IndiaPost_07-06-2012 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Hindu Studies Chair set up at So Cal Varsity Details on page 18

USIBC launches coalition for jobs and growth

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

VOL 17, No. 929

July 06, 2012

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PRANAB, SANGMA IN DIRECT CONTEST Prez poll results on July 22

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Kasab shocked to hear about Jundal's arrest Details on page 9

Indian MPs attend crash course at Yale Details on page 6

Rockefeller honor for Ratan Tata

US court absolves Union Carbide of liability

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Stowaways suspected in container ship

24 arrested in 7 countries in credit card scam

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Indian wanted in murder found dead Details on page 7

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

Can Sangma win the Presidential poll? Last week’s result

Manmohan Singh earns more respect abroad than at home? YES 76%

Abu Jundal

NO 24

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25

MAKINGS OF THE 13TH PRESIDENT OF INDIA: UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee and NDA alliance candidate P.A Sangma filing their nomination papers for the Presidential Election in New Delhi on June 28.

Classifieds ------------------------- 48 Community Post -------------- 11-21 Date Book -------------------------- 47

"I only wish at this time that we have the blessing of god and cooperation of all at this juncture," Mukherjee told reporters. He thanked the Janata Dal-United (JD-U), Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and the Shiv Sena for their support. "I was fortunate, honored and humbled to be nominated by UPA. The nomination was endorsed by a large number of political parties. I seek support of all those, including Trinamool, who have not yet decided," Mukherjee said.

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Edit Page --------------------------- 50 HealthScience Post --------- 34-37 Horoscope ------------------------- 28 Immigration Post ------------- 38-41 Life Style ----------------------- 36-37 Perspective ------------------------ 46 Philosophy ------------------------- 49 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 22-23 TechBiz Post ------------------- 42-45 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

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Publisher’s Diary

ven as I write this, the US Supreme Court is debating the constitutionality of what essentially is the highlight of President Obama's first term - the health care law. So over the last three years we've heard everything there is to know about this law - although perhaps less of what is good about it than why it is bad, from those opposed to it. While I do have a sinking feeling that the Supreme Court is going to lay to waste three years of concerted efforts of the Obama Administration by ruling the law unconstitutional, there is hope that the law might survive long enough to help Americans to actually start seeing its benefits. In the law's favor - forget that it makes medical insurance accessible for 30 million more Americans, keeps at least 3 million youth covered by their parents' insurance and makes prescription drugs cheaper for senior citizens - it requires insurance companies to spend at least 80% of consumers' premium dollars on medical care and quality improvement; and the remaining 20% on administrative costs. This law makes it mandatory for insurers to notify customers how much of their premiums have been actually spent on medical care and quality improvement. Now if this does not make the megalithic money guzzlers transparent, I don't know what will. I really don't understand who it is that are opposed to this law - is it the 30 million Americans who will now be compelled to pay their fair share for medical care by buying insurance, or is it the rest of the 200 million odd Americans who already have some form of insurance and not be affected in any way the new law? While all of this may be so, what is most distressing is the possibility that the entire exercise will be laid to waste anyway if Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney wins the race to the White House. The first job he has promised to fulfill is to scrap the healthcare law. Politics being the way they are, benefits of any law seem to increasingly benefit politicians and big companies and not the common man.

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Chopra khandaan The Chopra chick is ecstatic with her cousins making an entry into the world of glamour and supports them fully.

Cover Story: Presidential contest UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee and his rival Purno Sangma have filed their nominations for the Presidential contest.

Community: Hindu Women's meet The first ever "Hindu Women's Network" Conference was convened at "New Dorp High School" in Staten Island, N.Y.

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Life Style: 20-year old Shahrukh Khan has completed 20 glorious years in Bollywood doing the only thing he knows to do - entertain people.

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Travel: Bastar This land is richly endowed with minerals and forest resources. It has the largest strength of tribes anywhere in the world.

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Pranab, Sangma in direct contest Prez poll results on July 22

(L to R) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA government chairperson and Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi, and presidential nominee Pranab Mukherjee pose for photographers after Mukherjee filed his nomination papers for the July 19 Presidential Elections

NEW DELHI: The race to elect India's 13th president formally began on June 28 with both UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee and his rival Purno Sangma filing their nominations for the July 19 contest. The result will be out July 22. While Mukherjee sought the "blessing of god and cooperation of all" to get elected, Sangma termed his candidature "a victory of tribal unity." Both Mukherjee and Sangma expressed the hope that the mercurial Mamata Banerjee would rally on their side. While opposed to Mukherjee, Banerjee has still not supported Sangma. "I only wish at this time that we have the blessing of god and cooperation of all at this juncture," Mukherjee told reporters. He thanked the Janata DalUnited (JD-U), Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and the Shiv Sena for their support. "I was fortunate, honored and humbled to be nominated by UPA. The nomination was endorsed by a large number of political parties. I seek support of all those, including Trinamool, who have not yet decided," Mukherjee said. He clarified that it was the 14th presidential election to elect the 13th president of the country as the first president, Rajendra Prasad, was elected twice to the country's highest office. The nominations became an

opportunity for the ruling United Progressive Alliance and the opposition to show their strength. Mukherjee was accompanied by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, party general secretary Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal's Lalu Prasad, Rashtriya Lok Dal's Ajit Singh, Lok Janshakti Party's Ram Vilas Paswan, National Conference's Farooq Abdullah, Indian Union Muslim League's E. Ahmed and senior DMK leaders. Supporting Sangma, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, BJP president Nitin Gadkari and party leaders L.K. Advani, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley were present during his nomination.

India's main opposition Bharat Janata Party (BJP) led-National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Presidential candidate, P A Sangma (C) addresses the media as India's main opposition leader and senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj (R) and BJP president Nitin Gadkari (L) look on

"Today is a victory of tribal unity, that a tribal is filing his nomination for the post of president," Sangma said ahead of submitting his papers. Sangma clarified he was a

"I am very happy to get the support of such political parties from tribal to that of northeast. It is insignificant where I am coming from," said Sangma after filing his nomination.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We sought an appointment to meet Congress president (Sonia Gandhi). We were asked to wait in the Central Hall (of parliament) consecutively for three days. But we could not get an appointment.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Before filing his nomination, Sangma added a bit of color to his campaign by joining a group of tribal dancers candidate sponsored by the Tribal Forum of India, nominated by the chief ministers of Odisha and Tamil Nadu and backed by BJP and other NDA allies.

Sangma lamented that the Congress did not welcome the candidature of a tribal for the post of president despite the community having stood by the party.

"We wanted to express that tribals in India have all along stood by the Congress. We had expected Congress would welcome our request. However, the Congress did not come out in support of tribals," he said. "We sought an appointment to meet Congress president (Sonia Gandhi). We were asked to wait in the Central Hall (of parliament) consecutively for three days. But we could not get an appointment." Before filing his nomination, Sangma added a bit of color to his campaign by joining a group of tribal dancers who performed at the Constitution Club and played the drums to express their happiness. Rajya Sabha secretary general V.K. Agnihotri is the returning officer for the July 19 presidential poll, in which the UPA nominee appears to have an edge over Sangma.-Agencies

PM keeps Finance portfolio with himself NEW DELHI: As Pranab Mukherjee resigned to contest the Presidential poll, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has taken charge of the Finance Ministry portfolio at a time when the country's economy is going through a bad phase. Singh, a renowned economist,

will be assisted by two Ministers of State - S S Palanimanickam and Namo Narain Meena. Singh is taking charge of the ministry at a time when the country's growth rate has slowed down, slipping to a nine-year low of 6.5 per cent and current account deficit (CAD) touching a high of

4 per cent. Besides, Rupee has reached a historic low of 57.97 against a dollar, providing another direct challenge for the Prime Minister. Singh already holds portfolios of Atomic Energy, Space, Planning, and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.

In another decision, Science and Technology Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has been given the additional charge of Small, Micro and Medium Industries after Virbhadra Singh resigned in the wake of corruption charges against him. -PTI

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Indian MPs attend crash course at Yale Univ WASHINGTON: A group of Indian MPs underwent a crash course at the prestigious Yale University of the US, which was specially tailored for them incorporating issues like global economic governance, counter-insurgency efforts in Afghanistan and political developments in the Middle East. During the six-day course on the university campus, the 11member Parliamentary delegation headed by BJD's Baijayant "Jay" Panda participated in discussions with Yale faculty on global economic governance, US economy, corruption in government, counter-insurgency efforts in Afghanistan, Iran's nuclear program and political and economic developments in China. Other topics that dominated the discussions were political developments in the Arab world, US Presidential polls, economic and political crises in Eurozone and

higher education in India. There were also sessions on challenges of leadership, strategy, negotiation and applied game theory. The India-Yale Parliamentary

During the six-day course on the university campus, the 11member Parliamentary delegation headed by BJD's Baijayant "Jay" Panda participated in discussions with Yale faculty on global Leadership Program was launched in 2007. In total, more than 70 members of India's Parliament will have participated since it was created.

After completing the course which was organized by the university in collaboration with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the India-US Forum of Parliamentarians, the MPs arrived here and met Deputy Secretary of State William Burns, former US Ambassador Tim Roemer and ex-top American diplomat John Negroponte. "I see a dramatic" change in mood in the US against Pakistan, Panda, Chairman of the India-US Forum of Parliamentarians, said following the day-long meetings with government officials and think tanks here. "In the US there are lawmakers who are no longer willing to be as tolerant as the US has been in the past," he said. The delegation is scheduled to meet lawmakers, and hold meetings at Pentagon and White House.

Burns, according to a State Department spokesperson, underscored the importance of the USIndia bilateral relationship and discussed successful outcomes

‘I see a dramatic" change in mood in the US against Pakistan, Panda, Chairman of the India-US Forum of Parliamentarians, said following the day-long meetings with government officials and think from the recent US-India Strategic Dialogue. "He reiterated the continuing and growing importance of IndiaUS relations," Panda said.

During the meetings with the US officials, "there were concerns in many ways that the reform process in India has really slowed down a lot," said Dinesh Trivedi of Trinamool. Speaking in his "personal capacity", Trivedi noted that India needs to reform to give jobs and India is potentially placed to become the engine of growth for the world. In many cases, he said, India has lost a lot of time. Among other members of the delegation are Birendra Prasad Baishya (Asom Gana Parishad), Thomas Sangma (Nationalist Congress Party), Madhu Goud Yaskhi (Congress), Shivkumar Udasi (BJP), Manicka Tagore (Congress), Ajoy Kumar (Jharkhand Vikaas Morcha Party), Mukut Mithi (Congress) Vandana Chavan (Nationalist Congress Party) and Kamlesh Paswan from BJP. -PTI

US court absolves Union Carbide 24 arrested in 7 countries in credit card scam of liability in Bhopal tragedy NEW YORK: In a setback to 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy victims, a US court has held that neither Union Carbide nor its former chairman Warren Anderson were liable for environmental remediation or pollution-related claims at the firm's former chemical plant in Bhopal. US District Judge John Keena in Manhattan dismissed a lawsuit accusing the company of causing soil and water pollution around the Bhopal plant due to the disaster, and ruled that Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) and Anderson were not liable for remediation or pollution-related claims. The court ruled that it was Union Carbide India Ltd, and not its parent company UCC that was responsible for the generation and disposal of the waste that polluted drinking water, and the liability rests with the state government. Plaintiffs Janki Bai Sahu and others had alleged that "toxic sub-

tial communities surrounding the former Bhopal Plant site". They alleged that exposure to soil and drinking water polluted by hazardous waste produced Union Carbine India Ltd caused injuries. "The summary judgment record certainly indicates that UCIL consulted with ‘Moreover, there is no evidence UCC about its in this extensive record indicating waste disthat UCIL manufactured pesticides posal plans and on nonon UCC's behalf, entered into environmental business contracts or other business matter like its dealings on UCC's’behalf’ strategic plan. However, stances seeped into a ground nothing in the evidence suggests aquifer, polluting the soil and the necessity of UCC's approval drinking water supply in residen- for the actions about which plain-

tiffs complain," the court said in its order. "Moreover, there is no evidence in this extensive record indicating that UCIL manufactured pesticides on UCC's behalf, entered into contracts or other business dealings on UCC's behalf, or otherwise acted in UCC's name," it said. The industrial accident, the worst in Indian history, led to the leak of poisonous methyl isocyanate, claiming thousands of lives in the Madhya Pradesh capital. In his written opinion, Judge Keenan concluded that - even when viewing the evidence in the most favorable light for the plaintiffs - UCC is not directly liable, nor liable as an agent of UCIL, nor liable under a veil-piercing analysis.-PTI

NEW YORK: At least 24 people must be increasingly global and have been arrested in seven coun- forceful," Bharara said. tries, including the US and Ger"The coordinated law enforcemany, for running one of the larg- ment actions taken by an unprecest cyber crimes in which they edented number of countries used the Internet to exploit stolen around the world today demoncredit card and other personal in- strate that hackers and fraudsters formation of hundreds of thou- cannot count on being able to sands of victims globally. prowl the Internet in anonymity India-born US Attorney for the and with impunity, even across Southern District of New York Preet national boundaries. Bharara said while 11 individuals "Clever computer criminals were arrested in the US, another operating behind the supposed 13 were arrested in the UK, Bosnia, veil of the Internet are still subBulgaria, Norway and Germany in ject to the long arm of the law," the largest coordinated interna- Bharara said. tional law enforcement action in history directed at the "carding" Those arrested in the US are crimes/offenses. Christian Cangeopol, Mark 'Carding' refers to Caparelli, Sean Harper, Alex various criminal activities associated with Hatala, Joshua Hicks, stealing personal iden- Michael Hogue, Mir Islam, tification information and financial informa- Peter Ketchum and tion belonging to other Steven Hansen individuals? including the account information associAccording to the charging ated with credit cards, bank cards, documents, individuals sold credit debit cards and then using that cards by the thousands and took information to obtain money, the private information of several goods, or services without the people. victims' authorization or consent. The defendants casually ofThose arrested in the US are fered every stripe of malware and Christian Cangeopol, Mark virus to fellow fraudsters, even Caparelli, Sean Harper, Alex including software-enabling Hatala, Joshua Hicks, Michael cyber voyeurs to hijack an unsusHogue, Mir Islam, Peter Ketchum pecting consumer's personal comand Steven Hansen. puter camera. "As the cyber threat grows Cont’d on page 7 more international, the response

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USIBC launches coalition for jobs and growth India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) has announced the launch of a major effort to promote the negotiation and ratification of a high-standard U.S.-India Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). USIBC's Coalition for Jobs and Growth will serve as the organizing body to provide input to US negotiators and to promote support and understanding of the importance of a U.S. India BIT and its ultimate ratification by the U.S. Senate. Co-Chaired by Ambassador Susan G. Esserman, member of USIBC's prestigious Board of Directors, former Deputy U.S. Trade Representative and currently Partner at Steptoe & Johnson, the Coalition will continue the work begun by USIBC's Trade and Investment Initiative in 2007. USIBC was then the first advocate for a bilateral investment treaty, eventually succeeding in placing the BIT on the bilateral agenda when the two countries announced BIT negotiations in 2008. Bilateral investment treaties provide protection from arbitrary, discriminatory or confiscatory foreign government measures. They

foster a welcoming environment for capital inflows and serve as the foundation for investor confidence around the world. India has more than 70 such agreements in force, while the U.S. is party to

The Coalition for Jobs and Growth, announced at a USIBC briefing with US BIT negotiators, will leverage the collective strength of industry, academic experts and the Indian American community to make sure this critical agreement is completed and ratified more than 40 BITs worldwide. "A U.S.-India Bilateral Investment Treaty is truly the 'next hill to climb' in the strategic partnership," says USIBC President Ron Somers. "The BIT will engender greater cooperation and collabo-

ration, protect and promote foreign investment and ultimately lead to economic growth and job creation in both countries. USIBC, through the Coalition for Jobs and Growth, is committed to informing negotiations and pushing forward on eventual ratification of a robust treaty." The Coalition for Jobs and Growth, announced at a USIBC briefing with US BIT negotiators, will leverage the collective strength of industry, academic experts and the Indian American community to make sure this critical agreement is completed and ratified. Formed in 1975 at the request of the U.S. and Indian governments, the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) is the premier business advocacy organization advancing U.S.-India commercial and trade ties. Today, USIBC is the largest bilateral trade association, headquartered in Washington, DC, with liaison presence in New York, Silicon Valley, and New Delhi, comprised of more than 350 of the top-tier U.S. and Indian companies. Ajay Banga, President & CEO of MasterCard Worldwide, was elected to serve as USIBC's chairman in April 2012.

Stowaways suspected in container ship docked in US NEWARK, New Jersey: Bang- reach the container, said Drew ing noises from a cargo container Barry of the Sandy Hook Pilots loaded in India led the US Coast Association, who boarded the Guard to suspect stowaways were ship. inside, and an hours long wait "There are at least 30 to 40 conbegan for it to be unloaded and tainers on top of the hatch cover, opened. Both ambulances and law and I don't know how many more enforcement were on the scene. below it," Barry said. "If there are A Coast Guard team heard the people down there, with no food noises after boarding the Ville and water for days, they're probD'Aquarius vessel outside New ably pretty desperate by now." York Harbor as the ship prepared to dock at Port The team followed protocol Newark. The officers were and didn't open the conknocking on containers during a sound check, tainer at sea in order to "and they knocked on control the situation, Coast this one and they heard a knocking back," Guard spokesman spokeswoman Michelle Charles Rowe said Krupa told the Star-Ledger of Newark. The team followed protocol The ship began its voyage and didn't open the container at May 30 in the United Arab Emirsea in order to control the situa- ates, then made one stop in Pakition, Coast Guard spokesman stan and two stops in India. Its Charles Rowe said. A manifest last port before Newark was in said the container aboard the ship Egypt on June 15. was carrying machine parts, he Customs and Border Protection said. agents planned to open the conOnce the ship was docked, au- tainer once it was unloaded. thorities began unloading conThe Department of Homeland tainers to reach it, using large Security said in a statement that ofcranes. ficials are conducting a "thorough It would take several hours to investigation of the vessel." -AP

24 arrested in 7 countries Indian wanted in murder of US in credit card scam

woman, found dead

NEW YORK: A 26-year-old Indian employee at an IT firm, who was accused of murdering an American woman, was found dead after he allegedly committed suicide due to suspected drug overdose at a New Jersey hotel. Pawan Kumar Anjaiah, 26, a software engineer, was in the US on an assignment with IT firm Cognizant. Delaware state police had issued arrest warrants against Anjaiah, charging him with first degree murder and possession of a deadly weapon, after a Pennsylvania woman Danielle Mehlman was found murdered in Delaware's Dewey Beach motel on June 18. However, the search for Anjaiah ended after authorities found him dead at a northern New Jersey motor lodge on June 19. Katherine Carter, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office in New Jersey's Essex County, said Anjaiah committed suicide and died of "an apparent drug

Pawan Kumar Anjaiah

overdose." In Delaware, state police said they were still awaiting autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death of Mehlman, who had worked as a school teacher. Police had released a surveillance photo of Anjaiah at a grocery store, wearing a blue T-shirt and short pants, after her death. "Mehlman had been stabbed

several times, so it was very messy," Dewey Mayor Diane Hanson was quoted as saying in a Delaware News Journal report. James Russen, Mehlman's former boyfriend and the father of her 4-year-old son, said her family was told she had been stabbed. Russen, 31, of New Jersey, said their son was with him for Father's Day on June 17 and was to return to Mehlman. But he said she never showed and he could not reach her by phone. Late in the afternoon on June 18, Russen called her family in an effort to find her. Delaware State Police had contacted Mehlman's family with news of her death. Her body was found by a chambermaid at the motel. Anjaiah was in the US on an H1 B work visa, according to a statement from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Newark, New Jersey. -PTI

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 6

able them to take appropriate responsive and protective measures. The FBI prevented estimated potential economic losses of more than USD 205 million, notified credit card providers of over 411,000 compromised credit and debit cards, and notified 47 com-

'Carding forums' are websites used by criminals engaged in carding to facilitate their criminal activity. Carders use carding forums to exchange information concerning hacking methods or computer-security vulnerabilities that could be used to obtain personal identi- In June 2010, the FBI estabfication information. In June 2010, the FBI lished an undercover established an under- carding forum called cover carding forum 'Carder Profit' enabling users called 'Carder Profit' enabling users to discuss to discuss various topics various topics related related to carding to carding and to communicate offers to buy, sell, and exchange goods and ser- panies, government entities, and vices related to carding. educational institutions of the The FBI used this site in an ef- breach of their networks. fort to identify these cyber crimiSome of the defendants offered nals, investigate their crimes, and malware for sale, used hacking prevent harm to innocent victims. tools to steal information from the In the course of the undercover internal databases of a bank, hooperation, the FBI contacted mul- tel, trafficked in stolen credit card tiple affected institutions and in- information and possessed infordividuals to let them know of dis- mation for more than 50,000 credit covered breaches in order to en- cards.-PTI

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US Supreme Court upholds healthcare reform law WASHINGTON: The US Supreme Court has said President Barack Obama's landmark healthcare reform act is constitutional. The court upheld a core requirement known as the "individual mandate" that Americans buy insurance or pay a fine. Of the nine justices on the bench, Chief Justice John Roberts' vote was decisive in the Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling in favor of the law. The ruling comes months before the US election, with Republicans vowing to push for a repeal of the bill. Healthcare is a deeply polarizing issue in the US and Republicans strongly opposed Mr Obama's legislation. The state of Florida, along with 12 other states, filed a legal challenge to the bill minutes after Mr Obama signed The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law in March 2010. They were later joined by 13 more states, the National Federation of Independent Businesses and several individuals. In our view, the entire Act before us is invalid in its entirety," Justice Anthony Kennedy said in his dissenting opinion Congressional leaders responded quickly to the verdict. Senate Minority Leader Mitch

McConnell, a Republican, said: "We've passed plenty of terrible laws around here that were constitutional." On the Senate floor, he said the only way to fix the law was "full repeal". Meanwhile, the Senate's Democratic majority leader, Harry Reid, disagreed: "Now that this matter is settled, let's move on to other things. Like jobs." 'Triggering a tax' The mandate was eventually upheld by the justices, citing the taxation powers granted to Congress by the US constitution. A majority of justices agreed that the penalty individuals must pay if they refuse to buy health insurance falls Supporters of US President Barack Obama's signature healthcare legislation celebrate after the US Supreme Court upheld the within Congress' power constitutionality of the Affordable Healthcare Act, outside the Supreme Court in Washington, DC, June 28 to levy taxes, upholding the "individual mandate". as establishing a condition - not the justices from ruling on the into effect and the first round of The government's main argu- owning health insurance - that case. penalties have been paid. ment was that the law was legal triggers a tax - the required payUnder a law called the Anti-InThey were also not required to under Congress' ability to regu- ment to IRS," Justice Roberts junction Act, taxes cannot be le- rule on the issue of "severability", late "interstate commerce" - but a wrote. gally challenged until after they which would determine whether majority of justices did not agree While the court described the have been levied. This could have other parts of the healthcare law with this view. penalty as a tax, it did not invoke delayed a verdict till 2015 - after could stand even if the mandate "The mandate can be regarded a law that could have prevented the "individual mandate" comes was struck down.

R.K. Laxman blesses 5 year old abstract artist India Post News Service

Shorya striking with colors on the canvas

In an age where any child is fascinated by superheroes and cartoon stars, 5 year old Shorya Mahanot idolizes legendry cartoonist Padma Vibhushan R.K. Laxman. It was a dream come true for Shorya when a special felicitation ceremony was organized for him at the residence of RK Laxman on June 19. His idol not only felicitated him but also gifted him with his own signature painting brush which is not less than a magic brush for Shorya. Shorya in return gifted his master with a live work as a token of love and respect. Proud parents were delighted at the accomplishments of their son at such tender age. "Shorya's creations bring us joy that we wish to share with everyone," said Aditya Singh Mahanot. Usha Laxman, daughter in law of R.K.Laxman said, "I met little kid Shorya through my NGO 'Mukthangan' which works for child welfare and when I told dad about him, he agreed to felicitate him so that he could prosper in

the world of art." 5 year old Shorya Mahanot from Madhya Pradesh, Neemuch is one of world's youngest abstract artists. Till date Shorya has created 120 profound works of art. His works have been appreciated

While his elder sisters Shreya and Shruti Mahanot painted, brush and canvas caught the fancy of young Shorya. Whereas other kids of his age hone their skills with crayons and sketch pens, Shorya settled for nothing

Legendry cartoonist Padma Vibhushan R K Laxman signing Shoryaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s painting

by art collectors, academicians and professional artists. Shorya is the third child in the family of Aditya Singh Mahanot and Pushpa Mahanot.

else but his chosen tools. Immaculate color balance and vibrant use of shapes are the hallmarks of Shorya's paintings. The maturity of his creations defies his age.

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Pak remains an 'international migraine': Albright India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said during an address here that although the world is confronting several problems, still Pakistan continues to be an "international migraine." As an aside she suggested that perhaps India could do something about this mi-

graine. Her lecture on '2012: A year of Political Change' was organized jointly by India International center and the Albright Stonebridge Group. "With a combination of problems like extremism, poverty and a weak government plaguing Pakistan," she said, "the US is in a difficult position to resolve this

We are watching Burma very closely

eferring to Burma, Ms Albright said she was the one who put all the sanctions against Burma, as the Secretary of State. "There is a chance for change now, and we are encouraging them by releasing some sanctions. World leaders are also watching the situations there very closely to see how they are tackling ethnic, border and energy issues." On China, she said, they have lifted people equivalent to half of US population out of poverty in the past 15 to 20 years. But there are several other issues they need to address vis-a-vis South China Sea, trade and human rights issues. They are now

second to US in world economy and they have the responsibility to start behaving like one of the super powers. In the context of new world order, she said, "I have listed five points umbrella issues that every responsible country has to address. They are 1) How to deal and fight terrorism 2) Nuclear proliferation 3) Environment, climate change and energy issues 4) Restoration of democracy and 5) Rich and poor divide. In this regard, Pakistan for one, lies in the fault line and sooner they realize and address it seriously, the better it would be for them.

problem." M s Albright gave a thumbs up to the growing ties between India and the US by giving the credit for taking initiatives in this regard to both the Bill Clinton and George Bush regimes. Albright listed problems of ethnic conflicts, Former US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright meeting Union Minister for Commerce & Industry Indo-Pak and Textiles Anand Sharma, in New Delhi on June 27 tensions and battle over South China Sea as some of the tral to many problems," she said. Highly critical of the United problems that the world is conAlbright, who served under Nations, the former US official fronting in the 21st century. Clinton, said in a lighter vein that said the world body needs to "Pakistan continues to be an India, which has improved its ties made more functional and reinternational migraine. It has especially those related to busi- sponsible. poverty, extremism, issues of ness, can resolve the "migraine". "My father was a Czechoslonuclear non-proliferation and a She briefly touched upon the vakian diplomat and was workweak government. It needs to difficult phase of the US-Pak re- ing in the UN. He was on the learn how to deal with extremism lations and said Pakistan should panel on Jammu and Kashmir. I and the issue of nuclear non-pro- focus more on countering terror- am getting older, but the Kashliferation. The US is in a difficult ism that would bring peace to the mir issue is still not resolved," situation to resolve this. It is cen- region and the world. she said in a lighter vein.

Zabiuddin arrest: US says Pak must act on 26/11 WASHINGTON: The arrest of a key handler of Pakistani terrorists who struck Mumbai is a "tremendous breakthrough" in India's 26/11 probe, a US expert has said, asking Pakistan to act against the perpetrators or else it may face global isolation and slide towards

the November 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks that killed 166 people, including six American citizens," said Lisa Curtis of Heritage Foundation. Indian investigators had been tracking Zabiuddin, who was in Saudi Arabia for two years on a

"pariah state status". â&#x20AC;&#x153; With the arrest of terrorist handler Sayed Zabiuddin (alias Abu Jundal) ... on June 21, India has made a tremendous breakthrough in the investigations of

Pakistani passport, and eventually requested the Saudis to deport him, she noted. "The US likely assisted India in tracking Zabiuddin and may have even weighed in to pressure

the Saudis to deport him to India," Curtis said, noting that he is an Indian national from Maharashtra who is believed to have helped train and direct the Mumbai attackers in real time, via cell phone from Pakistan. Zabiuddin's "alleged confession that Pakistani intelligence officials were present in the control room from which he directed the attackers is explosive. If true, these accusations will undermine an already shaky US-Pakistan relationship and further tarnish Pakistan's global image, as the gruesome attacks were televised across the world over a three-day period that happened to coincide with the American Thanksgiving holiday," she said. Curtis, a noted expert on South Asia, said Pakistan has dragged its feet on investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in the 2008 attacks. Moreover, LeT founder Hafiz Saeed roams the country freely, giving speeches and even flirting with the idea of becoming involved in Pakistani politics, she said.-PTI

Kasab shocked to hear about Jundal's arrest MUMBAI: Ajmal Kasab, the IGI airport following his deportalone surviving Pakistani perpetra- tion from Saudi Arabia. Jundal is tor of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, currently in the custody of Spereceived the news of arrest of his cial Cell of Delhi Police. Hindi teacher and LeT operative 30-year-old Jundal is from Abu Jundal with shock. Maharashtra's Beed district and "When was Jundal nabbed?... is alleged to have issued direcWas he alone? Was he accompa- tions to the 10 Pakistani perpetranied by anybody when he was tors of the 26 November, 2008 atarrested?" Kasab, lodged in a tacks from a 'control room' in bomb-proof cell in the Arthur Road Jail made several queries about Kasab often tries to strike a Jundal after the news conversation with the was broken to him, security personnel guarding prison sources said. Kasab, who does not him round-the-clock who have access to newspa- normally do not respond pers, also made persis- but sometimes they do, tent queries about whether he would be they said brought to Mumbai and kept in the same jail. Karachi. One hundred and sixtyKasab often tries to strike a six people including foreigners conversation with the security were massacred during the 59personnel guarding him round- hour siege. the-clock who normally do not While Kasab was caught alive, respond but sometimes they do, his nine accomplices were killed they said. by security agencies. A 43-month international hunt Kasab had told the special for Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias court during the trial that a man Abu Jundal culminated in his ar- named Abu Jundal had taught rest on June 21 after he landed at Hindi to the 10 attackers.

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WB, CII join hands for 'India Wildlife Business Council' WASHINGTON: In a bid to actively involve the private sector in the global effort to protect tiger, the World Bank and CII have teamed up to establish 'India Wildlife Business Council' that would promote the conservation of the endangered species. Signing an MoU in this regard with Confederation of Indian Industry's Deputy Director General Indrani Kar, World Bank President Robert Zoellick said the India Wildlife Business Council would lead the efforts to save tiger from becoming extinct. "At last there is some glimmer of hope for the tiger in the biodiversity that it represents... The new Indian Wildlife Business Council is leading the way. I can't think of a better country to begin with. "It has the potential to completely change the dynamics in the relationship between Industry and conservation," Zoellick said in his address to a meeting at World Bank headquarters here organized by the Global Tiger Initiative. "We are already down to the barest number, a few mistakes here and there and this important

species is gone," Zoellick said and hailed the initiative of India's private sector. In her address to the meeting, Indrani Kar said: "We will work with industry through the India Wildlife Business Council to promote green growth models, align-

He expressed optimism in achieving the target of doubling tiger population worldwide by 2022 through new business and policy models such as Smart Green Infrastructure ing business strategies focusing on a triple bottom line approach on profits, people and planet. "Industry will thus play a major role in integrating biodiversity with the development agenda." The meeting among others was addressed by Hasan Mahmud, Minister of Environment and For-

T-shirts make fun of NRI's murder in SA JOHANNESBURG: Selling of T-shirts carrying objectionable slogan referring to the gruesome murder of an Indian-origin lady have sparked a fresh controversy here, attracting criticism from different sections of the society, including that from the victim's family. The apparel with the message "Dewani Tours - treat your wife to a killer holiday" apparently refers to the killing of Indian-origin honeymoon bride Anni Dewani in Gugulethu township of Cape Town in 2010, for which her British husband Shrien Dewani is facing extradition to stand trial after being implicated in the murder. The message uses a popular English font type resembling Hindi script, reminding readers of Anni Dewani's Indian origins. "This is a blatant disregard and disrespectful way of showing no remorse over a killing that shocked not just South Africa but the world," said Gugulethu resident Vusi Ndoda, noting the incident has impacted on tourism. He said he will talk to the Indian-origin businessman Dinesh Dowlath, who is the man behind the idea, to withdraw the cloth-

ing, failing which he would campaign for boycotting his stores and organize protests at his businesses. Dowlath, on the other hand, has rejected suggestions that he was making light of the horrific murder, pointing out that T-shirts with often controversial and ambiguous statements had been the specialty of his stores. Although agreeing to the sensitivity of the matter, Dowlath told the weekly Sunday Times Extra that there was a market for such clothings as people see the humor in them. "These T-shirts are for a discerning intelligent market," Dowlath said, adding that although he created most of the slogans on his T-shirts, this one was suggested by a customer. Meanwhile the victim's family has decried the situation, calling on Dowlath to "let decency prevail." "As a family, we haven't even started our grieving because the case is on hold and yet, there are those horrible people out there who see profit in this," Anni's uncle Ashok Dewani told the weekly from his Sweden home. -PTI

est, Bangladesh; Pema Gyamtsho, Minister of Agriculture and Forest, Bhutan; and US Under Secretary of State, Robert Hormats. Hailing the Indian effort, Zoellick said that bringing private sector into this effort will infuse new ideas and new resources, changing the dynamic between industry and conservation and will serve as a powerful instrument of change. He expressed optimism in achieving the target of doubling tiger population worldwide by 2022 through new business and policy models such as Smart Green Infrastructure which give priority to tiger habitats while designing land and infrastructure plans. In her remarks, Kar alluded to the symbolic value of the tiger as India's national animal. "Given our tracts of forestland, we have a critical role to play in conservation and it is only through partnerships, collective action and effective engagement that we will be able to make an impact. This MoU is a testimony of our commitment towards this cause," she said.-PTI

Pak fails to get WB commitment for dam project ISLAMABAD: In a setback to Pakistan, the World Bank has linked financing of its USD 11.7 billion Diamer-Bhasha dam project with Indian concurrence, a media report said. Pakistan was unable to get a positive response from the Washington-based financial institution on the project amidst strained relations with the US, The Express Tribune quoted sources in the Finance Ministry as saying. Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh was unable to get a "firm commitment" from the World Bank's Vice President for South Asia, Isabel Guerrero, on co-financing the project when they met. The sources said Shaikh raised the issue but could not get a "welcoming response". Earlier, the government claimed that the World Bank had agreed in principle to finance the project. That breakthrough was achieved during Shaikh's meetings with top World Bank officials during a visit to Washington.-PTI

Rating agencies should not comment on leadership: Moily NEW DELHI: Corporate Affairs Minister Veerappa Moily has taken strong objection to the rating agencies commenting about leadership of the country, stating it was "unacceptable". Asking the rating agencies to restrict their remarks to economic issues, he said, "Evidently an element of political criteria has entered into the credit rating agencies which is unfair, impossible and unacceptable..." Talking to reporters on the sidelines of an Assocham conference here, Moily said, "I don't think that a comment or a reflection on the leadership of a respective country can be a subject matter of the credit rating agencies which should keep themselves confined to the economic parameters."

Even on the observations of the rating agencies like Standard and Poor's (S&P) on economy, he said there was no economic tsunami. "Just because last two quarters have not been that good, doesn't mean there is an economic tsunami. There is no economic crisis in the country... Credit rating agencies will need to redesign some of their parameters and confine to economic parameters when rating countries," he said. While downgrading India's sovereign credit rating outlook to negative, S&P on June 11 had said the Congress party was divided on economic policies and there was substantial opposition within the party to any serious liberalization of the economy.-PTI

Root out 'syndicate of terrorism' from Afghanistan: India UNITED NATIONS: India has called for rooting out al-Qaeda, Taliban and LeT from Afghanistan charging them of running a "syndicate of terrorism" that gets support from beyond the war-ravaged country's borders. Terrorism "draws upon the ideological, financial and logistical support from beyond Afghanistan's borders," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Hardeep Singh Puri said at the UN Security Council debate on Afghanistan here. "We need concerted action to isolate and root out the syndicate of terrorism which includes elements of the al-Qaeda, Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other terror-

ist and extremist groups," he said. He said the international community needs to create an enabling environment where the Afghan people can live in peace and security and decide their future themselves, without outside interference, coercion and intimidation. "Moving forward, we need sustained international commitment to strengthen the Afghan government's capacity for governance, security and economic development. Enhanced developmental assistance and foreign investments in Afghanistan and building regional linkages are critical in ensuring an irreversible transition in that country," he added.-PTI

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders presenting Key to the City to Ambassador Nirupama Rao on 21 June in San Diego

Desi News South Asians get big support for 4th of July celebration India Post News Service

EDISON, NJ: Prominent public officials, leading community leaders and business owners have extended their full support to the forthcoming US Independence Day celebration scheduled to be held on 4th of July at the sprawling Municipal Park, also known as Papaianni Park near Edison Municipal Complex in Edison, NJ. "Edison Township is going to witness a great event being organized by the South Asian community", said Toni Ricigliano, Mayor of Edison. "Both USA and India won their independence from the British.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Hindu Studies Chair set up at University of Southern California Details on page 18

11 India Post

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Hindu Women's Conference highlights challenges & crisis handling

Details on page 13

Sacrilege of Hindu deities decried SURENDRA ULLAL

Hundreds attend talk on harmony in life JAYANTI OZA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: A three-day talk, beginning June 17 on "Harmony in Life Seminar" was organized at Jain Center of Bartlett by Dada Bhagavan of Chicago. It was attended by over 500 followers of Dada. Close to 250 people participated in Gyan Vidhi, a talk by Atmagnani Deepkbhai Desai. His talk was part of the three-day seminar. An informative and interactive question answer session was a big draw with Deepakbhai Desai giving a good exposition of Dada Bhagwan's basic philosophy of life. Details on page 17

India Post New Service

NEW YORK: On Sunday, June 24 a first ever "Hindu Women's Network" Conference was convened at "New Dorp High School" in Staten Island, N.Y. with the initiative of "Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America" (VHPA).

As the director and main convener of this unique gathering, Dr Ila Sukhadia's primary objective for the Conference was to highlight the various challenges faced by women and create an interactive network to guide them as support-group, in their moment of crisis.

- Family Relations, Self-Identity & Connecting with your roots, Motivating Children, Caring for Aging Parents, Personal Loss & Loneliness, Marital & Conjugal conflicts, Fitness & Health, Empowerment, Youth Session, and Money Management. During the panel discussion on

ing with the children was the key to gain their trust". Dr Bharati Palkhiwala, the renowned Psychiatrist, while commenting on stress, anxiety and depression asked women to open up channels of communication with people they trust most and try to change the overall attitude

With this goal in mind, this daylong well attended 'Conference' was divided into ten different sessions, headlining various needs of the womanhood. The subject matters incorporated for various panel discussions and expert's counseling sessions were

'Family Relations', Sweta Vikram emphasized that, "while playing the role of mother, wife or daughter one should not lose self-identity and self-confidence and cautioned all mothers against trying to mold their children in your own image". According to her "reason-

to look at the things. She further elaborated that, "one should come to terms, as soon as possible, with the misguided notion of stigma most of the Hindu women feel about getting treatment for Anxiety and Depression".

Although open to all women in general, the forum was meant to give voice to Hindu women on contemporary issues faced by them as the nucleus of the family in USA and develop, support structures for their holistic, physical, intellectual and emotional empowerment Although open to all women in general, the forum was meant to give voice to Hindu women on contemporary issues faced by them as the nucleus of the family in USA and develop, support structures for their holistic, physical, intellectual and emotional empowerment.

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 12

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Indiana varsity partnership with Indian college

David Zaret India Post News Service

BLOOMINGTON: Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs has announced a partnership with the Administrative Staff College of India that will increase opportunities for the faculty of both institutions and strengthen IU's presence in a nation that is home to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The agreement is the result of months of meetings and a preparatory trip to India last year by IU President Michael A. McRobbie. IU Vice President for International Affairs David Zaret, IU Treasurer MaryFrances McCourt and SPEA Associate Dean David Reingold signed an "Agreement for Scholarly Cooperation" with ASCI Director General Siripurapu K. Rao. "This is a landmark agreement for Indiana University," Zaret said. "By exchanging faculty and jointly organizing major events, SPEA and ASCI will both benefit, and so will the nation of India and the state of Indiana." The agreement calls for an "exchange of professors and other academic and administrative personnel for lectures and for research projects and for the purpose of discussing questions of mutual cooperation as well as for the joint for-

David Reingold

mation of international seminars." Additionally, SPEA in Bloomington, Ind., and ASCI in Hyderabad, India, agreed to organize a program on public policy for Indian civil servants and a conference on the management of global cities. "We are so excited to be part of this agreement bringing together

Reingold said SPEA adjunct professor Sumit Ganguly, an internationally known expert on contemporary India and South Asia, and Rajendra Abhyankar, a retired Indian diplomat, played a critical role in arranging the agreement two outstanding institutions of higher learning, both dedicated to producing leaders in government, nonprofit management and business," Reingold said. "This will raise our international profile and help our students learn from faculty with intimate knowledge of one of the world's largest democracies." While this is one of the first fac-

Sumit Ganguly

ulty exchanges between IU and India, Indian nationals make up the third-largest group of international students at IU, with approximately 800 students. The university also has about 2,100 alumni who are Indian citizens, including 400 living in India. Reingold said SPEA adjunct professor Sumit Ganguly, an internationally known expert on contemporary India and South Asia, and Rajendra Abhyankar, a retired Indian diplomat, played a critical role in arranging the agreement. Ganguly holds the Rabindranath Tagore Chair in Indian Cultures and Civilizations and is a professor of political science at IU. Abhyankar is also a SPEA adjunct professor and teaches a course on the art of diplomacy. "This agreement holds considerable promise for both institutions as it provides the academic foundation for scholarly exchanges, shared research opportunities and the expansion of professional networks for colleagues at IU Bloomington and ASCI," Ganguly said. "Faculty from a range of disciplines should stand to benefit immensely thanks to this partnership." ASCI is headquartered in the palace of a former prince, in the city of Hyderabad in south-central India. Since it was founded in 1956, more than 75,000 participants from industry, government and non-governmental organizations in India and the developing world have taken advantage of nearly 200 management development programs offered by ASCI. SPEA was founded in 1972. It is a world leader in public and environmental affairs and is the largest school of public administration and public policy in the United States. In the 2012 "Best Graduate Schools" by U.S. News & World Report, SPEA ranks second and is the nation's highest-ranked professional graduate program in public affairs at a public institution. Four of its specialty programs are ranked in the top-five listings. SPEA's doctoral programs in public affairs and public policy are ranked by the National Academy of Science as the best in the country.

TANA arranges a Webinar to serve AP students SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: TANA is extending its services to students who are currently in Andhra Pradesh and are interested in pursuing higher educational opportunities in the USA. TANA President Prasad Thotakura said in a statement, "Keeping in mind the recent troubles of some students in some sham universities in USA, we have partnered with Murthy Law Firm, one of the reputed and biggest Law Firms in USA to offer a Free Webinar, an online session to provide the needed information in selecting right universities, immigration issues, and also the important safety guidelines that students should follow during their stay in USA." Prasad also commended the hard work and team efforts of Ashok Kolla, TANA NRI Student

Services Chair, Murthy Law firm and the entire media to make this useful webinar happen. "I strongly recommend all Students who wish

"Keeping in mind the recent troubles of some students in some sham universities in USA, we offer a Free Webinar, an online session to provide the needed informationâ&#x20AC;? to pursue their higher education in USA should attend this Webinar,"he said.

Hindu Women's Conference highlights challenges & crisis handling Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 11

She assured them that both of these conditions are perfectly medically treatable which can empower them to lead normal fruitful life." Talking about elderly parents, Jaya Asthana said," a mature woman typically has to tackle three generations of people in a family whose needs are varied. The most neglected among them are the elderly parents. She suggested to be sympathetic to them, understand their loneliness, and try to assimilate them in all family affairs, and community groups with similar interests. For the afternoon youth session, the subject matter was bullying, peer pressure and merciless teasing whose undercurrent, according to Dr. Sai Patil, the moderator, is invariably gaining 'poweradvantage' over the other person. The discussion-participants for these currently hotly debated issues were college-smart Shelley Jain, Sai Khisti and Priya Dave. Sai Khisti, who had just returned from 'Cambodia', after serving the community there, credits her own handling of destructive situations to self-confidence, hanging out with the right crowd and having her 'Mom' as the best friend in life. The gathering was impressed to note that Shelley Jain has formed an organization, called "SPARK" specifically to pump up self-confidence in youth and Priya Dave wants to tap youthful synergy through her own group called "CHY" ('Coalition of Hindu Youth') for the benefit of society. The 'Money Managers', Lata Kripalani and Shefali Ajamera, touched the

nerve of the audience when they talked about the appalling ignorance and indifference shown by most of the women when it came to monetary aspects of their lives. They urged women to get to know the whereabouts and details of all important family documents related to assets, investments, different insurances, bank accounts, etc and educate themselves with entitlements programs of the Government. Sukanya Krishnan, the famous TV personality of WPIX CH 11 was the keynote speaker of this conference.

For the afternoon youth session, the subject matter was bullying, peer pressure and merciless teasing whose undercurrent, according to Dr. Sai Patil, the moderator, is invariably gaining 'poweradvantage' over the other person The evening concluded with a brief entertainment program, coordinated by Manu Misra, celebrating 'Unity in Diversity' as the theme for fashion show depicting different 'dressings' of different states of India. This was the only time slot for which men were invited. On the heels of grand success of this conference, the ambitious 'Hindu Women's Network' is already planning to convene multiple such forums throughout USA.

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South Asians get big support for 4th of July celebration

South Asian Community Outreach executives with Edison Mayor Toni Ricigliano and supporters at 4th of July kick-off meet in Edison. India Post News Service

ebrate India's Independence Day on 15th August every year." The Mayor of Edison along with NJ Senator Sam Thompson, Upendra Chivukula and a number of county and local officials made their appearances to express their

ebrations. "This celebration is very significant as it is an expression of love and faith of the South Asian community, whose members have contributed a great deal in sustaining the economy of New Jersey", said State Senator Th-

He said that 'Unity in Diversity' was the motto of his organization. "People of South Asian origin are proud to be part of American culture", said Shrujal Parikh, General Secretary of SACO. "We are celebrating the American Independence Day as our way to express our gratitude to our adopted country" support at a kick-off function organized by South Asian Community Outreach, a not-for-profit organization spearheading the cel-

ompson. Sam Khan, Founder of the SACO pointed out that the South Asian community is moving for-

ward to be a potent force in the mainstream American society. "We are connected with our roots while making our contributions as responsible citizens of the United States", said Khan, who has galvanized the community to play an important role in integrating diverse ethnic groups in Central New Jersey. He said that 'Unity in Diversity' was the motto of his organization. "People of South Asian origin are proud to be part of American culture", said Shrujal Parikh, General Secretary of SACO. "We are celebrating the American Independence Day as our way to express our gratitude to our adopted country", he said. Leading community leader and Philanthropist Piyush Patel, chairperson of SACO, sent his message

through his emissary in which he promised to hold a spectacular show on 4th of July. He pointed out that the South Asian community was committed to play a prominent role in improving the US economy. "We worked hard to achieve success in life and making a better world for our children. The future of USA depends on united efforts by all sections of society." Atma Singh, president of SACO, welcomed guests at the event and invited everyone to the grand celebration on 4th of July. Introducing business owners of all communities, he urged to make impressive representation of various communities that made New Jersey their home. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 17

Dallas & Houston Spelling Bee winners announced India Post News Service

DALLAS, TX: The 2012 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee continued its 11 city tour with two events in the Dallas & Houston areas. With a huge turnout this year as well, the Bee attracted some top talent as well as young and new spellers that competed for the coveted prizes and titles. "It is very heartening to see that each year we get fresh faces and new talent which is a continuing testimony to our community's strength in this craft," said Rahul Walia, Founder - South Asian Spelling Bee. In Dallas, Chetan Reddy from Plano, TX was the regional champ and Nandika Mansingka from Katy, TX was the first runner up while Lokesh Nagineni from Flower Mound, TX was second runner up. In Houston, Syamantak Payra

Dallas winners

from Friendswood, TX was the regional champ and Shourav Dasari from Pearland, TX was first runner up while Shobha Dasari, from Pearland, TX was second runner up. "As the title sponsor of the Spelling Bee for the fourth consecutive year, MetLife congratulates all of the families who participated in this year's event. It was great to have such talented chil-

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

Houston winners

dren participate and to share information with the parents about how they can prepare for the rising cost of college," said Laurel Daring, assistant vice president, MetLife Diverse Markets. The winners received cash prizes of $500, $300 and $200 respectively. Children up to 14 years of age are eligible to participate and the

contest saw spellers of even 6 years of age compete and make it past a few rounds. There are 9 more cities on the anvil. The top two winners plus one parent each from every city will be given an all expenses paid trip to NJ on August 17 for the Finals. The contest will be telecast globally on Sony Entertainment Television-ASIA.

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Local communities join BAPS Walkathon K RAJDA

Start of BAPS Walkathon

CHICAGO: Over 750 community volunteers participated in BAPS Charities' 16th annual walkathon organized on Sunday June 17. The 5K walkathon, held at Potawatomie Park in St. Charles, inspired people to go the extra mile to make a difference in someone's life. In keeping with its theme, "Building a Better Community, One Step at a Time", the proceeds from this year's walk will go to the American Cancer Society. With each step, participants of all ages joined hands and raised funds to build awareness for Cancer research. "We are honored to walk for such a noble cause that will directly support the community that we call home," said Akash Dave Project Lead of BAPS Charities. "This is a unique opportunity BAPS Charities has to bring together old and young to serve the

The Walkathon

community. We're humbled by the energy of all the volunteers that have come out to make today a tremendous success." The American Cancer Society is an inter-

the organization. "This was my first year raising money for the walk," said eight-year-old Tilak Patel of West Chicago, "I learned about cancer in

In keeping with its theme, "Building a Better Community, One Step at a Time", the proceeds from this year's walk will go to the American Cancer Society national organization that works to find cures and treatments for cancer as well as organize programs for cancer patients to make treatment more accessible. A portion of the walk's proceeds will be donated directly to the Arlington Heights branch of

school and I want to help stop it. I had my dad take me door-to-door each night after dinner, and also asked him to take my pledge form to work." Many leaders from surrounding municipalities came to supports the walkers as well,

including Illinois State Representative Randy Ramey; US Congressman Joe Walsh; Greg Martin and Patricia Kelly, Bartlett Village Trustees; and John Dabrowski, Bloomingdale Township Chair. "Thank you BAPS," said Congressman Joe Walsh, "You inspire usâ&#x20AC;Ś You are giving your time today for a cause that is greater than you." With over 46 centers participating in similar walks across North America, this is just one of many initiatives that BAPS Charities takes to support local communities. Throughout the year, BAPS Charities hosts medical fairs, education and career development seminars, blood drives and much more. BAPS Charities sincerely serves the community, by improving the quality of life of individuals and families.

Gujarati Samaj organizes family picnic

Gujarati Samaj members at Samaj Picnic Asian Media USA

CHICAGO, IL: Gujarati Samaj Chicago (GSC) organized a Family Picnic from 11:30 a.m. to 7 pm on Sunday June 24 at Cook County Forest Preserve, Northwest Busse Grove of Chicago. This is an annual affair with the Samaj. Beisdes a full scale social interaction and games, the highlight of the picnic was enchanting and mouth watering food. The food team was ready with Gota, Tea, Sandwich, Papdi,

Chatni, Chips and Salsa, Nachos & Cheese, Popsicle, and Ice Cream served during lunch hours and in the evening after 5 p.m. Dinner was served with Chhole, Puri, Pulao, Kadhi and Mango Pulp. To compensate heat, water melon was also served. The temperature was in 90 degrees F and enough water and drinks, with paper cups and paper towels were stacked to supply to the thirsty participants throughout the day. Throughout the

A game in progress at Samaj Picnic

event, many Indian games and sports, such as cricket, volleyball, Bingo, and fun games like Standing Kho, Gajgrah, Lemon Spoon, Trilegs Run and Kothla Dod were played. There were competitions in various games for children as well as elderly people. These were aptly arranged and winners were rewarded with prizes. Food was prepared and supplied by Preetiben and her team. The picnic ended after prizes were given to winners of the games.

Gujarati Samaj Chicago is a nonprofit organization serving the Chicagoland area. Their mission is to champion the Gujarati people to grow personally, professionally, emotionally, and spiritually by using compassion, unique perspective, and belief in Gujaratis' inherent goodness, integrity, and enormous potential to help each other. Executive Committee: 20122013: President: Suryakant Patel; Vice President: Kamlesh Shah; General Secretary: Jayesh Parikh; Treasurer: Deepen Modi; Joint

Treasurer: Devang Desai; Cultural Secretary: Manish Pandya. Board Members: Amit Desai; Ashok Shah; Nishant Modi; Bhavesh Shah; Bhupendra Bhatt Vibha Dave and Sandip Shah. Current and Upcoming 2012 Events: GSC Mix & Mingle: Saturday, August 4th at Holiday Inn, in Rolling Meadows, Navratri Garba Raas: Saturday, October 27 at Manav Seva Mandir, in Bensenville. Diwali Dinner: Saturday, November 10 at India House, in Schaumburg.

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July 6, 2012

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Hindi Lovers Club celebrates Annual Day

(L-R) Hasya kavi Mahendra Ajnabi, Hasya kavi Sardar Manjit Singh, TV Asia's Vandana Jhingan. Hindi Lovers Club secretary Vinita Gulabani and Hasya kavi S Ras Bihari Gaur.

Sardar Manjit Singh, a leading poet from Faridabad, brought the wave of laughter from very beginning while delivering very serious message artistically from the po-

During short interval poets were honored by advisory board members and guest Moti Aggarwal. The presence and support of Naren Patel was appreciated dium. Mahendra Ajnabi of Delhi known for his talent in humor and Hasya-Vyang entertained the public as if he was a laughter machine. He recited in his own style and the packed hall exploded with

laughter. Rameshwar Bihari Gauri of Ajmer, Rajasthan is an eminent Hasya Ras Kavi. His poetry contained clean humor, satire and meaningful message. During short interval poets were honored by advisory board members and guest Moti Aggarwal. The presence and support of Naren Patel was appreciated. Chief Guest Ms Santosh Kumar, the president of the Metropolitan Asian Family Services, was honored. She said this is a very considerate effort on the part of HLC and it is important to create awareness about our national language. She expressed her thoughts very well and her remarks were highly appreciated. The fountains of laughter kept flowing through the end by all three poets making the event very successful. Master of ceremony Vinita Gulabani concluded the event by proposing a vote of thanks.

Dentistry professor Dr. Sheela Raja honored ANUPAMA PATEL

CHICAGO: The Chicago Foundation for Women recently honored Dr. Sheela Raja, Assistant Professor, Pediatric Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, at its ninth annual Breaking Barriers Awards. The event honors Asian American women who are transforming health and wellness. The annual awards honor Asian and Asian American women leaders in the metropolitan Chicago area who have made an outstanding and lasting impact in their fields. The ten honorees have had an impact on health and wellness in numerous ways, as providers, advocates, policymakers, re-

Dr Sheela Raja

searchers, scientists, and community educators.

Sacrilege of Hindu deities decried SURENDRA ULLAL

SURI SWAMY

CHICAGO: Hindi Lovers Club (HLC) celebrated their annual function by presenting Hasya Kavi Sammelan on June 21 at Indo American Center in Chicago. Ms Vinita Gulabani, secretary of HLC, welcomed the guests in her poetic Hindi and spoke about the importance of Hindi language. She then invited the president of club Ms Gurbachan Kaur to address the public. She thanked everyone for supporting the club n talked briefly about the goal of HLC. Ms Vandana Jhinghan, a community activist, expressed her feelings about the Indian national language and praised HLC in beautiful words. The response of the public was very impressive considering it was a week day. The Public enjoyed through the end as poets were able to keep them engaged with humor and satire. Stage was then taken by three poets who made the event hilarious.

India Post 15

The awards were presented by Chicago Foundation for Women's Asian American Leadership Council. All event proceeds will benefit the council's Silk Fund, which provides grants to various community service organizations. "I have a commitment to making psychology accessible," Dr. Raja said. "I really like working with healthcare providers - breaking down evidence-based psychology into useful, pragmatic suggestions that providers can use in their everyday practice. I also think they are recognizing the media work I do - being quoted in magazines and doing segments for local TV. I'm very excited about the award."

CHICAGO:Awave of resentment and disgusts grip a large number of Hindus with the blatant demeaning depiction of Hindu deities, including Kali Maa in an online video action game SMITE being created by a Georgia (USA) developer in which the players assume the direct control of some Hindu gods. Its current list of Hindu gods includes: Kali, Vamana and Agni. A scantily clad image of Hindu goddess Kali is posted on the SMITE page of the company (HiRez Studios) website. Members of the community headed by Madhu Patel, Sohan Joshi, Rajan Zed and Nand Kaoor have called a meeting of like minded aggrieved Hindus to plan a line of action that would include a formal protest to the developer of the game - Hi-Rez Studios - followed by garnering support from other religious groups over this sacrilege. It is argued that reimagining Hindu scriptures and deities for commercial or other agenda was nauseatic and disgusting as it hurts the religious sentiment of the followers of the world's third largest religion. Controlling and manipulating goddess Kali and other Hindu deities with a joystick/ button/keyboard/mouse was denigration. Goddess Kali and other Hindu deities were meant to be worshiped in temples and home shrines and not meant to be reduced to just "characters" in a video game to be used in combat in the virtual battleground. Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, in a statement in Nevada urged Alpharetta headquartered developer Hi-Rez Studios to immediately remove the Hindu gods from the game as it trivialized the highly revered deities of Hinduism. Zed stressed that in a video game set-up, the player would control the movements of goddess Kali and other Hindu deities, while in reality the devotees put the destinies of themselves in the hands of their deities. Zed pointed out that Hindus were for free speech as much as anybody else if not more. Hindu tradition encouraged peaceful de-

bates, won on their intellectual merit. But faith was something sacred and attempts at belittling it hurt the devotees. Video game makers should be more sensitive while handling faith related subjects, as these games left lasting impact on the minds of highly impressionable children, teens and other young people, Zed added. Hindus welcomed entertainment industry to immerse in Hinduism but taking it seriously and respectfully and not for refashioning Hinduism concepts and symbols for mercantile greed. Hindus would gladly provide genuine entertainment industry seekers the resources they needed for their study and research regarding Hinduism, Rajan Zed stated. Hinduism was the oldest and

It is argued that reimagining Hindu scriptures and deities for commercial or other agenda was nauseatic and disgusting third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be plundered, Zed noted. Website of online video game developer Hi-Rez Studios describes this video game SMITE as an "online battleground between mythical gods" in which players choose from a selection of gods. Upon release, SMITE will be a free-to-play game but gods will be priced, ranging between $2-$4. SMITE Beta, currently a Closed Beta, began on May 31 last and its full release is claimed within eight months. Before its general release, it will be "balanced and polished" with the help of Beta community, allowing users to play it early and provide feedback. Besides Hindu gods, other gods listed are: Greek, Norse, Chinese and Egyptian.

16 India Post

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July 6, 2012

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Rath Yatra celebrated at Wayne Hindu Temple India Post News Service

WAYNE, New Jersey: For the seventh year in a row, ICS-NJ & Lord Jagannath devotees came together in New York/New Jersey area for the historic Rath Yatra of the revered Lord Sri Jagannathji at the Wayne Hindu Temple on June 23. Rath Yatra festival marked the annual journey of three deities Lord Jagannath, brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra from the temple in a splendidly decorated wooden chariot. More than seven hundred devotees including dignitaries attended the puja and the pahandi (ritual journey of the gods) followed by Chera Panhara (symbolic cleansing around the chariot) and pulling of the beautiful chariot. Devotees pulled the chariots with 60 feet rope on each side of the Rath with great feelings of devotion. It was a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and experience the great festivity. The sanctity of the festival is such that even a touch of

the chariot or even the ropes with which these are pulled is consid-

of several pious deeds or penance for ages.

More than seven hundred devotees including dignitaries attended the puja and the pahandi (ritual journey of the gods) followed by Chera Panhara (symbolic cleansing around the chariot) and pulling of the beautiful chariot ered enough to confer the results

The Chairman of Wayne Hindu

Temple, Mr. Jyotindra Patel performed the ritual cleansing around the Rath (Chariot). According to tradition the Gajapati Maharaj king of Orissa, the devout humble servant of the Lord cleans the road with a golden broom that commences the movement of the chariot. Jagannath, the presiding deity of Srikeshtra, Puri, one of the sacred four Dhamas/pilgrimages for Hindus, is dearest to the Vaishnavs.

Known otherwise as Daru Devata (wooden god) on this special occasion comes out of his sanctum and devotees across caste, creed and religion get an unique occasion to have a glimpse of the lord of the universe. The deities lord Jagannath, Balbhadra and Subhadra are kept at the Gundicha temple. In such a beautiful weather, all the devotees enjoyed the rituals, and mahaprasad served at the end of Rath Yatra.

Indians ask for Diwali holiday in Australia SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Australia Census 2011 has revealed that Hinduism is the fastest growing religion in the country and Hindus are now asking for a Diwali holiday. Since 2006, the Hindu population has increased from 148,130 to 275,534. This Census also showed more Australians than ever were identifying as having no religious affiliation. Madhu Patel, president of NRI Press Club in Chicago and Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, have urged the government of Australia and its various States and territories to add "Diwali" on the list of their restricted holidays honoring the sentiments of Hindu Diaspora in

Diwali in Australia

Australia who would like to be home on Diwali to celebrate the festival with their families, friends, and the community. Zed also urged Australian Hin-

dus need to work even harder in educating Australians about Hinduism and make concerted efforts to remove misconceptions about it. Many Australians were still not

well-versed about Hinduism, the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents. It is on the shoulders of Australian Hindus to educate

the Australian public about at least the basic tenets of Hinduism. Madhu Patel observed that many Hindu religious practices create huge misunderstanding in the society at large as these practices are often not understood or explained. It is up to the Indians in general to dispel some of the misconceptions about the basics of the rituals and practices as well as guiding principles of this Sanatan faith. Australia has no official state religion and people are free to practice any religion they choose. Australians are also free not to have a religion. Religious freedom is safeguarded by section 116 of the Australian Constitution.

Community Across America

July 6, 2012

India Post 17

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Hundreds attend talk on harmony in life

Deepakbhai Desai speaking. Next to him is Dimple Patel

Deepakbhai Desai giving a good exposition of Dada Bhagwan's basic philosophy

JAYANTI OZA India Post News Service

South Asians get big support for 4th of July celebration Cont’d from page 13

Sarvesh Kumar Dharayan, Executive Vice-president promised an entertaining day for families and fun seeking youths. "We will showcase cultural programs representing American and Asian cultures. As the sun will set on the horizon of the lake the visitors will be greeted by spectacular fireworks which will glow the sky for extended period of time. Everyone will enjoy the show", he informed the audience amidst cheers. The youthful executives of 'South Asian Community Outreach' mingled with guests who seemed very enthusiastic about participating in the show. "We are expecting ten thousand spectators to be part of the celebrations", said Seema Jagtiani, who is responsible for mobilizing participation from vendors and cultural groups. She said that the vendors were reserving their spots in big numbers. "We welcome them to be part of our program which will be added attraction", she declared. Sam Khan concluded, "Our efforts will bear fruits soon as SACO emerges as a powerful organization representing one of the most visible sections of American society. We will become a force to reckon with in a variety of ways in addition to serving our community for economic and cultural development."

Attendees listening to Gyan Vidhi by Atmagnani Deepakbhai Desai.

from the question answer session, tackled questions like 'Why am I here? Where am I

The philosophical discussion, apart from the question answer session, tackled questions like 'Why am I here? Where am I going from here? What is my life goal? Who am I? of life. Deepkbhai is a spiritual contemporary of Atmagnani Nirumben. The philosophical discussion, apart

going from here? What is my life goal? Who am I? Is there any understanding or knowledge that

would help one remain stable, steady and calm under all the situations? How will you connect yourself with your true identity that is eternally within you without disengaging yourself from this worldly life? Answers to these and numerous other fundamental questions were part of the talk and discussion with Deepakbhai Desai. Team members of Dada Bhagwan of Chicago - Shahi Patel, Himanshu Patel, Devang Patel, Prabha Patel and Atul Pandya worked hard for the success of this event. Prasad was served by Dada Bhagwan's team.

Learning Sanskrit the easy way ASHOK DHOLAKIA

CHICAGO: Have you ever thought about learning to speak the language of our scriptures? On Sunday, July 8, you will be amazed at how easy and fun San-

skrit can be! Varun Khanna our CHYK member of Chinmaya Mission Chicago who is formally trained in Sanskrit language will be con-

ducting Spoken Sanskrit workshop on Sunday, July 8, 2012 (12:30 pm - 4:40 pm). This is open to all (children and adults) and there is no pre-requisite to at-

tend. The workshop will be held at Badri, 11S080 Rte 83 (Kingery Hwy), Willowbrook, IL.

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Hindu Studies Chair set up at University of Southern California SUDHIR VYAS

LOS ANGELES: The USC School of Religion will establish the first chair of Hindu studies in the United States funded by the Indian-American community. Funded by a $3.24 million gift from Dharma Civilization Foundation, it will be named as Swami Vivekananda Visiting Faculty in Hindu Studies and the Dharma Civilization Foundation Chair in

Just last year, Nikias led a delegation of university faculty, administrators and trustees, including USC Dean of Religious Life Varun Soni, to India, where they met with key Indian partners in higher education, business and government, and with USC alumni, to build sustainable alliances in the areas of medicine and health care, neurosciences, the arts, commu-

"USC has a long history of welcoming and embracing people from a wide variety of cultures and creeds, backgrounds and beliefs," USC President C. L. Max Nikias said Hindu Studies. Over 1,800 Indian students are currently enrolled at USC. "USC has a long history of welcoming and embracing people from a wide variety of cultures and creeds, backgrounds and beliefs," USC President C. L. Max Nikias said. "We're home to more student religious groups than any university in the nation. Now we are very proud to house the first chair of Hindu studies in the United States endowed by the Indian-American community."

nication and journalism, business, and technology and engineering. USC, which boasts more than 100 student religious organizations and 50 religious directors on campus, sits in the middle of what is considered the most religiously diverse city on the planet - Los Angeles. There are more than 70 houses of worship within a mile of UPC and more than 600 different faiths in the LA area. USC is also a destination for top Asian students. For the 10th year in a row, the university has

Lighting of the lamp for Hindu Studies Chair

enrolled the highest percentage of international students of any American university, with most coming from India, China and South Korea. More than 1,800 Indian students are enrolled at USC, the largest group of Indian students on any higher education American campus. Based in Los Angeles, the Dharma Civilization Foundation aims to fund studies of the Indic

civilization, focusing on the Dharmic religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. The objective is to promote Dharma education through research scholarship, degree courses and endowed chairs. Hinduism has approximately 1 billion followers, making it the third-largest religion in the world after Christianity and Islam. USC, launched in 1880 with 53

students; now has about 38,000 students, over 240,000 living alumni, 17 professional schools and an annual budget of $3.2 billion. USC is the only university in the world to have a gold medalwinning athlete in every summer Olympiad. It boasts of three Nobel Laureates and many prominent alumni including actor John Wayne and first-man-on-themoon Neil Armstrong.

Rath Yatra celebrated with great enthusiasm RAKESH KAPOOR

FREMONT: Any festival in the US is mostly celebrated twice because of the work discipline. One celebration occurs on the actual day and the other on the weekend of the same week in which the festival is falling. So Rath Yatra here also was actually celebrated on 21st of June and then on 24th of June. We are lucky than our counterparts in India that way, we get two chances to celebrate almost all festivals. Ratha Yatra, or the chariot festival was celebrated at Vedic Dharma Samaj, Fremont Hindu Temple, Fremont, California, with lot of enthusiasm and fanfare. There were over five hundred devotees gathered at the temple to see and be part of the many rituals and the grand ceremonial procession, known as Pahandi - carrying the deities out of the temple to the chariots - started at 12 noon. The deities, Lord Jagannath, Balabhdra, Subhadra and Sudarshana looked majestic in their colorful costumes and flowers. The

(Pics: Neeloo Kapoor)

Ratha, a replica of one of the chariots from Puri (India) looked magnificent and was pulled by hundreds of devotees chanting Lord Jagannath's name. After three rounds, the deities went back to the temple. All who attended this ceremony were later offered Prasad, prepared at the temple by the volunteers from Oriya community (people from state of Odisha). For the last six years

All who attended this ceremony were later offered Prasad, prepared at the temple by the volunteers from Oriya community (people from state of Odisha)

or so, this festival has been a key event that has been attracting people from all over the Bay area. A team of stanch devotees like Sanjeeb Mohanty, Reena Rao, Kashi da, Pasannajit - in fact the list is so long that I do not really remember their names. They all did a splendid job by making this Rath with their skill and devotion in the parking lot of the temple. And not only

devotees but one of the trustee Surya Pattnaik, who is a regular visitor to the temple, can be seen any morning bowing his head before the Jaggannath ji seeking God's blessings, also contributed his labor in making this happen. Actually the credit goes to our temple's Management team who are very liberal and welcome any community with open arms. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 21

Community/California

July 6, 2012

India Post 19

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Parade to honor martyrdom of 5th Sikh Guru India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: To celebrate the martyrdom of the Fifth Sikh Guru Arjan Dev, a Parade was held at the Sikh Temple on 5th street in Turlock, CA on June 24. There were over 2500 people all the way from Los Angeles to Yuba City who attended the event. Free food and soft drinks were served. This was the first Nagar Kirtan of this community and will be celebrated every year. Doing an honor to the Parade by participating in it were Mayor John Lazar and Turlock Chief of

1606, the Sikhs have commemorated the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru and the first

Dev, the Sikhs had nothing to do with weapons or violence, as all the Sikh Gurus had taught the

ment to peace and harmony for all the people of the world. Guru Arjun Dev was born in

Guru Ji authored the Sukhmani Sahib Bani-prayer for peace. Guru Ji also built the Harmander Saheb,

Govindval, Punjab, India. Preparation of the Holy Book is his most valuable achievement.

also known as Golden Temple and developed Amritsar as a center of excellence.

There were over 2500 people all the way from Los Angeles to Yuba City who attended the event. Free food and soft drinks were served. This was the first Nagar Kirtan of this community and will be celebrated every year (L-R) Joraver Singh, Davinder Singh (President), Dr. Ram Saini, Mayor John Lazar, Police Chief Rob Jackson, Harvinder Singh and Harinder Singh.

Police Rob Jackson. On 16 June of every year since

Sikh Martyr. Before the arrest, torture and martyrdom of Guru Arjan

message of compassion, love, dedication, and hard work, worship of one God and the commit-

Wedding detectives ferret out truth about NRIs LISA ZIMMERMAN

any young Indian couples meet on matrimonial web sites and yet don't know a thing about their prospective groom/bride. In the past it was common for families to be involved in choosing a mate for their daughter. Nowadays, a bride could be facing a disastrous marriage unless she takes precautions. An online profile might show a groom who holds a good job and never drinks, but sometimes in these days of rising misrepresentation, nothing is further from the truth. Enter India's growing wedding detective agencies. They are hired to ferret out the truth. According to Bhavna Paliwal, one of India's wedding sleuths, "It's the servants who will tell you 100% of everything. We talk to the cooks, drivers and housekeepers." A groom-to-be may seem like a nice young man and come from a good family but that can mean nothing. While examining the case of a successful civil engineer, one detective discovered the prospective groom was having an affair with his housekeeper. And those quiet nights at home - he was bar hopping and drinking heavily and was prone to violence. When the family found out they called off the wedding. As India's middle and upper classes grow,

so too do the dowries given to grooms by brides' families. Greedy men are attracted to marrying these women for their dowries. They sail in from far away countries, marry the poor girl, then rush back home with the dowry, thus abandoning the brides. It's been estimated that 30,000 brides are being abandoned every year, usually by husbands living abroad. India's Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs recommends that families hire private detectives to check suitors and avoid being duped into giving away dowries. The head of one of India's wedding detective agencies is a retired intelligence officer who said he's been impressed with female street detectives. Using women detectives has been very effective in exposing the truth. Women sleuths can gain a female servant's trust and are often smarter about body language and clues than men are. They talk to neighbors, gardeners and people who do the laundry. Some grooms are already married or gay or have lied about their wealth or character. Wedding detectives use their cameras and follow these men around catching them leaving their lovers' apartments. The detectives hear them exaggerate their salaries and hide their illnesses. Not surprisingly, the detectives are a suspicious bunch who think that most people are

hiding something. They've been known to bug phones and wear disguises to get information. Detectives use spy cameras hidden in key chains, watches and shirt buttons. Let's not forget the mother-in-law please. It's the mother-in-law who will have a real impact on the life of the young bride. Sleuths also study the mother-in-law, as the bride usually will live with her husband's family. Does she have a bad temper, how does she spend her money, what does she buy, how does she treat the servants. Pre-marriage checks cost $500-$800 and usually take about 12-25 days. Even when wedding detectives have to deliver bad news, brides are saved from a lifetime of misery and humiliation. So bad boys if you have any vile intentions, look over your back, the wedding sleuths are going to get you. Now, let's talk about the "shy, coy Indian bride"â&#x20AC;Ś shy and coy â&#x20AC;Ś well, in many cases nowhere close!! Here, in many cases it's a manipulative and calculating psycho gold digger who is focused on going overseas. A number of such women have the active support of their families who see this as an opportunity to get the other members of the family overseas. Some of these girls often have their own private agenda vis-a-vis the boyfriend and in many

cases unknown to her parents. OK here's how it works: a gullible and unsuspecting NRI is duped into a marriage with such a girl from India. In due time, once she has the papers, she files for divorce; assisting her in her divorce case is an attorney, who in most cases is a woman, divorced herself and, like her client, an outright psycho. Then both these women get down to work and bleed the hapless groom of every penny that he has earned with all his honest hard labor. Unfortunately, in most countries divorce laws are heavily tilted in favor of the woman and once the case is through, the boyfriend catches the next flight from India to his new destination, to meet his beloved so that they can live happily ever after on money that doesn't belong to them. So ladies, if you have any such ideas, beware - the detectives will soon hunt you down before you ruin somebody's life. It's sad but true that the blushing coy Indian bride may not be what she appears to be, and in total contrast, behind the blushes lurks a calculating wacko monster with an evil agenda. P.S. - this report was written after conversations with members of the Indian community in Southern California, along with associated research.

Community/California

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India Post Reporter on a pilgrimage to India JS BEDI India Post News Service

fter a decade of wishing for a trip to India, Vikki Truver was finally granted her wish in May. Her guru, P.P. Narayan Dhekane, affectionately known by his devotees as Kaka Maharaj, arranged for her to be flown to Pune for the first annual Mahayog Global Meet. Vikki did not know anything except that she was required to attend the conference and afterwards could enjoy herself as a tourist. Emirates Airline flew her to Mumbai where a car was waiting to drive her to Pune. The 4-star hotel, where she stayed, was already paid for and

(L to R) Milind Joshi, Vikki, Nikhil Prabhune enjoying a visit at a gurubhai's home in Pune.

Vikki with gurubhai and gurubagini after being fed a home cooked sumptuos meal in their home.

given in April 2001. The next day the conference attracted 4,000 attendees and

Vikki visits Shri Loknath Tirth ashram in Nasik.

every day a driver was provided to take Vikki to the conference. On day one only the dikshits at-

Vikki was once again asked to speak. Several News Asia cameras and local newspapers re-

When asked how she enjoyed her trip, Vikki said, "It was like a princess with red carpet treatment.Every day I was either taken to a fancy restaurant or to someone's home for delicious meals. Everything was paid for, it was a dream vacation" tended. Vikki was asked to speak about her initiation which was

corded the event. On the last day of the conference Vikki was in-

Pune - Vikki with her Guru P.P. Narayan Kaka Maharaj Dhekane in his brother's home.

troduced as the main member in charge of the entire U.S. Vikki was picked up by her friend, G.N. Chary who drove her to see Shri Loknath Tirth Ashram in Nasik. They spent the next day viewing the Ellora Caves and fin-

Shopping in old Hyderabad.

ished their travels in Hyderabad where Vikki had time to shop in the famous historic Nizam downtown area of Hyderabad. When asked how she enjoyed her trip, Vikki said, "It was like a princess with red carpet treatment.

Every day I was either taken to a fancy restaurant or to someone's home for delicious meals. Everything was paid for, it was a dream vacation." Vikki hopes to return in January for the Maha Kumba Mela in Hardiwar.

Group shot at day one of Mahayog Global Meet 2012.

Community/California

July 6, 2012

India Post 21

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Rath Yatra celebrated with great enthusiasm

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 18

Our chairman Dr. Romesh Japra and CoChairman Rajesh Verma could not make it this time because of HMEC (Hindu Mandir Executive Conference 2012. Our temple is hosting this conference this year and hundreds of temples are participating in August to make it a grand success) otherwise they are always there, shoulder to shoulder, with full devotion. Our Secretary, Lalit Mathur and Religious Chair, Leela Mathur, were both present and can be seen in the pictures celebrating the festival. A glimpse of Lord Jagannatha on the chariot is considered to be very auspicious and saints, poets and scriptures have repeatedly glorified the sanctity of this special festival.

out from the temple precincts in an elaborate ritual procession to their respective chariots. The huge, colorfully decorated chariots are drawn by thousands of devotees on the bada danda, the grand avenue to the Gundicha temple, some two miles away to the North.

Ratha Yatra is perhaps the grandest festival on earth. Everything is on a scale befitting the great Lord. Full of spectacle, drama and color, the festival is a typical Indian fair of huge proportions. It is also the living embodiment of the synthesis of the tribal, the folk, and the sync with the classical, the elaborately formal and the sophisticated elements of the socio-cultural-religious ethos of the Indian civilization

Significance of Ratha Yatra Ratha Yatra, the Festival of Chariots of Lord Jagannath is celebrated every year at Puri, the temple town in Orissa, on the east coast of India. The presiding deities of the main temple, Sri Mandira, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, with the celestial wheel Sudarshana are taken

Bahuda Yatra (or Ulta Rath Yatra) starts to their original place in the temple. Dring the Rath Yatra lot of coconuts are broken and the devotees rush to pick up the broken coconut from the ground. Apart from the coconut there is lot of other varieties of

After a stay for seven days, the deities return to their abode in Srimandira. Here at temple we need not go anywhere and the arrangements are made in the main temple hall where the deities can stay for the prescribed time. After the stay the

Prasad like Rosogulla, fruits, Halwa and different kind of traditional sweets for which long queues can be seen easily. Ratha Yatra is perhaps the grandest festival on earth. Everything is on a scale befitting the great Lord. Full of spectacle,

drama and color, the festival is a typical Indian fair of huge proportions. It is also the living embodiment of the synthesis of the tribal, the folk, and the sync with the classical, the elaborately formal and the sophisticated elements of the socio-cultural-religious ethos of the Indian civilization. Chander Kanta Ahuja, a devotee who was here for last three months and attended almost all the festivals and religious ceremonies, said, "I was better here than India. I never saw all these festival in my life of 65 years so closely and clearly. Not for a second I felt that I was away from my home country." I only know this Chander Kanta Ahuja who happens to be my sister-in law but there were more Kantas like her who were all praise for the festival the way it was celebrated and the way it was well managed by the temple management, the Odisha Community, the Administrators and of course by the devotees. Hats off to the hard core volunteers who made the food non stop for 8-10 hours for more than 1000 people. The main attraction was the butter-milk (Lassi) which was being distributed, as salty & sweety, with open heart.

Readers Write...

Is golden era of Indians in America over?

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s an immigrant community it was hard to make place for yourself in this country. But due to our rich culture and moral values and high education we were finally able to prove that we are very important community in the progress of this country. But now with so much of negative news about Indians in this country I wonder how safe the future of our young hard working Indians will be who is are striving for successful future. D i s c l a i m e r

When we came to this country we came with the desire to make better future for ourselves and for our future generation. We all worked very hard honestly and faithfully to establish good reputation for ourselves. It took us 25-30 years to get recognition we deserve as Indians. We were used as an example by many highly influential people of this country as an example of what it takes to be successful. Indian community was used as a role : -

I n d i a

P o s t

d o e s

n o t

model for raising successful kids. We became highly respectable community in this country. What happened to those golden days? Is our future generation going to be looked under microscope for every little thing from now on? Will this country change the way they think about Indians. Why people have to be so greedy that they jeopardize the future of the entire community in which 95% of

e n d o r s e

o p i n i o n s

e x p r e s s e d

i n

t h e

people are trying to make their living honestly and with hard work. Let us not forget that action of few greedy individuals reflects on the entire community. It creates a general impression in people's mind about that community. Let us not abuse the system here and misuse the facilities that have been given to us to make a comfortable life here. Usha Kamaria Niles, Illinois l e t t e r s .

Realty Tidbits

Businessman held for land fraud

HYDERABAD: A city-based businessman was arrested for allegedly acquiring over 24 acres of government land fraudulently, after forging documents of a real estate developer, police said here. The accused Gowri Shankar Gupta was arrested here by the Central Crime Station, a wing of Hyderabad police, which investigated the case, following a complaint by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) in March this year, they said. During the investigation, it was found that Gupta was the kingpin of the fraud and that he used the letter-head of DLF Building India Ltd for applying allotment of 25 acres of land at Kukatpally here after illegally signing the documents as the authorized signatory of DLF, police said.

Alignment of expressway can change

he HUDA administrator in spected the New Palam Vihar colony where over 250 houses are in the 'danger zone', for coming in the way of the ambitious Northern Peripheral Road (NPR) project. The NPR project is crucial for improving road connectivity in the city. As per the plan, a 150-metrewide road is proposed from Dwarka in Delhi to Kherki Dhaula on National Highway 8. Earlier, HUDA had planned to offer alternative plots to the residents whose houses are likely to be affected in the project. HUDA had planned to demolish these houses but the residents approached Punjab and Haryana high court which ordered HUDA to be sensitive to the aspirations of the house owners.

Eldeco chairman S K Garg arrested NEW DELHI: The CBI has arrested the CMD of realty firm Eldeco in connection with its probe in an alleged graft case in which some senior Income Tax officials have been nabbed by the agency. Agency sources said S K Garg was arrested in connection with the case. He was produced before the Patiala House court and sent to judicial custody till July 4, they said. The CBI had arrested four senior I-T officials, including Director (Investigations) Kunal Singh, besides Eldeco MD Pankaj Bajaj in connection with they alleged graft case, they said.

Real Estate T

Noida farmers, flat buyers join hands

India Post

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July 6, 2012

he affected farmers and flat buyers of Noida Ex tension have decided to join hands in a fight to secure their right as land owners and home buyers. Instead of going head to head with NCR Planning Board separately, the representatives of buyers and farmers called a joint press conference to put forward their demands.

Indian cities to house nearly 85 crore by 2050 NEW DELHI: With growing urbanization in India, nearly 85 crore people are estimated to live in cities across the country by 2050, a latest report by industry chamber CII and realty consultant Jones Lang LaSalle said. According to the report, urbanization in India is growing at the fastest rate among the BRIC nations, putting a pressure on the cities. "India is witnessing urbanization on an unprecedented scale with the share of the urban population increasing from 28 per cent in 2001 to 31 per cent in 2011," said the report, Indian Realty -Through the Looking Glass. The study said that as per United Nations estimates, India has the highest urban population rate of change among the BRIC nations. "At this rate, an estimated 843 million people will live in Indian cities by 2050, a figure which is the combined population of present day USA, Brazil, Russia, Japan and Germany," it added. Due to the extreme rate of urbanization, the country's face is changing with the fast evolving skylines, mainly in the cities, filling with skyscrapers and different types of architectures. "Meanwhile, the smaller towns and cities are witnessing a metamorphosis through the expansion

of roads and flyovers, real estate development and open areas," the report said. The report, prepared by JLL for CII, also said the rapid urbaniza-

In this light of rapid urbanization, the report also highlighted another fact of gradually decreasing the average age of Indian population.

“The smaller towns and cities are witnessing a metamorphosis through the expansion of roads and flyovers, real estate development and open areas" tion is expected to offer large-scale opportunities for real estate and infrastructure development in the cities as well as access to a large skilled workforce.

"It is estimated that in 2020, the average age in India will be only 29 years compared with 37 in China and the United States, 45 in Western Europe and 48 in Japan, pro-

viding immense opportunities for growth and development across industries wanting to reap this demographic dividend," it added. Currently, nearly 64 per cent of the Indian population is in the 1564 working age-group and 35 per cent is in the 15-34 years agegroup. The growth in opportunities due to this rising young population will increase employment, leading to a rise in disposable incomes and consumption expenditure. "Increases in consumption will further drive the growth of the manufacturing, retail, residential and commercial sectors," it added. -PTI

PEs lapping up IT parks, SEZs MUMBAI: Real estate-focused private equity funds are looking at investing in pre-leased commercial projects, including IT parks and special economic zones, as they look for assured returns on their investments. "Some PE funds with a real estate orientation are investing in pre-leased commercial projects pre-dominantly in IT Parks and SEZs in addition to residential projects. "Though these developments yield lower returns than residential assets, they give some assurance of steady annual returns," Jones Lang LaSalle India Manag-

ing Director (Corporate Finance) Ambar Maheshwari told PTI here. Such investments can provide a buffer for funds, which do not produce the expected returns, he added.

gers by investing in underdeveloped commercial properties. There is oversupply in this space and it is very difficult to ascertain if a project will be commercially viable or not.

"Though these developments yield lower returns than residential assets, they give some assurance of steady annual returns" "These investments are happening selectively, because a lot of investors have burnt their fin-

"Investing in pre-leased commercial projects is a relatively lowrisk route, which also provides a

reasonable assurance on returns," Maheshwari said. Taking this opportunity, international private equity funds like Blackstone, Baring Private Equity Partners and Xander have already invested in pre-leased assets such as IT parks and SEZs. While US-based firm Blackstone has invested in two properties each in Pune and Bangalore, Xander has bought stake in an IT park in Chennai, while Baring Private Equity Partners has invested RMZ Corp, which is the largest office space builder in the South. Cont’d on page 23

Real Estate Post

July 6, 2012

India Post

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Budget, luxury housing segments worst-hit

ith the residential market still paralyzed by slowdown, a recent study by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) shows the hardest hit have been housing at two extreme ends of the price spectrum. The budget homes as well as the luxury housing segment have registered the least absorption in recent times while most property transactions have been underway in the mid-segment housing. According to the report - which includes a survey of Mumbai, NCR-Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata the best sales have been registered in the price band of Rs 3,000 to Rs 7,500 per sq ft, with this segment accounting for the least number of unsold houses. On the other hand, projects priced at more than Rs 7,500 per sq ft took longer to sell, as these catered to mostly investors or second home buyers who put their buying decision on hold when the economy is sluggish. Likewise, the projects priced at below Rs 3,000 suffered as these buyers are most price sensitive with their ability to afford waning in keeping with the overall sluggish economy and increasing in-

terest rates. The share of unsold houses in both these segments is currently as high as 68-69 per cent. In comparison, when the realty market was at its buoyant best in 2008, the luxury segment had the low-

Projects priced at more than Rs 7,500 per sq ft took longer to sell, as these catered to mostly investors or second home buyers who put their buying decision on hold when the economy is sluggish est unsold share of three per cent. "Too high priced or low priced projects struggle to sell. One of the prime lessons that recession taught real estate developers was that the product had to be priced appropriately to suit consumers," it states. While Mumbai was the first city to recover from the 2008 recession

and witness appreciation in residential prices in the second half of 2009, by end-2010 the sales velocity dropped due to the hardening of interest rates. Anuj Puri, chairman and country head for JLL, said, "2011 was a landmark year with record construction and growth in the residential space. Absorption rate was strong and upward swing was in process. With the economic downturn, 2012 became a sort of reality check and supply has been going up, but absorption has come down." According to the report, in Mumbai presently about 80 of residential units are sold out when the project is still in the under-construction stage and only 20 per cent are left to be sold post construction. It states that a market where the projects are fully sold before completion is a developer's market whereas a buyers' market is one in which the project is completed before it is sold. In Mumbai, realty analysts point out that an increasing number of projects are being offered at highly discounted rates to investors during pre-sales and prelaunches, a stage where the building plans haven't even been approved.

Tricity residents opt for rented accommodation CHANDIGARH: With property rates touching sky-high limits, a staggering number of Tricity residents are opting for rental accommodation. Rates of property has been on the rise for the past couple of years and as a result, renting houses is fast becoming a way of minting money. While rates at Panchkula and Mohali are on par, Chandigarh continues to be expensive and sought-after when it comes to rentals. Keeping true to the divide sweeping over the northern and southern sectors of the city, price of houses available on rent in the northern sectors are considerably high than the ones in south. "Northern sectors continue to be 'privileged'. These sectors do not experience power cuts. Also, standard of living of people residing in these sectors is high, which makes customers prefer such surroundings while searching for rental accommodations. Southern sectors such as 40 and beyond are very crowded, and are generally avoided," said Vishal Rawat, property consultant at Bhagwati Associates. "Because of high rate of migration from places like Punjab and Haryana, seekers of houses available on rent has increased. People are renovating old houses and also adding more floors to the ex-

isting ones. The return on property is less than 1 percent, due to which people renting their houses tend to increase rents in order to earn profits," he added. Gurdarshan Chhabra, property consultant in Chandigarh said, "Corporate companies send their employees to Chandigarh on timebound contracts who prefer newly constructed houses. The house rents automatically increase with such increased demands. As compared to last year, rent has not

"Northern sectors continue to be 'privileged'. These sectors do not experience power cutsâ&#x20AC;? changed much, this year, but if a comparison of the last three years are drawn, there has been a 25 to 30 percent increase in rents". "However, the market is at present facing a slight slump because companies are resorting to cost cutting. The interest rates and prices demanded by owners is way too high for people to afford. Flats constructed in and around Zirakpur and Mullapur are attracting middle class customers," Chhabra added.

Real estate sector demands industry status MUMBAI: Faced by challenges such as increased land cost and lack of availability of funds, the real estate sector has once

again made a call for industry status. "Construction business is the second largest employer in the nation after agriculture. It accounts for 10 per cent of GDP. Yet it has not been accorded industry status thus keeping benefits from financial institution sides, lower interest rates and easy approval processes away from us," Hirco Developments chairman and managing director Firdose Vandrevala said at the CII real estate conclave here.

PEs lapping up IT parks, SEZs Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 22

Echoing similar views, DTZ Chief Executive Anshul Jain said, "Though residential projects continue to be a lucrative market for PEs, the guarantee of assured returns on their capital deployed in pre-leased projects is attracting PEs to invest in such properties." According to statistics, the return on equity deployed in retail and commercial properties last year was USD 0.7 and USD 0.8,

respectively, per USD 1 investment. On the other hand, the return per dollar in residential properties was USD 1.3. However, in land deals the valuation received per dollar was around USD 5. Speaking about this growing trend, a senior official from Tata Realty and Infrastructure, who did not wished to be named, said, "Due to delay in project approvals, high land and construction costs, the risks involved in invest-

ing in residential and other development projects is high, as they may fail to yield the average expected return of 25 per cent. "Therefore, PE funds are now looking at commercial and retail properties for investment though the returns are low," the official added. Although these projects churn out returns which are a tad lower than the conventional residential projects, they essentially provide annuity incomes for investors, he added. -PTI

He further said there is a need to urbanize quicker, build more cities and reduce graft and corruption because they channelise money away from productive investment. The sector is currently faced with challenges including high land cost, delay in approvals, liquidity issues both at buyers' as well as developers' levels, lack of infrastructure as well as skilled manpower, Jones Lang LaSalle India chairman and country head Anuj Puri said. "Land cost constitutes nearly 80 percent of the total project cost. Due to non-availability of land,

the prices are increasing, resulting in increase in the overall cost of the projects. Besides, delay in approvals and liquidity crunch has resulted in decline new launches," he said. Speaking about the challenges in 2012, Puri said, "2011 was a landmark year with record construction and leasing out of spaces in both retail and office space and growth in the residential space. "Absorption rate was strong and upward swing was in process. With the economic downturn 2012 became a sort of reality check and supply has been going up, but absorption has come down. -PTI

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Naina Re: Dangerous Ishq 2 Pani Da Rang: Vicky Donor 3 Chokra Jawaan: Ishaqzaade 4 Mar Jayian (Sad): Vicky Donor 5 Jannatein Kahan: Jannat 2 6 Pareshaan: Ishaqzaade 24

India Post

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July 6, 2012

Dhadhang Dhang : Rowdy Rathore

Aa Re Pritam Pyare : Rowdy Rathore

9 Duaa: Shanghai 10 Morcha: Shanghai

he Chopra chick is ecstatic with her cousins making an entry into the world of glamour. And as they graduate from merely being star sisters to being a model or an actor, they find PC supporting them as much as she can Priyanka seems to be delighted with the idea of the Chopra khandaan occupying a major space in Bollywood and the modeling world. So when she got an opportunity to act along with cousin sister Barbie for an advertisement, she gave her enthusiastic nod without wasting any time. In fact, PC also makes it a point to be at choti behen Parineeti's disposal whenever the kid-cousin needs her. The one person from the family that we haven't heard PC talk about yet is Meera Chopra - a Tollywood actor, Meera is Priyanka's cousin too and is already making waves in the South film industry. Looks like these Chopra chicks are all set to flock together. And honestly, we won't be surprised to discover that PC has many more relatives who want to give Bollywood a shot! The Chopra clan plans to take over Btown!

SAIF ALI NEHRU?

I P

riyanka Chopra got all candid in a chat with a film magazine. The actress spoke her heart out, talking about how she feels for SRK, issues concerning star wives, etc. There were reports earlier this year about how insecure a few star wives were about their husbands working with Priyanka Chopra. So when PC was asked about it, she said, "If an actor doesn't want to work with me, he won't. I don't want to get into whether he won't because his wife or director has warned him against it or he himself is averse to it." Priyanka was very clear about herself, adding that she made it so far in her film career without any Godfather in the industry and that she is a self made girl. The bitter experience that she had with the rumors about her link-up with SRK made her open up a little about him. "Definitely. Now I don't talk about him at all. I've always respected, emulated and idolized him but I don't like to talk about it anymore," says the actress. However, Priyanka still believes that Shahrukh is as heart warming as ever and that he hasn't changed a bit, and her equation with him is still the same.

f all goes well, Saif Ali Khan will be seen playing Jawaharlal Nehru in Britain-based Indian filmmaker, Gurinder Chadha's partition film. The film will be shot in Delhi and Jodhpur. "I've already acquired the necessary permission to shoot everywhere in India including Rashtrapati Bhavan. So I am all set. I don't have to shoot in Pakistan at all. This would be my ultimate dream project and I can't wait for it to take off," she said. It is heard that the filmmaker has already spoke to Naseeruddin Shah to play Muhammad Ali Jinnah and that he is ready for the role. "This is my biggest challenge to date. I've been working on my partition film for some time now. The central character is Lord Mountbatten. The movie is set in January 1947 when Mountbatten was asked to oversee India and the movie ends in August 1947, so it's a brief time span". "But (it is) a huge canvas requiring tonnes and tonnes of research and scores of characters. I've spoken to some people including Naseer and Saif. Nehru's role is a cameo, so I wonder if Saif would be willing to do it," she said on phone from London.

Bollywood

July 6, 2012

India Post

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TWEET QUEEN H

er roles may be short, but her reach is certainly long! The hot babe seems to get everywhere without doing anything of any great significance. After Laila, Jalebi bai and Razia, Mallika Sherawat has done her vanishing act from Btown yet again. She sent in regular updates from Cannes, where she was startlingly sober in her style and surprisingly serious where her usually quotable quotes are concerned. After all, we all love Mallika for her shocking statements more than for her acting ability, no? But where Bollywood is concerned, all we know of her is that she flies in, does a little shimmy or two, stars in a couple of controversies and flies off again to her now-HQ in LA, where we hear via Twitter of her dining, dancing and doing the dishabille act in various photoshoots. And her latest is a tweet from Los Angeles, where she tells us with some pride, "City of Los Angeles honored me wt the Resolution at city hall, wanna share with ma tweeple:)". While we are die-hard fans of the bootylicious babe and admire her chutzpah and gumption for her making a career out of really nothing at all, we must say that she does get around. And we wonder how on earth does she do it?

SALMANI VANITY I

t seems, Salman Khan has asked no one to disturb him while he is in his vanity van. The unit of 'Ek Tha Tiger' is facing lot of trouble with this attitude of Salman Khan. This is one reason why the shoot of the film is getting delayed. Speaking to a daily, one unit member said, "Salman wants to step out of his vanity when he feels like. Nobody can call him for a shot. The entire unit has to simply wait for him to alight. Even if it means delaying the shoot." Well, this is not the first time. Earlier too, Salman refused to shoot a song in Morocco and so a special set had to be created only because of his starry tantrums. However, director Kabir Khan or producer Aditya Chopra have not complained so far.

WANTED RAJINI

ow Aamir Khan wants to work with Rajinikanth. The actor is very keen to rope in the superstar for his film Dhoom 3. Apparently he is even trying to meet Rajini Sir to convince him to star in the film. However, it seems a Herculean task to get the star because he is game for challenges, but after his health scare last year Rajini is quite choosy about the projects. Moreover, his film Kochadaiyaan is into making. Well, it's not only Aamir Khan rooting for Rajini in Dhoom 3, but also producer Aditya Chopra. As a source is quoted as saying, "Aamir is working extremely hard on perfecting his body as he plays a gymnast in the film. He is the villain, but apparently there is scope for one more negative character in the film. And this is where everyone thought to take the Dhoom franchise to the next level, if they can get the superstar for this role it will really be bigger and better for the film." There is no doubt that Rajinikanth has a mass following, which is very tough to beat for any actor in B-Town. Also he is blessed with an awesome on-screen persona and has an impeccable style. It's learnt that Aamir has always been an ardent admirer of the superstar, and would also like to share screen space with him.

SMELLING POWER

nurag Kashyap's Aiyya starring Rani Mukerji has the actress in a quirky role. A source who watched the rushes revealed that Rani's character has a unique gift in the film. Her sense of smell is very strong which helps her make some crucial decisions in life. While it may sound weird, this trait brings enough humor in the film. The source says, "The story takes a very interesting turn when she falls in love with him after smelling him. Even before she sees him, Rani is turned on by his perfume."

wenty uninterrupted years of serving. Not enough talent or looks or game plan. Thank you all. I guess I got lucky, lucky to be working all the time," tweeted Shahrukh Khan, who entered filmdom with "Deewana", which released June 25, 1992. Shahrukh Khan has completed 20 glorious years in the Hindi Film Industry doing the only thing he knows to do, by his own admission - entertain people. It is no mean feat to cast a spell on an audience, www.indiapost.com whose outlook towards films is 26 India Post changing rapidly. Yet he never fails to be loved and adored by his fans. Hence, he thinks he's plain lucky to Made mistakes, achieve so much. still continue to do Shahrukh told in an online interso. A little madness. view that he is surprised to see how 20 years have passed by. His son will A bit of solitude. turn 15 this year and it didn't even hit Too silly to realize it's him until now. Every moment in past 20 impossible and years have been worth it. He used to earmaybe that's why lier feel he is the reason behind his success. But now he thinks many other people it gets achieved were equally responsible for making him a superstar. He prides in being a workaholic as he doesn't know to do anything else. He doesn't take it as work. Every day he goes out there; acts, sings or dances to make others happy. To entertain the people who have given him so much love and respect. It has been two decades in Bollywood, but his tryst with showbiz began in 1988, the year he started his journey with TV series "Fauji", after being trained at The Barry John's Acting Studio. Next year he featured in another successful show "Circus" and "Doosra Keval". If people loved his act on small screen, he won hearts as a crazy lover in Deewana, in which he was competing with none other than Rishi Kapoor in the lead role. But lady luck was smiling on him and audiences loved his chemistry with late Divya Bharti. The song "Aisi deewangi dekhi nahin kabhi" pictures on them

July 6, 2012

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

â&#x20AC;?

Charming us for

20 YEARS

became a chartbuster. Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain" (2008). He was "Deewana" turned out to be a huge hit last seen on small screen as the host of "Zor at the box office, and won Shahrukh Khan a Ka Jhatka" in 2011. Filmfare best male debut award. After making it big in showbiz, he turned There was no looking back thereafter - businessman by launching his production only more films, more hits, and more awards house Red Chillies Entertainment and later for Shah Rukh. His success earned him titles by investing in the Indian Premier League like - King Khan and Bollywood Badshah. (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders He redefined the romantic hero in Hindi (KKR), whose victory at the fifth IPL seacinema with films like Dilwale Dulhania Le son was a silver lining for the star this year Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, as lately, he has been a part of controverMohabbatein, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Kal sies. Ho Na Ho and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. "Mom said to only His work profile is feel and say positive eclectic - he has played an obsessive lover in things.'Your Farishtey films like Darr and (angels) are always Anjaam, a villain in listening and fulfil your Baazigar, a warrior in Asoka, a modern day pawords.' My Farishtey work triot in Swades, a superovertime," wrote the 45-year-old. star in Om Shanti Om, a don in "Don: The Chase Continues" and "Don 2: The King Is Back", He got embroiled in a brawl with director and a superhero in his mega-production Shirish Kunder and has been banned from Ra.One. entering Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium for At the peak of his career he choose to go five years over his alleged misbehavior with back to his roots - TV - in 2007 to host the security personnel and MCA officials. third season of game show "Kaun Banega But later he admitted his mistake and Crorepati". He also hosted "Kya Aap apologized too.

July 6, 2012

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Dance Gurus

at Indian Embassy

WASHINGTON: Indian classical dance gurus - Shobha Naidu (Kuchipudi) and Maneesha Sathe (Kathak) - with their students performed at the Indian Embassy here on June 21. The Embassy hosted the event ion collaboration with Indian Dance Educators Association (IDEA). Ms. Shobha Naidu presently heads the Kuchipudi Art Academy in Hyderabad and Ms. Maneesha Sathe is a visiting faculty and Guru at the Centre for Performing Arts, University of Pune.

Disciple Purvi Bhatt of Indian classical dance guru Maneesha Sathe (Kathak) performing Disciples - Uttara Bhave and Rupali Bhave - of Indian classical dance guru Maneesha Sathe (Kathak) Disciples - Lavanya and Nithya - of Indian classical dance guru Shobha Naidu (Kuchipudi)

Guests in attendance at a lecture-Demonstration event at the Embassy

Zee presents cross-continental love story India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Zee TV is all set to launch the first-of-its kind cross-continental love story aimed at today's global Indian. Filmed extensively in the picturesque interiors of Punjab and all set to be shot in London over the next three months with the highest production values and technology that is ahead of its time, Zee TV's 'Rab Se Sona Isshq' promises to push the envelope in every sense! Premiering on July 16th at 9pm ET, 'Rab Se Sona Isshq' brings to you the compelling story of beautiful Saahiba, who chases the man of her dreams after being deserted by him on the day of their wedding! Her journey of hope rests squarely on her conviction that their love is real. Saahiba's love blooms in the rustic by-lanes of Punjab, tran-

scends national borders and reaches the city of dreams - London in search of her beloved! An epic love story, 'Rab Se Sona

Isshq' also beautifully captures the larger-than-life illusions that innocent small-town Indians harbor about a big city like London only to be dealt with one reality check after another! Does love en-

dure under the trying circumstances? Only time will tell! Playing Saahiba is a fresh face from Kashmir, Ekta Kaul. The ruggedly handsome Ashish Sharma, who wowed the audience playing Chandragupta Maurya and was also seen in the off-beat 'Love Sex Aur Dhokha', has been signed on to play Saahiba's object of affection Ranvir, who is obsessed with the idea of making it to London. Playing the equally important role of Daljeet is actor Kannan Malhotra, last seen on Zee TV in Geeta Ka Dharmyudh. His role is that of an extremely lovable geek. The ravishing Sukirti Kandpal who dazzled audiences with her striking good looks playing the demure Bihari bahu in Zeee TV's Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo does a volte-face as she plays a Londonbred "Jazz"!

Horoscope

28 India Post

July 6, 2012

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar JULY 6TH - JULY 12TH (November 23 to December 22)

(March 21 to April 20)

ind may stay little restless and some uncertainty could develop in career. Money will trickle in. You may call few close friends and try to compare the progress. Money wise you will continue to meet your commitments on time and keep unnecessary expenses under strict control. You may receive a nice proposal for your marriageable child.

ou will be tired of stale life and take some drastic actions. Results will be almost instant and astonishing. Will make everybody at home happy. Dispose off money making stocks and wait for another week to buy them back. You will also finalize a small trip with family to an interesting place. People will benefit from your advice.

(April 21 to May 20)

(December 22 to January 19)

e little careful when it comes to actual spending and do not stretch your limits at all. Health will improve and the recent changes will put energy back. Running around and other modes of communications will bring desired results. You will also hear from a very old friend this week. Do not trust anyone at work and watch out when talking to boss.

eeting will be short but you will have a golden opportunity to gain valuable wisdom and pointers. You may be tempted to take the offer against everybody's will. Some one will make a futile attempt to hurt you but will not succeed. Fast recovery from minor illness also indicated. Money will come but disappear very fast. (January 20 to February 18)

(May 21 to June 20)

on't be hesitant to seek help before things gets out of controls. Its time to start planning for long term rather than immediate gains. You will be going on an entertaining trip. Spouse may complain of some aches and pains in the body. Things will stabilize at work and new associates will be cooperative. Boss will make recommendation.

ou will change your earlier plans to accommodate an important issue. Diplomacy and polite approach will get many things done. You will also start some important paperwork but wait to send it. Hold your temptations and do not become a victim to a shady character. Business will keep improving gradually. Relationship will keep getting strong.

(February 19 to March 20) (June 21 to July 22)

ou will make all financial commitment and still have some left over. Running around will not go waste and you may finally make up your mind to acquire more education to improve your prospects in this challenging world. You will have few visitors for a day this week. Invitation for the party will also come via email.

here is no point in dodging issues, it will be better to meet the challenges head on. Help you need, will not come cheap either but will be worth it. Money from insurance company will come now. You may gain from a female from different culture. Concentrate while behind the wheels. You will be taking a trip to coastal area.

(July 23 to August 22)

ou will be under lots of pressure at work, but soon you will reap rich rewards. Boss is keeping an eye on your performance so keep doing the good work. Some one with gray hair will give useful tips and tell you how to cope with hurdles. You may take some loss and sign a contract in a hurry. You will be in demand at the get together. (August 23 to September 22)

ou may still have to face slight hurdles but the work will get done. Opportunity will open new doors. Be careful with money this time and advice other family member to follow the guidelines too. You will learn a lot from some one lot younger in age. An important meeting you have been working on for quite some time will go very well. (September 23 to October 22)

ad move on your part and lead to you a financial crises, so do your calculations twice and take advice from experienced people first. You will be working with a kind of immature person. There will be lots of excitement in the family about an upcoming move. A child may continue to give hard time. Talking may not help much. (October 23 to November 22)

o not fall for any too good to be true scheme. Chances of getting involved in a scam are very strong. For some this could be the beginning of an exciting relationship. Competition will reduce and you will have new clients. Sitting and waiting for things to happen will not help, if you take initiative now the world is yours.

Changes likely in all aspects of life for Sushil Kumar

restling champion Sushil Kumar was born in Baprola, Najafgarh Haryana on 26 May 1983, in a poor family. This year he will find himself bubbling over with enthusiasm and energy. His quest to win the Gold at the London Olympics will keep him busy and driven. Chances of him making India proud are high but difficulties cannot be ruled out. Sushil Kumar is a Taurean and his strength lies with Venus influencing his luck and life. There are bound to be changes in all aspects of his life. New ideas and great opportunities will truly make the year 2012 a highly exciting time for him. He will leave all worries aside and focus on only the good things that life has to offer. This is seriously a time for him to be in charge of his life and take all his decisions only after deliberating and discussing them with someone he can trust. His relationship with friends and relatives will be cordial and he will look forward to spend some pleasurable moments with them. Youngsters and children would

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

play a supportive role in whatever he does. On the personal front, he will have to avoid an all rich and high cholesterol diet and become more regular towards his exercise schedule.

925-833-7170

website: www.parashar.com

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Bastar is tribal territory. This land is richly endowed with minerals and forest resources. It has the largest strength of tribes anywhere in the world

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astar, the very name spells magic, conjuring up images of perhaps the most exotic tribes of India. Bastar is tribal territory. This land is richly endowed with minerals and forest resources. It has the largest strength of tribes anywhere in the world. The Gonds (a tribe) in Bastar remain perhaps the least in contact with the world outside. Location: On the mountains of Abujmarh, spread over the tehsils of Narainpur, Bijapur, and Dantewada, live the Maria tribes of Bastar. This 3,900 square km area shelters the people in small villages. Tourist attractions: Bastar is, predominantly, a forest area, and home of Marias and Murias, both extremely colorful and picturesque tribes, who have preserved their ancient culture. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

July 6, 2012

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

July 6, 2012

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India roadshow gets huge response in Israel TEL AVIV: India has appealed to leading tour operators, hoteliers and travel agents of Israel who have gathered at 'Incredible India roadshow' showcasing the country's immense tourism potential to partner in its quest to double the inflow of tourists in the next five years. "During my interaction with Israelis during the last two days I have realized that they know every bit of detail regarding tourism potential in India. "I seek their support in participating in our efforts to double our inbound tourism from 6 million to 12 million in the next five years," India's Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai, who was on a four-day visit to Israel, told the gathering. "India's outbound tourism during this period is likely to increase by four times. They would love to come to Israel to discover its rich heritage too," Sahai said presenting the proposition as mutually beneficial. Describing the tourism industry as not just a pleasure industry, Sahai emphasized that his country was serious about promoting the tourism sector and adopted the G20 declaration which says that "tourism industry is a central economic engine for growth" which reduces poverty by employment generation. "India understands that tourism increases the rate of employment among the working classes, women and people living in the periphery," he said. Sahai said that the two countries have agreed on cooperation in many areas that will help "draw the road map" for promoting tourism in India as well as Israel. "We have decided to have a tourism development forum with representation from

all stakeholders, including travel agents, hoteliers and tour operators and even friends from the media, who can give advice as to how to promote tourism", the Indian Minister said. Outlining the vast opportunity presented by India in the tourism sector, Sahai said that "India needs convention centers, exhibition centers and more than 200,000 hotel rooms." He also pointed out steps taken by the government to boost investment in the tourism sector by allowing 100 per cent FDI and declaring it as an infrastructure category

in Israel who got a chance to interact with their Indian counterparts accompanying the delegation led by Sahai. Some of them hoped that such interactions would indeed take cooperation in the industry to a different level. "The facilitation exercise done by India's Ministry of Tourism and the Embassy of India in Israel adds a new dimension to cooperation in the tourism sector. Such an effort is bound to prove mutually beneficial and has so far been sorely lacking. I feel it is an important day in the evolution of IndoIsrael ties because cooperation in the field

"The facilitation exercise done by India's Ministry of Tourism and the Embassy of India in Israel adds a new dimension to cooperation in the tourism sector. Such an effort is bound to prove mutually beneficial and has so far been sorely lacking. I feel it is an important day in the evolution of Indo-Israel ties because cooperation in the field of tourism will create everlasting people to people bondingâ&#x20AC;? sector, which will further enhance bank loan facilities for willing participants in the sector. Sahai also emphasized on the fast growing outbound travel from India. "Average Indian has now become a great traveler. 80 per cent of Indians are economically ready to match any place in the world. Our outbound tourism has increased four times and Israel is one of the prime destinations, given heritage linkages", he emphasized. The roadshow drew a huge gathering of all stakeholders from the tourism industry

of tourism will create everlasting people to people bonding between the two countries," Nurit, a senior manager at ISSTA travel agency said. "Today's interaction has thrown new light on the vast potential for cooperation in the tourism sector. Sectors like Well Being and Medical tourism in India remain largely unexplored. More importantly the presence of delegation from Assam has brought forward new ideas for future Israeli travelers to India," said another travel agent Boaz. Tourism Minister of Assam, Chandan

Home to extremely colorful and picturesque tribes Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

At Jagdalpur, the colorful festival of Dussehra is celebrated on a grand scale every year. Chitrakote Falls: At this place, the river Indrawati has a fall of 96 ft. Tirathgarh Falls: The picturesque waterfalls are 100 ft. in height. Kutumsar Caves: The place abounds in caves. The five chambers in the cave have several blind wells, all except one covered with a sheet of rock that, when struck, gives a hollow sound. Dantewada is famous for its Danteshwari Temple. At Barsur, an old Shiva temple has 12 pillars. In addition, there is a Ganesha Temple and Mama Bhanja ka Mandir as well. History: Maria is the largest group of tribes in Bastar. Goddess Danteshwari is the reigning deity of the Marias. Marias are steeped in superstition. They have immense faith in magic. The Marias

have mongoloid blood in them. They have a coppery complexion with straight black hair, wide mouth, and thick lips. The women are graceful, light in complexion, and pretty. The jewelry the Maria women wear is even more exotic. Most of it is handmade-necklaces

from their leader. They also sleep in the Ghotuls. Every week, there is a dance carnival as well. Girls also take part in it. Moreover, it is treated like a pilgrimage. Where to stay: Accommodation is available at Raipur, Bilaspur, and Jagdalpur in private hotels and

The place abounds in caves. The five chambers in the cave have several blind wells, all except one covered with a sheet of rock made of cane, grass, or beads. The women enjoy a considerable amount of freedom. Both boys and girls are allowed to spend a night out in the ghotul (kind of rest house), every week. Ghotuls are regarded as a shrine, built by Lingo Pen, a Gond (a tribe) cult hero. Here, the unmarried boys of the village learn songs and dance

lodges. Accommodation is also available at government circuit houses. How to reach: Raipur is the most convenient place from where one can explore Bastar. It is linked with Delhi and Nagpur through air as well as rails. Bus services are available from Raipur for all places of tourist interest in the circuit.

Brahma, made a fervent plea to Israelis to come visit his state outlining various unique features of the state. "It is a 100 per cent green state producing maximum tea, offers terrific heritage sites, one horned rhinos, the unique Majuli islands and much more. Please come join us at the Assam carnival in January next year. We are a state which is also very liberal towards investors," Brahma said addressing the gathering. A student of the Hebrew University, Gili, who has spent the last five months touring India's north-east told PTI that she fell in love with the natural beauty offered by the region and warm hospitality people offer to the visitors. "I learnt Hindi at the university. After enjoying last five months of hospitality of locals in Assam I seem to be mixing Hindi a lot with Assamese," she said. Uttarakhand's tourism minister, Amrita Rawat, also gave a presentation bringing out the unique features of her state and the huge potential for eco-tourism in the hill state. Joint Secretary at India's Ministry of Tourism, Anand Kumar, set off the agenda for the evening presenting the broad canvass of tourist potential present in India identifying possible areas of cooperation to boost tourism between India and Israel. Indian Ambassador to Israel, Navtej Sarna, highlighted the importance his country attaches to relations with Israel and said that four cabinet ministers have so far visited Israel this year with each one touching upon one aspect of cooperation between the two countries as they celebrate twenty years of diplomatic relations. -PTI

Israel to open a tourism office in Mumbai JERUSALEM: Keen to tap the vast opportunities presented by the growing Indian tourism sector, Israel has announced that it will open a tourism office in Mumbai. Israel said it wants to further boost bilateral ties and take steps in consultation with Indian authorities to double the number of tourist inflow from the Asian country to the Holy land and vice versa. "We are opening an office of the ministry of tourism in Mumbai which shows that we give a lot of significance to our relationship with India," Israel's tourism minister, Stas Misezhnikov, said addressing a joint press conference with his India counterpart Subodh Kant Sahai. The potential for enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector is very good. "Now tourist inflow to India from Israel and tourist outflow from India to Israel is equal", Misezhnikov said. "About 50,000 Israelis go to India every year and the same

number of Indians are visiting Israel. We want to double this number in three years through mutual cooperation", Misezhnikov emphasized. The two ministers also agreed upon the need to strengthen con-

"Now tourist inflow to India from Israel and tourist outflow from India to Israel is equal", Misezhnikov said nectivity between the two countries by introducing new direct flights that can accommodate travelers seven days a week. Currently Israeli carrier, El Al, flies between Tel Aviv and Mumbai thrice a week.-PTI

July 6, 2012

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

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Buddha carving attacked by Taliban gets facelift JAHANABAD: When the Taliban blew the face off a towering, 1,500-year-old rock carving of Buddha in northwest Pakistan almost five years ago, it fell to an intrepid Italian archaeologist to come to the rescue. Thanks to the efforts of Luca Olivieri and his partners, the 6meter (nearly 20-foot)-tall image near the town of Jahanabad is getting a facelift, and many other archaeological treasures in the scenic Swat Valley are being excavated and preserved. Hard-line Muslims have a history of targeting Buddhist, Hindu and other religious sites they consider heretical to Islam. Six months before the September 11, 2001 attacks, the Taliban shocked the world by dynamiting a pair of 1,500-year-old Buddhist statues in central Afghanistan. The Jahanabad Buddha, etched high on a huge rock face in the 6th or 7th century, is one of the largest such carvings in South Asia. It was attacked in the fall of 2007 when the Pakistani Taliban swarmed across the scenic Swat Valley. The army drove most of them out two years later, but foreign tourists who used to visit the region still tend to stay away. Olivieri himself had to leave in 2008 after more than two decades of tending to the riches dating back to Alexander the Great and the Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim invaders who followed. The 49-yearold head of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan returned in 2010 and is back at work. Taliban militants climbed ropes to insert explosives in holes drilled into the face and shoulders of the Jahanabad Buddha, said Olivieri. The explosives in the shoulders

In this May 24, 2012 photo, people sit near a sculpture of the Buddha whose face was destroyed by Taliban fighters at Jahanabad, Pakistan in the Swat valley.

failed to detonate, but the others blew off most of the face above the lips and cracked other parts of the carving and surrounding rock. Olivieri and his team began work this month on fixing the cracks and what's left of the face. A full reconstruction is impossible

once an important center of Buddhist culture and trade. The monk credited with introducing Buddhism to Tibet, Padmasambhava, was born in Swat. In more recent decades, the area was known as "the Switzerland of Pakistan," popular with religious

The Jahanabad Buddha, etched high on a huge rock face in the 6th or 7th century, is one of the largest such carvings in South Asia because detailed documentation and fragments of the face are lacking. "Whatever you do in the absence of perfect data is a fake," said Olivieri, who says he has wanted to be an archaeologist since age 6 and still brings a youthful exuberance to his work even as his beard grows gray. Arriving as a university student in 1987, he was fascinated by Swat,

tourists from China, Japan and South Korea, and the hope is that restoration of the Jahanabad Buddha will spark a revival of tourism here. Olivieri's mission is funded by the Italian government, which works with local Pakistani antiquities authorities. It has uncovered over 120 Buddhist sites among Swat's soaring hills and rushing rivers.-AP

J&K plans to promote old city areas SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government plans to bring old city areas, mostly in news over the past two decades for stone throwing protests, back into tourists' maps by promoting them through a new project "Srinagar Walks". "Srinagar Walks is an effort to identify the rich and diverse architectural and cultural layers of this historic city," a senior official of the Tourism Department said. Under the theme of 'Srinagar Walks', the state's tourism department is hoping that the city's old neighborhoods, markets, mosques, shrines and temples, dotting the banks of river Jhelum that snakes through the city, will attract tourists and give them an insight into centuries-old history of Kashmir.

The new concept will highlight Shehr-e-Khaas, the downtown city, as a fusion of Kashmir's history, culture and architecture, the official said. The "Walks" are designed to explore "not just the complex-built heritage, but various professions, materials and associated lifestyle like food, to give a comprehensive experience" he said. The downtown Srinagar has been witness to frequent shutdowns and violent protests since the eruption of militancy in the state in 1990. By introducing the old city as a new epicenter of tourism industry, the department is trying to add colors to the Kashmir's picture of lush green meadows, lofty snow-capped mountains and shimmering lakes.

"In another three or four years, Shehr-e-Khaas will be a prosperous tourism centre," Director Tourism department Talat Parvez said. He said the aim is to "link Kashmir's handicrafts and other crafts with the tourism industry". To diversify the options of tourists, the department is planning "Market Walks" which will include the circuit around Zaina Kadal, a historic commercial centre in the old city. Under the new concept, tourists will be taken to historical market streets and complexes which include Khanqah-i-Maula, a 14th Century wooden mosque, and a 15th century tomb complex of Kashmiri monarch Zain-ulAbideen, popularly known as 'Budshah'. -PTI

'Govt-industry must partner to boost tourism' NEW DELHI: The government should partner with the private sector and frame a dynamic policy to boost the tourism sector in the country, a report has said. The report by Ficci-YES Bank suggested several steps to provide skilled manpower and boosting growth of the sector. It said the policies and guidelines should be focused on developing base level skills like communication and social etiquettes across all segments. "Government should make tour guide associations a consultative partner. It will provide an insight into the guides' problems," it said. The report said that proper training is required for taxi drivers as safety of tourists is in the hands of these drivers. "Good training and capacity building will not only increase his business possibility, but also build up the brand India," it said, adding the owner of taxi stands and the operators needs to be roped in by the Department of Tourism in each state to train the drivers. Drivers also need to be trained in crisis management skills and first aid in case of road accidents

and other similar situations, it said. "Workshops in communication skills need to be conducted by the state governments through the industrial chamber bodies," it said. Also, there is an urgent need to institutionalize capacity building in all segments of the hotel industry including service apartments and restaurants.

"Government should make tour guide associations a consultative partner. It will provide an insight into the guides' problems" The report said that certain specific inputs should be provided to people engaged in unorganized sector like small hotels, road side eating places, ticketing, travel agencies and dhabas. For skill development in the sector, private players can bring in relevant experience. -PTI

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Health

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Kidney dialysis companies in court fight

JACKSON, Miss.: The Mississippi Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional a 2011 state law that required appeals of certificateof-need decisions by the Department of Health go directly to the Supreme Court. The ruling came in a lawsuit between two companies competing to operate a kidney dialysis treatment center in Montgomery County. The justices earlier had questioned whether the Supreme Court should hear the case. They said the constitution does not give them jurisdiction over certificateof-need appeals. They said lawmakers should have proposed a companion constitutional amendment to make that change. -AP

West Nile virus turns up in 2 birds at Tahoe RENO, Nev.: Health officials are issuing a warning after the West Nile virus was detected in two birds at Lake Tahoe. Officials say the virus was confirmed June 13 in two birds found in South Lake Tahoe, Calif. No human cases of the virus have been reported in the Tahoe area this year. In Reno, Washoe County Health District officials say the first human case of West Nile virus, recently reported elsewhere in California, serves as a reminder that mosquito activity can lead to serious illness. The virus is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes, which acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds. -AP

Whooping cough cases spike in Alamance County BURLINGTON, N.C.: An outbreak of whooping cough in Alamance County has prompted North Carolina health officials to make the vaccines against the disease available for free to anyone age 7 or older. The Times-News of Burlington reports that Alamance County has reported 122 cases of whopping cough since last December. The entire state reported 126 cases of the disease, which is also known as pertussis, in all of 2011. The vaccine for the highly contagious respiratory disease will be free to anyone, regardless of whether they have health insurance. -AP

Health Science 34

India Post

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July 6, 2012

Free drugs for all - is it feasible?

he talk about providing generic drugs has been around for a while. Recently it reached a crescendo with PM Manmohan Singh backing the free-medicines for all scheme. Earlier before the budget, President Patil had promised free generic drugs and so did the health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. It seems like the government's finally ready to walk the talk. To begin with the Planning Commission has allocated Rs 100 cr for the same. According to this policy anyone who walks into a government health facility can get free medicines. The entire program, however, is estimated to cost Rs 28,560 crore over the 12th five year plan. Right now only 22% of the country's 1. 17 billion have access to public healthcare. The government estimates this number will reach 52% by 2017. They are aiming to provide generic medicines at 1.6 lakh sub-centers, 23,000 primary health centers, 5,000 community health centers and 640 district hospitals. To achieve this the ministry has sent the National List of Essential Medicines (NELD) 2011

'The states will procure drugs directly from manufacturer or importer through an open tender. Companies applying for the tenders will have to have GMP compliance certificate' (348 drugs which includes antiAIDS, analgesics, anti-ulcers, anti-psychotic, sedatives, anesthetic agents, lipid lowering agents, steroids and anti-platelet drugs) to all the states to use as reference. The states have also been asked to create their own lists of essential drugs keeping mind the geography and demographics of

the state and the diseases that affects those places. The Centre intends to bear 75% of the costs for the state medicines. 5% of the funds will be used to purchase drugs outside the essential list. The cabinet also approved a proposal to set up a Central Procurement Agency for bulk order of drugs. Additional secretary in the ministry L C Goyal said a scien-

tific committee will have to draw up the EDL list for the states. Right now a staggering 78% of health expenditure in India is out of pocket - one of the highest out of pocket procurement numbers in the world - and 72% of this is spent on drugs. Measures are also being taken to devise standard treatment protocols in order to avoid unnecessary treatments. Goyal said, "The states will procure drugs directly from manufacturer or importer through an open tender. Companies applying for the tenders will have to have GMP compliance certificate, a no conviction certificate and should have a specified annual turnover. The drugs must carry a not-for-sale label printed on the packaging. We plan to roll out the game changing program from October." Goyal said a district-level stateof-the-art warehouse will have to be set up by states to store the drugs and a passport driven system will move the medicines to district hospitals, CHCs and PHCs will then send the drugs to the sub centers. Cont’d on page 36

Swine flu far more lethal than India thought NEW DELHI: India may have grossly underestimated the might of 21st century's most aggressive pandemic. A US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, study with help from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, (AIIMS), Delhi, published in the medical journal Lancet says the deaths caused by H1N1 pandemic flu in its first year (2009-10) could be 15 times higher than the number of laboratory-confirmed deaths previously reported to the World Health Organization. During the pandemic, 18,500 laboratory-confirmed H1N1deaths were reported worldwide from April, 2009, to August, 2010. The new research indicates that the death toll was anywhere between 1.51 lakh and 5.75 lakh during the first year when the virus circulated in each country worldwide. The results say that 80% of the deaths occurred in people

younger than 65 years, contrary to seasonal influenza where most deaths occur among the elderly. Additionally, the study suggests that 51% of the deaths may have occurred in south-east Asia and Africa, continents which are home to 38% of the world's population. The scientists say, "China and

Dr Fatimah S Dawood from the CDC said, "The study underscores the significant human toll of an influenza pandemic. We hope that this work can be used not only to improve influenza disease burden modeling globally, but to improve the public health response during future pandemics

The deaths caused by H1N1 pandemic flu in its first year (2009-10) could be 15 times higher than the number of laboratory-confirmed deaths previously reported to the World Health Organization India, where about a third of the world's population live have garnered little information about the burden of influenza." India's age-adjusted respiratory and cardiovascular mortality rate associated with 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1 per 100 000 individuals stood at 4.1-6 per 100,000 population. Lead author

in parts of the world that suffer more deaths and to increase the public's awareness of the importance of influenza prevention". It said, "As a general rule, the number of lab-confirmed flu deaths is known to be significantly lower than the number of flu deaths that actually occur, and the new research indicates that an

estimated 151,700 to 575,400 people died as a result of having contracted 2009 H1N1 during the first year that the virus circulated in each country worldwide." For the study, the CDC estimated the 12-month cumulative symptomatic attack rate (sAR) and multiplied it by the estimated symptomatic case fatality ratio (sCFR) from 17 sites in 13 countries - India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Denmark, Germany, Kenya, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Peru, England, USA and Vietnam. Because the 2009 pandemic affected younger populations more than the senior citizens, the global burden in terms of years of life lost (YLL) was higher during this pandemic than it would be for a typical influenza season. The study said, "Estimated YLL were 9707, 000 during the first 12 months of the pandemic. Southeast Asia was the region with the greatest YLL. Cont’d on page 37

Health Science Post

July 6, 2012

India Post

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Drinking down, suicide up among Ind. teens INDIANAPOLIS: Indiana teens are drinking less alcohol than in the past, but are more likely than their U.S. counterparts to commit suicide, according to a new study of young people's health risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2011 survey found that the number of Indiana high school students who admitted to binge drinking within the previous 30 days had declined by 9 percent compared with 2003. The number who had drank at all within the previous 30 days also declined. Students in Indiana were less likely than others across the U.S. to have driven a car when drinking alcohol, declining from 12 percent in 2003 to 5 percent in 2011. They also were less likely than teens in other states to have had their first drink of alcohol before they were 13 years old, the study found. But the study also found that Indiana teens were more likely to attempt suicide, with that number rising from 7 percent in

2003 to 11 percent in 2011. Allen County Health Commissioner Deborah McMahan told The Journal Gazette of Fort Wayne that prescription drug

According to the CDC study, 85 percent of Indiana high school students didn't eat as much fruit and vegetables as the government recommends abuse was rapidly increasing in popularity among teens. ``I'm wondering if we are seeing a decrease in alcohol consumption simply because the teens have switched to something else,'' she said. Many teenagers are stressed and depressed, she said, and tend, like adults, to self-medicate.

State Health Commissioner Gregory Larkin saw other unhealthy behaviors among Indiana's youth. ``It's encouraging to see the improvement Indiana high school students have made in reducing alcohol-related health risk behaviors,'' Larkin said in a news release. ``However, childhood obesity remains a serious health risk for our young people. The survey demonstrates that we still need to make improvements in the areas of nutrition and physical activity.'' According to the CDC study, 85 percent of Indiana high school students didn't eat as much fruit and vegetables as the government recommends, and were less likely than others to get enough exercise. The survey focuses on students' health risks and behaviors in six categories: alcohol and other drug use, injury and violence, nutrition, physical activity, sexual behavior and tobacco use. It is conducted every two years among a representative group of students in grades 9-12. -AP

Dentist accused of health care fraud OKLAHOMA CITY: An Oklahoma City dentist accused of submitting claims for dental services she didn't provide has been charged in federal court with health care fraud. The Oklahoma Attorney General's office says 44-year-old Robin Lockwood faces one

count of health care fraud. The attorney general says the charges allege Lockwood falsified treatment notes submitted by Ocean Dental for Medicaid reimbursement between July 2007 and December 2010. She is accused of benefiting from the scheme because she received a percent-

age of the reimbursement for her services. Among other things, Lockwood also is accused of billing for multi-surface fillings that she didn't complete. The charges stem from an investigation by the state Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.-AP

TIP OF THE WEEK

Fight breast pain with flax

n one recent study, adding 3 table spoons of ground flax to their daily diet eased breast soreness for one in three women within 12 weeks. Scientists credit flax's phytoestrogens, natural plant compounds that prevent the estrogen spikes that can trigger breast pain. More good news: You don't have to be a master baker to sneak this healthy seed into your diet. Just sprinkle ground flax on oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce or add it to smoothies and veggie dips.

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Fellowship focuses on urban health issues in Ohio CLEVELAND: Participants of a new health fellowship program that started last month said they're hopeful they can help local communities better understand urban issues in northeast Ohio. The 18-month program links community groups and agencies to academic research scientists affiliated with Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. The program aims to help five fellows produce practical data that agencies can use to better serve their communities. ``This is a potentially powerful program because the research could directly affect the local population,'' said Dr. Jacqueline Matloub of the Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods at CWRU. She is among the group of people who created the fellowship. The fellowship is part-time and allows participants to keep working in their respective agencies. It will include classes for a year that range from research techniques to statistics. Research projects will then be finished over a six-month period.

Elaine A. Borawski, also of the prevention center, told the Plain Dealer that the ultimate goal is to produce ``significant, accurate and practical research that agencies can use to better serve their communities.''

Borawski said there's a similar, 10-week partnership between several Boston universities, but she called their fellowship more comprehensive and long term than other community-based training Borawski noted the program will help link academic researchers to local agencies that don't often know what to do with data they collect about their communities. She said results could help track health patterns in disadvantaged populations, and possibly

help win grants to alleviate it. The program Partners in Education, Evaluation and Research or PEER is being funded through a $200,000 grant from the National Institute of Health. It covers stipends, laptops and classroom training equipment. The program will train 15 fellows over the next five years. Borawski said there's a similar, 10-week partnership between several Boston universities, but she called their fellowship more comprehensive and long term than other community-based training. There are no official research projects yet, but the newspaper reports some fellows have begun exploring issues like how location affects a person's health, and the impact of inner-city community gardens on nearby neighborhoods. Lena Grafton, an inaugural fellow who wants to study breast cancer, emphasized the fellowship's long-term benefit. ``At the end of 18 months, I will still be able to use those same tactics, those same resources to continue the work,'' she said. -AP

Free drugs for all - is it feasible? Cont'd from page 34

He added, "It is being made mandatory for all doctors in the public sector to prescribe generic drugs and salt names and not brands. Action will be taken against doctors found prescribing brands." The spotlight has been thrown on generic drugs. Ironically it took a Bollywood actor to educate the public about generic drugs and their availability. Click here to read more about generic drugs. Some states have been providing free medicines in their public health centers like Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan and Karnataka is supposed to follow suit soon. Sky-rocketing prices A Planning Commission panel observed that drug prices have increased by 40% between 1996 and 2006. They also observed that drugs that while the drugs on the EDL rose by 15% the nonessential drugs increased by 137%. This clearly proves that proper legislation can keep the price of drugs down. No country for the ill The Commission observed that 39 million India were forced into poverty because of ill-health and the subsequent treatment costs. Around 30% in rural India didn't go for any treatment for fi-

nancial constraints in 2004. In urban areas, 20% of ailments were untreated for financial problems the same year. About 47% and 31% of hospital admissions in rural and urban India, respectively, were financed by loans and sale of assets. Out of pocket expenditure A recent Public Health Foundation study threw light upon the

India's per capita OOP expenditure to pay for healthcare costs has gone up from Rs 41.83 in 2005 to Rs 68.63 in 2010 staggering amounts of money people have had to pay for increasing medicine and healthcare costs. India's per capita OOP expenditure to pay for healthcare costs has gone up from Rs 41.83 in 2005 to Rs 68.63 in 2010. The per capita spending on drugs increased from 29.77% to 46.86% During the same period, while hospitalization costs went up from 11.20% to 22.47%.

This meant that outpatient expenditure increased from 30% to 46%. A staggering 10% of total household income is spent on health care in states. We'd love to believe that all the initiatives will be carried out and alleviate people's healthcare woes and decrease out of pocket expenditure. But we remain skeptical about whether it'll be implemented. The government had launched a similar program under the Jan Aushadhi scheme which looked to launch generic drug stores. Though the plan was to have 3000 stores by 2012 only 300 of them were set up. And that's what worries us that though the intention is there, this scheme will come up against the same logjams that any government initiative faces. There's also the issue of rampant corruption among the different players involved in this initiative be it the doctors, pharmaceuticals or even the drug regulation body. We also need to see how the Indian Medical Association will react to this considering they are already up in arms against the government's proposed National Human Resource for Healthcare (NHRHC) and has organized a massive protest. Courtesy India.com Health View

US health care reform efforts through history WASHINGTON: The Supreme Court's ruling on President Barack Obama's health care overhaul law follows a century of debate over what role the government should play in helping people in the United States afford medical care. A look at the issue through the years: 1912: Former President Theodore Roosevelt champions national health insurance as he unsuccessfully tries to ride his progressive Bull Moose Party back to the White House. 1929: Baylor Hospital in Texas originates group health insurance. Dallas teachers pay 50 cents a month to cover up to 21 days of hospital care per year. 1935: President Franklin D. Roosevelt favors creating national health insurance amid the Great Depression but decides to push for Social Security first. 1942: Roosevelt establishes wage and price controls during World War II. Businesses can't attract workers with higher pay so they compete through added benefits, including health insurance, which grows into a workplace perk. 1945: President Harry Truman calls on Congress to create a national insurance program for those who pay voluntary fees. The American Medical Association denounces the idea as ``socialized medicine'' and it goes nowhere. 1960: John F. Kennedy makes health care a major campaign issue but as president can't get a plan for the elderly through Congress. 1965: President Lyndon B. Johnson's legendary arm-twisting and a Congress dominated by his fellow Democrats lead to creation of two landmark government health programs: Medicare for the elderly and Medicaid for the poor. 1974: President Richard Nixon wants to require employers to cover their workers and create federal subsidies to help everyone else buy private insurance. The Watergate scandal intervenes. 1976: President Jimmy Carter pushes a mandatory national health plan, but economic recession helps push it aside. 1986: President Ronald Reagan signs COBRA, a requirement that employers let former workers stay on the company health plan for 18 months after leaving a job, with workers bearing the cost. 1988: Congress expands Medicare by adding a prescription drug benefit and catastrophic care coverage. It doesn't last long. Barraged by protests from older Americans upset about paying a tax to finance the additional cov-

erage, Congress repeals the law the next year. 1993: President Bill Clinton puts first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in charge of developing what becomes a 1,300-page plan for universal coverage. It requires businesses to cover their workers and mandates that everyone have health insurance. The plan meets Republican opposition, divides Democrats and comes under a firestorm of lobbying from businesses and the health care industry. It dies in the Senate. 1997: Clinton signs bipartisan legislation creating a state-federal program to provide coverage for millions of children in families of modest means whose incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid. 2003: President George W. Bush persuades Congress to add prescription drug coverage to

"Obama and the Democratic-controlled Congress spend an intense year ironing out legislation to require most companies to cover their workers; mandate that everyone have coverage or pay a fine; require insurance companies to accept all" Medicare in a major expansion of the program for older people. 2008: Hillary Rodham Clinton promotes a sweeping health care plan in her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. She loses to Obama, who has a less comprehensive plan. 2009: Obama and the Democratic-controlled Congress spend an intense year ironing out legislation to require most companies to cover their workers; mandate that everyone have coverage or pay a fine; require insurance companies to accept all comers, regardless of any pre-existing conditions; and assist people who can't afford insurance. 2010: With no Republican support, Congress passes the measure, designed to extend health care coverage to more than 30 million uninsured people. Republican opponents scorned the law as `Òbamacare.'' 2012: On a campaign tour in the Midwest, Obama himself embraces the term `Òbamacare'' and says the law shows `Ì do care.'' -AP

July 6, 2012

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Casey Anthony's attorney doubted her mental health ORLANDO, Fla.: The Florida mother who was acquitted last year of murdering her 2year-old daughter had mental health issues that contributed to her habitual lying, the lead attorney in her criminal case says in a new book. In ``Presumed Guilty, Casey Anthony: The Inside Story,'' Jose Baez said detectives should have realized Casey Anthony had built a ``fantasy world,'' and her lies weren't evidence of guilt but signs of someone with ``serious mental health issues.'' Anthony is serving probation for an unrelated charge at an undisclosed location in Florida. Describing how Anthony led detectives on a wild goose chase, even taking them to Universal Studios where she falsely claimed she had a job, Baez writes, detectives ``should have stopped and realized, `Wait a minute, we're not dealing with someone who is playing with a full deck.''' Anthony originally told detectives that her daughter, Caylee, was taken by a babysitter in June 2008, and that she didn't report her missing for more than a month because she was searching for the toddler on her own. During Anthony's trial last year, Baez argued that the little girl accidentally drowned in the family swimming pool while Anthony and her father, George, were at home. Anthony panicked from the traumatic effects of being sexually abused by her father and George Anthony hid the body, according to the defense argument. George Anthony denied the defense's allegations that he abused Casey and helped her cover up Caylee's death. Prosecutors had contended that Anthony suffocated Caylee with duct tape because she wanted to be free to hit the nightclubs and spend time with her boyfriend. Jurors acquitted Anthony of firstdegree murder but convicted her of four misdemeanor counts of lying to investigators. Baez repeats the allegations of sexual abuse in greater detail in the book, saying it contributed to Anthony's mental health issues. Anthony's defense contemplated

Casey Anthony, right, and her attorney Jose Baez listen during testimony in her murder trial at the Orange County Courthouse in Orlando, Fla. Anthony, 25, is charged with killing her daughter Caylee in the summer of 2008

having her testify until the very end of the trial but then decided it wasn't necessary.

Describing how Anthony led detectives on a wild goose chase, even taking them to Universal Studios where she falsely claimed she had a job, Baez writes, detectives "should have stopped and realized, 'Wait a minute, we're not dealing with someone who is playing with a full deck.''' ``We had everything to lose and very little to gain,'' Baez writes. Baez takes aim at the reporters who covered the case, detectives who investigated it, ``groupies'' who attached themselves to it and the case's original judge who Baez says filed a complaint against him with the Florida Bar. The complaint was later dropped. Prosecutor Jeff Ashton undergoes the harshest criticism by Baez, who calls him ``a coward'' for not showing up at Anthony's sentencing for the misdemeanors since he was making the talk shows round after the trial. Baez is critical of many of Circuit Judge Belvin Perry's rulings during the trial but praises the judge for allowing him to pick

Swine flu far more lethal than India thought Cont’d from page 34

Total YLL attributable to deaths associated with 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 was 3·4 times higher than if the age distribution of deaths had been similar to that during seasonal epidemics." The study found that 65% of 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 deaths worldwide were in individuals aged 18-64 years (60% of global population), although the age distribution varied by region. Overall, 13% of respiratory deaths were in people older than 64 years (8% of global population). "An additional 83,300 cardiovascular deaths associated with the 2009 pandemic influenza were estimated to have occurred in people older than 17 years, resulting in a total of 284,400 respiratory and cardiovascular

a fair jury. Baez doesn't say where Anthony cur-

deaths. Around 20% of these deaths occurred in people older than 64 years," it added. Influenza pandemics are typically characterized by higher, but widely varying, number of deaths than seasonal epidemics. The emergence of pandemic influenza H1N1 in April, 2009, led WHO to request that countries report all laboratory-confirmed deaths associated with it. "For the period up to August, 2010, 18,500 deaths associated with laboratoryconfirmed 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1 have been reported. This number is likely to be an underestimate because diagnostic specimens are not always obtained from people who die with influenza and the viruses might no longer be detectable by the time of death in some people."

rently is hiding but he provides a glimpse of the first few hours after she was re-

leased from jail last July, time mostly devoted to eluding the media. After escorting Anthony out of the Orange County Jail and into a waiting SUV, Baez rode with Anthony to a parking garage where five cars driven by members of the legal team were waiting. Baez and Anthony got into one car which departed the garage at the same time as the other four. Each car drove in a different direction so reporters following Baez and Anthony wouldn't know which one they were in or where they were heading. Baez said Anthony's first meal out of jail was a cheeseburger, fries and milkshake from Steak `n Shake. Baez and Anthony then drove to a municipal airport where a private plane took them to the Florida Panhandle resort community of St. George Island. There, members of their legal team and their families met up with them. Anthony then went to New York until she had to return to Florida to serve her probation sentence. The three-year case took an emotional toll on Baez, according to his book. He suffered depression after the complaint was filed against him and he found it difficult to find joy in his wife's pregnancy. Baez also criticizes the way he was portrayed in the media as an inexperienced attorney taking on one of the highest-profile criminal cases in recent memory. ``The public may have been convinced that I was an idiot but I let it all roll off my back,'' he writes. -AP

In Brief Rubio calls for compromise on immigration LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.: Republican Sen. Marco Rubio scolded politicians from both parties for using illegal immigration as a political tool rather than finding compromise on a difficult, divisive issue. He accused both sides of not being willing to make serious attempts to solve the issue because it's easier to raise money and win votes if left unsolved. ``I have seen people take the legitimate concerns about illegal immigration and turn it into panic, and turn that panic into fear and anger and turn that anger into votes and money. I have also seen people go in the other direction. Anyone who disagrees with their ideas on illegal immigration is antiimmigrant and anti-Hispanic. That's ridiculous,'' Rubio said at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials annual conference. -AP

Governments not following Ga. immigration law ATLANTA: One year after Georgia lawmakers passed a tough immigration law, a newspaper investigation found that many city and county governments are not in compliance. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that state officials are preparing a mass mailing this week to remind governments that their state funding could be in jeopardy if they don't follow the law. The law passed a year ago aims to block illegal immigrants from taking jobs from U.S. citizens and stop taxpayer support for government contractors who are not authorized to work in the United States. -AP

Immigration protester's suit dismissed in Phoenix PHOENIX: A federal judge in Phoenix has dismissed the wrongful-arrest lawsuit of a woman who was a legal observer during a 2010 protest of Arizona's controversial immigration law. Sunita Patel is an attorney with the Center for Constitutional Rights. She was arrested with demonstrators outside of the Fourth Avenue Jail in July 2010 when they didn't immediately move when authorities told them to disperse. U.S. District Judge Neil V. Wake ruled that Maricopa County Sheriff's deputies had probable cause to arrest Patel as she stood on a sidewalk and gutter near the driveway of the jail. -AP

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Move to limit federal fingerprint program in Calif SACRAMENTO, Calif.: A bill that would pull back California’s participation in President Barack Obama’s flagship immigration enforcement program is gaining momentum a week after Obama halted the deportation of young illegal immigrants. -AP

Court's immigration ruling to echo in other states WASHINGTON: The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that strikes down key parts of Arizona's crackdown on illegal immigrants is expected to set off challenges in other states that have adopted harsh new laws out of frustration with the way the federal government, and the Obama administration, have dealt with the issue. Like the decision, none of the legal battles will settle the nation's raging political debate on immigration, where President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney are deeply at odds. The court's decision lands in the middle of a presidential campaign in which Obama has been heavily courting traditionally Democratic-leaning Latino voters and Romney has been struggling to win their support after taking a hard line on illegal immigration in a drawn-out primary campaign. The conservative-dominated high court found much of Arizona's immigration law unconstitutional, but it ruled that one part would stand - the requirement that police check the status of someone they suspect is not in the U.S. legally. Even there, the justices said the provision could be subject to legal challenges as the state that shares a long border with Mexico goes forward. Obama said he was pleased with

the ruling but objected to the provision that was left standing. ``No American should ever live under a cloud of suspicion just because of what they look like,'' he said in a statement. Romney said the law has ``become a muddle'' and released a statement saying, ``I believe that each state has the duty - and the right to secure our borders and preserve the rule of law, particularly when the federal government has failed to meet its responsibilities.''

by Arizona's move, and Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina and Utah adopted variations of its law, in some cases going even further. Alabama required that public schools verify the citizenship status of new students, and Indiana allowed police to arrest anyone who had been ordered by federal authorities to be detained or deported - even if they were not suspected of any other crime. Groups including the American Civil Liberties Union said the provision gave po-

The court was unanimous on allowing the “show me your papers'' immigration status check to go forward, but police officers are prohibited from arresting people on minor immigration charges The Arizona case focused on whether states can adopt their own measures to deal with an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the face of federal inaction on comprehensive reforms. The Obama administration sued to block the Arizona law soon after its enactment two years ago, calling it an unconstitutional intrusion into an area under Washington's control. Federal courts had refused to let the four key provisions take effect. But other states were inspired

lice unprecedented arrest powers. Parts of the states' laws have been on hold pending the outcome of the Arizona case. Now challenges to them likely can move forward in lower courts. The Supreme Court struck down three major Arizona's requirements: requiring all immigrants to obtain or carry immigration registration papers, making it a crime for an illegal immigrant to seek or hold a job and allowing police to arrest suspected illegal immigrants without warrants.

``This is a massive defeat for those who believe states can regulate immigration,'' said Charles Kuck, an Atlanta immigration attorney and former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. ``I think it's funny that anybody could read that decision and come to any other conclusion.'' But several lawmakers and civil rights groups said the part of the law left in place by the high court was an invitation to racial profiling. The court was unanimous on allowing the ``show me your papers'' immigration status check to go forward, but police officers are prohibited from arresting people on minor immigration charges. Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, a Republican, said the ruling marked a victory for people who believe in the responsibility of states to defend their residents. But Justice Anthony Kennedy, joined in his majority opinion by conservative Chief Justice John Roberts as well as three liberal justices, said the impasse in Washington over immigration reform did not justify state intrusion. ``Arizona may have understandable frustrations with the problems caused by illegal immigration while that process continues, but the state may not pursue policies that undermine federal law,'' Kennedy said. -AP

Deferred action: The next generation GARY ENDELMAN & CYRUS D. MEHTA

resident Obama at last came through with a bold memo randum on June 15 executed by DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano, granting deferred action to undocumented people. The Administration has always had authority to grant deferred action, which is a discretionary act not to prosecute or to deport a particular alien. While critics decry that Obama has circumvented Congress, the Administration has always had executive branch authority to exercise prosecutorial discretion, including deferred action, which is an expression of limited

enforcement resources in the administration of the immigration law. It makes no sense to deport undocumented children who lacked the intention to violate their status and who have been educated in the US, and who have the potential to enhance the US through their hard work, creativity and determination to succeed. We have always advocated that the Administration has inherent authority within the INA to ameliorate the hardships caused to non-citizens as a result of an imperfect and broken immigration system. In Tyranny of Priority

Dates, (http://www.scribd.com/ doc/45650253/The-Tyranny-ofPriority-Dates-by-Gary-Endelmanand-Cyrus-D-Mehta-3-25-10) we argued that the Administration has the authority to allow non-citizens who are beneficiaries of approved family (I-130) or employment-based (I-140) petitions affected by the crushing backlogs in the priority date system to remain in the US through the grant of parole under INA 212(d)(5) based on "urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefits." When the DREAM Act passed the House in 2010, but nar-

rowly failed to garner the magic super majority of 60 in the Senate, we proposed that the President could also grant similar parole to DREAM children as well as deferred action in our blog, Keeping Hope Alive: President Obama Can Use His Executive Power Until Congress Passes The Dream Act,(www.cyrusmehta.com ). The new memorandum directs the heads of USCIS, CBP and ICE to exercise prosecutorial discretion, and thus grant deferred action, to an individual who came to the United States under the age of Cont’d on page 40

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Obama to Hispanics on immigrants: I see my kids

President Barack Obama

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.: President Barack Obama, in a strikingly personal appeal, renewed his call for an overhaul of America's immigration laws before a supportive Latino audience. He portrayed rival Mitt Romney as an obstacle to measures that would give young illegal immigrants a path to citizenship. ``These are all our kids,'' he declared. To a standing ovation, Obama spoke of his directive that immigrants brought illegally to the United States as children be exempted from deportation and granted work permits if they applied. Reflecting on his own life as the first African-American president, he said: ``When I meet these young people, all throughout communities, I see myself. Who knows what they might achieve? I see my daughters, and my nieces,

and my nephews.'' ``That's the promise that draws so many talented, driven people

Though hardly singleminded in their approach to politics, most Hispanics have been voting Democratic in recent elections. Obama has risked losing some support in part because Hispanics have been hard hit by the weak economy to these shores. That's the promise that drew my own father here,'' said Obama, whose father was

SAALT concern at Supreme Court's decision India Post News Service

he U.S. Supreme Court has rendered its ruling in U.S. v. Arizona regarding Arizona's anti-immigrant law, S.B. 1070. In its decision, while the Court struck down three provisions of the law on the basis that they were trumped by federal law, it nevertheless upheld a provision that will result in racial profiling by state and local law enforcement of individuals suspected of being undocumented. While in support of the Court's decision to invalidate certain provisions of S.B 1070, as an organization committed to upholding immigrant rights, SAALT says it remains deeply concerned that the

Court failed to strike down the "papers please" aspects of the law. Enacted in 2010, S.B. 1070 grants sweeping authority to state and local law enforcement as it relates to carrying out immigration law. In today's decision, the Court invalidated provisions making it a state crime for individuals who fail to register with federal immigration authorities and carry registration documents; making it a state crime for undocumented immigrants to seek or perform work; and authorizing police offices to arrest individuals, without a warrant, based on the belief that the individual has committed a crime that could lead to deportation. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 41

Kenyan. Obama spoke to the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, gathered on the sprawling grounds of Disney World, his first speech to a Hispanic group since he announced the new deportation policy. Romney spoke to the group, underscoring the importance of the growing Hispanic vote and the influence it could have this election year in swing states from Nevada to Colorado to Florida to Virginia. Obama's address also illustrated his own challenge in meeting an earlier campaign pledge. Four years ago, before the same Latino leaders group, Obama vowed to make changing the nation's immigration system and taking steps to legalize millions of illegal immigrants a priority he would ``pursue from my very first day.'' Though hardly single-minded in their approach to politics, most Hispanics have been voting Democratic in recent elections. Obama has risked losing some support in part because Hispanics have been hard hit by the weak economy. What's more, Latino leaders have also grown frustrated with Obama because he failed to deliver on his 2008 pledge and because his administration was deporting illegal immigrants in record numbers. Obama blamed the lack of broader changes on Republicans who once supported adjustments to immigration law and ``have been driven away from the table by a small faction of their own party.'' He noted that Romney during the Republican primaries said he would veto legislation, known as the DREAM Act, that would give a path to citizenship to young immigrants who came to the United States illegally as children but have since attended school or served in the military. ``He has promised to veto the DREAM Act and we should take him at his word,'' he said, It was lack of action on the DREAM Act the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act that led him to take the administrative steps he did last week to defer deportation for some young illegal immigrants and give them work permits instead, he said. ``It falls short of where we need to be, a path to citizenship,'' he said. ``It's not a permanent fix. It's a temporary measure that lets us focus our resources wisely while offering some justice to these young people.'' -AP

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Deferred action: The next generation Cont’d from page 38

16, has continuously resided in the US for at least 5 years preceding the date of the memorandum and was present in the US on the date of the memorandum, and who is currently in school, or has graduated from school or obtained a general education certificate, or who is an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States. Moreover, this individual should not be above the age of thirty and should also not have been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise poses a threat to national security or public safety. This directive further applies to individuals in removal proceedings as well as those who have already obtained removal orders. The grant of deferred action also allows the non-citizen to apply for employment authorization pursuant to an existing regulation, 8 CFR § 274a(c) (14). While this memorandum is indeed a giant step in providing relief to a class of immigrants who have been out of status for no fault of their own, we propose other incremental administrative steps so that such individuals, even after they have been granted deferred action and work authorization, can obtain permanent residence. We are mindful, as the accompanying FAQ to the memorandum acknowledges, that the grant of deferred action does not provide the individual with a pathway to permanent residence and "[o]nly the Congress, acting through its legislative authority, can confer the right to permanent lawful status." But just as people were skeptical about our ideas for administrative action when we first proposed them, some of which has come to fruition, we continue to propose further administrative steps that the President can take, which would not be violative of the separation of powers doctrine. There are bound to be many who have been granted deferred action to also be on the pathway to permanent residence by being beneficiaries of approved I-130 or I-140 petitions. Unless one is being sponsored as an immediate relative, i.e. as a spouse, child or parent of a US citizen, and has also been admitted an inspected, filing an application for adjustment of status to permanent residence will not be possible for an individual who has failed to maintain a lawful status under INA § 245(a). Such individuals will have to depart the US to process their immigrant visas at a US consulate in their home countries. Although the grant of deferred action will stop

unlawful presence from accruing, it does not erase any past unlawful presence. Thus, one who has accrued over one year of unlawful presence and departs the US in order to process for an immigrant visa will most likely face the 10 year bar under INA § 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II). While some may be able to take advantage of the proposed provisional waiver rule, where one can apply in the US for a waiver before leaving the US, not all will be eligible under this new rule. A case in point is someone who is sponsored by an employer under the employment-based second preference, and who may not even have a qualifying relative to apply for the waiver of the 10 year bar. We propose that the USCIS extend the holding of the Board of Immigration Appeals in Matter of Arrabally and Yerrabelly, 25 I&N Dec. 771 (BIA 2012) to beneficiaries of deferred action. In Arrabelly and Yerrabelly, the BIA held that an applicant for adjustment of status, who leaves the US pursuant to a grant of advance parole, has not effected a departure from the US in order to trigger the 10 year bar under INA § 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II). If a beneficiary of deferred action is granted advance parole, this person's trip outside the US under this advance parole ought not to be considered a departure. Such facts would square with Matter of Arrabelly and Yerrabelly if the individual returned back to the US under advance parole. However, here, the individual may likely return back on an immigrant visa and be admitted as a permanent resident. That might be hard to sell to the government - how can you apply for a visa at a consulate in a foreign country and still not leave USA? Still, this idea has merit as it is the initial "departure" under advance parole that would not be a trigger for the bar to reentry, not the subsequent admission as an immigrant. In the leaked July 2010 memorandum to USCIS Director Mayorkas, the suggestion is made that the USCIS "reexamine past interpretations of terms such as 'departure' and 'seeking admission again' within the context of unlawful presence and adjustment of status." Using Matter of Arrabally and Yerrabelly in the manner we propose seeks to do just that. Once again, as with the concept of parole, we seek to build on past innovation to achieve future gain. As an alternative we propose, as we did in The Tyranny of Priority Dates, that the government, in addition to the grant of deferred action, also grants parole in place

on a nunc pro tunc or retroactive basis under INA 212(d)(5). For instance, the USCIS informally allows spouses of military personnel who would otherwise be unable to adjust under INA § 245(a) if they were neither "inspected and admitted or paroled" to apply for "parole in place." The concept of parole in place was also proposed in the leaked memo. Interestingly, in this memo,

While some may be able to take advantage of the proposed provisional waiver rule, where one can apply in the US for a waiver before leaving the US, not all will be eligible under this new rule a prime objective of granting parole in place was to avoid the need for consular processing of an immigrant visa application: "By granting PIP, USCIS can eliminate the need for qualified recipients to return to their home country for consular processing, particularly when doing so might trigger the bar to returning." This would only be the case, however, where the adjustment applicant is married to a US citizen, or is the minor child or parent of a US citizen, and need not be barred due to lack of an inspection or admission. Because we advocate a much wider extension

As an example, an individual who was admitted in B-2 status and is the beneficiary of an I-130 petition but whose B-2 status has expired can be required to report to DHS, who can retroactively rescind the grant of admission of parole in place, the need for retroactivity, both for the parole and companion employment authorization becomes readily apparent. The use of parole in place, while not common, is certainly not without precedent and, as the leaked memo recites, has been expansively utilized to promote family unity among military dependents. For our purposes, "applicants for admission who entered the US as minors without inspection" were singled out as a class for whom pa-

role in place was singularly suitable. Upon such a grant of parole in place retroactively, non-immediate relatives who have not maintained status may also be able to adjust status. Such a retroactive grant of parole, whether in the I-130 or I140 context, would need to be accompanied by a retroactive grant of employment authorization in order to erase any prior unauthorized employment. We acknowledge that it may be more problematic for the individual to be eligible for adjustment of status through an I-140 employmentbased petition rather than an I-130 petition, since INA § 245(c)(7), requires an additional showing of a lawful nonimmigrant status, in the case of an employment-based petition under INA § 203(b). Still, the grant of nunc pro tunc parole will wipe out unlawful presence, and thus this individual can leave the US and apply for the immigrant visa in the US Consulate in his or her home country without the risk of triggering the 3 or 10 year bar. One conceptual difficulty is whether parole can be granted to an individual who is already admitted on a nonimmigrant visa but has overstayed. Since parole is not considered admission, it can be granted more readily to one who entered without inspection. But this impediment can be overcome: It may be possible for the government to rescind the grant of admission, and instead, replace it with the grant parole under INA § 212(d)(5). As an example, an individual who was admitted in B-2 status and is the beneficiary of an I-130 petition but whose B-2 status has expired can be required to report to DHS, who can retroactively rescind the grant of admission in B2 status and be retroactively granted parole. There may be other obstacles for individuals in removal proceedings or with removal orders, but those too can be easily overcome. If the individual is in removal proceedings, if he or she is also eligible for deferred action, such removal proceedings can be terminated and he or she can also receive a grant of nunc pro tunc parole, thus rendering him eligible for adjustment of status in the event that there is an approved I130 or I-140 petition. Even a person who already has a removal order can seek to reopen the removal order through a joint or consent motion with the government for the purposes of reopening and terminating proceedings, and this person too could potentially file an adjustment application, if he or she is the beneficiary of an I-130 upon being granted nunc pro tunc parole, and the beneficiary like-

wise could travel overseas for consular processing without risking the 10 year bar. We of course would welcome Congress to act and pass the DREAM Act, as well as Comprehensive Immigration Reform, so that this memorandum does not get reversed or discontinued in the event that a new Administration takes over from January 2013. However, until Congress does not act, the June 15, 2012 memo does provide welcome relief for young people, but it still leaves them in a limbo with only deferred action. The elephant in the room may be whether the USCIS has the capacity to deal with hundreds of thousands of requests for deferred action. In the absence of congressional action, the agency lacks the capacity to charge special fees for this purpose. Consequently, all relevant federal agencies, including ICE and CBP, must willingly but swiftly reassign existing personnel now devoted to less urgent tasks so that the President's initiative does not become a dead letter. Our proposal for an additional grant of nunc pro tunc parole in place to individuals who have already been conferred deferred action will at least allow them to enter the regular immigration system and hope to adjust status to permanent residence, or consular process, and thus on the path to citizenship, should they become the beneficiaries of approved family or employment-based petitions. Again, as we noted earlier, and as we noted in Tyranny of Priority Dates, we are not asking for the executive branch to create new forms of status. We are only asking for the Executive to remove barriers to the ability of otherwise deserving applicants for permanent residents to take advantage of the existing system. We want to emphasize there is nothing in the INA that prevents the immediate adoption of our recommendations just as there was nothing in the INA that prevented the memorandum. We also want to emphasize that I-130's and I-140s will still be necessary. We do not want to create a new system, only to allow the old one to work more effectively. The future is ours to shape. For those who lack faith, we remind them of Tennyson's injunction in Ulysses: "Come my friends, 'tis not too late to seek a newer world." (The views expressed by guest author, Gary Endelman, are his own and not of his firm, FosterQuan, LLP) * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Immigration Post

July 6, 2012

India Post

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Romney: I'll tackle immigration in 'civil' manner LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida: Republican candidate Mitt Romney pledged to address illegal immigration `ìn a civil but resolute manner'', backing off harsh campaign rhetoric as he courted Latino voters critical to the tight U.S. presidential race. The former Massachusetts governor has struggled in recent days to clarify his immigration policy as he pivots from the sharp tone that defined the months-long Republican primary to choose a presidential nominee. Immigration a topic that had been sidelined by a focus on the teetering U.S. economy suddenly took center stage after President Barack Obama announced a new plan to ease deportation rules for some illegal immigrants brought to the United States as children. In a speech before Hispanic leaders, Romney attacked Obama's plan as little more than a ``stopgap measure.'' `Às President, I won't settle for a stop-gap measure. I will work with Republicans and Democrats to find a long-term solution,'' Romney told the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. `Ì will prioritize measures that strengthen legal immigration and make it easier. And I will address the problem of illegal immi-

gration in a civil but resolute manner. We may not always agree, but when I make a promise to you, I will keep it.'' Romney again refused to say whether he would reverse Obama's policy, promising his ``own longterm solution that will replace and supersede the president's temporary measure.'' Both sides are crafting aggressive strategies to appeal to a de-

Romney outlined plans to overhaul the green card or permanent residency system for immigrants with families, and end immigration caps for their spouses and minor children mographic that is by no means monolithic but has supported Democrats in recent elections. Some Republicans fear and Democrats hope that Obama could capitalize on this moment to help solidify Hispanic voters as predominantly Democratic in November and for years to come, much as

SAALT concern at Supreme Court's decision Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 39

However, the Court reserved judgment on the provision that required state and local police to attempt to determine the immigration status of any personal lawfully stopped, detained, or arrested whenever there is a "reasonable suspicion" that the person is unlawfully present, and verify that status with the federal government. Deepa Iyer, Executive Director of SAALT, said, "While we welcome the decision by the Supreme Court to reaffirm the long-established authority of the federal government, not individual states, over immigration, we are disappointed that the provision requiring state and local law enforcement to investigate individuals suspected of being undocumented was not struck down today. As it currently stands, this provision encourages racial profiling, as police can target individuals simply based upon their skin color, accent, or language that they speak, whether they are U.S. citizens or not. The South Asian community sadly knows all too well the devastating effects of that

profiling has on the rights of community members, having experienced it for the past ten years since September 11th in the contexts of immigration enforcement, airport security screenings, and surveillance operations in the name of national security. We hope that, as a result of ongoing litigation efforts currently underway through separate lawsuits challenging the discriminatory nature of this law, this provision will also be struck down in the future." SAALT said the results of the Supreme Court's decisions underscore the need for Congress to enact robust anti-profiling legislation, such as the End Racial Profiling Act, and just and humane immigration reform. The Administration also has a vital role to play in terms of strengthening existing anti-profiling policies; ensuring that federal immigration authorities exercise prosecutorial discretion in its enforcement priorities; and that programs, such as Secure Communities, that allow state and local law enforcement involvement in immigration enforcement, are terminated.

Republican candidate Mitt Romney

President Lyndon Johnson hardened the black vote for Democrats as he pushed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Under Obama's plan, illegal immigrants can avoid deportation if they can prove they were brought to the United States before they turned 16 and are younger than 30, have been in the country for at least five continuous years, have no criminal history, and graduated from a U.S. high school or earned an equivalent diploma or served in the military. The new policy could help anywhere from 800,000 young immigrants, the administration's estimate, to 1.4 million, the Pew Hispanic Center's estimate. At least 1 in 6 Americans is of Hispanic descent, according to the Census Bureau, and many lean towards the Democrats. By softening his tone on immigration, Romney is looking to narrow the advantage that Obama has with this pivotal constituency. The stakes are high not only for states with larger Hispanic populations such as Florida, Nevada and Colorado, but for a growing number of other battlegrounds Ohio, North Carolina and Virginia, among them where even a modest shift among Latino voters could be significant. During the primaries, Romney and his Republican opponents focused on border security and English as the official language,

and the former Massachusetts governor didn't spell out precisely what he would do to address the nation's immigration problem. Earlier, Romney outlined plans to overhaul the green card or permanent residency system for immigrants with families, and end immigration caps for their spouses and minor children. He made only passing mention of his promise to complete a 2,000mile (3,218-kilometer) border fence to help stem illegal immigration, and he ignored language issues

altogether. Romney was vague in some areas particularly the treatment of immigrant children brought to the country illegally by their parents but offered new details in others. His plan to reallocate green cards for immigrants with families and end caps for spouses and minor children would mark a change from the current system, which is something of a first come, first served system. And his pledge to ``staple a green card to your diploma'' for immigrants who earned advanced degrees in the United States represents a significant change from current law. But Romney's campaign could not immediately detail how many immigrants might be affected by his policies. Nor could they detail which would require legislative action. As is typical, Romney also focused on the economy. The candidate, a multi-millionaire former co-founder of a private equity firm, argued that his economic credentials would benefit all people who have struggled under Obama's leadership in recent years women, younger voters and Hispanics among them. In his speech, Romney said that Obama is taking the Hispanic vote for granted. -AP

Tech News Apple launches iTunes Store

pple has launched iTunes Store in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and nine additional countries in Asia featuring an incredible selection of local and international music from all the major labels and thousands of independent labels. The iTunes Store features local artists including Jay Chou, Girls Generation and Andy Lau, international artists including ADELE, The Beatles and Jason Mraz, and world-renowned classical musicians including Lang Lang, Yo Yo Ma and Yuja Wang. Customers can choose from over 20 million songs available to purchase and download on the iTunes Store.

BMW to launch X2 in India in 2014

nce again German luxury auto makers BMW and Audi are playing bullish in the Indian auto market. Audi is betting high in the Indian market and, thus, has lined-up a series of new launches for the same. The brand with the four rings recently launched its Q3 and is now thinking about introducing its new Q2 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) sometime in 2014. In order to strike a blow to the strengthening position of Audi in India, the largest luxury car maker of world, BMW has also pulled up its socks to square off against its tough rival. Reportedly, BMW is working on the development of its entry-level X2, a SUV which is anticipated to launch in 2014 too.

India upgrades 'cheapest tablet' Aakash

ndia has unveiled a new version of what it says is the "world's cheapest tablet computer" - the Aakash 2. The device, primarily for students, is to be sold for 2,263 rupees ($40; ÂŁ26). It has a faster processor, longer battery life and more programming capability than an earlier version. The government believes that low-cost tablets can help revolutionize internet access across India. But distribution has been an issue, with few schools receiving the tablets. A right to information request filed by Indian media blog Medianama showed that only 572 of the first devices have been distributed, reaching fewer than 20 colleges.

TechBiz 42 India Post

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July 6, 2012

BMW to launch X2 in India in 2014

Industry must help community or face backlash: Tata NEW YORK: Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata, who has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by prestigious Rockefeller Foundation, wants industrial houses to help the community in their areas. Or else, there could be "backlash". Speaking on the occasion here, Tata, 74, said businesses should

take place and many companies that go overseas are getting to understand the need to do this and those that do not are really hurting the reputation of other industries," he said. Tata, who has been honored by the Rockefeller Foundation, for innovation in philanthropy, said, "When you see in places like Africa and parts of Asia abject poverty, hungry children and malnutriThe involvement, he said, tion around you, and has to be not just by provid- you look at yourself as ing material support but also being people who have well being and comby playing a role in prosper- forts, I think it takes a very insensitive, tough ity to the community in person not to feel they which they belong need to do something". The involvement, he said, has to be not be making a difference in places just by providing material support where they operate and helping the but also by playing a role in proscommunity prosper. perity to the community in which "This is all the more evident in they belong, he said. the developing world where disTata, who heads the USD 100 parities are so huge. If the indus- billion conglomerate with operatry is not sensitive to it, they tions in 100 countries, said emwould encourage a backlash to ployees in his organization have

Ratan Tata honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award by prestigious Rockefeller Foundation

gained a certain spirit of being part of a community in which they operate. "It has become the DNA of the

organization to play a role in the community," Tata, who will be retiring as Chairman of group in December, said. -PTI

RBS says IT problems not linked to India outsourcing LONDON: Under intense pressure from customers and others for an IT failure that affected the transactions of millions of customers, the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has said there was no link to its outsourcing program to India. Outsourcing IT and other jobs to India by banks and other institutions has often been in public focus, since they invariably lead to job losses in Britain. There have also been doubts about the security of UK data sent to India. Millions of customers could not complete their transactions with RBS for one week after a computer software upgrade failed, disrupting payments into and out of accounts. RBS said most of the backlog

of transactions had been cleared, leaving less than 1 per cent unresolved. However, opponents of outsourcing to India have used the RBS' IT problems to once again

was based in India. RBS is one of the major banks that was rescued by the taxpayer in 2008 during the banking crisis. Since the bailout, it has reportedly shed nearly 30,000 jobs, in-

"It is possible a small number of customers may experience delays as we return to a completely normal service. The full focus of our efforts will now be on delivering the same result for our Ulster Bank customers who continue to experience unacceptable delays to their accounts being updated" raise questions about sending work and jobs to India, with reports stating that the support team for the bank's computer software

cluding more than 20,000 UKbased roles, and has outsourced them abroad, including to India. The bank said work was on to

resolve the problem and that only "a few specific sets of transactions" were outstanding. The RBS said: "It is possible a small number of customers may experience delays as we return to a completely normal service. The full focus of our efforts will now be on delivering the same result for our Ulster Bank customers who continue to experience unacceptable delays to their accounts being updated." The Unite union, who has often opposed outsourcing to India, questioned whether the offshoring had left the bank unable to cope after the software failure, but RBS consistently denied that the decision to relocate jobs to India had made any difference at all to its handling of the situation. -PTI

TechBiz Post

July 6, 2012

India Post

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Coca Cola to invest USD 5 billion BRICS Development Bank launch in SAfrica next year in India by 2020 NEW DELHI: Betting big on India, beverages giant Coca-Cola has said it, along with partners, would more than double investments in the country to USD 5 billion (about Rs 28,000 crore) by 2020. The fresh investment, which is higher by USD 3 billion from the previous announcement made in November 2011 for a period of five years, will be on various activities, including setting up of new bottling plants. "While we have always believed in the Indian growth story, India is now a key focus market for our company and system," Coca-Cola Co Chairman and CEO Muhtar Kent told reporters here. Announcing future plans for the country, he said: "We plan to invest USD 5 billion dollars in the India business between now and 2020. This represents an increase of USD 3 billion beyond what we had previously committed to investing in this market". The investments would be made on increasing bottling lines, adding new bottling plants, enhancing back-end chain infrastructure as well as marketing by the company, he said without disclosing details. In line with its plan to double revenue globally by 2020, Coca Cola had announced in November last year that the company along with its partners would invest USD 2 billion in India over the next five years to enhance its business operations, including setting up a new plant in the country. At present, the company has 56 plants in India of which 21 are franchise plants, 23 are company-owned and 12 contract packaging plants. Expressing satisfaction over the growth of its Indian business in the recent past, he said: "Our

India story is one of a remarkable turnaround. Six years ago we were not strong here at all. Today our India business aspires to be among the top five countries by volume in the entire Coca Cola

ments in India is part of the USD 30 billion plans announced by the company to meet its Vision 2020 target of doubling the size of the company's business to USD 200 billion by 2020.

The CEO of Coca-Cola Company, USA, Muhtar Kent meeting the Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Textiles, Anand Sharma in New Delhi on June 27

system". At present the country is in the seventh spot, which he said has improved from around '16 or 17 in 2005-06'. "We have been examining our growth projections and goals for the India business...we are absolutely confident this (investment) is the right decision given the vast opportunities in India," Kent added. Coca Cola sells a variety of both carbonated and non-carbonated drinks in India, including Coca Cola, Thums Up, Sprite, Maaza and Minute Maid. Kent further said the invest-

"In 2009, our system revenues were USD 90 billion. Last year, they were USD 105 billion. Today I believe our 2020 vision is as clear, solid and sound as it was when it was conceived". At present the country is in the seventh spot, which he said has improved from around '16 or 17 in 2005-06'. "We have been examining our growth projections and goals for the India business...we are absolutely confident this (investment) is the right decision given the vast opportunities in India," Kent added. -PTI

India Dubai's top trading partner during Jan-Mar DUBAI: India has emerged as Dubai's top trading partner, achieving total trade of over USD 10 billion during the quarter ended March. India also emerged as Dubai's top exporting and re- exporting country at USD 5.7 billion and came second in terms of imports at USD 5.17 billion, following China at USD 6.94 billion. The US came in third place at USD 4.35 billion, according to the latest statistics released by Dubai Customs. Unwrought, worked and semimanufactured gold topped the list

of Dubai's imports with USD 6.9 billion from January to March 2012, followed by diamonds at USD 3.78 billion and jewellery and precious metals at USD 3.1 billion. Imports of telecom equipment have reached USD 3.10 billion, while cars touched USD 2.06 billion. Gold was the number one product to be exported from Dubai during the said period at USD 5.06 billion, followed by jewellery and precious metals and non-crude oil. The continued growth in Dubai's foreign trade reflects the strength and resilience of the UAE

economy, said Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Executive Chairman of Ports, Custom and Free Zone Corporation, Dubai Customs Director General. Ahmed said the statistics include non-oil direct trade, free zone trade and customs warehouses. "The continued growth of Dubai's foreign trade has mainly resulted in the development of modern customs systems that ensures offering a wide range of high quality services to the private sector and shipping and logistics companies," he said. -PTI

JOHANNESBURG: The pro- South Africa will be a massive inposed BRICS Development Bank jection in our infrastructure develcould be launched in South Africa opment plan, which could help next year during a summit of the government to meet some of its countries making up the five-na- very ambitious growth targets," tion bloc, a South African minister Majokweni said. has said. "The BRICS bank will promote "We are keenly watching the growth and investment in its mempossibility that the BRICS Devel- ber states and other emerging maropment Bank will be born here in kets, and will be a strong voice in 2012," Minister of International the lobbying for the reform of inRelations and Cooperation Maite NkoanaMashabane said at a "The BRICS bank will promeeting of the ANC's mote growth and investment Progressive Business Forum on the sidelines in its member states and of the ANC Policy Conother emerging markets, ference here. BRICS is an associa- and will be a strong voice in tion of five leading emerging economies the lobbying for the reform Brazil, Russia, India, of international financial China and South Africa. The Brics Develop- institutions," Majokweni ment Bank was mooted said at a summit in New Delhi in March this year as an alternative to the IMF. ternational financial institutions," Nkoane-Mashabane's col- Majokweni added. league Rob Davies, Trade and InThe comments on the BRICS dustry Minister, said: "a consid- bank launch came even as the erable amount of work (in this re- Southern African Development gard) would be done by next year Community (SADC) indicated that when we host the summit". it wanted to establish another deNomaxabiso Majokweni, chief velopment bank for the region, executive of Business Unity SA which includes South Africa. (BUSA), said at the same meeting SADC deputy executive secrethat the BRICS Development Bank tary Samuel Caholo said a prowould help South Africa speed up posal for an SADC development its multibillion-rand infrastructure bank is likely to get final approval program. at the SADC heads of state meet"An immediate benefit for ing in August. -PTI

TechBiz Post

India Post

July 6, 2012

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AI should be placed under special administration NEW DELHI: A global aviation consultancy firm has suggested that Air India should be placed under a special administration, like in the case of telecom company Satyam, to facilitate its turnaround. The Sydney-based Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) also warned that the unresolved human resources issues would continue to be a source of labor unrest, like the ongoing pilots' strike. In a report released globally, it said Air India planned to launch a low-cost carrier in the domestic market by converting its fleet of 12-14 aged Airbus A-320 planes into single-class configuration, claiming that at least two aircraft have already been reconfigured. Observing that the airline continued to "lurch from one crisis to the next", suffering from low productivity, high costs, significant unresolved human resource issues and an unviable business

model, it said, "Air India should be placed in special administration, similar to that adopted for Satyam, if any meaningful

In a report released globally, it said Air India planned to launch a low-cost carrier in the domestic market by converting its fleet of 12-14 aged Airbus A-320 planes into single-class configuration progress is to be achieved." After Satyam's founder admitted in 2009 to a massive accounting fraud, the government stepped in to set up a new board for the IT

Kudankulam in final stages of commissioning NEW DELHI: After being tory process. plagued by delays, India's first To another question, he said large-size imported nuclear reac- safety would be given the topmost tor at Kudankulam is in the final priority in all aspects of nuclear stages of commissioning. power plants in the country. "We are proceeding with some The work on the KNPP was final regulatory processes on the suspended from September, 2011 Kudankulam project. It is in the fi- to March 19, 2012 due to protests nal stages of commissioning," over its safety and concerns about Kailash Chandra Purohit, Chair- the impact of the project on enviman-cum-Managing Director of ronment. Nuclear Power Corporation of InThe first reactor of 1,000 MW dia Limited (NPCIL) told PTI. is targeted to start commercial opPurohit, who took over as eration from August and another NCPIL CMD recently, said the 1,000 MW would be operational Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) officials were carrying out The completion of the detailed inspection of project will take India's the reactor after the removal of the dummy installed nuclear power fuel from Unit-I of the capacity to 6,780 MW from Kudankulam Nuclear 4,780 MW now, which is 2.4 Power Project. Officials in per cent of the total installed Kudankulam said a capacity in the country three-stage review process was underway before the AERB grants permission by March next year. for initial loading of fuel into the The Kudankulam nuclear reactor. power project is a collaboration Another three-stage process between India and Russia. follows after permission is granted The completion of the project for loading of fuel into a reactor. It will take India's installed nuclear involves initial system perfor- power capacity to 6,780 MW from mance tests at low, medium and 4,780 MW now, which is 2.4 per rated power levels as determined cent of the total installed capacity by the stable operation of the tur- in the country. bine. Currently, the NPCIL operates Purohit refrained from giving a 19 nuclear plants which produced date for commissioning of the first 32,455 million units of electricity 1,000 MW unit at Kudankulam in 2011-12. India targets to have contending that he was not in a 63,000 MW of install nuclear position to pre-judge the regula- power by 2032.-PTI

firm. Following this, Tech Mahindra bought 46 per cent stake in Satyam which is now called Mahindra Satyam. Regarding HR issues, CAPA said problems relating to pay, allowances and career progression have remained unresolved and "this continues to remain a source of industrial unrest going forward". Justifying that the national carrier should be placed under a special administration, it said the management would soon experience a senior-level overhaul as 16 executive directors were due to retire over 12 months. Its board had also not been strengthened after two of its members quit. "The new team could be faced with a highly charged and complex situation," it claimed. CAPA said that after "years of neglect", Air India continues to "lack decisiveness and willing-

26 per cent hike in power tariff in Delhi NEW DELHI: Already battling high inflation, people in Delhi will have to shell out more for electricity from July 1 with the city's power regulator DERC announcing a steep hike of around 26 percent in tariff for domestic consumers. The tariff has been hiked by 24.15 per cent for domestic consumers while an additional eight per cent surcharge has been levied on the overall bill which would effectively take the increase to 26 per cent, Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) Chairman P D Sudhakar said. The average hike, including the commercial and industrial sector would be 20.87 per cent for all categories. The new rates would come into effect from July 1. "We have decided to increase the tariff considering the difficult financial position of the power distribution companies," Sudhakar said announcing the hike. As per the new rates, a domestic consumer will be charged Rs 3.70 per unit for first 200 units of power instead of current Rs 3. Consumers having a monthly usage of up to 400 units will have to pay Rs 4.80 per unit of power. Earlier, consumers having usages up to 400 unit were paying Rs 3 per unit for first 200 unit and then Rs 4.80 per unit was charged for consumption up to 400 units.-PTI

ness to take difficult decisions, in the absence of which no meaningful recovery can occur". The consultancy firm said

Air India experienced a strong 30-35 per cent year-onyear improvement in revenue between January to April and its average domestic revenue per passenger has been strengthening though integration of the organizational structure at former Air India and Indian Airlines has been completed, "most critical issue" like integration of human resources has been "ineptly handled and almost willfully ig-

nored". "Nobody within the airline's senior management or at the level of the government" has taken responsibility, it alleged. On a positive note, CAPA said Air India experienced a strong 3035 per cent year-on-year improvement in revenue between January to April and added that its average domestic revenue per passenger has been strengthening since this year. It said that parallel operations of the two erstwhile carriers have also been eliminated resulting in improved efficiency, while operations on several loss-making routes have been suspended. As many as 31 poorly-performing routes were under evaluation, some of which could also be terminated, the report said, adding that 13 routes accounted for approximately 75 per cent of the airline's losses, including seven routes to North America and Europe. -PTI

G-20 can address demand and supply gap NEW DELHI: With the world Korea take the bloc "very serieconomic order changing con- ously" as their country's economy stantly, South Korea sees the is entirely dependent on internaGroup of 20 Nations (G-20) being tional trade. placed in a "unique" position to "The world is not that it used address the gap between demand to be. The cold war system was and supply in the world with ad- not the best way. US is not today vice and inputs from emerging what it used to be...G20 is in a economies like India, China and unique place to play a role that Brazil. would address the gap between South Korea's deputy Foreign demand and supply. The internaand Trade Minister Ahn Ho- tional system is changing signifiyoung said the world was constantly changing as the United States "The world is in a different is "not what it used to be" and because the position. Important actors cold war system has like India, Brazil and China ended. should be consulted and He also said the relationship between US they should form part of and China is of "serious international discussions," importance" to the en- he said tire world and policymakers in both countries, India and South Korea cantly," he said, delivering a talk 'G20: should make sure that the ties are Korea's Perspective' at the Observer based on "cooperation and not Research Foundation here. confrontation." "The world is in a different poRecognizing India as a 'big fish' sition. Important actors like India, in the world economy, he said Brazil and China should be conthere would be a time when the sulted and they should form part country would be leading the G- of international discussions," he 20 and stressed the need for mak- said. ing use of the bloc for bringing On the BRICS, Ahn said the stability in the world not only in "huge gap" between the member economic sector but in other ar- countries on various issues like eas like security. human rights, imposition of rule Dismissing suggestions that G- of law and society are an "impedi20 was just a "talking show", the ment" in achieving something top diplomat said people in South constructive.-PTI

TechBiz Post

July 6, 2012

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News Corp considers splitting into two separate units NEW YORK: Global media and entertainment group News Corp, which has good presence in India, has said it was considering to split the businesses into two distinct publicly traded companies. The Rupert Murdoch-led conglomerate did not provide specific details about the proposed restructuring. In a brief statement, News Corp confirmed that it was "considering a restructuring to separate its business into two distinct publicly traded companies". The Wall Street Journal, owned by News Corp, earlier reported that the group was looking to split itself into two separate businesses. News Corp, with interests in news, entertainment and sports segments, owns some well known brands such as Star channels, The Wall Street Journal, HarperCollins, The New York Post and the Times

of London. Its shares surged 6.3 per cent to USD 21.36 at Nasdaq. The Wall Street Journal has reported that News Corp was plan-

The entertainment assets make up by far the bulk of the company, contributing three-quarters of the USD 25.34 billion in revenue for the first nine months of the fiscal ning to separate its publishing assets from the entertainment businesses. The split would carve off News Corp's film and television busi-

Air Works India completes EAG stake deal DUBAI: The stake buyout Today, Empire has more than transaction by Air Works India En- 100 staff and operates one of gineering in Empire Aviation Middle East's largest managed Group has been successfully com- fleets of non-royal business jets, pleted, EAG's financial advisor for with 20 aircraft under management, the deal Alpen Capital has said. operating out of Dubai InternaAir Works India Engineering tional Airport. Pvt Ltd, which maintains and reEstablished in 1951, Air Works pairs aircraft, was reported to have is India's only EASA certified probought stake in Dubai-based EAG vider of maintenance, repair and for Rs 120 crore. overhaul (MRO) services. They The strategic investment was maintain 50 aircraft types, for over done through Air Works' UK- 100 customers across 15 maintebased subsidiary Air Works UK nance locations in India. Engineering Ltd and was financed This acquisition will help Air by a structured debt from a consortium of lenders led by KKR "The GCC-India corridor has Capital Markets India a lot of potential and with Pvt Ltd, the Dubaibased financial advisor our presence and expertise said in a statement. in both these markets; we "Alpen Capital is de- feel we are well equipped lighted to announce the successful closure of this to advise clients complex M&A transaction, where Alpen Capital acted as Works increase its footprint in the the sole financial advisor represent- Middle East and provide worlding the sellers," Alpen Capital (ME) class aircraft management services Ltd MD Sanjay Vig said. to its customers in India. "The GCC-India corridor has a Commenting on this acquisilot of potential and with our pres- tion, Air Works MD Vivek Gour ence and expertise in both these said: "In continuation of our longmarkets; we feel we are well term strategy to add significant equipped to advise clients on capabilities to our service portfolio, such cross border deals," Vig said. Air Works is delighted to announce Formed in Dubai in 2007, EAG this strategic investment in Empire is a one-stop shop for integrated Aviation Group, which has a great private aviation services offering business model, a very experienced aircraft sales, aircraft management, management team and a strong repuaircraft charter, and aircraft finance tation within the regional and interand insurance, the statement said. national industry".-PTI

nesses, including 20th Century Fox film studio, Fox broadcast network and Fox News channel from its newspapers, book publishing assets and education businesses, it noted. As per report, News Corp Chairman Rupert Murdoch, who had previously opposed such a move recently warmed up to the idea. The entertainment assets make up by far the bulk of the company, contributing three-quarters of the USD 25.34 billion in revenue for the first nine months of the fiscal year and accounted for roughly 90 per cent of the operating profit in that period, the report said. Meanwhile, in April this year, Star Group said it was exiting from news business in India and would brand association with the ABP Group in their joint venture that runs three news channels, including Star News in Hindi. -PTI

Madhya Pradesh CM talks investment in Singapore SINGAPORE: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan wooed Singapore's top investors here, briefing them on a range of potential investment opportunities in the state, particularly in the field of infrastructure, tourism and agri processing. At a breakfast meeting with Singapore's top company executives, including the stateowned Temasek Group and the trade and investment agency International Enterprise, Chauhan spoke about the potential of investing in the central Indian state. Speaking to PTI, Chauhan said he presented Madhya Pradesh as a major investment destination in India, and highlighted his pro-investment opportunities. "The investment can be made through joint ventures, public private participation and collaboration in heavy duty projects such as infrastructure along the DelhiMumbai Industrial Corridor," he said in his presentation to the seminar attended more about 300 delegates. Other projects include water treatment, tourism, hotel and golf resorts and agri-food processing businesses.-PTI

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July 6, 2012

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Dr Abid Hussain- A man for all seasons SURENDRA KUMAR

bound when he recited long passages of poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz .He was, like Firaq Gorakhpuri, one of the rare individuals who could quote from Shakespeare, Kalidas, Tulsidas, Rabindranath Tagore, Ghalib and Faiz in a single speech. He had a terrific sense of humor but it was always sophisticated and subtle. He often said: Most of us, when we want to impress about our scientific and economic

Dr Abid Hussain speaking at the IIC on May 28, 2012

ith deep sadness I have learnt about the passing away of Dr Abid Hussain in London on June 21. He needs no introduction. One of the ablest and most respected civil Servants of all times, a consummate diplomat he is still remembered in USA as one of the most popular Ambassadors of India. He had an uncanny understanding of economic issues and had an enviable record of having chaired countless committees, studies & reports. There was hardly any senior position which he hadn't held in his long and chequered career. Apart from being the Secretary of Heavy Industry & Commerce he was the Chairman of the IIFT. For nine years, he was, Special Rapporteur to the UN on Freedom of opinion and Expression. He had served on the Council on Foreign Relations, New York and was Member of International Panel on Democ-

racy & Development of UNESCO. No wonder, he was honored with numerous awards and titles including the Padma Bhushan in 1988. He was President of Delhi Gymkhana Club for more than 15 years; Vice chairman of Rajiv Gandhi Foundation ,Chancellor of Central university of Hyderabad ,Member of Prasar Bharti Board, Chairman Ghalib Academy and Vice President of Rumi Foundation. He was truly a man for all seasons. Even in the twilight of his life when most people sit at home and watch TV ,he used to hop from place to place chairing committees and participating in seminars and discussions. Erudite and well-informed, he was a mesmerizing orator, compelling writer and a broad visioned liberal thinker. Only last month, on May 28th, he chaired IAFA's discussion on 'Is India a Tolerant Society at the IIC'. The audience remained spell-

Unlike many in the civil Service fraternity, I never heard him bitching about anyone senior or junior. He was forgiving by nature and caring and helpful by temperament. His passing away is a great loss to Indian Civil Service, diplomacy, economic discourse, think tanks community and Connoisseurs of art, music and poetry knowledge, tend to speak in English; when we want to underline the political faultlines, we prefer Hindi but when we want to express our love, we resort to Urdu! He possessed tremendous joie de vivre. He had the rare quality of making even a stranger feel as if he had known him for ages. His robust laughter and disarming informality melted the age and generational gap in minutes. I can never forget his laughter and touching line on phone: "Are yaar tu kanha chala gaya tha, pichhale hafte, bombay mein, ek meeting mein kisi baat per teri bahut yaad aa rahi

Dr Abid Hussain

thi!" Here was someone who was already a full fledged Secretary to the Government of India when I joined the IFS! Unlike many in the civil Service fraternity, I never heard him bitching about anyone senior or junior. He was forgiving by nature and caring and helpful by temperament. There are so many facets of his personality; one can write a whole book about them. So many memories roll on my mental TV of our interaction including our trip to Neemrana Fort in 2007 where he chaired the Abid Hussain Committee meeting which was also attended by Amb Lalit Mansingh and Amb KS Rana. Above all, he was a great human being. His passing away is a great loss to Indian Civil Service, diplomacy, economic discourse, think tanks community and Connoisseurs of art, music and poetry. He will be missed by his relatives, friends and all those who stand for a clean, effective, liberal, secular and inspirational public life. Surendra Kumar was a former Consul General in Chicago and retired as Ambassador

Sunanda Mane nominated Ashoka Globalizer Fellow Hand India and exchange ideas in the field of rural development with social entrepreneurs from Sub-Saharan Africa and India. Nomination for The Ashoka

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MUMBAI: Sunanda Mane, cofounder and President, Lend-AHand India has been conferred with the reputed Ashoka Globalizer Fellowship 2012. She will be presenting the program model of Lend-A-Hand India at the Globalizer Summit 2012 in Geneva. The Ashoka Globalizer is a highly selective program which aims to broaden the scale of innovative social initiatives, which have succeeded at a local/regional level by providing financial and strategic support to take them to the global scale. Through a rigorous internal selection process, the Ashoka Globalizer identifies the Fellows within this network whose work has great potential for cata-

Lend-A-Hand India is a leading multi-state NGO with presence in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa working at the intersection of education and livelihood.

Lend-A-Hand India is a leading multi-state NGO with presence in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa working at the intersection of education and livelihood. It works with government schools to make the high school education practical and relevant Sunanda Mane, co-founder and President, Lend-A-Hand India

lyzing global systems change. At the Geneva Summit she will present the model of Lend-A-

Globalizer Summit stands testimony to the instrumental role Lend-A-Hand India has played in reducing the disconnect in educational curricula and employment opportunities.

It works with government schools to make the high school education practical and relevant by providing job/life skills training to young boys and girls from rural India.

The program is delivered in the school premises by the local entrepreneurs whom the NGO recruits and train to be instructors. Students complement their academic education with practical, learning by using 'learning-bydoing' method in various aspects of running a business, namely manufacturing, accounting, finance, marketing and customer service and earn real revenue. The program has led to increase in enrolment, enhancing academic performance, and reduction in the dropout rates. By the end of class X, students are exposed to more than 20 different skills. Currently more than 10,000 young boys and girls from over 60 villages have are being covered under this program.

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Fri July 6 • StarNite & Mani Sharma’s Live Musical Concert Venue: Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blv, Redondo Beach, CA Time: 7pm Contact: 310-961-2481

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July 6, 2012

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

uddha was not under stood properly by his dis ciples. The relation between Hinduism (by Hinduism, I mean the religion of the Vedas) and what is called Buddhism at the present day is nearly the same as between Judaism and Christianity. Jesus Christ was a Jew, and Shâkya Muni was a Hindu. The Jews rejected Jesus Christ, nay, crucified him, and the Hindus have accepted Shâkya Muni as God and worship him. But the real difference that we Hindus want to show between modern Buddhism and what we should understand as the teachings of Lord Buddha lies principally in this: Shâkya Muni came to preach nothing new. He also, like Jesus, came to fulfill and not to destroy. Only, in the case of Jesus, it was the old people, the Jews, who did not understand him, while in the case of Buddha, it was his own followers who did not realize the import of his teachings. As the Jew did not understand the fulfillment of the Old Testament, so the Buddhists did not understand the fulfillment of the truths of the Hindu religion. Again, I repeat, Shâkya Muni came not to destroy, but he was the fulfillment, the logical conclusion, the logical development of the religion of the Hindus. The religion of the Hindus is

JULIE THAYER

y first impression of U.G. was of a small catlike man with a completely disarming way about him, utterly lacking in pretension or guile. And yet a power emanated from him that turned my brain to slush. As he talked I heard him as from a great distance, as though my mind was operating in slow motion. He told me, when I said I was from New York, that it was his favorite city, that he particularly liked the intense energy around Times Square. I went to see him a few times in Mill Valley and broke all ties with my spiritual teacher after the first visit. When U.G. said surrendering to a teacher was surrendering your self-reliance, and that not one of them had anything to give, it resonated. I returned to the East Coast and spent the summer in Maine; from there I phoned U.G. in Switzerland and offered him the use of my apartment in New York if he should come in the fall. At first he said no thank you. But on his arrival in New York in September, amazingly enough, his

divided into two parts: the ceremonial and the spiritual. The spiritual portion is specially studied by the monks. In that there is no caste. A man from the highest caste and a man from the lowest may become a monk in India, and the two castes become equal. In religion there is no caste; caste is simply a social institution. Shâkya Muni himself was a monk, and it was his glory that he

Swami Vivekananda

ciples of the Great Master dashed themselves against the eternal rocks of the Vedas and could not crush them, and on the other side they took away from the nation that eternal God to which every one, man or woman, clings so fondly. And the result was that Buddhism had to die a natural death in India. At the present day there is not one who calls oneself a Buddhist in India, the land of its birth.

Buddhism, nor Buddhism without Hinduism. Then realize what the separation has shown to us, that the Buddhists cannot stand without the brain and philosophy of the Brahmins, nor the Brahmin without the heart of the Buddhist. This separation between the Buddhists and the Brahmins is the cause of the downfall of India. That is why India is populated by three hundred millions of

Join intellect of Brahmins with heart of Buddhism

Renounce attachment to the fruits of your actions and reach enlightenment. -Bhagavad-Gita

As the Jew did not understand the fulfillment of the Old Testament, so the Buddhists did not understand the fulfillment of the truths of the Hindu religion

You cannot pick a flower without troubling a star. -A Sufi saying

had the large-heartedness to bring out the truths from the hidden Vedas and through them broadcast all over the world. He was the first being in the world who brought missionarising into practice - nay, he was the first to conceive the idea of proselytizing. The great glory of the Master lay in his wonderful sympathy for everybody, especially for the ignorant and the poor. Some of his disciples were Brahmins. On the philosophic side the dis-

rented apartment having fallen through, he took me up on the offer, insisting only that I not move out (which I had intended to do), and that I give him the maid's room (my office) to sleep in as he only felt comfortable in small spaces. The first thing U.G. said when he entered my apartment in New York was that he had come to stay

But at the same time, Brahminism lost something - that reforming zeal, that wonderful sympathy and charity for everybody, that wonderful heaven which Buddhism had brought to the masses and which had rendered Indian society so great that a Greek historian who wrote about India of that time was led to say that no Hindu was known to tell an untruth and no Hindu woman was known to be unchaste. Hinduism cannot live without

his pocket, then look down at his own two hands and ask himself whose hand was in his pocket. He said the thief needed the money more than he did and he wished he could have taken him to lunch at a five-star restaurant to express his admiration. He said he likes people to use their talents and that the thief was a master at thiev-

beggars, and that is why India has been the slave of conquerors for the last thousand years. Let us then join the wonderful intellect of the Brahmins with the heart, the noble soul, the wonderful humanizing power of the Great Master. Excerpted from a speech given by Swami Vivekananda on 26th September, 1893 in America The 110th death anniversary of Swami Vivekananda is observed on July 4

the droning of the air-conditioner is the same as Beethoven's "Ninth." Sound is not outside of him, but within. At night he curls up in a fetal position and goes into a deep sleep, and then awakens a few minutes later; this pattern repeats itself all night. He sleeps very little and goes into a deep

Surrendering to a teacher is surrendering your self-reliance

UG Krishnamurti

for forty days and forty nights. U.G. told me that he had been pick pocketed outside his hotel and someone took $95 out of his front pocket. He didn't seem upset, only impressed by the finesse of the thief, he wondered if the thief had x-ray eyes to see where the money was. He said it was the oddest sensation to feel a hand in

All sound is the same for him. For U.G., the droning of the air-conditioner is the same as Beethoven's "Ninth." Sound is not outside of him, but within ing and deserved what he got. U.G. says, "Steal, but don't get caught!" U.G. asked me about the noise he had heard from his room and I said it was the air-conditioner across the courtyard. I asked if its intermittent going off and on bothered him and he said not at all. All sound is the same for him. For U.G.,

deathlike state once a day, which is particularly intense on the full and new moon. He went on to say there would be no starvation in the world if people who had money only kept what they needed and didn't hoard the rest. Excerpted from Travels with UG Journal

When a man sees the one in all things, he is above mere understanding. -Meister Eckhart The greatest obstacle to enlightenment is getting past your delusion that you are not already enlightened. -Ramana Maharshi Perform the duties of life without attachment. -Srimad Bhagavatam A good horse runs with seeing just the shadow of the whip. -Buddha Where can I find a man who has forgotten words? He is the one I would like to talk to. -Chuang Tzu My "me" is God nor do I recognize any other "me" except my God himself. -St. Catherine of Genoa It is not so much that you are within the cosmos but that the cosmos is within you. -Meher Baba

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Rohingyas, Rakhines and regional security in Myanmar D SUBA CHANDRAN

oes the conflict brew ing in the Rakhine State of Myanmar have implications for regional security, besides hurting the national reconciliation process? What explains the sudden spurt in sectarian violence between the Buddhist Rakhines and Muslim Rohingyas in the Rakhine state? Where is the violence heading? Why are there sectarian tensions? Why is the violence erupting now? There have been adequate reports in the public domain that highlight the social fault lines between the two communities, which have been dormant for a long time, but with occasional violent outbursts. Why did it erupt now? While, it is convenient to accuse the two communities for being equal participants in orchestrating the violence, such a simplistic analysis of the problem will not enable the stakeholders to take right measures to address the social imbalance. At one level, violence between the two communities is almost a given as both share the same resources in the region. The neglect by the state, in the recent past, has resulted in a scenario of scarce resources. Policies pursued by the Government of Myanmar, which till recently was a military state marked by a high degree of political repression, failure of governance and lack of political representation, immensely contributed to the backwardness and poverty in the Rakhine state. It is natural that the struggle for limited resources in such an environment, without political representation and good governance, is bound to pit the communities against each other. This could be an explanation for the violence between the Rohingyas and the Rakhines. While the Rohingyas are considered as being stateless, the economic and political status of the Buddhist Arakanse has not been any different. At the second level, it is clearly a question of competing narratives, with the state clearly identifying with one community. Both the communities, historically, have never lived in harmony in the Rakhine state and there were tensions in the past as well. The Buddhists Rakhines consider themselves as the original inhabitants of the land and perceive the Rohingyas as "Bengali settlers" from South Asia. On the other hand, the Rohingyas also consider the Rakhine state as their home

land with generational linkages. However, what has turned the dice clearly in favor of the Buddhists was the 1982 Nationality Law, which declared that the Rohingyas, along with a few other communities, did not belong to Myanmar. More than the social fault line, it was this legal pronouncement which placed the Rohingyas at the lower end of the social hierarchy within the Rakhine State. The Rohingyas have no access to education, travel facilities and employment opportunities, and are bound to come into conflict with the Buddhists, who suffer from no such disabilities. With such a backdrop, a spark was all that was required to ignite the hostile situation. This spark was provided by the incident of the rape

would need a sustained period of calm and stability as a pre-requisite. New clashes and violence would invite martial law and inflict new wounds, even while the old ones are yet to heal. The leadership will have to factor in the larger political calculations in the decision-making process. There is considerable pressure on Aung San Suu Kyi to take a stand on the persisting violence. However, she is clearly caught in a bind as defending one group would not only offend the other, but would add to the existing specter of hatred and discrimination. This would neither be good for her, who is trying to position herself as a national leader cutting across multiple ethnic communities nor for her party, which as-

Rohingyas wait for aid outside a mosque after the Friday prayers in Sittwe on 18 May 2012.

of a Buddhist woman in May 2012. Implications for national reconciliation and regional security The fundamental problem is not the communal schism between the two communities. It is rather rooted in the failure of the state, which until recently had kept the communities under a repressive blanket. Now the differences have come to the fore, coinciding with the country's efforts towards a political transition. The reimposition of the martial law is clearly not an answer to the problem. In fact, it was the martial law that led the two societies to this juncture. The prolonged violence is bound to have its repercussions on the national reconciliation process. To rebuild the nation, where the communities have high (and possibly conflicting) expectations, the new system and leadership

pires to become a representative political organization, in the true sense of the term. At the regional level, the violence could have ramifications on the Myanmar-Bangladesh and Myanmar-Thailand relations. Bangladesh has already rejected batches of Rohingyas attempting to seek refuge, and its media is largely supportive of Dhaka's push-back tactics. In such a scenario, the refugee outflow is bound to turn towards Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. Thailand has also not been a great host to the Rohingyas. As the old order changes, there are bound to be new conflicts, which have both domestic and regional ramifications. This will have also have an impact on the next generation Muslim Rohingya youth, who have been denied nation, education, work, and in short humanity. The writer is Director, IPCS

India Post Higher education

his is the time for admissions rush in colleges all over India. With marks cut-offs very high, not all students are able to find admissions. In an ironical situation, students denied admission in Delhi University is able to secure admission in a US university. While there is paucity of institutions for higher education, unauthorized colleges and universities keeping popping up to meet the rising demand. The challenge is not merely to provide more colleges but to ensure quality of education and to regulate the mushrooming unauthorized teaching shops. India's Human Resources Minister Kapil Sibal was in the US last month for the first India-US higher education summit with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He exhorted US institutions to come to India, to collaborate and set up institutions and "reach out to people". Sibal noted that to increase the gross enrolment ratio in India from 15% now to 30% by 2020, India would need to build an additional 1,000 universities and 50,000 colleges. The UK-India Education and Research Initiative has identified more than 161 international universities that have been involved in delivering 641 collaborative programs in India. Most of these are US and UK institutions offering twinning programs, where a foreign and an Indian institution jointly recognize a program and often award dual or joint degrees. Mr Sibal revealed that the American universities are only 'extremely' interested in coming to India but are also hopeful that India would bring in a relevant law to make this possible. But he did not clarify contentious clauses in the pending Foreign Education Providers Bill. The summit merely highlighted US universities' concern over provisions in the draft currently stalled in parliament. Issues such as whether US education providers in India would be able to repatriate profits needed were not discussed and clarified. According to the Bill, not anybody and everybody would be able to open a branch campus in India. A foreign university would have to be an accredited institution and would have to have been in the higher education business for 20 years "before it even thinks of coming to India." While Sibal made a strong case for American universities to go to India, Sam Pitroda, chair of the Indian government's policy thinktank the National Knowledge Commission, who has championed new forms of education delivery and expansion of the higher education system, argued that the US model of education was too expensive for the country. "We need to create a model where you can get a degree for $1,000 a year, maybe $2,000," he said. Moreover, except for the Indian institutes of technology and Indian institutes of management - India's premier engineering and management institutions - only a handful of private and public Indian universities are in a position to take advantage of US collaborations. According to the Principal of a leading college in Delhi, collaborations with the best US universities will not work if India does not improve its colleges and universities. India's higher education institutions, including the elite IITs, are facing a faculty shortage of 33%, according to government data. The country's 22 top universities have nearly 3,800 vacant posts out of a total of 11,000. A hopeful sign is that new opportunities are emerging. In addition to the possibilities created by online learning and open courseware, India is just beginning to pay serious attention to vocational education. Participants at the summit felt that could offer inroads for American community colleges, some of which have already been asked to serve as advisers to technical and vocational institutes in India.

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