IndiaPost_07-08-2011 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Community welcomes Arun Jaitley to US Details on page 11

VOL 17, No. 878

July 8, 2011

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Periodical Postage

'U.S. FIRMS STILL FACE BARRIERS IN INDIA'

Dr Hundal hosts Fundraiser to boost Ricky Gill

Community backs Dayal

Dayal requests deportation of former maid Details on page 8

Dr Kalam urges AAPI to help lower med costs Details on page 36

Rani Mukherjee to lead NY India Day Parade

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Antelope Sikh killed in Afghanistan

India-US agree to re-invigorate Trade Policy

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Shahrukh charms IIFA audience in Toronto

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 22-23 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 12-21

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INDIA POST SURVEY

GLAD TO MEET YOU: Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee shakes hands with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of US-India Economic Partnership Conference in Washington DC. Indiaís Ambassador to US Meera Shankar (left) and R Gopalan, Secretary Economic Affairs, are also seen

survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Is US right in pressing for reforms in India? Last week’s result

Do you think Amb Prabhu Dayal is guilty? YES 10%

NO 90%

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"Easing the barriers in banking, insurance, manufacturing, multi-brand retail and infrastructure sectors would be an important step toward integrating our economies," Geithner said adding that the United States is aware of the political challenges it would involve. "But the long-term benefits clearly outweigh the short-term challenges for both our countries," he stressed.

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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Date Book -------------------------- 46 Edit Page --------------------------- 49 HealthScience Post --------- 40-43 Horoscope ------------------------- 11 Immigration Post ------------- 42-45 Life Style ----------------------- 24-28 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 40-41 TechBiz Post ------------------- 34-35 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

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n off-beat report I read recently set me thinking on how world over women still are a discriminated gender whether they are from the developed countries or the poor and under-developed ones. A recent Gallup poll apparently found that more Americans would prefer a boy child rather than a girl child, if allowed only one - a preference that hasn't changed much since the 1940s! Forty percent of those polled said they would prefer a boy and 28% said they would want a girl. And - why am I not surprised? - 49% men said they'd pick a boy and only 22% men said they'd pick a girl. This is a country that sits on judgment on every culture under the sun to deride many of their traditions as primitive, but it is no less Hippocratic on many social issues. Like, I fail to understand the arguments for and against in the debate on legislating gay rights and abortion rights. In this day and age when the institution of marriage itself is crumbling, and where people are making all kinds of choices of siring children and living as families without the legal binding of a marriage; of adoptions as single, unwed parents; or staying as live-in partners and other arrangements of convenience; where sex-change is becoming a norm than an exception, I do not understand why the gay community is so hung up on marriage. I do not understand why there cannot be laws that determine when or why an abortion can be performed based on the health and safety of a living pregnant woman rather than on when or why an unborn fetus can claim a legal right to life. This country suffers rampant sexual abuse of children, incest, teen pregnancies; there are instances of child marriages; stigma surrounding single women … I mean, it's got it all. Here I am definitely not advocating for or against any group; I'm only holding a mirror to the inherent moral, ethical and legal hypocrisies in this society, which are no better or worse than in cultures alien to Americans. So, let's get real, America.

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No. 1 item boy Mr. Perfectionist Aamir Khan's latest dream is to be the topnotch item boy of the film industry!

Cover Story: Barriers in India US companies still face barriers in India in various sectors, which are limiting economic growth and job creation in both countries.

Community: Jaitley in US

BJP leader Arun Jaitley met with leading members of Congress, think tanks and key members of the Obama Administration.

Health: AAPI convention A thousand Indian American physicians with their family attended the five-day annual convention of AAPI in New York.

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Life Style: Shahrukh dazzles Despite a knee injury giving him trouble, Shahrukh Khan ensured the dazzle at IIFA night in Toronto.

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Travel: Mandawa In the heart of Rajasthan lies the beautiful small town Mandawa, known for its forts and havelis.

July 8, 2011

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US firms still face barriers in India: Geithner India Post News Service

NEW YORK: American companies still face barriers in India in various sectors, which are limiting economic growth and job creation in both countries, US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said at the conclusion of the second ministerial meeting of the USIndia Economic and Financial Partnership jointly convened by Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in Washington DC on June 28. "Easing the barriers in banking, insurance, manufacturing, multibrand retail and infrastructure sectors would be an important step toward integrating our economies," Geithner said adding

Mukherjee's three-day visit to Washington DC, June 27-29. In what has been stated as the highest level economic and financial meeting ever between the United States and India, Sec. Geithner and Minister Mukherjee convened the meeting with a comprehensive inter-agency participation from both the United States and India, including Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke and Reserve Bank of India Governor Subbarao, to deepen bilateral and multilateral engagement and fully capitalize on the wealth of opportunities between the two nations. A joint statement released after the meeting said that over the past decade, trade and investment between the two countries has

‘The Indian government recognizes that to realize its aspirations of strong growth, it will need to attract sufficient investment, both from abroad and domestically,’ he said. ‘India will need to advance pending economic and financial reforms to make this possible’ that the United States is aware of the political challenges it would involve. "But the long-term benefits clearly outweigh the shortterm challenges for both our countries," he stressed. Sec. Geithner also said the US hoped to see more progress toward economic and financial reform in India. "The Indian government recognizes that to realize its aspirations of strong growth, it will need to attract sufficient investment, both from abroad and domestically," he said. "India will need to advance pending economic and financial reforms to make this possible." The ministerial meeting was on top of the itinerary of Minister

expanded across a variety of industries and sectors. Between 2000 and 2010, Indian exports to the US grew by nearly 180% and American exports to India increased over four times; and the combined bilateral foreign direct investment grew by nearly 165% between 2005 and 2009. "Despite this progress, and especially given the size of the two respective economies, we recognize that there remains untapped potential and opportunity to expand trade and investment linkages to the benefit of both countries," the statement said. The two sides also discussed the challenges that both economies face in ensuring a strong re-

covery and price stability in the short term, as well as the range of policies necessary to reach growth at their full potential domestically. "The United States is committed to making the investments in technology, skills, and infrastructure necessary to maintain and enhance US competitiveness in the global economy. India intends to take steps to marshal private and public saving to meet the infrastructure needs of a rapidly growing Indian economy," the joint statement said. India and the US also said they would work together in the G-20 on an effective mutual assessment process to bring about strong, sustained, and balanced global growth. Further leveraging their combined knowledge, experience, and shared interests, the two sides agreed to a robust agenda for the coming year that includes deeper engagement in the following areas within each pillar of the Partnership: • Macroeconomic challenges, including growth, unemployment, inflation, global liquidity, commodity prices, international capital flows and fiscal consolidation. • Financial sector reforms, including deepening of capital markets, financial inclusion, and ensuring the stability, transparency, and integrity of the financial system. • Infrastructure finance, including innovative strategies to mobilize capital for infrastructure development, and sharing best practices and building capacity for design and successful execution of Public Private Partnerships. By 2017, India plans to raise $1 trillion in infrastructure financing, half of that coming from the private sector. Geithner said reduc-

ing government demand for credit would help India increase the available credit for infrastructure, as would addressing obstacles to creating a robust corporate bond market. Potential ways to address bond market challenges include giving

things from Minister Mukherjee and his team over the last few days about their commitment to move forward with these significant reforms," Geithner said. "In the United States, we aren't just watching India's rise as an economic power, we support it. We

Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee shakes hands with US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner after signing a joint statement on the U.S.-India Economic and Financial Partnership in Washington DC

greater scope for institutional investors to invest in fixed income assets, raising aggregate and individual investment caps to boost liquidity, and developing a liquid government securities market, Geithner suggested. "We've heard encouraging

encourage it. And we want to help advance it. India's growth is good for us, just as our growth is good for India. I mentioned earlier that India is now our 12th largest trading partner; the President's goal is to have India become one of our top 10."

India does not want to be involved in Afghan security

Pranab Mukherjee interacts with former US National Security Advisor Sandy Berger (Center) and former US Defence Secretary William Cohen during a reception hosted by Ambassador Meera Shankar in Washington DC

WASHINGTON: With the US set to begin drawdown of its troops from Afghanistan next month, India has told the Obama administration that it does not want to get involved in the security affairs of the war-torn country but would continue its developmental efforts there. This was conveyed by visiting Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee during his interaction with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and National Security Advisor Tom Donilon when he discussed with them the situation in India's immediate neighbourhood.

"We do not want to get involved in the security affairs of Afghanistan," Mukherjee said in response to a question at the media roundtable yesterday, giving an insight into his talks with Clinton and Donilon. Mukherjee, who left for India after a three-day US trip, was leading a high-power Indian delegation for the second India-US Economic and Financial Partnership. "We discussed the overall situation, shared our perception, our relationship of strategic partnership. We discussed the geopolitical situation, what is happening

in our neighbourhood, what we could do," he said. "USA is interested that there should be dialogue between India, Afghanistan and Pakistan. India should also play a pro-active role in Afghanistan. We discussed these issues and the problems as we look at," the Finance Minister said. US President Barack Obama last week ordered withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, with 30,000 soldiers leaving initially, a process that would continue until the Afghans take over the security in 2014. -PTI

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Economic reforms on track: Pranab Mukherjee India needs to launch next-gen economic reforms: Sec. Geithner India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Observing that India and the United States are just at the very beginning of unlocking the great potential of economic relationship, the US Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, stressed on the need of next generation of economic reforms in India. Secretary Geithner and Pranab Mukherjee, Finance Minister of India were speaking at the Conference on US- India Economic and Financial Partnership jointly organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Brookings Institution in Washington, June 27 evening. Mukherjee, on the other hand assured that economic reforms are a continuous process and the UPA government is committed to it and has started a series of reforms in the field of financial sector, taxation and infrastructure sector. "We view this relationship as having enormous potential. I think we are just at the very beginning of unlocking the great potential of this economic relationship and we are going to spend our time in

talking about a list of the most important challenges and opportunities between us," Geithner said. "I think, from our perspective, the key thing is the outlook for economic reform. This is true in

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I think we are just at the very beginning of unlocking the great potential of this economic relationship and we are going to spend our time in talking about a list of the most important challenges and opportunities between us, Geithner said the United States - fiscal and economic reform, but also true for India as well," he said adding that India today is reaping the benefits of the path breaking reforms set in motion in 1990s.

"But I think, India is at a point now where the future growth would depend on the success of next wave of reforms, not just in the financial sector but also including the financial sector. I think the Indian economy has outgrown the financial system and it has got a huge need for infrastructure financing, capital financing for running business, the success of the Indian economy would depend on the substantial expansion on the success of the next wave of financial reforms. Of course we hope to be part of that," Geithner said. In his remarks, Mukherjee asserted that economic reforms have not slowed down, in fact, reform is a continuous process. The UPA government is committed to it, he said. "It (reform) is a constant exercise. We are doing so. Structural reforms have been done. Reforms in the mutual funds market, insurance sector, banking sectors, pension, etc are underway and the necessary legislations have been introduced in the Parliament," he said. The Finance Minister explained that the Government has to have consensus from the other

Another Indian American in net for undeclared account India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Yet another Indian American with an undeclared account in HSBC India has been indicted for failing to file the Reports of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBARs), the Department of Justice and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced. Dr. Arvind Ahuja of Greendale, Wisconsin was indicted June 28 by a federal grand jury in Milwaukee on four counts of willfully filing materially false tax returns and four counts of failing to file Reports of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBARs). According to the indictment, Dr. Ahuja, a board-certified neurosurgeon, wire transferred and maintained millions of dollars in bank accounts in India and the Bailiwick of Jersey at The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd. (HSBC). In 2009, the HSBC bank account in India had a balance of $8,733,785. The indictment alleges that Dr. Ahuja failed to report these bank accounts to the IRS on his 2006-2009 tax returns. The indictment further alleges that Dr. Ahuja failed to report more

than $1.2 million in interest income that he earned from his HSBC India account and failed to pay the taxes due on that income. For the 2006-2009 tax years, Dr. Ahuja also failed to file FBARs to report his foreign bank accounts to the Department of the Treasury. As alleged in the indictment,

US citizens with a financial interest in, or signatory authority over, a foreign financial account worth more than $10,000 in a particular year, must also file an FBAR form with the Department of the Treasury US citizens had an obligation to report to the IRS on Schedule B of their US Individual Income Tax Return, Form 1040, whether they had a financial interest in, or signature authority over, a financial account in a foreign county in a particular year by checking "Yes"

or "No" in the appropriate box and identifying the country where the account was maintained. They further had an obligation to report all income earned from foreign financial accounts on the tax return and to pay the taxes due on that income. Separately, US citizens with a financial interest in, or signatory authority over, a foreign financial account worth more than $10,000 in a particular year, must also file an FBAR form with the Department of the Treasury disclosing such an account by June 30 of the following year. Each false tax return charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The failure to file FBAR charges each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. A trial date has not yet been set. An indictment is merely an allegation, and Dr. Ahuja is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law, the Department of Justice official statement said. In April this year, New Jersey businessman Vaibhav Dahake plead guilty to similar charges.

parties to get these bills passed in Parliament. CII Director General, Chandrajit Banerjee, said the day-long conference focused on financial and economic opportunities between two great countries. Speakers

We are doing so. Structural reforms have been done. Reforms in the mutual funds market, insurance sector, banking sectors, pension, etc are underway and the necessary legislations have been introduced from the industry, government, regulators and think tanks aired their views and debated several topics during the day. "And India is really featuring high in the US Administration's goals of doubling US exports by 2015 and at the same time, we have also seen India's ambition of doubling its export by 2015. Needless to say that India is also looking at the US in this regard. The possibilities we listed were limitless," Banerjee said. Indian per capita income to reach $10,000 The per capita income of Indian will reach $10,000 by the year 2039 from the current level of $1,000 plus if India maintains its GDP growth at 8 to 8.5 percent for the next 25 years, said Dr Kaushik

Basu, Chief Economic Advisor, Government of India while delivering his keynote address at the panel on 'Realizing India's Full Economic Potential' during the Conference. Alluding to the growth prospects of Indian economy and the game changing reforms India had undertaken during the decade and a half, Dr Basu said that the fundamentals of Indian economy are strong in the medium term and the long term growth prospects were good for India to grow at a healthy rate of 8% plus growth. He added that it was important to keep the growth momentum going as 1% increase in GDP growth would create 1 million jobs. Delivering his keynote address at the panel session on striking the balance between inflation and growth, Dr Subir Gokarn, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India said that growth momentum would moderate in the short run due to supply side pressure on inflation and presented the RBI projection for growth during 201112 at 8 per cent. Inflation is a significant near term macro challenge and growth would be impacted in the short term in managing inflation and inflationary expectations. However, long term growth prospects would be strengthened if inflation is kept under control he added. The different sessions of this day-long conference will also be addressed by R. Gopalan, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Dr Kaushik Basu, Chief Economic Adviser, Ministry of Finance, Subhir Gokran, Deputy Governor of RBI and U.K. Sinha, Chairman, SEBI among others.

Pranab meets Clinton, American NSA Donilon WASHINGTON: Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee met US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and National Security Adviser Tom Donilon to discuss bilateral and regional issues. "The Secretary and the Minister talked about their mutual interest in strengthening and deepening economic and strategic cooperation as we prepare for the second US-India Strategic dialogue, which will take place in New Delhi in July," State Department spokesman Mike Hammer said. The two leaders discussed a broad range of subjects, including key bilateral and regional issues, he said. At the White House meeting,

Donilon and Mukherjee reviewed the progress made by the two nations on the steps taken after the November visit of US President Barack Obama. "The two men discussed regional and global issues, economics and the progress being made on the initiatives launched during President Obama's 2010 visit to India," a US official said. According to an Indian official, Mukherjee and the US leaders, among other things, also discussed the current situation in Afghanistan in the context of the drawdown of American troops beginning July and shared notes on their analysis of the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan. -PTI

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Dayal requests deportation proceedings against former maid SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: India's Consul General in New York, Prabhu Dayal has through his attorney, formally requested the Secretary of Homeland Department to initiate deportation proceedings against his former domestic aide Santosh Bharadwaj. Dayal is facing a lawsuit filed June 20 in a New York federal court by Bharadwaj through the Legal Aid Society, New York, alleging forced labor and underpayment of wages among other things. In a letter dated June 24, requesting removal proceedings against Bharadwaj, addressed to Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Attorney General Eric Holder and copied to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Dayal's attorney Ravi Batra said Bharadwaj had entered the United States on an A-3 non-immigrant visa and that she was abusing the legal system by filing a frivolous federal lawsuit making scandalous and baseless allegations. Batra said in the letter that since Bharadwaj had voluntarily abandoned the employ of the Consul General in January 2010, she was in the country in violation of her non-immigrant status. "Accordingly Ms. Bharadwaj is deport-

Community members gathered in support of Prabhu Dayal

able… Removal/deportation proceedings are required by law and compelled by equity," he said. Bharadwaj was a long time domestic aide of Dayal having worked for him in India as well as during his posting as Ambassador of Morocco between 2004 and

2008. She joined Dayal in Feb 2009, six months after he took over as Consul General at the Indian Consulate in New York. Almost a year and half after she abandoned her service with the Dayals, Bhardwaj filed the lawsuit alleging long hours of forced labor,

poor living quarters, underpayment of agreed wages, and even an instance of sexual advance. Consul General Dayal has since been on the offensive trying to set the record straight from his side, stating that he had paid her full wages as agreed and show-

ing off the well-furnished accommodation that Bharadwaj used to live in the Consulate building while she worked for him. Dayal further claims that Bharadwaj had wanted to "moonlight" for other employers to earn extra money and that she left (without his knowledge) when he refused to allow her to do so as it would have been in violation of her visa status. Batra said in the letter that the government-funded Legal Aid Society has helped Bharadwaj file the frivolous lawsuit without doing any of the requisite due diligence. Community support for Dayal Meanwhile, over the weekend, certain members of the Indian American community, through a media conference held on the steps of the City Hall in New York, extended their support to the Consul General. The group expressed collective "hurt', 'disbelief' and 'anger' at the allegations against Dayal. US stand At a daily press briefing on June 24, spokesperson for the US Department of State Victoria Nuland, in response to a question on the issue said it was a "law enforcement matter" and that she did not have any more information on it.

USINPAC supports McGoff against Indian mission spared tax to New York City Burton in primary India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) is supporting Dr. John McGoff, a strong candidate to unseat noted India critic Rep. Dan Burton in next year's Republican primary election. Dr. McGoff is an emergency physician and a Brigadier General in the Air National Guard. Burton's numerous assails on India include accusing India of "being one of the world's worst human rights abusers" and for having "a record of committing acts of terrorism." He has made unsubstantiated accusations about India on the floor of Congress for over 16 times in the past two decades. "We are excited to work with USINPAC to support Dr. McGoff in this crucial race that is significant to the interests of Indian Americans and India," said Vinnie Rao, an Indian American leader from Indianapolis. "Dr. McGoff will be friend that the Indian American community can rely on to further strengthen the relationship

between the US and India. We have supported Dr. McGoff in the past and we will continue to do so." "I am honored to have the support of USINPAC and the assistance of Indian Americans in Indiana in my campaign to unseat Congressman Dan Burton,"

‘We believe that Dr. McGoff's experience and credentials give the Indian American community its best chance of defeating Congressman Burton and stopping his attacks on India once and for all’ McGoff said. "The Indian American community is a vital part of the fabric of our country. I have always supported their efforts to improve the way of life for all of us here in the United States and

will continue to do so as a member of Congress." "Dr. McGoff has been persistent in his campaign to unseat the 14-term incumbent Rep. Dan Burton," said Sanjay Puri, chairman of USINPAC. "We believe that Dr. McGoff's experience and credentials give the Indian American community its best chance of defeating Congressman Burton and stopping his attacks on India once and for all. Dr. McGoff's background in medicine and in the military qualifies him to deal with the some of the most pressing issues facing Americans, including health-care and terrorism. We look forward to helping Dr. McGoff in his campaign." Since its inception, USINPAC has launched campaigns to neutralize Burton. In 2005, it organized support in Congress to successfully prevent Burton from becoming the top Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee. In 2003, it organized a campaign to successfully prevent Burton from becoming the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee that had jurisdiction over India.

NEW YORK: The Indian mis- since US diplomatic buildings in sion in New York will not have to India were not taxed. pay taxes worth USD 42.5 million "While there is perhaps some on its property here, with the US unfairness to the City when the Supreme Court upholding a Fed- federal government retroactively eral Appeals Court decision to declares property taxes imposed exempt taxes on property owned by the City against foreign counby foreign governments. tries to be null and void, this unIn 2010, 2nd US Circuit Court fairness inheres in the federal of Appeals in Manhattan upheld government's unquestioned suthe State Department intervention in 2009, which exempts taxes on prop- In 2008, a federal district judge erty owned by foreign governments and UN had ruled that India, which missions that housed owns a 26-story property near diplomatic staff. In 2008, a federal dis- the United Nations, owed USD trict judge had ruled that India, which owns a 26- 42.5 million and Mongolia story property near the owed USD 4.4 million United Nations, owed USD 42.5 million and Mongolia owed USD 4.4 million. premacy in the management of "It doesn't matter what is fair foreign relations," the judges or not fair," Aaron Stiefel, the In- wrote in the judgment. dian mission's lawyer, told PTI, The State Department had arafter the Supreme Court denied gued that if foreign properties in New York City government's peti- the US were taxed, then the US tion. would have to pay millions of dolStiefel underlined that the rule lars on taxes for its own diplomatic of reciprocity applied to the case buildings in many countries.-PTI

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US supports NSG clean waiver for India: Roemer NEW DELHI: The United States has said it "strongly and vehemently" supports the NSG clean waiver for India and hoped that the civil nuclear deal between the two countries will continue to move in a positive direction. "I want to say that the US and the Obama Administration strongly and vehemently support the clean waiver for India. The 123 civil nuclear legislation also underscores our support for India in this debate that is going on and our law also points to the clean waiver for India," US Ambassador to India Timothy J Roemer told reporters here. On his last day in office here, the US envoy was asked about the American support for India to get the clean waiver from the Nuclear Supplier's Group. The 46-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the elite nuclear club, last week decided to push for more stringent norms that govern technology transfer for reprocessing technology. This decision has raised concerns about its impact on the landmark civil nuclear deal India signed with the US. "With India's commitment and as they look to ratify the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC) and they work closely with the US companies, I am hopeful that the civil nuclear agreement will continue to move in a positive direction," he added. There have been indications that India was in touch with NSG

and that the recent decision will not adversely impact the Indiaspecific agreement with NSG. Asked to comment on the issue of pat-down searches on Indian dignitaries at the US airports, the Ambassador said America was

to improve how when you have a minister or a very important person (VIP) traveling to the United States... takes place without incidence. We are coordinating more and more on travel itineraries so that those experiences don't take

the US airports over which India had registered its protest. Roemer said looking at the bigger picture, one finds that India and the US have come closer to each other in the last ten years and many "positive developments"

US Ambassador to India, Timothy J. Roemer poses for photographers before India Gate after giving a farewell statement, in New Delhi

working on these issues to prevent their recurrence in future. "When Janet Napolitano (US Homeland Security Secretary) was here, she said that we are working

place in future," Roemer said. In the recent past, Indian Ambassador to the US Meera Shankar and a few other diplomats were subjected to pat-down search at

have taken place in this time period between the two countries. "We are working closely today in the fields of intelligence sharing and counter terrorism. We are

working together on global issues and both India and US want a peaceful Afghanistan," he said. Roemer said the media should also concentrate on the positives of the relationship along with the "occasional hiccups and the challenges faced by the relationship". Summing up his achievements in his two-year tenure in the country, Roemer said the two countries have moved closer in a number of areas. "We have seen significant improvement in strategic defense cooperation including the recently agreed sale of the C-17," he said. Roemer said the two countries have moved closer on regional issues as peace in Afghanistan was in the "strategic interest" of both the countries and they were also working closely on the issue of Bangladesh and Africa. He said there was more scope for the two countries to work together in the future in several areas including economics and trade which will be mutually beneficial. "US is struggling with nine per cent unemployment rate and India is dealing with some of the issues like rising food prices and infrastructure... We believe that the US can help out in these areas in economic cooperation and infrastructure building. This will benefit both the countries," he said. Roemer took up his India assignment in August 2009 and resigned from his post in April citing personal commitments. -PTI

Osama maintained phenomenal security at Abbottabad hideout WASHINGTON: Locked down in his Abbottabad hideout which he never left in six years, Osama bin Laden followed "absolutely phenomenal operations security", and was taken by surprise when attacked by the US forces, a top American counter-terrorism official has said. Virtually giving a clean chit to Pakistan's authorities, John Brennan, Assistant to the US President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, said in his speech at the Paul Nitze School of Advanced International Studies that the al Qaeda chief maintained high level security and secrecy at his hideout. "He (bin Laden) was there for six years. To our knowledge, he never left that compound once he got there. The people that were out of the compounds were, most of them never left either. You have a couple of folks who basically served as his interlocutors with the outside world and provided the type of support that he

needed," he said. Brennan said Osama was relaxed in his Abbottabad hideout and confident about his security there. However, he added that this does not mean there weren't some elements in Pakistan which knew about bin Laden's presence. "So this is something that I don't know how many people in al-Qaeda, in the senior leadership ranks, knew exactly where bin Laden was. But he is someone who knew that if he... let it be known of his whereabouts... his days were going to be numbered. I think he was -- he became, then, confident and relaxed in Abbottabad. I think he was totally taken by surprise when our brave SEALs confronted him that night," Brennan said. . Brennan said the Pakistani leadership too was taken "totally unawares" by the fact that bin Laden was found in a compound

in Abbottabad, close to a military academy and not too far from the nation's capital. "They are trying to figure out why, in fact, he was able to be there for six years. That's not to say that

OPSEC (operations security)," Brennan responded to a question. The al Qaeda chief was killed in a secret US raid on his compound in Abbottabad on May 2. "So again, I have not seen any-

there aren't elements somewhere within the Pakistani broad establishment that were knowledgeable, provided assistance. But you know, looking at that situation, bin Laden and the people at that compound practiced absolutely phenomenal

thing (evidence of top Pak leadership knowing about it). This is one of the big questions that we had right away and we raised it at the senior-most levels of the Pakistani government. They tried to figure out the same thing: you know, what gives. But, you know, Paki-

stan is a large country," he said. Calling Abbottabad as one of the lessons learned for Pakistan, he said there have been individuals in the past from al-Qaeda that have used Abbottabad as a transit point from Islamabad into Waziristan. Brennan also said that information seized from bin Laden's hideout revealed that he was concerned about the al-Qaeda's longterm viability. "He called for more large-scale attacks against America, but encountered resistance from his followers and he went for years without seeing any spectacular attacks. He saw his senior leaders being taken down, one by one, and worried about the ability to replace them effectively," he said. According to a White House fact sheet, bin Laden saw that alQaeda is losing the larger battle for hearts and minds as it had murdered many innocent civilians, most of them Muslims, permanently tarnishing its image. -PTI

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I am not a lameduck PM: Manmohan NEW DELHI: Dismissing talk that he is a "lameduck" Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh said here he has been entrusted with the job by the Congress party from which he has not heard "any contrary view". Terming the perception that his government had gone "comatose" and was "lameduck" as clever propaganda of the Opposition "to which some sections of the media had lent ear", Singh asserted that "truth will prevail" and his performance will speak. Singh spoke of "maximum possible cooperation" that he was getting from Congress President Sonia Gandhi whom he met oneon-one every week. He had never felt that she was an "obstacle". During a 100-minute interaction with five editors at his official residence, a relaxed Prime Minister confidently fielded questions on a wide range of issues including the talk that Rahul Gandhi should take his place, the Lokpal Bill, corruption and relations with neighboring countries. Sonia Gandhi had done a "superb job" as Congress President for nearly 15 years now, he underlined. Asked about occasional statements from party functionaries that Rahul Gandhi should become Prime Minister, Singh said that the Congress Party and its President had entrusted him with this job and he had not heard any contrary view from the Congress high command. "In fact, the Congress high command has always been most supportive, particularly Mrs Gandhi," the Prime Minister said. He went on to add, "Personally, if you ask me, the general proposi-

tion that younger people should take over, I think, is the right sentiment". Whenever the party "makes up its mind I will be very happy to step down, but so long as I am here I have a job to do". To a question about a possible reshuffle of his Cabinet, the Prime Minister said it was a "work in progress". Asked if it could take place soon, Singh replied, "I cannot predict." About Lokpal Bill, he said it

last word. As for bringing the office of the Prime Minister under the purview of the Lokpal, the Prime Minister said that he has no hesitation in bringing himself under it. However, many of his Cabinet colleagues were of the view that bringing the institution of the Prime Minister under Lokpal would create "an element of instability which can go out of hand". In any case, the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh interacting with the Senior Editors in New Delhi on June 29

was essential and desirable. The country needed a strong Lokpal although it is not a "panacea". He told the editors that he would try to find a way on the Lokpal issue and work for a national consensus. The government would reach out to the civil society but no group can insist that their views "A to Z" are the

is covered by the anti-corruption act and is a 24-hour servant of the people, he said pointing out that a person holding that office can be removed by Parliament. Singh said that he would like to be "guided" by political parties on this issue. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha and her Punjab counterpart Prakash Singh

PM rules out inclusion of higher judiciary in Lokpal NEW DELHI: Asserting that he has no hesitation in subjecting himself to the jurisdiction of Lokpal, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ruled out inclusion of higher judiciary within the ambit of the anti-corruption ombudsman. Bringing higher judiciary under the jurisdiction of the Lokpal would be contrary to the Constitutional scheme of things, he said while voicing confidence that a national consensus would be evolved on the proposed Lokpal Bill. He told a group of editors here that his Cabinet colleagues were of the view that bringing the institution of Prime Minister under Lokpal would create an element

Badal had both expressed their views that this office should be kept out of Lokpal's purview. Told about doubts being raised about the stability of his government, particularly in the light of problems with DMK, the Prime Minister said, "We have some points of tension but nobody wants an election." On dialogue with civil society, he said that the government should appear to be receptive to what the society says and he had

of instability which, at times, can go out of hand. "I, for one, have no hesitation

Any person holding this office was a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;24-hour servant of the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; who can be removed by Parliament through a vote of no confidence in bringing myself under the purview of the Lokpal," he said. Affirming that he was not say-

ing "anything one way or the other", he said that the office of the Prime Minister was covered by anti-corruption Act in any case. Any person holding this office was a "24-hour servant of the people" who can be removed by Parliament through a vote of no confidence. There were divergent opinions on the subject in the country, he said, adding that he would like to be "guided" by political parties. Singh pointed out that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha and Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal, who had both favored keeping the office of Prime Minister out of Lokpal's purview, had already given their views. -PTI

himself encouraged a dialogue with Anna Hazare. With regard to Ramdev also, the effort was not to create unnecessary misunderstanding, he said, adding that he had earlier written to the yoga guru to share some of his concerns on black money and corruption. About the controversy sur-

rounding the decision of four union ministers to meet Ramdev at Delhi airport, the Prime Minister said it was not to "receive" him but the meeting had been arranged so that it could take place before he entered Delhi. Responding to a question about police action against Ramdev and his followers at Delhi's Ramlila ground in the middle of the night, Singh said it was unfortunate but he did not see any alternative. If action had been taken the next day there would have been larger crowds, he said. Asked if Hazare was naive or politically motivated, the Prime Minister said it was not good to question the motives of those government is negotiating with. Asserting that his government was committed to pursuing whatever was feasible to deal with black money, tax evasion and corruption, the Prime Minister said it was nevertheless not a "one-shot operation". He acknowledged that the telecom scam, the CWG scam and other perceived cases of corruption had caused genuine concern to the middle class whom he assured that the guilty would be punished. In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister said there was a growing perception in the media that the government was under a siege and not able to implement its agenda. He then went on to hit out at the role of the media for having become "accuser, prosecutor and the judge". No parliamentary democracy could function in that manner.-PTI

Gandhi Salt Satyagraha among most influential protests NEW YORK: Mahatma Gandhi-led 'Salt Satyagraha' during India's independence struggle has been named among the 'Top 10 Most Influential Protests' in the world by the prestigious Time magazine. In March 1930, Gandhi embarked on a 24-day march from Sabarmati Ashram near Ahmedabad to the small seaside town of Dandi to produce salt to protest against the British salt monopoly in colonial India. The non-violent campaign triggered the wider Civil Disobedience Movement against British rule. Known as the salt "satyagraha" - a Sanskrit term loosely meaning "truth-force" - it carried the emotional and moral

weight to break British Empire, the Time said. The magazine said Britain's centuries-long rule over India was, in many ways, first and foremost a regime of monopolies over commodities like tea, textiles and even salt. Under colonial law, Indians were forbidden to extract and sell their own salt, and instead were forced to pay the far costlier price of salt manufactured and imported from the UK. That act - for which more than 80,000 Indians would get arrested in the coming months - sparked years of mass civil disobedience that came to define both the Indian independence struggle as well as Gandhi himself, the Time said.-PTI

Horoscope

July 8, 2011

India Post 11

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar JULY 8TH - JULY 14TH ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20)

TAURUS (APRIL 21 TO MAY 20)

amily will be making preparation for an upcoming big event. Boss will call you to discuss another assignment. Be careful when signing any papers related to a property. You will receive help from totally unexpected places. You may be charging heavily on your credit cards. Much awaited clearance can also come this week.

ittle more physical activities can resolve health is sues. You will continue to make progress on project in hands. It will be another fruitful week for brokers. Drive within speed limit or a ticket is in the cards this week. You will contribute towards a noble cause. You may replace an old vehicle with more fuel economical one.

GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20)

CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22)

ou will be more cheerful and act childish. People around will notice the change in your attitude. Few bold actions will take you closer to your professional goals. Do not ignore the bills sitting on your desk or will end up paying late charges. A child may be slowly getting ready to move to another state for some purpose.

ou will be full of bright ideas and will try to implement them. Some of you will move to another location soon. If you are little flexible, the contract is all yours. A diplomatic approach will get many things done this week. You will be spending lots of money on children. A short pleasure trip is also in the air.

LEO (JULY 23 TO AUGUST 22)

ou should be careful with all financial matters as Saturn transiting second can cause some losses. Avoid buying any old property for investment purpose. Business will continue to grow but at a slower pace. Impulsive move you make in career will prove to be blessings in disguise. Insurance claim if any will be approved quickly.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23 TO SEPTEMBER 22)

ou will be working extra hours to meet the deadline. Money wise you will continue to do fine as long as you do not take any risks. You may not get instant results for the extra running around this week. An old friend will call and make an interesting proposal. Spouse will give you few very good ideas.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 22)

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 22)

hanges in career are around if you looking for them. You will meet all financial commitments hand still have little left. Personal issues will cause some frustration and you may feel like getting out of a relationship. Some of you may decide to join a short term program to improve your chances of a better career.

ll you need is to make necessary changes in your diet to overcome some health issues. You may need to use your savings in order to make purchases. Boss will call you to discuss the project few times this week. Your hard work and dedication will not go unnoticed. Value of your stocks will appreciate considerably.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 22)

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 19)

ou will be successful in resolving several problems this week. Some one at work will try to cause disturbance but will not succeed. Do not wait any longer and dispose off money making stocks for the time being. You may be thinking of visiting an old friend out of state in near future and all by yourself.

ou will become motivated and try your luck in many directions. Phone calls will not go waste and you will receive the offer. You will make last minute changes in an upcoming trip. Money wise you will be comfortable. It will be better to dispose off money making stocks and wait for another week to buy them back.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 18)

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 20)

ew association will be lucky for you. Business trip will be rewarding. You should do your own research before making the final commitment. People looking for a career change will be successful in finding one. You will have an opportunity to spend time with some very successful people and learn few tricks also.

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

fforts will not go waste and you will make some extra money this week. Some money could also come out of a small stocks transaction. You will buy some new gadget for personal use. It will take little more time before your application gets accepted. Handle all tools with care. You will attend a big social event with family.

925-833-7170 website: www.parashar.com

Desi News Punjab varsity Prof MP Satija honored THAKAR BASATI

CHICAGO: Asian American Seniors Association (AASA) held a luncheon get together of intelligentsia of Punjabi community at newly opened Maharaja Restaurant, Rosemont, a north side Chicago suburb, to honor Dr MP Satija, retired professor of Guru Nanak Dev University Prof. Jagindar Singh Ramdev, an eminent Sikh scholar and Founder President of Satkal Trust (Satinder Kaur Ramdev Memorial Trust for Advancement of Library Profession), introduced Dr. Satija and lauded his professional standing in the library profession.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Dr Hundal hosts Fundraiser to boost Ricky Gill campaign Details on page 20

12 India Post

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July 8, 2011

Lawmakers, community welcome Arun Jaitley to US

Details on page 14

Grand Silver Jubilee of Lemont Temple SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) celebrated 25 years of its existence on a grand scale here recently. The temple built and inaugurated in February 1986 has notched huge following and its annual attendance now stands at about 10,000. The Pranapratistapana of Sita, Rama and Lakshmana vigrahas was performed in the same year. A committee under the leadership of Sri L. Bhima Reddy, Rajatotsavam Chair, and Smt. Prasanna Reddy, HTGC President, started the process of organizing Silver Jubilee celebrations in January 2011. Details on page 16

Gujarati Samaj organizes Kite Festival ASHWIN PATEL

ST LOUIS: Gujarati Samaj of St. Louis organized Kite Day festival on Saturday, June 25 at Sport Park in St. Louis with great success. Over 200 kite lovers enjoyed the Kite flying festival. Large numbers of colorful kites of various designs were seen flying in the sky. Kids to teenagers, youth to elderly were all engrossed in the fervor of flying kites. All those attending the event had a great time flying kites and enjoying the Indian food served by different groups. Members of other communities also participated giving the event a true Indian spirit. Details on page 19

Community leaders with BJP leader Arun Jaitley India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Arun Jaitley met with leading members of Congress, think tanks and key members of the Obama Administration during his first official trip to the US, June 22-24, in his capacity of the Leader of the Opposition Party in the Rajya Sabha. Jaitley interacted with prominent lawmakers on Capitol Hill including Congressmen Steve Chabot, Eni Faleomavaega, Howard Berman, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Senators Joe Lieberman, Richard Lugar and Dean Heller. During his interactions with the lawmakers, Jaitley stressed on the growing strength of US India relationship, and its strategic nature. He also talked about the convergence on various issues between the two countries especially relating to terrorism and growth of trade. The Co-chairs of the India Caucus in the US Congress, Congressmen Joe Crowley and Ed Royce held a reception on behalf of the Caucus for Jaitley at the Rayburn Congressional Building.

Crowley highlighted the importance of Indo-US relations in the fast changing global marketplace. "Mr. Jaitley's visit represents a great opportunity for the US to continue building a strong relationship with India. In an increasingly globalized economy, it is important for the US to continue to foster friendship with India, which is emerging as a leading growth

pointed out how important it was for both countries to work together as both have several common values. The Caucus event was attended also by Congressmen Joe Wilson and Hansen Clarke and Congresswoman Corrine Brown and Judy Chu, Co-chair of the Asia-Pacific Caucus. The US India Political Action

ing representatives of 40 Indian American organizations gathered in Washington DC to welcome Jaitley at a dinner reception on June 23, organized by the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) USA. Dr. Adapa Prasad, President of the organization and his office bearers received the BJP leaders by bursting fire crackers.

The Co-chairs of the India Caucus in the US Congress, Congressmen Joe Crowley and Ed Royce held a reception on behalf of the Caucus for Jaitley The audience at Jaitley meet

economy despite the difficult economic landscape." Congressman Royce too lauded the economic growth of India and hoped that the relations between the two countries would continue to strengthen. He

Committee (USINPAC) welcomed the visit of Jaitley to the US, the first after he took over as the leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. OFBJP reception At least 400 members of the Indian American community includ-

In his address, Jaitley talked about the changing perception of American legislators, the US government, and think-tanks, vis-Ă -vis a globally emerging India. ContĂd on page 15

July 8, 2011

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Rani Mukherjee to lead NY India Day Parade

Cousul General Prabhu Dayal and community leaders at the unveiling of the parade. India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) last week, raised the curtains on its 31st annual Indian Independence Day Parade celebration with its traditional kick-off event at the Consulate General of India, New York. Celebrating the 41st anniversary, the FIA announced the annual parade to be held on Sunday August 21, which has now grown into the world's largest Indian Independence Day celebration outside India. Last year more than 140,000 people gath-

ered during the Parade on Madison Avenue in the heart of the New York City. At least 200 invited guests consisting

The program comprised folk dances and a presentation for sponsorship offering on various levels.

"I am very excited and delighted with the enthusiasm of the FIA team and we are ready to take this year's Parade to the next level, said FIA President Bipin Patel. "This year, we are looking forward to a record number of 150,000â&#x20AC;? of community leaders, sponsors, media partners and FIA committee members gathered during the unveiling of the parade.

"I am very excited and delighted with the enthusiasm of the FIA team and we are ready to take this year's Parade to the next

level, said FIA President Bipin Patel. "This year, we are looking forward to a record number of 150,000 participants in New York City." FIA Trustee and Bollywood show organizer Kanu Chauhan announced that this year's Parade Grand Marshall would be popular actress Rani Mukerji. The attendees were amazed to see the groundwork for the upcoming India Day parade, revealed through an audio-video presentation. ContĂd on page 14

Community Across America

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Indian Americans honor Punjab varsity Prof MP Satija honored Senator Zeldin THAKAR BASATI

SUDHIR VYASS

Prof MP Satija and Prof Jagindar Singh Ramdev with ladies of the Punjabi community.

Samir Chopra & Senator Lee Zeldin

NEW YORK: Samir Chopra, President- Elect of Indian Americans of New York, recently cohosted a reception in honor of Senator Lee Zeldin in New York City. Senator Zeldin currently serves on the Senate Judiciary; Homeland

"Senator Zeldin is strong advocate of the Indian and Asian community and strongly stands for higher education, family values and fiscal responsibility in government - all the same values that we Indians share as a community” Security & Investigations and Government Operations Committees in the Senate and he was recently appointed Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Consumer Protection. In his welcome address, Samir

Chopra said, "Senator Zeldin is strong advocate of the Indian and Asian community and strongly stands for higher education, family values and fiscal responsibility in government - all the same values that we Indians share as a community." A true champion for tax payers" -Senator Seldom recently wrote legislation and passed Senate Bill; S.1919; which calls for a Constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds "super majority" vote in both the Senate and the Assembly in order to increase any state taxes or fees." Senator Zeldin also is the sponsor of legislation to ban protests at Military Funerals (S.3901) Samir Chopra is an Indian community activist and was a marathon runner and tri-athlete; a past recipient of the International Walter Upjohn Award, he has served as Director of the South Asian Bar Association, Trustee of the Hindu Center in New York; and Founder of the first Indian American fraternity in the United States. After completing his education at Emory University, INSEAD (France) and Harvard, he has worked formerly for the Chief Judge of the United States District of New York.

Prof. M.P. Satija retired last year as professor and head of the department of library and Information science, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar but was offered Emeritus fellowship for two years by the University Grants Commission Prof. Jagindar Singh Ramdev, an eminent Sikh scholar and Founder President of Satkal Trust (Satinder Kaur Ramdev Memorial Trust for Advancement of Library Profession), introduced Dr. Satija and lauded his professional standing in the library profession.

been translated into Hindi, Spanish, German, French and Croatian. His latest book is "Guide to Reference Sources in Punjabi." This work is the first such effort in the history of Punjabi language. Dr Satija thanked Prof Ramdev and all AASA members for the honor bestowed on him. He lauded

(L-R) Prof Kulwant Singh Hundal, Prof Jagindar Singh Ramdev, Prof MP Satija, Dr Navdeep Kaur Sandhu

sion for the last three and half decades. He is an author of more than twenty books, about 150 papers and 200 book reviews, course material on classification for distance education students and many conference papers published in India and abroad. His works have

the contribution of Professor Ramdev to Indian librarianship. He mentioned that though his work is published in international journals and in many European languages he feels proud of his works published in Punjabi language. Contíd on page 17

Rani Mukherjee to lead NY India Day Parade Contíd from page 13

The Publicity and Media Chair Binoy Kothari talked about the overwhelming inquiries, not only from community media but also from mainstream media about participation in the parade. The theme of this year's parade is 'My Earth-My Home', celebrating 'My India-My pride'. The 2011 India Day Parade will commence

at 12:30 PM from Madison Avenue and 40th Street. The Review stand for the Bollywood celebrity Grand Marshall and the Chief Guest will be located between 28th and 29th Street. The booths will be located between 24th and 26th Avenue. The array of cultural programs will begin 3 PM onwards on the cultural stage set on 23rd Street. For those who cannot attend

the parade, the FIA has arranged to show it Live on TV in North America and worldwide on the Internet. Each year during the India Day Parade, various organizations participate in a range of activities. Responding to last year's overwhelming demand of booths, this year FIA is offering 72 booths to organizations to launch their products.

The parade would be led by marching bands and theme based floats. The FIA said it would continue the tradition of customized floats showcasing Indian culture, as introduced last year. Parade attendees will take a journey into the past with colorful characters from historical and religious stories. The FIA is also inviting over 5000 young Indian American students from premium universities to

march at the parade. During the month of the parade, street banners across the city will highlight the FIA and its sponsors and the Empire State building will be lit in the tri color of the Indian Flag. The parade would be followed by a gala dinner on August 22 where FIA has created special opportunities by creating zone sponsorships during the reception.

July 8, 2011

Lawmakers, community welcome Arun Jaitley to US

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Lawmakers join Seniors' Picnic JAYANTI OZHA

Contíd from page 12

He expressed happiness over the existence of a good rapport between US think tanks and the BJP leadership on some key global issues. Talking about the direct role of Pakistan in global terrorism, Jaitley explained how India was the first victim of Pakistani terrorism back in 1947 when Pakistani intruders invaded Kashmir. He said that now, the US understands the dubious role of Pakistan in harboring terrorists, while hoping that it would tackle the nerve center of the menace. Jaitley further exhorted OFBJP to take a lead in dealing with issues pertaining to India in the US, and play the role of being the eyes and ears of the BJP party, in the US. He also reminded the Indian Diaspora of their role in conveying the issues of India to the American political spectrum. Dr. Prasad talked about how the Indian Diaspora was pained to see

CHICAGO: Bhartiya Senior Group of Chicago organized a picnic for seniors and the move turned out to be a great success judging from the response. Close to 300 seniors participated in the picnic with their spouses and young ones. Interestingly, the Illinois lawmakers too were present to interact with the seniors and encourage them to be part of the mainstream society. Illinois Senator John Miller and State Representative of 55th district Randy Ramey were there and mingled with seniors. They exchanged ideas with seniors and office bearers of the Bhartiya Senior Group. They seemed to enjoy the Indian cuisine that they shared with others. Picnic was full of games like water balloons, musical chairs, Indian chess etc.

State Senator John Miller & State Representative Randy Ramey with the committee members & other seniors

The picnic starting from morning lasted till 6 p.m. and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable events for all. Senator John Miller and State representative Randy Ramey assured the senior group all help in their efforts to raise their own building. Some of the founding members of the Bhartiya Senior Group, Manshukh Patel, Batukbhai Shukla, Jitubhai Patel and President Haribhai Patel briefed the Illinois lawmakers about the problems faced by Indian seniors in Chicagoland. President Haribhai and Secretary Parsottam Pandya had earlier extended welcome to John Miller and Randy Ramey.

Jaitley explained how India was the first victim of Pakistani terrorism back in 1947 when Pakistani intruders invaded Kashmir the recent undemocratic acts of the Delhi Police that cracked down on sleeping satyagrahis at Baba Ramdev's anti-corruption protest fast in Delhi. Of the visiting members of the BJP, Chandan Mitra said that the result of such police brutalities had always resulted in the loss of power by reigning governments, and exhorted the Indian Diaspora to lend their hand in the fight against the Congress led UPA government's corruption and bringing back the black money stashed abroad; Dharmendra Pradhan requested Indian Americans to be aware of the current situation in India and encouraged them to engage in the country's politics; Janardhan Swamy, a career technologist in Silicon Valley, talked of how he made it to politics in India, and asked Indian Americans to consider serving India through politics. Jaitley had earlier started his visit in DC with an address at the Heritage Foundation on "Indian Foreign Policy - Priorities in a Shifting Global Landscape".

Seniors enjoy outdoor games

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Grand Silver Jubilee of Lemont Temple SURENDRA ULLAL

Presidents of HTGC, past and present

tions in January 2011. During the first fifteen years, from 1986 to 2001, dedicated and devoted leaders led the efforts in an exemplary way to build and develop the Ramalaya, the GSD Temple, the Community Hall,

temples, built the Vivekananda Plaza as well as the Vivekananda Spiritual Center, built Steps to Ramalaya from the Vivekananda Plaza and executed a major expansion of the GSD temple. All these efforts have culminated in

Classical dance by local artists

work being carried out by volunteer devotees. "We were able to secure the services of five priests from our sister temples in North America to join our five priests for this event. All puja material (dravyams), vastrams for the deities and 1008 Kalasams

Kumbabhishekam on Saturday, June 11. At the conclusion of sanctifying the rajagopurams, priests led the devotees to the Moola vigrahas and started the Abhishekams. This was the time all gods (idols) moved back from Balalayam to their main loca-

The committee had decided to celebrate the Rajatotsavam from June 8-12th as per the suggestion of Priest Narasimhacharyulu. The entire temple complex received a facelift and underwent a full relighting Sahastra Ksheer Kalash ceremony and devotees

annual attendance now stands at about 10,000. The Pranapratistapana of Sita, Rama and Lakshmana vigrahas was performed in the same year. A committee under the leadership of Sri L. Bhima Reddy, Rajatotsavam Chair, and Smt. Prasanna Reddy, HTGC President, started the process of organizing Silver Jubilee celebra-

parking lots, acquisition of additional land and an apartment complex of six priest quarters. "The next ten years, from 2001 onwards, hard working leaders have streamlined the operations, reduced the debt burden, renovated the entire temple including major repairs to the Rajagopuram and Ramalaya, built parikramas around both

HTGC emerging as one of the most beautiful temples in the World" said Bhima Reddy, Past President and Chair, Rajtosavam The committee had decided to celebrate the Rajatotsavam from June 8-12th as per the suggestion of Priest Narasimhacharyulu. The entire temple complex received a facelift and underwent a full relighting with most of the

were imported from Chennai," Bhima Reddy added The five-day event began on Tuesday June 7 with Ankurarapanam. Agnipratishata yagam was performed on June 8, Vishwakasena yagam. Moola mantra homam, Yagam and other puja rituals invoking preparations for the five days led to the Maha Samprokshan

tions. Devotees were singing bhajans and devotional songs. HTGC Executive committee and Rajatotsavam committee recognized the yeoman service of all 11 shilpis from India along with HTGC shilpis for the Indianization work. ContĂd on page 17

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July 8, 2011

India Post 17

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Grand Silver Jubilee of Lemont Temple

A group of artists that presented a stage performance

Devotees throng to be part of celebrations ContĂd from page 16

On Sunday, June 12 , the day began with Suprabatham, Nityaradhana and Naivedyam while many volunteers and devotees were setting up the 1008 Kalashas in the main hall in front of Sri Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana with the watchful eyes of Hanuman and devotees chanting "Ramchandra parivar ki jai". The service of Senior Priest Sri Krishnarajan who has been with the temple for 25 years was recognized. All the devotees were served with delicious food "Annadahanam" Cultural program for Rajatotsavam started on Friday the June 10 with recognition of all the past 19 presidents of HTGC for their dedication and their continuous support and service. Priest Sri Krishnarajan honored each of the president present with a shawl and blessings. President Prasanna Reddy thanked past presidents for their dedicated service. This was followed with a grand music concert by wellknown Bollywood singers Kavita Krishnamurthy and Suresh Wadkar accompanied by Hitesh master and his orchestra

SaReGaMa. "On Saturday the June 11, the devotees were treated to a variety of cultural programs starting with SRI Ramaganam "Prahlada Bhakti Vijayam." by Rajaveena School of Music. It was a beautiful rendition of the ballet with 22 performers on stage, with Smt Rajeswari leading on the Veena accompanied by Mridangam,Tabla, and the singers. The Journey of Kathak by Tarana Dance Academy was choreographed by Mrs. Sheetal Dhanani. She brought out the true essence of Kathak, though associated mainly with North India. Next was Bhavayami Raguramam by Nrithyanjali School of Dance. Teacher Smt. Sushmita Arunkumar along with her students presented a soul-stirring Ramayana. This song composed by Maharaja Swati Tirunal each of the six Charanams describes one Kandam corresponding to Valmiki's version of Ramayan all in 40 minutes of Bharat Natyam. Following Bharat Natyam, it was Abhinavam - a Kuchipudi presentation by Aananda Dance Theater. A very young choreographaer & teacher Janaki Anandavalli Nair and her students presented "Jaya

Punjab varsity Prof MP Satija honored ContĂd from page 14

There is shortage of library services to Punjabi language and literature. He reiterated his commitment to continue his research in this area. Much needs to be done for Punjabi librarianship, he said. Dr Satija was presented a shawl by Baba Daljit Singh. Prof. Ramdev, Prof. Kulwant Singh Hundal and Dr. Navdip Kaur Sandhu presented a plaque on

behalf of AASA. Dr. Bikram Singh Dhillon, author of new released book, "The Diamond Blue" spoke about lack of interest in Punjabi language readership. Baba Daljit Singh, Sewadar of Guru Nanak Sikh Mission of Island Lake asked Dr. Satija to get translations done of important Sikh scriptures. Mrs Narinder Kaur, daughter of S Sewa Singh Virdi, member AASA, was recognized with flower bouquet. Mrs Kaur is visiting USA.

Jaya Swamin", a Ganesha stuthi , "Om Parashakthi" in praise of Sr. Mookambika Devi and "Kuchipudi with Oriental drums." Those present were entertained with "Ensemble of Ragas" by Saraswathi Ranganathan on Veena and her Group of Flamenco Guitar, Jazz Guitar, Drums, Mridangam,

by Vanitha & her students. The second dance was "Kannan Varugindra Neram" a kavadi chindu on Lord Krishna. The Grand Finale for the evening was "Mahishasura Mardhini" Kuchipudi dance ballet presented by Kuchipudi Natya Vihar, featuring Sri Pasumurthy

In keeping with the celebration of Rama Temple, there was "Rama Naamamaa Krishna Naamamaa" by Bharatam Academy of Dance Arts, choreographed by Smt. Vanitha Veeravalli and performed by Vanitha & her students. The second dance was "Kannan Varugindra Neram" a kavadi chindu on Lord Krishna Tabla, Ghatam & Maracas. A very modern style of Carnatic Music kept everyone drumming their fingers. In keeping with the celebration of Rama Temple, there was "Rama Naamamaa Krishna Naamamaa" by Bharatam Academy of Dance Arts, choreographed by Smt. Vanitha Veeravalli and performed

Venkateswara Sarma as Mahishasura and Sobha Tammama as Sakthi & Parvathi. With a team of 12 other artists, this was one ballet that got standing ovation from the audience. The auditorium was packed till the finale which ended with Vote of Thanks by Rupa Acharya who

gratefully acknowledged the help rendered by HTGC president Prasanna Reddy, Trustees, all the performers for the evening, Cohost Arun Murthy and Usha Pariti. The Sunday June 12 Cultural program began with spiritual discourse by Dr. Medasani Mohan. "Medasani Mohan gaaru, an extra ordinary Avadhaani who performed Pancha Sahastra Avadhanam a rare literary task, narrated Ramayana in a nutshell. The second part of the program was presented by Natya Dance Theatre "Divya Chethana". The principal dancer Krithika Rajagopalan with her team of 10 other dancers kept members of the audience rooted to their seats till the end. President Prasanna Reddy and Rajatotsavam chair Bhima Reddy thanked all the priests, temple staff, executive committee members, past presidents, committee chairs, many volunteers, Mayors of local community, India consulate representatives, advertisers and writers of articles for the 25th year commemorative souvenir and devotees.

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Mumbai dance teacher Swami Avadhootananda expounds Bhakti-yoga honored in NY India Post News Service

Marc D. Latrique of the United Nations honors Padmini Radhakrishnan (Pic Ramesh Ramanathan for NY Tamil Sangam) India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Eminent Bharathanatyam dancer and guru Padmini Radhakrishnan, director of Soundarya Natya Kalalaya, Mumbai, was honored in recognition of her contribution to the field of fine arts at a function held at Abigail Adams High School in Jamaica, Queens, New York last week. At a colorful function organized by New York Tamil Sangam, the chief guest of the evening Marc D. Latrique of the United Nations presented the title "Natya Kalai Mamani" on Padmini Radhakrishnan. He praised the service of the renowned danseuse to the field of dance and described her as one of the eminent dancers and guru who moved the audience with her melodious voice and dance presentations. Radhakrishnan learnt Bharata Natyam in Calcutta under guru Rajalakshmi Venkateshwar, a disciple of the late K N Dandayudapani Pillai, a legend in the field. She continues to learn this fine art from Pandit V.J. Pillai of Shree Tanjavur Nritya Shala. She studied post-graduate diploma in Carnatic Music from the University of Bombay and her proficiency in music and expertise in

Nattuvangam led her to form an institution - Soundarya Natya Kalalaya in Mumbai. Her students have given over 1,000 stage performances in India and abroad. Efforts to explore original choreography, new themes and innovative presentations of dance ballets have consistently been the hallmark of Soundarya Natya Kalalaya.

Chief guest of the evening Marc D. Latrique of the United Nations presented the title "Natya Kalai Mamani" on Padmini Radhakrishnan On occasion, her troupe presented a dance ballet "Charanagatham Krishna" (obeisance to Lord Krishna) on the life of Lord Krishna with dancers Gayathri Subramanian, Sripriya Vijay, Gomathi Manoj, Tirtha Sridhar Giri, Sherin Peter and Aditi Bellur. B.Anantha Raman provided the violin support while Jainarayan Radhakrishnan was on mridangam. Padmini Sridhar was the master of ceremonies.

NEVADA: Swami Rishi Avadhootanandaji, founder of Rishi Center for World Consciousness and based in Pune (India), said that the path of complete surrender as outlined by Bhakti-yoga would always lead us towards liberation. Hindu scripture BhagavadGita (Song of the Lord) beautifully expounded it, he added. Rishi Avadhootanandaji was in Nevada last week and talked on Bhakti-yoga (yoga of devotion) and its importance in our lives. He also had a discussion on the subject with Hindu activist Zed Rajan in Nevada. Rajan Zed who happens to be the President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out that the path of Bhakti-yoga is very inclusive and available to all, formed a close bond between human and

divine. It was the way of love and many mystics of other religions had also treaded on this path by and large. The two activists also discussed role of youth in religion

Avadootanandaji is a learned scholar in kundalini, mudra and kriya yoga; pranayama and various forms of meditation. Zed is a Hindu community activist, who has taken up interfaith, religion,

Rajan Zed who happens to be the President of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out that the path of Bhakti-yoga is very inclusive and available to all, formed a close bond between human and divine and how to attract young people to spirituality in this consumerist society full of distractions. Topics of harmonious co-existence, nature of reality, realization of Self, etc., were also explored. Besides Bhakti-yoga,

environment, Roma and other causes all over the world. According to Swami Vivekananda, Bhakti Yoga is a real, genuine search after the Lord, beginning and ending in love-intense and pure.

Long Island celebrates 14th Indian American Night KRITI CHOWDHARY

NEW YORK: The South Asian community was once again enthralled by the annual Indian American Night presented by Indian American Forum at Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, as part of the ongoing International Music Nights Concert Series, courtesy Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano (Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums) and Canon. The 14th Indian American Night 2011 showcasing classical Indian music and folk dances from all regions of India, coordinated by Indu Jaiswal, Chairman, Indian American Forum, drew people in large numbers from all communities. The evening kicked off with

Emcee Renee Lobo (ITV) announcing Yoga sessions (conducted by Deepika and Sunil Modi on behalf of Hindu organization

(winner of A.R. Rehman Talent Hunt USA) and Leena with their band, audience engaging Nipun Marwaha, Danielle Reed, and cul-

The evening kicked off with Emcee Renee Lobo (ITV) announcing Yoga sessions (conducted by Deepika and Sunil Modi on behalf of Hindu organization of Long Island) of Long Island), followed by a Kite Festival, where kids enjoyed flying their kites on the bright, sunny Father's day, giving way to a cooler evening filled with mesmerizing entertainment of live vocal performances by charming Jesse Jess

tural dance extravaganza by students of Bollywood Performing Arts, Sadhna Pranji's Sadhanalya School of Dance, Satya Pradeep's Nritiya Saagaram Dance Academy, East West School of Dance, and local talents.

Community protests police crackdown on Ramdev fast India Post News Service

NEW YORK: A peaceful demonstration was organized June 25, under the banner of Bharat Swabhiman Overseas near the Indian Consulate in New York, to protest against the Delhi police crackdown on Baba Ramdev and thousands of his supporters who were on a protest fast against corruption in India, at the

Ramlila Grounds last month. A motley group of about 50 men and women gathered on Fifth Avenue along Central Park near the Consulate and raised slogans like "Sonia Gandhi, Shame, shame"; "Black money bring back", and "Bharat Mata ki Jai". The protestors later presented a petition addressed to Pratibha Patil, President of India,

to the Indian Consulate along with their signatures. Similar protests were also organized in several other cities in the US simultaneously as a day of silent protest. Organizing committees from five cities - Washington DC, New York, San Francisco, Houston and Chicago reported large numbers of people registering for the protests.

July 8, 2011

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Spelling Bee events in Dallas & Houston

he 2011 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee (www.southasianspellingbee.com) continued its 10 city tour this past weekend with two events in the Dallas and Houston areas. In Dallas, Chetan Reddy from Plano, TX was the regional champ and Narahari Bharadwaj, also of Plano, TX was the first runner up while Nikitha Samy from Flower Mound, TX came in at third place. In Houston, Syamantak Payra from Friendswood, TX was the regional champ and Shiva Saravanan from College Station, TX was first runner up while Raksheet Kota, from Katy, TX was second runner up. The winners received cash prizes of $500, $300 and $200 respectively.

AA incentives for small & medium-sized businesses India Post News Service

FORT WORTH, TX: American Airlines (AA) has announced that small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) can now earn Business ExtrAA速 program points on American Airlines codeshare (AA) flights operated by British Airways, Iberia, or Japan Airlines, in addition to all American Airlines flights. The new benefits allow companies enrolled in American's busi-

lines codeshare flights operated by Japan Airlines flights to Asia. The promotion began June 27 and ends July 31. Business ExtrAA members can register for the promotion at http:// w w w. b u s i n e s s e x t r a a . c o m / nowmore using the promotion code JBDOUBLE. American and Japan Airlines have also implemented additional codesharing, coordinated fares and schedules, and introduced a number of consumer benefits. In

Gujarati Samaj organizes Kite Festival ASHWIN PATEL

American and Japan Airlines have also implemented additional codesharing, coordinated fares and schedules, and introduced a number of consumer benefits

Food being served during Kite festival

nities also participated giving the event a true Indian spirit. Gujarati Samaj will be organizing its annual Picnic on July 23 at McDonald Park.

AA Logo

ness-to-business loyalty program aimed at small and medium businesses to earn base points on more flights and earn awards more quickly within the airline's Business ExtrAA program. In addition, AA also announced a promotion that allows companies that are Business ExtrAA members to earn double points on all qualifying AA flights to Europe and Asia, all American Airlines codeshare flights operated by British Airways and Iberia to Europe, and all American Air-

addition, Japan Airlines co-located with American in Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. The two airlines' joint business includes Japan Airlines San Francisco to Tokyo (HND) route, it's newly announced Boston-Tokyo (NRT) flight, to be launched in April 2012, in addition to each airline's respective flights from New York to Tokyo (NRT and HND), Chicago to Tokyo (NRT), and Los Angeles to Tokyo (NRT), as well as American's flights to China from Chicago and Los Angeles.

Young enthusiast helping with the thread reel

Kite designs

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July 8, 2011

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Dr Hundal hosts Fundraiser to boost Ricky Gill campaign India Post News Service

FREMONT: A fundraising event was hosted by Dr. Sarb Hundal in Fremont on June 17 for Congressional candidate Ricky Gill who was greeted there by more than 100 enthusiastic supporters. The fundraiser continued the momentum created by Gill's campaign since he announced his candidacy for U.S. Congress on May 17. Ricky Gill spoke about a number of issues challenging the country today. He expressed the necessity for a member of Congress to promote competitive export opportunities for $2 billion in agricultural products farmed in San Joaquin County annually. Gill stressed that a member of Congress can help expose foreign markets to these world-class commodities, which include cherries and grapes. He spoke about the need for corporate tax reform in America. A

implemented in the cover of darkness by faceless bureaucrats. He explained, "Our federal elected officials have delegated too much constitutional lawmaking authority to administrative agencies. Congress should hold a floor vote on all regulations that impose $100 million or more in compliance costs. Our elected repre-

tinely including sunset provisions in authorization bills, which will force it to review the track record of federal programs before spending additional funds." He called for inclusion of tort reform as a measure to improve on the recent health care reform bill. An increasingly litigious society has resulted in physicians being

gin by appreciating that states play an integral role in our system of government. They offer guidance as to how Congress can control its own excesses. A bill on tax rates should not simultaneously change our foreign policy. He explained that 42 state constitutions have requirements that limit legislation to one subject.

The federal government seems unable to balance the books. Gill also argued for an executive lineitem veto: The vast majority of states empower their governors with a line-item veto. The executive can use this scalpel-like tool to remove wasteful portions from appropriations bills that Congress did not have the willpower

These "single-subject rules" can disrupt the logrolling, vote-trading, and interest-group politics that diminish public trust in government. He went on to say that nearly every state has some form of balanced budget requirement.

to originally reject. Said Gill, "Seeing this many people sacrificing their Friday night to support my effort 18 months before the general election speaks volumes about the potential of this campaign."

He spoke about the need for corporate tax reform in America. A sensible reduction of these onerous rates will foster job creation in America sensible reduction of these onerous rates will foster job creation in America. He also argued that citizens are owed an up or down vote by Congress on any consequential regulations that will affect the economy by $100 million or more. The way the system works currently, regulations are often

sentatives should review the merits of these consequential regulations before they take effect.

In addition, Congress should exercise the power of the purse to rein in inefficient programs. Congress can facilitate this by rou-

forced to move out of communities because of malpractice insurance costs, patients being exposed to unnecessary tests, and hospitals having to provide tremendous amounts of unreimbursed care. Tort reform will serve to help protect the sanctity of a patient/physician relationship. Ricky talked passionately about public education, an issue near and dear to his heart. He spoke of his service on the CA State Board of Education, where he advocated standards-based reform in the system. A robust public school system gives meaning to the American dream, providing every child the opportunity to achieve at levels commensurate with their ambition. For this reason, public education remains the great equalizer of any free society. Gill also spoke at length about his ideas for reforming the way Congress does business. He remarked that Congress should be-

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July 8, 2011

India Post 21

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Punjabi charter school opening in California India Post News Service

SACRAMENTO: First Punjabi charter school of USA will open in West Sacramento (California) in August next, according to reports. Named Sacramento Valley Charter School, its mission includes promoting "a culture of strong social and family values" and it will provide a "rigorous" curriculum. It aims at meeting "academic, social and emotional needs" of the children. Located on the property of Sikh Temple of Sacramento, it will provide free education from kindergarten to grade six (ultimately expanding to seventh and eighth grades), after school enrichment programs, Punjabi language education, school uniform, "more accountability", homework assistance, free vegetarian lunch and refreshments, free transportation, etc. Hindu activist Rajan Zed in a statement in Nevada (USA) applauded efforts of charter school management and West Sacramento and surrounding area community for this wonderful project promoting Punjabi culture and language and strong social and family values among children. Rajan Zed, who is Chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, further said that it was important to pass on our languages, culture and traditions to coming generations amidst so

many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this charter school would prove effective in this direction. Michael Ettner will reportedly be the principal of this publicly funded school approved by the

Hindu activist Rajan Zed in a statement in Nevada (USA) applauded efforts of charter school management and West Sacramento and surrounding area community for this wonderful project promoting Punjabi culture and language and strong social and family values among children

India Post News Service

ENGLEWOOD, CO: The Western Union Company, a leader in global payments, is offering a new service that allows consumers to send money transfers online from their bank account to India via westernunion.com. In addition to India, this service has been rolled out for money transfers from the U.S. to more than 130 countries this year, and plans are to expand further to additional countries by year end. The new Western Union速 ACH (Automated Clearing House) money transfer service, provides a three banking day delivery of money at a more economical transfer fee from the United States. Fees begin as low as $8 and consumers sending money transfers to India via this Western Union速 online service from the United States, can send up to $2500 for a $14 transfer fee. You can learn more by visiting: westernunion.com/threeday.

"By offering the ACH service, Western Union is expanding our portfolio of services to help consumers with options to conveniently send money transfers from the United States anywhere and anytime and to have the money transfer funds provided from the sender's bank account," said Victoria LopezNegrete, Senior Vice President, North America, Western Union. "This service continues Western Union's commitment to providing electronic channels as a convenient way to meet our consumers' money movement needs." Consumers who regularly send money transfers now have a more economical fee* structure option, along with the convenience of sending money 24x7. Money is ready to be picked up by the receiver by the third banking day. When needed, senders can also choose the online "Money in Minutes" money transfer service. Receivers can pick up the funds at more than 71,000 Western Union

Agent locations in India. After the initial online registration to use the ACH service, repeat senders are able to have their send and receive information prepopulated on the online form when returning to make additional money transfers. Consumers who have bank accounts often prefer an option where they can transfer funds from those bank accounts. Western Union ACH money transfer services from the United States are also currently available to over 130 countries including Argentina, Korea, China and Vietnam. Additional corridors will be announced throughout the year. You can learn more about the ACH service by visiting westernunion.com/threeday. Western union also makes money from currency exchange. Money sent with the online ACH service can often be sent for a fee that is more economical than the fee to send Money in Minutes online.

Sikh Coalition testifies on Education India Post News Service

Washington Unified School District, which will teach the culture and language of Punjab but is open to all. Dave Westin and Dr. Dayton Gilleland are Board President and Superintendent respectively of the District.

Antelope Sikh killed in Afghanistan SACRAMENTO: A Marine from the Sacramento area has died in combat while fighting in Afghanistan. Cpl. Gurpreet Singh, 21, of Antelope, died June 22 from wounds suffered in combat operations in Helmand province, the Department of Defense announced. Singh, an infantryman, was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton. The Marines said Singh enlisted on Nov. 5, 2007. He served two combat deployments. His service awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal. "The Marines and sailors of the 1st Marine Division mourn the loss of Cpl. Singh," stated a Camp

Western Union offers online money transfer service

NEW YORK: On June 13, the Sikh Coalition was invited by the New York City Council Committee on Education to testify at a hearing on school bullying. The Sikh Coalition testimony focused on the school bullying crisis facing Sikh students in New York City public schools, arguing that schools are not effectively protecting their students from harm and are taking too casual an approach in addressing bullying. It recommended that Congress pass the Safe Schools Improvement Act and Student Non-Discrimination Act, fully implement Chancellor's Regulation A-832 and expand the Regulation so it addresses staff-to-student biasbased bullying as well. Present at the hearing were New York City Council members, including Sikh Coalition allies Daniel Dromm and Mark Weprin of Queens. Using data from a Sikh Coalition report, 'Bullying in New York City Schools: Educators

Speak Out', Council members questioned the Department of Education on the delay in carrying out their promised regulations to protect New York City students and their failure to fully implement Chancellor's Regulation A832. Chancellor's Regulation A-832, adopted in 2008 as a result of a grassroots campaign, spearheaded by the Sikh Coalition and its allies, established an annual diversity training program entitled Respect for All and a procedure

for preventing and addressing student-to-student bias-based harassment in New York City public schools. According to SC research, only 14 percent of teachers and staff surveyed said that the Chancellor's Regulation and the Respect for All program were "effective" or "very effective" in addressing bullying and bigotry in their schools; although the twoday Respect for All training is available to all teachers, only about 30 percent said their school even offered the training.

Sikh Coalition attends White House celebration India Post News Service

Cpl. Gurpreet Singh

Pendleton press release. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family." Courtesy The Sacramento Bee

WASHINGTON, DC: The Sikh Coalition, along with several Sikh leaders from across the country, attended a White House reception celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage. President Obama addressed the attendees

and applauded the efforts of local grassroots leaders within the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Just prior to the reception, the White House Office of Public Engagement held an Asian American and Pacific Islander community leader briefing to which the Sikh

Coalition was also invited. The purpose of this briefing was to get an update on policy areas impacting the AAPI community and to learn more about the White House Office of Public Engagement and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Humko Pyaar Hua : Ready 2 Tere Bin Jiya Na Jaye : Love Express 3 Kutta : Pyar Ka Punchnama Shor In The City 4 Hare Jhande Ke Shehzaade : A Strange Love Story

India Post

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July 8, 2011

5 Khoya Kya : Kashmakash 6 Khwab (Rock) : Kucch Luv Jaisaa 7

Zindagi : Shaitan

8 Ishq Da Keeda : Bheja Fry 2 9 Bhaag D.K Bose, Aandhi Aayi : Delhi Belly 10 O Yaara : Shaitan

Horror zomcom

hat is Bollywood's Mr. Perfectionist Aamir Khan's latest dream? He wants to be the topnotch item boy of the film industry! "I want to be the number one item boy of the industry," Aamir, who has done his first item song "I love you, like I hate you" for his home production "Delhi Belly", told reporters and also thanked

them for inspiring him. "The recent questioning from media, whether I am doing a song sequence in the film or not? Such things made me ponder. So, I must say that media has inspired me to do the item number," added the 46year-old, who says it is a tribute to the 1980's discos. The song has recently been added to

Abhinay Deo directed adult comedy, set for July 1 release. "It's a tribute to the 1980's discos. My hair-do is inspired by Amitabh Ji and I sport chest hair, just like Anil Kapoorji. The dance moves are similar to Mithunda as I am a big fan of him. And my attire will be a mix of Govinda, Amitabhji and other actors from that time," he said.

KAT IN

'DHOOM 3' Y

ashraj films have minted gold with Dhoom and its sequel. Now, they have come out with 'Dhoom 3' and they had announced it long back that Aamir Khan would be playing the negative character this time escaping from inspector Jai (Abhishek Bachchan) and his sidekick Ali (Uday Chopra). However, filmi pundits had been guessing for long as to who will play the leading lady in the film. Guesses were being made that Bipasha Basu and Deepika Padukone have been approached for the role. Putting all the actresses behind in the race, Katrina Kaif has finally bagged in the role. Going by the strict criteria Yash Raj Films puts forth for its heroines, Kats will have to work hard to tone her physique as she will also have to don a bikini for the film. With this, Katrina Kaif strengthens her foothold in the Yash Raj banner. She gave a hit with them in 'New York' and has just completed the shoot for 'Mere Brother Ki Dulhan'. She is currently shooting for Ek Tha Tiger and has yet another an untitled YRF film with Shahrukh Khan. 'Dhoom 3' just happens to be another addition to this list.

he first for the Indian audience, Saif Ali Khan's Illiminati Films is all set to start the shoot for its new zomcom uniquely titled 'Go Goa Gone'. To be made under the direction of the duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK (Shor In The City fame), the film will have Saif play the central character which in most probability will be a zombie. The film is a horror comedy, a mix of two unlikely genres and Kunal Khemu has also been signed for an important role in the flick. Raj and DK confirmed the news saying, "After Shor, people said we should do a romcom. And we thought, why not do a zomcom instead? We have had this story idea for years, but we think now is a great time to do this film. And the best person to do this with is Saif. Also, GGG is a complete change from Shor. A complete horror comedy with a lot of action thrills and chills."

Bollywood

July 8, 2011

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Priyanka

IGNORED

he Khan war has just got bigger with SRK's close friend Priyanka Chopra in the line of fire! Apparently, Salman Khan's brother Sohail Khan threw a gala bash alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the same hotel in Toronto, inviting the who's who of Bollywood except Priyanka Chopra. Both SRK and Sohail's party were being held at two different suites and the paparazzi kept flying from one party to another. However, the only guest that remained present at SRK's bash was Priyanka Chopra. Interestingly, SRK's wife Gauri and close friends Maheep Kapoor and Bhavna Pandey were on the Sohail guest list. Talking to a daily, a source said, "Lekin Priyanka was still not invited. Everybody noticed that she had been left out from Sohail`s bash." Salman and Priyanka had fallen out immediately after 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' (2004) when the actress refused to work in Sohail Khan`s 'Main Aur Mrs Khanna.'

Without Vidya One for each

ishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan plan to have an ideal Indian family of two kids, a daughter and a son. Like his father Amitabh Bachchan who had a daughter (Shweta Bachchan) first and a then a son, Abhishek too wants a daughter first and a son later. He first expressed his desire for a daughter on his twitter page, and now he has reiterated it in an interview. Abhishek has candidly revealed that he and Ash plan on having two kids. This is not the first time he has done that. Abhishek also says that it was Aishwarya Rai's idea to let pa Amitabh Bachchan break the news of her pregnancy to the world.

idya Balan may not be the most glamorous actress in the tinsel town but she sure is one of the most talented and promising actress in our industry. So, it did not come as a surprise when super star Kamal Hassan approached her for 'Vishwaroopam' which is not only being made in three languages (Tamil, Telugu and Hindi) but is also one of the costliest Indian films ever made. Kamal is penning the screenplay, lyrics and dialogues of the movie and the film also stars Sonakshi Sinha in a pivotal role. Unfortunately, despite being very keen to work opposite Kamal Hassan, Vidya had to refuse the offer as she has a packed schedule for her two films which are lined up for release this year, 'Dirty Picture' and 'Kahaani'. This was unfortunate not only for Vidya and Kamal but also for all movie lovers as the two would have made a great pair on screen together.

India Post

TORONTO: Despite a knee injury giving him trouble, Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan made sure the lack of top stars did not dim the dazzle at the IIFA night here, charming the audience with his presence and witty one-liners. Shahrukh, who was seen walking with a slight limp ever since he landed here for the IIFA weekend, was greeted by hysterical fans wherever he went. Despite the awards ceremony starting nearly two hours late, audiences lapped up Shahrukh, described in the local media as a Brad Pitt caliber star, the minute he was on stage with hosts Boman Irani and Riteish Deshmukh. He joked with the duo, hosting the IIFA awards for the 4th time, told them they were bad hosts and gave them tips on how to do a better job. The more than 20,000 crowd did not even mind the silly jokes of Boman and Riteish, as long they could see Shahrukh in person for most of the time. Shahrukh was attending the IIFA after a gap of six years and also walked away with the best actor trophy. In fact, Shahrukh and Anushka Sharma, who won the best actress award, were the only two stars from the list of nominees in both categories who were present at the event. Shahrukh also danced to the tunes of his own film songs, as also on the Aamir Khan hit 'Aati kya khandala' and a song from Salman Khan starrer Dabangg. Though his moves were considerably scaled down due to his knee injury, he compensated for it with his humorous one liners and jokes, telling the fans that the best dance steps were conceived in Bollywood when the actors were in pain, like when he filmed "shava shava" with an upset stomach. Khan also asked his fans on stage that they should not make him walk or bend since his knee was hurting very badly. He again came on stage to honor veteran actor Dharmendra for completing a golden run on celluloid. Bollywood was floored by the warmth of the fans who had come from different parts of Canada as well as from the US to catch a glimpse of the stars. Huge crowds were seen out the Fairmont York Hotel in Toronto for the last two days and screems and roars reached a crescendo even when a Ranveer Singh was sighted. The Fairmont hotel is situated opposite Union Station, a main railway station and the loud screams and cheers from the fans outside the hotel drew curious onlookers and passers by to check on what's happening. In the evenings, police mounted on horses were deployed for bandobast. In-

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July 8, 2011

Priyanka Chopra and Anushka Sharma and actors Shah Rukh Khan and Boman Irani bow at the end of 2011 IIFA awards at the Roger Centre in Toronto, Ontario

dian delegates at the IIFA were surprised at the politeness with which the police handled the crowd and also the star gazing fans who did not cross the barricades put up by the police.

given the actors so much love that he wanted to come back and live here. Australian cricketer Brett Lee who was paired in a music album with Asha Bhosale was happy to meet his idol at

Despite the awards ceremony starting nearly two hours late, audiences lapped up Shahrukh, described in the local media as a Brad Pitt caliber star, the minute he was on stage with hosts Boman Irani and Riteish Deshmukh Anil Kapoor, who has become a huge star amongst non Indian fans since Slumdog Millionaire, thanked people wherever he went for making the stars feel the warmth in Canada. Arshad Warsi declared that the people have been so sweet and

the awards function. "Asha ji, main tumhara hoon aur tumhara hi rahoonga", he told the ever green singing diva from the stage when he was called to give away an award. Ontario premiere Dalton McGuinty said,

"It does not matter if you grew up in Brampton or Bangalore you grew up sharing stories. Movies lift us and inspire us." Canadian-Indian Actress Lisa Ray who has recovered from cancer made an appearance at the awards function. During the IIFA weekend several events associated with Bollywood stars took place in different parts of the city. Among the attendees were Premier McGuinty, actors Shahrukh Khan, Anil Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Dharmendra, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Esha Deol, Rishi Kapoor, Karan Johar, Javed Akhtar, Vishal Bhardwaj, Bipasha Basu, Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Minissha Lamba, Hema Malini and several others. Special appearances were made by Hollywood stars Cuba Gooding Jr and Hilary Swank. -PTI

July 8, 2011

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Desi girls opt for western outfits at green carpet (IIFA) awards ceremony. Short, long, trailed, ruffled, offshoulder, single shoulder - the variety was there for all to see. However, what was noteworthy was that most of the actresses chose to go with nude shades, and subdued embroidery or embellishments. Sridevi, who announced her comeback to the film industry at the IIFA, looked stunning in a bright red, full length, off-shoulder gown. She had teamed it up

Sridevi, who announced her comeback to the film industry at the IIFA, looked stunning in a bright red, full length, off-shoulder gown Bipasha Basu

Mallika Sherawat

TORONTO: From long, trailed, ruffled to off-shoulder gowns - Btown beauties like Sonakshi Sinha and Sridevi flaunted gowns on the

IIFA green carpet and teamed it up with Victorian hairdos. From young actresses like Genelia D'Souza, Amrita Puri, Prachi Desai and Sonakshi Sinha to the senior lot including Sridevi, Shilpa Shetty, Bipasha Basu, Amisha Patel, Malaika Arora Khan - all of them sported different variety of gowns. Even Mallika Sherawat, Neha Dhupia and Dia Mirza came in gowns at the at the International Indian Film Academy

with a sparkling diamond neckpiece. Mallika, who wore a sari on the first day of IIFA, came dressed in an animal print long dress for the main night, while Shilpa Shetty and Sonakshi chose to go blingy black with long dresses. Prachi Desai, who won an award for her supporting performance in "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai", wore a green dress "in support of IIFA's green movement". Bipasha and Amisha landed

Sri Devi with family

themselves in a fashion faux pas as they sported similar looking dresses on the green carpet, except that Bipasha's dress was beige, and Amisha's an into-theeye sunshine yellow. However, there were some guests from filmdom who

splashed desi style - Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Aman, Sharmila Tagore, Hema Malini, and younger actresses like Esha Deol and Aarti Chhabbria sported saris. Later Anushka Sharma, winner of this year's best actress award, was seen in a sari too.

Sonakshi, finally manages to get Ranveer

Prachi Desai reacts after receving Best Supporting Role Female award for her movie "Once Upon a Time in Mumbai" during 2011 IIFA awards

TORONTO: Sonakshi Sinha publicly declared her crush on the Band Baaja Barat actor Ranveer Singh. She couldn't stop gushing about the newbie and said she would have loved to date him, if he was single. At the IIFA award function, Anushka Sharma was supposed to perform with Ranveer Singh. The couple rehearsed for their performance, however, at the last moment, Anushka was told by organizers that Sonakshi was a better fit. A source revealed, "At the last moment Anushka was replaced by Sonakshi to dance with Ranveer. The organizers said that Anushka was not well prepared, and thus they couldn't take any chances." Looks like Anushka really had a tough time at Toranto. To make matters worse, while receiving an award Lisa Ray mispronounced her name as 'Anushka Shankar'. Even though KJo was quick to correct that, Anushka's expression said it all. The actress, however, graciously accepted her award and

thanked Karan for correcting the mistake. Fortunately, things seemed to have lightened up for

Anushka, when Ranveer, upon accepting his award, said, "Thanks Anushka for making me hot!"

Best Debut actress Sonakshi Sinha and actor Ranbir Singh dance during 2011 IIFA awards

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Sonu Nigam enthralls San Jose

SAN JOSE, CA: Sonu Nigam, India's top playback vocalist, gave a mind-blowing display of his talent at a concert June 18 at the San Jose State University Event Center. He turned in a moving performance of "Don't Say Alvida" ("Main Aur Mrs. Khanna") and "Soniyo" ("Raaz 2") as well as a blistering version of "Rang De Basanti Chola" ("Shaheed"); and a song he performs live at nearly every show, "Aja Sohniye." He put in a Rafi rendition and kept the show moving briskly with "Main Agar Kahoon" ("Om Shanti Om") and two entertaining numbers from "3 Idiots," "Zoobie Doobie" and the exciting "All Izz Well!" Deepak Mehta, who presented the show

with his Mehta Entertainment, called the evening an unqualified success. His next show is with Sunidhi Chauhan and Atif Aslam in Oakland, CA on July 24.

July 8, 2011

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Red Baraat set to 'rock and dhol' through summer India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In just over two short years, the pioneering Brooklyn dhol n' brass party juggernaut Red Baraat have made a name for themselves as one of the best live bands playing anywhere in the world. Led by dhol player Sunny Jain, the nine piece (comprised of dhol ((doublesided barrel shaped North Indian drum slung over one shoulder)) drumset, percussion, sousaphone, and 5 horns melds the infectious North Indian rhythm Bhangra with a host of sounds, namely funk, go-go, latin, and jazz. Simply put, Sunny Jain and Red Baraat have created and defined a sound entirely their own. It's a sound so powerful it has left the band in its own utterly

Red Baraat at 2010 Molde Jazz Festival (Norway)

unique and enviable class. These days you are as likely to find Red Baraat throwing down at an overheated and unannounced warehouse party in their Brooklyn neighborhood as you are at Lincoln Center. Or the Montreal Jazz Festival. Or the Barbican. It's a

Uma Thurman's brother is yoga teacher

echen Thurman, a Holly wood actor and younger brother of Oscar nominated Uma Thurman (Pulp Fiction), is a yoga teacher and healer now. Dechen, 38, a Harvard graduate who acted in over two-dozen movies including "This Is Not an Exit", is reportedly teaching yoga

Dechen Thurman

in Germany and at an "intensive retreat" in Italy in July; besides Wanderlust Yoga Festival, New York Yoga Journal Conference, and the Yoga Conference Germany. Last summer he taught open-air yoga classes at Berlin Yoga Festival to few hundred yogis. He is described as "a holistic healer based in New York City" who "creates a delicious sense of playfulness in his yoga classes". He is one of the 64 listed teaching faculty of New York Jivamukti Yoga School, where he is an advanced certified yoga teacher. He is said to have met His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet at age seven in Dharamsala (India). Hindu activist Rajan Zed, welcoming Dechen Thurman to yoga fold, urged Hollywood celebrities to explore the rich philosophical thought offered by Hinduism and

the powerhouse of yoga to deal with the pressures of the industry and to achieve their spiritual goals. If they need assistance in their exploration, he or other Hindu scholars would gladly help, Zed added. Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that yoga is referred as "a living fossil" whose traces went back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus Valley civilization. According to Patanjali who codified it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the differ-

He is described as ‘a holistic healer based in New York City’ who ‘creates a delicious sense of playfulness in his yoga classes’ ent elements of human nature, physical and psychical. Yoga was based on an eightfold path to direct the practitioner from awareness of the external world to a focus on the inner, Zed pointed out. Jivamukti Yoga Centers; located in downtown New York (USA), Berlin (Germany), Munich (Germany), London (United Kingdom), and Charleston (USA); claim to be "places for spiritual gathering that offer vigorous Hatha Yoga classes with an emphasis on the Source teachings from such ancient texts as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Upanishads."

band unquestionably on the ascent playing some of the most prestigious festivals and theatres worldwide, and keeping their chops razor sharp in basements and sweaty sold out clubs across New York City. Leading an audience as diverse and joyful as the

band itself, Red Baraat has subsumed a plateful of global influence, fused it, and is now exporting it Brooklyn-style to the world. Recorded at Brooklyn's Southpaw on the band's second anniversary, 'Bootleg Bhangra' is the band's incredibly powerful live

show captured on tape, set to be released July 12. With songs pulled primarily from their debut, Chaal Baby, the group was mindful of the challenge to capture a rapturous live sound on record. Well, it happened on this night, and the resulting document places you squarely in that small Brooklyn club jammed from front to back with hip shaking beauties- hands raised to a ceiling dripping with condensation. The band is currently at work on the follow up to Chaal Baby, Shruggy Ji, which should see release in early 2012. The band is on the road for much of the summer. Beginning with Quebec, Canada on July 7, and ending Sept 30 in Philadelphia, Red Baraat will be traveling with performances throughout summer.

Imagine Dil Se to present Miss India-Canada event India Post News Service

TORONTO: The Miss IndiaCanada organization has announced that Imagine Dil Se will be this year's presenting sponsor. With an interesting line up of shows, Imagine TV, operated by Turner General Entertainment Networks India Pvt. Ltd., a time Warner Company, stands committed towards providing its audience with engaging and entertaining content. Miss India-Canada will be aired on Imagine Dil Se following the live show. "This event showcases both beauty and talent and we are very proud to be part of this" said Hari Srinivas, President of Ethnic Channels Group Imagine Dil Se's exclusive partner in Canada. Imagine Dil Se is available to subscribers in Canada on both Rogers Cable (No: 840) and Bell TV (No: 726). Imagine Dil Se will present 21st annual Miss India-Canada, in asso-

ciation with YAK, on Saturday, July 23 - 5:30pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. With over 20 years of innovation, the Miss India-Canada

event has continued to transform into a unique evening of glamour and style that allows an affluent South Asian community to come together to celebrate their cultural

heritage. The emerging popularity of the Miss India-Canada event has spread not only throughout Canada, but also in India. The consistent support and positive feedback from the community coupled with the phenomenal support of South Asian and corporate sponsors, ensures that the Miss India-Canada event continues to out do itself with sold out events year after year. Moreover, Calvin Klein's award winning euphoria fragrance will also be a part of the show for the very first time. "Euphoria is about a journey without limits. Inspired by a new found freedom, it's about living one's dream", said Calvin Klein. This year's Miss Photogenic 2011 will be presented by Euphoria. Other sponsors include: India Tourism, Cuisine of India, Bigen Speedy Hair Colour, Eglinton Carpet, Vasanti Cosmetics, and Hidden Treasures for all Occasions, to name a few.

Vivek Oberoi features in Forbes Philanthropy list

The Oberoi family at the IIFA

ivek Oberoi's acting skills may not have impressed many but his efforts and contribution in the field of health, education and disaster relief have been recognized and

he features as the youngest person and the only Bollywood actor in the prestigious Forbes Asian Heroes of Philanthropy list. The list brings together Asia-Pacific's respected people

who have contributed notably towards social causes. Four philanthropists were picked from each of the 12 markets in the region, making it a total of 48 being celebrated this year and Vivek is one of the four Indians, other being Shiv Nadar of HCL Technologies, Azim Premji of Wipro and Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao of GMR Group. Vivek Oberoi has long been associated with various foundations and causes and has reportedly donated $ 3 million to date and helped raise $ 25 million to support charitable institutions dedicated towards social causes.

29 India Post

n the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan lies the beautiful small town Mandawa, known throughout the state for its forts and havelis. The structures of this place reminds one of the cultural and social hotspot this place used to be in the bygone era. Mandawa is situated around 190 km off Jaipur, the capital of the state. The town lies between latitude 28.06° in the north and longitude 75.20° in the east. The fort town is well connected with other places in region through a good network of roads. Best time to visit: Like most other places in north India, Mandawa has an extreme climate. The summers can be very hot with the mercury touching 40.5°C, while winters can be chilly and the temperature can

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fall below 10°C. The best season to visit this place is winter i.e. October to March. The annual rainfall is between 45 to 60 cm. Recommended clothing is light tropical for summer and light woolen for winter. History: The compact and busy little market town of Mandawa was settled and fortified in 18th century by the dominant merchant families of the region. The wealthy businessmen of the village constructed many havelis and baolis with colored painting adorning their walls. Later on, with the migration of these merchant families, their old settlements remained in total obscurity with no one to look after them. Cont’d on page 31

July 8, 2011

In the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan lies the beautiful small town Mandawa, known throughout the state for its forts and havelis. The structures of this place reminds one of the cultural and social hotspot this place used to be in the bygone era

Travel & Hospitality Post

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July 8, 2011

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India plans 20 Sentosa-type parks to boost tourism NEW DELHI: With an aim to attract more global tourists, the government has decided to set up 20 tourism parks in the country on the pattern of Sentosa theme park on an island in Singapore. Each tourism park, first-of-its-kind in the country, will have a hotel, convention centre, food street and entertainment and amusement facilities. According to the plan, the 20 tourism parks will be developed in a mission mode with an outlay of Rs 1,000 crore, a senior Tourism Ministry official said. Each park will come up at about 50 acres of land and will be equipped with adequate facilities such as haats, craft centers and amphitheatres for hosting cultural events. "The basic idea is to hold tourists for longer period. There are such examples like Sentosa in Singapore," he said. The tourism park is likely to be developed through public-private participation (PPP) mode with the land being provided

by the state government or private partner. "We are finalizing the business model for developing tourism parks in the country. The PPP model or Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of the government is being consid-

"The five-decade-old ministry does not have a business model. Our approach is that the business activities should be carried out in PPP mode and the infrastructure development is being done at the state and Central level," Sahay had said after the meeting ered for executing the project," the official said. Besides, the Tourism Ministry is in the process of identifying 36 new tourist destinations across the country. These new destinations are being

India liberalizes visa rules for Russians MOSCOW: India has taken a lead in resolving the vexed visa issue by liberalizing its rules for the Russian citizens visiting India on business and tourism. "We are now issuing multi-entry business visas valid for one year against six months single or double entry in the past and tourist visas valid for six months with multiple entries," India's Ambassador to Russia Ajai Malhotra has said. The Embassy of India in Moscow has streamlined and liberalized its issuance of business and tourist visas with a view to further encourage business contacts and promote tourism between India and Russia. India and the Russian Federation already have in place a visafree regime for diplomatic and official passport holders of both countries that facilitate regular official contact. Both business and tourist visas would normally be issued in three working days following the date of application against minimum ten working days previously. The new pattern is also being followed by the Indian Consulates General in St Petersburg and Vladivostok. The Russian citizens normally have to apply for the Indian visa by a Russian company appointed by the Indian mission to allow them to submit their applications even on weekends and holidays, when the Embassy is closed. Ambassador Malhotra said these measures to facilitate the travel by Russian businessmen and tourists to India were actually

planned to be developed with private participation in the 12th Five-Year Plan period. "Growth of tourism in recent years has been around 9 per cent but our target is to reach at around 12 per cent. We require

world class infrastructure to achieve the target," the official said. Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay along with Planning Commission officials met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on June 23 and made a presentation about the future

course of action for tourism promotion. "The five-decade-old ministry does not have a business model. Our approach is that the business activities should be carried out in PPP mode and the infrastructure development is being done at the state and Central level," Sahay had said after the meeting. The ministry has also sought adequate enhancement of fund allocation in the 12th Five-Year Plan to develop world class infrastructure for tourism. "It was Rs 5,000 crore in the 11th Plan and now we are asking for about Rs 22,000 crore," Sahay said, adding that tourism "should be given the infrastructure status so that bank lending facility can be availed (by stakeholders)". The minister also sought reduction of tax structure in tourism sector. "The taxation ranges between 5 per cent and 7 per cent in other countries but here it is ranging from 25 to 30 per cent. So there should be rationalization of tax structure," he said. -PTI

Amarnath yatra begins, 2096 pilgrims in first batch

implemented from June 12, Russia's national day. According to him, the Indian Embassy in Moscow and the Consulates in St Petersburg and Vladivostok had issued about 110,000 visas to Russian citizens during 2010. "I expect this number to increase by about 25 per cent this year", Malhotra said.

Both business and tourist visas would normally be issued in three working days following the date of application against minimum ten working days previously. The new pattern is also being followed by the Indian Consulates General in St Petersburg and Vladivostok

Tourist flows from Russia to India have picked up in recent years, with Goa, New Delhi- AgraJaipur Golden Triangle, Mumbai and Kulu-Manali emerging as major attractions. According to a recent report issued by the State Statistics Committee last year 12 million Russians visited foreign countries. -PTI

Pilgrims on way to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas.

JAMMU: The annual Amarnath yatra has begun amid tight security as the first batch of 2,096 devotees left Jammu base camp for pilgrimage to the 13,500 meter-high cave shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas. With CRPF keeping strict vigil, a cavalcade of 73 vehicles carrying the pilgrims was flagged off by Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora from Amarnath Basecamp at Bagwatinagar Yatri Niwas here around 5:00 am. The devotees offered prayers and chanted Lord Shiva slogans like "Bum Bum Bolay, Chalo Amarnath, Chalo Eik Saath" at the event. 1,369 males, 421 females, 110 children and 196 Sadhus left in 49 buses and 24 Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) for Pahalgam and Baltal base camps in Kashmir valley and their onward journey to the shrine.

"The first batch has been flagged off for the cave shrine. All arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the yatra," Jora told reporters. There is no fear to the yatra and it is going on smoothly, he said after flagging off the event attended by Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Pawan Kotwal and IGP Jammu Dilbagh Singh. Adequate security arrangements have been made in Jammu and along the route to the Amarnath cave shrine for the safety and security of the pilgrims, Singh said. As many as 2.30 lakh pilgrims have been registered for the pilgrimage at various centers and online counters across the country. As part of stringent security measures, Road Opening Parties (ROPS), Quick Reaction Teams (QRTS) and Mobile Rescue Teams (MRTS) have been positioned at

several places to deal with any exigencies. The Jammu and Kashmir Police has also launched a receptioncum-yatri assistance center in Jammu to facilitate smooth and easy boarding and lodging of the pilgrims. "We have launched receptioncum-yatri assistance center to facilitate smooth and easy boarding and lodging for the pilgrims, besides knowledge of roads and routes," Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Jammu-SambaKathua range, Farooq Khan said. This center would take care of the devotees lodging at base camp yatri niwas, he said adding that it would also distribute booklets, pamphlets, maps and other material to the pilgrims. The Amarnath yatra is expected to conclude on August 13, on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan. -PTI

July 8, 2011

Travel & Hospitality Post

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Mandawa: Famous for its forts and havelis

Cont’d from page 29

Despite the time lapse and ignorance about these visual and architectural extravaganzas, their attraction did not fade and today they are some of the major attractions for tourists visiting Rajasthan. Tourist attractions: Mandawa provides the visitors with a sense of discovery at every turn; battlements that offer spectacular views of the town below, a whimsical peacock weather van, and an arched window that overlooks the verdant garden visited by peacocks. Most importantly, no two rooms are alike in the palace here. In the zenana or women's quarters, one room offers antique murals, another has a marble fountain, and the turret room boasts of walls that are seven feet thick.

The Binsidhar Newatia Haveli has some curious paintings on its outer eastern wall - a boy using a telephone, and a European woman in a car driven by a chauffeur. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli has some defaced erotic images. Places around: Nawalgarh is situated around 37 km south of Mandawa and is famous for its fort, built in 1737. Other attractions here include havelis of Anandi Lal Poddar, Aath Haveli, Hem Raj Kulwal Haveli, Bhagton Ki Haveli, and Khedwal Bhavan. Parsurampura is located 43 km southeast of Mandawa and has the distinction of having the bestpreserved and oldest paintings in the Shekhawati region. Mukundgarh is around 25 km southeast of Mandawa and is a tiny village famous for its fort and havelis.

Jhunjhunu is the district headquarters and the largest town in the Shekhawati region. The town was founded by the Kaimkhani nawabs in the mid-15th century, and stayed under their control until it was taken by the Rajput ruler Sardul Singh in 1730. The major attractions in the city include the Khetri Mahal, Bihariji Temple, Modi Haveli, and Kaniram Narsinghdas Tiberwala Haveli. Where to stay There are many places in Mandawa that provide quality accommodation. Heritage hotels and resorts are the best bet for anybody who wants to explore the culture, tradition, and grandeur of the bygone era. Some budget accommodation options are also available and provide good services.

Granth Sahib Anniversary museum in Nanded MUMBAI: A Rs 20-crore museum, partly funded by Union Ministry of Tourism, to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the consecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Guru ta Gaddi) is being built at Nanded in Maharashtra. The project is coming up near the Gurudwara complex at Nanded, which is one of the five 'Takhts’ of the Sikhs. "The museum will also commemorate the Parlokgaman (heavenly journey) of tenth Guru of Sikh religion Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and will be a comprehensive museum narrating the Sikh History, with focus on Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Granth Sahib," former IPS officer Dr P S Pasricha, who is administrator of Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, told PTI. The museum building will be a three-floor structure, housing 13 exhibit galleries of 144 sq meters each, a multi-purpose AV hall, a library, office spaces and other public utilities. "Our principal aim is to evoke an emotional response in the visitor which the museum will communicate through the medium of story-telling. A narrative based experience will be created by adopting latest communication technologies and design strate-

gies," Pasricha said. The museum narrative will offer a wider understanding of Sikhism- its universality and its contemporary nature. "It will delve into the story of the ten Gurus, the making and importance of the Eternal Guru - Guru Granth Sahib, and the journey of the faith till today," Jasbir Singh Dham, who is overseeing the project, said. . The cost of the building is Rs

The project is coming up near the Gurudwara complex at Nanded, which is one of the five 'Takht's of the Sikhs 13.50 core, which is being funded by the Ministry of Tourism, and Gurdwara Board has contributed the rest of the amount for exhibits and interiors. "Though the museum is primarily aimed to cater to the large number of Sikh pilgrims visiting Nanded, we are confident that it will appeal to Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike and will become a lively place promising a multi-sensory experience that is both entertaining and educative," Pasricha said. -PTI

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and his cows

CATERING IS OUR SPECIALITY Looking out from the window of the turret room, it is easy to imagine the marauding bandits that once roamed freely here. Little wonder then that the family crest contains the motto, 'Veer Bhogya Vasundhara', which translates into 'the brave shall inherit the earth'. Founded in the 18th century, the medieval fort of Mandawa dominates the town with a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. The Chokhani and Ladia havelis and the street with Saraf havelis are some of the splendid examples of this region's havelis.

Dundlod is 30 km southeast of Mandawa and is famous for its fort and havelis. The attractions in this place include the Jagathia Haveli, Satyanarayan Temple, and Tuganram Goenka Haveli apart from the Dundlod fort and palace. Fatehpur was established in 1451 as a capital for Muslim nawabs but was taken by the Shekhawat Rajputs in the 18th century. Some of the attractions include the Mahavir Prasad Goenka Haveli, Gauri Shankar Haveli, Nand Lal Devra Haveli, and Harikrishnan Das Sarogi Haveli apart from a 17th century baoli.

How to reach Air - The nearest charter airport is Jhunjhunu, the largest city in the region and the district headquarters. Jaipur is the nearest airport for regular flights. Many domestic airlines operate out of Jaipur and connect it with other cities in the country. Rail - Jhunjhunu is the nearest convenient railhead and one can take trains for Sikar, Jaipur, and Delhi from Jhunjhunu. Road - Road networks crisscross the entire region of Shekhawati and Mandawa is well connected with other places in the region by private as well as government buses.

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Tech News We are not anti-Tata: West Bengal govt KOLKATA: The West Bengal government has submitted before the Calcutta High Court that it was not against the Tatas but in favor of farmers and employment generation. Contesting the Tata Motors Ltd prayer that the Singur Rehabilitation and Development Act 2011 be declared unconstitutional, senior counsel for the government Saktinath Mukherjee submitted before Justice Saumitra Pal that the government was answerable to the people as 1000 acres of fertile land was taken away, but not used for the purpose it was acquired for. Mukherjee submitted that in a letter dated September 28, 2010, TML had told West Bengal Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBIDC), the state nodal agency, that it had shifted the Nano car plant to Gujarat and on their future plan for the land at Singur they stated their inability to give any assurance. There was nothing against the Tatas, but the state was only concerned about generating employment for which the land had been acquired and leased out to TML, he stated. -PTI

India, Pak to open new trade point at Wagah LAHORE: Indian and Pakistani officials have worked out modalities for opening a new checkpoint at the Wagah land border crossing for trade and commercial activities. The meeting between officials of the two countries was held in connection with an agreement for opening a separate trade route at Wagah to facilitate businessmen. The Pakistani delegation was led by Joint Interior Secretary Shabbir Ahmed while the Indian team was led by his counterpart K K Mittal. A Federal Investigation Agency official told PTI that officials of both sides would meet again in New Delhi by the end of next month. He said the officials had two long sessions of discussions and finalized modalities for the new check point. "An agreement in this regard is expected in the July meeting," said the official who did not want to be named. The new checkpoint is being opened because trade at the Wagah border crossing is affected by the parade held by both sides every day. Once the new check point is opened, the existing point at Wagah will be used only for "ceremonial parades and entry and exit of official delegates", sources said. -PTI

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July 8, 2011

A wooden car on display during the Auto World Expo at Chennai Trade Centre in Chennai.

India-US agree to re-invigorate Trade Policy Forum India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The US and India agreed to fast-track the technical negotiations for an early conclusion of the India-US Bilateral Investment Agreement. India's Minister of Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma and US Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk met in Washington DC June 22, where they agreed to re-invigorate the Trade Policy

Sharma, who was on a four day visit to the United States apprised Ambassador Kirk during their meeting, of various policy approaches being taken by India to sustain its high GDP growth and the opportunities it offered for the US businesses to develop partnerships with the Indian private sector Forum (TPF) and make it more robust and effective in resolving bilateral commercial issues, while maintaining the political leadership of the process. There would be two rounds of negotiations before the next meeting of the Ministerial level TPF expected to be held in October 2011 in India. In their interaction, they covered the entire range of issues in bilateral trade and commercial engagement.

devices including chip design as areas with bilateral cooperative possibilities. He also raised issues of importance for the Indian industry in their business operations in the United States. The Indian Minister later informed that, the United States welcomed the unilateral action taken by India in reducing tariffs on a number of products, including raw pistachios, cranberry products, seedless raisins, processed foods,

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma meeting the US Trade Representative, Ron Kirk, in Washington.

medical equipment, fertilizers, chemicals, heavy machinery, etc. USTR also appreciated India's efforts towards increased cooperation in services and on improving the investment environment. Earlier the same day, Sharma addressed a gathering of policy makers, economists and scholars at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. He highlighted the increasing role of emerging economies in the perspective of the financial and economic crisis, which is causing a rebalancing of the global

economy. He also stressed the necessity to build and strengthen bilateral business and institutional partnerships between the two countries. He informed the audience about India's plans to create National Manufacturing and Investment Zones, which would become hubs of innovation and manufacturing. On June 21, the Minister held a CEO Industry Roundtable in New York where he interacted with select leaders of investment firms and big businesses with keen interest in commercial opportunities in India.

Light flying machine launched in India NEW DELHI: After a successful launch in New Zealand and the US, Jetpack - the personal flying machine is ready to hit the Indian market and explore the defense and recreation sectors. With an approximate cost of USD 100,000 per unit, the company, Martin Jetpack, is looking forward to tap the immense business opportunities offered by

the country. "We have already launched the product in New Zealand and US. This time we are looking for business opportunities in India and the SAARC region," Martin Jetpack's Corporate Communication Officer, z said. "In the defense sector, this machine can be used for aerial surveillance, rapid insertion and for ship-to-ship transfer of troops. It can also be used as an advance communication hub and as an airborne missile platform," she said. With a speed of 50 km per hour, the Jetpack can remain airborne for

30 minutes and can go up to a height of 8000 feet. The product was displayed at the recently-concluded expo on Homeland Security Indesec 2011 here. In the area of civil defense, the company is pitching the Jetpack for specialized purposes such as medical deliveries, counter-terrorism operations, border and coastal area patrol, fire fighting and search and rescue operations. "In fields of recreation, it can be used for adventure tourism purposes and film shooting. People can own it for personal uses also," she said. -PTI

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July 8, 2011

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USIBC calls for US-India Bilateral Investment Treaty India Post News Service

NEW YORK: As Congress and the Administration consider advancing pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea, the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) called on policymakers to strengthen trade relations with India, at its 36th Anniversary Leadership Summit June 23, in Washington. Six hundred friends of India, including all of the nearly 400 companies in the membership of the USIBC, three business delegations from India led by FICCI, CII, and AmCham India, US and Indian government officials, senators and congressmen, ambassadors, and the Indian-American community, convened in Washington, DC on the occasion of USIBC's 36th annual conclave. The two-day meeting and summit took stock of the US-India commercial relationship, worked on a fresh course for progress to accelerate the partnership's path of prosperity, benefiting both countries for decades to come. "India's growth story is compelling nations around the world to seek stronger commercial ties with India by negotiating their own trade and investment agreements," said Harold "Terry" McGraw III, who chairs the nearly 400 company-strong USIBC and is Chairman, President and CEO of The McGraw-Hill Companies. "The United States and American companies are at risk of being left behind and extending a period of

low, slow economic growth if we do not do more to foster trade and investment between the US and India." According to Ron Somers, President of USIBC, "The priority is to deliver on a US-India Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) that incentivizes greater two-way foreign direct investment. USIBC calls upon both governments to re-energize BIT discussions, by re-engaging in technical discussions, as soon as possible." In addition to a US-India BIT,

countered. Despite President Obama's historic visit to India in November, 2010, a series of events - external and internal to both countries - has tempered enthusiasm for government-to-government engagement. Just prior to the visit, the Indian Parliament fell short of delivering on promises that would enable implementation of the USIndia civil nuclear cooperation accord, for which the United States changed its Atomic Energy Act and pressed the 44-nation

A new phenomenon of Indian global companies investing in the United States is attracting favorable attention. The Tata Group of Companies, Reliance Industries, Essar, and Ranbaxy are now major US employers. The now well-established two-way street of investment distinguishes the burgeoning US-India commercial relationship USIBC urged a serious evaluation of a more specialized bilateral economic arrangement - one that will put American companies on a level-playing field with global competitors. A new agreement is necessary to open market access and facilitate greater movement of technically qualified professionals - areas important to both economies, USIBC said. Recent hiccups in trade ties The theme of this year's Summit, Addressing Challenges, Boosting Ties, reflected a growing concern among investors over headwinds that the US-India relationship has recently en-

Nuclear Suppliers' Group to make a special exception. Unrelated, but almost simultaneously, a series of political events in India froze the progress of its ambitious reform agenda. Regional elections in the states of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala then preoccupied India's leadership. On Capitol Hill, in the US Congress, legislation appeared to single-out India, restricting visas and limiting the movement of technical professionals. External factors including rising oil prices, stalled global economic recovery, and inflation further dampened

India showcases Biotech strengths at BIO 2011 India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In continued efforts to make a strong pitch to attract global attention to Indian Biotech Industry, the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has organized the 10th Biotechnology Mission to USA. CII is also promoting the advancements of the Indian Biotechnological Panorama through the India Pavilion at BIO 2011 June 27-30, in association with Association of Biotechnology Lead Entrepreneurs (ABLE) facilitated by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India. The India Pavilion at BIO 2011 is yet another attempt to showcase the best of the country's biotech strengths and Indian biotechnology industry shall be able to make a determined pitch to their Ameri-

can counterparts. Indian Pavilion, inaugurated by Dr. M. Bhan, Secretary DBT; other dignitaries present on the occasion were Deputy Chief of Mission, Ambassador Arun K. Singh, S. Raghavan, Joint Secretary DBT, Dr T. Madhan Mohan, Advisor DBT, Dr. Debopriya Dutta, Counselor S&T, Dr. Rajesh Jain, Chairman CII National Committee on Biotechnology & JMD, Panacea Biotec and Chandrajit Banerjee, DG CII. The 50 delegate strong CII Biotechnology Mission, is to visit prominent life sciences institutions like NIH, John Hopkins University, University of Maryland where delegates have the opportunity to interact with eminent scientists and leaders viz. Dr. Francis Collins, Director NIH; Dr. Tony Fauci, Director, National Institute of

Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Dr. John Gallin, Director, Clinical Center; Dr. Judy Britz, Exec Director, Maryland Biotechnology Center. CII Misison members will also have interactions with budding entrepreneurs in a special program designed for one to one interactions called BioBiz. These interactions may lead to certain collaborative research program between Indian and US organizations. CII along with BIO is also organizing a bilateral meeting between Indian and US life sciences organizations. This forum will focus on strengthening the opportunities and challenges in the areas of prime importance for both the countries i.e. Policies to Ensure Access and Support Innovation, Clinical Trials and Regulatory implementation of Biosimilars in India and the US

investor enthusiasm. More bad news was delivered when the government of India recently left off of its shortlist two US companies, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, from consideration as suppliers for India's largest and most prestigious defense procurement to date--126 fighter aircraft valued at $11 billion. Palpable disappointment followed. In recent weeks, India announced the purchase of a fleet of C-17 transport aircraft from Boeing, valued at $4.1 billion - the largest, single purchase of defense equipment so far in US-India history. Overall, two-way trade in 2010 surpassed $72 billion, whereas just five years ago, trade was only $25 billion. US companies are evaluating investment opportunities in India as never before. International Paper, for example, recently made their maiden investment there. Icons like General Electric, Citi, and Abbot have been in India for 100 years or more. A new phenomenon of Indian global companies investing in the United States is attracting favorable attention. The Tata Group of Companies, Reliance Industries, Essar, and Ranbaxy are now major US employers. The now well-established two-way street of investment distinguishes the burgeoning USIndia commercial relationship. At the Summit, the USIBC announced it will take the lead to develop a working group with Indian counterparts - sharing ideas with both governments - to study the elements needed for a successful US-India economic arrangement, including details about market access in goods, the free flow of services, regulatory coherence, high technology trade, intellectual property rights, procurement, and greater movement of professional workers.

"Significantly growing our trade and investment with India is a priority for the President, and it's also a priority for my department under the National Export Initiative," Francisco Sรกnchez, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade said. "We are well on our way to doubling global US exports in five years. The 17 percent increase in US exports to India in 2010 - and a further 15 percent increase in the first four months of 2011 - is crucial in helping us reach our goal, bringing stability and jobs to both our nations." McGraw called on business and government leaders in both countries to find ways to work together to build on that momentum and create new economic growth that will lead to more jobs. "Our two countries have shared values, shared beliefs. The strategic partnership between the US and India rests on the successful growth of commercial ties, and I am optimistic we can find areas of cooperation that will lead to more dynamic, twoway growth." India's Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Anand Sharma, and White House Chief of Staff and former US Secretary of Commerce, William Daley, were the featured government speakers. On the occasion, Terry McGraw presented USIBC's highest honor, The Global Leadership Award, to ICICI Bank's Managing Director & CEO, Chanda Kochhar, as well as to FedEx Corporation's Chairman, President, & CEO, Fred Smith, for their contributions to the US-India commercial relationship. The USIBC was founded 36 years ago in 1975 at the request of the Indian and US governments to advance US-India commercial ties.

Health

Line

Health Department cites lower infection rates

DENVER: The Colorado health department says a new study shows lower infection rates when compared to hospitals nationwide. According to the report, Colorado healthcare facilities had 40 percent fewer infections associated with heart procedures, 37 percent fewer infections associated with hernia procedures and 7 percent fewer infections associated with all reportable procedures. The report is the first bulletin under a new Colorado law that compares Colorado data to national data and tracks how Colorado hospitals and surgical centers compare to healthcare facilities across the nation. -AP

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July 8, 2011

Nashville group gets grant to fight diabetes NASHVILLE, Tenn.: United Neighborhood Health Services in Nashville has received a $300,000 grant to fight diabetes. According to The Tennessean newspaper, it is one of five recipients in the country to get such a grant. The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation awarded the money to help black women with Type 2 diabetes manage the disease. Type 2 is the more common kind of the disease, also called adultonset diabetes. The health services group will use the money over two years to implement a self-management program that includes physical activity and access to resources. -AP

Details on page 39

New York hosts 29th annual AAPI Convention NUPUR JOSHI

of excellent ideas in mind, nothing would come of those ideas until unemployment was significantly lowered. He encouraged AAPI members to build hospitals and medical schools that would create hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs, thereby bringing unemployment down, in order to accomplish other things such as lengthening student visas. He spoke highly of Mahatma Gandhi, saying how Gandhi, a Hindu, had redefined Christianity through his morals. Jackson's rhetoric left the audience in awe and he received multiple standing ovations throughout.

Mass. begins testing mosquitoes for viruses

JOINT BASE LEWISMcCHORD, Wash.: Officials at Joint Base Lewis-McChord believe they're making progress against the stigma that keeps some soldiers from getting help for mental health issues.

Dr Kalam urges AAPI to help lower medical costs

BOSTON: Massachusetts health officials have started their annual testing of mosquito samples for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. The viruses can be transmitted from infected mosquitoes to humans, causing serious illness or even death. State epidemiologist Dr. Al DeMaria says while most human cases of West Nile Virus and EEE occur in late summer or early fall, it's not too early for people to begin taking precautions against being bitten. Officials recommend bug sprays that contain DEET or other chemicals that protect against mosquitoes. -AP

More LewisMcChord soldiers seek mental help

Outgoing AAPI president Dr Ajeet Singhvi hands over the gavel to incoming president Dr Sunita Kanumury during the convention. Dr Krishan Kumar and Congressman Jesse Jackson applaud

NEW YORK: More than a thousand Indian American physicians with their family attended the fiveday annual convention of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) at Hilton Hotel in New York June 22-26. The annual conclave the highlight of which was an inaugural keynote address by former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, offered a string of educational and networking events for the attendees, besides wholesome entertainment, with a number of Indian and American lawmakers in attendance. Dr. Kalam also inaugurated the exhibition AAPI had arranged featuring booths from various healthcare industry companies as well as artwork by a number of well-known artists. In his address, Dr. Kalam touched upon various aspects of events that shaped his life and set out examples for people in the medical profession, especially the youngsters to follow. Dr. Kalam said AAPI's goal should be to work hand-in-hand with engineers to find a way to lower medical costs and find in-

novative ways of delivering care to those who cannot afford it. The former President of India ended his speech with a simple question: "What is the one ac-

guest speakers was Meera Shankar, India's Ambassador to the US, who spoke on the role played by AAPI and the contribution of Indian-American phy-

Dr A P J Abdul Kalam with Dr Ajeet Singhvi and Dr Sunita Kanumury

tion that will make you great?" and encouraged the audience to give vision to their ambition. Dr. Kalam was presented with a plaque as a token of appreciation and unveiled two books on behalf of AAPI. Among other distinguished

sicians in this country. Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. a lawmaker from Illinois delivered a captivating speech at the awards dinner. Jackson said AAPI was capable of making America a better place. He also said that while AAPI had a good number

He spoke highly of Mahatma Gandhi, saying how Gandhi, a Hindu, had redefined Christianity through his morals. Jackson's rhetoric left the audience in awe Change of guard On June 25, outgoing AAPI president Dr Ajeet Singhvi handed over the gavel to Dr. Sunita Kanumury signaling the change in leadership. Dr. Kanumury is the second woman president of the organization in 29 years. Dr. Kalpalatha Guntupally had held the reins in 1999. In her acceptance speech, Dr. Kanumury laid out her agenda for the year. "There is a desire and thirst at the grass roots level for more involvement among members," she said. "AAPI's membership in the past year had grown tremendously and 2,200 new members have been added. However, only 0 .1 percent of the membership is engaged… greater effort will go in engaging young physicians." Cont’d on page 38

July 8, 2011

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World wastes food on massive scale India Post News Service

WASHINGTON, DC: According to staggering new statistics from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), roughly one-third of the food produced worldwide for human consumption is lost or wasted, amounting to some 1.3 billion tons per year. In the developing world, over 40 percent of food losses occur after harvest - while being stored or transported, and during processing and packing. In industrialized countries, more than 40 percent of losses occur as a result of retailers and consumers discarding unwanted but often perfectly edible food. At a time when the land, water, and energy resources necessary to feed a global population of 6.9 billion are increasingly limited - and when at least 1 billion people remain chronically hungry - food losses mean a waste of those resources and a failure of our food system to meet the needs of the poor. The Worldwatch Institute's Nourishing the Planet project (www.NourishingthePlanet.org), a two-year evaluation of environmentally sustainable agricultural innovations to alleviate hunger, is

highlighting ways to make the most of the food that is produced and to make more food available to those who need it most. According to Tristram Stuart, a contributing author of Worldwatch's State of the World 2011: Innovations that Nourish the Planet report, some 150 million tons of grains are lost annually in low-income countries, six times the amount needed to meet the needs of all the hungry people in the developing world. Industrialized countries waste some 222 million tons of perfectly good food annually, a quantity nearly equivalent to the 230 million tons that sub-Saharan Africa produces in a year. Unlike farmers in many developing countries, however, agribusinesses in industrial countries have numerous tools at their disposal to prevent food from spoiling - including pasteurization and preservation facilities, drying equipment, climate-controlled storage units, transport infrastructure, and chemicals designed to expand shelf-life. "All this may ironically have contributed to the cornucopian abundance that has fostered a culture in which staggering levels of 'deliber-

ate' food waste are now accepted or even institutionalized," writes Stuart in his chapter, "Post-Harvest Losses: A Neglected Field." "Throwing away cosmetically 'imperfect' produce on farms, discarding edible fish at sea, overordering stock for supermarkets and purchasing or cooking too much food in the home, are all ex-

In the developing world, over 40 percent of food losses occur after harvest - while being stored or transported, and during processing and packing amples of profligate negligence toward food." Nourishing the Planet researchers traveled to 25 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, meeting with 350 farmers' groups, NGOs, government agencies, and scientists. "This amount of loss is shocking considering that many experts estimate that the world will need to

double food production in the next half-century as people eat more meat and generally eat better," says Danielle Nierenberg, Nourishing the Planet project director. "It would make good sense to invest in making better use of what is already produced." "Humanity is approaching and in some places exceeding - the limits of potential farmland and water supplies that can be used for farming," notes Worldwatch Institute Executive Director Robert Engelman. "We're already facing food price spikes and the early impacts of human-caused climate change on food production. We can't afford to overlook simple, lowcost fixes to reduce food waste." Nourishing the Planet offers the following three low-cost approaches that can go a long way toward making the most of the abundance that our food system already produces. Innovations in both the developing and industrialized worlds include: Getting surpluses to those who need it: As mountains of food are thrown out every day in the cities of rich countries, some of the poorest citizens still struggle to figure out their next meal. Feeding America coordinates a nationwide

network of food banks that receive donations from grocery chains. Florida's Harry Chapin Food Bank, one of Feeding America's partners, distributed 5.2 million kilograms of food in 2010. In New York City, City Harvest collects some 12.7 million kilograms of excess food each year from restaurants, grocers, corporate cafeterias, manufacturers, and farms and delivers it to nearly 600 New York City food programs. Similarly, London Street FoodBank utilizes volunteers to collect unused food items from London businesses and get them to food banks around the city. Raising consumer awareness and reducing waste to landfills: Those who can easily afford to buy food-and throw it away-rarely consider how much they discard or find alternatives to sending unwanted food to the landfill. In 2010, however, San Francisco became the first city to pass legislation requiring all households to separate both recycling and compost from garbage. By asking residents to separate their food waste, a new era of awareness is being fostered by the initiative. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 39

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July 8, 2011

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Dr Kalam urges AAPI to help lower medical costs

Union Minister Praful Patel addressing the gathering

AAPI leaders honored India's Ambassador to US Meera Shankar. In the picture are: Dr Kanumury, Dr Seema Jain, Outgoing Chair of Board of Trustees Dr Ashok Falumburker, Meera Shankar, Dr Singhvi and Dr Lodha

Navin Jindal, India's youngest MP, addressing the gathering of physicians

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 36

She said she would focus on healthcare reform and the role of international graduates. "You often hear 25 percent of the healthcare in the U.S. is provided by international medical graduates and largest of them come from India. About 44 percent of primary care in this country is provided by international graduates. The focus of healthcare reform is to strengthen primary care, preventive care, and completely change the way we have thought about delivering healthcare." AAPI will host two legislative meetings in Washington this year to engage with members of congress. The organization will also partner with American Medical Association (AMA) and state and county medical organizations to lobby for those issues that are very pertinent to medical profession. "We ought to be in the driver's seat making policies that shape healthcare delivery in this country," Dr. Kanumury said. "We will also address healthcare disparities through CME programs and training initiatives and community events."

Dr Kanumury, AAPI Treasurer Dr Seema Jain, AAPI Vice President Dr Jayesh Shah, Minister of State Ashwini Kumar, Dr Singhvi and Dr Lodha

Nobel Laureate Dr Watson made a spellbinding speech. He is seen with Dr Kanumury, Dr Singhvi and Mayor Harry Anand

India's youngest sarpanch Chhavy Rajawat and NDTV Managing Editor and celebrated broadcast journalist Bharkha Dutt at women's forum

Gupta, an Emmy Award winning social activist, spoke about her organization Apne Aap that works towards ending sex slavery in India; Dr. Reena Aggarwal, Professor of Finance at Georgetown University, encouraged women to become better role models for the next generation; Barkha Dutt, editor of NDTV spoke of the prevalent hypocrisy in India's

political system where women's representation in Parliament is less than 10%. Excellence awards Many distinguished physicians were recognized during the convention among them were Dr. Jatin P. Shah and Dr. Samin Sharma the renowned interventional cardiologist, and Dr. Shiv Sarin, former chairman of Medical Council of India. The Most Distinguished Service to Humanity award was presented to Dr. Sudhir Parikh. Entertainment Convention attendees, through the five days, were kept entertained by popular Bollywood artistes like Sunidhi Chauhan and Mika; classical maestro Pandit Jasraj, mandolin prodigies U Srinivas and U Rajesh; ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali Khan; and a fashion show by Sheetal featuring renowned designer Hemant Trevedi.

Sunidhi Chauhan at her electrifying performance

The incoming president Dr Kanumury was honored by co chair of the convention Dr Krishan Kumar while (L-R) incoming Chair of Board of Trustees Dr Satish Anand, president elect Dr Narendra Kumar, and Congressman Jesse Jackson look on

Pandit Jasraj enthralled the audience with his melodious soulful music

Dr. Kanumury said for the first time in the history of AAPI, a Women's Health Advisory Board has been formed. This year, she said, AAPI will launch 'Health Smart', an initiative that will help women make informed decisions on lifestyle changes and maximize good health throughout their lives. The Women's Health Advisory Board had its kick-off meeting during the convention. Dr. Kanumury informed that a President's Council has also been formed under her leadership, to serve as an advisory body. Panel discussions On the many panel discussions, there were presentations by Chhavi Rajawat, the youngest sarpanch of a village in Rajasthan, on the hardships her village faced, which included lack of job opportunities, steady electricity and drinkable water; Anwar Feroz of Johnson and Johnson on healthcare issues unique to minority communities; Nobel Laureate Dr. James Watson on "Curing Incurable Cancers". Two Indian federal ministers - Praful Patel, Minister for Heavy Industries and Ashwini Kumar, Minister of State for Science, Technology and Earth Sciences - spoke on the need to bring healthcare to rural areas and on the progress made by India in healthcare in the last decade. At the Women's Forum during the convention, Ruchitra

Daniel J.Halloran, New York City Council Member presents a City Council proclamation declaring AAPI Day. Dr Kanumury, Dr Singhvi, Naveen Jindal and Dr Ajay Lodha

Dr Kanumury, Nobel Laureate Dr Watson, Minister Praful Patel and Maharashtra Pradesh BJP President Raj K Purohit

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July 8, 2011

India Post

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More Lewis-McChord soldiers seek mental help JOINT BASE LEWISMcCHORD, Wash.: Officials at Joint Base Lewis-McChord believe they're making progress against the stigma that keeps some soldiers from getting help for mental health issues. More soldiers and military families are reaching out for mental health care at the base, and post-traumatic stress diagnoses and prescriptions for common antidepressants are on the rise at Madigan Army Medical Center, The News Tribune of Tacoma reported. What's not clear is how much of that increased pace is the result of distress caused by combat and long separations, and how much is the result of the sheer numbers of soldiers returning to the base from overseas. More than half of the base's 40,000 service members were gone from mid-2009 to mid-2010. ``I think we're actually starting to win this battle on stigma. People are way more willing to seek behavioral health than they used to be,'' said Madigan's commander, Col. Dallas Homas. Doctors say they're busier than ever counseling recent war veterans. Diagnoses for post-

traumatic stress, acute stress disorder or an anxiety disorder increased 24 percent at Madigan, from 1,140 service members in 2009 to 1,418 service members in 2010. Thirty soldiers a day are visiting a drop-in mental health clinic there, up from about 20 a day before 18,000 soldiers returned from combat tours

Nationally, the Army saw suicides peak two years ago, when 162 active-duty soldiers killed themselves last year the largest wave of homecomings of the last decade. Prescriptions for common antidepressants went up 15 percent. The Army hospital filled 6,185 prescriptions in 2010, up from 5,401 in 2009. The number includes refills, meaning some service members are counted more than once. Other mental health services targeted at military families also are getting heavy use, as counselors connect with thousands of people each month, according to data The

News Tribune requested from Madigan. Officials concede more work needs to be done, and some soldiers are still concerned about how it would affect their careers if word of a PTSD or other diagnosis gets out. Nationally, the Army saw suicides peak two years ago, when 162 active-duty soldiers killed themselves. Nine Lewis-McChord soldiers committed suicide in each of the past two years, up from seven in 2008. Officers also track signs of distress, such as drunken driving arrests and domestic violence reports. They've increased recently, too, but not in a dramatic spike that would signal a ``meltdown'' among soldiers. At Lewis-McChord, officials added 55 behavioral health specialists, such as psychologists and social workers, between January 2010 and January 2011. Madigan now has 189.5 employees in that field, giving it one of the most robust networks of mental health support in the Army. Fort Hood, a base in Texas with 8,000 more service members than Lewis-McChord, has 141 such specialists.

Scott signs Fla. unemployment compensation benefit cut TALLAHASSEE, Fla.: Florida will cut unemployment compensation benefits and make it harder for patients to win medical malpractice lawsuits under bills Gov. Rick Scott signed into law. Scott also vetoed three bills, including one (HB 4045) that would have repealed requirements for public reports on nursing homes sanctioned or fined by the state. That was an exception to the Republican governor's usual stance in favor of reducing business regulations. The unemployment bill (HB 7005) is intended to cut employers' taxes by reducing maximum state benefits for jobless workers. The cap will drop from 26 to 23 weeks if Florida's unemployment rate is at least 10.5 percent. If it falls below that level the maximum benefits also will decline on sliding scale to as little as 12 weeks for a jobless rate of 5 percent or less. Florida's unemployment rate stood at 10.6 percent in May. The new law applies only to state benefits, not those provided by the federal government. It won't affect this year's tax rates but is expected to cut them by about $18 per worker in 2012. The medical malpractice law (HB 479) was the Florida Medical Association's top legislative priority. ``This bill is a major step forward in making Florida a friendlier place to practice medicine,'' said Dr. Madelyn Butler, the

association's president. It includes provisions to curtail testimony against Florida doctors by out-ofstate experts. They will have to get state certification and would face discipline if found to have offered ``deceptive or fraudulent'' testimony. The new statute also repeals an existing ban on the sale of malpractice insurance policies that give doctors rather than insurance companies the authority to control settlement decisions. Another provision gives legal immunity to doctors who volunteer their services to college and high school sports teams. In his veto message on the nursing home bill, Scott cited ``recent reports of certain facilities falling short of what is currently required by statutes and rules and what should reasonable be expected by residents.'' The former hospital chain CEO added that he plans to form a task force to recommend ways to improve the state's monitoring. ``Until a more deliberate examination of the regulation and oversight of assisted living facilities is conducted, I do not believe it is prudent to relax any reporting requirements,'' Scott wrote. Another of the vetoed bills (HB 767) would have exempted county commissioners from having to go with the highest and best bidder if they are leasing real estate for five years or less. -AP

``I don't care how long it takes; we'll see every soldier who comes in,'' said Col. Jerome Penner, who led Madigan for the past two years before handing over his command to Homas in April. ``Do we get it right every time? I'm not going to say that,''

Penner said. ``But we are making progress.'' Some of the effort involves making sure that returning soldiers have mandatory encounters with health specialists and answer questions about their emotional health. -AP

World wastes food on massive scale Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 37

Nutrient-rich compost created by the municipal program is made available to area organic farmers and wine producers, helping to reduce resource consumption in agriculture. The Love Food Hate Waste website-an awareness campaign of the U.K.-based organization Wrap-provides online recipes for using leftovers as well as tips and advice for reducing personal food waste. Improving storage and processing for small-scale farmers in developing countries: In the absence of expensive, Western-style grain stores and processing facilities, smallholders can undertake a variety of measures to prevent

damage to their harvests. In Pakistan, the United Nations helped 9 percent of farmers cut their storage losses up to 70 percent by simply replacing jute bags and mud constructions with metal grain storage containers. And Purdue University is helping communities in rural Niger maintain year-round cow pea supplies by making low-cost, hermetically sealed plastic bags available through the Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage (PICS) program. Another innovative project uses solar energy to dry mangoes after harvest; each year, more than 100,000 tons of the fruit go bad before reaching the market in western Africa.

Realty Tidbits Â&#x201E; ASK raises 520 cr for domestic realty fund

Real Estate

SK Property Investment Ad visors has raised 520 crore for a domestic realty fund, becoming the first fund among half-a-dozen such realty PE funds waiting in line, to raise money from rich investors in 2011. The ASK fund had originally aimed to raise Rs 1,000 crore, including a green shoe option of Rs 500 crore that is open till December. Amit Bhagat, CEO and MD of the company, said the fund will focus on mid segment residential development and execution. "The fund is focused on asset management and risk management as its core differentiators." "In the current scenario, counter cyclical opportunity provided due to liquidity crunch and high interest rate presents a risk diversification and expansion opportunity for developers," said Sunil Rohokale, executive director of ASK Investment Holdings . ASK had raised Rs 340 crore in 2009 after the global financial crisis, which was committed in six mid-size real estate projects. "The fund continues to look for compounding opportunities and does not prefer only an opportunistic play," Rohokale said.

Â&#x201E; Vishal Retail to enter real estate

ishal Retail has said its share holders had approved changing the company's name to V2 Retail and also its plan to enter real estate business. The company submitted a report on a postal ballot seeking shareholders' approval of the name change and entry into real estate to the Bombay Stock Exchange and said special resolutions were being passed for the same. Last month Vishal Retail had said it planned to change its name to 'V2 Retail' and also enter into real estate business for which it had sought shareholders' approval. In March this year, Vishal Retail had announced sale of its retail business to the Sriram Group company, Airplaza Retail Holdings and the wholesale business to private equity firm TPG Wholesale for a total consideration of Rs 70 crore. In 2009, Vishal Retail got into financial trouble and piled up debt of around Rs 730 crore. It was forced into a corporate debt restructuring (CDR) program. The company has also passed ordinary resolutions for appointment of Dharm Nath Prasad and Rahul as independent directors.

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Acron developing residential complex at Pune

umbai-based Acron Infra Projects is developing a large residential complex at Karvenagar in the heart of Pune, a three-hour drive from the metropolis of Mumbai. "We are building a large, affordable residential complex with a total of 2,800 apartments spread over a 24acre green campus in the heart of the city at Karvenagar," Amar J Britto, director, Acron group, told Financial Chronicle. He said the fund for the Rs 800-crore project, to be developed in six phases, will be raised through internal accruals of the company and bookings.

Demand for home loans may decline, says experts

t the peak of the global housing crisis in 2008, a group of executives at State Bank of India (SBI) were busy devising a new home loan scheme meant to boost the sluggish demand. The growth in housing loans had fallen from a high of 31.2 per cent in December 2006 to 4.1 per cent in March 2009. After State bank of India (SBI) launched its special home loan scheme, home loan portfolio of Banks in India rose 30 per cent on a year on year basis till September 30 2010, against 20 per cent in 2009-10, according to data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). In 2011, as the housing market in the West slowly picks up, the Indian market may be in for slack. SBI withdrew its home loan scheme with effect from May, after RBI raised concerns on the borrowers' ability to repay them over longer tenures. After a period of sustained growth, bankers expect a moderation in home loan growth in the coming months. Rising interest rates and property prices are once again set to hit demand for home loans, say bankers. The impact of the slowdown is already visible in the priority sector lending portfolio of banks. According to RBI data, the growth in outstanding credit of banks, under priority sector housing loans, halved to 6.80 per cent in April, against 11.90 per cent in the

year-ago period. SBI, the country's largest public sector bank, expects a moderation in the growth in home loans. "We expect a slowdown, a moderation in the home loan market. It has been evident in the last two quarter. It is

loan market, according to Monish Shah, director, Deloitte, India. "The withdrawal of teaser loans would have a marginal negative impact on the demand. After 2009, in the two-to three year period, the home loan growth was mostly

After a period of sustained growth, bankers expect a moderation in home loan growth in the coming months. Rising interest rates and property prices are once again set to hit demand for home loans, say bankers difficult to estimate the extent of the moderation," said Diwakar Gupta, managing director and chief financial officer, State Bank of India. Close to 30 per cent of the home loan market in India is currently accounted for by the teaser home

seen in the teaser home loan segment. It gained about 20-30 per cent market share, which is an absolutely phenomenal growth," said Shah. SBI launched the special home loan scheme in 2008, under which it offered an interest rate of 8.5 per cent for a loan of Rs

5 lakh and 9.25 per cent for a loan of Rs 20 lakh, with a reset clause after every five years. The scheme was tweaked several times since then. High interest rates are also expected to play a dampener. "Demand for home loans is likely to be impacted due to high interest rates. The impact would be more visible in the next two months. Both investors and home loan buyers are likely to wait for few months before buying property. In the last one year, the burden of easy monthly installments for borrowers has gone up by 15-20 per cent," said S L Bansal, executive director, United Bank of India. The slowdown in home loan disbursements is already visible. The home loan growth recorded by United Bank of India till April was about 10-11 per cent on a year-onyear basis, against 12-13 per cent last year. R V Verma, chairman and managing director, National Housing Bank had said there was a slowdown in the growth in housing loans due to rising interest rates and property prices. Smaller banks expect a levelplaying field after the exit of teaser home loans from the market. Allured by lower interest rates, several home loan customers had shifted to teaser loans. "Now, we hope our customers will remain with us. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 41

Real estate regulation bill may be delayed

he proposed Real Estate Regulation Bill may be delayed. The ministry of housing and poverty alleviation, which was set to table the draft bill during the Monsoon session of Parliament, is yet to get the law ministry's opinion on it. The draft Bill was sent to the law ministry for vetting nearly two months ago. Once the law ministry gives its opinion on the matter, a draft Cabinet note on the subject will be circulated among ministries of finance, home, urban development, consumer affairs and the Planning Commission. It will then seek a

Cabinet clearance before introducing it in Parliament. In view of the elaborate procedure, it would be difficult for the proposed Bill to make it to the Monsoon session, beginning August 1. The concept of a real estate Bill has been around for almost a decade and has seen a change in both form and content several times. Initially, work on the real estate Bill was started by the urban development ministry, but subsequently the housing ministry took charge of the proposed legislation. Although the Reserve Bank of

India (RBI) had recently issued a warning to developers over inflated valuations of property, the proposed Bill will not cover the valuation aspects in the current draft, leaving it to market forces. Concerned over inflated valuations of real estate properties for loans, RBI had asked all banks to submit an action-taken report on the issue. According to the real estate draft regulation Bill, developers will need to make public disclosures related to land title, project completion date and other relevant scheme details on the website of

the proposed regulatory authority, said a housing ministry official. The disclosures must be made before launching a project, so that consumers are not taken for a ride at a later stage. Developers will also have to register themselves with the regulatory authority. The content of the draft Bill was changed before sending it to the law ministry, to make it a central legislation. Earlier, it was a state matter. The focus of the revised Bill is now on consumer protection and contractual obligations of developers.

Real Estate

July 8, 2011

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Godrej for more technology in real estate

he country's real estate sector and construction in dustry are faced with an acute labor crunch, which is impacting delivery of projects and cost escalations, Adi Godrej, chairman of Godrej group, said. Speaking at a real estate conference organized in Mumbai, Godrej quoted from a World Bank report, which said that the Indian construction industry is expected to face labor shortage of 18-28 per cent if the country grows at a medium rate and a shortage of 55-60 per cent if we see high growth. In the last few years, the success of the national employment guarantee program has reduced the supply of labor in the large cities of the country. This has had an impact on the cost and availability of labor. "To improve the situation, we need to bring in more technology like pre-fab structures," Godrej

said. At present, construction practices in the country are very labor intensive and there is a dire need to bring in technology to aid faster con-

PE money is expensive at the moment because these investors see India as a high-risk market. This perception has been built because of lack of transparency struction. But for the moment, there is a requirement for trained manpower across the lifecycle of a real estate project, Firdose Vandrevala, chairman of Hirco Developments said.

Ajay Piramal, chairman, Piramal Group added that one of the big problems facing the Indian real estate industry is execution. "There needs to be a focus on execution," he said. Alongside the issue of shortage of labor, real estate firms are also finding it difficult to get access to capital. Banks have reduced their exposure to real estate firms and home sales have dried up. In this scenario, they are being forced to take money from expensive sources. PE money is expensive at the moment because these investors see India as a high-risk market. This perception has been built because of lack of transparency in the real estate sector and delayed approvals of projects. "The moment we bring in that transparency, we will see the cost of capital come down," Anuj Puri, country head at Jones Lang LaSalle India said.

Country Club plans 18 more properties

eisure and infrastructure firm Country Club India has earmarked over Rs 300 crore for expansion activities in next five years and is eyeing one million membership in 10 years. "We are spending Rs 100 crore this FY12 for developing 18 properties, which will be operational by FY 13. After finishing them, we will plan on further expansion both in the country as well as overseas for which we have earmarked over Rs 200 crore till FY16," Country Club vice-chairman and CEO Y Siddharth Reddy, said. Presently, Country Club India has 50 own properties, out of which 36 are directly-owned and 14 by promoter group. It has 175 franchised establishments and

over 4,000 affiliations all over the world through RCI. The company, which has good presence in tier-I cities through its clubs, is focusing on developing properties in tier-II cities. "Tier II cities are growing with good spending power where people are looking at quality and ambiance. Moreover, we are expanding phase by phase. After we establish in Tier-II, we may move to tier-III," he added. Presently, Country Club has overall 600 rooms which will be increased to 1,000 rooms in next five years, including India as well as overseas. The company has two properties abroad, one in Dubai at a cost of Rs 185 crore and another in Kandy in Sri Lanka.

Reddy said the company is in the consolidation phase and after winding up of the ongoing projects, "we will plan the next phase of expansion". "We will look at increasing our overseas expansion, especially in the Middle East and the South Asian nations, which are our priority growth drivers," he said. The company's net sales grew by 31.45 per cent at Rs 92 crore in the quarter ended March 31, compared to Rs 70 crore in the corresponding quarter last fiscal. The revenue for FY11 went up by 7.23 per cent to Rs 321.92 crore from Rs 300.21 crore in FY10. "We expect to witness similar growth in FY12 as we are in consolidation phase," Reddy added.

Demand for home loans may decline, says experts Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 40

Earlier, we saw some customers moving to teaser home loans. "During the first few months, the demand for housing loan is generally low, but for the whole year, we expect a reasonable growth in the home loan portfolio," said M Narendra, chairman and managing director, Indian Overseas Bank. Rising property prices have also dented the prospects of robust home loan growth. Ac-

cording to realty consultant Cushman & Wakefield, residential property prices in Delhi-national capital region and Mumbai saw prices rise 36 per cent in 2010 on good demand. The trend was reflected in loan disbursements for banks as well. Housing Development Finance Corporation, one of the biggest players in the home loan market, saw fourthquarter net profit rise 27 per cent rise last year. "In some markets, the outlook

on property prices is expected to correct, while the interest rates are high. This could lead to a slowdown," said Vibha Batra, co head, financial sector ratings, Icra. " A lot of factors would contribute to the slight slowdown in credit off-take. Affordability, interest rates and uncertainty in the real estate market are some of the reasons. So, going forward, there would be a slowdown in the home loan market for sure," Deloitte's Shah said.

BSN under scanner over Mumbai deal

umbai's realty sector has received a major jolt fol lowing reports of a controversial deal involving a prime plot in the eastern suburb worth Rs 800 crore. According to police, six months after a deal between real estate major HDIL and Kanakia Group was finalized, a third party, BSN Developer, claimed the 30,000 square meter plot off theAndheri-Kurla Road in northeast Mumbai belonged to it and filed a complaint against HDIL with the Andheri police. Soon after the matter came to light, HDIL also filed a police complaint against BSN Developers. Preliminary investigations revealed that BSN had paid Rs 1.2 crore stamp duty to get the land registered at the sub registrar's office of the registration department allegedly by submitting fake papers. Additional commissioner of police Vishwas Nangare-Patil said: "Prima facie it is a case of forgery. The investigating team is gathering further details and recording statements of the con-

cerned parties." "Investigations carried out so far have revealed that the architect's certificate produced by BSN Developer is fake. The sale deed - submitted by the company claiming that the original owner of the land, A Thakur, had sold the land to them - has also turned out to be fake because Thakur died last August. The statements of tenants residing in slums on the land are also fake. The police will soon trace the whereabouts of BSN Developers and record its statement," said an investigating officer. Investigators said the land belonged to the Thakur family, which sold it to HDIL two years ago for over Rs 400 crore. Today, about 20 per cent of the plot has been occupied by slums. Cases of cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, forgery, using as genuine a forged document or electronic record and selling goods marked with a counterfeit property mark have been registered against BSN Developers.

SARE buys 100 acres land in Navi Mumbai

eal estate investment and development firm South Asian Real Estate has closed a deal for buying a 100-acre piece of land in Navi Mumbai from Mumbai-based developer Silver Oak. SARE and Silver Oak have set up a joint venture company, in which SARE will have a majority stake. The joint venture will develop an integrated township on the 100 acres, which will include mid-income residential development, mainly low-rise. The cost of the land parcel in Panvel is between Rs 150-200 crore, said a source close to the development, who did not wish to be named. "The total cost of the project will be $350 million (Rs 1,575 crore) including construction expenditure and land acquisition. It will

be financed through combination of customer advances, equity and debt," said the source. SARE will infuse Rs 75 crore as equity contribution. Consulting firm Ernst & Young is running the transaction. The joint venture company is expected to start work on the township in three-six months and is expected to take 5-7 years to finish the project. Many real estate developers are showing interest in projects around Navi Mumbai in the backdrop of several infrastructure initiatives being undertaken or announced by the government, including an international airport here. Since 2006, SARE has raised Rs 2,000 crore and currently has around 40 million sq ft of property under construction through 8 projects across India.

In Brief Ex-DC journalist says he's an illegal immigrant WASHINGTON: A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who covered presidential politics and the 2007 Virginia Tech shootings in a high-profile reporting job at The Washington Post is going on network television to announce he is an illegal immigrant. Jose Antonio Vargas tells ABC News he is outing himself as one of millions of illegal U.S. immigrants after living with the secret for years. He says he wants to push Congress to pass a bill called the DREAM Act that would allow people like himself who came to this country as children to become citizens. Vargas says his mother took him to the airport in the Philippines when he was 12 and sent him to California to live with his grandparents. -AP

Lawmakers make another run at immigration bill WASHINGTON: Senate Democrats renewed an uphill push for legislation that would give young illegal immigrants a shot at legal status by arguing that the hundreds of thousands affected would improve the nation's economy and security. The legislation known as the DREAM Act would allow students who came to the United States as children to gain permanent residency if they go to college or serve in the military, plus meet other conditions such as passing a criminal background check. The bill's sponsors are unlikely to gain the votes necessary to pass it, but the hearing gave lawmakers a chance to show Hispanics and other immigrant communities their support for the legislation before next year's elections. -AP

Farm owners plead guilty in immigration probe BAD AXE, Mich.: A couple who own a dairy farm in Michigan's Thumb region pleaded guilty to hiring illegal immigrants and agreed to pay a $2.7 million penalty. Johannes and Anthonia Verhaar acknowledged they had employed about 80 illegal immigrants from 2000 through much of 2007. The government said the Verhaars ignored warnings that some employees were not authorized to work in the US. They made the plea in US District Court in Bay City. -AP

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Illegal immigrant youth 'come out' in reform push ATLANTA: Eighteen-yearold Dulce Guerrero kept quiet about being an illegal immigrant until earlier this year, when she became upset after a traffic stop that landed her mother in jail for two nights. Details on page 44

SC Gov Nikki signs illegal immigration police checks law COLUMBIA, SC: Gov. Nikki Haley signed changes into law that grant more power to police to check whether people are illegal immigrants, a move expected to face legal challenges after similar measures met with lawsuits in other states. The changes in law require police in South Carolina to call federal immigration officials if someone is suspected of being in the country illegally. And it creates a new police force to enforce a law that would also make it a felony to make fake photographic identification for illegal immigrants. People convicted of that felony could face $25,000 fines and five years in prison. The changes tighten what already were some of the nation's toughest measures to curb illegal immigrants living and working here. Haley, the Bamberg-born daughter of immigrants from India, emphasized her background as she spoke to supporters and opponents at the bill signing. ``As the daughter of immigrants, I want to make everyone aware that this bill has a tolerance to it. ... This is not a bill that pushes one group away for another group. This is a bill that enforces laws,'' she said. Legal immigrants ``come here, they put in their time, they pay the

price and they get here the right way,'' Haley said. ``What we're saying is this state can no longer afford to support people that don't come here the right way and we are now going to do something about it.'' Under the changes, police can ask about immigration status after an arrest or traffic stop and can't hold anyone solely on the suspicion that they're an illegal immi-

cial profiling. ``And it basically will subject anyone who looks or sounds foreign to discrimination,'' Middleton said. The American Civil Liberties Union is suing to block similar laws in Arizona, Utah, Indiana, and Georgia. It is also planning to sue in Alabama. When the GOP-dominated House gave the legislation final approval last week, House Speaker

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;They cling together in illegal communities and bring with them drugs, prostitution, violent crime and gang activity,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Grooms said in remarks to brought heckles from bill opponents grant. It requires officers to call federal immigration officials if they suspect someone is in the country illegally. Haley brushed aside rumblings that the American Civil Liberties Union plans to sue over the law before it takes effect in January. She said she has ``a long list of lawsuits that continue to come my way and the more they send lawsuits (it) just reminds me the more I'm doing my job for the state of South Carolina.'' State ACLU Director Victoria Middleton said the law invites ra-

Bobby Harrell said the state was stepping into a void because the federal government ``refuses to effectively support our law enforcement officers by enforcing immigration laws.'' South Carolina's illegal immigration law was considered one of the nation's toughest measures when it was first passed in 2008. But legislators have been criticized for failing to put money into enforcing the law. The spending plan on Haley's desk for vetoes now includes $1.3 million toward for the law enforcement unit.

Despite the costs, Haley said the state will save money because illegal immigrants will use fewer services. Haley said South Carolina is a tolerant state. But ``we follow laws in South Carolina and we don't turn our backs on anything that is illegal.'' Bill co-sponsor Larry Grooms called illegal immigration a threat to the nation's liberty and freedom that must be eradicated. ``They cling together in illegal communities and bring with them drugs, prostitution, violent crime and gang activity,'' Grooms said in remarks to brought heckles from bill opponents Columbia activist Kevin Gray said ``that's just patently racist.'' Julie Smithwick-Leone of West Columbia said Grooms' remarks showed ignorance ``that shows how far removed these legislators are from the population and they really don't know who the population is what all they are giving and bringing to our state.'' Brett Bursey of the South Carolina Progressive Network opposed the legislation and wondered who would replace illegal immigrant workers now doing work in agriculture. ``Who's going to pick our tomatoes, our watermelons and our cucumbers?'' Bursey asked. -AP

Problems with Alabama's new immigration law DAVID A. ISAACSON

n June 9, 2011, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley signed into law Alabama's House Bill 56, officially entitled the "Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act", a law directed at what the Alabama legislature referred to as "illegal immigration". The text as enacted can be found on the Alabama legislature website. For the sake of brevity, I will refer to this law as "HB 56". HB 56 contains several problematic features reminiscent of Arizona's infamous SB 1070 (previously addressed by this author in an article on our firm's website) but it also goes beyond even

Arizona's law in a number of significant ways. Although cataloging all of the deeply problematic features of HB 56 is beyond the scope of this article and would require something substantially lengthier, there are a number of such features going beyond the Arizona law that strike this author as particularly worthy of note but do not appear to have received a great deal of media attention as of yet. Among other things, the law appears to bar refugees fleeing political persecution from Alabama's public universities; make it illegal to provide housing or transportation to someone

so that they can attend a proceeding at which the federal government has specifically demanded they be present; and generally attempt to rewrite the Immigration and Nationality Act so that many classes of persons allowed by Congress and the federal government to apply for various sorts of lawful immigration status will be as a practical matter unable to reside in Alabama while doing so. Because it seeks to regulate "the conditions under which a legal entrant may remain" in the United States, De Canas v. Bica, 424 U.S. 351, 352 (1976), HB 56 "stands as an obstacle to the ac-

complishment and execution of the full purposes and objectives of Congress in enacting the INA," id. at 364, and should be found preempted by federal law and thus unconstitutional. One of the most inexplicably peculiar portions of HB 56 appears to deny access to Alabama's public university system to, among others, asylees and refugees who have been allowed to remain in the United States after fleeing political or religious persecution. According to Section 8 of the law, which can be found on page 23 of the above-linked PDF file, Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 43

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Problems with Alabama's new immigration law Cont’d from page 42

"An alien attending any public postsecondary institution in this state must either possess lawful permanent residence or an appropriate nonimmigrant visa under 8 U.S.C. § 1101, et seq." A grant of asylum under section 208 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ("INA"), 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or a grant of admission as a refugee under section 207 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. § 1157, conveys neither lawful permanent residence nor any nonimmigrant status or nonimmigrant visa. Asylees and refugees are allowed to remain in the United States indefinitely due to their past persecution and/or their reasonable fear of future persecution, but they are distinct from lawful permanent residents under the law, because their status is not strictly permanent: asylum can be terminated if, for example, a fundamental change in country conditions removes the basis for it, and refugees are supposed to apply for admission as lawful permanent residents after a year in refugee status. Despite the theoretical impermanence of asylum and refugee status, those statuses are held primarily by people who will ultimately become lawful permanent residents of the United States: both asylees and refugees can apply to become lawful permanent residents after a year in the United States in their respective statuses, pursuant to INA § 209. And by definition, asylum and refugee status are held almost exclusively by people who are allowed to remain in the United States because they have suffered or would suffer horrible fates in their home countries and have nowhere else to go. Denying these victims of persecution and torture access to Alabama's public university system would be extremely cruel, if it was deliberate, or extremely stupid, if it was accidental. The apparent denial of postsecondary schooling to asylees and refugees is not the only glaring problem with this portion of the law, even leaving aside the question of whether denying anyone schooling because of their immigration status or lack thereof is ever a good idea. The denial of access to Alabama postsecondary institutions under HB 56 would also apply to people granted Temporary Protected Status under INA § 244 because the Secretary of Homeland Security has determined they can-

not safely return to their home country due to a natural disaster or the like-the status recently provided, for example, to many Haitian nationals. All such people are not lawful permanent residents, and many of them do not have valid nonimmigrant visas, so they would not be able to attend an Alabama public postsecondary institution under HB 56 even if they paid full tuition. Indeed, if read literally, the requirement that one who is not a lawful permanent resident have "an appropriate nonimmigrant visa" in order to attend an Alabama postsecondary institution even excludes those who are specifically given permission by the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") to change their status to that of a nonimmigrant student,

Despite the theoretical impermanence of asylum and refugee status, those statuses are held primarily by people who will ultimately become lawful permanent residents of the United States pursuant to section 248 of the INA, but who do not have a valid nonimmigrant visa because they entered the United States some time ago in some other nonimmigrant category and have not left the United States and re-entered since they became a student. There is a difference, often overlooked by those with limited background in U.S. immigration law, between a nonimmigrant visa, the document issued outside the United States by the Department of State that allows one to apply for admission to the United States as a particular category of nonimmigrant, and nonimmigrant status, which is granted when DHS admits the nonimmigrant to the United States or authorizes the nonimmigrant to change from some other status. (Admission is handled by Customs and Border Protection, or CBP, within DHS, and change of status by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, within DHS.) Because it is the Form I-94 issued by DHS, and not the visa issued by the Department of State,

that evidences one's nonimmigrant status, it is entirely possible to be in valid F-1 nonimmigrant student status but not have a valid F-1 student visa, or perhaps any other valid visa if the visa that one used to enter the United States has expired since entrance. Under HB 56, it appears that one who entered the United States as the H-4 nonimmigrant child of an H-1B temporary worker, and whose H-4 visa expired subsequent to this entry, would not be able to attend an Alabama public university after properly changing status to that of an F-1 nonimmigrant student with the approval of DHS, unless he or she left the United States in order to get another visa (which is not required as a matter of federal immigration law in order to remain in the United States in valid nonimmigrant status). This is not the only time that HB 56 appears to conflate a nonimmigrant visa with nonimmigrant status to disturbing effect. The portion of HB 56 that requires Alabama police to determine the immigration status of persons lawfully stopped, detained, or arrested by checking with DHS pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1373(c) "where reasonable suspicion exists that the person is an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States" (Section 12, at page 33 of the above-linked PDF) lists a number of documents which a person can present and thus be "presumed not to be an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States". Included in this list is a "foreign passport with an unexpired United States Visa and a corresponding stamp or notation by the United States Department of Homeland Security indicating the bearer's admission to the United States." But if the "stamp or notation" by DHS indicates that the bearer's period of admission and authorized stay is unexpired, it is not at all clear why it should matter if the bearer's U.S. visa is expired or not. There is no logical reason to subject anyone who obtains an extension of stay or change of status with a validity period beyond the expiration date of their visa to more extensive detention while their status is electronically verified with DHS, if their DHS-issued Form I-94 clearly shows that their status is still valid. (To be continued) * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

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Immigration Post

India Post

July 8, 2011

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Illegal immigrant youth 'come out' in reform push ATLANTA: Eighteen-year-old Dulce Guerrero kept quiet about being an illegal immigrant until earlier this year, when she became upset after a traffic stop that landed her mother in jail for two nights. The arrest came as Georgia lawmakers were crafting what would become one of the nation's toughest immigration crackdowns, and Guerrero feared her mother would be deported. `Ì feel like that was my breaking point, when my mom was in jail,'' said Guerrero, who came to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 2. `Ì felt like, well, that's it, it can't get any worse than this. My mother has been to jail.'' Guerrero first publicly announced her immigration status at a protest in March, and now she's organizing a rally under the tutelage of more experienced activists who are themselves only a few years older. The high-stakes movement of young illegal immigrants declaring that they're `ùndocumented and

unafraid'' got a boost this week when a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist revealed he's been living in the country illegally. Guerrero is the chief organizer of a rally at the Georgia State Capitol for high school-age illegal immigrants to tell their stories. The recent high school graduate and others hope to draw attention to the plight of the hundreds of thousands of young people who were brought to the U.S. illegally by their parents. Already around the country, efforts by young activists have ranged from rallies and letterwriting to sit-ins and civil disobedience, drawing inspiration from civil rights demonstrations decades ago, with the aim of forcing the federal government to reform rules for immigrants in their situation. In one of the most high-profile declarations yet, former Washington Post reporter Jose Antonio Vargas used an ABC News interview and a New York Times Maga-

zine article to announce that he is an illegal immigrant from the Philippines. ``It's very exciting,'' said 25year-old Mohammad Abdollahi, a veteran protester who's helping

Already around the country, efforts by young activists have ranged from rallies and letter-writing to sit-ins and civil disobedience Guerrero. Vargas' revelation ``shows that we exist in all walks of life. Folks don't realize how American we are,'' he said. Some in the community fear Vargas' admission that he used false documents to get a driver's license and a job could invite backlash, but it illustrates the difficult reality for illegal immigrants

Call for help and get arrested ADEL SYED

CAIR-LA Government Relations Coordinator

still don't understand why I was arrested, but had I real ized I could be arrested after calling 911 for help and deported, I never would have called." : Isaura Garcia. As concerned citizens, it is our duty to speak out when we see abuses around us, from repressive regimes in the Middle East to corruption in our local cities. Stories like Isaura Garcia's are unfortunately becoming commonplace in our cities and communities. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security, is now compelling local law enforcement agencies to enforce immigration laws by submitting arrestees' fingerprints to ICE, through a newly created program called Secure Communities (S-Comm). Under the S-Comm program, fingerprints taken by local police during an arrest are automatically forwarded to ICE for immigration background checks. Operating on a 'guilty until proven innocent' model, ICE is immediately notified of all arrestees' immigration backgrounds, regardless of whether the person is innocent or how minimal the criminal charge is. As a result of S-Comm, victims of domestic violence who have called the police for help have subsequently found themselves arrested for being undocumented

and placed in removal proceedings. According to statistics provided by ICE, 5,800 individuals have been incorrectly identified as undocumented since the program was launched. Furthermore, 68% of deportations under S-Comm in California are either non-criminal or low level offenses. California also has the highest number of deportations under S-Comm, some 35,643 com-

Under the S-Comm program, fingerprints taken by local police during an arrest are automatically forwarded to ICE for immigration background checks pared to Texas in second place at around 24,000 deportations. Recently announced fixes by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) do not adequately address the continuing civil and human rights abuses caused by S-Comm and are only a band-aid solution to a systemic problem. S-Comm's flawed design additionally puts states and local police agencies at the center of a federal responsibility - the enforcement of immigration laws - which is a civil matter, not a criminal matter. The need for comprehensive

immigration reform is urgent, but compromising local policing cannot be the price we are asked to pay. Such methods contribute to an environment of fear of law enforcement and waste of taxpayer dollars. Many law enforcement agencies throughout the State have been working on a community based policing model founded on trust and understanding. S-Comm directly inhibits this critical relationship from moving forward. That is why Assemblyman Tom Ammiano recently introduced the TRUST (Transparency and Responsibility Using State Tools) ACT, also known as AB 1081. The TRUST Act addresses a lack of transparency with which ICE implemented S-Comm throughout the state. The bill also asks for protections of victims of domestic violence and juveniles, and encourages trust-building between local law enforcement and immigrant communities, among other provisions. More information on the bill, now headed for the State Senate, can be found here. As residents of one of the first states to sign an agreement with ICE on S-Comm, we must call for a moratorium until flaws in the system are worked out. Through the TRUST Act, California joins Illinois, Washington, and Washington D.C. in standing up for transparency, public safety and community policing.

seeking to pursue their goals, Abdollahi said. Abdollahi was brought to the U.S. from Iran when he was 3 and was raised in Michigan. Those who come forward make themselves vulnerable, but it's no guarantee they'll have to leave the U.S. right away. Some have been deported despite broad support from their communities asking that they be allowed to stay. Others, like Georgia college student and cause celebre Jessica Colotl, have won at least temporary reprieves. Mandeep Chahal, an honors student at the University of California, Davis, and her mother were granted a stay in their deportation proceedings after Chahal, 20, campaigned on Facebook to avoid being sent back to India. Proponents of stricter enforcement of immigration laws often concede that young people in this situation are among the most sympathetic cases but that legalizing them still raises problems.

``Our own American young adult college grads are in dire straits in the job market - and particularly disproportionately Hispanic and black Americans - so what the DREAM Act does is adds potentially a million, two million more people to compete legally in that job market,'' said Roy Beck, executive director of NumbersUSA, which pushes for tighter immigration control. ``So, as compelling as the case of these DREAM students is, we have to acknowledge that legalizing them does actually victimize our own young adults.'' The Obama administration hasn't promised not to deport illegal immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children, but Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has made it clear that they are not a priority. Still, the threat of being forced out of the country weighs heavily on those who announce their illegal status. -AP

Immigration law enforcement challenge can go ahead NASHVILLE, Tenn.: A lawsuit challenging the right of the Davidson County Sheriff's Office to enforce federal immigration law can be expanded to also target the federal immigration agency, a federal judge has ruled. Nashville immigration attorney Elliott Ozment is suing the Davidson County Sheriff's Office on behalf of three Nashville residents affected by the 287(g) program, which allows deputies to work with federal agents to investigate the immigration status of inmates. Ozment argues the sheriff's office should not participate in the program because the agency gave up its law enforcement powers when the city and county consolidated in 1963. Under the charter, the sheriff's office is responsible for running the jail while the Metro Nashville Police Department is responsible for law enforcement in the county. Ozment originally asked the Davidson County Chancery Court to issue an injunction barring the sheriff's office's participation in the federal program. The case was transferred to federal court after Chancellor Carol McCoy ruled that the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency had to be added as a party to the dispute. Attorneys for both Metro Nashville and ICE requested the case be dismissed.

In a ruling, U.S. District Judge Kevin Sharp instead allowed Ozment to amend his complaint, adding a new plaintiff and claims of false imprisonment, violations of the federal Administrative Procedure Act and violations of the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. ``That's why this was such an important victory,'' Ozment told The Tennessean newspaper.

Ozment is seeking damages on behalf of a U.S. citizen of Mexican descent who was twice detained for days by the sheriff's office ..."We wanted to add federal causes of action. We were trying to solidify the claims against the federal government.'' Ozment is seeking damages on behalf of a U.S. citizen of Mexican descent who was twice detained for days by the sheriff's office; a legal permanent resident from Honduras who was held for questioning about his immigration status; and a legal temporary resident from El Salvador whose son is in deportation proceedings because of 287(g). -AP

Immigration Post

July 8, 2011

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Ex-guard pleads not guilty to abusing immigrant BROWNSVILLE, Texas: A former guard at an immigrant detention center in South Texas pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing a detainee awaiting deportation, but was ordered held after federal prosecutors revealed he could face a state drug charge as well. Edwin Rodriguez, 31, of Raymondville, was arrested on a charge of having sex with a woman who was awaiting deportation at the Willacy Detention Center in October 2008. U.S. Magistrate Judge Felix Recio postponed a decision on granting Rodriguez bond after Assistant U.S. Attorney Jody Young said that Rodriguez had marijuana at the time of his arrest and admitted to selling small quantities in recent months. Recio said he would wait for word from the Willacy County district attorney on whether Rodriguez would face a drug charge. Raymondville Police Det. Andres Maldonado said he was working on the warrant for Rodriguez and expected him to be charged with misdemeanor drug possession. Rodriguez had less than two ounces of marijuana at the time, Maldonado said. There was a minor in the house, Maldonado said. Rodriguez was an employee of Management & Training Corporation, or MTC, a contractor that operates the detention fa-

cility for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Maldonado said he did not believe Rodriguez was employed at the facility at the time of his arrest. In court, Limas told Recio that his client suffered from a variety of physical ailments, including an infection that limited his hearing in one ear, arthritis and herniated spinal discs. In response

Edwin Rodriguez, 31, of Raymondville, was arrested on a charge of having sex with a woman who was awaiting deportation to the judge's standard question about his competency, Rodriguez, wearing an orange prison jumpsuit with his wrists and ankles shackled, said that he had initially been placed on suicide watch. His attorney added that Rodriguez had some mental issues. ``Your case is going to move very quickly,'' Recio said. Officials recently announced that the county-owned Willacy facility would begin housing federal criminal prisoners rather than those detained only for immigration violations. The 3,000-

bed facility is sometimes referred to locally as the ``tent city'' because detainees are housed in large canvas-covered domes. ICE spokeswoman Nina Pruneda said that the agency was prepared to relocate the approximately 1,000 detainees at Willacy, should that become necessary. The Bureau of Prisons has said that MTC would run the newly configured facility. ``Unfortunately, the abuse that occurred at the Willacy Detention Center is not an isolated event,'' said Terri Burke, executive director of ACLU of Texas. ``We have seen this at other detention facilities in Texas. This inexcusable behavior will likely continue, largely with impunity, as long as these detention centers are run by for-profit private corporations that function without meaningful government oversight.'' MTC, which is based in Centerville, Utah, said in a prepared statement that it could not comment on the specifics of Rodriguez's arrest because it was an open legal proceeding. The statement added that ``MTC has a zero tolerance policy for this type of activity. The company has an absolute expectation for the professional behavior of all employees. We have and will cooperate fully with authorities in their investigation of the alleged sexual abuse.'' -AP

Federal judge rules for immigrant workers in suit KNOXVILLE, Tenn.: A federal judge in Knoxville has ruled that Hispanic workers do not have to reveal their immigration status to an employer they are suing to recover back wages. David Dunaway, an attorney for Caryville-based Baird Tree Company, has argued that illegal immigrants have no right to recover wages they could not legally earn in the first place. The firm is demanding to know which of the 21 workers suing the company are here illegally. But U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Guyton ruled earlier this month that workers must be paid for the hours they work, regardless of immigration status, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel. The ruling is the first of its kind in the Sixth Circuit, but in 2002 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a company had the right to know

the legal status of worker Jose Castro, who was suing for wages lost after he was laid off for union organizing. In that case, the Supreme Court ruled that awarding an illegal immigrant unearned wages ran counter to federal immigration law prohibiting the employment of illegal immigrants. But Guyton found the current case was different. Where Castro sought ``unearned wages,'' the former Baird employees are seeking pay for work already performed. Lower courts have largely held that employers cannot deny workers wages already earned simply because they are illegal immigrants, according to the ruling. ``Courts have held that immigration status is not. relevant where a worker seeks wages that were previously earned through

actual work,'' Guyton wrote. ``Thus, the court finds (Baird workers') immigration status is not relevant to their claims and, therefore, (the workers) will not be required to (disclose) their immigration status.'' The workers' attorneys, Arthur Knight III and Patrick Looper, have said that at least some of their clients are illegal immigrants. -AP

Governor wants tighter rules on immigrant licenses SANTA FE, N.M.: Foreign nationals and illegal immigrants could have a tougher time getting driver's licenses in New Mexico under a new plan. Gov. Susana Martinez directed the Taxation and Revenue Department and its Motor Vehicle Division to recommend changes in the documents that foreign nationals must submit as identification and proof that they are New Mexico residents. The Democratic-controlled Legislature earlier this year rejected a measure by the Republican governor to halt the state's practice of issuing licenses to illegal immigrants and others without Social Security numbers. Martinez plans to renew her proposal when the Legislature meets this fall in a special session. ``In the absence of legislative action on this issue, my administration will explore ways in which the security of New Mexico's driver's license can be enhanced,'' Martinez said. ``I expect that we will be able to begin to put the best ideas into practice within the next four weeks.'' The governor also said the agencies will try to determine

whether foreign nationals who previously received driver's licenses are residents of the state. New Mexico has issued at least 103,000 licenses to foreign nationals since July 2003, according to department records. State officials don't ask the immigration status of people, so it's uncertain how many of those licenses have gone to illegal immigrants.

Only New Mexico and Washington issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants because their laws don't require proof of citizenship Only New Mexico and Washington issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants because their laws don't require proof of citizenship or immigration documents. Utah grants a special driving permit to immigrants, but it cannot be used as identification, such as for boarding airplanes. -AP

Datebook

India Post

July 8, 2011

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NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Sat July 9 • Ustad ghulam ali live in concert Venue: Hindu Temple Auditorium, 143-09 Holly avenue, Flushing, New York Time: 8pm Contact: 917-855-2057

Fri July 15 • Charity Cocktail Fundraiser Venue: Salud Tequila Lounge, 1471 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago Time: 8pm to 11pm Contact: 630-217-9905

Mon July 18

NEW JERSEY

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Upcoming Wed July 8

Thurs July 7

• South Asian Summer Theater Festival

• Sapane, Soorile Sapane - Trib-

ute To Mukesh

• 2011 Western Regional Family & Youth Conference

Venue: Mayuri Indian Cuisine, 2232 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, California Time: 7:30pm to 11pm Contact: 408-735-9025

Venue: St. Thomas Orthodox Church of Los Angeles, 14121 Coteau Dr., Whittier, CA Time: 4pm Contact: 714-342-5196

Thurs July 9

Sat July 9

• Shaan Live-in-concert with

• Arangetram - Emily Johnston

Venue: Crossroads Theater, 7 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, New Jersey Contact: 732-750-1546

• Bhasshic 2011

Sat Aug 13

• Indo America fair

Venue: Chinmaya Mission Chicago - Yamunotri Campus, 30877 N. Fairfield Road, Grayslake, Illinois Time: 9am to 5pm Contact: 847-537-4710

• Jadavpur University Picnic 2011

Sat Oct 8 • Rhythm For Relief Venue: Haven NYC, 244 East 51st St, NY Time: 6pm Contact: 347-307-1378

Venue: Mercer County Park, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, New Jersey Time: 6pm Contact: 609-785-1505

Aishwarya and Sadab

• Surtarang Music Competition

Sat Aug 27

Venue: San jose center for the performing arts, 255,Almaden Boulevard, San Jose, California Time: 7:30pm Contact: 408-792-4111

Venue: Naperville Community Concert Center, 104 E. Benton Ave., Naperville,Illinois Time: 11am to 4pm Contact: 630-355-5468

• Asian American Fair 2011

Fri July 10

Sat July 30

Upcoming

Sat July 9

Sat Sep 3 Venue: Mercer country Park, west Windsor, New Jersey Contact: 609-240-2350

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Venue: Garden State Exhibit & convention center, 50 atrium Drive.somerset, New Jersey Time: 11am to 9pm Contact: 347-513-8526

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming Wed July 6 • Amma Washington DC

• Yuva Bharati Presents Mohini

Attam Recital By Sunanda Nair Venue: Cubberley Theater, 4000,Middle Field Road, Pal Alto, California Time: 4pm Contact: 650-565 - 8859

Sat July 16 • Exploring Yoga's Spiritual and Religious Roots

Venue: Hyatt Regency Reston, 1800,Presidents Street, Reston, Virginia Time: 10am Contact: 240-696-1927

Venue: Yoga Mandala Studio, 2807 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705 Time: 2pm to 4pm Contact: 408-464-8715

Fri July 22

Sun July 17

• Manish Sood presents "INTENSE" starring Atif Aslam and Sunidhi Chouhan Live Venue: DAR Constitution, 1776 D Street, NW Washington, Washington Time: 7:30pm Contact: 703-629-9623

Mon Aug 22

• Ustad Ghulam Ali Live In Con-

cert In Bay Area Venue: Chabot College Performing Arts Center, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA Time: 6:30pm Contact: 510-797-1000

Sat Nov 12

• Shri Krishna Janamastami

• Hello Namaste Salaam Satsriakal Masti

Venue: Hare Krishan Temple, 10310 Oaklyn Drive, Potomac, Maryland Time: 4:30am Contact: 301-299-2100

Venue: Chandni Restaurant, 5748 Mowry School Rd, Balentine Plaza, across Hilton Hotel, Newark, CA 94560 Time: 7pm

Venue: Albert & Janet Schultz Theater, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, California Contact: 408-871-5959

Sum July 17 • Indian Cruise to Mexico from Long Beach Venue: Carnival Splendor, 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, California Time: 4:30pm Contact: 858-925-7806

Fri July 22 • Into The Bollywoods Venue: Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood, California Time: 8:30pm Contact: 310-876-2513

Mon Aug 1 • Yogalicious! Venue: Art of Living Center Los Angeles, 948 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, California Time: 6:30pm to 9pm Contact: 310-820-9429

Fri Aug 5 • David Maldonado's "Noche de Pasion" - 100 Years of the Spanish Guitar Venue: Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd., East, Hollywood, California Time: 8:30pm to 10pm Contact: 619-723-5407

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Philosophy

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July 8, 2011

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hat I have found of and by myself runs counter to everything anyone has said in any field of human thought. They have misled themselves and misguided everybody. You still fall for all that because if, for instance, you were to change your diet you would die of starvation. But I want to live forever! Can you keep me alive and healthy, the way I have lived for ninety years of my life? No? But that's all that interests me! When once it throws out everything that has been put in there by your filthy culture, this body will function in an extraordinarily intelligent way. It can take care of everything. If at any time I accept anything, it is not what the religious people have told me about the way the body functions, but what the medical doctors have found. Yet, what they do not know is immense; and they will never know how this body functions. I have never taken any medicine nor have I ever seen a doctor. All the doctors who have advised me not to live the kind of life I had been living are now dead and gone. There is one exception - once, I had typhoid fever when I lived in Madras. My wife's brother was a top doctor in the General Hospital in Madras. The British had a wing in

ANDREW RAWLINSON

r Jean Klein was a French medical doctor and musicologist who became a great teacher of Advaita Vedanta after attaining self realization. Q: 'If our true nature is free and loving, where does everything else come from: attachment, desire, fear, the world itself?' Answer: "The world of names and forms is the result of mental activity. Ignorance (Avidya) begins at the very moment when the ego takes names and forms to be separate realities." (Be As You Are, 15) So how do we avoid identifying with the body and mind and all the objects that mind projects? The first stage is what Dr. Klein calls listening (Be As You Are, 3). He defines this as global awareness, which is not limited to any of the five senses (or the mind): "If you let your attention go to your ear, you'll feel that it is constantly grasping. It is the same with the eye, the mind and all your organs. Let the grasping go and you will find your whole body is spontaneously an organ of sensitivity. The ear is merely a channel for this global sensation. It is not an end in

the hospital for themselves and nobody else was allowed to stay in the rooms in that wing. That year, however, they opened the wing to the general public. So my brotherin-law got me one room in it and another for my family members. In that room my wife and grandmother stayed. Three nurses took care of me taking turns every eight hours for a whole month, after which I walked out.

What you are is a belief; if you let one belief go, you must replace it with another; otherwise, you will drop dead. I am telling you, a clinical death will occur. It is not the near death experience of those 'near death' scoundrels. So you better go and make money and enjoy the fruits thereof. All those filthy religious people are fooling themselves and fooling everybody, living on the

has done to every other species on this planet! It has no place on this planet. If I am sure of one thing, it is that. If it were not for your destructive weapons, you would have been wiped out a long time ago. And you are going to be wiped out, because now others have the means to wipe you out. But you are not going to go gracefully without taking every form of life on this planet with you.

Exert yourself to the limit of your power, however small it may be. HE is there to fulfil what has been left undone. -Anandamayi Ma

What you are trying to get you can never get ‘When once it throws out everything that has been put in there by your filthy culture, this body will function in an extraordinarily intelligent way’

U G Krishnamurti

Although I assert that all doctors should be shot, I don't advise others not to see a doctor. I don't know what I will do if I am in a situation where I want to prolong my life a little longer. So I would never tell others not to see a doctor. I brushed aside everything born out of human thought. Everything they told me falsified me. And what you are trying to get you can never get, because there is nothing to get.

gullibility and credulity of people, making an easy living, selling shoddy pieces of goods and promising you some goodies that they can never deliver. But you want to believe all that nonsense. It's a reflection on your intelligence that you fall for all that crap to which you are exposed. Nobody has given me the mandate to save you people or save the world. The human species should be wiped out for what it

With minimum means you can wipe out the maximum power. The body knows what it needs to do to survive. If it does not have the means to survive, it goes gracefully. Excerpted from 'My Swan Song' dictated by UG to Louis Brawley in mid-February 2007, a month before his death. The 93rd birth anniversary of U.G. Krishnamurti will be observed on July 9

itself. What is heard is also felt, seen, smelled and touched. Your five senses, intelligence and imagination are freed and come into play. You feel it is being completely expanded in space, without centre or border. The ego, which is a contraction, can find no hold in this presence, and anxiety, like and dislike dissolve." (Who Am I?)

world can have - in the sense in which Sri Aurobindo uses the term Lila, the divine game of the Lord if it is seen as unreal. Dr. Klein replied, "He who aims at Ultimate Reality places no accent on the things of the world: it would seem completely futile to him since he has ascertained the unreality of things...The world is

Dr. Klein is unequivocal in his rejection of evolution (spiritual, not physical): "This notion of evolution is one of the most characteristic errors of modern thought....It is the belief that more can come out of less, that better can be produced by worse. Evolution in the strict meaning of the word, is only an unfolding, a

The world celebrates the ultimate perceiver Dr Jean Klein

Let the grasping go and you will find your whole body is spontaneously an organ of sensitivity. The ear is merely a channel for this global sensation

But this is only the first step. It leads on to realization of the Self, "our true nature" which "is reached by a complete elimination of the world of objects" (ibid., 70). This "complete elimination of the world of objects" has consequences for cosmology that are quite as radical as they are for personal identity... .Someone once asked him what significance the

directed towards the perceiver, it celebrates the ultimate perceiver. He who is established in the Self is in no way interested in theologies and cosmologies. “The construction of a cosmological hypothesis, such as the one which looks upon the world as a divine game, is a mental hypothesis due to ignorance. (Be As You Are, 87)

passing from what is implicit to that which is explicit, from what is not manifest to that which is manifest. It produces nothing. “It never produces, let alone creates. We cannot rely on it in our search for salvation or liberation. Liberation is not a problem of evolution, for no evolution can lead to liberation, which is the result of discernment only." (ibid., 17)

God is everywhere but He is most manifest in man. So serve man as God. That is as good as worshipping God. -Ramakrishna Man seeks to change the foods available in nature to suit his tastes, thereby putting an end to the very essence of life contained in them. -Sai Baba You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul. -Swami Vivekananda I cannot believe in a God who wants to be praised all the time. -Friedrich Nietzsche Do exactly what you would do if you felt most secure. -Meister Eckhart Life is a tide; float on it. Go down with it and go up with it, but be detached. Then it is not difficult. -Prem Rawat

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Seeking alternatives to nuclear deterrence in India MAJ. GEN. (RETD.) DIPANKAR BANERJEE

he March 2011 meltdown of Japanese civil nuclear reactors at Fukushima has again focused our minds on the potential catastrophic consequences of nuclear radiation. We are reminded that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons has actually been the mainstay of deterrence strategy since the latter half of the 20th century. This despite the severe odds that dependence on nuclear weapons only makes the likelihood of its use, through accident or intent, more probable. It is this thinking and attitude towards deterrence that has characterized the nuclear age. Even as deterrence remains the most essential strategy to prevent

nuclear deterrence is perhaps amongst the most important reasons for the proliferation of such weapons today. Yet, apart from the realities of the present state of geopolitics, what did nuclear weapons deter after all? It may have deterred a major war in Europe during the Cold War. As the Soviet Union acquired the hydrogen bomb by 1954 and demonstrated its willingness to use the mammoth 60 MT Big Bertha soon afterwards, the thought of massive destruction and a possible nuclear winter was terrifying in the extreme. But it did not prevent Hungary in 1956 or Czechoslovakia in 1968 or the erection of the Berlin Wall. Finally, nuclear weapons could

Studies (IPCS). Four rounds have been held between December 2008 and January 2011. Is nuclear deterrence the sole means of ensuring security or do other options exist? Can we ensure a more safe and secure Asia even as we move steadily away from our dependence on nuclear weapons? India faces Pakistan and China over unsettled borders which sometimes lead to a state of high armed tension, all with nuclear weapons. This is a precarious situation. Today, it is imperative to look for alternatives. Framing alternatives is a complex process, requiring confidence among negotiators, willingness to engage and lots of time. First, it will need to eliminate Deterrence enabled points of threat or dispute between through nuclear nuclear adversarweapons is a poor ies. Resolving tool and a rather boundary disputes, eliminating frightening one in territorial threats the present circumand addressing potential issues stances of conflict before IndiaĂs Agni II nuclear-capable missile they assume a sethe outbreak of war, nuclear deter- not prevent the break-up of the rious dimension are the essential rence has assumed high credibil- mighty Soviet empire. In other the- initial measures. ity as the principal means of atres in the past, nuclear deterSecond will be adopting posachieving such a state. It is this rence was just as ineffective. China tures of 'no first use' under all cirdependence on nuclear weapons and Russia engaged each other in cumstances and mutually develthat needs to change, especially an armed confrontation on the oping and implementing meafor two reasons. Usssuri River when both had sures that will make these steps First, the nature of threats has nuclear weapons. Pakistan initi- credible. This will in turn call for fundamentally changed and is ated in Kargil in 1999 what may transparency and confidenceboth non-military as well as con- actually be termed as the first war building leading eventually to ventional force-related. From made possible because of the ex- mutual inspections of arsenals cyber attacks to possible climate istence of nuclear deterrence. and their readiness. wars, to terrorist strikes, there are Therefore, deterrence enabled The third set of measures will several others. Nuclear weapons through nuclear weapons is a poor be in developing alternative conare inadequate means to deter tool and a rather frightening one ventional capabilities. While in these threats, yet their availability in the present circumstances. Re- militarily advanced countries conand presence makes their possible cent global attempts towards ventional weapons already have use likely. nuclear weapons elimination have considerable destructive power, Second, the character of adver- been helpful but tentative. It is asymmetry again poses chalsaries and the nature of war too likely to be time consuming work, lenges and increases threat. have changed. Instead of sover- which may not see success in 'our This is where new ideas are eign nation states opposing each lifetime'. sorely needed. Would greater inother, accountable to international The New START succeeded in terdependencies through ecolaw and lending their arsenals ca- lowering the nuclear thresholds of nomic cooperation help? Would pable of being under careful state two major arsenals. Yet it neither conventional arms reduction be control, one or more opposing went far enough nor included other possible through cooperative forces today may be a terrorist issues of concern, such as ballistic measures, such as stopping short group owning up to no national- missile defense or tactical weapons of sophistication or in reducing ity or shadowy groups owing in- in forward deployment. numbers or in matters of deploydirect allegiance to several. We are presently undertaking ment of forces and weapons? The latter's chosen method of in Asia a dialogue among experts Would collective arrangements conflict is sudden unprovoked at- and former senior officials to ex- through common regional organitacks through clandestine means amine these very issues. This is a zations provide greater assursymbolized by the suicide bomber. track II dialogue between senior ance? We do not quite know, yet The ultimate threat in today's experts, former senior officials and these and several other options world is that such a group could scholars from India, China and will need to be seriously considacquire a nuclear capability. Pakistan, being undertaken by the ered. The continued emphasis on Institute of Peace and Conflict The writer is Mentor, IPCS

India Post Defense of Pak

t is intriguing to learn that Pakistan has a Defense Minister. Never exposed to international media, one Choudhary Ahmad Mukhtar recently told BBC Urdu service that Pakistan doesn't have the resources to fight a war with India. With its present strength of armaments, Pakistan can last 20 to 22 days in a war with India whereas the latter can outlast it for 45 days, he said. One wonders what functions does a Defense Minister perform in Pakistan! So far Pakistan has had only "Attack" ministers. For much of its existence, Pakistan was ruled by the military. Can anyone imagine Musharraf having a Defense Minister! The Pakistani establishment is used to engaging in attacks only - first in Afghanistan, than on India and later on expanding to the west and all over the world. What role did Choudhary Saheb, or his predecessors if any, had in these assault programs? And did Choudhary Saheb have the permission of Army Chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani to make an independent statement? In a state where the Army chief is the de facto boss in running the country and its foreign affairs, even Prime Minister Gilani has to get his statements vetted by the Army chief, or at least seek a silent assent from him. And President Zardari is always at loggerheads with the Army chief but has to ultimately bow down to the baton. In fact even ISI chief Ahmed Shuja Pasha has more authority than the President or Prime Minister of Pakistan. In normal hierarchy, and as practiced in India, the three service chiefs come under the civilian government and take orders from the Defense Minister. It world be laughable for Choudhary Saheb Defense Minister of Pakistan to attempt to order General Kayani or General Pasha. Then what are his functions? Is he a spokesperson for the Army? Does he go to Army HQs to take his orders? Perhaps the orders are conveyed to him by more subtle, means of modern technology and he responds with, "Yes, sir". Then he pronounces the policies manufactured in Rawalpindi. At the command of Army Brass he would go to armed forces stationed at crisis points and try to boost their morale. Has any one ever heard of the Defense Minister attending any of the important meetings in Pakistan? Has any visiting dignitary found it necessary to call on him or invite him to his country? It was surprising to find the Defense Minister talking of peace with India. His Master General Kayani has made it clear often enough that he is "India obsessed" and that India is his pet hatred. Then how come Chaudhary Saheb said the peace process with India had started and meetings were taking place in spite of problems. He even made a statement that matters would improve when "we decide that religion and politics should not be mixed together." This statement will be treated as blasphemy in his country and it would not be surprising if he is pulled up by the authorities very soon. Hasn't he exceeded his brief? Even as the "Defense Minister" is making his peace noises, it is reported that Pakistan has more nuclear bombs than India and is in the process of making many more. It is a safe bet that Defense Minister Choudhary Saheb doesn't know how many nuclear weapons Pakistan has and where they are stored. It is difficult to believe in the words of Chaudhary Saheb because if Pakistan was really interested in its defense, it would not be provoking its neighbors.

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July 8, 2011

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52 India Post

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July 8, 2011