India and by B r a h m a Kumaris Meditation O.P.Meena, Consul, gave the vote of thanks. He thanked all the participants, participating organizations, media partners, individuals for their tireless work to make IYD celebrations successful in Chicago. Parallel events There were Parallel Events at other venues in Chicago: The 'Eye on India' celebrated the First IYD by organizing yoga sessions during sunrise and sunset at two different locations in Chicago. The morning session took place at 63rd Street Beach, Lake Shore and evening session took place at Mozart Park. On the following Day, 22nd June, 'Eye on India' also organized demonstration of Yoga and a panel discussion on Health Benefits of Yoga at the Daley Plaza. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan

Mandir in Bartlett, IL also celebrated the first International Day

Yoga ISHA

of Yoga on June 21. In the afternoon small groups practiced dif-

Yoga Gayatri

ferent breathing exercises or Pranayama. During the evening assembly, a lecture on the health benefits of Yoga was delivered by Dr. Manish Brahmbhatt, preceded by a two minute video of PM Modi's speech at the UNGA to an assembly of over 1,200 guests.

Yoga Surya Namskar

Yoga Exhibition

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 19

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Hindu Temple hosts Maharudra Local organizations made Yoga Day memorable Yagna for peace Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 18

VIKRAM RANGALA

Madison [Wisconsin] The American Hindu Association celebrated the First International Day of Yoga at Hindu

Carmel [Indiana] The 'Namaste Carmel' celebrated the First International Day of Yoga on Sunday, June 21 at Carmel, Indiana. Activities per-

Start of Maharudra Yagna

of universal truth. He represents both the storms of life and our power to weather those storms and turn them into blessings. The prayer addressed to him transforms into a deep meditation on the fundamentals of a conscious and compassionate life. Rituals include the great yagnas,

Maharudra Yagna in progress

participated in the mass chanting of ancient prayers, culminating in Maharudram Yagna, a fire sacrifice whose history dates back 5000 years. Rudra, a deity first described in the Rig Veda, the world's oldest scripture, appears on the surface as a storm God. But Rudra emerges in the scriptures as an embodiment

which involve offering oblations of clarified butter, symbolic foods, cloth, and therapeutic herbs into a sacred fire in precise unison with the chanting of Sanskrit verses. HTGC Priest Sri Vengatesa Sivacharyar, with the support of Sri Dharmarao Nellivalasa, led and guided a team of priests from Chi-

A section of devotees

cago as well as other temples to conduct every step of the threeday ceremony exactly as prescribed by scriptures. During planning discussions, he spoke of the importance of not simply chanting correctly and performing the proper actions, but of creating a sustained vibration that would resonate in the bodies and minds of everyone present and help them reach a higher spiritual state. The Maharudram event drew attendance and support from a vast array of local, national, and international spiritual, political, and community leaders, including Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, the US-born spiritual head of Himalayan Academy, Hawaii; Swami Ishatmananda of the Vivekananda Vedanta Society, Chicago; Swami Ramanaswaroopananda of Atma Vidya Mandir, Tiruvannamalai; Sri Samaveda Shanmuka Sarma, Hyderabad and Sri Swami Adhyatmanandaji Maharaj, Ahmedabad. The President of The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago Bhima Reddy and the Chairman of the Maharudram Committee Lakshman Agadi led the large congregation in honoring the visitors from India, Hawaii, and all over North America with fresh flower garlands and gifts, paying respect to their various religious orders.

Yoga FIA

Temple & Culture Centre at Madison, Wisconsin. Several tents were set up to cover about 100 sq.ft

formed included a brief speech on Yoga, Yogic Jogging, Yogic postures ('Shirshasana' Tolaasana',

Yoga Vini Gulbani

area within the wooded temple premises to give a natural and serene setup for doing yoga. The activities performed included Surya Namaskar by HSS, followed by 'Upa Yoga' by Isha Foundation, "Yoga Nidra" and 'Sparsa Yoga' by Reka Sundaram-Stukel. The program ended with a lighter 'Yin Yoga' for Health by BlissFlowYoga. People of different nationalities and age groups participated in the event.

'Shavasana' and Pranayama, Surya Namaskar, Meditation and yoga related activities for children. Several organizations participated in the event including IndianapolisHyderabad Sister City Committee, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), Greater Indianapolis Telugu Association (GITA), Art of Living (AOL), Yoga21 Studio and Brahma Kumari Samaj. People of different nationalities and age groups participated in the event.

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 20

Yoga Air India

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PCS hosts annual Punjabi Youth Graduation RAJINDER SINGH MAGO

CHICAGO: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) hosted its fifteenth annual "Punjabi Youth Graduation and Scholarships Awards Night" on Sunday, June 14 at Viceroy of India Banquets in Lombard, a south west suburb of Chicago. It was attended by more than 250 mem-

bers, guests and invitees. Professor Sanjay Mehrotra of Northwestern University was the keynote speaker. The guests of honor were Class of 2015 graduates from the Punjabi community. The celebration included keynote address, recognition awards, scholarship, cake cutting cer-

emony, DJ music, dancing, socializing, networking, and sharing delicious dinner. Prof. Mehrotra spoke from the heart with his own personal life story and humble beginnings. "I was never at the top of my class, but belief and persistence helped me get to where I am today. To be

Hindu Temple hosts Maharudra Yagna for peace Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 19

Maharudram committee cochairs Dr. Vijaya Sarma and Gopalakrishnan Kari, with the support of core committee members Subramanian Sundaram, Ananth Subramanian, Sriram Sankaran, Vishi Viswanath, Sridevi Kurella, Gurudutt Ramamurthy, Abhishek Gawasane, Sivaraman. Sivasubramanian planned with the help of religious scholars for over a year to ensure that the ritual, the prayer, and the geometry of the sacred space itself remain virtually unchanged from yagnas performed millennia ago in ancient India.

Nearly 1300 women and girls chanted in unison the Lalita Sahasranama, a poem listing the 1008 names of the Supreme Goddess, who embodies the essential power and love of the universe. Seated row upon row in a sea of colorful silk and gold saris, the women and girls sat in front of small, individual statues of the Goddess and prayed and meditated as one. Priests led the recitation of the 1008 names, offering flowers and fruit to the statue of the Goddess, a symbolic representation of the divine feminine power, or Shakti. A literary and spiritual masterpiece composed with perfect meter

Seated in front of the priests' large fire pit in squares of 16 people around 13 smaller copper fire pits designed according to geometry prescribed in the Atharva Veda, worshippers praised the Goddess : she is omnipotent and terrible to those who would do harm, tender and all-protective to those who have faith. The master of ceremonies, Dr Sangita Rangala explained the symbolism and significance of the Mahayagna and ensured that the audience was in a positive and prayerful mood for the entire duration. Over a hundred children knotted traditional flower garlands and brought them in a procession to offer to the deity. The priests received them and used them to decorate the 121 kalasams spectacularly displayed as Mount Meru. At the start of the day's Maharudram Yagna ceremony, the priests led the assembled 2000plus in Sanskrit prayers which listed the names of sacred places the congregation calls home. Along with the names of places in India and rivers like the Ganga, the priests chanted the names of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, Michigan and Alabama. Friday's events celebrated the power of women and girls, central to Hindu and Vedic philosophy.

and no repetition, the Lalita Sahasranama uses the 1008 names to describe 1008 universal or divine qualities which are manifested in the world and in the individual. The vibrations of the chanting and its spiritual counterpart are said to have healing and liberating power for those who chant and listen. The Lalita Sahasranama pooja, or offering of prayer, was preceded by a Gomata pooja, or worship of a cow and calf In keeping with tradition, dozens of volunteers prepared thousands of fresh meals in the temple's kitchen. And in a sign that the event was truly a 21st century version of a 5000-year-old tradition, a quadricopter drone took aerial live streaming video and children got a 3D virtual walk through famous temples in India. Sunday culminated with the Nava Chandi Homam, 14 simultaneous fire sacrifices with offerings of ghee, clarified butter, flowers, fruit, and special preparations of

therapeutic herbs, seeds, and aromatic wood. Devotees chanted verses praising the feminine aspect of divinity, embodied as the Goddess. Seated in front of the priests' large fire pit in squares of 16 people around 13 smaller copper fire pits designed according to geometry prescribed in the Atharva Veda, worshippers praised the Goddess's various qualities: she is omnipotent and terrible to those who would do harm, tender and all-protective to those who have faith and seek peace within and without. Despite severe thunderstorms and flash floods, devotees could sit comfortably through the threehour ceremony and focus their meditation on the 700 verses of the Devi Mahatmyam, one of the most treasured scriptures in praise of the Goddess. The Goddess in her multiple incarnations represents universal forces of power and compassion. When the forces of greed, exploitation, oppression, and patriarchy grow too great, the Goddess manifests herself to destroy evil and restore harmony. In Indian philosophy, the concept of God is of a truth that lies beyond gender, form, ethnicity, time, and space. Rather, this Ultimate Truth manifests itself. The final pooja offering celebrated this union of Shiva and Shakti, Rudra and Devi, individual soul and universal consciousness. Whether it was the sweet fragrance of the smoke, the soothing sounds of the Sanskrit verses, or the way the storm clouds gave way to the morning sun, the smiles and tears and rapt attention of the participants showed that the mood Sunday morning had turned to pure joy and togetherness. Organizers finally were successful in their original intent behind the Maharudra Yagna to help worshippers transcend the realm of fear and doubt, and keeping up the 5,000 years traditions to discover the divinity within oneself and each other.

PCS graduation class cake cutting ceremony

successful you must have the courage to say no to the distractions that will come your way," said Prof. Mehrotra, "You must be good and do good, and stay out of trouble. It is not rocket science," he added. Gurpreet Kaur Dhaliwal of William Fremd High School Palatine

sponsored by Mohina Ahluwalia in memory of her husband Diljit Singh Ahluwalia, Harinder Pal Singh , Dr Surjit Singh Patheja, Raj Dhaliwal, Power Petroleum, Amritpal Singh Sangha, and Lakhvir Singh Sahota. Prof. Sanjay Mehrotra, Mona Ahluwalia and Harinder Pal Singh

Gurpreet Kaur Dhaliwal getting award for her accomplishments

won the $1000 PCS Scholarship for her scholastic accomplishments, cultural programs participation, and community service. All Punjabi class of 2015 graduates were honored with PCS Certificates of Achievement. The participants of "Rangla Punjab 2015," a PCS Annual Vaisakhi cultural program held in April, also received their appreciation awards. The scholarship and the graduation night dinner event was co-sponsored by sisters Karamjeet Kaur, Diljeet Kaur, and Ranjeet Kaur Singh in fond memory of their father Dr Pritam Singh, a scholar, freedom fighter and an educationist with deep love for his community. The scholarship event was co-

were honored with plaques by PCS officials. Surinder Jain of Vice Roy was also given a plaque for his support. Mahijit Singh Virdi, Mandeep Singh and Avtar Singh Multani entertained the gathering with Punjabi songs. Twin Beatz D.J. provided Bhangra music for the party. PCS President Vick Singh welcomed the guests and PCS Chairman Amritpal Singh Sangha congratulated the graduates and complimented them as the stars of the evening. PCS' next event is Sports Festival on Sunday August 2 at Falcon Park Recreation Center, 2195 N. Hicks Road in Palatine Illinois.

Prof. Sanjay Mehrotra, Mona Ahluwalia, and Harinder Pal Singh honored with plaques by PCS officials

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Indian, Pak CGs attend ICN Iftar Party

Iftar party atended by local dignitaries India PakistĂĄn CGs - Dr. Ausaf Sayeed and Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, at Iftar party Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Islamic Center of Naperville located in Naperville, a south west suburb of Chicago, hosted Iftar for more than 700 community members of ICN with Consul General of India, Dr Ausaf Sayeed and Consul General of Pakistan, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, on Friday, June 26. The program was emceed by Sadia Covert. She invited Shaikh Rizwan Ali, ICN's Resident Scholar who spoke about the significance of the month of Ramadan and what fasting means for Muslims. This was followed by a recitation from the Quran. English translation was also provided. The program continued with everyone in the room rising and placing their right hands on their chest to recite the Pledge of Allegiance by ICN's very own Boy Scouts Troop. Aadil Farid, President, Islamic Center of Naperville welcomed the guests and said that ICN is to serve Allah SWT and

Iftar gathering

also to serve the needs of Muslims as well as the community at large. ICN was established in 1992 with 50 families and today there are over 3500 families with professionals in the field of medicine, information technology and other fields. The ICN community largely consists of people from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. ICN works very closely with people of other faiths to serve humanity whether it is Nepal earthquake, alleviating hunger and poverty, or just visiting and comforting sick in the local community. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 22

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Bappi Lahiri set to regale at FIA I-Day SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Bappi Lahiri, one of the most popular music directors, composers, and playback singers of Bollywood, would enthrall more than 5,000 plus people at Boomers Stadium in Schaumburg on August 16, at the invitation of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA). "No worries of rain or storm at our grand event. Come for entertainment, carnival, exotic foods, and stay for the fireworks", said Sunil Shah, founder of the organization. In the presence of dozens of vendors and with the support of numerous sponsors, we will put together a memorable event for the people of Illinois," he added Neil Khot, one of the Vice Presidents, emphasized that organizing the event at Boomers Stadium will guarantee the safety of the visiting people. "We have ample parking space and Metra stop is adjacent to the venue," he added. The booming voice of Bappi Da and the glow of the fireworks

should be the magnetic attractions for Indian Americans to demon-

another vice president. "We have put your prestige on the flagpole.

emony will also be held. The event, which is also held in cooperation with Oak Brook Polo Club, will start at 2 pm and end with fireworks. Air India has offered two roundtrip air tickets from Chicago to any Indian city. These tickets will be part of the raffle with other donated items. Prominent sponsors include

Medstar, Motorworks (dealer for Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti), Shree Restaurant, New York Life, Atithi, IIA Group, Big Suchir, Air India, PowerVolt, Sai Saffron, Money Exchange owned by Anil Shah, and Oak Brook Polo Club. More sponsors are on the way. For Bollywood fans, Bappi Da showed his musical magic in more than 400 Indian movies.

Early online peek at Property Tax bills MARGARET BOLOZ

Sunil Shah, Founder President FIA, and Bollywood music director & singer Bappi Lahiri

strate their loyalty to their native motherland, stated Moon Khan,

Folks, you have to come and salute it." An auspicious flag cer-

Sudarshan TV CEO Chavahnke feted HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: The property tax cookcountytreasurer.com bills can be seen and paid online " At nearly 400 Chase immediately at Bank locations in Illinois cookcountytreasurer.com, Cook " From an account at some County Treasurer Maria Pappas 200 participating community said here. banks Pappas said her office was post" By mail with a U.S. posting the Second Installment bills for mark no later than August 3 tax year 2014 on her website to Partial payments are accepted. give taxpayers an "early peek" of as much as a week extra time to pay immediately or simply to see how much they should pay by the due Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas date of August 3. The Treasurer's Office mailed Payments received or postmarked the nearly 1.8 million property tax after August 3 will be charged 1.5 bills on July 1. percent monthly. Taxpayers must After receiving the bill, prop- record their 14-digit Property Inerty owners can pay: dex Number (PIN) on the face of " Online at each payment check.

Indian, Pak CGs attend ICN Iftar Party Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 21

Sudarashan TV CEO Suresh Chavhanke gets warm welcome from his fans and supporters in Chicagoland

CHICAGO: Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) Chicago chapter organized Meet & Greet program for CEO and Chairman of Sudarshan TV Shree Suresh Chavhanke in Chicago last week The program began with Deep Prajavalan followed by OFBJP Vice president Amar Upadhyay and OFBJP Chicago coordinator Rohit Joshi welcoming Suresh Chavhanke and all members. Dr Bharat Barai, Haribhai Patel,

Nirav Patel and other speakers made a clarion call to support Sudarshan TV. The program was attended by over 100 invitees and well wishers. It ended with vote of thanks by OFBJP Chicago Chapter Youth Convener Nirav Patel. Deva Bhatt from (OFBJP Wisconsin State Coordinator) attended the event and wished for the success of Sudarashan Ji mission. Sudarshan TV is widely be-

lieved to be the only nationalistic channel with a focus on Indian History, News as it happens and Travel/Tourism. The Bindas Bol program of Sudarshan TV is very popular and now it will start Operation Etihas program with the aim of exposing wrong history written by non-Indians. The channel has received "best rural channel of India" award from Media Federation of India (MFIA) many times.

Dr Ausaf Sayeed in his address said that "every Muslim should enlighten the authentic, genuine meaning of Islam to rest of the world, which means peace, unity, brotherhood, compassion, respect for other religions etc. This is the time we should make non-Muslims understand the real message of Prophet. He advised Naperville community to come forward and share their thoughts/ views at Indian Consulate office in downtown. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan CG agreed with his colleague Dr Sayeed about the importance of

fasting, Ramadan, and unity. "I urge our Muslim brothers in our community to build bridge between various other communities like Caucasians, African Americans, Hindus, Sikhs etc. to elucidate the true meaning Islam. I also urge young generation to proliferate and branch out in many other areas of professions in to this country" Tirmizi said. The program was concluded by a prayer by Shaykh Rizwan. People who were fasting broke their fast together with dates, fruit, and samosas. The children gathered in a crowd to greet the dignitaries saying "Peace."

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Hundreds benefit from Health fair at Haveli

Fathers' Day celebrated at Indo American Center SHARISH RAO

JAYANTI OZA

CHICAGO: The 36th Health Fair Physical examination and physiheld recently at Vashnav Samaj of cal consultation were provided by Midwest Temple (Haveli) in Addison, a Chicago suburb, was a huge success, judging from the response from medical professionals and the public at large. The event sponsored by the VSM Temple and Indian American Medical Association of Illinois took place in the main hall of the temple, and was Dr Pratima Shah attending to a senior patient sponsored by the VSM Temple and Indian American primary care physician doctors. Medical Association of Illinois Dental examination and consultaThe goal was to provide medi- tion were provided by Dr Neha cal check up to those who may not Sheth, Dr Jagruti Gupta and Dr be able to afford medical services Nikhar Shah. due to insurance and medical covBone density test was performed erage problems. for women over age of 45. MamIt was a big land mark for mogram and Peps registration was Jayantibhai Thakkar for whom this done by Sarah Rao from Xilin Aswas the 36th Health Fair coordi- sociation in Naperville, IL nated by him. The first one was Eye Screening Ear Nose and started way back in 1989 and he Throat (ENT) as well as consultacontinued this service for last 26 tions were part of the health fair. years in other temples. It is impor- Chiropractic exam was performed tant to recognize his selfless and by Dr Falguni Patel. Physical dedicated work on people's health therapy was presented by Dr checkup by which more than 10,000 Saurabh Patel. Hearing testing was patients have benefited so far. performed by Dr Chandra More than 21 doctors and 90 Dachepalli. Many people got benhealth care professionals provided efited. Art Of Living consultation their volunteer services on this day. and demonstration and CPR were Vital data such as height, weight, provided too. Many people re-

Volunteers with Health Fair organizers Jayantibhai Thakkar & Dr Umang Patel

blood pressure, pulse were checked for each participant. Volunteers were seen very busy at the blood draw tables. Blood samples of 163 patients were collected and sent to the UIC laboratory for testing. The report would be mailed to each patient within three weeks after a review by the doctors. Urine analysis was performed by Krupa Shah, Alkaben Patel, Jagdishbhai Shah and other volunteers. Four EKG machines were used to provide EKG for male and females over age 55. These were continually operated by many volunteers including Dr Yogesh Vaidya. The EKG results were read and interpreted to the patient by Cardiologist Dr Samir Shah.

ceived information and consultation in Gujarati. The Health Fair was well organized and went very smoothly. Many happy faces were seen that they received the medical services they needed at one place without any cost to them. The Temple provided tea, coffee, batata paua and light food to all patients and lunch for volunteers. Dr Umang Patel thanked all volunteers on behalf of VSM Temple. Dr Samir Shah of Indian American Medical Association of Midwest and community activist Jayantibhai Thakkar thanked all volunteers for their continued support and selfless services to community.

CHICAGO: Indo American Center, a no profit body largely of Indian Americans, celebrated Fathers' Day with pomp and gaiety on June 10 at its facility on Californian and Devon Avenue The event, gracefully emceed by Ramesh Sharma, was attended by 150 seniors and others. The highlights of the near three hours celebration were singing of songs, renderings poems and relevant talks on the significance of the Day in our society. Cooks Kamlash Kaur andLaxmi Adhikari made special efforts to come out with tasty dishes and all relished that thanking the cooks. Decora-

tion and setup was handled by Kemal Horic.

said Sher Rajput, a community leader and activist. The entire pro-

Celebration of Fathers' Day at IAC by seniors and guests

"It was colorful and splendid with delicious and tasteful food ,"

gram was coordinated by Gita Chawla.

Movie 'Second Hand Husband', releases July 3

(L-R) Ritu Maheshwari, Major Singh, Baljit Sandhu, Dr. Romesh Japra, Iqbal S Gakhal, Surinder S. Atwal, S. Ashok Bhaura at the "Poster Release and Music launch" of the movie "Second Hand Husband" India Post News Service

G. B Entertainment and Sameep Kang's Hindi movie 'Second Hand Husband' has not only become the center of attraction for the metro Mumbai but is also getting Bollywood producers' attention and creating a buzz around. Reviews and comments by the film industry promise the film to be a super hit and discuss a sensitive topic as divorce in a lighter vein. The movie will be Gippy Grewal's outstanding presentation in Bollywood. This is also a debut film for actress Tina Ahuja, daughter of Govinda. Govinda said that it's not just his daughter's debut film but it has also brought laurels

to a father's career. Salman Khan said that the film is not only meant to be watched by the whole family but is also full of entertainment. Big B, Amitabh Bachchan congratulated director Sameep Kang on this first directorial debut in the Bollywood.

Salman Khan said that the film is not only meant to be watched by the whole family but is also full of entertainment.

Tina Ahuja said that it's her filmy name. She was born with the name 'Narmada'. She was influenced by the acting skills of Gippy in the film 'Carry on Jatta' and she herself contacted director Sameep Kang to work in the movie 'Second Hand Husband'. At that time he was working on Mukta Arts production. "I liked the script of the movie and with the consent of my father Govinda, I became the heroine of the flim Second Hand Husband as Gurpreet. This movie is really close to my heart as I am half Punjabi," she added. "I play an attorney and Gippy comes to me for divorce and I trap him". Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 24

Community Across America

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Bohemia, king of Punjabi rap, to perform at FOG Area and makes a point of representing California when he writes his year the Festival of his songs, this will be the first time Globe (FOG) is being cel- Bohemia will perform in California ebrated from Aug 7th to since his 'Pesa Nasha Pyar' day alAug 16th. It features SF Global most a decade ago. "This is very Movie Fest, FOG Awards, Famous similar to when I was invited to the Coke Studios. It will be all live and Grand Parade and Mela (Fair). The FOG just added a unique real and I plan to do an even bigger hip blend this year as the rapper performance at FOG compared to known as "Bohemia the king of any of my shows,' Bohemia said. Along with an unprecedented Punjabi rap" announced his participation at FOG awards. Bohemia live stage performance, Bohemia is popularly recognized as the cre- also plans to be involved as a ator of Punjabi rap music. His hit youth ambassador and help raise funds for the FIA nonprofit. Plans include Along with an unprechaving Bohemia attend board meetings to have edented live stage performance, Bohemia also plans a better youth representation. Bohemia to be involved as a youth also plans to donate ambassador and help raise money to charity to create awareness funds for the FIA non-profit. among our youth about our values of sosingles like 'Kali Denali', 'Charso cial and cultural responsibilities. 'I am very excited to have Bees' and his appearance in the Bollywood film 'Chandni Chowk Bohemia on board; we are actively to China' with Akshay Kumar has working on bringing you a festiput Bohemia in a league of his own val much bigger than the last one, Bohemia's participation is a testaas a pioneer of a new genre. While he was raised in the Bay ment to that' said Dr Romesh Japra,

India Post News Service

FIA Convener and Chairman. Multicultural Festival FOG is the only International Film Festival that is multicultural, blends the world of cinema with Silicon Valley, marches into FOG Awards and culminates with Fair Mela and a Grand Parade. San Francisco Global Movie Fest features the best of world cinema with a gateway to Silicon Valley that fosters creative and technical talent. It presents the newest and best films from around the world. • Over 100 films screening over 10 days • Participation from over 30 countries • Investor pitch, master classes & workshops • FOG Awards at SAP center with 20,000 attendees • Mela Fair with Culture Fest, Music Fest, Art Fest, Food Fest and a free Health Fair • Grand Parade celebrating Global Cultures and Democracy with over 150,000 attendees

Movie 'Second Hand Husband', releases July 3 Cont’d from page 23

She is hopeful that she will get the credit of her father's name. She also believes she has enjoyed a lot working with Dharam Paaji and

learned a lot from him. Gippy Grewal was given his break in Hindi cinema by the Gakhal brothers. He has conquered all non-Punjabi hearts with his song 'Angrezi Beat'. The film

Gippy Grewal and Tina Ahuja

song 'Mith Meri Jaan' and 'Bad Baby' are loved by millions based on YouTube views. A press conference was held for the Poster Release and Music Launch of the movie Second Hand Husband at Union City (California). The film is produced by Gakhal Brothers (Amolak S Gakhal, Iqbal S Gakhal, Palwinder S i n g h Gakhal) who live in Watsonville, California. Releasing on July 3rd worldwide, the movie according to the critics is 'Special'.

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

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

July 3, 2015

India Post 25 www.indiapost.com

NEWS on your desktop www.indiapost.com

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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

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

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July 3, 2015

6 Tu Hai Ki Nahi : Roy 7 Judai : Badlapur

"I've always wanted to learn how to play the drums but never ended up doing so,"

8 Tu Har Lamha : Khamoshiyan 9 Chhil Gaye Naina : NH10 10 Dard Karaara : Dum Laga Ke Haisha

ike her contemporaries, Sonakshi Sinha too is inclined towards music. The actress recently enrolled in a class to learn to play the drums. A source says, "She considers drumming to be her biggest stress-busting tool." So once she returns home, after a heavy day in the studios, she heads straight for her drum set. "I've always wanted to learn how to play the drums but never ended up doing so," said the actress when we asked her about this new hobby. Sona added, "When I was in school, I expressed this desire to my mom. She told me that perhaps drumming may turn out to be a noisy passion and I should try and learn to play the guitar instead. However, this fascination for drums never left me and I recently got myself a drum kit."

ishwarya Rai Bachchan is playing the role of Sarbjit's sister Dalbir Kaur in Omung Kumar's Sarbjit biopic. Method actor Randeep Hooda has been chosen to play Sarbjit. With two great actors playing sister-brother in this biopic, it is certainly going to be a film to watch out for. Sarbjit Singh was a farmer from Bhikhiwind in Punjab (just 5 kms away from the IndoPakistan border), who in 1990 while farming, inadvertently crossed over to Pakistan after having a couple of drinks, got mistaken as an Indian spy and was given capital punishment in 1991, but was not hanged. He was kept in the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore for 23 years, before he was killed by inmates a few days after the death of Afzal Guru in India. During his 23 years in jail, his sister Dalbir Kaur, who treated him more like her son than her brother, got to meet him only thrice in jail and made it her life's agenda to get him released. While she finally did not succeed in getting him released, she is determined to reach his real story to the world through this film being directed by Omung Kumar (director of Mary Kom). The story of Dalbir's battle and finally defeat for not being able to bring her brother back alive, is not just touching but heartbreaking.

Bollywood

July 3, 2015

India Post 31

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ohn Abraham has packed up a busy schedule as he will start shooting for two of his upcoming films soon. The actor-producer will begin shooting for Dishoom in July and then immerse himself in the world of Force 2 in August. "My next film is Welcome Back and after that I've got Rocky Handsome, which releases sometime in October. I start shooting for Dishoom with Varun Dhawan around July and Force 2 around August with Abhinay Deo," John says. Force 2 is a sequel to the 2011 movie Force and will have an original script. It is directed by Deo. John, who was the face of the campaign, said that he has always followed his father's word of advice stay true to your roots.

ctress Jacqueline Fernandez has started attending workshops for her upcoming action-comedy film Dhishoom. The 29-year-old Kick actress, who will be seen along with Varun Dhawan and John Abraham in the movie, shared a picture of her with the ABCD 2

icha Chadha recently was present at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival to promote her movie Masaan. The film directed by Neeraj Ghaywan not only featured in the festival but even won two awards there. Many international media have appreciated the unconventional Masaan and the film seems to have created a new path for the actress. Richa was invited to the prestigious talk show - Le Grand Journal which is a French nightly news and talk show. The show has interviewed only A-listers like Beyonce, One Direction , Madonna , Katy Perry , Brad Pitt, Robert Pattinson to name a few. Excited about receiving this honor, Richa said, "I am so happy I could represent my country and my people. We discussed a lot of things apart from cinema. They knew so much about India right from terrorism to the Nirbhaya case. They even spoke about the dowry system and the other harsh binding women have in our society. I couldn't defend after a point but I did try to change their perception." Richa Chadha is the only Indian actress who has made a name to this show after Aishwarya Rai.

star and his director brother Rohit Dhawan on Instagram. "When you are trying to work but @varundvn doesn't let you! #dhishoom #workshops #rohitdhawan #excited," Jacqueline captioned the picture.

kshay Kumar who is on a monthlong vacation with his family is touring the beautiful cities of France with wife Twinkle Khanna and daughter Nitara. Akshay enjoyed rope climbing at the French Riviera and also shared a picture of his daring act on Twitter. "My idea of funâ&#x20AC;Śclimbing some ropes at the French Riviera :) It's a top of the world feeling indeed! #sportsjunkie," Akshay wrote along with the photo. Twinkle was also enjoying her experiences of exploring the cities along with daughter Nitara. The former actress has been updating her fans with beautiful pictures of the places she has been visiting. After quitting films, winkle now works as an interior designer and has designed the homes of Tabu, Rani Mukherjee, Reema Sen and also Kareena K a p o o r Khan's Bandra flat.

Â&#x201E; Health

Line

Washington health care reform is successful SEATTLE: Washington State has gone from having about 14 percent of its population without health insurance to 8.5 percent since federal health care reform took effect. State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler told a Congressional subcommittee that's the lowest rate of uninsured people in Washington since 1987. Kreidler was testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee's Sub-Committee on Oversight. His main message: health care reform has been a success in Washington State. He gives a lot of the credit for this success to the decision to expand Medicaid eligibility, which has added more than half a million adults to insurance rolls. He says that decision has helped create a stable insurance market and is one of the reasons individual insurance rates have been relatively stable in Washington. -AP

Health Science

to keep getting health subsidies

32 India Post

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July 3, 2015

Details on Page 35

Residents Medical helps nearly 20 candidates start Residency

he dream of a lifetime for some foreign medical doctors is to get into residency. And Residents Medical, the Los Angeles based residency guidance organization that has been doing this for over 22 years, is for some of these doctors the best way to get into residency.

TOM SHELLEY

"If they had applied online or through ERAS maybe a few of them might have gotten interviews, but the majority would not have had the chance to rank. This way not only do they rank, they start residency because they have excelled in their interview, their clinical skills and their research,"

Â&#x201E; New blood test detects Ebola within minutes BOSTON: A new on-the-spot blood test can predict the deadly Ebola disease within minutes, according to results from a patient trial which also suggest the method is as accurate as the most widely-used laboratory-based test. The study is the first to show that a point-of-care Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) test is faster than and as sensitive as a conventional lab-based molecular method used for clinical testing during the recent outbreak in Sierra Leone. This new rapid diagnostic test (RDT) could cut back on the lengthy process usually required to confirm if a patient has EVD, help identify case contacts, and ultimately curb the spread of Ebola, according to the research published in The Lancet journal. Currently, diagnosis of EVD requires a full vial of venous blood to be shipped to a laboratory with a high level of biosafety and staff expertise for testing by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR). This method poses substantial risks to the healthcare workers responsible for blood collection, transport, and testing, and efforts to contain the Ebola epidemic in West Africa have been hampered by this slow and complex diagnostic test, researchers said. -PTI

Utah residents

Clinical Experience is vital to helping candidates get into residency now. Residents Medical offers university-based clinical and research experience.

"We put candidates into the program. They don't go through ERAS to get in. They get in by working with a program and proving their worth," says Greg Heffernan, Vice President of Student Services. "We have nearly 20 of our candidates starting residency this week, and the majority of them got in because they were liked by the Program Director and they showed their gifts.

he says. Residents Medical has developed their unique and effective strategy after years of counseling graduate medical doctors from around the world. "We have helped doctors from India, China, Poland, the Middle East, Europe, just about everywhere there are doctors," says Alec Linarte, Candidate Education Manager. "At the end of the day, if these doc-

tors need a helping hand to get also have co-authors of USMLE into residency we are one of the First Aide as part of our staff. No few options. It's a very tough other guidance company can market," he says. claim that," he says. Statistics indicate the upcomThe ability to do paid research ing 2016 match may be much more in ACGME residency programs, challenging than last year's 2015 working under Program Directors match. Not only did nearly 4000 and Associate Program Directors Foreign Medical Students in the is still one of Resident Medical's application programs not get any key services. And interview prep, interviews, but over 800 US medi- which is guided by actual Program cal students did not get into resi- Directors, is in high demand as residency. Linarte expects that num- dency interview season fast apber to rise and the number of US proaches. "If you need to be more medical students entering the ap- than just a submission online for plication pool, to rise. It means residency then you need to call FMGs will need a clear strategy us," says Heffernan. "It makes all to compete with the current mar- the difference in the world." ket. "Many programs require good clinical experience and we offer hands-on externships in multiple specialties all over the US," says Heffernan, adding that requests for good clinical rotations is rising among USMLE Scores are extremely important for the FMGs and IMGs. residency applicants competing with many new "We're also growUS and international medical grads with high ing in our USMLE discores. Residents Medical offers the best USMLE vision because word instructors in America. is out that we have one of the highest standards for Contact Residents Medical at instructors teaching USMLEs. All (310) 444-9700 in Los Angeles. our tutors must score 250 or W e b s i t e higher on their step scores. We www.residentsmedical.com

India, US ink MoUs on health infra, research NEW DELHI: India and the US have signed a series of agreements on health, seeking to enhance cooperation in areas such as cancer research, infrastructure development, training, capacity building and better assessment and application of new diagnostic technologies. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cancer Research and a Letter of Intent on Anti-microbial Resistance Research were signed by Secretary Health, B P Sharma, Secretary Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Tech-

nology, K Vijay Raghavan, and US Ambassador to India Richard Verma, according to senior official of the Health and Family Welfare Ministry. The agreement on cancer research, prevention, control and management was signed among the NCRI (AIIMS), ICMR (DHS), the Department of Biotechnology, (MoST), NCI (NIH) and the US' Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the official said. Sharma and Verma also signed an MoU on collaboration in environmental and occupational health and injury prevention and

control. The official said the collaboration will be in the areas for conducting research and training on development of low-cost technologies, diagnostics of existing medications against common cancers and development of existing therapies related to oncology. "The MoU will focus on cancer research, projects on population-based cancer control and implementation science, projects in epidemiological research, preclinical model development, clinical research, oncology care delivery, E-health and M-health," the

official said. Another agreement was signed between the CDC, DHHS (USA) and the ICMR (DHR) on collaboration in environmental and occupational health and injury prevention and control. "It aims to further the cooperation in the fields of environmental and occupational health and injury prevention and control research, education and training, infrastructure development, and capacity-building for their reciprocal and mutual benefit," the official said. Cont'd on Page 34

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Obama health care survives Supreme Court fight WASHINGTON: The Supreme Court has sent a clear message that President Barack Obama's health care overhaul is here to stay, rejecting a major challenge that would have imperiled the landmark law and health insurance for millions of Americans. Whether you call it the Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, or in the words of a dissenting justice, SCOTUScare, Obama's signature domestic achievement is, as the president himself put it, ``reality.'' The 6-3 ruling, which upheld financial aid to millions of low- and middle-income Americans to help pay for insurance premiums regardless of where they live, was the second major victory in three years for Obama in politically charged Supreme Court tests of the law. And it came on the same day the court gave him an unexpected victory on another subject, preserving a key tool the administration uses to fight housing bias. Obama greeted news of the health care decision by declaring the law is no longer about politics but the benefits millions of people are receiving. ``This is no longer about a law,'' he said in the White House Rose Garden. ``This is health care in America.'' Declining to concede, House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio said Republicans, who have voted more than 50 times to undo the law, will ``continue our efforts to repeal the law and replace it with patient-centered solutions that meet the needs of seniors, small business owners, and middle-class families.'' However, he declined to commit

Nationally, 10.2 million people have signed up for health insurance under the law. That includes 8.7 million who are receiving an average subsidy of $272 a month to help pay their premiums.

to a vote this year. Several Republican presidential candidates said they would continue the fight, ensuring it will be an issue in the campaign. Other legal challenges are working their way through the courts, but they appear to pose lesser threats to the law, which passed Congress without a single Republican vote in 2010 and has now withstood two stern challenges at the Supreme Court. At the court, Chief Justice John Roberts again wrote the opinion in support of the law, just as he did in 2012. His four liberal colleagues were with him three years ago and again this time. Justice Anthony Kennedy, a dissenter in 2012, was part of the majority this time. Roberts said that to read the law the way challengers wanted - limiting tax credits to people who live in states that set up their own health insurance marketplaces - would lead to a ``calamitous result'' that Congress could not have intended.

``Congress passed the Affordable Care Act to improve health insurance markets, not to destroy them,'' Roberts declared in the majority opinion. Justice Antonin Scalia, in a dissent he summarized from the bench, strongly disagreed. ``We should start calling this law

coverage if they don't have it through their jobs. In the challengers' view, the phrase ``established by the state'' demonstrated that subsidies were to be available only to people in states that set up their own exchanges. The administration, congressional Democrats and 22 states responded that it would make no sense to interpret the law that way. The idea was to decrease the number of uninsured, preventing insurers from denying coverage because of ``pre-existing'' health conditions, requiring almost everyone to be insured and providing financial help to those who otherwise would spend too much of their paychecks on premiPresident Barack Obama speaks in the Rose Garden of the White ums. House in Washington The point of the last SCOTUScare,'' he said, using an acronym piece, the subsidies, is to keep enough for the Supreme Court and suggesting his people in the pool of insured to avoid trigcolleagues' ownership of the law by virtue gering a disastrous decline in enrollment, a of their twice stepping in to save it from growing proportion of less healthy people what he considered worthy challenges. His comment drew a smile from Roberts, his seatmate and the object of Scalia's ire. Scalia said that Roberts' 2012 decision that upheld the law and his opinion this time ``will publish forever the discouraging truth that the Supreme Court of the United States favors some laws over others and is prepared to do whatever it takes to uphold and assist its favorites.'' Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas joined the dissent, as they did in 2012. Nationally, 10.2 million people have signed up for health insurance under the law. That includes 8.7 million who are receiving an average subsidy of $272 a month to help pay their premiums. Of those receiving subsidies, 6.4 million were at risk of losing that aid because they live in states that did not set up their own insurance exchanges. The health insurance industry breathed a sigh of relief, and a national organization representing state regulators from both political parties said the court's decision will mean stable markets for consumers. Shares of publicly traded hospital operators including HCA Holdings Inc. and Tenet Healthcare Corp. soared after the ruling. Investors had worried that many patients would drop their coverage if they no longer had tax credits to help pay. The legal case against nationwide subsidies relied on four words ``established by the state'' - in the more than 900-page law. The law's opponents argued that the vast majority of people who now get help paying for premiums are ineligible for their federal tax credits. That is because roughly three dozen states opted against creating their own health insurance marketplaces, or exchanges, and instead rely on the federal healthcare.gov site to help people find

and then premium increases. Several portions of the law indicate that consumers can claim tax credits no matter where they live. No member of Congress said at the time that subsidies would be limited, and several states said in a separate brief to the court that they had no inkling they had to set up their own exchanges for their residents to get tax credits. Roberts pointed out that the law ``contains more than a few examples of inartful drafting,'' including three separate sections numbered 1563. He said the court's duty was to read the provision at issue in context and with the larger picture in mind. In Scalia's view, Roberts was engaging in ``somersaults of statutory interpretation'' that were redolent of the chief justice's efforts to save the law in 2012. The 2012 case took place in the midst of Obama's re-election campaign, when the president was touting the largest expansion of the social safety net since the advent of Medicare nearly a half-century earlier. But at the time, promised benefits of the Affordable Care Act were mostly in the future. Many of its provisions had yet to take effect. In 2015, the landscape has changed, although the partisan and ideological divisions remain. The case is King v. Burwell, 14-114. -AP

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Massachusetts officials hail Court verdict BOSTON: Both lawmakers and state health care officials in Massachusetts are hailing the Supreme Court ruling upholding a key element of President Barack Obama's health care law. U.S. Sen. Edward Markey called the ruling a victory for all Americans and said it will ensure that everyone will have access to highquality, affordable health care. ``After withstanding two Supreme Court rulings, the Affordable Care Act is here to stay. It is an integral part of our nation's fabric of laws, providing health care to millions of Americans, many for the first time,'' Markey said in statement. Lynn Nicholas, president of the Massachusetts Hospital Association, said the group ``joins patients and health care providers across the country in breathing a collective and welcome sigh of relief.'' The decision upholds the nationwide tax subsidies underpinning the federal health care overhaul, rejecting a major challenge to the landmark law in a ruling that

preserves health insurance for millions of Americans. The justices said in a 6-3 ruling

before the high court. But not everyone in Massachusetts welcomed the decision.

U.S. Sen. Edward Markey

that the subsidies that 8.7 million people currently receive to make insurance affordable do not depend on where they live, as opponents contended. It was the second major victory for Obama

Anne Fox, president of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, said the ruling makes it even more critical for Congress to ensure that no taxpayer dollars are going to health plans that cover abortion

services. Lora Pellegrini, president of the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, said insurers are pleased with the ruling, but said the state needs a permanent waiver from a provision of the federal law to help protect small businesses from insurance rate hikes. Gov. Charlie Baker recently won a one-year waiver to allow Massachusetts to continue using existing rating factors for small businesses. The ruling doesn't directly affect Massachusetts, since it was aimed at the 34 states that relied on the federal health insurance exchange. Massachusetts relies on a state-run exchange. Massachusetts' 2006 health care law became the blueprint for the federal law signed by Obama in 2010. Massachusetts has the highest percentage of insured residents of any state. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the court majority, cited the experience in Massachusetts several times in the ruling. Roberts credited the state with

avoiding what he called the economic ``death spiral'' sparked by earlier attempts by states to expand access by banning insurers from denying coverage to any person because of their health while also barring insurers from charging a person higher premiums for the same reason. Roberts said those changes expanded access but encouraged people to wait until they were sick to enroll, giving rise to higher premiums, fewer people buying insurance and insurers leaving the market. ``Massachusetts discovered a way to make the guaranteed issue and community rating requirements work - by requiring individuals to buy insurance and by providing tax credits to certain individuals to make insurance more affordable,'' he wrote. ``The combination of these three reforms - insurance market regulations, a coverage mandate, and tax credits - reduced the uninsured rate in Massachusetts to 2.6 percent, by far the lowest in the Nation,'' he added. -AP

45% jump in Delhi expenditure for health NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has hiked the plan expenditure for the health sector by 45 per cent in this year's budget, which allocated Rs 4,787 crore for the sector and proposed to add 10,000 new hospital beds. In the Rs 4,787 crore allocation for the health sector, the plan budget is Rs 3,138 crore which is 45 per cent more than the last year's plan expenditure which was at Rs 2,164 crore. Poor infrastructure and lack of staff had affected the quality of health services in the national capital. On June 22, around 2,000 doctors of 20 hospitals launched an indefinite strike, demanding adequate life saving drugs, security at workplace and timely payment of their salaries. The doctors were demanding adequate generic and life saving drugs, security at workplace, fixed duty hours and timely payment of their salaries. In February, resident doctors had gone on a day-long strike over similar issues. The budget allocation is expected to improve the condition of hospitals. Three new hospitals with total bed capacity of 1,800 are planned at Nangloi, Siraspur and Madipur, said Delhi Finance Minister Manish Sisodia as he tabled Delhi's budget for the financial

year 2015-16 in the Assembly. current financial year for the purTo match the hospital bed re- chase of plots," he said. quirement with the population of To boost the health care, Delhi Delhi, the government has pro- government is also planning to posed to enhance the capacity of set up "Mohalla Clinics" in all hospitals. parts of Delhi. As part of which, the capacity "About 500 such clinics will of hospital-cum-medical college at be opened in the current finanDwarka has been proposed to in- cial year. Five centralized labs crease from 700 beds 1,500 beds. with modern facility will be set "The capacity of new hospital complex at Burari, planned for 200 beds, will now be increased to 800 beds," said Sisodia. Similarly, the new hospital complex under construction at Ambedkar Nagar, originally planned for 200 beds, will now have 600 beds. Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital at Ashok Vihar, originally planned for 200 beds, will now have 400 Delhi Finance Minister Manish Sisodia beds capacity. The minister said that the Government is planning to up in North, South, East, West purchase ten new plots at and Central Delhi during current Mehrauli, Mahipalpur, Pitampura, financial year to provide diagnosMandwali-Fazalpur, Geeta Colony, tic services to the patients visitPandav Nagar, and Dwarka from ing Mohalla Clinic. DDA for augmenting the health "A budget provision of Rs 125 infrastructure. crore is proposed for augment"There is a plan to remodel and ing the primary health care faciliupgrade 11 existing hospitals so ties proposed to be delivered as to add 4,000 more beds in next through Mohalla Clinic," said two years. A Budget provision of Sisodia. Rs 210 crore is proposed in the The PPP project for providing

free dialysis to poor patients suffering from kidney failure with 40 units has been made functional at Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital and Lok Nayak Hospital. Further, 35 more units will be setup in the current financial year. Besides, the existing fleet of CAT Ambulances is proposed to

be enhanced by 100 basic and 10 advanced standard life support ambulances. Government is planning to set up an Advance Trauma Care Centre in LN hospital especially for sports injury rehabilitation with 100 trauma beds including ICU and OT facilities. In addition to the present

India, US ink MoUs on health infra, research, tech Cont'd from Page 32

The cooperation under the MoU will cover areas including prevention of illness related to toxic chemicals and hazardous substances, development and use of improved tools, technologies and methods for enhancing environmental and occupational public health, and injury prevention efforts, including surveillance. The agreement will also focus on public health effects of ambient and indoor air pollution including a focus on exposures associated with burning of solid fuels for cooking and heating, prevention of illness and injury related to hazards at the workplace and related research, planning, preparedness, and response for

chemical releases and radiation events. The second Letter of Intent (LoI) on anti-microbial resistance research was signed between the ICMR, Department of Biotechnology (MoST) and US's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health and DHHS. "It aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in anti-microbial resistance research to include mechanism of antimicrobial resistance, application of systems biology, comparative testing and assisting the validation of new diagnostics and explore possible patterns of AMR in neonatal intensive care units as observed in India and the US," the official said. -PTI

Health Science Post

July 3, 2015

India Post 35

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Utah residents to keep getting health subsidies SALT LAKE CITY: More than 80,000 Utah residents will keep receiving federal help to pay for health insurance after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld tax subsidies that are at the heart of President Barack Obama's signature health care law. The court ruled the Affordable Care Act allows consumers to receive subsidies through online insurance marketplaces regardless of whether the marketplace is run by the state or the federal government. Utah is one of 34 states where consumers risked losing federal help because the

years ago that left her disabled and unable to keep her job as a medical researcher, where she had been paying $700 to $800 a month for insurance. ``I don't particularly care for Obama. I didn't vote for him,'' Preece said. ``But honestly, if it weren't for this, I would be absolutely lost.''

CONSUMERS The subsidies allow James Phillips, a 52-year-old from Midvale, Utah, to pay $150 a month for insurance instead of $750. Several years ago, Phillips lost his job and came down with a neurological disorder that causes physical problems, including an inability to swallow food. Phillips, who identifies as a Democrat, said he worried that if the court ruled against the subsidies, he'd have to find a new way to pay for supplies and treat his illness. ``I was even looking at a point of possibly even having to sell my car to make ends meet,'' he said. Salt Lake City resident Paige Preece receives a subsidy through the online marketplace that allows her to get insurance for $137 a month, which she calls ``a godsend.'' The 50-year-old Republican has health problems and complications from several surgeries two

DEMOCRATS

REPUBLICANS Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, a Republican, said in a statement that the ruling was disappointing and the court appeared to be ignoring the plain text of the Affordable Care Act. Herbert said he'll continue to support a GOP push in Congress to repeal the law. Utah Speaker of the House Greg Hughes, a Republican, said the health care law is failing taxpayers and consumers. ` ` T h i s administration's Charles Ellis, 53, of Salt Lake City, left, looks on as navigator Luis Rios phones in to the hotline while seeking help to buy health insurance at damaging health the Utah Health Policy Project, in Salt Lake City. care policy continues to undermine federal government is running the insur- real insurance markets and drive up the cost ance websites. of health care, resulting in less access to The court ruling also settles a key hang- care for many of our nation's most needy.'' up for Utah officials debating whether to With this ruling, Hughes said GOP lawexpand Medicaid to help more low-income makers in the House who are contemplatresidents get insurance. ing Medicaid expansion will try to find an GOP officials negotiating if and how affordable way to help the state's uninsured. Utah will help its uninsured had worried About 60,000 Utah residents are without that losing the subsidies would balloon the insurance and ineligible for the subsidies number of people in need and push the cost because of a law in the health law. of expanding Medicaid even higher. Hughes, Herbert and other GOP state Here's how Utah consumers, insurers officials have pledged to come up with a and elected officials reacted to the ruling: deal by August.

Utah Democrats celebrated the court's decision, arguing it clears the way for GOPdominated Utah to expand Medicaid as Democrats and the Obama administration have called for. ``The Supreme Court protected the right

of millions of Americans to access affordable health coverage today, and it's time for our state legislature to do the same by passing and implementing Medicaid expansion in Utah,'' state Democratic Party chairman Peter Corroon said in a statement. -AP

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Realty Tidbits

NY approves rent controls, tax rebate ALBANY, N.Y.: New York lawmakers have approved legislation to continue rent controls in New York City and a statewide property tax cap while providing rebates to homeowners over four years. The Senate voted 47-12 for the 81-page bill, which also contains new provisions on state education curriculum and testing. Republican Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan said those were meant to address concerns of parents and students, including a Regents review of the Common Core curriculum and less secrecy on testing. The Assembly followed, voting 122-13. ``I don't believe we lost much ground,'' said Assemblyman Nick Perry, a Brooklyn Democrat. He and other city lawmakers said there was a lot of anxiety among tenants in their districts over the possible loss of rent protections. The legislation detailed the three-way agreement reached among their chambers' respective leaders and Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

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Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 37

Pastor raising money to build tiny homes NASHVILLE, Tenn.: A church pastor in Nashville is working to raise $50,000 to build a community of tiny homes for the homeless. The homes would be just 60 square feet each, and would have no running water, but there would be communal bathrooms, kitchen and showers. Pastor Jeff Obafemi Carr of Infinity Fellowship Interfaith Gathering Church came up with the idea. ``We want to let this be a model project for how you address homelessness, specifically in Nashville,'' Carrtold WKRN-TV in Nashville. ``It gives you a space where not only you can live but you can maintain a sense of dignity, and that's something we often rob homeless citizens of, their sense of dignity.'' Richard Price found himself homeless after being evicted when the property owner sold the house. He's now living in a tent at a homeless camp. He said the tiny homes could be a ``Godsend for many people.'' ``Anybody can become homeless out here,'' Price said. ``No one is more than a paycheck or two from being homeless.'' A model home has already been built in what Carr wants to eventually name Infinity Village. -AP

Real Estate 36 India Post

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July 3, 2015

Delhi allocates Rs 1,793 cr for Housing NEW DELHI: To boost housing and urban development in the national capital, the Delhi government has announced a budget of Rs 1,793 crore, 32 per cent more than last year, a slum redevelopment policy to develop the JJ clusters and expedite the regularization of unauthorized colonies. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also announced that the government will also expedite the process of registration of unauthorized colonies and soon come up with guidelines for registration of houses there. Details on Page 37

Builders' image bad; we'll protect home-buyers: PM NEW DELHI: Observing that the image of builders is "bad", Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to protect the homebuyers and said a bill in this regard will be pushed during the upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament. He rued that there is a lack of holistic vision about urban planning and said expansion is driven not by the administrators of a city, but by property developers. "In our country, wittingly or unwittingly, the image of builder lobby is bad," Modi said while launching three flagship schemes for urban development across the nation. Asserting that his government is sensitive to consumer protection, he said, "A poor person invests all his savings for a house, but when he is cheated, he loses everything. To protect such poor and small consumers,

a bill has been brought to Parliament and effort will be made to get it passed in the upcoming

session." The Monsoon session is set to be convened from July 21 for

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flanked by Minister for Urban Development, Housing and Poverty Alleviation Venkaiah Naidu (left) and Babul Supriyo, MoS, Urban Development launching Smart Cities Mission, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Housing for All Mission, in New Delhi

three weeks. Government has introduced the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2013 in Rajya Sabha. It seeks to establish the Real Estate Regulatory Authority for regulation and promotion of the real estate sector and to ensure sale of plot, apartment or building in an efficient and transparent manner and to protect the interest of consumers. Noting that possessing a house is a turning point in the lives of poor, the Prime Minister said the government's effort is to not just provide a house, but to provide the right environment to live life to the fullest. Through AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) scheme which was launched by him, Modi said the aim of the government is to give cities themselves the chance to plan their future growth. -PTI

Smart City project not elitist, says Naidu NEW DELHI: Rejecting Congress's criticism that the 'Smart City' project was "elitist" in nature, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has said that the NDA government's ambitious plan was aimed at benefiting "the poor who are forced to live on the fringes of growing urbanization." Putting his claim to the test at a session on Housing-for-All in urban areas here, Naidu asked the members of the audience to give a frank opinion on whether they thought that the Smart City project was "pro-rich". "Do you feel that the proposed smart cities are elitist and pro-rich and will not benefit the poor? If anyone of you feels so, please raise your hand and kindly speak out your mind," Naidu told the ministers, mayors and municipal chairpersons attending the two-day consultations. The move was in reaction to comments by Congress leader Ajay Maken that the "creation

of new smart cities will not solve "If the smart cities benefit only the problem". the rich, are there then so many "We need to make all our exist- rich people in UP; and why the CM ing cities smart. This concept is is asking for more?" asked Naidu. elitist and will benefit only few," The minister said that making Maken had said. cities smart is all about developBut nobody raised their hands ing roads and efficient public to the Urban Detransport, velopment ensuring Minister's quessupply of tion. They requality sponded inwater and stead saying, power, im"We want proving more." u r b a n At the meet goverat Vigyan nance to Bhawan here, ensure citiUnion Minister M Venkaiah Naidu Naidu then read zen particiout a newspapation, per report on Uttar Pradesh Chief transparency, accountability and Minister Akhilesh Yadav demand- more employment opportunities ing more smart cities for his state through enhanced economic acover and above the 13 assigned it tivity. by the UD Ministry - the highest Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the country based on the ob- had earlier launched the operajective and uniform criteria of ur- tional guidelines for the developban population and number of cit- ment of 100 Smart Cities across the ies/towns. country. His government has ear-

marked Rs 48,000 crore for the project. Naidu said, "All this will benefit the most the poor who are now forced to live on the fringes of growing urbanization. The rich like Ambanis do not need Smart Cities. They are already living smart. Present urban scenario is benefiting the rich and we are keen to change it in favor of the poor." The minister reiterated that under the Smart City mission, existing cities will be developed as smart cities and only in a few cases may some states propose building new cities. Cities will compete with each other for getting selected for the Smart City project and the government has announced the selection criteria in this regard, he added. "In any case, no one is forcing any state to build smart cities. It is for them to decide under the new scheme of things," Naidu said. -PTI

Real Estate Post

July 3, 2015

India Post 37

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Supreme Court upholds key tool for fighting housing bias WASHINGTON: A sharply divided Supreme Court has preserved a key tool used for more than four decades to fight housing discrimination, handing a surprising victory to the Obama administration and civil rights activists. The justices ruled 5-4 that federal housing law allows people to challenge lending rules, zoning laws and other housing practices that have a harmful impact on minority groups, even if there is no proof that companies or government agencies intended to discriminate. Justice Anthony Kennedy, in a rare vote on the side of civil rights groups on matters of race, joined the court's four liberal members in upholding the use of so-called ``disparate impact'' cases. The ruling is a victory for housing advocates who argued that the 1968 Fair Housing Act allows challenges to race-neutral policies that have negative effects on minorities. The Justice Department has used disparate impact lawsuits to win more than $500 million in legal settlements from companies accused of bias against black and Hispanic customers. It was a defeat for banks, insurance companies and other business groups that claimed such lawsuits - often based on statistics - are not explicitly allowed

under the landmark housing law that sought to eliminate segregation that has long existed in residential housing. ``The court acknowledges the Fair Housing Act's continuing role in moving the nation toward a more integrated society,'' Kennedy said. The White House issued a statement saying the decision ``reflects the reality that discrimination often operates not just out in the open, but in more hidden forms.'' And Attorney General Loretta Lynch said the Justice Department would continue to vigorously enforce the Fair Housing Act ``with every tool at its disposal - including challenges based on unfair and unacceptable discriminatory effects.'' In upholding the tactic, the high court preserved a legal strategy that has been used for more than 40 years to attack discrimination in zoning laws, occupancy rules, mortgage lending practices and insurance underwriting. Every federal appeals court to consider it has upheld the practice, though the Supreme Court had never previously ruled. Civil rights groups and the Obama administration had tried for years to keep the issue out of the Supreme Court, fearing that conservatives wanted to end the strategy. Two previous cases that

reached the court were settled or strategically withdrawn just weeks before oral argument. The latest case involved an appeal from Texas officials accused of violating the Fair Housing Act by awarding federal tax credits in a way that kept low-in-

The fair housing group said that even if there were no motive to discriminate, the government's policies still harmed black residents. The effect, the group claimed, was perpetuating segregated neighborhoods and denying blacks a chance to move into

come housing out of white neighborhoods. A federal appeals court said a Dallas-based fair housing group, The Inclusive Communities Project, Inc., could use statistics to show that the effect of policies used by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs had a negative impact on black residents.

areas with better schools and lower crime. Texas officials argued that it was unfair to have to justify or change policies that don't facially discriminate. While disparate impact has been used routinely in employment discrimination cases, they said such claims were not expressly written into the housing law. They argued that allowing them would essentially force them to make race-conscious decisions to avoid liability.

NY approves rent controls, tax rebate decontrols and add indexing through the rent guidelines board, he said. ``You could always want better, but we have to realize ... this is a bi-cameral legislature, and the

lators in Heastie's majority Democratic conference, continuing rent ``The property tax rebate is a controls that actually expired this signature issue for our conferweek were a key issue. ence,'' Flanagan said earlier. The The bill also contains a fourtotal value from the rebate and tax year extension of tax breaks for city freeze is $3.1 billion over four residential developers who years, he said. provide some affordable Tax rebate checks will be housing in the apartments and statewide the first year and incondominiums they build in come-based the next three the city. However, it also reyears, with a top income limit quires an agreement within six of $275,000. Rebates the first months between real estate year are $130 in New York City and labor interests to set consuburbs and $185 on Long Isstruction wages, Heastie and land and upstate, and a percentCuomo said. age of the existing STAR proOn education, Flanagan gram tax savings after that said many people have rebased on a graduated income quested a review of the ComYork Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during scale, according to an Assem- New mon Core curriculum, and the a news conference in the Red Room at the bly analysis. Regents will look at things like Capitol in Albany, N.Y. For rent-regulated New York the age appropriateness of City apartments, with more than Republicans in the Senate have exams. ``We made changes that two million tenants, Democratic their own vision of what they'd like allow for the release of tests, reAssembly Speaker Carl Heastie to see,'' Heastie said. ``And you duces field testing if not eliminates said the legislation will extend con- do the best you can and try to it, (and) allows teachers to not trols for four more years. It will compromise.'' only see the exam but talk about raise the threshold for vacancy For the many downstate legis- the exam,'' he said. -AP

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 36

Writing for the majority, Kennedy said language in the housing law banning discrimination ``because of race'' allows for disparate impact cases. He said such lawsuits ``may prevent segregated housing patterns that might otherwise result from covert and illicit stereotyping.'' Kennedy was joined by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. In dissent, Justice Samuel Alito warned that the tactic can result in perverse outcomes. He cited a recent Minnesota case where a landlord used the law to sue city officials who forced him to combat rat infestation and unsanitary conditions in low income housing. ``Something has gone badly awry when a city can't even make slumlords kill rats without fear of a lawsuit,'' Alito said. Alito was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas. Thomas also wrote separately to question the very foundation of the disparate impact theory, which the Supreme Court first allowed in employment discrimination cases in 1971. ``Racial imbalances do not always disfavor minorities,'' Thomas said, noting that over 70 percent of National Basketball Association players are black. ``To presume that these and all other measurable disparities are

Delhi allocates Rs 1,793 cr for Housing Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 36

He said the government will also ensure freehold rights to people in resettlement colonies. To check unauthorized construction in future in Delhi, Sisodia said Geospatial Delhi Limited (GSDL) will provide satellite image data on a regular interval to Revenue Department clearly marking new encroachment/unauthorized construction for appropriate action by authorities. Sisodia said the government will make "concerted" efforts to deal with the issue of housing and come with a slum development program. "Our Government proposes to utilize the available stock of housing and vacant lands for kick-starting a slum redevelopment program. Towards this end, efforts would be made in consultation and cooperation with DDA, Ministry of Urban Development, Government

of India and other stakeholders including private developers, and housing as a sector and as a basic human need of residents of Delhi, would be furthered. "It would be our effort to provide housing to slum dwellers wherever they are residing or close to their place of work, as far as feasible. We shall bring out a policy framework for development of slum clusters and to provide insitu development of slum clusters," Sisodia said in his budget speech. To address the problem of unauthorized colonies, the government said it will ensure that the people are able to transact in their assets legally and register their properties without any insecurity. "For six pilot unauthorized colonies, we will be sending the boundary maps to the Municipal Corporations in the next few days. -PTI

Horoscope

38 India Post

July 3, 2015

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar July 3rd - July 9th 2015 (March 21 to April 20)

aturn in eighth sign will make you work extra hard from now and on. You will need to develop more patience. Soon you will reap rich rewards for the hard work being performed this week. Strong wordings will get the job done and you will recover what belonged to you in first place. Eye sight may start to give some trouble.

(April 21 to May 20)

unning around will not go waste but you will end up making useful contacts that are going to help you in near future. People in business will see new clients and business growing this week. You will be writing a big check to government also this week. Any relationship started at this point can become permanent in time to come.

(May 21 to June 20)

ank balance will grow and from now and on expenses will come down a lot too. You may be suggested minor surgery as a permanent solution to overcome an old health issue. You will come across an interesting personality during the course of a business meeting. Children will finalize a short vacation. You may dispose off some stocks.

(June 21 to July 22)

ou will start to feel better and more confident. There will be several fortunate developments in life. You may be offered a dream opportunity in career. Since the luck is on side, you will get many jobs done without any difficulty. You will recover money long overdue and may dispose off some stocks for a decent profit.

(July 23 to August 22)

(November 23 to December 22)

eople involved in research and development work will see sudden success. An important person will make an offer that will be hard to turn down. Finances issues will start resolving and soon you will be free of many small debts. You may come out with flying colors in a c highly competitive exam. Spouse will give many good ideas.

(August 23 to September 22)

ou may find it difficult to defend your self properly in any ongoing legal matter. You may be spending more time in office or away from home in other state. You will need to overcome one more hurdle before deal is finalized. Major changes in career just around the corner. You may be in touch with an old confidant for advice.

(September 23 to October 22)

pportunity will come from distant place and will be hard to ignore. Confusion will clear and you will see lots of money coming your way. An important issue involving your child may take little longer to settle. All meetings will go well and you will get the assurance quickly. Value of stocks recently purchased will appreciate considerably.

(October 23 to November 22)

ou may end up just renewing the contract for the imebeing. Property related papers will get finalized too. Time is ripe to cash those profit making stocks. Some one in the organization will move out making room for your promotion. You will meet few political figures at the party. Do not take a chance with changing weather.

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

ong cherished desires can get fulfilled if you are ready to pay a price. A close friend will call to seek your advice and may offer a part in the venture. Some one close will make wrong allegation just to put you down. You will be slowly working towards an upcoming trip also. You will make final payment on couple of old bills this week.

(December 22 to January 19)

pportunity will be offered on a silver platter. Do not let past scare you. Take your chance, it's a sure thing. You will write a check to government but hold it for some time before mailing it out. Some of you may replace your old vehicle with a newer and expensive model. You may be seriously thinking of legal action to prove your point.

(January 20 to February 18)

ou will go on an important trip. You will need to pour in more money into your business or project. Gambling instincts will surface and you will not be scared to take few risks this week. Rewards will be huge. Some of you will start shopping for an upcoming trip. Drive carefully and look out for traffic cops, small error will cost you.

(February 19 to March 20)

ou will be able to control and trim your expenses. People in business will get rid of old and find new and better suppliers. You will be still double minded about making an offer on a property. Some of you will be taking a break from busy schedule and go on a trip with family soon. It will be better to dispose off money making stocks.

510-886-4370 www.parashar.com

July 3, 2015

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40 India Post

ijayawada, the third largest city of the state Andhra Pradesh in India and also known as Bezawada, is placed on the banks of the renowned River Krishna in the south, the Budameru River on the north, the Bay of Bengal in the east and Indrakeeladri Mountain in the west. Vijayawada, literally means place of victory. It is a very important place having the credit of being the largest railway junction in South

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India. Vijayawada is located in the stretch of the Chennai-Howrah and Chennai-Delhi rail routes and national highways 5 and 9 also touch the city. Mainly inhabited by agricultural community, plenty of canals going through this place irrigate the farm land throughout the Krishna delta. Vijayawada is a significant trade and commerce hub and an important administrative center of Krishna District. It was an integral part of Vijayanagar Empire under the great king Sri Krishna Devarayar. Vijayawada is mentioned in various legends and myths. It is believed that Lord Shiva blessed Arjuna, great warrior of epic

July 3, 2015

Mahabharata, and Arjuna created Vijayawada at the top of a hill known as lndrakeeladri. Another myth states that Goddess Durga relaxed in this holy place after destroying a Rakshasa and hence the name Land of Victory or Vijayawada. This place attracts lots of tourists. Main tourist attractions are Undavalli Caves, Prakasam Barrage, Gandhi Stupa on Gandhi Hill, The Mogalarajapuram Caves and Kanakadurga Temple. Tourist Attractions Kondapalli F o r t : Kondapalli Fort, dating back to 14th century, is

constructed on a hillock near Vijayawada. The fort with a three-storied rock tower is assumed to be built by Prolaya Vema Reddi, the founder of Reddy kingdom of Kondaveedu. Some historians claim that the fort was as old as 7th century and was built by King Krishna Deva Raya. The fort got renovated later under the control of the Qutub Shahis. Lenin Statue: The Lenin statue symbolizes the ideologies of communism and the struggle of working class in the whole world, especially in India. This is a marvelous statue and many people pay a visit to this statue. It is a dynamic place with many activities including garlanding on politically important days like May 1, World Labor Day, etc. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 42

July 3, 2015

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

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Civil Aviation Ministry hints at capping airfares NEW DELHI: In a clear signal on capping airfares, the Civil Aviation Ministry has said mechanisms would be put in place to curb predatory pricing ways of airlines. The latest move comes against the backdrop of rising concerns expressed in various quarters, including by Parliamentarians, over steep fluctuation in airfares. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma said here that something needs to be done on predatory pricing of

airfares. He also emphasized that efforts would be made for a consensus among airlines on the matter.

"We have taken some initiatives... The process has been initiated. We will try to evolve consensus among airlines and if they do not come on board, we will have to look at other options," he said. Urging DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) to put in place some mechanism to check steep variation in the price of air tickets could also be one of the options, he noted. Earlier, over 100 Parliamentarians had written to the ministry raising concern over the rising air fares and most of them were also in favor of regulating the prices. "Predatory pricing by the airlines is a big issue. A large section of the public and even parliamentarians have raised the issue that the airlines charge Rs 30,000-40,000 for a ticket when a passenger has to travel in some emergency," Sharma had said last month. However, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju has on several occasions in the past said that putting caps and floors for airfares would have their own implications and that pricing should be left to the carriers to decide. Interestingly, the ministry had last year circulated a note for internal discussion wherein it suggested steps to cap airfares at minimum and maximum levels for the economy class. Fair trade watchdog CCI is looking at the arbitrary airfare hike issue and possible cartelization by the carriers. -PTI

IRCTC plans 'Tourist Facilitation Centre' in CP NEW DELHI: Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will soon launch a unique 'Tourist Facilitation Centre' in the heart of the national capital, seeking to make it a 'one-stop shop' for all tourismrelated services. To be located in Connaught Place, the centre will offer a string of rail, land and air tour packages for domestic and international travelers, taking care of their itineraries from air ticket to visa facilitation and insurance, and from special train packages to customized tours, food to accommodation, and cab and concierge services to sightseeing. "This will be the first of its kind initiative for tourists where the entire travel needs are taken care of under one roof. This is also the only brick-and-mortar office of the IRCTC where people can walk in to buy a train or air travel package and even get a customized trip as per their convenience," Chairman and Managing Director, IRCTC A K Manocha, said. The centre, to be launched shortly, will be unique as it would facilitate a direct public interface, he added. IRCTC, a 16-year-old 'mini Ratna' PSU of Indian Railways, had introduced e-ticketing in 2002 through its digital platform. The average daily sale of train tickets through the portal is around 5.5 to 6 lakh. The facilitation centre will handle all spe-

cial train packages of IRCTC such as Bharat Darshan, pilgrim trains (Tirupati, Shirdi, Buddhist circuits), the north-east, Kerala and Goa. In addition, there are air packages for Jammu and Kashmir, Shirdi and Tirupati. "When we announced recently Jammu and Kashmir and Shirdi air travel packages from Delhi, these were completely sold out. Likewise, the Tirupati package got a booking of 80 per cent almost immediately," Manocha said. IRCTC claims that these packages are popular as the entire needs and concerns of tourists are taken care of by IRCTC. For

example, the Tirupati package from Delhi comprises air ticket, AC coach from Chennai to Tirupati, 4 star hotel accommodation, food and VIP darshan.-PTI

Plan cleared for second airport in NCR NEW DELHI: Civil Aviation Ministry has cleared a proposal for setting up a second airport in the National Capital Region. GMR Group, which operates the Indira Gandhi International Airport Ltd here, would be preferred for developing the proposed airport, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma said. The proposal, cleared by the Ministry, would soon be sent to the Cabinet for its approval, he said. According to Sharma, GMR Group - the majority stakeholder in the venture that operates the Delhi International Airport - is proposed to be accorded the right of first refusal with regard to the new project. Once accorded, GMR Group would have the first right to develop the project, if interested, before any other entity. For the new project, the government would be required to amend certain regula-

tions as existing rules do not allow a second airport within a 150 kilometer radius of an existing one, unless the latter is functioning beyond its operational capacity. Sharma has several times expressed the

need for having a second airport in the National Capital Region (NCR) especially due to rising number of air travelers. Delhi Airport handled 40 million passengers during 2014-15 period and the number is expected to rise further.-PTI

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

July 3, 2015

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Gandhi Hill

VIJAYAWADA Mythical Arjuna city now trade & commerce hub

beach in Machilipatnam, which is small coastal town in Andhra Pradesh, around 71 km from Visakhapatnam. The beaches in Machilipatnam city are long, broad, pristine, and with pale blonde sands and are ideal for beach side fishing. Numerous temples are scattered all over the town. Mangalagiri: Mangalagiri is an auspicious hill to visit, Mangala means auspicious and Giri stands for hill. Located on Vijayawada -

Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru. By Air: Vijayawada airport is located at Gannavaram, which is about 20 km from the city. Regular flight services are available from Vijayawada to Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. International travelers have to get connecting flights from Hyderabad. By Bus: APSRTC buses connect Vijayawada with all other cities in Andhra Pradesh. Many tourist bus service providers offer de-

Bhavani Island Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 40

Mogalarajapuram Caves: Mogalarajapuram Caves are famous for three cave temples be-

Bhavani Island: A beautiful estuary Island in the Krishna River, one of the largest islands on the river, Bhavani Island extends more than 130 acres and is located near

planetarium and the Light and Sound show depicting the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Machilipatnam Beach: Machilipatnam Beach is a popular Mogalarajapuram Caves

lieved to be as old as 5th century. One among the three cave temples adorns a spectacular carving of Ardhanariswara, which is believed as the only one of its kind in South India. These cave temples have carved deities of Lord Vinayaka and Lord Shiva in Nataraja form. This is a good ancient temple to visit and see the ancient culture and ancient style of living. Undavalli Caves: Undavalli Caves, located in the Undavalli village of Guntur district, near Vijayawada are 7th century four storied caves. These caves are placed at the summit, the high mount facing the charming Krishna River. A major attraction here is the mammoth statue of Lord Vishnu, sculpted from a single granite piece, in its reclining posture. Victoria Museum: A place worth a visit for archaeology enthusiasts, Victoria Museum, the museum of the Archaeological Department, has a cautiously conserved gathering of ancient sculptures, idols, inscriptions, paintings, cutlery and weapons. This Victoria Jubilee Museum is located on Bundar Road in Vijayawada. It also exhibits pre-historic stone tools, coins, arms, metal works, Neolithic and Microlithic implements.

Undavalli Caves

Guntur Road, this is an elephant shaped mount. Rajiv Gandhi Park: Recently built by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, the Rajiv Gandhi Park is presently the gateway to the city. The park is named after the former Prime Minister of India, to commemorate his contribution to the development of the country.

luxe, super deluxe and A/C bus services to many major cities in South and Central India.

How to reach By Train: Vijayawada is an important railway Station on the Chennai - Delhi rail route. It is connected to all railway stations in India. Regular train services are available from Vijayawada to Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Mangalagiri

the Prakasam Barrage. Gandhi Hill: Gandhi Hill, also known as Gandhi Stupa, is a very famous place in Vijayawada that attracts many tourists due to a

Machilipatnam Beach

July 3, 2015

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post 43

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Ramayana museum in Ayodhya Tips for finding adjacent away from disputed site airline seats NEW DELHI: The government has announced that it would construct a Ramayana museum at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh which would portray the epic journey of Lord Rama, but sought to steer away from controversy saying it would be kept away from the dis-

We will keep away from the controversy," he told reporters here. The museum would be constructed as part of the Ramayana circuit, which the government had declared recently. It is also contacting Nepal and Sri Lanka for the purpose.

The government announced that it would construct a Ramayana museum at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.

puted site there. Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma said the Centre has begun the process of identifying the land. "We are not going to construct this site (museum) in the disputed site, but away from it. There is land available at 70 km. So, we will not touch the disputed area. Definitely, we will not come into controversy.

"We are planning a Krishna circuit and Buddha circuit in Ayodhya. Similarly, we are also planning for Ramayana circuit. About Rs 120 crore has been earmarked for establishing the Ramayana circuit for which we are also contacting Nepal, Sri Lanka," he added. Reiterating that the museum will not come up anywhere near the dis-

puted land, Sharma said, "Wherever the land will be easily available, either by the government or by the private properties or by any act of donation, we would love to construct this museum there." Replying to a query on VHP leader Ashok Singhal's demand for developing a 70 acre of land available close to the disputed site in Ayodhya and whether the museum may come up in that plot, he said, "(If) it is possible then we love to make it there itself." He, however, sought to clarify that construction of Ram temple and museum are two different things. "The construction of Ram Mandir is a project of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Ram Janma Bhoomi Samiti. They are doing their job. But, as a tourism minister, I am doing this (museum) on behalf of my ministry in Ayodhya," he said. The museum would be established under the museums grant scheme of the union ministry of tourism and archaeologists and historians have been approached for the purpose. Asked whether the museum is for Lord Rama or the Indian mythological epic of Ramayan, Sharma said, "Ram and Ramayana, both are same. It will be called as Ramayana Museum and it will be a museum that will portray the journey and greatness of Lord Rama." -PTI

Common airline fees fliers face this summer NEW YORK: As a record 222 million people prepare to fly on U.S. airlines this summer, here's a reminder about some of the fees fliers will face: • Checked bag. Most airlines now charge $25 each way for a checked suitcase. Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways do not, although JetBlue is about to start charging for some types of tickets. • Reservation changes. Air-

lines charge up to $200 to change a domestic ticket and that is before any difference in fare. International flights cost even more to alter. • Preferred seats. For short flights, it could cost as little as $9 extra to get a better seat. For long-distance international flights, it could be $300. Typically, passengers pay $25 to $50 more.

• WiFi. Up to $30 a flight. Large discounts are given for purchasing it in advance with Internet provider Gogo selling one-day passes for $16. • Discount airlines like Spirit, Allegiant and Frontier charge for things most fliers assume are free, like water, carry-on bag and printing a board pass at the airport. Read the fine print before booking. -AP

Colorado tourism numbers set record DENVER: A record 71.3 million visitors spent $18.6 billion in Colorado in 2014, setting a record for the state's tourism industry. The Denver Post quoted Colorado Tourism Office reports showing the state outpacing national growth rates in every tourism cat-

egory. Research firm Dean Runyan & Associates tallied direct spending by visitors at $18.6 billion, with 66 percent of that coming from overnight visitors who paid for lodging. And that the state's tourism-dependent businesses

generating $1.1 billion in local and state taxes in 2014, surpassing the billion-dollar mark for the first time. Ski resorts saw record-setting attendance in 2014, attributing the high numbers to low snowfall in other western skiing locations.-AP

NEW YORK: On top of the bag fees and other charges, families traveling this summer may have to pay extra just to sit next to one another. Airlines are reserving a growing number of seats for elite customers or those willing to shell out more money. These seats often but not always - come with a little extra legroom. The catch: setting these seats aside leaves fewer places for other passengers to sit without paying extra. That means mom might end up in row 20, dad in row 23 and junior sitting all the way back in row 30, regardless of age. Airlines say their gate agents try to help family members without adjacent seats sit together, especially people flying with small children. Yet there is no guarantee things will work out.

- meaning there's a whole new seat layout. And if you booked through Expedia, Orbitz, Priceline or other third• party travel agents, your assignment might not have been recorded correctly with the airline. • Set up alerts for seat openings. ExpertFlyer.com offers free notifications when a window or aisle seat becomes vacant for up to one flight at a time. For 99 cents, it sends an email if two adjacent seats become available. The service is available for Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines and Virgin America but not for Delta Air Lines and some smaller carriers. • Check your airline's website five days before the trip. That's when some elite fliers are upgraded to first class, freeing up their coach

Often, the only way to ensure that the family sits together is to book well in advance.

Often, the only way to ensure that the family sits together is to book well in advance, or pay $25 or more, per seat, each way. Summer is an especially hard time to keep families together. Last July, U.S. airlines sold a record 87.8 percent of seats on domestic flights, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. And that figure doesn't include seats occupied by airline employees flying for free. In other words: virtually every seat was taken. Airlines are predicting that even more passengers will step aboard planes this year: 222 million passengers between June 1 and August 31. That's 2.4 million passengers a day or 4.5 percent more than last summer. But don't fret. There are still a few things fliers can do between now and takeoff to snag seats together without paying extra: • Confirm your seat assignments online with the airline now. Sometimes plane types are switched between booking and departure - say from a 737 to a 757

seats. Another wave of upgrades occurs every 24 to 48 hours. • Check in 24 hours in advance when airlines start releasing more seats. If connecting, see if seats have opened up 24 hours before the second flight departs. • Keep looking for new seats. Even after checking in, seats can be changed at airport kiosks and on some airlines' mobile applications. • Ask at check-in. Agents can sometimes put families in seats held just prior to departure for disabled passengers. And ask more than once. Gate agents and flight attendants can sometimes seek volunteers to swap seats. • If flying Southwest Airlines set an alarm for exactly 24 hours before departure and check in online. The airline lets passengers pick their own seat at boarding. The earlier you check-in, the quicker you board the plane. • If all else fails, offer nearby passengers candy or a drink to switch seats. Seriously, bartering works.-AP

In Brief Immigration authorities arrest 60 in Georgia ATLANTA: Federal immigration authorities say they arrested 60 people in a targeted five-day operation in metro Atlanta, the Augusta area and northwest Georgia. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a news release that officers made the arrests of the foreign citizens from June 1418. ICE says 17 of those arrested meet the agency's highest priority level because they had prior felony convictions or are members of a criminal street gang. The agency says the remaining 43 meet its second level of priorities for enforcement because they have serious or multiple misdemeanor convictions. Those arrested come from the following countries: Antigua, Belize, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Romania, South Korea and Thailand. They are being held in ICE custody pending deportation proceedings or deportation from the U.S. -AP

Â&#x201E; Nepalese in US can stay till quake-recovery WASHINGTON: U.S. homeland security officials will let Nepalese citizens stay in the United States while their country recovers from April's devastating earthquake and aftershocks. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said that Nepalese citizens in the United States can apply for temporary protected status and receive work permits. Temporary protected status is used by the federal government

to allow a group of foreigners to remain in the U.S. after their visas expire. Those who apply over the next six months will be covered under the program until Dec. 24, 2016. The status has been given to residents of Honduras, Nicaragua and Haiti following natural disasters in those countries. The powerful earthquakes that shook Nepal in April and May claimed more than 8,700 lives. -AP

Immigration

35 California counties extend health care to immigrants

44 India Post

www.indiapost.com

July 3, 2015

Details on page 46

Indian companies in UK concerned over new migrant rules LONDON: Indian companies in the UK have expressed concern over recent announcements on planned changes to the eligibility criteria for hiring migrant labor, warning the changes would "severely disrupt" their operations. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) warned that proposed plans for changes to the Intra-Company Transfer route indicated by British Prime Minister David Cameron would have an effect of restricting mobility of skilled professionals into the UK from non-EU countries, including India. "There are over 800 Indian companies operating in the UK, contributing to the overall economy and innovation, paying taxes, hiring locally and upskilling local talent," said CII president Sumit Mazumder. "While several companies offer their own training programs, when it comes to high-skilled work and specialized knowledge of company operations, the IntraCompany Transfer (ICT) route becomes crucial. Many companies avail the ICT visa and their operations may be severely dis-

rupted," he warned. "We understand the concern on immigration and skills shortage in the UK. This is a huge opportunity for India and the UK to work together in strengthening skills capability and developing a glo-

process," Mazumder said. CII pointed out that the development is "particularly disturbing" in light of Grant Thornton's recent study conducted in collaboration with CII, which highlights the growing contribution of

There are over 800 Indian companies operating in the UK, contributing to the overall economy and innovation, paying taxes, hiring locally and upskilling local talent, said CII president Sumit Mazumder.

bally competitive workforce. We must not undermine the contributions of Indian companies in the UK, who are keen to partner in this

Indian companies towards investment and job creation in the UK. According to the report, top Indian companies in the UK have

a combined turnover of 22 billion pounds and together employ over 110,000 people. CII has proposed a meeting of Indian company representative with UK's Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), which has been tasked with advising the UK government on a new "skills levy," raising salary thresholds for migrant workers, and reforms to skills shortage criteria. Prashant Jhawar, chairman of CII's India Business Forum in the UK, said: "It would be important for the UK government to get a deeper understanding of how this would hit the real stakeholders in the India-UK economic relationship - both Indian and British companies. "We are keen to showcase how Indian companies in the UK bring in the best talent to boost economic growth and innovation and in fact, create more jobs locally. We will approach the UK government for a business meeting to apprise them on this issue." The news comes ahead of CII's annual CEOs delegation to Britain early next month. -PTI

158 Pak Hindus get Indian citizenship NEW DELHI: Indian citizenship and Long Term Visas (LTV) have been granted to 158 and 3,733 Pakistani Hindu nationals respectively since the NDA government announced the setting up of Special Task Force in September last year. According to Home Ministry spokesman, 26 camps of the Task Force were organized in 26 districts across the country during which 1,681 applications for citizenship and 1,665 for LTV were approved till May this year. "While citizenship has been granted to 158 Pakistani nationals, LTV has been granted to as many as 3,733 Pakistani nationals during the period," Home Ministry spokesman said in a statement. There are thousands of applications pending before the government for granting visa for a

longer term. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had approved the setting up of the Task Force under the Joint Secretary (Foreigners) to monitor

and expedite processing of citizenship and LTV applications in September last year. The Task Force, comprising four Consultants, had held inter-

active sessions in a number of cities across the country having concentrations of Hindus from neighboring countries to monitor and expedite grant of citizenship and LTV and addressed public grievances, the spokesman said. The spokesman said that the ministry had been receiving representations from time to time citing hardships and difficulties in getting LTV and citizenship applicants by minorities from neighboring countries who are often of poor economic standing. After reviewing the procedure, Singh had granted certain relaxations and ordered streamlining of the procedure for grant of LTV and citizenship to these minorities and directed the Ministry to expedite the entire process.

Cont'd on Page 46

Immigration Post

July 3, 2015

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Give some attention to India, Swaraj tells Diaspora BANGKOK: India has described Thailand as a valued partner in its 'Act East' Policy and said it envisage a more vigorous and proactive engagement with the strategic and economically vibrant Southeast Asia region as part of its efforts to reposition itself at the world stage. "Our Government is resolved to move with a great sense of priority and speed to implement the 'Act East Policy'," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said here during an interaction with Indian business leaders. "We envisage a more vigorous and proactive engagement with this economically vibrant region of our extended neighborhood," she said, insisting that the NDA government has engaged closely with India's neighborhood, strengthened bilateral ties with major countries, energized engagement with the East and repositioned India at the world stage. She said that India's 'Look East' Policy of the last two decades has been elevated to 'Act East' Policy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I am happy to say that we have reached new milestones in our global outreach and made significant achievements in the last one year in transforming our relations with the outside world," said Swaraj, who is here on a three-day bilateral visit and to attend the 16th World Sanskrit Conference. Describing Thailand as an important pillar of India's policy and a valued partner, she said the relationship between the two countries has expanded to virtually all areas of bilateral cooperation in recent years.

We appreciate the role and contribution of the Indian community in Thailand in building the economic and commercial partnership and goodwill between the two countries. "Our bilateral relations with Thailand are based on deeprooted cultural, religious and neighborly association between the people of our two nations. Our common heritage of Buddhism and the philosophy of compassion, tolerance, non-violence and peace have laid strong foundations for this relationship," she said. "I am pleased to see that so many of you are in the leadership positions in corporates in Thai-

land and the region. In you I see the strength of our people-to-people relations. And in you I also see an influential group of leaders who can contribute to the economic growth of both Thailand and India," she told the leading Indian business leaders here. She said her government is working on the simple 3C mantra - Commerce, Culture and Connectivity. "In all these three areas I cannot overemphasize the importance

She listed a number of flagship schemes launched by the government to make India as a global manufacturing hub and rejuvenate the economic growth. "The Government has gone ahead with structural reforms and arrived at a consensus with the States on bringing the amendment to the constitution to implement the Goods and Services Tax. There have been reforms in the labor, banking, insurance and pension sectors," she said.

Sushma Swaraj

of Thailand. We have embarked on ambitious projects for land connectivity with Thailand through Myanmar. We are also working on enhancing our sea connectivity with Thailand which is a maritime neighbor of India," she said. Noting that the enhanced connectivity with Thailand will help Indian traders and businesses to link up with the markets of Southeast Asia, Swaraj said this would also help North Eastern States in their development and strengthening the people-to-people contacts between the two countries. "Our Government came with the slogan of Minimum Government, Maximum Governance. We have strived to offer a stable, predictable and transparent policy regime, making the country an attractive destination for investors. The last one year of the new government has contributed to economic good governance and all round development," she said. She said Prime Minister Modi has focused on moving fast in designing policies and laws to promote growth and offering foreign investors 'red carpet' instead of 'red tape'. "In the last one year, FDI limits have been raised in insurance and construction sectors and foreign investment limits have been raised in defense and railways. The hallmark of the Governments policy has been to facilitate infrastructure development and manufacturing," she said.

She said the government has implemented a slew of measures which can be categorized under 'ease of doing business'. "We are building a tax regime that is predictable, stable and competitive and have brought in a positive regulatory framework," Swaraj said. "We appreciate the role and contribution of the Indian community in Thailand in building the economic and commercial partnership and goodwill between the two countries. The Indian community in Thailand truly represents the entrepreneurial spirit that marks modern India and we are proud of your great accomplishments in all areas of human endeavor," she added. "The economies of India and Thailand share complementarities in several important sectors. You could utilize these complementarities to contribute to the tremendous growth that has been witnessed in our bilateral trade in the last 10 years," she said and invited them to become a part of the mission and assured them of all necessary support. "I would urge the Indian Diaspora in Thailand to also consider the avenues for collaboration and be integrated to a growing India and to contribute to the ambitious initiatives of the Government of India aimed at bringing welfare to its citizens," Swaraj said. "You would have noticed that there is new level of interest from

across the world in building partnerships of trade, investment and innovation in India. Let me convey the invitation from our PM to do business and make in India for India and the world," she said. Swaraj said the government would be happy to provide all necessary support in their endeavor through Indian Embassy, which will channel their proposals to various states of India and convey their concerns and suggestions to the government. This was Swaraj's second interaction with Indian Diaspora during her Thailand visit. Addressing them at dinner meeting earlier, Swaraj had said, "I have come here to tell you to give some attention to India." "Invest a part of what you are earning here in works like construction of a toilet in your village...Do a bit for your country from whatever capacity and strength you have acquired here," she said. Assuming that Indians living here might have left their country earlier due to lack of opportunities in past, Swaraj said, "but today there are so many opportunities that time has now come to return to India. Today when you have gained strength, time has come back to pay back to your soil.

You should definitely spare a part of your earning for India." It is estimated that there are around two lakh people of Indianorigin in Thailand. In her address, Swaraj had said, "We have focused on economic diplomacy as one of our priority areas and set goals for efficient and timely provision of Consular Services as a key benchmark for our Missions abroad." This is the first high level bilateral visit from India after the formation of new governments in both countries. India's excellent relations with Thailand are an important and integral component of India's strategic partnership with ASEAN. India's 'Act East' policy is complemented by Thailand's 'Look West' policy in bringing the two countries closer, she said. India and Thailand have strong economic synergies and the diversifying profile of growing bilateral trade and investment reflects the growth and maturity of the two economies, Swaraj said. Extensive people-to-people contacts are central to the IndiaThailand relationship. In 2014, around one million Indian tourists visited Thailand and over 100,000 Thai tourists visited India. -PTI

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Long-term detention of migrant families to end HOUSTON: Federal officials plan to end the long-term detention of hundreds of migrant families who are being held mainly at two large facilities in Texas after illegally entering the country, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson announced. However, the change in policy did little to end criticism of the facilities from immigration advocates and some lawmakers or stop ongoing efforts seeking to permanently close them. Johnson said he has approved a plan that would offer appropriate and reasonable bond amounts for families at the centers who can present a credible case that they fear persecution in their home countries. ``I have reached the conclusion that we must make substantial changes in our detention practices with respect to families with children,'' Johnson said in a statement.

``In short, once a family has established eligibility for asylum or other relief under our laws, longterm detention is an inefficient use of our resources and should be discontinued.'' It was not known how quickly the new plan would be put in

Immigration attorneys and advocates said they were disappointed the federal government still believes the detention of immigrant families is necessary place. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to an email seeking clari-

fication. After tens of thousands of migrant families, most from Central America, crossed the Rio Grande into Texas last summer, the government poured millions of dollars into two large detention centers meant to hold women and children. The centers are in Karnes City and Dilley, both located south of San Antonio. A third facility is located in Berks County, Pennsylvania. At the end of last month, there were 1,835 individuals being held at the three facilities, according to immigration officials. Johnson said the detention of families ``will be short-term in most cases'' but still allow enough time for officials to confirm addresses and sponsor information and educate families about their responsibilities, including attending future immigration court hearings. But Johnson advocated for the

35 California counties extend health care to immigrants SACRAMENTO, Calif.: A group of 35 California counties have agreed to provide basic health care to people who are in the United States illegally. The decision was made Thursday by the governing panel of the County Medical Services Program, which pools resources of the mostly rural and sparsely populated counties to provide health services to the poor. The counties include Yolo, Sonoma and Marin in the north and Imperial near the southern border with Mexico. The program could begin next year, and several thousand people are expected to enroll. ``Frankly, it's just the right thing to do,'' Yolo County Supervisor Don Saylor told the Los Angeles Times (http://lat.ms/1dn5jUs). ``For us to have an underclass that is left out is unconscionable.'' Opening the low-cost health care program to immigrants is important to prevent communicable diseases from spreading and to reduce the costly practice of people using the emergency room for routine care, Saylor said. Immigrants who are in the state illegally now comprise the single biggest group of California's uninsured. They are ineligible for coverage under the federal Affordable Care Act or through the Covered California state health exchange. The decision means that 47 out of California's 58 counties _ including massive Los Angeles

County _ now have promised to provide low-cost medical care coverage to the eligible regardless of their immigration status. Several previously had barred immigrants from obtaining the services in 2009 during the recession. The vote of the County Medical Services Program's board means that people who don't qualify for other government-subsidized health care coverage can get doctor visits and about $1,000

changes are expected to cost $6 million to $9 million over the next two years. Although its budget was strained in the past, the County Medical Services Program currently has about $225 million in reserves, the Bee said. An estimated 2.7 million people are living in California illegally, and immigration has become a hot topic this year. On Wednesday, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a state

continued use of the centers, saying the facilities ``will allow for prompt removal of individuals who have not stated a claim for relief under our laws.'' Immigration attorneys and advocates said they were disappointed the federal government still believes the detention of immigrant families is necessary and expressed doubt the announced changes would result in the release of many families. ``I'm extremely disappointed the secretary just doesn't seem to get that family detention is wrong and is not necessary,'' said Laura Lichter, a Denver immigration attorney who has represented families held at the centers in Karnes City and Dilley. Johnson's announcement comes after a delegation of eight congressional Democrats visited the two detention facilities in Texas. Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, one of the members of Congress who visited the Karnes City facility, said the detention centers need to be closed. ``I continue to be deeply concerned that children in these facilities lack basic health and educational resources ... Detaining children puts them at risk of medical and developmental problems in the short term and later in life,'' Hoyer said in a statement. Some 130 House Democrats and 33 senators have called on the government to halt family detention, while a federal judge in California has tentatively ruled that the policy violates parts of an 18-year-

worth of prescription drugs, regardless of their immigration status, the Sacramento Bee reported (http://bit.ly/1JdlqQh). The board also approved other changes, including raising the income limit for eligibility. The

budget that expands state-subsidized Medi-Cal coverage to lowincome children regardless of their legal status beginning next May. The move could cost taxpayers up to $132 million annually once fully implemented. -AP

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Detaining children puts them at risk of medical and developmental problems in the short term and later in life,'' Hoyer said in a statement. lies to be freed. He said his organization had learned of cases in which bonds of $10,000 were being assigned, amounts which no immigrant at these facilities can pay. Republican Bob Goodlatte of Virginia, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, criticized the change in policy, saying it will only encourage more families to illegally enter the U.S.

158 Pak Hindus get Indian citizenship Cont'd from Page 44

Maria Ortiz, left, shown in 2013 in Brea, is a Mexican national living in the United States. Thirty-five counties in California will now offer health care coverage to immigrants in U.S. illegaly.

old court settlement that says immigrant children cannot be held in secure facilities. In a statement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the centers are ``an effective and humane alternative for maintaining family unity as families go through immigration proceedings or await return to their home countries.'' Jonathan Ryan, executive director of the San Antonio-based Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, or RAICES, said he doubted the new policy would translate into reasonable bond amounts allowing fami-

Government has also rolled out an online system for submission of LTV applications by eligible Pakistani nationals and for its processing by various agencies. The spokesman said the Pakistani nationals eligible for LTV can now submit the applications online and it will enable the applicants to track their applications and help in speedy processing. The manual system of submission of applications LTV will continue along with the online system for a period of three months but from August one, all applications for LTVs will be received and processed online. There are about 400 Pakistani Hindu refugee settlements in cit-

ies like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jaipur while most of the Hindu refugees from Bangladesh live in West Bengal and some in Northeastern states. There are around one lakh Hindu refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan in India, according to officials. Most Pakistani nationals belonging to the minority community come to India on a tourist visa only to claim refugee status. Seeking to stay back, they usually apply for citizenship or long term visas. As per data put out by the Union Home Ministry, 3,753 Pakistani nationals were given long-term visas over 2013 and 2014 (up to June 30) and 1,854 granted citizenship between 2011 and 2014. -PTI

Datebook

July 3, 2015

NEW JERSEY Upcoming

NEW YORK Upcoming

Sat, Jul 11 • Spectacular 30th Anniversary Celebrations

Thu, Jul 16

Venue: Newark Symphony Hall, 1030 Broad St., Newark, NJ 07102 Time: 9:00 am

Venue: Antun's, 244 W Old Country Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801 Time : 6:00 pm Contact: 732-277-6687

Sun, Jul 19 • Sau Saal Pehle- A Musical Journey Venue: Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, US Highway 1 S, Woodbridge Township, NJ 08830 Time : 3:00 pm Contact: 646-393-7931

Sun, Aug 2 • Nitin Mukesh live in concert New Jersey Venue: Sayreville War Memorial High School, 820 Washington Road, NJ 08859 Time: 5:30 pm Contact: 8482191079

• Chand Raat Mela and Concert

Sat, Jul 18 • Dhammal Comedy Of Father And Son Venue: Community Center Auditorium, 14309 Holly Ave, flushing, NY 11355 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 732-822-6163

Sat, Aug 1 • Om Entertainment - Nitin Mukesh Live In Concert Venue: Community Center Auditorium, 14309 Holly Ave, flushing, NY 11355 Time : 7:00 pm

India Post 47

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CHICAGO

Upcoming

Sun Jul 19 • Shreya Ghoshal Live In Bay Area Venue: City National Civic, 135 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95113 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 408-476-6118

Fri, Jul 24 • Kknc – Camping 2015 Venue: Little Basin Cabins, 21700 Little Basin Rd, Boulder Creek, CA 95006 Time: 4:00 pm

Fri, Jul 31 • Paatasala Telugu School registration Venue: Telugu Times, 68 S Abel St, Milpitas, CA 95035

Sun, Jul 16 • Desi Kids Star Entertainment Venue: Sunnyvale Hindu Temple Community Hall, 420 Persian Dr, Sunnyvale, CA 94089 Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 408-903-0578

Sun, Aug 9 • StarLight Dance & Fitness 2015 Venue: Mission city center for performing arts theater, 3250 Monroe St, Santa Clara, CA 95051 Time: 5:00 pm Contact: 408-799-1567

ATLANTA Upcoming

Time: 8:00 am

Sat, Aug 1 • Gujarati Comedy Play Pappa Avaj Hoi Che

Fri, Aug 7 • Festival of Globe: Festival of India and Parade with San Francisco Global Movie Fest

Venue: Gujarati Samaj Inc, 5331 Royalwood parkway Tucker, Atlanta, GA 30084 Time: 8:00 pm

Venue: Corner of Paseo Padre and Walnut

Fri, Aug 7 • ICHF Presents Arathi Dance Fest 2015

Ave., 39439 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 510-304-5619

Fri, Aug 7 • Iffer - Antakshiri & Karaoke Night Venue: Golden Peacock Banquets, 24989 Santa Clara St, Hayward, CA 94544 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 6509212846

Venue: Dallas City Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 2148838538

Mon, Aug 31 • MITHAS 2014 Membership Venue: Wong Auditorium, MIT, 70 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02142 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 857-205-9731

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

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Swami Ishatmananda • Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life Venue: Public Library-95th Street 3015 Cedar Glade Rd Naperville IL 60564 Time: 1st friday of every month 7-8 pm Contact: 630-637-0662

• India Eternal: From the Vedic Age to the Present Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 N. Main Street Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 630-655-8822

India Post

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July 3, 2015

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ood is near Truth, but is not yet Truth. After learning not to be disturbed by evil, we have to learn not to be made happy by good. We must find that we are beyond both evil and good; we must study their adjustment and see that they are both necessary. The idea of dualism is from the ancient Persians. Really good and evil are one and are in our own mind. When the mind is selfpoised, neither good nor bad affects it. Evil is the iron chain, good is the gold one; both are chains. Be free, and know once for all that there is no chain for you. Lay hold of the golden chain to loosen hold of the iron one; then throw both away. In our miseries and struggles the world seems to us a very dreadful place. But just as when we watch two puppies playing and biting we do not concern ourselves at all, realizing that it is only fun and that even a sharp nip now and then will do no actual harm, so all our struggles are but play in God's eyes. This world is all for play and only amuses God; nothing in it can make God angry We go through the world like a man pursued by a policeman and see the barest glimpses of the beauty of it. All this fear that pur-

sues us comes from believing in matter. Matter gets its whole existence from the presence of mind behind it. What we see is God percolating through Nature. Look at the 'ocean ' and not at the wave '; see no difference between ant and angel. Every worm is the brother of the Nazarene. How say one is greater and one less? Each is great, in his own place. We are in the sun and in the stars as much as here. Spirit is beyond space and time, and is

ever he desires. The spider is now only conscious of the spot where he is, but he will in time become conscious of the whole web. We are now conscious only where the body is, we can use only one brain; but when we reach ultraconsciousness, we know all, we can use all brains. Even now we can 'give the push' in consciousness, and it goes beyond and acts in the superconscious. We are striving 'to be' and

In time to come, Christs will be in numbers like bunches of grapes on a vine. Just as water in a kettle beginning to boil shows first one bubble then another, then more and more until all is in ebullition and passes out as steam. Buddha and Christ are the two biggest 'bubbles' the world has yet produced. Moses was a tiny bubble, greater and greater ones came. Sometime however, all will be bubbles and escape; but creation, ever new, will bring new water to

We are beyond both evil and good

It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society. Your belief in God is merely an escape from

The idea of dualism is from the ancient Per-

your monotonous, stupid

sians. Really good and evil are one and are

and cruel life. -J.Krishnamurti

in our own mind. When the mind is self-poised, Swami Vivekananda

neither good nor bad affects it.

everywhere. Every mouth praising the Lord is my mouth, every eye seeing is my eye. We are confined nowhere; we are not body, the universe is our body. We are magicians waving magic wands and creating scenes before us at will. We are the spider in his huge web, who can go on the varied strands whereso-

nothing more, without 'I' even,just pure crystal, reflecting ail, but ever the same. When that state is reached there is no more doing; the body becomes a mere mechanism, pure without care for it; it cannot become impure. Know you are the Infinite, then fear will die. Say ever, "I and my Father are one."

go through the process all over again. Excerpted from Inspired Talks By Swami Vivekananda; recorded by Miss S. E. Waldo at Thousand Island Park Jefferson County, New York on June 19th, 1895. The 113th death anniversary of Swami Vivekananda is being observed on July 4.

are awake in Presence. It is as if the Godly dimension of you, which is a silent and awakened Presence of love, acceptance and compassion, encounters and embraces the human dimension of you, which has been journeying through time and has had to endure all the pain of separation that is an inherent part of that journey

defeating, but actually, it is exactly what the ego wants. The energy of judgment keeps you bound within the world of the mind, where the ego is in control. The ego thrives on judgment, condemnation and rejection. It gets stronger in the face of such negative energy. But if the ego is embraced with

dinary, but that only occurs through grace. We must be willing to accept the present moment as ordinary, before the present moment will reveal its hidden treasures. And you must be willing to allow those extraordinary moments to pass, without trying to hold onto them, if you want to remain present and in the truth of life.

Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. -Stephen Hawking A fool thinks himself to be

LEONARD JACOBSON

s you become fully present, thoughts stop. But the ego exists within a framework of thought. If thoughts stop, the ego feels like it is disappearing. It feels like death to the ego. Do you think the ego is going to stand by and let you kill it off? Not likely! And even if you reassure the ego that it is not being annihilated, it will still not allow you to be present. The ego does not exist in the present moment, and so it is not in control when you are present. It is not in control until you think your way back into the world of the mind. And the ego has no intention of relinquishing control. After all, it has been in control since you were just a small child. A part of this process of awakening and becoming permanently established in presence is to come into right relationship with the ego, and with every aspect of whom you have become at the level of mind ego. No longer trying to change or fix yourself or get rid of anything, you enter into a deep and ongoing process of accepting, acknowledging, expressing and confessing every aspect of who you have become. This is only possible when you

Ego is not in control when you are present

wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. -William Shakespeare The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence. -Confucius

If you continue to condemn the human dimension of yourself, which is less than perfect, then

The old believe every-

who is the one condemning? It is not the awak-

thing, the middle-aged

ened Presence, for that dimension of you is completely without judgment. through time. If you continue to condemn the human dimension of yourself, which is less than perfect, then who is the one condemning? It is not the awakened Presence, for that dimension of you is completely without judgment. It is just a part of the ego, splitting off to condemn itself. It might sound somewhat self

love, acceptance and compassion, it has no defense to that. It does not know what to do. Eventually it will simply relax and surrender. There is no greater power than the power of love, which arises from Presence. It overcomes all resistance and aggression. Being present is ultimately quite ordinary. Occasionally it opens up and reveals the extraor-

suspect everything, the Leonard Jacobson

This approach will allow you to become more and more grounded in presence. You will keep deepening into presence. Until one day, you will declare, "It is accomplished. I am awake." Excerpted from leonardjacobson.com. Leonard Jacobson is spiritual teacher, mystic and healer based in Santa Cruz, California.

young know everything. -Oscar Wilde Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

sure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Pics Preeti Verma Lal

PREETI VERMA LAL

ave you ever heard of a festival where the devout plait guavas, grapes, hibiscus, carnation into a crown, wear them as a proud king would and then jump into wells and rivulets with coconuts and feni in hand? A festival where finery is shunned and the pious amble around in shorts and vests? A festival where the fave sweetmeat's name is a tonguetwister - the pataleo made of rice powder, jaggery, grated coconut steamed together in turmeric leaves. A day where merrymakers eat and drink in the wells. And do not be surprised if you find an entire musical band chest-deep in water breathing into the clarinets and beating the drums into a crescendo? If you are ever in Goa on June 24 and see hordes of men and women walking round with flower/fruit kopels (crown), you'll know it is the Sao Joao festival (the feast of St John). It was aboard Santa Monica boat that I first leapt in joy. Quite like St John, the Baptist, who leapt with joy in his mother Elizabeth's womb when Mother Mary came visiting. The jumping into wells is symbolic of St John's still-in-the-womb leap of joy. The saint jumped in the womb, the pious in wells. And the crown? That's to remind revelers of the crown of thorns that Jesus wore. The kopels also hark back to the old tradition of a newly-wed groom being wel-

comed into his in-laws house with a crown of flowers and fruits. This unique Goan festival is celebrated across the state but nothing beats the Sao Joao celebrations at Siolim. I joined the crowd gaping at the decked boats. On one boat a fiber-glass crocodile lay with his mouth agape. Another had peacocks and mushrooms atop an anthill while a papier mache girl in itsy-bitsy green dress was sprawled in a flower forest. Cardboard musical notes were swaying in the breeze and a mermaid was drowning in the muddy water. In Campal, I saw a bald man with roses covering his mowed scalp screaming Viva San Joao jumping into a dug pit filled with water. A young girl dangling in her boyfriend's arms was splashing water. A couple with Mr Awesome and Ms Awesome tees held hands. And a man dressed in red with a garden on his head. Literally. A crown of hibiscus. Palm leaves. Pink roses. White champa. Ornamental foliage draping his forehead. Suddenly, everyone leapt head first into the well. The crowd cheered. The

music grew louder. Camera shutters went berserk. During Sao Joao, piety melds with merriment. Flowers turn into crowns. Pineapples hang as chandeliers. And wells and rivulets double up as dance floors. Viva Sao Joao.

July 3, 2015

India Post 51 www.indiapost.com

Keep Yoga away from politics: Shilpa Shetty NEW DELHI: Actress Shilpa Shetty, an ardent follower of yoga, says the ancient Indian practice of staying fit should not be mixed with politics. The 40-year-old "Life In a Metro" star's comment came after many politicians called the International Yoga Day celebrations a political affair. "My relation with yoga is on a whole different level. It's very spiritual. If you want to change your lifestyle with yoga then it should be kept away from politics," Shilpa told reporters here. The actress was in the capital with husband Raj Kundra to launch celebrity-endorsed products of Best Deal TV exclusively on Amazon. Asked how frequently she does online shopping, "I am a big shopaholic unfortunately and my husband's credit card bill is the proof of that. I shop everything online including home decor stuff. I feel online shopping is best because it's very convenient and also gives an advantage of choosing from an array of products." The mother of one, who is busy

Shilpa Shetty

in parenting her three-year-old son Viaan Raj Kundra, is also planning to pen a book on health and nutrition to emphasize the importance of Indian food. "I really have been passionate about making people aware of nutrition because that is an important part of good health. If you are working out and not eating right then it's all futile. I also feel that people have forgotten how amazing the Indian food is to have good health," she said. Shilpa has so far no intentions of making a full-fledged comeback to the big screen after a small appearance at last year's Sunny Deol-Harman Baweja starrer "Dishkiyaoon", which was produced by her. "My son is my priority and I am a full-time homemaker and rest is part-time. I love being a mother and wife. I will do something on big screen when right time comes. But I will definitely do TV," she said. The actress, who participated in the "Celebrity Big Brother", judged dance reality show "Nach Baliye" in the past. -PTI

Custom build bikes express personality CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill.: Originally starting out of his garage 11 years ago, the man behind Barebones Chopper in Crystal Lake custom builds motorcycles to help riders express their individuality. Among his clients, owner Andrew Gordon has worked with a psychologist on his edgy alter ego, transforming the psychologist's motorcycle into a dark sequence of colors and numerous sharp points. A musician also met with Gordon about his three-wheeled motorcycle. After talking with the musician about his interests, Gordon turned his chopper into a bike that represented the Fender Stratocaster guitar the

musician liked to play. ``The motorcycle of your dreams should be a part of your personality,'' Gordon said. ``If it's

a part of your personality, it has to shine in such a way that it's what you want to portray.'' Cont'd on Page 53

Shah Rukh Khan is 23 years old

ollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is 23 years old on the silver screen. The actor who began his career from the small screen with serials like

'Fauji' and 'Circus', debuted in films with 'Deewana' which starred Divya Bharti and Rishi Kapoor. The blockbuster film hit screens on June 25, 1992 completing 23 years of its release. Shah Rukh's very first film won him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut and heralded his enriching journey in Bollywood making him one of the top stars of the industry. King Khan is among the most loved romantic heroes of Bollywood. His significant romantic film opposite Kajol 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' was honored at the IIFA Awards, 2015 held earlier this month. Aditya Chopra's directorial debut completed its 1000 weeks late last year and is still running at the Maratha

Mandir theatre in Mumbai. The paring of Shah Rukh and Kajol on the silver screen has always created magic. The on screen couple have appeared in super hits like 'Karan-Arjun', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham' and 'My Name Is Khan'. Shah Rukh and Kajol are once again paired in Rohit Shetty's 'Dilwale', the shooting for which is under progress. The film is slated to release on December 25. The actor also received much appreciation for portraying characters with grey shades in 'Baazigar' and 'Darr'. He is also good at comic roles which was evident in his films 'Chamatkar' 'Duplicate', 'Baadshah' 'Chennai Express' and others. Fans of the actor marked his

achievements in the industry on Twitter with the hashtag #23GoldenYearsOfSRK. The 'Baadshah' of Bollywood will be seen in upcoming movies 'Dilwale', 'Fan' and 'Raees'.-PTI

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NBA entry will give many Indians hope: Satnam NEW DELHI: On cloud nine after becoming the first Indian to make the NBA draft for Dallas Mavericks, Satnam Singh Bhamra says his entry will open the doors for more Indians to play basketball at the highest level in America. Having represented the national team, Satnam moved to Florida for training before making his presence felt in the NBA circuit. The 19-year-old sensation believes that many hoopsters can take a leaf out of his book to dream big. "The feeling is of course unreal but it has happened and I feel that my entry will certainly open the doors for many aspiring basketballers in India to dream big," said an elated Satnam to a host of Indian journalists on conference call from the US. "At least there is somebody with whom the youngsters back home can identify, somebody who is playing in the NBA. Now a road has opened up for them from which they can come up "The game will certainly grow in India in the coming years. You see the popularity of cricket now but in future basketball will also be popular back home," he added. Hailing from a small village called 'Ballo Ke' near Ludhiana, the

7 feet 2 inches player has made it to the home of basketball in the world and Satnam admitted that there was lot of anxiety before the result of the draft came in. Satnam was picked in the 52nd draft and second list of the NBA. "Forget about sleep, I haven't even eaten anything because of the anxiety. There were no nerves as such but just that feeling that I should make it into the draft. I was certainly hopeful after coming this far but there is always a big if. But by the grace of God I have realized my dream," he said with a big laugh. Coming from a farmer's family, Satnam came to the US in September 2010 as part of a scholarship program between IMG and Reliance. The 110 kg player thanked his family and his first guide for making his dream a reality. "I haven't been able to call home but I will certainly get connected via skype. I can never forget about the prayers and sacrifices of my mother, who is instrumental in me getting here. "My sister also went to the gurudwara and prayed a lot for me. I can't also thank enough Dr. Subramaniam, my first coach, who believed in me and always encouraged me to chase my dreams

Satnam Singh Bhamra 7 feet 2 inches

and achieve my goals." "He had a dream that any one of his ward should play in the NBA and his dream has been realized. I am missing him a lot at this moment," said an emotional Satnam. The towering youngster has been training in Florida for the last five years along with players of 39 countries on an initiative of US-based IMG Reliance Academy. Satnam also praised the efforts of his academy coaches Kenny Natt and Daniel J Barto for helping the raw talent emerge as a polished player. "It was Daniel who has worked with me since the last five years. He was instrumental in getting me to the US, rather he facilitated my trip to the land of opportunities. He helped me a lot in honing my skills and getting my nuances in place," said Satnam. "Kenny told me to focus before the draft night and told me to believe in myself. So I thank all the coaches and players that I have coached under and played with all through my career so far," he said. Looking up to Kobe Bryant as his favorite NBA star, Satnam also looks forward to rubbing shoulders with the best in the

business, especially German veteran Dirk Nowitzki, who is part of the Dallas squad. "My favorite NBA player is Kobe Bryant for sure. And I would love to play with the best of the best. It will definitely be a learning experience and I would certainly look to pick a few things from Dirk Nowitzki," he said. Canada-born Sim Bhullar became the first Indian origin player to play in NBA when he briefly featured for the Sacremento Kings this season and Satnam admits to have had a word with the Punjabi-speaking hoopster. "Yes, I have had a chat with Sim Bhullar, we chatted in Punjabi and he gave me confidence to make it to the NBA draft," said Satnam on being asked about getting in touch with Bhullar. Rising up the ladder, Satnam, who is still comfortable in Punjabi, can now converse in English with some ease and the humble player admits that picking up the Queen's language was not easy. "Yes, now I can speak and understand English well. There is a bit of a problem when somebody speaks fast, but otherwise I have come to term with the language. It is no more a barrier for me," he said.-PTI

Merging of East-West at Paris menswear show PARIS: Art, fashion and exotic travel merged in the energetic installment of Paris' spring-summer 2016 menswear shows. And fashion week's necessary dose of controversy was found in the form of an unauthorized political protest at Rick Owens. Here are the highlights, including show reports from Louis Vuitton, Owens and Issey Miyake. LOUIS VUITTON MERGES CULTURES Louis Vuitton seems to have clocked up the most air miles this season, and not just because of its jet set front row - Kanye West, Joe Jonas, Marianne Faithful and Zayn Malik. Designer Kim Jones traveled around the world in his indigo-rich show, merging styles as diverse Thai tribal dress, South East Asian national costumes, American Ivy League prep and U.S. baseball. ``Now, the world traveler picks things up wherever he goes and makes them his own,'' Jones said. The fashion house paid real attention to details. A satin sweatshirt featured Asiatic embroidered cranes, track pants and box-

ers came in embroidered silk, highwaisted `50s pants were made from blue-gray mohair and silk, and sun-dried Kobi leathers were cut to the shape of American flight jackets. This merging of East-meetsWest was a shimmering, silky success. MODEL MAKES PROTEST A male model known as Jera created an protest midway through Rick Owens' show, holding up a confusing handwritten banner on a white piece of canvass that read: ``Please Kill Angela Merkel - Not.'' Some fashion insiders gasped and others laughed loudly at the impromptu display - with many scratching their heads as to whether it had some link to the Greek debt negotiations. Later, Owens labeled the model ``crazy'' and told media that he punched the model backstage for making the unauthorized political statement. The condition of the model is not known. The fashion house distanced itself from the protester in a statement: ``the act of protest by a

model at the Spring Summer 2016 show... was an independent statement and does not reflect the opinion of the house of Rick Owens.'' MAKE CLOTHES, NOT WAR Designer Rick Owens made a statement against war, and in the process, produced a stellar spring-

Taking studded jackets with plackets from the days of the Vietnam War, the U.S. designer created aggressive-looking slim fitting jerkins in distressed gray-and-black with white trim that were paired with black military boots and bare legs. The collection, Owens said, was about ``rebellion, countercul-

A model wears a creation for Louis Vuitton's men Spring-Summer 2016 fashion collection presented in Paris, France.

summer show that subverted U.S. military collars with his signature dash of madness.

ture and the anti-war protest.'' The hippie, anti-war protester was referenced with huge messy

wigs in green, orange and white that enveloped models' heads. Was he trying to suggest tunnel vision? Whatever the meaning, it produced some great looks _ like long, sheer sleeveless tops made from transparent, waxed leather. The collection finished in signature flamboyance in a series of ``turbodraped'' toga tops, one with a huge gold flash. HOMAGE TO POP ICONS Van Noten became a fly on the wall of an imaginary chat between Salvador Dali and actress Marilyn Monroe for his collection - incorporating references from the Spanish artist, the blond bombshell, as well as icons associated with them. Monroe's face appeared on printed silk shirts, with her famed red lips figuratively fluttering around bomber jackets, wide satin pajamas and sheer silk shirts. Dali's surrealist leitmotif, the beetle, meanwhile, was seen on broaches. And his famed lobster a collaboration with couturier Elsa Schiaparelli - was reimagined in embroideries and prints. Cont'd on Page 52

July 3, 2015

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Re-inventing Khadi, the independent label way NEW DELHI: Khadi is attracting small upcoming fashion labels who are exploring possibilities to reinvent the intricate handspun fabric and keep it relevant in an industry driven by experimentation. With chic silhouettes and eyecatching designs, the appeal of the natural fabric, which now comes in a variety of beautiful colors, has seen an upsurge, say designers. "It isn't too difficult to establish Khadi in niche and more expensive markets. However, the story is different for when it comes to cost-effective markets," says Astha Vashisth, founder and designer at Delhi-based Fayakun Design Studios. Vashisht has made it her business to re-invent woolen khadi from the valley of Ladakh and retail it in refreshingly different silhouettes in colors that range from natural indigos and breezy whites. The store provides interesting combinations of reds and mustard as well. Given the predominantly hot climate, Khadi is the perfect fabric for the country. The Cotton Rack, a newly founded Jaipur-based women's wear label, has decided to retain the organic appeal of the fabric and produce garments that blends comfort, style and detailing. The brand's founder Vinayak Sharma, alumni of NIFT says he wants to create khadi wear whose designs are as attractive as those from multi-national brands. Laila Tyabji, founder of Dastkar, a Delhi-based NGO for craft says, "In my view Khadi ticks all the

buttons as the global consumer becomes increasingly conscious of eco-friendly fabrics that have a low carbon footprint, are low cost, low maintenance, and handmade from natural materials that can breathe." The new face of khadi has introduced itself in a wide range from traditional kurtas in unique color

Mukherjee, Gaurang Shah showcase a wide vibrant range from bridal collections in khadi to traditional sarees with work of jamdani, zari and gota-patti among many more. "Thanks to the eminent designers, Khadi has become popular not worldwide. Fluidity of the fabric helps me work with Khadi," said

combinations such as shades of maroon with mustard and black, navy blue with shades of yellow and lively colors of turquoise, pink and orange to the modern pin-tuck crop tops paired over sleeveless top, peplum tops, palazzos and shorts. Noted names in the fashion industry Ritu Kumar, Sabyasachi

Priyanjoli Basu, Founder of the 2012 label Priyanjoli. Priyanjoli specializes in making Khadi Western garments like skirts, shirts, pants among others. The founder of the 2001 (check) label "GAURANG" which works on personifying elegance and captivating the beauty of traditional handlooms and weaves, Gaurang

Custom build bikes express personality Cont'd from Page 51

With that guiding principle in mind, Gordon recently moved his business into a new location along Erick Street in Crystal Lake that includes a shop and storefront - a 1,600-square-foot space that allows him to continue building custom motorcycles from scratch. Nearly 600 people helped Gordon open the new location during an hours-long open house May 9 that featured live music, vendors, motorcycles and cars. Along with custom-built motorcycles, Gordon also does specialty repairs and plans to sell merchandise inside the new store. Gordon also has seen demand for his services grow throughout

the past year, as a niche motorcycle market continues to grow in a post-recession economy. The recent changes to his business come after Gordon started tailoring motorcycles out of his garage near Crystal Lake 11 years

ago. He moved the operation to the Wonder Lake area before moving it back to Crystal Lake. For years, Gordon worked as a

project manager in the construction trades, but the work slowly became routine and mundane, Gordon said. He branched into the motorcycle business, as a creative outlet. He now finds himself meeting with prospective customers, talking over their interests, designing and building motorcycles to their individual interests. The work, he said, challenges him to overcome problems and tap into his artistic side. ``I custom-make or tailor-make what they want. It's no different than tailoring a suit,'' Gordon said. ``I'm creating that look, that style, that effect, that personality that reflects it to have their custom-made motorcycle from scratch.'' -AP

Shah, feels very happy with the rise of khadi in various products and forms. He says, "What is even more delightful is the varied twists we brought into khadi like reducing the count from 100 to 80 and giving it different colors and textures to enhance its look and appeal, has gone very well with the fashion consumers." Talking about khadi as predominantly a white collection, he says designers and their weavers undertake various challenges to create myriad hues of khadi. 'Gaurang' has come out with khadi saris in purple and deep red. Some of his garments like offshoulder flowy dresses with anarkali cuts, layered tunics and short tops teamed up with dhotistyle pants and the khadi jumpsuit with floral patterns have been showcased at international shows like Berlin Lavera Eco Fashion show. "I designed a tree with branches, flowers and butterflies, woven along the length of the sari. A sari of this kind takes six months to weave," says the Hyderabad-based designer. New innovations like these in recent years has helped put khadi among the most sought after piece for fashion shoppers. Weavers need to be motivated continuously in order to have new intricate patterns in khadi that excites the craftsmen as well as consumers. We have introduced the dull looking khadi with flowers, leaves and birds in varying tonal quality, with the colors gradually moving from pastels to darker tones through the breadth of the sari. The threeshuttle technique that we used

also helped get different colors in each border." Shah adds. Khadi has evolved from being a coarse fabric to a fashion forward textile that everyone is embracing. The finer finesse of the fabric has made future of Khadi as a more approachable, fashionable and durable fabric amongst the youth. Rameshwari Kaul, co-founder of Cotton Rack, believes that Khadi is not a fabric but an ideology. "Khadi requires patience and persistence to be made into a fine quality garment. The product requires you to sit with the weavers and work with them in order to get optimum designs and results," she says. Khadi saw 125 per cent in sales after an appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote the handwoven fabric by purchasing at least one khadi product. The government also took initiatives by organizing Khadi Paridhan Utsav at Delhi University's colleges in order to connect youth with Khadi. Industry insiders have pointed out the need for marketing khadi in a better way. Keeping the marketing needs in mind, the KVIC had first introduced a new range of trousers, jackets, and tops and recently launched a new range of khadi denim products that are claimed to be better in quality and comfort than the other denim products. Citing examples of the success of organic fabrics like Malkha, Ssaha, BMKS, EcoTussar, and many others Tyabji points out that the time was right to promote khadi through new design and promotion strategies.-PTI

Merging of East-West at Paris menswear show Cont'd from Page 52

Schiaparelli's oncegroundbreaking leopard print also graced loosely hanging Dandy coats - twinned with often belted high-waisted pants. While the collection would be a delight for Monroe fans, since her face is so ubiquitous, the designs felt sometimes like we'd seen them all before. URBAN AGAINST NATURE In the tropical gardens of the Quai Branly museum in Paris, Issey Miyake ventured on a brightly colored exploration of the collision between nature and urban life.

Prints, inspired by Japanese photographer Yoshinori Mizutani, captured the wild parrots that can be seen on Tokyo's streets. They were vibrant features on slim Jacquard suits, or cut up into strips in loose knit sweaters. Then the spring-summer designs evoked the color-blocking of late Mexican architect Luis Barragan, famed for his vibrant square designs. It produced some of the show's best and boldest looks _ bright yellow socks and a voluminous blue truncated apron. The designer hit only one discordant note: his tight cotton neckties appeared contrived and didn't quite gel with the styles. -AP

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What is the Afghan Taliban up to?

n 22 June, the Afghan Taliban claimed a suicide bombing attack by seven militants on the Afghan parliament that killed two and injured several. The attack, dramatic even for Afghanistan standards, took place as the Wolesi Jirga was about to finalize Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's nominee Mohammed Stanekzai as the Afghan Defense Minister - an office that had remained vacant for nine months. The Afghan Taliban have become stronger over the past year and more so in 2015. Their 2015 spring offensive, Azm, is their deadliest operation since 2001. Over the past few weeks, the attacks have intensified, with offensives taking place all over the country, especially in the northern and southern provinces. In fact, despite stiff resistance from the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), the Afghan Taliban managed to capture two districts - Dasht-e-Archi and

Taliban is worried about the IS' impact on the splinter groups within the Taliban ranks. There currently exists a schism in the Taliban leadership ranks visà-vis loyalties and levels of hardline. Now the Afghan Taliban feels the pressure to remain relevant in Afghanistan in the face of the IS's steady gains in terms of 'achievements' and support base. Therefore, they are trying to 'prove their worth' to gain supporters by leveling-up to and/or outdoing their competitors. This explains their rush and unceasing effort to make territorial gains especially in the north, given the IS's potential for entry via the northern borders. Since April, the Afghan Taliban has been simultaneously operating on two contradictory fronts: talking peace with various government officials in various parts of the world, and carrying out one of the most elaborate offensives in the country. It is possible that the Afghan

There currently exists a schism in the Taliban leadership ranks vis-à-vis loyalties and levels of hardline. Now the Afghan Taliban feels the pressure to remain relevant in Afghanistan in the face of the IS's steady gains in terms of 'achievements' and support base. Therefore, they are trying to 'prove their worth' to gain supporters by leveling-up to and/or outdoing their competitors Chardara - in Kunduz Province last week. Furthermore, they are operating on all platforms to boost public support. The Afghan Taliban announced the launch of a 24-hour hotline and e-mail addresses for Afghan government officials willing to defect to them. Their attacks between JanuaryApril 2015 have claimed over approximately 1000 civilian lives - a sharp rise as compared to the same period in 2014. The insurgents have also ignored the religious scholars' council's call for ceasefire during the ongoing holy month of Ramzan. Reportedly, the Afghan Taliban held talks with Iranian officials to seek support against the Islamic State (IS) in mid-June. Although the Iranian Ambassador to Afghanistan refuted these reports and stated that Tehran supports the government in Kabul, the incident indicates that the Afghan

India Post

RAJESHWARI KRISHNAMURTHY

Taliban want to ensure that they have Kabul's attention when the government is weak in order to prevent any other group from capitalizing on the weakness. They have already met officials in China, Qatar and Norway in the past two months. There have been some positive developments such as the Taliban's change of stance on women's right to education and employment, and even hints at power-sharing. While this does sound exciting and if true, could be a huge shift, all this is just rhetoric at this point. Delivery on these statements is still pending. In fact, despite several rounds of talks in 2015, the Taliban have not demonstrated any intent to end or reduce hostilities - even as the next date for their negotiations with the Afghan government, scheduled to take place post Ramzan in July, inches closer.

The 22 June attack on the Afghan parliament was them signaling that they are capable of striking anywhere at their any time of their choosing. Current priorities There is a question of whether the Afghan Taliban is entirely on board the idea of Pakistan playing mediator, or them being viewed as Pakistani proxy fighters. The Afghan Taliban, unlike the IS or other groups, have characteristically been more nationalistic in nature. For the most part, their ambitions are limited to Afghan territories only. The Afghan Taliban do not want to be negotiated with via Pakistan alone. They seek direct access to the Chinese leadership as well as to the US leadership. China is being cautious vis-à-vis directly engaging with the Taliban. If this continues, when the US leaves Afghanistan, the Afghan Taliban would be left with nobody but Pakistan to be negotiated with via. This is the opposite of what the insurgents seek right now. What do they seek? They cannot be seen negotiating with President Ghani because they have refused to recognize his presidency. But they have been passing messages for talks via Afghan representatives they meet. The Afghan Taliban wants the US to be part of the negotiations and this is evident in their insistence that their Doha office be reopened. They also seek to negotiate with the Afghan government, albeit via interlocution by the US, China and Pakistan; but they also need to find a 'legitimate' authority to negotiate with. The US must [emphasis added] talk to the Taliban now [emphasis added], especially when regional countries are aligning themselves. And the ANSF will need to make gains on the ground for Kabul to be in a position to make demands. The current state of indecisiveness and running in circles will prove counter-productive for any positive movement towards end or reduction of hostilities. In the meanwhile, the political uncertainty vis-à-vis - and absence of clarity within - the Kabul government is being thoroughly exploited by the insurgents; and this only implies ominous times for the immediate future. The writer is Research Officer, IPCS

Media management

nglish media has focussed more on the negatives of the Narendra Modi government, in fact blowing up issues of no consequence just to be able to malign Modi. The media's grouse against Modi is that he has ignored it. In fact he has open contempt for it. He has given no media interviews. Media people are not invited to many of his important meetings. And when he has to talk to the India people, he does it through the Man ki Baat radio program. What he says to the people gets reported differently by the English media and the vernacular media. In his latest Man ki Baat he talked mainly about empowering of women. He urged countrymen to gift insurance policies to women by Raksha Bandhan day on August 29. He asked fathers to post selfies with daughters on Twitter. And he promised to retweet best taglines for 'Beti bachao, beti padhao' scheme. While the Hindi media put emphasis on the issues that Modi raised, the English media highlighted the issues that Modi did not touch upon. It went on complaining that he did not talk about Lalit Modi, the former IPL cricket administrator now in self-exile and his alleged relations with top BJP functionaries. The Congress party of the previous government was involved in numberless corruption scams because of which it lost the people's mandate. Now it is necessary for its own survival to pick up and blow up alleged scams in the Modi government. The Haryana government has begun an inquiry into the land grab by Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law, Robert Vadra. To turn focus away from the Gandhi family's misdoings, it must badger on about alleged corruption in the Modi government. It is interesting to see that the English media is playing handmaiden for the Congress designs. So much so that the positive creative initiatives being taken by the government are ignored, not reported or given less importance by pushing them to inside pages. Let us take a look at the last week alone. The Modi government launched the smart cities project. It was put on inside pages by the English media. A ranking of destinations for attractiveness to foreign investors has placed India at the top among 110 countries. Daniel Altman, creator of the Baseline Profitability Index (BPI) and an Adjunct Professor at New York University's Stern School of Business, wrote in the Foreign Policy magazine "Where exactly should they [investors] put their money? … Narendra Modi's India is the place to start." State Department Spokesperson while supporting Modi's probusiness reforms, including his commitment to fighting corruption and improving India's position in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business report, confessed "these are initiatives that clearly take time to implement." Moody's Investors Service said India's economic growth prospects are relatively optimistic - in line with Moody's baseline scenario of economic expansion of 7.5 per cent. A top official of European major Airbus while meeting PM Modi, expressed keen interest in participating in 'Make in India' program in the area of defence and space. E-visas is another area in which the Modi government has exceeded expectations by granting it even to citizens of China. All this has not been highlighted in the English press. What it has gone on hammer and tongs is about Lalit Modi and how this alleged absconder was helped by some BJP high functionaries. Tavleen Singh says in her Indian Express column that Modi is the only major world leader who does not have an official media secretary, "leave alone a full team to deal with more than 400 hungry news channels and a vast array of aggressive newspapers." And he has paid a heavy price because there is no clear line to follow and BJP functionaries are speaking in so many voices. And the irony is that there is no scandal. Lalit Modi may have broken some rules but he is no criminal.

July 3, 2015

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July 3, 2015