IndiaPost_07-15-2011 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Dr. Appareddy is chair-elect of AMA's IMG wing Details on page 36

HAF leaders meet Conaway on Hindu rights Details on page 6

Politics splits Edison I-Day parade into two

VOL 17, No. 879

July 15, 2011

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SCAM CLAIMS ANOTHER DMK MINISTER

NEW DELHI: Pushed to the wall after CBI named him in came untenable after the CBI in its status report on the 2G the 2G spectrum allocation case, high-profile Textiles Min- scam case charged him with "forcing" a Chennai-based ister Dayanidhi Maran has resigned from the Union Cabi- telecom promoter C Sivasankaran to sell his stakes in Aircel net, becoming the second DMK casualty in to a Malaysian firm in 2006 during his tenure the scam. as Telecom Minister in UPA-I. 44-year-old Maran met Prime Minister The Prime Minister is believed to have had Manmohan Singh after a Cabinet meeting a word with DMK Parliamentary Party chief and tendered his resignation following a T R Baalu and conveyed to him that the word from DMK chief M Karunanidhi, DMK leadership should be apprised of the highly-placed sources said. position that Maran cannot continue in the Maran's continuance in the Cabinet becabinet. Dayanidhi Maran Details on page 6

Swamy's journey from Silicon Valley to MP Details on page 18

India relaxes rules for passport surrender Details on page 42

Church calls for turbans for Sikh detainees Details on page 42

Tata Housing foray into world market

Details on page 13

Details on page 40

Huntsman Jr. raises daughter in Hindu faith

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 12-22

Details on page 7

Date Book -------------------------- 23 Edit Page --------------------------- 49

INDIA POST SURVEY

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

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

This week’s question

Immigration Post ------------- 42-45

Supreme Court on black money should silence agitators?

Life Style ----------------------- 26-27 Philosophy ------------------------- 48

Last week’s result

Is US right in pressing for reforms in India? YES 66%

NO 34%

REAL JUGGERNAUT: Devotees gather in front of three wooden chariots as they celebrate the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri, some 70kms east of Bhubaneswar, on July 3. This year marks the 134th annual Rath Yatra, where wooden images or idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, are mounted on ceremonial chariots and taken out in a procession, where hundreds of thousands participate

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 40-41 TechBiz Post ------------------- 34-35 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

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Publisher’s Diary

his past month one could not sit to watch a news channel without being hit with images of the overrated Casey Anthony murder trial in Florida. Legal experts and celebrity judges waxed forth on their legalese to analyze the case that involved Casey facing charges of murdering her two-year old daughter Caylee. Seduced by sensationalism, I watched the live casts of the courtroom drama. And today I echo the national shock, not over Casey's acquittal but over a system that failed a child. That the jury found Casey 'not guilty', was not because her defense was brilliant, but simply because the prosecution could not break through her web of lies. I do not intend to challenge legal eagles on the 'art' of prosecution, but the questioning I watched, of the mother, brother and father of the accused, was appalling, in that it did not even establish whether they were speaking for or against the accused! It's unthinkable that with access to such advanced forensics as available today, investigators could not determine the cause of Caylee's death. Almost three-and-half years of state resources spent in the investigation and trial of Casey, the question remains: Who is responsible for Caylee's death? The prosecution took the easy way out of relying on the psychological effect of Casey's 'guilty' image portrayed by the media rather than finding the real culprit. Casey's acquittal of murder charges - and the jury's wisdom - notwithstanding, it remains that a two-year old died an unnatural death, her body was found in a swamp duct taped and decomposed, her mother did not report her missing for 31 days and partied during that time, and sat through over a month of trial in court listening to inane arguments over her dead child, a mute spectator. There are no losers here - the defense won its case, the media their ratings and Casey, her freedom and perhaps a book deal - except for Caylee. Even if she did not kill Caylee, I hope Casey lives with the unspoken truth long enough to realize the moral abomination of not having spoken out for her daughter.

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Top gun Salman Khan continues with his winning streak making it a hat-trick of hits in successive years with ‘Ready’.

Cover Story: Maran quits Pushed to the wall after CBI named him in the 2G spectrum allocation case, Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran has resigned.

Community: July 4 Parade

With great enthusiasm and patriotism, the Indian community of Niles Township took part in the 4th of July parade.

Health: Honor for Appareddy Dr Vijaya Lakshmi Appareddy has been elected as chairperson-elect of AMA’s International Medical Graduates Section.

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Travel: Dalhousie Dalhousie, 80 winding kilometers from Pathankot, is markedly different and off the beaten track.

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Scam claims another DMK minister NEW DELHI: Pushed to the wall after CBI named him in the 2G spectrum allocation case, highprofile Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran has resigned from the Union Cabinet, becoming the second DMK casualty in the scam. 44-year-old Maran met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after a Cabinet meeting and tendered

Baalu and conveyed to him that the DMK leadership should be apprised of the position that Maran cannot continue in the cabinet. Baalu, who is in Delhi, is understood to have conveyed this to Karunanidhi who later asked Maran to put in his papers. It was business as usual for Maran in the morning as he at-

This is the second time Maran is quitting the Cabinet. The first time he quit was in 2007 when the DMK decided to withdraw him from the Cabinet after differences cropped up within the DMK's first family his resignation following a word from DMK chief M Karunanidhi, highly-placed sources said. Maran's continuance in the Cabinet became untenable after the CBI in its status report on the 2G scam case charged him with "forcing" a Chennai-based telecom promoter C Sivasankaran to sell his stakes in Aircel to a Malaysian firm in 2006 during his tenure as Telecom Minister in UPA-I. The Prime Minister is believed to have had a word with DMK Parliamentary Party chief T R

tended the Cabinet meeting during which he abstained himself for a brief while when the issue of license for FM channels came up. He kept himself away on account of conflict of interest because his brother Kalanidhi Maran runs a media empire that includes FM channels in various languages. Maran went back home from the Cabinet meeting and returned later to give his resignation to the Prime Minister on the DMK chief's direction. Maran, son of late Union Min-

ister Muralosi Maran, is a grand nephew of Karunanidhi. With this, Maran becomes the second DMK minister to step down for alleged involvement in 2G scam. Former Telecom Minister A Raja was forced to resign in November, 2010 when the CAG indicted him in the scam. Karunanidhi's daughter and DMK MP Kanimozhi and Raja are currently in Tihar jail for their alleged involvement in the scam. This is the second time Maran is quitting the Cabinet. The first time he quit was in 2007 when the DMK decided to withdraw him from the Cabinet after differences cropped up within the DMK's first family. Later, he made a re-entry into the Cabinet in May, 2009 after the elections, but got only the Textiles portfolio.

Dayanidhi Maran

Too late, says CPI CHENNAI: The CPI has termed the resignation of Textile Minister Dayananidhi Maran from the Union Cabinet as "too late" and sought Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's explanation on the development. "The resignation of Maran is too late. He should have gone long time back as allegations are very serious. Now it is for the Prime Minister to explain to the people and to Parliament," CPI National Secretary D Raja said. With the series of scandals, the UPA-II government stood thoroughly exposed, he said. -PTI

The CBI, in its report, said that during 2004-07 when Maran was telecom Minister, Sivasankaran, was forced to sell the stake in Aircel to a Malaysian firm Maxis Group. There was intense speculation for the past one month about Maran's continuance in the Union Cabinet after reports alleging that the family-owned Sun TV received pay-offs from a Malaysian firm in return for the spectrum allotted to it during Maran's tenure surfaced.-PTI

HAF leaders meet Congressman over Hindu human rights India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The human rights records of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Malaysia were the topic of discussion with Congressman Mike Conaway (R-TX) in his local office recently. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF), along with Hindu American community leaders from Midland and Odessa, Texas met with the Congressman to address issues regarding large appropriations to these countries that have failed to curb human rights violations, in some cases, in spite of human rights accountability requirements. "I recognize the concern of my Hindu American constituents regarding the plight [of] Hindus who live in countries where their rights are not sufficiently protected," said Congressman Conaway. Referring to HAF's seventh annual human rights report published in May 2011, which

documents human rights violations against Hindu minorities in eight countries, Congressman Conway said, "The Hindu American Foundation has provided an invaluable service by bringing

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I recognize the concern of my Hindu American constituents regarding the plight [of] Hindus who live in countries where their rights are not sufficiently protected,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; said Congressman Conaway these issues to my and other lawmakers' attention through their human rights report. It is my hope that in the future we will be able to further elevate the issue of hu-

manitarian concerns and that we may hold these nations accountable for any and all human rights and religious freedom violations." Some of the violations include forced conversions, abductions, and temple destruction, among others. "We're pleased that we were able to meet Congressman Conaway and explain in greater detail some of the international human rights issues that are of concern to the Hindu American community," said Jay Kansara, HAF Associate Director. "Such interactions we hope will prove fruitful in the long run as we inform public officials of gross violations of civil liberties of Hindu minorities in South Asia and elsewhere around the world. Congressman Conaway seems sympathetic to our views and we hope he will take them into consideration when legislating on US interaction with these countries and how much foreign aid money the US appropriates." Congressman Conaway serves

on the House Armed Services Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. In the meeting, HAF referenced data from the State Department indicating that the US has already given

Hindus who are a minority in rogue states such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Malaysia struggle for their basic rights. This meeting was the first time Midland and Odessa Hindus raised such issues billions of dollars in humanitarian and military aid to the countries discussed at the meeting. "HAF does a great job in representing Hindus in America as

well as Hindus throughout the Diaspora, where their rights are not protected abroad," said Dr. Nipank Shroff, HAF member and physician from Midland. "Hindus who immigrated from India and other parts of the world have been blessed with many opportunities for professional advancement in the US. Unfortunately, Hindus who are a minority in rogue states such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Malaysia struggle for their basic rights. This meeting was the first time Midland and Odessa Hindus raised such issues with our Congressman and we are confident we can build upon this relationship." The meeting was facilitated by Dr. Jayram Naidu, HAF member and physician from Odessa. Also present was Dr. Raj Reddy, a physician from Midland. Congressman Conaway indicated he will be joining the India Caucus as he works on many issues regarding India.

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ArcelorMittal Orbit to be handed over in March

LONDON: A tower taller than the Statue of Liberty of New York, being built here by leading NRI steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal's ArcelorMittal for the London Olympics, will be handed over to the authorities by March, 2012, well ahead of the Games. The 114.5-metre ArcelorMittal Orbit, being constructed at a cost of 22.7 million pounds (about Rs 161 crore), will give an unparalleled view of the entire Olympic Park and London's skyline from two viewing platforms. Just as the Olympic Games is a truly global event that draws athletes from every corner of the world, the company wants to ensure that the ArcelorMittal Orbit embraces this crucial element of the Olympic spirit, an ArcelorMittal official said. "The Olympics are scheduled to begin on July 27, 2012, while our artistic sculpture will be ready by February. We intend to hand it

over to the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) in March as our gift to London," said Ian Louden, ArcelorMittal's Head of Brand, Worldwide. Designed by noted artist Anish Kapoor and leading structural designer Cecil Balmond, the steel

it a stable sculpture. "The Orbit is being made with continuous looping lattice of tubular steel and is being produced using star-shaped nodes... building the structure is an architectural challenge," said Balmond, who is one of the brains behind the giant sculpture. . Construction of the Orbit will use about 2,200 tonnes of steel produced from all the plants of ArcelorMittal across the world. Louden added that an about 72metre high structure has already been built and the physical structure of Orbit will be completed by early September, while works on air-conditioning, lift, stairs, etc, will be completed by February. The largest steel producer in the world is the primary funder for the giant structure, contributing about 19.6 million pounds, while the London Development Agency is funding the balance 3.1 million pounds. The artistic sculpture is expected to generate revenues worth 10 million pounds every year and the OPLC is looking for companies to operate the Orbit during the Games and beyond. ArcelorMittal Group Manage-

An about 72-metre high structure has already been built and the physical structure of Orbit will be completed by early September, while works on air-conditioning, lift, stairs, etc, will be completed by February tower challenges the traditional concept of a tall structure, as the sculpture appears to change as your eyes move around it. The Orbit looks to loop into the sky, but it actually crosses back on itself and touches the ground from three sides, making

ment Board Member Michel Wurth said in Luxembourg that the Orbit, made of the company's steel, would also "reposition the material as a twenty-first century product" and is being constructed with a mix of 60 per cent material recycled from scrap. -PTI

Canada blacklists Pakistani Taliban as terrorist group TORONTO: Canada has banned the dreaded militant outfit Pakistani Taliban, designating it as a terrorist group, linking it to New York's Times Square bombing plot and plans to blow up the country's Parliament in winter. Canada thus joins the US, UK and other western nations in blacklisting the Tehreek-e-Taliban which is based in Pakistan's restive tribal region bordering Afghanistan. The ban is part of "global effort to crackdown on terrorism

wherever we find it", Foreign Minister John Baird was quoted as saying by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. While the public safety Minister, Vic Toews, said that putting the Tehreek-e-Taliban on the terror blacklist is "an essential part of our efforts to combat terrorism and keep our communities safe." He noted the group has claimed responsibility for "multiple" suicide attacks in Pakistan, as well as a May 2010 bombing attempt

of New York's Times Square. The TTP became the 43rd group on Canada's blacklist, which includes Al-Qaeda, Colombia's leftist FARC rebels and Hamas, the Palestinian rulers of the Gaza Strip. The move means that people in Canada and Canadians abroad are prohibited from "knowingly dealing with assets owned or controlled by the TTP" and that it will now be an offence to "knowingly participate in, contribute to or facilitate certain activities of" the group. -PTI

Huntsman Jr. raises daughter in Hindu faith India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Just as during the 2008 Presidential election John McCain's adopted Bangladeshi origin daughter caught media attention, Republican Presidential candidate for 2012 Jon Huntsman Jr. is caught the attention of Hin-

adopted Asha Bharati from an orphanage in Nadiad (Kheda district, Gujarat, India). Including Asha Bharati, who was born in 2006, Huntsman Jr. has seven children. He reportedly knows how to cook gulab-jamuns (a popular ball shaped dessert from India), is fond of Hyderabadi

Jon Huntsman Jr. carries his adopted child Kanak at Matruchhaya Orphanage in Nadiad, India. The Governor renamed Kanak as Asha

dus for raising an adopted daughter of Indian origin in the Hindu faith. The former governor of Utah, Huntsman Jr., who is an adherent of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reportedly

achar (pickles) and has visited some Hindu temples. Huntsman Jr. has been US Ambassador to China and Singapore, and has served in the administrations of four US presidents.

Direct subsidy: Poor to get cash through banks, ATMs NEW DELHI: Beneficiaries of submit the final report by the end kerosene, LPG and fertilizer sub- of this year," Mukherjee told residies will be able to get direct porters. cash transfers through banks, The report has suggested creATMs or even mobile banking ation of an IT-drive 'Core Subsidy after the UIDAI's recommenda- Management System (CSMS)', tions to plug leakages in the sys- which will be able to detect fraud tem are implemented. and diversions. Pilot projects for transfer of a "Beneficiaries can report maldirect cash subsidy will be launched in seven states - Tamil Nadu, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pilot project will take approxiAssam, Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi, mately six months' time and Rajasthan and Orissa taking into account the expefrom October, according to the roadmap sug- riences which they will gather, gested by the Unique they will submit the final report Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). by the end of this year,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; A comprehensive 70page interim report suggesting ways to plug leakages in practices to the government dithe subsidies was submitted to rectly, making it possible for the Finance Minister Pranab government to react in a timely Mukherjee by UIDAI Chairman manner," the report said. Nandan Nilekani. The government, through the "Pilot project will take approxi- CSMS, will transfer the cash commately six months' time and tak- ponent of the subsidy directly and ing into account the experiences in real-time into the bank account which they will gather, they will of the beneficiaries.-PTI

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Govt finalizes rules of nuclear liability law NEW DELHI: The Government has finalized the much-awaited rules of implementation of the nuclear liability law, a move that could pave way for expansion of the atomic power sector by procuring equipment from foreign suppliers. "A PMO committee has approved the rules of implementation of the civil nuclear liability law. We will notify the rules within month," V Narayanasamy, Minister of State in the PMO told reporters here. The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage law, passed by Parliament last year, allows the operator of a nuclear plant to seek damages from the supplier in case the nuclear incident occurs due to supply of equipment with latent and patent defects or sub-standard services. The suppliers' liability aspect is built into the Indian law through

the operator's 'right of recourse' incorporated in Article 17 (a, b and c), which has not been favorably accepted by a section of equipment suppliers and analysts.

The suppliers' liability aspect is built into the Indian law through the operator's 'right of recourse' incorporated in Article 17 (a, b and c), which has not been favorably accepted by a section of equipment suppliers and analysts "Sooner the better," said Arthur de Montalembert, Chairman and Managing Director of Areva India in reply to a question

about when he expected the notification of the rules. Areva, together with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), is building two 1650 MW nuclear power reactors at Jaitapur in Maharashtra. Areva had signed the early works contract with NPCIL last year for the Jaitapur project and was awaiting the notification of rules of implementation of the liability law. Once the rules are notified, foreign suppliers like Areva can go ahead and sign the commercial contract with NPCIL for the Jaitapur project. . Montalembert said Areva was looking forward to begin work on the Jaitapur project early next year and commission the first 1,650 MW nuclear power reactor by 2019. The second reactor may be commissioned within a year of operationalising the first one.

India has plans to build six 1,650 MW EPR nuclear power units at Jaitapur making it the largest site for atomic power generation in the country.

With concerns over nuclear safety in the aftermath of the Fukushima accident, Areva has reassessed the conditions under which the EPR reactor would operate in case of earthquakes, tsunamis, explosions and lack of cooling facilities The European Pressurized Water Reactor that Areva is setting up at Jaitapur has a life of 60 years and agreement for fuel sup-

ply would be signed for 20 years and renewed later considering the cost of uranium. With concerns over nuclear safety in the aftermath of the Fukushima accident, Areva has reassessed the conditions under which the EPR reactor would operate in case of earthquakes, tsunamis, explosions and lack of cooling facilities. "These analyses have re-confirmed the robustness of the design of the EPR reactor. EPR would have survived a Fukushima-type accident," Bertrand Barre, Scientfic Advisor to Areva Chairman told a select group of reporters. Besides Areva, Russian company Rosatom, US companies GE Hitachi and Westinghouse have been allotted sites for setting up nuclear power plants in the country as part of India's expansion plans for the sector. -PTI

Special security around Padmanabhaswamy temple mooted

Police commandos patrol the premises of the 16th-century Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Creation of a special security zone around the famed Sree Padmnabhaswamy temple here is on the anvil to protect the huge piles treasures found hid in its cellars. The details of the plan had

been drawn up by the police and submitted to the Government as a permanent security cover for the grand temple located in the heart of Kerala capital, Government sources said. The plan would be finalized and implemented with the ap-

proval of the Supreme Court, which has ordered the inventory of the precious articles hid in the inner-chambers of the sprawling temple, managed by a trust controlled by the Travancore royal family, the sources added. The proposal to create a se-

curity zone, drawn up by a team of top police officials under the supervision of Director General of Police, Jacob Punnose, suggested demarcation of an area of 500 meter radius around the temple as a special zone. Besides installing sophisti-

cated surveillance equipment for round-the-clock monitoring of the complex and its immediate environs, a special squad would be formed in the police for guarding the temple. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who had discussions with top police officers earlier this week on temple security, cleared that putting a fool-proof security in place would be done without coming in the way of the customs and rituals of the temple and inconvenience to devotees visiting the Lord Vishnu shrine will be avoided. . The government is expected to inform the apex court about the plan to create a security zone through Additional Chief Secretary K Jayakumar, who is part of the seven-member panel of observers entrusted with the task of preparing the list of precious articles hid in the temple cellars. Since the exercise began on Jun 27, the panel had opened five of the six cellars. They were found to contain invaluable articles like rare jewels, stonestudded crowns, heaps of gold and silver coins, idols and gold, silver and brass platters and lamps, whose value in money terms is estimated to run into nearly Rs 1 lakh crore. The observers, however, had made it clear that assessing the monetary value of the temple treasure was not their job as they had been mandated by the apex court only to prepare the inventory. -PTI

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India, Bangla pact on investment protection, promotion DHAKA: Giving a boost to bilateral economic and security ties, India and Bangladesh have signed an agreement on investment protection and promotion according each other the Most Favored Nation status in investments and resolved to jointly combat terrorism in all its forms. Culminating External Affairs Minister S M Krishna's talks with Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina and his counterpart Dipu Moni here, the two countries inked a Bilateral Agreement on Promotion and Protection of Investments (BIPPA) under which investments of either country would not be nationalized or expropriated except for public purpose and that too against "fair and equitable compensation." The 10-year agreement also provides for repatriation of capital investments, non-operating profits, loan repayments, royalty payments and service fees on a non-discriminatory basis. The agreement also envisages that national treatment and Most Favored Nation treatment to be

External Affairs minister S M Krishna speaks during a press conference as his Bangladeshi counterpart Dipu Moni looks on in Dhaka on July 7

accorded by either country to investments from each other. The accord was signed by Indian High Commissioner to

Bangladesh Rajeet Mitter and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Tariq A Karim in the presence of Krishna and Moni.

The two countries also signed an agreement under which India would allow transit of trucks carrying goods from Bhutan to

Bangladesh, nine months after a similar deal was inked to enable Nepal and Bangladesh to trade through Indian territory. The decision to grant transit to Bangladesh for its trade with Nepal and Bhutan was taken during Hasina's visit to Delhi and talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in January, 2010. Addressing a media conference, Krishna said security cooperation figured high on the agenda of his delegation-level talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart when the two countries recognized the importance of addressing each other's security concerns. "Both the countries expressed determination to jointly combat the menace of terrorism and insurgency and agreed not to allow their territories to be used by elements inimical to each other," Krishna said. Moni reciprocated by assuring India that Bangladesh was "steadfast in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations." -PTI

No window for IPL in FTP, BCCI never asked for it: ICC NEW DELHI: The ICC has sought to dispel the notion that IPL has been given a window in the international cricket calendar, saying the issue did not even crop up in the governing body's annual conference nor did the BCCI push for it.

such a window," Lorgat told PTI in an interview. "On the contrary, the BCCI is fully aware of the primacy of international cricket and should be commended for the recent stance against the Sri Lanka Premier League when it strongly advised

Haroon Lorgat

ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat said the BCCI never tried to arm-twist the governing body on the matter and the ICC didn't consider it either even though gaps have been left in the Future Tours Program for most nations during April and May for the eight-year period from 2012-20. "No, there is no window for the IPL in the FTP. The issue has never been discussed at ICC Board level and neither the IPL itself nor the BCCI has requested

its players of their commitment first to international cricket," he asserted. The FTP, which was approved by the ICC Executive Board on the recommendations of Chief Executives' Committee, contains an official two-week window in September for the Champions League Twenty20 each year and leaves space for a seemingly unofficial IPL window in April and May. All the earlier four editions of the IPL were held in April-May and

the fifth edition next year is scheduled from April 4 to May 27. . Lorgat also sought to dismiss apprehensions that the BCCI has become too influential in the ICC due to its financial might, asserting that the Indian Board is no more or no less powerful than any other member nation of the governing body. "The BCCI is one of 13 members on the ICC Executive Board and the Chief Executives Committee. All 13 members have equal standing and exercise their minds on a range of issues affecting international cricket and all 13 have a vote on the Board," he said. "That is the forum for members to voice their opinions on how the game should be run and collectively we arrive at decisions," he explained. But he did concede that it took a lot of convincing to ensure that the BCCI accepted the controversial Decision Review System which has been improvised to address Indian concerns. "It is evident that the BCCI needs convincing on the accuracy and reliability of ball tracking technology and that is what we have agreed to do. The good news is that we now have DRS as mandatory and we can only improve from this point onwards," he said. Now that the DRS has been made mandatory, the ICC is also considering bringing in sponsors

to fund the cost of installing the system. "Sponsorship of the DRS is now indeed an opportunity that we can fully explore. It may be

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sponsorship of the DRS is now indeed an opportunity that we can fully explore. It may be possible for us to secure a sponsor to cover the global costs of the systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

possible for us to secure a sponsor to cover the global costs of the system, but let's not forget that some Members have already implemented the DRS successfully. . "However, now that all Members are in favor of the system we will be in a position to investigate all options for funding the system," Lorgat said. Lorgat was quite critical of the Indian team's criticism directed at Australian umpire Daryl Harper, who chose to step down from his farewell Test (the ongoing IndiaWest Indies third Test) after being lambasted by Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni for his bloopers in the second Test.-PTI

Sonia Gandhi to visit Bangladesh on July 25 DHAKA: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be visiting Bangladesh on July 25 ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's trip here in September. "We are very happy and look forward to visit of Gandhi to Bangladesh on July 25," Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said after talks with her Indian counterpart S M Krishna here. Sources said that Bangladesh views Gandhi's upcoming trip here as a landmark visit.

Earlier, Bangladeshi media reported that Gandhi would attend a special conference on disabled and autistic children during her July visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Prime Minister Singh will visit Bangladesh on September six and seven. His visit is expected to mark a new beginning in bilateral ties as some crucial issues like border demarcation and exchange of enclaves are likely to be resolved. -PTI

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India weighs options on human space flight program BANGALORE: India is weighing the pros and cons of going in for collaboration for its ambitious human space flight program but a

All these models are possible. We are not closed on any of these options. But one has to study as to how does it lead you to the fu-

Chairman of Indian Space Research Organization K Radhakrishnan

final decision would be driven by the extent of technological gains accrued to New Delhi from it. Different models are possible in undertaking the proposed mission, first mooted nearly a decade ago, Chairman of Indian Space Research Organization K Radhakrishnan told PTI. Radhakrishnan, also Secretary in the Department of Space and Chairman of Space Commission, said there is a lot of discussion globally on collaboration in human space flight programs (not India-specific, but general in nature). "So, then, we should decide what we have to do in this area. There are different models available," he said. One possibility is to have a human being (Indian) flown in Soyuz (Russian rocket) or some other system. "It's like paying the money, getting into it, conduct a small experiment and come back. That's one part of it," he said. Another model is to make a crew module indigenously and use a man-rate vehicle (rocket) of a foreign space agency, and the third option for India is to develop the rocket and associated technologies on its own and undertake the mission. "All these things are there. The question is how much technology you will earn, what benefit you will get out of it (in case of collaboration). One has to weigh it because you (India) must have a long-term program for it (human space flights). We are not doing for the sake of doing it (the human space flight mission) actually," Radhakrishnan said. "The question is when you take it (the program) into future direction, how does it help you," Radhakrishnan said.

ture," he added. Asked if ISRO would initiate discussions with US and Russian space agencies for possible collaboration, he said, "All these discussions will take place," and added that the entire space community is generally interested in such programs (internationally). On whether India is open to collaboration on this program, Radhakrishnan said "there are no hard positions on this. But one has to look at it." "We have to weigh pros and cons. Finally, (the decision depends on) what benefit India gets in the immediate term and in the long term." Even as it weighs options, ISRO is busy working on critical technologies needed for this complex mission. The program envisages the

development of a fully autonomous orbital vehicle carrying two or three crew members to about 300 km low earth orbit and their safe return. Three major areas that ISRO needs to master are, environmental control and life support (ECLS) system, crew escape system and flight suite and it's currently working on them, under pre-project studies for which the Government sanctioned Rs 145 crore. ISRO conducted initial studies for four years from 2002 to examine the technological challenges for the program, then called manned space mission, and Indian capability. In 2006, about 80 senior scientists from across the country who attended a meeting convened by ISRO, were highly appreciative of the study conducted by the space agency and unanimous in suggesting that the time is appropriate for India to undertake such a mission. Since then, the Space department has been engaged in preproject activities to study technical and managerial issues related to undertaking the mission with an aim to build and demonstrate the country's capability. At the time, the preliminary estimated cost for the proposed mission was Rs 10,000 crore spread over a period of eight years, including setting up mission-specific facilities. Subsequently, it was scaled up to Rs 12,400 crore in 2007-08. ISRO officials indicated then in private that the mission could take place in 2015-16 time-frame if everything went as planned but the space agency had never committed itself on the likely dates, always maintaining that

seven to eight years are needed once the project is taken up. Even today, the project, per se, is yet to be taken up though work on various technologies is underway. The twin-failure of the homegrown rocket, GSLV, last year one with indigenous cryogenic engine and stage, and another with the imported Russian one has certainly put the clock back by two-three years. Asked if one could expect the human space flight only towards the end of this decade, Radhakrishna refused to commit a time-frame. "See, it takes its own time. You have to have that time. You have to have your vehicle (rocket)," he said. Bangalore-headquartered ISRO said its PSLV (rocket) cannot be used for such a mission as it does not have capacity and GSLV-MK II has a limitation that it can take only two persons. GSLV-MK III which is under de-

proved for unmanned flight. We are at that stage now. So, we have to decide whether GSLVMK II or MK III that we will do this human rating," he said. "Then, we can have the mission. Without a vehicle, talking about a mission has not much of a challenge actually," the ISRO Chairman said. ISRO says it has to have a couple of good flights of GSLV before it could talk about the mission per se. "First priority is to have GSLV flight with indigenous cryogenic and meeting the mission requirements," he said. The next GSLV flight is scheduled only after April next year. Radhakrishnan said, the human space flight mission can take place seven years from the project's start, which he would not be able to say right now. "Let's not talk about the mission, per se. But critical technologies we are working on," he said. He said a number of mission-

In 2006, about 80 senior scientists from across the country who attended a meeting convened by ISRO, were highly appreciative of the study conducted by the space agency and unanimous in suggesting that the time is appropriate for India to undertake such a mission velopment certainly can take three persons with some more space left. "When you have to take up human-rating activity, you have to decide on which vehicle. So the vehicle has to be (first)

specific facilities, such as one for astronauts, mission control centre and launch pad, need to be established. The selected astronauts would have to undergo a training course for two-and-half-years.

Osama probe panel asks Pak govt not to repatriate his family ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani commission probing Osama bin Laden's presence in the country has directed the Interior Ministry and ISI to ensure that the slain alQaeda chief's wives and children do not leave the country without its permission. Two of bin Laden's wives and at least six of his children were detained by Pakistani security forces from the Abbottabad complex, where a covert US raid killed the world's most wanted terrorist on May 2. The family is believed to be in the custody of the ISI. "The Ministry of Interior and ISI have been directed to ensure that the family of Osama bin Laden is not repatriated from Pakistan without the consent of the commission," said a statement issued

after the first meeting of the panel headed by Supreme Court Justice Javed Iqbal. Sources said this was done as the Commission might want to interview members of bin Laden's family. The commission held an in-

The statement asked the public to provide any information they had and invited individuals to appear before the commission before July 31. The identity of persons who appear before the panel will be

Two of bin Laden's wives and at least six of his children were detained by Pakistani security forces from the Abbottabad complex camera meeting yesterday to frame modalities for its working and announced that it will call members of the civilian, military and political leadership during the course of the inquiry, if needed.

kept secret and they will be provided legal protection, the statement said The commission's first meeting was attended by the three members of the panel - Abbas Khan, a

former provincial police chief, former diplomat Ashraf Jehangir Qazi and Lt Gen (retired) Nadeem Ahmed. The commission has been asked by the government to ascertain how bin Laden managed to live in Pakistan for such a long time, investigate the US operation that killed him, determine the nature and causes of lapses by authorities and make suitable recommendations. The next meeting of the Commission will be held on July 11. The panel's members agreed not to set a deadline for submitting a report on the inquiry. They wanted to keep proceedings free of any timeframe to allow them to take as much time as they felt is necessary to complete the probe, media reports said. -PTI

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Dalai Lama celebrates 76th birthday in Washington WASHINGTON: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama turns 76 today and the Nobel Laureate will celebrate his birthday offering words of wisdom to his followers and meeting US lawmakers here. The Dalai Lama arrived here today on his first visit to the US after giving up his position as the political leader of the Tibetan government in exile. He will attend the Kalachakra ceremony, a 10-day Buddhist ritual to pray for world peace during his visit here. He will also meet some top US officials during his visit, including John Boehner, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, and Nancy Pelosi, the House Minority Leader, during his stay here. But there was no word from the White House on whether US President Barack Obama would meet him as has been a tradition for the last few decades except once in 2009.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama greets practitioners during the Kalachakra for World Peace at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC, July 6

India opens up remote sensing data sector BANGALORE: Remote sensing data and imagery with a very high resolution will now be made available under a new policy unveiled by Government to benefit more users in a move that will help infrastructure development in urban areas. The 2011 Remote Sensing Data Policy (RSDP), which lifts some restrictions in force for the past 10 years, came against the backdrop of a CAG report had found that almost 80 per cent of images of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) were idling. The earlier policy that allowed all data of resolutions up to 5.8 meters to be distributed on nondiscriminatory and 'as requested' basis by ISRO has been brought down to up to one meter, K Radhakrishnan, Secretary in the Department of Space, said today. The old 2001 policy mandated that ISRO could release only data up to 5.8 meter resolution. Radhakrishnan said the new policy liberalizes and opens up the sector and would see more users getting data. Restrictions as per the earlier policy, enunciated in 2001, have been removed, he said, adding that now, there is no bar on publishing of high resolution, remote sensing data of up to one meter resolution. The top space official said high resolution data is required

for infrastructure planning and other development activities. According to RSDP-2011, all data of better than one meter resolution, however, shall be screened and cleared by the appropriate agency prior to distri-

Private sector agencies, recommended by at least one government agency, for supporting development activities, can obtain data without further clearance, while other private, foreign and other users, including web-based service providers, can do so from an inter-agency High Resolution Image Clearance Committee (HRC), already in place bution with a view to protect national security interests. . Among other factors, the new policy has taken into consideration the recent availability of very high-resolution images from foreign and commercial remote sensing satellites, and the need for proper and better management of the data acquisition/dis-

tribution from these satellites in India. Government users such as ministries, departments, public sector, autonomous bodies, government R & D institutions, government educational and academic institutions can now obtain better than one meter resolution data without any further clearance. Private sector agencies, recommended by at least one government agency, for supporting development activities, can obtain data without further clearance, while other private, foreign and other users, including web-based service providers, can do so from an inter-agency High Resolution Image Clearance Committee (HRC), already in place. Radhakrishnan pointed out that at the time of framing the 2001 policy, "best available resolution to us was 5.8 meters through IRS-1C and IRS-ID". But thereafter, ISRO launched Cartosat-1 which gave 2.5 meters resolution data and Cartosat-2 series which gave 0.8 meters resolution data. "Cartosat-2 data will (now) be available to the people", he said. He said while Google covers some parts of the country, there are problems with the high resolution images offered by it in terms of "latency of data and how up-to-date they are". -PTI

Obama did hold a quiet meeting with the Dalai Lama last year in the White House's private residence to which China raised strong objections. There was no meeting announcement from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as well. However, the Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, Maria Otero, who is also designated as Special US Coordinator for Tibet met the Dalai Lama at the airport and also met him later in the day. An Indian Embassy official was also present at the airport to receive the Tibetan leader. Kalden Lodoe, president of Capital Area Tibetan Association, which is organizing the Kalachakra teachings, welcomed the Dalai Lama on behalf of the community. His program for July 6 begins with preparatory prayers and a function to celebrate his 76th birthday. -PTI

ISI ordered killing of Pakistani journalist: US officials NEW YORK: US officials say erate in the coming days how to they have intelligence that present the information about Pakistan's powerful spy agency Shahzad to the Pakistani governISI ordered the killing of a Paki- ment, an official said. stani journalist who had written The disclosure of the intelliscathing reports about Islamist gence was made in answer to militants having infiltrated into questions about the possibility of the country's military. its existence, and was reluctantly New classified intelligence ob- confirmed by the two officials. tained before the May 29 disap"There is a lot of high-level pearance of the journalist, Saleem concern about the murder; no one Shahzad, 40, from the capital, is too busy not to look at this," Islamabad, and after the discov- said one. ery of his mortally wounded body, showed that senior of- The intelligence, administration ficials of the spy officials said they agency, the Directorate for Inter-Services Intel- believed was reliable and ligence, directed the at- conclusive, showed that the tack on him in an effort actions of the ISI, as it is known, to silence criticism, 'New York Times' re- were â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;barbaric and ported quoting two se- unacceptableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; nior Obama Administration officials. The intelligence, administraA third senior American official tion officials said they believed said there was enough other inwas reliable and conclusive, telligence and indicators immedishowed that the actions of the ISI, ately after Shahzad's death for the as it is known, were "barbaric and Americans to conclude that the unacceptable". ISI had ordered him killed. But the disclosure of the infor"Every indication is that this mation could further aggravate the was a deliberate, targeted killing badly fractured relationship be- that was most likely meant to send tween the US and Pakistan, which shock waves through Pakistan's worsened significantly with the journalist community and civil American commando raid two society," said the official. months ago that killed Osama bin A spokesman for the Pakistan Laden in a Pakistan safe house. intelligence agency said in The newspaper said Obama Islamabad yesterday that, "I am administration officials will delib- not commenting on this." -PTI

Desi News Telugu Association hosts Summer Picnic KEERTHI RAVOORI

Hartford proclaims Oct 25 as 'Rajan Zed Day' India Post News Service

'Krishna Bhakti Dham' planned in Pennsylvania SURENDRA ULLAL

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Swamy's journey from Silicon Valley to MP from Karnataka Details on page 18

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Indian community participates in July 4th parade SURESH SHAH

NILES: With great enthusiasm and patriotism, the Indian community of Niles Township along with United Senior Parivar took part in the 4th of July parade witnessed by hundreds of Niles and out of Nile town people. Members of the Indian community, ages ranging from 2 years to

Students of Kalapadma Dance Academy walked with Indian banner dressed in beautiful Indian attire. Raman Bhai Patel of United Senior Pariwar walked holding a big American flag leading the group 80 years, marched in the parade with others. Spectators on both sides of the streets were mesmerized by Indian music and Kerala drummers' Koechuveettil beats.

Young and old Indians participating in Niles July 4th Parade

They were dancing nonstop and saying happy 4th of July. Indian participation in the US Independence parade was well appreciated and enjoyed by all those present. It also helped foster a sense of pride among Indians as they felt they belonged to this great nation. More than 70 people took part dressed in red, white and blue t-shirts dancing and jumping with

Indian DJ Dhamaka. The Kerala drums by George Mathew, Joseph Thomas, Jeffery Thomas, Manu Thomas, and Denny Thomas and group enlivened the atmosphere. Students of Kalapadma Dance Academy walked with Indian banner dressed in beautiful Indian attire. Raman Bhai Patel of United Senior Pariwar walked

holding a big American flag leading the group. After the parade everyone was served delicious lunch at the residence of Mrs Usha Kamaria. Many volunteers helped in making this a very enjoyable and entertaining day. Seniors from United Senior Parivar, in spite of heat and considering their age, showed great spirit of patriotism.

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Politics splits Edison I-Day parade into two India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Come August, New Jerseyans - Indian Americans and others alike - may as well brace themselves to some traffic confusion and two side shows instead of a grand India Day Parade in Edison. Marred by infighting among organizers, and further messed up by local politicians, the grand event that Indian Americans annually look forward to, to celebrate India's Independence, would be, in all possibility, split into two. Leaders of two organizations -

the Indian Business Association (IBA) and the Oak Tree Indian Business Association (OTIBA) refusing to come to a compromise despite Herculean efforts by local Municipal Council members, County officials and concerned Indian Americans, have sought and obtained permits to organize the parade, but each for only a part of the usual distance on Oak Tree Road running between Edison and Iselin parts of Woodbridge. Leading to this bizarre situation is Woodbridge Township and Middlesex County granting their permits to the IBA, and the Edison

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Punjabi Cultural Society holds graduation nite

Township granting its permit to the OTIBA. All three permits are required for the parade to pass through the entire traditional route along Oak Tree Road. The parade was founded by Bimal Joshi in 2004 as a member of the regional Federation of India Associations (FIA). However, five years ago, owing to differences with the organizers, then Edison Mayor Jun Choi transferred the township permit to the IBA. Last year, as Choi exited and a new administration took control of Edison Township, the permit went back to Bimal Joshi and his newly

The IBA, in March, filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of New Jersey, against the Edison Township and its Mayor for denying them the permit to hold the parade this August. So now, unless the Court decides differently, there are likely to be two different parades in two sections of the same road formed OTIBA on grounds that he "applied first". The IBA, in March, filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of New Jersey, against the Edison Township and its Mayor for denying them the permit to hold the parade this August. So now, unless the Court decides differently, there are likely to be two different parades in two sections of the same road. Jumping the gun, the OTIBA, armed as it is with the Edison Township permit, held July 6, its kick-off event at the Royal Albert's Palace hotel, to announce the parade on Aug 14.

India Post 13

SURENDRA ULLAL

Class of 2011 cutting graduation cake

CHICAGO: Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) organized its eleventh annual "Punjabi Youth Graduation and Scholarship Awards Night" on Sunday, June 12 at Viceroy of India Banquet Hall in Lombard, Illinois. More than 250 attended. The guests of honor were the class of 2011 graduates from the community. The celebration included recognition awards, scholarships, keynote address, cake cutting ceremony, DJ music, dancing, networking, and delicious Indian cuisine. The participants of "Rangla Punjab 2011," the PCS Annual Vaisakhi cultural program, were also awarded. The party was free to the graduates and Rangla Punjab participants. "The purpose of this program is to encourage our next generation to go for higher education by

showing appreciation and providing guidance in a fun and party environment and to show that PCS and the community cares about them," said PCS Chairperson Dr

scholarship winners among the applicants were decided by an independent panel of judges .The scholarships were presented to the winners by Dr Amarjit Singh and

The celebration included recognition awards, scholarships, keynote address, cake cutting ceremony, DJ music, dancing, networking, and delicious Indian cuisine. The participants of "Rangla Punjab 2011," the PCS Annual Vaisakhi cultural program, were also awarded Amarjit Singh. The $1000 PCS scholarship this year was awarded to Parvinder Singh Sahota of Maine West High School. Parvinder won for his high scholastic achievements and also participation in community service and Punjabi cultural activities. The

Kalyan Singh Bagga. Dr Diljeet Kaur Singh, Dr Karamjit Kaur and Ranjeet Kaur Singh co-sponsored the PCS scholarship in fond memory of their father Dr Pritam Singh. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 14

Avalon School of Medicine in Curacao forges ahead Krishna Raj Rajda

CHICAGO: Avalaon University at Curacao in the Caribbean, established just seven years ago, has blossomed to be among the best outside USA for imparting medical education. According to Dr Shokat Fatteh, Chan-

a five-year program while those with a college degree put in four years. Dr Fatteh said that the University has tied up with US hospitals for clinical rotation of its students and the students finishing their course would have exposure at US hospitals. He said that the University also prepares its students for a touch USMLE

Dr Fatteh said that the University has tied up with US hospitals for clinical rotation of its students and the students finishing their course would have exposure at US hospitals. He said that the University also prepares its students for a touch USMLE program cellor and founding member of the University, one of the biggest factors that has pushed the University to the top is its highly designed curriculum for high school and college graduates that would meet the level and standard of US and Canadian universities. The high school graduates have

program and the success rate is over 83 per cent. "Many of our students have been accepted as residents in the US hospitals after their studies, clinical rotation and USMLE result," he said. Dr Shokta Fatteh (center) with Avi Verma (left) and Dr Ashish Ansal Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 15

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Punjabi Cultural Society holds graduation nite

Bikram Singh addressing the meet Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 13

The scholarship award event was co-sponsored by Dr Surjit Singh Patheja, Dr Amarjit Singh, Mr & Mrs Kalyan Singh Bagga, Dr Robert Singh and Balwinder Singh Girn.

given to the graduates. The Keynote Speaker for the evening was Dr Bikram Singh Dhillon, author of a newly released book "The Diamond Rule." He is an ER physician, and a professor of medicine at University of Illinois Chicago.

Bhangra dance at the end

A special cake cutting ceremony honoring all the class of 2011 graduates was also held. An exclusive invitation for the first dance at the celebration party was

Dr Dhillon made a thought provoking and at the same time inspiring keynote address encouraged the young attendees to have a curious mind and reminding

Amarjit Singh PCS chairman being honored with a plaque by Dr Darsh Wasan V.P. and provost I.I.T. Chicago and Dr Gerald Doyle Associate provost I.I.T. Chicago L-R: Mohinderjit Singh Saini, Dr Gerald Doyle, Dr Darsh Wasan, Dr Amarjit Singh, Balwinder Singh Girn

them of the value and strength of their identity as Punjabis. He asked them if they knew their history well enough to remind others of the accomplishments and sacrifices of their parents, grandparents and those who had came before them for thousands of

valuable experience even though they may not pay well. He asked them to always be on the look to grab an opportunity. Dr Bikram Dhillon was honored, with a plaque presented to him by the PCS Chairperson Dr Amarjit Singh. The scholarship

community service volunteer Surinder Singh Bhatia and Surinder Kumar Jain of Viceroy of India Banquets were also honored with plaques by PCS. All of the attendees enjoyed the party, relished delicious Indian cuisine, DJ music and dance.

Dr Gerald Doyle, Associate Provost of I.I.T. Chicago also addressed the graduates and counseled them to choose the career path closest to their heart and let their creative juices flow through research and development, to create jobs in that field for themselves and others years. He awakened their pride by invoking the examples of Indians, Punjabis and Sikhs who are the equal to any western examples of whom they will be taught. He reminded them that they were born into the House of Guru Nanak. Dr Gerald Doyle, Associate Provost of I.I.T. Chicago also addressed the graduates and counseled them to choose the career path closest to their heart and let their creative juices flow through research and development, to create jobs in that field for themselves and others. Rajinder Singh Mago, the compere, encouraged the graduates to pursue internships and leverage their job search through networking. Internships provide

Rangla Punjab 2011 participants honored at the Graduation and Scholarship Awards Gala Night

donors and event sponsors were also honored with plaques presented to them by Dr Amarjit Singh and Dr Darsh Wasan V.P. and provost of IIT Chicago. The PCS Chicago recognition certificates were presented to the class of 2011 graduates by Dr Amarjit Singh, Harinder Singh MITS, and Dr Darsh Wasan. All the performing artists of "Rangla Punjab 2011" the PCS Vaisakhi cultural show were given trophies and certificates. The

The dance floor was jam packed with young Bhangra lovers till late into the evening. The upcoming PCS events are a two day "Punjabi Sports Festival 2011," comprising an all day basketball tournament on Saturday August 6 and the community sports day including Kabaddi on Sunday August 7. Both events will be held at the Addison Park District Community Park at 120 E. Oak Street in Addison, IL.

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July 15, 2011

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Telugu Association hosts Summer Picnic KEERTHI RAVOORI

CHICAGO: The Telugu Association of Greater Chicago [TAGC] - one of the largest Indo American Telugu organizations in America - hosted its annual Summer Picnic 2011 at the sprawling green expanse in Hoffman Estates, Illinois on Saturday, June 25. The picnic attracted a large number of Telugu families. Founded in 1971, the TAGC began its celebration of its 40th year anniversary earnestly at the picnic complete with food, music and games to mark the crossing of an important milestone. The picnic encompassed a wide variety of Telugu culinary delights and barbeque cook-outs with traditional south Indian food spread. Kalyan R. Anandula, TAGC President welcomed members and guests and thanked them for coming together to spend time with the Telugu families in the Chicago land area. Anandula said that the picnic offers a remarkable opportunity for the families to connect with each other to advance its cultural goals. He added that the association takes great pride in organizing Telugu festivals and other cultural events by infusing the traditions and customs inherent to Telugu

The Summer Picnic 2011 of the Telugu Association of Greater Chicago in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Seen here are the Executive Board Members and Telugu community leaders with Chief Guest Vijaya Rama Rao [seated in white full-shirt] at the picnic.

cultural heritage. Vijaya Rama Rao, former CBI Director was the chief guest for the picnic. In his remarks, he congratulated TAGC leaders saying that their role in strengthening this premier Telugu organization is truly commendable. He asked the organization to continue to promote the

Avalon School of Medicine in Curacao forges ahead Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 13

"The mission of Avalon University School of Medicine is to educate students in both the science and art of medicine. Its education and campus environment promotes growth, learning besides imparting discipline and direction - all ingredients for the making of a skilled and successful physician," he said. Dr Fatteh who graduated with an MD 36 years ago, practices dermatopathology, clinical pathology, anatomic pathology and clinical pathology in Youngstown, Ohio. He hails from India and one of the reasons for his active association with the Caribbean University was that he wanted to provide a greater degree of facility and opportunity to students who otherwise are highly qualified and talented but are not getting admission in US colleges. Avalon University is not insisting on MCAT test or its results. The cost of medical education at Avalon University is also much less than what the students have to pay for their education in USA. Off the coast of Venezuela, Curacao Island had a Dutch administration till recently. It is a very safe and pleasant place even for a stray visitor. Its tropical climate and relative high standard of living has made it among the best in Caribbean Sea. Flights into and out of Curacao International Airport are frequent,

says Avi Verma, the Clinical Director in Illinois, and most major airlines fly there. Dr Fatteh said that the University management has decided to induce new young medical professionals into its board and administration. "We

He hails from India and one of the reasons for his active association with the Caribbean University was that he wanted to provide a greater degree of facility and opportunity to students who otherwise are highly qualified and talented but are not getting admission in US colleges have recently appointed Dr Ashish Ansal as Associate Dean for its clinical operations," he said. Dr Shokat Fatteh was in Chicago recently and had a good presentation about the University at Holiday Inn in Cumberland, a north side Chicago suburban area.

rich Telugu culture among the growing Diaspora and urged the leaders to continue to work in the spirit of unity in advancing the goals of the organization. Several prominent Telugu community leaders participated in the Summer Picnic including Hanumanth Reddy, Chalma

Reddy Bandaru, KK Ravoori, Satya Kondapalli, Madhav Reddy, Tirumal, Satya Reddy Kandimalla, Amarendra Neetam, Narendra Chemarla, Ram Reddy, Geedipalley Reddy, Karunakar Madhavaram, Ravinder Reddy and Dr Jayachand Pallekonda.

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Congress Leader speaks about Telangana agitation AQ SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member K. Keshava Rao has called for an early decision on separate Telangana issue. He said the Telangana agitation has taken over 60 lives so far and 80 percent of people in Andhra Pradesh are waiting for a separate Telangana state. Keshava Rao was addressing a press conference in Chicago at Holiday Inn Skokie. Keshava Rao briefly dwelt upon the history of Telangana issue and its importance for the people of Andhra Pradesh. The press conference was hosted by FIA senior trustee Iftekhar Shareef. Keerthi Kumar Ravoori introduced Keshava Rao to Chicago media. An agitation by the Congress MPs and legislators is aimed at pressurizing the centre to carve out separate Telangana state as promised by it on December 9, 2009. Keshava Rao, who is also the

secretary of All India Congress Committee (AICC), was in Chicago for a personal visit. He informed the media that the time has come for MPs and legislators to demand separate Telangana since the voters have elected them for this issue.

Keshava Rao, who is also the secretary of All India Congress Committee (AICC), was in Chicago for a personal visit. He informed the media that the time has come for MPs and legislators to demand separate Telangana Answering questions from media on corruption scandals and Baba Ramdev incident in Delhi, he said he felt sorry the way police

treated Baba Ramdev in Ramlila Ground, Delhi. However, he pointed out that Baba Ramdev had obtained three days permission from Delhi police to exhibit his Yoga at Ramlila Grounds but went into protest fast along with his followers.

Rajan Zed (left) with Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra. India Post News Service senates and houses of

Keshav Rao addressing media meet in Chicago

The Telangana agitation means more disruption of normal life for the people of Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh.

Guruvayurappan Hindu Temple in Texas India Post News Service

HOUSTON: The Kerala Hindu Society, a no profit body in Houston TX, plans setting up first of its type Sri Guruvayurappan Temples in Houston TX. The construction, according to the society sources, has entered the second phase. The second phase will include a community center. The Society recently conducted Shadhadhara Prathishta, a ritual milestone, and buried a time capsule. Phase three will bring more accomplishments. Based on the architectural and ritual features of Guruvayur Devaswom of Kerala (India), the temple is expected to be fully commissioned by summer 2013. When completed, it will be the first of a kind Guruvayurappan temple in the western world. KHS was established in 1983 but its history goes back to 1979. It had acquired 4.8 acres for this project and architects Kanippayyur Krishnan Nampoothiripad and Thanthri Karianur Divakaran Nampoothiri have been rendering their services for its construction. Sasidharan Nair, Somarajan Nair, Sathyan Pillai, and Muralee Kesavan are President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer respectively of the Temple Board. Currently the Temple, which opens at 6 am every day, holds

Sri Guruvayurappan Temple

daily poojas and also monthly Ganapathi Homam and Bhagavathi Seva and weekly bhajans. It also offers various religious services, like Annadanam (which costs $251), Vahana Pooja, etc and organizes Malayalam and

dia, where the presiding deity is Mahavishnu. According to the legends, the idol worshipped here is more than 5000 years old. Guruvayur is a form of Krishna. Another $6 million Guruvayurappan Temple is also planned in Brampton (Ontario,

The second phase will include a community center. The Society recently conducted Shadhadhara Prathishta, a ritual milestone, and buried a time capsule. Phase three will bring more accomplishments religious classes. Guruvayur Devaswom, abode of Lord Sree Guruvayoorappan at Bhoolokavaikundam, about 29 kilometers from Thrissur (Kerala), is a well known pilgrimage site in In-

Hartford proclaims Oct 25 as 'Rajan Zed Day'

Canada). Incorporated in 1837, Houston, which houses NASA Johnson Space Center, is the fourth-largest city of USA. Annise D. Parker is the Mayor.

HARTFORD: It would be a singular honor for Indian American community activist Rajan Zed with the Hartford Mayor in Connecticut proclaiming October 25 as Rajan Zed Day recognizing his work in promoting inter-faith harmony and understanding in the country besides creating a better awareness of Hinduism with the mainstream society. The Proclamation, signed by Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra, says: "We honor Rajan Zed's leadership role in his continuous efforts to help the helpless", and adds: "Mayor of the City of Hartford, along with the Court of Common Council, and the citizens of Hartford, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, October 25th, 2011 as Rajan Zed Day In the City of Hartford". Incidentally, October 25 is Zed's birthday, who is based in Nevada (USA). The proclamation mentions "Rajan Zed's initiatives to bring various religious communities together throughout the world so that they can live in peace and mutual trust and enrich themselves through dialogue"; "Rajan Zed's work to uplift about 15 million Roma (Gypsies) people of Europe who live in apartheid conditions by voicing their issues and concern's frequently"; and "Rajan Zed's efforts to help the Hindu communities spread throughout Connecticut, USA, and all around the world". Rajan Zed, the President of Universal Society of Hinduism, read the first Hindu invocation of Hartford City Council in its 227 years of existence as incorporated city on June 13 evening from ancient Hindu scriptures-Rig-Veda, Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gitain Sanskrit followed by its English translation. Zed is a religious statesman who has taken up interfaith, Hinduism, religion, environment, Roma and other causes all over the world. He has read opening prayers in US Senate, various state

representatives, counties and city councils all over the country. He was invited by President of European Parliament in Brussels for a meeting to promote interfaith dialogue. He is a panelist for "On Faith", a prestigious interactive conversation on religion produced by The Washington Post. He is bestowed with "World Interfaith Leader Award" and is Senior Fellow and Religious Advisor to New York headquartered Foundation for Inter-religious Diplomacy, Director of Interfaith Relations of Nevada Clergy

The proclamation mentions "Rajan Zed's initiatives to bring various religious communities together throughout the world so that they can live in peace and mutual trust and enrich themselves through dialogue" Association, Spiritual Advisor to National Association of Interchurch & Interfaith Families, etc. Hartford, named in 1637, houses USA's oldest public park (Bushnell Park), oldest continuously published newspaper (Hartford Courant), oldest public art museum (The Wadsworth Atheneum); besides Trinity College and Hartford Seminary. Notable people associated with it include dictionary author Noah Webster, inventor Sam Colt, financier J.P. Morgan, author Mark Twain, broadcasters Howard Stern and Bill O'Reilly, actress Katharine Hepburn, musician Mike Carabello, basketball player Marcus Camby, etc. Jo Winch is City Council President while David B. Panagore is Chief Operating Officer of Hartford, which is nicknamed as "Insurance Capital of the World".

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'Krishna Bhakti Dham' planned in Pennsylvania SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Vallabh Youth Organization (VYO) is planning to build "Krishna Bhakti Dham" (Krishna Devotion Abode) in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Krishna, perhaps, is the most popular Avtar just as the Bhagvad Gita, is the most revered Hindu religious scripture. To the average Hindu he is the supreme statesman, warrior, hero, philosopher and teacher, immortalized and ingrained in their psyche. The saints, bards and common men sing the glory of his exploits, especially as the protector of human values and the way of life as upheld in the Hindu scriptures. On the heels of Swami Vivekananda and Maharshi Mahesh Yogi, Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada came to the United States and brought with him the devotional chanting of the name of Shri Krishna, popularly known as "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare" and founded the International Society of Krishna Consciousness that has spread nationwide with hundreds of centers and devotees singing the glory of his persona. Numerous temples have been built across of America. Krishna Bhakti Dham is being built in Pennsylvania with the same devotion. Funds are being raised for this spiritual and cultural center, which will focus on spiritual, cultural and linguistic needs of the community. Rangesh Shah is President of

VYO Scranton chapter. His Holiness Pujya Goswami 108 Shri Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayshri, 24, is the founder of VYO, which is headquartered in Vadodara in Gujarat. Its vision includes: "To bring about awakening amongst youth…To establish Youth Spiritual Center". Applauding the development, Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that efforts of Dham planners and

should focus on inner search and realization of self and work towards achieving moksha (liberation), which is the goal of Hinduism. Indian community activists in Chicago, especially Sohan Joshi and Nand Kapoor, both former FIA and AIA Chicago Presidents respectively also applauded the efforts of the Vallabh Youth Organization to add Krishna Bhakti Dham, a socio religious

On the heels of Swami Vivekananda and Maharshi Mahesh Yogi, Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada came to the United States and brought with him the devotional chanting of the name of Shri Krishna, popularly known as "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Scranton and surrounding area community for building this wonderful spiritual/cultural center, especially focused on youth, should be followed by other like minded organizations across USA. He added it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society. He hoped that this spiritual Center (Dham) would help in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism we

center in Scranton. Sohan Joshi noted that Indian community in the USA, especially the youth need much more exposure to Indian values because of dominant western influence in their daily lives. Most of the community elders do believe that it is important to understand and assimilate the customs, feasts and festivals of the land that we chose as our Karma Kshetra, i.e. the land where we engage ourselves in contributing our knowledge and rewarding ourselves with material benefits

Sikh Coalition testifies at on workplace religious freedom

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Sikh Coalition has testified in support of a proposed law that would significantly enhance religion-based protections for New York City employees. The proposed law, introduced by Council Member Mark Weprin (D-Queens), would significantly increase the obligations of city employers to respect the right of Sikhs to maintain their articles of faith in the workplace without discrimination. "It's critical that our local laws recognize our city's religious diversity and work to protect it," said Amardeep Singh, Program Director and Co-Founder of the Sikh Coalition. "Today's proposed law, if enacted, would be an important step in eliminating the false

choice between one's employment and one's faith. We thank Council Member Weprin for his leadership on this issue." Sikhs suffer high levels of employment discrimination because of their Sikh identity. According

less they remove their turbans. This policy exists despite the fact that turbaned Sikh soldiers currently serve in the United States Army in Afghanistan. "Employees, whether Sikh or of any other religious group, should

"It's critical that our local laws recognize our city's religious diversity and work to protect it," said Amardeep Singh, Program Director and Co-Founder of the Sikh Coalition to a research report issued by the Sikh Coalition in 2008, one in ten Sikhs in New York City reported suffering discrimination in employment. Most egregiously, Sikhs may not work for the New York City Police Department un-

be judged based on their intelligence and qualifications, and not based on what religion they practice or what is convenient for someone else," said Council Member Weprin. Cont’d on page 21

to sustain and enrich ourselves and the land we live, but we must take care to see that in the process our native values and characters are not ignored. Traditionally, the temples serve this purpose. Agreeing with Sohan Joshi, Nand Kapoor emphasized that most important duty of the parents as well as the youth is to incorporate our Indian values with American lifestyle so that there is a balanced synthesis in our social and dharmic conduct. He added that, "I use the word Dharmic, because we especially Hindus use the term Dharma in a much wider context incorporating the entire way of life and thoughts, namely religious rites, ceremonies and observances, duties and obligations according to one's stage in life (Ashrama) and long accepted customs and manners of society." Scranton, which already has a BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, was incorporated in 1856, nicknamed "Electric City", and has been placed by Business Week on its list of Best Places to Raise Kids. Christopher A. Doherty is the Mayor. Notable people associated with Scranton include US Vice President Joseph Biden, television host Bill O'Reilly, Baseball Hall of Famer Nestor Chylak, actresses Gloria Jean and Lizabeth Scott, novelist Lauren Weisberger, Banana Republic co-founder Mel Ziegler, and poet W.S. Merwin.

New attractions at annual ISNA Convention

Islamic Book Store at the Convention evoked huge interest

AQ SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Thousands of Muslims across the United States came to the Islamic Society of North America's (ISNA) 48th Annual Convention on July 1-4 in Rosemont, a north side Chicago suburb. The Convention, the largest of its type assembly of Muslims in North America, attracted not only visitors from almost all the States in North America and Canada, but also from Britain and other European countries. The ISNA convention was held for the July 4 holiday weekend making it easier for families, indi-

viduals, businesses, nonprofit organizations and people of other faiths to visit the convention. The 4-day convention included lectures by guest Islamic scholars, entertainment and kids programs. The main attraction was the ISNA Bazar where more than 400 businesses across America came and offered their products, services to the Muslim community. The bazaar included more than 600 booths for vendors selling merchandise such as books, audio-video products, clothing, gift items and much more. Bangles and jewelry stores attracted large number of women and children. Cont’d on page 21

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Swamy's journey from Silicon Valley to MP from Karnataka

India Post News Service

MILPITAS, CA: Janardhana Swamy, a Member of Parliament from Karnataka, accompanied senior BJP leaders Arun Jaitley and Chandan Mitra to Washington DC for summit, from where he took some time to visit the Bay area. Taking this opportunity, Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP) - USA, organized a meeting of heads of likeminded organizations on Thursday June 30 where the MP from Chitradurga in Karnataka, Mr Janardhana Swamy, narrated his journey from Silicon Valley to becoming a Member of Parliament. In a glowing introduction of this son of a teacher and a technocrat, who had worked for major high tech companies such as Sun Micro Systems, Cadence, Cisco and Dell, Mr Chandru Bhambhra, National Executive

Vice President of OFBJP-USA, talked about how Mr Swamy wanted to give something back to his motherland and hence decided to go back to India to work. He said, "We in OFBJP were very happy when Mr Swamy decided to contest 2009 Lok Sabha elections on the BJP ticket." Mr Swamy in his brief speech said that while talking to people in his village, he was encouraged to contest in the elections for Parliament from his hometown. Totally unaware of politics but as he started gravitating towards political future, he wondered why younger and educated people don't get involved in politics and if they can make a difference? Finally, he decided to get involved. In search for a party, inspired by former Prime Minister AB Vajpayee's grand vision of growth and development and implementing projects such as building roads and successfully

conducting nuclear tests, he decided to look into BJP further. He found that party had many stal-

Totally unaware of politics but as he started gravitating towards political future, he wondered why younger and educated people don't get involved in politics and if they can make a difference? Finally, he decided to get involved warts, who had dedicated themselves to further India's future. He decided to contest on a BJP ticket for a seat that was ruled by

Congress for decades. He was able to unseat the Congress candidate by more than 136,000 votes. With vision and inspiration from former Prime Minister Vajpayee, he focused on development and played a very important role in bringing direct railway connection between Chitradurga and Bangalore, Upper Bhadra Project to provide drinking water and creating India's largest R&D hub with projects from Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) and other major companies. Discussing the hot topic of corruption and media bias, he indicated that as a scientist, he believed that it is important to understand the root cause of corruption before implementing any remedies. It takes crores of ru-

pees to contest an election, while the spending limit is only 25 lakhs. The person greeting MPs in the Lok Sabha makes more money than the MPs themselves, who make only Rs 15,000. Same is true for people at the lower end of the employment food chain. The constables in major cities for example are paid so little that it breeds corruption. Until we understand this, and implement remedy for the root cause, it will not be possible to eliminate corruption. He indicated that media needs to step up and play its role fairly and should present facts rather than present what they think people want to hear. The program concluded with a very hands-on question and answer session and vote of thanks by Mr Gaurang Desai, Northern California coordinator for Friends of India Society International (FISI).

Ricky Gill campaign to report $420k fundraising India Post News Service

LODI, CA: Ricky Gill's congressional campaign committee will report raising over $420,000 in its June 30 filing to the FEC. Gill officially announced his candidacy on May 17. The $420,000 was raised since March 1, 2011, in the campaign's first reporting period, and includes only contributions from individuals. The campaign received donations from 730 individual donors in this period. The campaign has not received any contributions from PACs, and it has not taken any loans. The final numbers will be released as

part of the campaign's June 30 finance report to the FEC.

munity that Washington has neglected during this economic recession," said Gill con-

We believe this fundraising represents a very strong show of support from a community that Washington has neglected during this economic recession," said Gill consultant James Fisfis. "Ricky Gill understands that while strong fundraising is critical to success, it must be coupled with an equally strong grassroots movementâ&#x20AC;? "We believe this fundraising represents a very strong show of support from a com-

sultant James Fisfis. "Ricky Gill understands that while strong fundraising is critical to

success, it must be coupled with an equally strong grassroots movement and a clear vision to help reduce San Joaquin County's unemployment rate, which is double the national average. As focused as the campaign has been on raising the funds necessary to compete, we will be just as focused on building grassroots support for Ricky's vision to improve quality of life in the valley." In an open letter to his supporters, Gill made the following comments thanking them for their support: Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 22

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Fun & learning at Riverside Summer School VICTORIA TRUVER

Dance performance

RIVERSIDE: Fifty energetic and enthusiastic children from Riverside's Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir attended the 10th annual

Archana Sheth spoke Monday on dental health, police officer Jeff spoke on Thursday on safety and showed off his police car's lights

6 foot 8 inch officer Jeff answers questions

sters. Students were divided into three groups according to age and in the fashion of a real school they

viewed, an artist quickly sketched the story as Panditji spoke about Hanuman's adventures. The children were then given finger paints

Pandit Shukavak gave a lesson on Shiva Linga and students were given the chance to create their own out of clay. On Thursday, Pandit Shukavak gave a lesson to older students on the famous acharyas of the past such as Madhava and Adi Shankaracharya Group photo in front of fire truck

Suma Hareesh taught crafts, cooking, and garland making. On Tuesday, Ritu Gupta showed the kids how to do tie-die and Dilip Amin taught yoga. On Wednesday morning a group photo was taken followed by cooking class taught by Renate and daughter Arianne Kalra. Festivals Committee Chair Ranjana Wanchoo helped out with the cooking class. Pandit Shukavak gave a lesson on Shiva Linga and students were given the chance to create their own out of clay. On Thursday, Pandit Shukavak gave a lesson to older students on the famous acharyas of the past such as Madhava and Adi Shankaracharya while the younger students were told a story from the Ramayana and made finger puppets of Sita, Rama et al under the guidance of Vikki Truver. Sankia Joshi instructed students on how to make a decorated toran made of elephants. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 21

summer school, traditionally held in the last week of June. Every morning school began with assembly as all listened as guest speakers such as Dr.

and siren, and the members of the fire department came on Tuesday and explained fire safety and showed off their big red fire engines to the delight of the young-

Cameras flashed for the dance performance

passed from class to class every hour. On Monday Head Priest Pandit Shukavak Dasa showed a clip which he created and placed on You Tube. When this site is

and asked to produce a similar sketch while fun jazzy music played in the background.

Students get to see a fire truck up close

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Saldef's 'Know Your Rights' forum in Fresno India Post News Service

FRESNO, CA: On June 26, Saldef conducted a Know Your Rights forum for the Sikh American community of Fresno, CA. The forum, attended by over 150 commu-

"One of the most important things that can happen when workplace related discrimination occurs is reporting the incident or situation. The EEOC protects individuals against employer retaliation and can guarantee anonymity," stated Ms. Barrios nity members, allowed the sangat to engage with and voice their concerns to representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Equal Employment Op-

portunity Commission (EEOC). The purpose of Saldef's Know Your Rights forums was to (1) educate community members about their rights related to bias or harassment in the workplace, schools, and with law enforcement (2) introduce community members to agencies and groups that can address complaints, incidents, or issues. Given the recent hate crimes against Sikh Americans in California, members of the

Fresno community expressed concern about racially motivated violence to FBI Supervisory Special Agent, Harriet Dugal. "The FBI wants the Sikh American community to know that these crimes are not tolerated and investigations are underway," stated Agent Dugal. Melissa Barrios, Director of the EEOC Fresno office, spoke about the various types of workplace discrimination that can occur to ensure the community is vigilant about

recognizing and reporting such incidents. "One of the most important things that can happen when workplace related discrimination occurs is reporting the incident or situation. The EEOC protects individuals against employer retaliation and can guarantee anonymity," stated Ms. Barrios. Both representatives also discussed employment opportunities and career development paths at their respective agencies, encouraging all eligible applicants to apply.

SAN ED visits White House for AAPI briefing India Post News Service

ARTESIA, CA: On Wednesday, June 22, Manjusha Kulkarni, South Asian Network (SAN) Executive Director, traveled to Washington, DC on a special invitation to the White House for the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Leaders Briefing and the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Reception. "The AAPI Leaders Briefing and Reception was a great opportunity to meet other Asian American and Pacific Islander community leaders who are committed to social justice work across the country," said Manju of her visit. During her visit, Manju and

nine other AAPI community leaders were invited to meet with President Barack Obama. Manju was also able to meet Representative Judy Chu of California, Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President, and Kiran Ahuja, Executive Director of the White House Initiative for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The White House AAPI Initiative, which hosted the Briefing, was started two years ago to ensure that AAPI communities remain connected to vital services and important legal protections. The AAPI Initiative recognizes urgent needs across AAPI communities, including national health care concerns, workplace safety

violations, harassment, and bullying as well as regional issues impacting post-Katrina Gulf Coast. Many of SAN's collaborators also attended the Briefing and Re-

Reflecting on the event, Manju noted, "When Michelle Obama, the First Lady, arrived in DC, she shared her vision of the White House as 'the People's House.'

The White House AAPI Initiative, which hosted the Briefing, was started two years ago to ensure that AAPI communities remain connected to vital services and important legal protections ception, including DRUM (Desis Rising Up and Moving), the Sikh Coalition, Manavi, the Chinatown Service Center, and Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN).

With so many AAPI communitybased organizations there on Wednesday afternoon, it certainly felt like the People's House." The White House visit also

presented an opportunity for SAN to discuss the upcoming ten-year anniversary of 9/11 and its impact on South Asian American communities. SAN plans to continue this dialogue at its upcoming August 20th Community Hearing. The hearing will be held in Artesia, CA with community members, federal and state policymakers, and partner agencies offering testimony on their experiences and civil rights and national security implications. SAN is a grassroots, community-based organization dedicated to advancing the health, empowerment and solidarity of Bangladeshi, Indian, Nepalese, Pakistani and Sri Lankans in Southern California.

Criminal charges over 'kirpan' dropped India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: A U.S. federal prosecutor dropped criminal charges against a Sikh for wearing his kirpan into a federal facility. The Sikh Coalition says that this is the first time that a federal prosecutor has ever dropped criminal charges against a Sikh for carrying a kirpan. In May 2011, a routine truck delivery onto a military post in Herlong, California turned into a nightmare for a Sikh truck driver. After noticing the Sikh truck

driver's kirpan (full name withheld because he requests anonymity),

He was then searched, and detained in handcuffs for several

In May 2011, a routine truck delivery onto a military post in Herlong, California turned into a nightmare for a Sikh truck driver. After noticing the Sikh truck driver's kirpan law enforcement officers drew their guns and removed his kirpan. He was then searched, and detained in handcuffs law enforcement officers drew their guns and removed his kirpan.

hours. Officers also removed his turban while he was in custody.

The Sikh truck driver was then criminally charged with violating a federal law that prohibits weapons in federal facilities. An individual found guilty of violating this law can face one year of imprisonment. The officers did not return the Sikh's kirpan. Following this injustice, the family contacted the Sikh Coalition for assistance. The Coalition contacted the prosecutor's office and requested that the criminal charges be dropped immediately. The Coalition sent the prosecution over 30 pages of legal prece-

dent and policy underscoring Sikhs' right to wear kirpans. Within weeks, the Coalition was successful in getting all of the charges dropped. The Coalition also secured the return of the Sikh's kirpan, and plans to request that relevant law enforcement officers receive training on Sikhism so no other Sikh has to suffer the same mistreatment. Tthe Sikh truck driver and his family are to be lauded for bravely standing up for the right to practice their faith.

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Pam Kwatra named SABAN President India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES, CA: SABAN (South Asian Business Alliance Network) held its 5th Annual business showcase, gala award and entertainment night of South Asians in American largest business event SABAN 2011 on Friday, June 24 at the world class Grand Wilshire Hotel of Los Angeles Downtown, CA.

munity and its activities are encompassing most areas of human activities, it has earned every inch of its success and respect in the USA by diligence and hard work. "Today, race and origin play an increasing role in defining who we are. This moment of receiving this position is a symbolic honor for a woman where so many successful businessmen are on the board. I am humbled and honored that

Pam Kwatra - a well known community activist is Founder/ President of Kripari Marketing. Besides she is a recipient of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award Pam Kwatra

The theme of this year's event was "the emerging South Asian Americans" the vibrant and diverse community to build business image, conserve the heritage, and celebrate the success of business. At this event SABAN also named Pam Kwatra, a determined leader as their national President. The gala event started with the opening speech by Ms. Pam Kwatra. Pam Kwatra - a well known community activist is Founder/President of Kripari Marketing. Besides she is a recipient of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award. She is also the President of Indian National Overseas Congress, New Jersey. In her address, she said that South Asian community has grown alongside the America com-

you have chosen me to be your leader, she said amidst applause. Chief Guest Congresswoman Judy Chu of California 32nd District honored Pam with the Proclamation. They were joined by Ms. Susan Au Allen, President and CEO of US Pan American Chamber of Commerce, Washington, D.C., and Ms. Tracy Rafter, CEO of Los Angeles Business Federation. The Emcee of the event was Hollywood actor and producer Mobin Khan, PhD. The best South Asian entrepreneur award went to Dr. Kali Pradip Chaudhuri of KPC Group. The Chairman's award to help and volunteer the event went to Bruce Ferguson, Fatima Hasan & LaQiya Islam.

Fun & learning at Riverside Summer School Cont’d from page 19

Friday is traditionally party day and Panditji's son, Shesha Marvin, a professional dancer (who performed on "Dancing with the Stars") gave the students some fun dance moves. Dance was taught by Deepa Patel everyday and on the last day cameras, cell phones and video cameras materialized as students danced for their parents and peers. Shesha Marvin also gave a performance

of his own dance. Ragini Iyer, dance teacher from Nritya Geethanjali Dance Academy, was in charge of games. The week ended with a feast of pizzas and ice cream dessert followed by an award ceremony in which all students were given a summer school tee shirt, certificate of completion, group shot, toys and gifts. Summer school was an overwhelming success as new friends were made and old friends found.

Sikh Coalition testifies at on workplace religious freedom Cont’d from page 17

The bill, called the "Workplace Religious Freedom Act" by supporters, would change the legal standard by which courts review claims of religious workplace discrimination by public and private city employees. Under current city law, employers are required to make "reasonable accommodations" for the religious practices of their employees. However, employers can bypass this requirement by showing that such accommodations would impose a minimal difficulty or expense on the employer's business. If enacted, this bill would still allow employers to deny religious accommodations, but only by proving that such accommodations would constitute a "significant difficulty

or expense." Gap in the Bill While the Sikh Coalition testified in support of the bill, it pointedly noted that the bill before the City Council does not address what it styled as "workplace segregation" of religious employees.

their articles of faith violate workplace uniform rules. "In addition to enhancing the religious accommodation standard in city law, which we commend, we also ask the Council to take up the issue of workplace religious segregation," said Singh.

If enacted, this bill would still allow employers to deny religious accommodations, but only by proving that such accommodations would constitute a "significant difficulty or expense" Under current interpretations of federal law by some courts, an employer can segregate employees of faith out of public view if

"This is an opportunity to demonstrate national leadership on an emerging issue and be true to our values as New Yorkers."

New attractions at annual ISNA Convention Cont’d from page 17

The convention was organized with the theme, "Loving God, Loving Neighbor, Living in Harmony." There were new attractions for this year's convention. "Meet the author" program invited book writers to be physically present for the convention and meet the readers. The Islamic Film Festival was another attraction for the visitors featuring films, short films, and animated films presenting the diverse images of Muslims and reflecting Islamic history, values, societal issues, ethics, morals, and more. Compassionate Care Network (CCN) held its free health Fair and provided free health screening and

Women shopping at the convention emporiums

medical consultation at the convention. "Islamic Art Exhibition included work of calligraphy, paintings, glass, ceramics, and

other forms of art work. A Photography Contest was also introduced for the first time in 48th ISNA convention.

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Sikh Americans in internships on Capitol Hill India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: Saldef runs the Congressional Internship Program to place Sikh Americans in internships on Capitol Hill. This summer's offices include Representative Mike Honda (CA) and Representative David Wu (OR). Since 2000, over 35 students have participated in the Saldef Internship Program. Interns work at Saldef's national office in Washington, DC or in its Los Angeles, CA office to gain first-hand experience and knowledge about Saldef's programs and campaigns to empower the Sikh American community. The following are this summer's interns:

ated from Columbia University with a Master of Arts in South Asian Studies. Her work focused on caste relations in Punjab, and her research took her to Queens, New York to work with the Ravidasi community and document their experiences of castebased discrimination. Harmeet now wants to combine her academic experience with activism and comes to Saldef with hopes of improving the representation of Sikhs in the U.S. Along with fighting for minority rights, Harmeet wants to bring attention to caste-based discrimination that occurs within the Sikh community.

attended Miri Piri Academy in Amritsar, India from 1999-2005. Shabd is involved in his local Eugene, Oregon community with various service projects. He has also served at Sikh Youth camps as a youth counselor. On campus, he is an active member of the Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group and was recently confirmed as the Executive Appointee to the Athletic Contracts Finance Committee, which drafts a $4 million budget for the Associated Students of the University of Oregon, the largest student government in the country. In his free time, Shabd enjoys music and practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Sikh conferences, as a leader of her Sikh Student Association, and researching civil rights issues on campus. Her enthusiasm for creating awareness about Sikhs and civil rights has led her to intern with Saldef for a second summer. She will be conducting bullying prevention surveys throughout the summer, blogging about her experiences as an intern and various topics, and assisting with the drafting of com-

Gurrajan Singh

Shabd Singh Khalsa Harmeet Kaur

Harmeet Kaur - Congressional Intern with Representative Mike Honda A recipient of the academic year and summer Foreign Language and Area Studies scholarships, Harmeet recently gradu-

Shabd Singh Khalsa - Congressional Intern with Representative David Wu Shabd Singh Khalsa is a senior at the University of Oregon working towards a B.S. in Planning, Public Policy, and Management. Shabd grew up in the DC area and

Jasleen Kaur

Jasleen Kaur - Communications Intern (Los Angeles, CA) Jasleen is entering her third year at the University of California, Berkeley as an Anthropology major. She is highly involved in her local community, attending

munity releases. Gurrajan Singh - Development Intern (Washington, DC) Gurrajan recently graduated from Wayne State University with a B.A. in Political Science. An aspiring politician, Gurrajan served on Student Senate as the Community Affairs Chair and as the President of the Sikh Student Association. While in Detroit, Gurrajan engaged the community to improve student life through dialogue with local community

and business leaders. Over the years, Gurrajan has worked to create awareness and educate the general public about Sikhs. His desire to bring about positive development in the Sikh community motivated him to join Saldef. Jasleen Kaur - Legislative Intern (Washington, DC) Jasleen has grown up as an active member of the Sikh community of Maryland. She was heavily involved with the annual Hemkunt International Symposium, where she

Jasleen Kaur

participated for many years. She has also taught at the local Khalsa School and was an initial founder of the Sikh Connection Workshop. After graduating from Drexel University with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in English, she has worked at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and with General Counsel at CNSI, a business in Rockville, Maryland. She also volunteers with CASA of Montgomery, a guardian ad-litem program helping reunite children with their natural parents.

Ricky Gill campaign to report $420k fundraising Cont’d from page 18

"This success is a shared success, but we all know that it is only a beginning. I recognize that this campaign belongs to all of us, and I will remain just as focused and diligent as we move into the next phase of our efforts to bring real representation to the San Joaquin Valley. "I grew up in San Joaquin County. I went to school here, worked on my family's farms in Lodi, and volunteered to help the area's youth and homeless. Today, as a result of a good education and remarkable parents, I am fortunate to have opportunities to serve and contribute. I am committed to serving the people here in the community that I call home.

"The San Joaquin Valley is a community that needs real care and commitment from its representative in Washington, not the halfhearted efforts of a caretaker

ning for Congress to lead on our behalf." Gill is a native of the winegrape-growing community of Lodi, which in preliminary redis-

‘Today, as a result of a good education and remarkable parents, I am fortunate to have opportunities to serve and contribute. I am committed to serving the people here in the community that I call home’ from the East Bay. The issues facing this community require a local understanding, and we deserve representation that comes from the San Joaquin Valley. I'm not running for Congress simply to vote on your behalf -- I'm run-

tricting maps is part of a Central Valley Congressional district centered around San Joaquin County. The 11th Congressional District seat currently is held by Jerry McNerney of the East Bay community of Pleasanton.

Datebook

July 15, 2011

India Post

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NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Sat July 23 • The 2011 Metlife South Asian Spelling Bee Venue: Hofstra University, 200 Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York Contact: 848-248-4139

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

NEW JERSEY

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Fri July 15 • Charity Cocktail Fundraiser

Sat Aug 13

Fri July 15

Sum July 17

Venue: Salud Tequila Lounge, 1471 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago Time: 8pm to 11pm Contact: 630-217-9905

• Jadavpur University Picnic 2011 Venue: Mercer County Park, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, New Jersey Time: 6pm Contact: 609-785-1505

• Summerfest 2011: Chicago Movie Musical Sing-Along

• Indian Cruise to Mexico from Long Beach

Venue: Smith Center Amphitheatre at Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont Time: 8:30pm Contact: 510-659-6206 Highlights: Enjoy Chicago, like you've never seen it before, under the stars at the Smith Center Amphitheatre at Ohlone College. Based on the smash hit Broadway musical this film explores the themes of celebrity, scandal, and corruption in the Jazz Age and oozes with sex appeal...and murder.

Venue: Carnival Splendor, 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, California Time: 4:30pm Contact: 858-925-7806

Mon July 18 • Bhasshic 2011

Sat July 16

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

• BasementBollywood.Night Venue: Fire N Ice, 583 Fords Ave, Fords, NJ Time: 9pm to 2am Contact: (732) 734-1364

Sat July 30 Sat Oct 8

Sat Aug 27

• Surtarang Music Competition

• Rhythm For Relief

• Asian American Fair 2011

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

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

Venue: Haven NYC, 244 East 51st St, NY Time: 6pm Contact: 347-307-1378

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming Fri July 22 • 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 • Shri Krishna Janamastami Venue: Hare Krishan Temple, 10310 Oaklyn Drive, Potomac, Maryland Time: 4:30am Contact: 301-299-2100

Mon Sep 5 • Gopinath Muthukads Vismayam Venue: High Point High School, 3601,Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, DC Time: 5pm Contact: 703-506-0807

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

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

Mon Aug 1

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

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

Sun July 17 • Ustad Ghulam Ali Live In Concert In Bay Area Venue: Chabot College Performing Arts Center, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA Time: 6:30pm Contact: 510-797-1000

Sum July 17 • Nachda Punjab Venue: Flint Center (De Anza College), 21250,Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, California Time: 7:30pm Contact: 510-677-2777

Tues July 19 • Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Advisory Committee: Special Meet Agenda Venue: Bayview Hunters Point YMCA, 1601 Lane Street, San Francisco CA Time: 5:30pm to 7:30pm Contact: 415-252-3212

• Yogalicious!

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

Fri Aug 12 • Akbar Sami live at Indiafest 2011 Venue: Crimson, 1650,Schrader Blvd, Los Angeles, California Time: 10pm to 2am Contact: 323-205-5594

Sat Sep 10 • Veena Sahasrabuddhe Venue: Loyola Marymount University, Ahmanson Hall, 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles Time: 6pm to 8pm Contact: 610-585-7951

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 15, 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

alman Khan continues with his winning streak at the box-office, making it a hat-trick of hits in successive years with 'Ready', which has registered astounding business of Rs 120 crore so far in the first half of 2011, after 'Wanted' in 2009 and 'Dabanng' in 2010. Trade sources said the actor today commands the biggest star remuneration and is the most-sought after hero, being signed by all top producers, including Yash Chopra, on his terms. ''Salman is ruling the box-office presently and there is no bigger draw than him for distributors, who are lapping all his under-production movies at astronomical prices'', said a trade Analyst. Big-time success, which had eluded him for some years due to wrong selection of projects, including 'Veer', has made the actor wiser, getting scripts cleared by his writer father Salim Khan, whom he adores till this day for molding him to become the biggest hero of Bollywood. Sources close to the actor, speak of a new-found zeal in him to do better in his forthcoming movies after looking into all the nuances of film-making. Salman suddenly has a good rapport with the media, not avoiding them as he did in his hey days and is a better human being with a number of projects up his sleeves for welfare of fellow humans and the rapport is still getting better, day by day, the sources added.

Sadhana style

P French connection

reity Zinta has stepped into the produc-tion zone and her first film will be directed by Prem Soni (Mein Aur Mrs. Khanna fame). The bubbly actress has decided to rope in two leading French actors for her film - Fabrice Luchini will play the main lead in her film and the other one is a younger actor, whose name has not been revealed yet. Fabrice, who was recently seen in films such as Service Entrance, Potiche and The Girl from Monaco, is a well-known French actor and this would be his first brush with Indian films. Preity's production will be a romantic comedy which will reveal the essence of both Indian and French culture and will be made in three languages - Hindi, English and French. And yes, Preity will of course be a part of the cast. Both the producer and the director are currently in Paris, discussing the film with actors, and scouting for suitable locations for the shoot.

riyanka Chopra will be flaunting the modest looks of 1960s in Kunal Kohli's yet to be titled film. She will be seen sporting the fashion statements of yesteryear's divas like Sadhana, Sharmila Tagore and Mumtaz. The film has Shahid Kapoor in the main lead and the musical score has been given by Pritam. Priyanka's new look has been designed by Bollywood's favorite designer Manish Malhotra. Kunal is all praises for Manish and is very excited about Priyanka's look in the film. He says, "I'm in awe of Manish Malhotra. The look that he's designing for Priyanka is something that has to be seen to be believed. Shahid had just eight scenes with Priyanka in Kaminey. And they were dynamite! Can you imagine what chemistry they will create when they're there throughout my film and in various avatars?"

Bollywood

July 15, 2011

India Post

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ShilpaANNOYED B

ollywood actress Shilpa Shetty has refuted reports that her marriage is in trouble, saying that she and her husband Raj Kundra are holidaying in the US. She also says that she is not pregnant. "First I hear am preggars (NOT true) Now I hear my husbands havin an affair frm the press. Common fr papers 2 stoop low 2 sensationalise false," Shilpa posted on her Twitter page. There were reports that Kundra had met a gorgeous lady at a hairtransplant clinic in London and later gifted the clinic assistant a European holiday. But, the 36-year-old actress has denied the reports. "False news! grrrrrr: (4 the record, my husband and I are holidaying in USA and r very happily married. Sorry 2 burst the newspapers bubble," she added.

More Nitin N

eil Nitin Mukesh, who has just finished shooting Abbas Mustan's "Players", says he has signed three films and all of them will release next year. "There will be a lot of me next year. There are three films that I have signed, but I am not allowed to talk about them right now. All are very interesting subjects. You are going to see a lot more new avatars of me," Neil said in an interview. "This year 'Players' took a lot of my time. I was committed to 'Players' and I do one film at a time," said Neil who was last seen in director Vishal Bhardwaj's "7 Khoon Maaf". "Players" is the official remake of the Hollywood film "The Italian Job" where, apart from Neil, the cast includes Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu and Sonam Kapoor. "It' san official remake of 'The Italian Job' and with Abbas bhai Mastan bhai making it in Hindi you can guess how close it could be of the original," he said.

Hidden TRUTH M

adhur Bhandarkar was in a state of shock on learning of the pregnancy of Aishwarya Rai, heroine of his film 'Heroine'. The film project had to be shelved. "This decision of pulling the plug had a devastating effect on me. I was in shock and depression. I could not come to the office for eight days for the fear of facing those people whose bread and butter depended on the film," he said in a statement. He says, "Today I am sitting alone in my office after the plugs being pulled off. No which way would I have trampled my dream project on which I have given my sweat and blood for almost one and half years. This was going to be my most ambitious project. "My inherent belief is that motherhood is pious. I salute every woman who chooses to work in this delicate state but I would never knowingly put a woman in harm's way knowing the delicate nature of her health. "Today, when I know the condition of my then lead actress, I shudder at the thought... what if she would have been injured; I would have suffered a major guilt throughout my life. "The entire event would not have taken place if at the beginning the actress had informed of an impending maternity. The truth was hidden from us. "We learnt about it from news channels like the rest of the world. Filmmaking functions on faith and trust."

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India Post

July 15, 2011

Last year's 16 semi finalists

TORONTO: Sixteen finalists have been selected for competition in the twenty first annual Miss India-Canada Event, which is presented by Imagine Dil Se and in association with Yak. The prestigious title carries with it numerous awards and prizes. Included are a Round-Trip Ticket to India, Hotel Accommodation, Diamond Set, Tablet, Cash Scholarships, and many more prizes. During their three-day stay of activities, the 16 finalists will have an exciting and rewarding experience. The Miss India-Canada event is unique in many ways-delegates are judged on their Indian Dress, Evening Gown, Talent, and their ability to speak in public. The show is focused on Indian arts and culture and at the same time blending into the Canadian mosaic.

This year YAK will give the general public an opportunity to vote for their favourite contestant. Contestants' pho-

'YAK People's Choice Award' will be announced at the show. Furthermore, after the contest, a mobile phone will be given

This year's event will also showcase a trailer from one of the most anticipated Canadian movies of the year: Breakaway-starring Vinay Virmani, Camilla Belle, Anupam Kher, Russell Peters, and Rob Lowe to name a few tographs and information on how to vote will be placed online at: www.Yak.ca/MIC beginning July 8th. The winner of the

to a voter who will be randomly selected by Yak. Other sponsors include: Euphoria by

Calvin Klein, India Tourism, Cuisine of I n d i a , B i g e n S p e e d y H a i r C o l o u r, Josephine's Jewellery, Eglinton Carpet, The Wedding House, Vasanti Cosmetics, and Hidden Treasures for all Occasions, to name a few. This year's event will also showcase a trailer from one of the most anticipated Canadian movies of the year: Breakaway-starring Vinay Virmani, Camilla Belle, Anupam Kher, Russell Peters, and Rob Lowe to name a few. The 16 finalists will compete for the title on-stage on Saturday, July 23 5:30pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, culminating in the crowning of Miss India-Canada 2011.

July 15, 2011

India Post www.indiapost.com

Little children are scared of Emma Watson ‘Some little children are sometimes scared of me because they think I can do a spell, and that I really am magic in real life. And I've always found that really funny, and I try and kind of say, ‘I won't do anything to you. It's OK’

mma Watson, who plays Hermione Granger in ''Harry Potter'', has revealed that children are often scared of her because they think she still has the magical powers and will cast a spell on them.

The 21-year-old actress said she finds these incidents as "really funny". "Some little children are sometimes scared of me because they think I can do a spell, and that I really am magic in real life. And I've always found that really funny, and I try and kind of say, ''I won't do anything to you. It's OK''," Contactmusic quoted her speaking on CNN''s ''A Larry King Special. "Sometimes you can't convince them, because they believe in it. They really believe in it. They really think that I'm Hermione in real life, which I love. It's funny," she added.

Horoscope

India Post

July 15, 2011

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

JULY 15TH - JULY 21TH ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20)

TAURUS (APRIL 21 TO MAY 20)

hings will keep improving at work. You will be aiming for long term goals rather than short ones. You will become very health conscious and make drastic change in diet. Loan application will also go through. You will be spending extra money on children this week. You may also travel out of town to attend a function.

ome of you will be travelling for business purpose. Money wise things will start looking up. It will be a fruitful week for brokers. You will be working hard to meet the deadline. Have little patience with spouse or other business partners. You may be in touch with a government agency to inquire about an pending application.

GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20)

CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22)

ou will be full of energy. There will be several positive developments in life. Contract will be offered on a silver platter. It will be another good week for people in food or construction business. You may need to sign some legal documents also. New relationship will be exciting. A short trip out of town is in the air.

ye sight may start giving trouble. You will be in a good mood and may take family out for dinner and buy some gifts for them. You may continue your search for a better opportunity in career. Stocks will appreciate and you may dispose off some and pocket the profit. You will be spending more time on reaching out people this week.

LEO (JULY 23 TO AUGUST 22)

ou will need to do lots of juggling to fulfil your financial commitments. Do not loose confidence as many good things are around the corner. Any changes in career at this point will be fortunate, so keep working on your plans. News about a new member in the family will cause excitement. Party will be entertaining.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23 TO SEPTEMBER 22)

ard work will pay off. You are in line for a promotion along with a small raise. Do not exceed your limits when buying a property. You will be successful in recovering some old dues also but only in part. You will also benefit from an influential person. This is the right time to approach government agency for favor.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 22)

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 22)

ou will start to feel the financial pressure because of some Commitments made earlier. It is another favorable week for people looking for a change in career. New vendors will be efficient and slightly cheaper than the old ones. People in business will make new and good clients. Have little more patience with spouse.

ouple of your wishes will get fulfilled. You will be assigned an important project. Victory possible in ongoing legal matters. Do not allow any one to take undue advantage of your generosity. Mars in eighth may give some health problem that can be overcome with minor medication. You may call an old friend for advice.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 22)

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 19)

pouse may not keep well and need to see a doctor. Changes you are waiting for may take few more weeks to occur. You will have to sit with kids to resolve an issue brewing among them. You will meet few well known people at the party who could be helpful at later time. You will keep looking for another nice property.

pouse will give you the good news. Efforts made in the past will start to reap rich rewards now. You will be selected among many to do the job. Bank balance will keep growing as a result of new strategy and saving habits adopted lately. You will be concerned about an older family member not keeping well.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 18)

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 20)

t will be very fruitful week. Strong Venus and Mercury will provide the necessary boost. Opportunity will come totally unexpected and on a silver platter. You may be travelling to a nice warm area for an important meeting. Health issue can be overcome with minor medication. Avoid lending money to any one this week.

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

t will be another quiet and peaceful week for you. A small stocks transaction will bring some more cash in your pocket. You will have few good ideas and will start working on them patiently. You may give final shape to a pleasure trip with family to a nice and never visited before place. One of your vehicle may need some repairs.

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

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29 India Post

C The clouds come skimming down and dally amongst the mountains for a moment. The next moment, they begin playing hide and seek with the Dhauladhars, changing the shape of the skyline with astonishing rapidity

ompared to other hill stations, Dalhousie, 80 winding kilometers from Pathankot, is mark edly different and off the beaten track. Spread over five hills, Dalhousie has a serenity with its own distinctive flavor. Attractive cottages and villas cling to the deodar and pine mantled hills. Nothing seems to matter except the beauty and the moment. Pink and red rhododendrons are in bloom. The trees are dressed in different shades of green. There is no swirl of traffic. The shops are small and trim. Whistling softly to himself, a shopkeeper arranges embroidered Chamba shawls in his showcase. Tourists appraise Chamba chappals embroidered with gold thread, cane baskets, colorful woolens, and life-like Chamba dolls - all specialties of the region. Piles of walnuts and red, black and green Chamba chilies adorn many shop fronts. Children joyfully pick strawberries from a hillside decorated with alpine flowers. Location: Dalhousie is an ideally located tourist place. Lined against the railings, several people ad-

July 15, 2011

mire the exquisite views that are its special feature. The clouds come skimming down and dally amongst the mountains for a moment. The next moment, they begin playing hide and seek with the Dhauladhars, changing the shape of the skyline with astonishing rapidity. Soaring up to 21,000 feet, the Dhauladhars themselves are constantly changing color - smoky blue, gray green, orchid blue, violet. On the nearer hill slopes, every tree stands distinct and green and lordly. In the valley below, the rice fields glint in the sunshine. History: In 1851, the princely state of Chamba was approached by Lord Napier of Magdala. The British wished to establish a sanatorium for Europeans on the outer slopes of the Dhauladhar range. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

India Post

Travel & Hospitality Post

July 15, 2011

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Dalhousie: Off the beaten track, spread over five hills Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

There, the sun shone warmly on scented forests of pine and oak, the air was crisp and invigorating, the scenery beautiful. Negotiations were carried on with the Raja of Chamba and in 1853, the plateau of Kathlog, Portreyn, Tehra and Bakrota were transferred to the Government of India against a compensation of Rs 2000 to be paid as an annual tribute to Chamba state. On the recommendation of Sir Donald McLeod, the new sanatorium was named Dalhousie, after Lord Dalhousie, the first British Governor General of India. In 1866, the cantonment area of Balun was also taken over and remains a cantonment to this day.

Tourist attractions Though spread over five distinct hills - Kathlog, Portreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun, covering an area of 13 sq km - the main center continues to be at Portreyn. The Figure of Eight of Portreyn is

a wealth of places which beckon those who have an eye for beauty or a nose for adventure. Khajjiar, just 7 kilometers from Dalhousie is an enchanting saucer shaped meadow fringed by cedar trees of great antiquity and stateliness. In the center of the grassy meadow at Khajjiar lies a small lake. And on it, are two floating islands, sometimes hidden from view by the tall grass that grows on them. Khajjiar, known as one of the "most charming spots in the Himalayas", derives its name it is said from its ancient, golden domed temple of Khajinag. A nine hole golf course is an added attraction at Khajjiar. Chamba: Beyond Khajjiar, a fascinating two hour (56 km) drive from Dalhousie, perched on a ledge overlooking the Ravi River and soaring skywards in a series of tiers, stands the historic temple town of Chamba. Often described as "a jewel of the Himalayas", Chamba, 920 meters above sea

works of art have now been distributed to Himachal State Museum at Shimla, the National Museum in Delhi while some remain at the Bhuri Singh Museum in Chamba. The highly distinctive Chamba rumals have gone through an interesting period of evolution. In addition to its rumals, Chamba is also known for the design and quality of its leather chappals (flat, open shoes) and belts. Like the rumals, Chamba chappals with their open toes and partially woven 'vamps' catch even the most unobservant eye and are very light and comfortable. Palampur: A picture of sylvan elegance, Palampur, nestling at 1269 meters in the magnificent shadow of the White Mountains the mighty snow covered Dhauladhars - is also called Himachal's Valley of Flowers. Avenues shaded by pines and cedars, hedges with wild rambling roses in red and white and pink, flowering wisterias, fragrant gar-

ues to attract people from all corners of India, and the world. Built by two merchant brothers Manyuka and Ahuka - more than a thousand years ago, in 804 A.D., the temple of Baijnath has acquired an aura of mystic invincibility. Inside, the 'lingam' of Vaidyanatha Lord Shiva has long been a symbol of veneration for the vast numbers who journey to this temple year after year. The temple priests claim a lineage as old as the temple. Month after month, they have observed the motley crowd of people who become unified by the sheer strength of faith as they approach the 'lingam'. Many travel to Baijnath in the hope that the Lord of Physicians will grant a boon and free them of ailments. The water at Baijnath is reputed to possess remarkable digestive properties and it is said that till the recent past, rulers in Kangra Valley would drink only water obtained from Baijnath.

Triund: The most interesting and the most spectacular trek from McLeod Ganj is the 12 km climb to Triund - a level clearing atop a spur - an exciting 2827 meters above sea level. Massive rocks, exotic mountain plants and ice covered ponds hold one's attention for a while. Below, you can see the Pong Dam in the hazy distance. Above Triund, the Dhualadhars rise in icy splendor. From the Forest Bungalow at Triund, glorious treks of discovery can be made treks that reveal the Dhauladhars in all their many colors and moods. The crisp air, the pristine beauty and mountain splendors of Triund are a fitting finale to a journey through the hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. Dharamsala: The sleepy town of Dharamsala overlooking the Kangra Valley was irrevocably changed when the Dalai Lama claimed it as his residence-in-exile in 1959. Although the Tibetan influence is what has made the town

Bir and Billing: Above Baijnath, touching the foot of the mighty Dhauladhars, is the ancient, picturesque village of Bir. Once the seat of the powerful Pal Rajputs, Bir is now the venue of an annual fair, traditionally a part of the Holi Festival. The beautiful oak forest of Bir resounds with the joyous sound of dancing and singing and carefree laughter, as Gaddis and Kanets pour in from the mountains around. They bring with them their gods dressed in all their finery, ceremoniously placed and carried in colorful palanquins. Worship is an important part of the festivities during which huge quantities of lugri (rice beer) are consumed. 14 km from Bir lies Billing the venue of an annual hang gliding tournament and reputedly one of the finest sites for hang gliding in the world. From Billing, one has to return to Bir, Baijnath, and pass once again through Palampur to reach Dharamshala, the Abode of the Dalai Lama, just 40 km from Palampur.

famous, the colorful combination of cultures in this mountainside town is what makes it fascinating. Brilliantly smiling Tibetan refugees; a tribe of cholu clad nomadic shepherds known as gaddis and reputed to be descendants of Alexander the Great; Hindus from all walks of life; chanting Buddhist monks in unsewn wine colored robes; and a fresh crop of international hippies make up the 17,000 people who inhabit this hill station. Dating back to the Vedic period, the remains of the Kangra Fort, once part of the great Katoch kingdom, sits dramatically atop a precipice overlooking the confluence of the Bangangat and Majhi rivers, 17 km from Dharamsala. Here one can watch the sun set while the parrots play tag among the bare limbed trees clinging to the steep cliffs. The fort is today run by the Archaeological Survey of India. How to reach Rail - The nearest railhead is Pathankot, 80 kilometers downhill. Best time to visit November to February

Satdhara has long been known for its mineral water which was once shipped to England on a regular basis. Dalhousie also has Dainkund - the Singing Hill

the most popular walk in Dalhousie. Starting from the Portreyn Mall, it crosses the meeting places of Subhash Chowk and Gandhi Chowk. Along the rocks on the way, Tibetans have carved colorful pictures in relief. One of the best views of the glorious surroundings of Dalhousie can be obtained from Kalatope, 8 km from the center of Dalhousie. At Panchpulla (Five Bridges) - a good spot for picnic - one can, with luck run into an old Dalhousie resident to hear interesting snippets that intertwine India's freedom struggle with Dalhousie. Satdhara has long been known for its mineral water which was once shipped to England on a regular basis. Dalhousie also has Dainkund - the Singing Hill. The passage of mountain winds through the forest at Dainkund produces a series of effects - depending on the wind's velocity - ranging from a gentle humming to an eerie wail. Places around Khajjiar: Around Dalhousie is

level, steeped in legends and guarded by rich forests, is named after a beautiful princess Champavati. Some say that Chamba was so named because of the abundance of fragrant Champa flowers in the area. Three temples in the Lakshminarayana temple complex are dedicated to Shiva and three to Vishnu. The image of Vishnu in white marble adorned with gold - is outstanding. The oldest of Chamba's many temples, distinguished by rich carvings on both the exteriors and the interiors, dates to the 7th century A.D. Along with its ancient temples which represent the "most noble specimens of Hindu architecture", the palaces of the Raja are striking. The Rang Mahal or Painted Palace, with towers on either side, resembles a feudal castle. Inside, painted in colors that have retained their brightness despite the passage of time, are a variety of exquisite murals, some depicting episodes from age old Indian epics. These precious

denias, sprawling tea gardens where smiling hill women deftly pick tea leaves, gurgling brooks, green gold fields of rice swaying in the wind, and stylish bungalows impart a refreshing character to Palampur, lying in the near the point where the Dhauladhars rise sheer from the Palam valley. The Khad is an awesome chasm strewn with white boulders, and on the slopes around Palampur can be seen quaint Gaddi hamlets with their slate roofed homesteads and carved doors and windows. A trek to any one of the many hill villages around Palampur is rewarding. Water mills can be seen in action, as can the kilns where small tea growers dry their tea leaves. Take the road that gently winds its way uphill from Palampur, and after less than an hour's driving, you'll arrive at Baijnath - the abode of the Lord of Physicians. Baijnath: Set like a jewel against the splendid backdrop of the legendary Dhauladhars, the spired temple of Baijnath - the abode of the Lord of Physicians - contin-

July 15, 2011

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JK seeks clearance for Patnitop ropeway project JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government will submit the much-touted ropeway project at Patnitop hill resort in the state, to the Environment Ministry for seeking the mandatory clearance for it in consultation with the state wildlife department. The fate of the project, the first of its kind in the state involving construction and operation of a passenger aerial ropeway project and associated facilities at villages Kud-Sangote-Karla, (Patnitop) in Udhampur, has been hanging in balance since 2007. The 2.6 km-long aerial ropeway with 23 trolleys will pass through Dudu forest range and is almost one-km away from Sudhmahadev Conservation Reserve in the state and is being developed by NCCL on Behalf of the Patnitop Development Authority (PDA). "As it is located in 10 kilometer area of the nearest Dudu forest range, the PDA has already got the

updated Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan (EIA/EMP) of the project done by the Environmental Science Department of Jammu University," an official spokesman said. Steps have been taken by the PDA and state government in view

taken several measures to accelerate the execution of various proposed tourism projects to add to the attraction of the tourist resort. At present there are some prestigious projects in pipeline for the development and conservation of areas falling under the PDA which include Ropeway project, project

The 2.6 km-long aerial ropeway with 23 trolleys will pass through Dudu forest range and is almost one-km away from Sudhmahadev Conservation Reserve in the state and is being developed by NCCL of protests and dharnas by business community, hoteliers and people against alleged failure of the government in initiating development projects, including Ropeway and Sewerage Treatment Plant, despite sanction several years ago. He said that Government has

for the development of SanasarNatha Top Tourist Destinations under Prime Ministers Reconstruction Plan, Sewerage Treatment Plant at Patnitop, Fire and Emergency Service Station at Patnitop and construction of Karlah-Gourikund road, a spokesman said. -PTI

Ireland visa waiver for Indians LONDON: Indians visiting Britain on tourist visas will now be able to visit neighboring Ireland without a visa, under a waiver program. The waiver program runs from July 1 to October 2012, a period that includes the London 2012 Olympics, when a large number of Indian and other tourists are expected to visit Britain. Currently, Indian citizens need a visa to enter Ireland. Under Ireland's first visa-waiver program announced in Dublin, citizens of 14 countries including China, India, and parts of Eastern Europe and the Middle East will no longer need a visa for a short-

term visit once they have cleared immigration in the UK during the period. The Irish government hopes it will result in extra tourism revenue especially from companies and the Olympics. The program is designed to assist in the promotion of Ireland as a quality tourist destination for markets which hitherto would not have been regarded as traditional source countries for tourism to Ireland. Announcing the program, Ireland's Justice and Defense Minister Alan Shatter said: "Our economic difficulties also present us with opportunities; it gives us a

chance to take a fresh look at what we do and how we do it". "Dismantling barriers which act as a disincentive to potential and sought after visitors is a case in point". An official statement said: "Individuals who avail of the Program will not be required to pay the visa charge of 60 Euros per person". Last year, Ireland approved approximately 30,000 applications for visas from nationals of these 14 countries. However, hundreds of thousands of these nationals visit the UK as tourists every year. Ireland seeks to attract this large number of tourists arriving in Britain. -PTI

Bollywood help for tourism promotion NEW DELHI: Encouraged by the tourist response at Leh after '3 Idiots', the Tourism Ministry is planning to join hands with Bollywood for making movies as a medium to promote various destinations in collaboration with National Film Development Corporation. "We have decided to identify various locations in the country and call a meeting of leading directors to promote these destinations through movies," a senior Tourism Ministry official said. The official said '3 Idiots' has done wonders for Leh-Ladakh as all the hotels are fully booked and there are no rooms available for the next six months in Leh.

US Ambassador attends mango festival

Similarly, Yash Chopra films have made Switzerland the dream destination for Indians. "The Ministry has realized its potential and wants to develop a mechanism where they can promote destinations through movies," he said, adding that "We are discussing the proposal with the NFDC." Besides, the Ministry is also mulling to create separate fund through which films can be made to promote destinations. "The expenditure on the film project can be subsidized," he said. Tourism Ministry recently had participated in the Cannes film festival. "Our participation was appre-

ciated by Bollywood and got appreciation from various industry forums also," the official said. "We are also planning to make a few short films to be shown in major airlines and world festivals to mark the Incredible India presence felt. We have requested all other ministries including Commerce, Textiles and MEA to use these films in their conferences abroad to promote Indian destinations, events and festivals under the brand Incredible India," said the official. There are shows held abroad by different ministries. "These films promoting Indian destinations can be shown there," he said. -PTI

Mangoes on display at a stall during a Mango Festival organized by Delhi Tourism in New Delhi

NEW DELHI: US Ambassador Albert Peter Burleigh visited a mango festival in the capital and was impressed by the over 500 varieties of the fruit on display. Burleigh was "pleasantly surprised" and found the mango exhibits at the Dilli Haat in Pitampura "appealing", a Delhi Tourism release said.

The ambassador complimented the organizers for taking the initiative to promote mangoes, it said, adding that he also showed keen interest in various mango-based products including jams and pickles. More than 500 varieties of mangoes wee on display at the threeday festival, organized by Delhi Tourism. -PTI

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Tech News MoU renewal with Posco by July end BHUBANESWAR: With several deadlines missed for the renewal of the MoU with Posco-India Ltd for setting up a mega steel plant in Paradip mainly due to the controversial iron ore export clause, the Orissa government has expressed confidence the revised version would be inked by July end. "I am confident the MoU with Posco-India will be renewed by end of July," Steel and Mines Minister Raghunath Mohanty told reporters admitting that the government had failed to meet previous deadlines. Though the state government had earlier announced to complete the MoU renewal by June end, it failed to do so for certain reasons including the issue of iron ore export provision in the lapsed MoU, the minister said. "Now both the steel and mines department and law department are thoroughly examining the matter relating to the iron ore export provision in the lapsed MoU," Mohanty said adding that the tenure of the previous MoU expired on June 21, 2010. -PTI

PM to discuss cooperation during Bangla visit KOLKATA: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his counterpart in Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina will discuss areas of cooperation in economic affairs, technology transfer and other sectors between the two nations during his expected visit to the neighboring country in September. Mashiur Rahman, economic advisor to Bangladesh premier said after calling on West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee here, "Our responsibility is to ensure that both the countries derive the benefit in these areas of cooperation". "On the instruction of our Prime Minister, we invited Mamata Banerjee to visit Bangladesh when talks will be held to develop economic, technical and other sectors with West Bengal," he said, adding, he had met the West Bengal chief minister to congratulate her on her assuming office on behalf of Sheikh Hasina. The areas of cooperation were identified when Hasina visited India on January 10 earlier this year and a joint declaration was issued thereafter, he said. Asked about the thrust areas, Rahman said discussions would be held between the leaders of the two countries to further widen the areas of cooperation in railways, waterways, power and commerce and industries through bilateral negotiations. -PTI

TechBiz 34 India Post

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July 15, 2011

NE seeks infrastructure for better connectivity GUWAHATI: The North Eastern states have stressed on development of infrastructure for improved connectivity and rural transformation for development, Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said here. "Many of the states pointed out that the Government of India's Look East Policy puts the Northeast in the centre," Ahulwalia told reporters after the first day of the Regional Consultative Meeting on the Approach Paper on the 12th Five Year Plan. "They want connectivity with the neighboring countries to be improved for trade," Ahluwalia said. -PTI

Finally Dreamliner to be delivered to Air India this year NEW DELHI: The first ultra long-haul Boeing 787 - Dreamliner - would be delivered to Air India in the fourth quarter of this year after a delay of over three years. But before that, the aircraft would land at the IGI Airport here on a test flight and Air India pilots

While Air India has ordered 27 B 787-8s, private carrier Jet Airways has placed orders for 10 of these planes. The deliveries to Jet would begin in 2014, while the national carrier expects at least four aircraft this calendar year one in October, two in November and one in December would start getting trained to fly this latest plane created out of composite material from August. This was announced by Boeing India President Dinesh Keskar here. Asked about the compensation

President of Boeing India Dinesh A Keskar poses for photograph during a press conference to announce the company's outlook for India's commercial airlines market, in New Delhi.

to be paid by the premier US aircraft manufacturer to Air India for the delay in deliveries, Keskar said, "We continue to work with Air India on this. Several rounds of discussions have taken place and talks are continuing. We are really sorry for the delay. We know it affected many airlines around

the world, including Air India." While Air India has ordered 27 B 787-8s, private carrier Jet Airways has placed orders for 10 of these planes. The deliveries to Jet would begin in 2014, while the national carrier expects at least four aircraft this calendar year - one in October, two

in November and one in December. Originally, Air India was to have taken delivery of it first Boeing 787 aircraft in May 2008. However, Keskar did not disclose dates of deliveries of the Dreamliners to Air India. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 35

Australia slashes aid for India, China MELBOURNE: Australia has announced that it was slashing the aid it provides to the fast growing economies of India and China, even as it boosts spending in South-East Asia, the Pacific Islands, Middle East and Africa. According to a report in 'The Australian' daily, the country's Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd has announced the government's response to the first independent review of Australia's aid program in 15 years, accepting 38 of its 39 recommendations. The review led by former Sydney Olympics boss Sandy Hollway found the aid program was good, but could be better with some tweaks.

With the aid budget set to touch to over 8 billion Australian dollars over the next five years, Rudd said Australia's nearest neighbors -- Indonesia, Papua

tive in," Rudd said. He said, "It is the region where the rest of the world often expects Australia to provide leadership. And it is the region of the world

"They are respectively the second and sixth largest economies in the world. Both have considerable economic capacity," Rudd said. "And both have begun their own international development assistance programs," he noted New Guinea and East Timor -would remain its top focus. "It is the region which we believe that we can be most effec-

where our most direct, strategic and economic interests lie." Australia also will increase its aid to developing nations in East

Asia and South Asia, but China and India no longer qualify. "They are respectively the second and sixth largest economies in the world. Both have considerable economic capacity," Rudd said. "And both have begun their own international development assistance programs," he noted. Australia may continue to provide some assistance to the countries through multilateral organizations and regional programs. The government will also boost its aid to the Middle East and Africa. The government said any future increases to Latin America and the Caribbean will be "modest". Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 35

TechBiz Post

July 15, 2011

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Any further hike in interest rate will kill industry: CII CHENNAI: Industry body CII spiral. growth by increasing the interest has cautioned against any further He said RBI's move would only rates, we are increasing the cost hike in interest rates, saying it affect the demand which would to the customer which is artificially would further hamper the growth further lead to decrease in flow of containing demand," he said. prospects of the country and "kill" investments into the country. On June 16, the Reserve Bank the industry. "If India has to grow like other raised the key short-term lending "Any further increase (in interest rates) will kill the industry. the supply and demand side should be addressed...", CII President B Muthuraman told reporters here. Stating that the solution was not only in changing the monetary policy by the Reserve Bank, he said issues like demand and supply side needed to be addressed first. Leading industrialist and Bajaj Auto Chairman Rahul Bajaj, who was also in city, echoed similar views saying any further CII President B. Muthuraman (right) and the Organization's Director General hike in interest rates C. Banerjee, at a press meeting in Chennai. would affect the fixed income and poorer sections of the society besides the indus- countries, then demand has to in- and borrowing rates by 25 basis try. crease and because of that invest- points for the 10th time since "In the last 15 months, RBI has ment will also increase," he said. March, 2010. increased the basis points by 10 The tightening of interest rates In May, the country's inflation times totaling to 275 basis points. was the whole problem of growth stood at 9.06 per cent while food But what happened to inflation"", and inflation. "The industry was inflation as measured by the Bajaj asked referring to the apex the worst hit and ultimately crazy Wholesale Price Index was at 7.78 bank's action to contain the price inflation will affect the industry's per cent. -PTI

Finally Dreamliner to be delivered to Air India this year Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 34

He said the training of Air India pilots would begin next month. Intensive discussions have been held with the airline and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on the training program and type-rating of trained pilots. DGCA has to certify that the pilots are trained to fly certain types of aircraft, which is called type-rating. To questions on the MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facility to be set up by Boeing in Nagpur, Keskar said Larsen & Toubro have started constructing it on a 50 acre plot which would be completed next year. "After that, we will place the equipment and seek DGCA certification for it". The MRO is part of the offset requirements Boeing has to fulfill following the Air India's order for 68 aircraft signed in January 2006. Air India would use this facility for maintenance and major checks of its entire Boeing fleet. It plans to use the excess capacity

to service other airlines in India and the region. Regarding new interiors being developed for B-737s, he said Jet Airways and SpiceJet would get these planes with "plush new interiors" in September and October respectively. Releasing the latest current

cast India would need 1,150 passenger planes worth USD 130 billion until 2030. "Over 81 per cent of the planes required in India will be in the single-aisle category (B-737s or Airbus A-320s), 16 per cent in the wide-body category (B-777s, 787s or A-330s, A -350s) and only three

Releasing the latest current market outlook of the company, Keskar said Boeing predicted that India would require 1,320 new aircraft valued at USD 150 billion over the next 20 years. This would be three per cent of the global order estimated at a value of USD four trillion market outlook of the company, Keskar said Boeing predicted that India would require 1,320 new aircraft valued at USD 150 billion over the next 20 years. This would be three per cent of the global order estimated at a value of USD four trillion. Last year, the company had fore-

per cent in the regional jet and turboprop category," the Boeing India chief said. Boeing raised its sales forecast for passenger planes in India, saying an expanding economy and growing passenger traffic were leading Indian carriers to order new aircraft. -PTI

GI status gives Scotch Whisky new high in India LONDON: India has granted 'geographical indication of origin' (GI) status to Scotch Whisky, a legal protection that will help prevent the sale of counterfeit products in the Indian market as well as reinforce the authenticity of the product for the consumer. The recognition was marked by an event in Edinburgh attended by the Indian consul-general Anil Anand, Scotland Office minister David Mundell and Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) chief Gavin Hewitt. The SWA had applied for the GI status in India in 2009. The status - the first such protection in the Indian sub-continent for whisky-now means that only spirits produced in Scotland can use 'Scotch Whisky' in their labels. Sale of counterfeit 'Scotch Whisky' in India had led to a belief in the industry that more 'Scotch Whisky was sold in India than was made in Scotland', but such sale will now face major chal-

lenges due to the GI status granted to 'Scotch whisky'. The SWA said in a statement that consumers in India will now receive better protection from fake 'Scotch Whisky' following the de-

The first such protection in the Indian subcontinent for whiskynow means that only spirits produced in Scotland can use 'Scotch Whisky' in their labels cision formally to recognize Scotch Whisky as a product that can only be made in Scotland. The GI registration supports the integrity of Scotch Whisky as a product made in Scotland according to the Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009. -PTI

Australia slashes aid for India, China Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 34

It further added that it will make greater use of multilateral partners, civil society and Australian nongovernment organizations to deliver its aid. It also will develop a rolling four-year whole-of-aid budget strategy covering the aid efforts of all government agencies under a single coherent plan. The government has pledged to analyze the aid program's progress every year and scrap programs that are not delivering. It has also agreed to five-yearly

independent reviews. The government will consider at a later date the review's recommendation that the name of the foreign affairs portfolio be extended to include the words "International Development". The government this year boosted aid by almost half a billion dollars to Australian 4.84 billion in 2011/12 -- about 0.35 per cent of gross national income (GNI). Rudd said the government remained committed to boosting aid spending to 0.5 per cent of GNI by 2015-16. -PTI

Health

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First mosquitoes of 2011 with virus found in Conn.

HARTFORD, Conn.: Connecticut health officials say they have found the year's first mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus. The state Mosquito Management Program said that mosquitoes trapped in Bridgeport June 21 tested positive for the virus. Theodore G. Andreadis, the chief medical entomologist, said the detection of infected mosquitoes suggests an early presence of the virus. He said that as temperatures continue to get warmer, isolating the West Nile virus in mosquitoes will likely increase and expand to other areas of the state this summer. Last year, mosquitoes with West Nile virus were trapped in 24 municipalities, with the first trapped on June 14. Eleven Connecticut residents were identified with WNV infections last year.-AP

Health care law opponents to file Ohio petitions COLUMBUS, Ohio: Opponents of the new federal health care overhaul say they've gathered enough signatures to ask Ohio voters this November whether the state should amend its constitution to keep people from being required to buy health insurance or face penalties. The amendment's backers acknowledge that such a measure won't overturn the mandate, which is a key part of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. But they say they hope to use the amendment to legally challenge the law. -AP

Abortion rules spur fear over patient privacy TOPEKA, Kan.: Supporters of abortion rights are expressing worry about a new rule Kansas is trying to enact that would require providers to give the state health department access to their medical records. Abortion providers and their allies said the rule endangers patient privacy. Opponents of abortion note that state law still says the information will remain confidential. They also say the health department needs the access to regulate the clinics A federal judge has blocked the Kansas Department of Health and Environment from enforcing the regulations until a lawsuit by two abortion providers is resolved. -AP

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July 15, 2011

Home birth on the rise by a dramatic 20 percent NEW YORK: One mother chose home birth because it was cheaper than going to a hospital. Another gave birth at home because she has multiple sclerosis and feared unnecessary medical intervention. And some choose home births after cesarean sections with their first babies. Whatever their motivation, all are among a striking trend: Home births increased 20 percent from 2004 to 2008, accounting for 28,357 of 4.2 million U.S. births, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released in May. White women led the drive, with 1 in 98 having babies at home in 2008, compared to 1 in 357 black women and 1 in 500 Hispanic women. Sherry Hopkins, a Las Vegas midwife, said the women whose home births she's attended include a pediatrician, an emergency room doctor and nurses. ``We're definitely seeing well-educated and well-informed people who want to give birth at home,'' she said.

Robbie Davis-Floyd, a medical anthropologist at the University of Texas at Austin and researcher on global trends in childbirth, obstetrics and midwifery, said ``at first, in the 1970s, it was largely a hippie, countercultural thing to give birth outside of the hospital. Over the years, as the formerly

question whether a ``feminist machoism'' is at play in wanting to give birth at home. But home birthers say they want to be free of drugs, fetal monitors, IVs and pressure to hurry their labor at the behest of doctors and hospitals. They prefer to labor in tubs of water or on

'At first, in the 1970s, it was largely a hippie, countercultural thing to give birth outside of the hospital. Over the years, as the formerly `lay' midwives have become far more sophisticated, so has their clientele' `lay' midwives have become far more sophisticated, so has their clientele.'' The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which certifies OB-GYNs, warns that home births can be unsafe, especially if the mother has highrisk conditions, if a birth attendant is inadequately trained and if there's no nearby hospital in case of emergency. Some doctors also

hands and knees, walk around their living rooms or take comfort in their own beds, surrounded by loved ones as they listen to music or hypnosis recordings with the support of midwives and doulas. Some even go without midwives and rely on husbands or other non-professionals for support. Julie Jacobs, 38, of Baltimore, who has multiple sclerosis, said

she ``chose midwives and hypnosis because I wanted to surround myself with people who would support me as a birthing mother, rather than view me as an MS patient who would be a liability in need of interventions at every turn.'' Her first two children were born in a freestanding birth center operated by midwives. After the center closed, her third child was born at home in 2007. "If I had been in a hospital I probably would have had C-sections for all three,'' she said. ``With the first, I would have been terrified to try a home birth. After the second one I was like, hey, I can't necessarily walk in a straight line, but I can do this.'' Some home birthers cite concerns over cesarean sections. The U.S. rate of C-sections in hospitals hovers around 32 percent, soaring up to 60 percent in some areas. In some cases, there's a ``too posh to push'' mentality of scheduled inductions for convenience sake (Victoria Beckham had three). -AP

Dr Appareddy is chair-elect of AMA's IMG wing India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Dr Vijaya Lakshmi Appareddy, member of the Board of Governors of Parkridge Valley Hospital Systems in Chattanooga, Tennessee has been elected as chairperson-elect of the International Medical Graduates Section (IMG) of the American Medical Association (AMA). She has served as a delegate/alternate delegate to the AMA House of Delegates for the last four years and is a member of the Tennessee delegation to the AMA. For over 160 years the American Medical Association (AMA), the oldest and prestigious medical advancement organization, has promoted scientific advancement, improved public health, and invested in the doctor and patient relationship and had

played an important role in the development of medicine in the United States. In 2002, Dr Appareddy became the youngest physician to

ests of over 45,000 Indian-American Physicians. She hails from Andhra Pradesh. In 2002, Dr Appareddy became the first Indian-American woman to receive a non-career Presidential Appointment when she became a member of President

ing, she worked as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Brown University medical school in Providence, RI. She then moved to Chattanooga to set up private practice in Psychiatry. Dr Appareddy has served

In 2002, Dr Appareddy became the youngest physician to be elected as the chairperson to the Board of Trustees of AAPI, an organization that represents the interests of over 45,000 Indian-American Physicians

Dr Vijaya Lakshmi Appareddy

be elected as the chairperson to the Board of Trustees of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), an organization that represents the inter-

Bush's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Dr Appareddy completed her graduate medical training and gained Board Certification in both Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Medical School in New York. Following her train-

in other medical organizations throughout her professional career through various leadership roles. She has contributed to her local medical community by serving as the President of the Chattanooga chapter of the American Medical Women's Association.

Health Science Post

July 15, 2011

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Medicare confirms payment for prostate cancer drug WASHINGTON: Medicare officials have confirmed that the program will cover the $93,000 price tag for prostate cancer drug Provenge, an innovative therapy that typically gives men suffering from an incurable stage of the disease an extra four months to live. The decision from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid essentially reiterates an earlier proposed ruling that the biotech drug, made by Dendreon Corp., is a ``reasonable and necessary'' medicine. As expected, the government will cover the cost for men who meet the drug's approved criteria: those with prostate disease that has spread throughout the body and has not responded to hormone therapy or radiation. The government will not pay for alternate, or so called ``off-label,'' use. ``We do not believe there is any persuasive evidence for the offlabel use,'' of Provenge, the agency concluded in the ruling, posted online. About 240,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S. and the disease claims over 33,000 lives an-

nually, according to the American Cancer Society. The decision ensures that tens of thousands of men will be able to take the drug through the government-backed health care plan that covers seniors. With government reimbursement, analysts estimate Provenge

Provenge's steep price tag had generated debate about the cost of new drugs and the government's role in paying for them could rack up $1 billion in sales next year. The decision is important for Dendreon because most prostate cancer patients are 65 or older. The infused drug is a first-ofa-kind treatment in that each dose is customized to work with each individual patient's immune system. The drug is given in three in-

fusions over the course of one month. Medicare is legally prohibited from considering price when deciding whether to pay for a new treatment. But Provenge's steep price tag had generated debate about the cost of new drugs and the government's role in paying for them, especially against the political backdrop of health care reform and the rising cost of Medicare given the large number of baby boomers. Seattle-based Dendreon says Provenge's price reflects the more than $1 billion spent researching and developing the drug. And prostate cancer patients point out that the median survival time with Provenge is double that of chemotherapy, which is about two months and is marked by painful side effects. Each regimen of Provenge must be tailored to the immune system of the individual patient using a time-consuming formulation process. Doctors collect special blood cells from each patient that help the immune system recognize cancer as a threat. -AP

Dozen vying for new health delivery system BATON ROUGE, La.: Louisiana's health agency says a dozen entities are vying for contracts to operate the state's new health care delivery system for the poor. The Advocate reported that insurance companies and other private groups submitted proposals by the deadline for those interested in running what are called coordinated care networks. The networks are scheduled to be in operation across the state by May 1 next year. Under the program, the state will turn part of its $6.7 billion Medicaid program for the poor to private insurance companies with taxpayers paying premiums for those enrolled. The new system would cover two-thirds of the state's 1.2 million Medicaid recipients, mostly children, with emphasis on preventive and primary care. At least four of the companies are in the Louisiana insurance market now. Others want to come in exclusively to do Medicaid managed-care business. ``We had a good turnout,'' said state Department of Health and Hospitals Undersecretary Jerry

Phillips. "That should provide the coverage we were looking for.'' Nineteen companies originally expressed interest in the contracts. Seven companies, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, decided not to file proposals DHH is scheduled to announce its contract aware recommendations on July 25.

Under the program, the state will turn part of its $6.7 billion Medicaid program for the poor to private insurance companies The plan will be phased starting in January. The New Orleans area will be the first of three regions in the rollout with the Baton Rouge area next March 1 and then the rest of the state May 1. Under the plan, insurers, or third party entities, would develop health care networks of physicians, hospitals and others to provide patient care. -AP

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Southern California Heart disease, No. 1 killer, can sneak up on women faces heat wave LOS ANGELES: Southern Californians have been warned to prepare for a heat wave that could bring an array of health complications and create conditions that lead to wildfires. The South Coast Air Quality Management District predicted that air quality would cause problems for people with health sensitivities in valley and mountain areas near Los Angeles. People with heart disease, asthma or other respiratory diseases should minimize outdoor activities, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said. Meteorologists predicted daytime highs at or above the triple-digit range in valley and desert areas. Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, the county director of public health and health officer, said everyone should take precautions against prolonged sun exposure that can cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. ``Never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in closed vehicles, even with the windows `cracked,' because temperatures inside can quickly rise to life-threatening levels,'' Fielding added in a statement. Santa Barbara County planned cooling centers in libraries, senior centers and other community facilities in seven cities. The county health officer, Dr. Takashi Wada, noted in a statement that heat causes about 400 deaths per year in the U.S., and almost all heat-related illnesses are preventable. The culprit for Southern Cali-

fornia is a high-pressure system over the Four Corners region that will dominate the region's weather through the coming week, the National Weather Service said. The system was also likely to draw moisture into the mountains and deserts and possibly produce afternoon and evening showers or thunderstorms. East of Los Angeles, the California Department of Forestry

Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, the county director of public health and health officer, said everyone should take precautions against prolonged sun exposure that can cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke and Fire Protection suspended all burning permits on state-responsibility lands in San Bernardino County, excluding incorporated cities. Use of campfires was restricted to facilities within established public campgrounds. State forestry San Bernardino Unit Chief Tim McClelland said the large grass crop that grew across Southern California wildlands has dried out and the burning permit suspension is aimed at reducing accidental fire starts. -AP

WASHINGTON: Heart disease can sneak up on women in ways that standard cardiac tests can miss. It's part of a puzzling gender gap: Women tend to have different heart attack symptoms than men. They're more likely to die in the year after a first heart attack. In fact, more than 40 percent of women still don't realize that heart disease is the No. 1 female killer in the U.S. One in 30 women's deaths in 2007 was from breast cancer, compared to about 1 in 3 from cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association. A new report says there's been too little progress in tackling the sex differences in heart disease. It outlines the top questions scientists must answer to find the best ways to treat women's hearts and protect them in the first place. ``A woman's heart is her major health threat, and everyone who takes care of a woman has to realize that,'' says Emory University cardiologist Dr. Nanette Wenger, who co-authored the report. Make no mistake: Heart disease is the leading killer of men, too, in the United States. The illness is more prevalent in men, and tends to hit them about a decade earlier than is usual for women. But while overall deaths have been dropping in recent years, that improvement has been slower for women who face some unique issues, says the report from the nonprofit Society for Women's Health Research and WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease. Sure, being sedentary and eating a lot of junk food is bad for a

woman's heart just like a man's. High cholesterol will clog arteries. High blood pressure can cause a stroke. But here's one problem: Even if a test of major heart arteries finds no blockages, at-risk women still can have a serious problem something called coronary microvascular disease that's less common in men. Small blood vessels that feed the heart become damaged so that they spasm or squeeze shut, Wenger explains.

The report says part of the lack of understanding about such gender issues is because heart-related studies still don't focus enough on women Specialists who suspect microvascular disease prescribe medications designed to make blood vessels relax and blood flow a bit better, while also intensively treating the woman's other cardiac risk factors. But Wenger says it's not clear what the best treatments are. The report says part of the lack of understanding about such gender issues is because heartrelated studies still don't focus enough on women, especially minority women. Only a third of cardiovascular treatment studies include information on how each gender responds even though federal policy says they should.

The report urged direct comparisons of which treatments work best in women, and improved diagnostic tests. Another issue: Even young women sometimes have a heart attack, and there are troubling hints that their risks are rising. There's been a small uptick in deaths among women younger than 45. Plus, high blood pressure, diabetes or related complications during pregnancy a growing worry as more women start their pregnancies already overweight aren't just a temporary problem but increase those mothers' risk of heart disease once they reach middle age. The report says too few doctors are aware they should consider that. Then there are the questions of how best to tell which women are at high risk. Nearly two-thirds of women who die suddenly of heart disease report no previous symptoms, for example, compared with half of men. As for heart attacks, chest pain is the most common symptom but women are more likely than men to experience other symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea and pain in the back or jaw. Legislation pending in Congress would require better study of gender differences, and would expand a government program that currently screens poor women in 20 states for high cholesterol and other heart risks, offering smoking cessation and nutrition education to help lower those risks. Wenger's groups, which receive some funding from drug companies, and the heart association support the bill. -AP

Arkansas hospital to work with federal monitors LITTLE ROCK, Ark.: State Hospital officials are pledging to work with federal monitors in an effort to keep Medicare funding for Arkansas' only public hospital for the mentally ill, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. Amy Webb, a spokeswoman for the Arkansas Department of Human Services, which oversees the hospital's operations, said the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will work with the hospital to carry out a ``System Improvement Agreement.'' Millions of dollars in federal funding for patient care could ex-

pire July 18 if the parties cannot agree on how to resolve problems at the hospital. ``We are ready to make changes,'' Webb said. ``We feel like there are changes that need to be made and we are going to move forward and do that.'' During a June 13 visit, site reviewers from the federal agency found the hospital violated standards for Medicare providers in the areas of patient rights and recordkeeping. The hospital also had received months of unfavorable findings by Medicare site reviewers, putting the federal funding in jeopardy. Two top hospital officials Ad-

ministrator Charles Smith and David Laffoon, the director of the hospital's behavioral health sciences division _ resigned June 17. Smith agreed to remain in his position for 30 days to assist with the transition. The hospital's $44.5 million budget for fiscal year 2011 includes about $9.13 million in Medicaid funding and $3.91 million in Medicare funding. Webb said because the hospital agreed to the site improvement plan, it will waive its right to appeal a possible removal of Medicare funding as a result of the problems found by the federal reviewers. -AP

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Helping kids with terminal illness to express themselves WESTMINSTER, Md.: Children usually don't have the words to express what they think or how they feel, so Child Life Specialist Jill Horn helps them work to express themselves when they're seriously ill. Carroll Hospice and Home Care now serves the community with a Pediatric Palliative Care program called Children's Advanced Relief Encouragement and Support. ``It's a program that helps children with a terminal illness that aren't ready to go into Hospice,'' said Carroll Hospice and Home Care Executive Director Diane Link. Link said the program works to fill a need in the community. Hospice has always served children in addition to its adult services, but found there was a need for support prior to that level of care. The service features the county's only Child Life Specialist, who gets the children to open up by playing age-appropriate games and activities, Link said. Horn said the games help with the patient's adjustment to their illness.

``A child's work is essentially their play,'' she said. To overcome the possible communication barrier and to make them comfortable, the activities board games, dolls, action figures and a sand tray - help Horn discover how the child feels about the illness or treatments being given to them.

The at-home care is usually provided about one to three times a week but could be offered every day, Link said "We basically are trained to provide the emotional support that children need to encourage optimal development and adjustment to their environment and their illness,'' she said. Horn has found that children are resilient and rarely complain, she said. ``A good part of the time, kids are more accepting of their illness

(than are adults),'' Horn said. Horn also works with the child's parents to help them understand why their child is acting the way they are and with siblings, who may feel left out because so much focus is on their brother or sister. She typically works with them through play, education, preparation and self-expression activities as well, Horn said. CARES deals with whole body concepts, Link said, by helping the child cope with physical symptoms of the illness, and serving the entire family with spiritual and emotional support, community resources and social work needs. Nursing staff, social workers, physical and speech therapists, chaplain, volunteers, home health aides and bereavement counselors also help staff the program. The at-home care is usually provided about one to three times a week but could be offered every day, Link said. So far, the service has been provided to two children, but Carroll Hospice typically sees about three children every year, she said. -AP

US firm wins approval for new blood thinner WASHINGTON: Johnson & Johnson has said that U.S. regulators have approved its new type of blood thinner shown to reduce deadly blood clots in patients who have undergone knee and hip replacements. The Food and Drug Administration decision makes rivaroxaban the first U.S.approved drug that works by blocking a clotting protein called factor Xa. That's in contrast to older blood thinners that work by preventing platelets from sticking together. The once-a-day pill will serve as an alternative to the popular injection Lovenox, which is the standard treatment for patients who have undergone orthopedic surgery. The drugs had similar results in head-to-head trials, including similar rates of side effects such as major internal bleeding. J&J said its new drug would be priced similarly to Lovenox, which is marketed by French drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis SA. ``The combination of tissue damage and immobility can lead to large blood clots in the legs, which can break off and travel to the lungs,'' said Dr Paul Chang, vice president of J&J's Jansen Pharmaceuticals unit. J&J first filed its application for rivaroxaban in July 2008, but in May 2009 the FDA delayed making a decision on

the drug after raising concerns about internal bleeding risk. The drug's label will carry a warning about that side effect as well as itching, muscle pain, blisters and fainting. Rivaroxaban was discovered by German drugmaker Bayer Healthcare, which already markets the drug in 110 countries around the world. J&J will market the drug in the US under the brand name Xarelto.

The Food and Drug Administration decision makes rivaroxaban the first US approved drug that works by blocking a clotting protein called factor Xa. That's in contrast to older blood thinners that work by preventing platelets from sticking together While the decision is an important step for J&J, the larger market opportunity for the drug is in treating patients with irregular heartbeats caused by a condition called atrial fibrillation. The FDA is due to rule on that use in November. -AP

India health minister calls homosexuality disease

Indian Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad

NEW DELHI: India's health minister has outraged activists by calling homosexuality a ``disease'' and ``completely unnatural'' during a conference on HIV/ AIDS. Ghulam Nabi Azad told the conference that it was unfortunate that homosexuality has come to India. He echoed a common refrain in this conservative country that homosexual sex is a Western import.

Gay sex was illegal in India until 2009 when the Delhi High Court struck down the law that made sex between people of the same gender punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Roughly 2.5 million Indians have HIV, making it the country with the largest number of people living with the disease in Asia. Experts say the marginalization of gay people in India hinders the fight against HIV/AIDS. -AP

Realty Tidbits Â&#x201E; Prices high despite sluggish demand in Mumbai

Real Estate

espite a sustained sluggish ness in demand, property prices in Mumbai, India's largest real estate market, do not seem to relent. Experts say a reason for this is the financing structure of real estate projects, where many developers, especially unlisted ones, resort to discounted selling to speculators during the soft launch of a project. This, experts say, helps these developers avoid the discipline of interest payments to the banks. According to a Macquarie report, selling to speculators helps developers raise finance for construction activity against a guaranteed return to the speculator. This return then reflects in the official launch price. For example, if the assured return is 25%, the official launch price of the units would be R100 for end users against a soft launch price of R80 (for speculators who get in early). To ensure that this investor base is not alienated, price cuts would be the last resort for a developer, explains the report. Also, these discounted sellings lead to a shadow inventory build up of around 10-15% with the speculators, adds the report. "Of course, there is a part of the inventory that is sold to investors for raising money to fund construction.

Â&#x201E; Strict rules for banks lending to property sector

he Reserve Bank of India has laid out strict and tedious due diligence standards for banks in sanctioning loans to the real estate sector after inspections found that most frauds were due to document forgeries even after certified by lawyers and chartered accountants. The central bank has said banks should leave no stone unturned to verify the documents, including cross verification with the local administration, to ensure that frauds are eliminated. "In case of loan against the security of land, banks may also seek reports from local revenue authorities regarding the title deeds before sanction of loan," RBI said in a notice to the chairmen and chief executives of banks. "Wherever documents of title are submitted as security for loans, there should be a system where documents of title are subject to verification regarding their genuineness, especially for large-value loans." RBI's directive may be fallout of the series of arrests the Central Bureau of Investigation made last year, including the top executives at the LIC Housing Finance and the Bank of India for alleged fraud.

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Builders losing on projects due to dipping ROI

nflation and rising cost of raw materials have started putting a dent in the balance sheets of the real estate firms. In spite of bleeding balance sheets and dipping return on investment (ROI), the firms here commit that they will deliver the housing units to the buyers at the booking price itself. KC Naik, president, Mangalore chapter of the confederation of real estate developers' associations of India (CREDAI), says there is an escalation clause in the agreement with the buyer - but he has not used it till now.

Tata Housing foray into international market

ata Housing Development Company (THDC) has an nounced plans to foray into international markets to develop premium apartments and luxury villas for the world's multimillionaires as well as mixed-use projects in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. To pursue these initiatives the company has set up a team headed by Sandeep Ahuja, VP - business development. "We are in the final stages of due diligence for two mixed-use development projects of two million sq ft each in Colombo. With peace returning to the island nation, real estate will be a big growth story there," said Brotin Banerjee, MD and CEO, Tata Housing. THDC announced that it has entered into a 65:35 JV in the Maldives to develop luxury holiday villas and premium apartments under the brand 'La Grande'. Named Apex Realty, the JV has as minority partner Chennai-based SG18 Realty that has executed some projects in the island country. The total investment will be around Rs 850-900 crore over a period of two and a half to three years. "We are trying to minimize the extent of loans by trying to sell apartments in advance. Since the project is in a prominent area in the capital Male, which is facing acute housing shortage, we don't expect to have a problem," said Banerjee. Tata-owned Indian Hotels Company runs the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in South Male Atoll in the Maldives and the Vivanta by Taj -

Coral Reef at the Hembadhu Island in North Male Atoll. "In addition, other Tata group companies too have operations there making it a

term lease of 50 years to Apex Realty to develop residential apartments and retail space in MalĂŠ. Eighty per cent of the apartments

The government of Maldives has allocated four plots on a long-term lease of 50 years to Apex Realty to develop residential apartments and retail space in Male popular brand in the Maldives," said Banerjee. The government of Maldives has allocated four plots on a long-

will be handed over to the government at cost, while the balance may be sold at open market rates. Apex also gets commercial space

measuring 1.5 lakh sq ft to be developed as office and retail space, said a top THDC official. The JV also gets a 50 year lease to develop an exclusive island (Lhossalafushi) on Faadipolhu Atoll to construct premium luxury villas that THDC hopes to sell to wealthy Europeans and Russians. A total of 50 villas, each costing well in excess of Rs 10 crore, are to be developed in two phases (35+15). THDC hopes to tie up with a resort operator to give prospective villa owners the option to let out their villas for resort companies' guests when the owners are not using them.

Hill stations beome attractive real estate destination

ith family incomes on the rise, hill stations in In dia are increasingly becoming attractive real estate destinations for more and more Indians, according to a survey. While some want an abode in hill stations as only a holiday home, some others want it as a second home they can drop in any time they please. This appetite, though still niche, is catching up

fast amongst Indian homebuyers. The survey, conducted on the website Makaan.com from June one to June 23 this year, saw participation from over 4,800 respondents nationally, with the majority of them belonging to the age group of 26-35 years of age. According to the survey findings, Indian hill stations are emerging as probable residential

options. Gone are the days when owning a house in the hills was mostly looked from an investment point of view; today a large majority of home buyers are ready to move into the hills and are looking at these destinations for residing purpose in the near future. Over 37 per cent majority of survey takers expressed that for them the purpose of buying a

house in the hills was clearly self use, be it for now or for future. Another 29 per cent respondents want to look at such options as a holiday destination or weekend getaway. Interestingly, only 21 per cent want to buy real estate in the hilly areas as probable investment options. The remaining 14 per cent is made up of those who want to beat the city life and plan to settle post-retirement in these areas.

Real Estate

July 15, 2011

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Prefabrication plants to cut project costs

eal estate developers are setting up prefabrication plants to speed up construction and cut project costs as an acute shortage of labor and a rise in raw material prices threaten to wipe out the industry's already wafer-thin margins. Between 2009 and 2011, labor costs have risen 50% while prices of raw materials-steel, cement and bricks-have grown 25%, but developers are betting on the use of prefabs, which promise to save a third in construction time and 1015% in costs over the long run. "This (labor shortage) is impacting delivery of projects and escalating costs," says Godrej group chairman Adi Godrej. According to research firm PropEquity, nearly half of the 930,000 under-construction residential units scheduled for delivery between 2011 and 2013 are likely to be delayed by up to 18 months. In the current market, where margins are thin and customer sentiment is low, developers cannot afford project delays. "To improve the situation, we need to bring in more technology like prefab structures," says Godrej. Prefab technology, now adopted by a number of developers in the south like Janapriya, Supertech, Brigade group and Trigunaas Build-Tech, involves making concrete walls and slabs at a manufacturing facility, transporting them to the construction site and then installing them. India's construction industry is projected to face a labor shortage of 18-28% if the country grows at a medium rate, according to a recent World Bank report. Moreover, the success of the government's flagship job scheme, the NREGS, has

reduced labor supply in large cities. Janapriya Projects, which was facing labor shortages for quite some time, decided to use prefabricated walls in its latest project, the Lake Front township in Hyderabad. As a result, the project is now almost four months ahead compared to the construction time using the earlier method. "Earlier, we were unable to meet timelines and costs were spiraling due to high labor costs," says K Kranti Kiran Reddy, executive director at Janapriya. In October, it signed a technology deal with Finlandbased Elematic for setting up a prefabrication unit, which now produces 5,000 sq ft of wall area a day. "We are using 60% less labor in the Lake Front project now." Though companies building low-cost housing

says Supertech managing director RK Arora. "The reduced construction cost will help us keep our selling price low. Otherwise it is difficult to compete in this price range," says Arora. He and his team had visited a construction site in Malaysia last year to see how the prefab technology works. "Only five people working at the site: one man on the crane, two helping him load the prefabs and two to install them on the building." Says Trigunaas Built-Tech project manager Bima Rajesh: "We are importing prefab moulds from Malaysia and Germany for our lowincome housing projects. Now we are setting up a plant so that we can tap the growing market for affordable housing." Using prefabs, three floors can

"We are using 60% less labor in the Lake Front project now." Though companies building lowcost housing have been using the technology successfully, now developers like Janapriya are using prefabs to develop affordable and midincome housing have been using the technology successfully, now developers like Janapriya are using prefabs to develop affordable and mid-income housing. "It makes more sense to use prefabricated structures for large developments," says Harleen Oberoi, executive director, project management at Cushman & Wakefield. Noida-based developer Supertech is investing Rs 200 crore to set up a pre-fab plant in Greater Noida and has raised Rs 50 crore debt from ICICI Bank. "We plan to use pre-fabricated walls and slabs for our mid-income and affordable homes projects,"

be built in 45 days as compared to a year taken by the conventional method, says Rajesh. Malaysian firm Plastek Industrial System is partnering Trigunaas in building the plant, which will cost Rs 200 crore, Bangalore-based Brigade group is currently negotiating with a Singapore-based prefab company to design and manage a plant for it. "We are looking to set up a captive production plant (at a cost of Rs 15 crore) for affordable homes in Bangalore," says Kailash Advani, CEO, BCV Developers, a subsidiary of Brigade Group.

Fall in property prices in seven cities

roperty prices in seven cit ies across India dropped by 2.63 per cent to 17.6 per cent during the January to March quarter, according to the latest data released by the National Housing Bank (NHB). Another five cities have shown a marginal change in prices in the same period. However, three cities showed an increase in property rates by 2.6 per cent to five per cent. NHB's residential housing price index data or Residex for the first quarter of the 2011 calendar is a comparative study with the previous quarter. Year-on-year, property prices have increased in all 15 cities covered under NHB Residex. The latest NHB Residex results are in contrast to the previous quarter data. During October to

December 2010, property prices went up in 13 out of the 15 cities surveyed, compared with the July to September 2010 data. In the remaining two cities, prices had either remained the same or dropped marginally. When asked about the possible range of property price correction in the coming months, NHB chairman RV Verma refused to provide a figure. "We can't hazard any guess on property price correction as it may impact the market," Verma said at a press conference to discuss the trends in the housing sector. He added: "There are blips in the property market." The expectation from the oversupply condition that exists now, prices should be corrected, according to Verma. Increase in in-

terest rates has added to stock pile-up in real estate, officials indicated. The cities which have shown significant correction (drop in property prices) during January to March 2011 are Bangalore (-17.6 per cent), Kochi (-14.92 per cent), Faridabad (-6.37 per cent), Hyderabad (-4.6 per cent), Surat (3.76 per cent), Bhopal (-3.55 per cent) and Jaipur (-2.63 per cent). In Kolkata, prices dipped marginally by 0.77 per cent. Among others, Ahmedabad showed an increase of 0.4 per cent, Chennai 1.66 per cent, Mumbai 1.39 per cent. Patna showed no change. Of those which have witnessed an increase in prices are Pune (5.02 per cent), Lucknow (3.09 per cent), and Delhi (2.64 per cent).

DLF to sell Pune & Noida IT SEZ

LF, India's largest real es tate company, will sell its shareholding in two IT SEZs in Pune and Noida, for a combined value of Rs1,300 crore, as it steps up the disposal of noncore assets to pay down debt of almost $5 billion. Two partners, Ackruti City and The 3C Company, will also exit. Blackstone is likely to buy the IT SEZ in Pune for Rs900 crore, while a high net worth investor will buy the Noida IT Park for Rs400 crore. DLF declined to comment, saying it does not respond to speculation, but a senior executive confirmed the two deals. The transactions have not yet closed. DLF's has a 70% stake in each of the two properties. Ackruti City is a co-promoter in the Pune venture, while The 3C Company is a partner in the Noida IT Park both with 30% each. Both partners are selling their stakes. In an email response to a query from ET, a DLF spokesperson said: "We have already outlined our medium-term strategy on unlocking of non-core assets. We have nothing further to add on any specific transaction at this juncture." Blackstone declined to comment and Ackruti did not respond to the email sent by ET. 3C could not be reached. The two sales are in line with DLF's strategy to divest non-core assets. The company had said last month that it plans to sell developed assets, including IT Parks and its hotels business and raise about Rs7,000 crore over the next two years to

reduce its debt. DLF's net debt at the end of March was close to Rs24,000 crore. The DLF-Ackruti IT SEZ in Pune's Hinjewadi area has a total area of 5 million sq ft of which 1.8 million is currently operational. It has prominent tenants such as Cognizant Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services, Barclays and Novalis. Another 3.3 million sq ft is under construction at the moment. "The sale will include both leased and under construction portions of the IT SEZ," said the source.

The company had said last month that it plans to sell developed assets, including IT Parks and its hotels business and raise about Rs7,000 crore over the next two years to reduce its debt The IT Park in Noida has a total of 1.3 million sq ft with Computer Sciences Corporation as the marquee tenant. The building is currently not fully occupied. DLF had initially planned to raise Rs4,500 crore from sale of its non-core assets. In a recent presentation, it has said that it now plans to raise Rs10,000 crore in the next 2-3 years. It has already raised Rs3,000 crore over the last 18 months.

In Brief NYC teachers from Caribbean seek immigration help NEW YORK: New York City teachers recruited from Jamaica, Trinidad and other Caribbean countries a decade ago said here that the city needs to do more to help them and their families obtain permanent U.S. residency. Some 500 Caribbean teachers were recruited in 2001 when the city faced a teacher shortage. The teachers say they were hired with the understanding that New York City officials would help them regularize their immigration status. But teachers who attended a news conference on the steps of City Hall said they are here on H1B work visas they need to keep renewing or risk deportation; meanwhile, their adult children are not legally able to work. -AP

Sen. Nelson slams detention of immigrant veteran MIAMI: U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is slamming the detention of an Iraq war veteran for alleged passport fraud. Nelson called for passage of the Dream Act to provide a path to citizenship for young adults who attend college or join the military after reading about 26-year-old immigrant Elisha Leo Dawkins. The former U.S. Army combat cameraman was arrested in April for allegedly failing to acknowledge he'd previously applied for a passport. The Miami Herald reports the native of the Bahamas could avoid prosecution through community service but might still face future immigration problems. Dawkins received strong evaluations from his superiors following his work in Iraq and in the Naval Reserves in Guantanamo. -AP

10 detained in Malibu-area human trafficking MALIBU, Calif.: Immigration authorities have detained 10 suspected illegal immigrants in the Malibu area part of trend by Mexican smugglers to bring their human cargo farther north by boat. Federal immigration spokeswoman Virginia Kice says authorities detained 10 people. She says a woman suffered a broken nose and a man broke a leg while coming ashore and were hospitalized. The U.S. Coast Guard searched for the boat but didn't find it. Drug and human traffickers had been using small panga boats to reach San Diego County but Kice says they've moved farther north in recent months, into Orange and Los Angeles counties. -AP

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Problems with Alabama's new immigration law-II

Details on page 44

Indian Government relaxes rules for passport surrender India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Following persistent complaints with regard to its rules on passport surrender by Indian origin naturalized citizens of other countries, and other related issues, introduced early last year, the Government of India relaxed some of its rules last week. Accordingly, persons of Indian origin who became naturalized citizens more than 10 years ago need not surrender their old Indian passport; and applicants for the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) need not submit their origin US passport along with the application. "It is heartening to know that two of the demands in the GOPIO memorandum have been accepted and have been implemented by the Ministry of External Affairs Indian with directives to all Indian High Commissions and Consulates," said a statement by the Global Organization of Persons of Indian Origin (GOPIO), which has been actively pursuing these issues with the Government of India over the past year.

The circular regarding the change in rules issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to all Indian Missions/Posts states: (i) Registration of surrender certificate: Since visa and other applicants (for consular services) of Indian origin are being put to discomfort by the request for surrender certificate every time they

possession of an Indian passport that expired more than 10 years ago, and where in the intervening period, he/she has acquired foreign citizenship, all Missions/Posts have been advised to treat such cases as 'Deemed surrender.' On the production of documents showing the acquisition of foreign nationality more than 10 years ago,

Persons of Indian origin who became naturalized citizens more than 10 years ago need not surrender their old Indian passport; and applicants for the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) need not submit their origin US passport seek a service, all Missions/Posts have been advised to register the surrender certificate, electronically or otherwise, at the first occasion it is presented. Such a record will ensure that PIOs will no longer be required to produce the certificate on every occasion of approaching the Mission/Post for consular assistance. (ii) 'Deemed surrender' cases: In order to deal with instances where a Person of Indian Origin was in

such persons will be issued 'deemed surrender' certificates, without causing the additional burden of producing passports which may not be in the possession of the Person of Indian Origin." "We compliment the MEA high level delegation for accepting some of GOPIO's recommendations and the MEA for issuing the directives accordingly. The elimination of surrender certificate requirement for people who have obtained foreign

citizenship more than ten years ago, will not only stop the decline of goodwill in the Indian community for the Government of India but can also reduce workload at the consulates," said Inder Singh, GOPIO International Chairman. "Now that the work load will be less, Indian missions in western countries and Travisa (the company to which the OCI processing is outsourced) should finish off all the backlogs soon and make the process of getting an OCI card and entry visa to India easier for the Indian community," said Dr. Thomas Abraham, former Chairman of GOPIO International, who has been involved in this issue from the beginning. "Finally, MEA has taken some steps to remove the difficulties faced by many who became citizens of other countries and desirous of visiting India or applying for OCI cards. This is a welcome action that removes an undue burden on former citizens of India and improves goodwill towards India," said Ashook Ramsaran, Executive Vice President of GOPIO International. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 43

Church calls for turbans for Sikh detainees India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Responding to a call from Church World Service, a chaplaincy provider for detention centers that many Sikhs detained at the Port Isabel detention center in Texas were in need of their religious articles of faith, recently the United Sikhs provided 70 Sikh detainees with turbans and prayer books. Gurvinder Singh, a United Sikhs board member, along with his volunteer team comprised of Kulwinder Singh, Mandeep Singh, Narinderpal Singh, and Rupinderjit Singh, visited The Port Isabel Service Processing Center recently to deliver religious items to Sikh detainees who had recently been arriving there in large numbers. According to ICE, there has been an increase in the number of undocumented South Asians finding their way into ICE custody

along the Texas border. The detention center holds detainees of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These detainees have undetermined immigration or citizenship statuses, or are awaiting repatriation. Many of the Sikh detainees

Prior to the year 2000, the field of prisoner rights was controlled by the Department of Corrections, and prisoners' religious rights were extensively violated. The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Person Act (RLUIPA), passed in 2000, provides added

According to ICE, there has been an increase in the number of undocumented South Asians finding their way into ICE custody along the Texas border were in need of turbans and prayer books, having lost them over the course of their journey from India over the Mexican border to the United States. During United Sikhs' visit, over seventy Sikh inmates at the center received eighty turbans, over forty prayer books and Sikh literature.

protections against state and local governments from imposing burdens on the free exercise of religion in prisons. RLUIPA has created some change, but only five states permit unshorn hair outright and less than a quarter of the fifty states allow for a faith/religious exception for RLUIPA (at least in

the context of Sikh rights). Texas is not one of these states. However, the Port Isabel Detention Center was grateful for UNITED SIKHS' visit and the donation of the turbans, prayer books and Sikh literature. "We are thankful for the coming of United Sikhs to Port Isabel Detention Center and for your donation of religious items you brought for the detainees. The detainees will be spiritually fulfilled with your contribution and consideration," said Rev. Eliane Menezes, the Religious Service Program Coordinator at the Port Isabel Detention Center. Port Isabel Detention Center provides a chapel service for its detainees, but it didn't have the resources to provide religious services or articles of faith for the Sikh detainees. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 45

Immigration Post

July 15, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Thousands rally against Ga. immigration law ATLANTA: Thousands of marchers stormed the Georgia Capitol to protest the state's new immigration law, which they say creates an unwelcome environment for people of color and those in search of a better life. Men, women and children of all ages converged on downtown Atlanta for the march and rally, cheering speakers while shading themselves with umbrellas and posters from the blazing summer sun. Capitol police and organizers estimated that between 8,000 and 14,000 protesters gathered. They filled the blocks around the Capitol, holding signs decrying House Bill 87 and reading ``Immigration Reform Now!'' Friends Jessica Bamaca and Melany Cordero held a poster that read: ``How would you feel if your family got broken apart?'' Bamaca was born in the U.S., but her mother and sister are from

Guatemala. She said she fears they will be deported. ``I would be here by myself,'' said Bamaca, 13. ``I have a feeling (the governor) doesn't know the pain affecting families. If he were

The rally follows a ‘day without immigrants’ organized earlier, when some parts of the law took effect to be in our position, how would he react?'' Azadeh Shahshahani of the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia called the rally inspiring and said she hoped lawmakers would recognize the law's potential to damage the state.

Rodeo announcer's immigration remarks criticized LEHI, Utah: A city councilman says he's upset over a rodeo announcer's remarks about illegal immigrants and wants to discuss his concerns with other council members. Lehi Councilman Mark Johnson shares the concerns of a local Hispanic woman, who was offended by announcer Andy Stewart's comments at a June 23 rodeo in the city, about 25 miles south of Salt Lake City, the Deseret News of Salt Lake City reported. The woman, who asked not to

be identified, said she took her family to the rodeo and things started innocently enough when the announcer asked for a show of hands of people from various surrounding states. He went on to ask people who were born outside the United States to raise their hands, then asked if there were any illegal immigrants at the rodeo. He's accused of then saying, ``Let's round them up and put them on a train'' as a train went by. Cont’d on page 45

``I think it's going to have an impact,'' she said. ``Unfortunately, the damage has already been done as far as people of color having second thoughts about moving to Georgia.'' Several different groups stood with the largely Latino crowd, including representatives from the civil rights movement. The Rev. Timothy McDonald, an activist who has been supportive of immigration protesters, was among the speakers showing his solidarity. ``You are my brothers and my sisters,'' McDonald told the crowd. ``Some years ago, they told people like me we couldn't vote. We did what you are doing today. We are going to send a message to the powers that be ... that when the people get united, there is no government that can stop them. Don't let them turn you around.'' The rally follows a ``day without immigrants'' organized earlier, when some parts of the law took effect. It was organized by the Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights. The organization asked businesses to close and community members not to work or shop to protest the law. A judge has temporarily blocked key parts of the law until a legal challenge is resolved. One provision that was blocked authorizes police to check the immigration status of suspects without proper identification. It also authorizes them to detain illegal immigrants. Another penalizes people who knowingly and willingly transport or harbor illegal immigrants while committing another crime. -AP

Indian Government relaxes rules for passport surrender Cont’d from page 42

When the new rules regarding the surrender of Indian passports upon acquisition of US citizenship were introduced by the Government of India in May 2010, GOPIO and dozens of other Indian American organizations had vociferously opposed them. They had objected to Indian Consulates charging $175 fee for surrender of old Indian passports and additional penalties for various "violations". GOPIO collected over 30,000 petitions and sent its objections along with the petitions to the Prime Minister of India. On June 1, 2010, a partial relax-

ation of the rules was achieved when the fee was reduced to $20. Nevertheless, the removal of burdensome procedures and fees on Indians who became citizens of other countries was not addressed in a coherent, consistent and equitable way. As a result, during the last one year alone, there have been demonstrations, hunger strikes and thousands of emails to the Indian consulates and the government of India. In January this year, a GOPIO delegation presented a memorandum to the MEA and again explained the hardships and delays people have been experiencing in

obtaining visa for visiting India and how such bureaucratic procedures are consequently alienating NRI/PIO communities. On January 6, 2011, GOPIO held a conference session on this subject at its annual convention in New Delhi. In May, a high level delegation from the MEA headed by MEA Secretary Dr. Ajai Choudhry along with Additional Secretary B.K. Gupta and Under Secretary Cherian Thomas visited the USA to look into complaints. GOPIO representatives met the delegation in New York, Houston and San Francisco and made representations on behalf of the Indian American community.

PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law

Former Assistant State s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1

http://www.proy-singh.com

2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659

Immigration Post

India Post

July 15, 2011

www.indiapost.com

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

Continued from last week he repeated references in HB 56 to verification of "unlawful presence" by the federal government point to two other serious problems with various aspects of HB 56: the statutorily unjustified power that HB 56 seeks to place in the hands of DHS, and the apparent misconception on the part of Alabama's legislature about what the term "unlawful presence" actually means under current U.S. immigration law. Although the two problems overlap, it is useful for purposes of clarity to address them separately. The Department of Homeland Security, which conducts verification of immigration status pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1373(c), does not ordinarily have the power to unilaterally order someone removed (except in unusual cases related to certain "arriving aliens" covered by INA § 235, certain felons covered by INA § 238, certain crewmen covered by INA § 252, and the Visa Waiver Program authorized by INA § 217). Rather, as explained in section 240 of the INA, it is generally an immigration judge who "shall conduct proceedings for deciding the inadmissibility or deportability of an alien". In those proceedings before an immigration judge, the alien sought to be removed by DHS may be eligible to apply for various forms of relief from removal, including asylum under INA § 208, adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident under INA § 245, cancellation of removal for nonpermanent residents under INA § 240A (b), and many others. The alien may also be able to successfully dispute DHS's view that he or she is even removable. To say that the federal government has determined someone to be unlawfully present in the absence of removal proceedings, therefore, is ordinarily only to say that DHS has accused them of being unlawfully present-which as a matter of federal law is generally the preliminary step in the process rather than the final step. Thus, when Alabama seeks in section 13(a)(4) of HB 56 to prevent "an alien unlawfully present in the United States" from residing in Alabama by making it illegal for anyone to provide such an alien rental accommodations with knowledge or reckless disregard of the fact that they are unlawfully present, and says in section 13(g) that for these purposes "an alien's immigration status shall be determined by verification of the alien's immigration status with the federal

government pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1373(c)," this is far more problematic than it might appear at first glance. The same is true of the 13(a) (3) prohibition on transporting aliens in furtherance of their unlawful presence, which includes "conspiracy to be so transported" within the state as an offense and thus seems to prohibit the unlawfully present from accepting rides. In cases where no removal proceedings under INA § 240 have yet been conducted, Alabama is apparently seeking to banish people from the state based on the Department of Homeland Security's mere accusation that their immigration status is an unlawful one, if such accusation is known to or suspected by their landlord. It is rather as though an accused criminal were exiled from the state because the prosecutor's computer system said they were guilty, without benefit of trial. This could have particularly bizarre consequences with regard to someone who had in fact been placed in removal proceedings, as set out in INA § 240: if this becomes publicly known, how are they to attend the proceedings, as they have been ordered to do by the federal government, if everyone in the state is forbidden to rent them a room while the proceedings are ongoing? This sentence first, trial afterward approach would be bad enough if "unlawfully present" meant what the Alabama legislature seems to think it means, namely, someone who (if the determination that they are unlawfully present is correct) has no legitimate reason to be in the United States. In fact, however, unlawful presence has a specific meaning in immigration law, relating to inadmissibility under INA § 212(a) (9) (B)(C), which was recently explicated in detail in a USCIS guidance memorandum available at http:// www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Laws/ M e m o r a n d a / Static_Files_Memoranda/2009/ revision_redesign_AFM.PDF . A substantial number of people whom Congress has contemplated may apply for various immigration benefits, and subsequently regain lawful authorization to remain in the United States, are nonetheless deemed unlawfully present in the interim while their applications are being processed. Those who apply for adjustment of status under INA § 245 "defensively" in removal proceedings as opposed to "affirmatively" before proceedings begin, for example, are considered unlawfully present while their applications are pending, although they may be

given employment authorization under 8 C.F.R. § 274a.12(c)(9). The same is true of applicants for non-LPR cancellation of removal under 8 C.F.R. § 274a.12(c) (10). Those who enter into a bona fide marriage with a U.S. citizen following a lawful entry are eligible to apply for adjustment of status under INA § 245(a) even if they have overstayed their admission and become unlawfully present, due to specific exceptions for such "immediate relatives" in INA § 245(c), and it is highly unlikely that a DHS agent who encountered such a married couple shortly after the wedding but while they were still preparing to file the relevant papers would bother placing them in removal proceedings so that the application could be filed in those proceedings-but they, too, would apparently be barred from renting housing or being transported within Alabama under HB 56.

All of these problems with HB 56 may in large part rest on the same underpinning: the highly oversimplified model of US immigration law that seems to have existed in the minds of Alabama state legislators and others lobbying for similar laws One whose application for extension of stay or change of status is denied by USCIS, as well, may become unlawfully present but be permitted nonetheless under the regulations to move USCIS to reopen or reconsider its decision; Alabama would apparently make it a crime to knowingly rent a room or give a ride to someone with such a pending motion. The problem of applying HB 56 to "unlawfully present" aliens who may apply for relief and subsequently become lawfully present exists also in the asylum context with which this article began. An application for asylum, according to INA § 208, may be filed within one year of the applicant's last entry (or later if certain exceptions apply), even if the applicant was given permission to stay for less than a year at the time of that entry. Congress understood that just because a traumatized vic-

tim of persecution is only admitted for, say, three months on a tourist visa, does not mean they should necessarily be expected to have completed and filed their asylum application within those three months. If placed in removal proceedings, such persons would almost inevitably be given the opportunity to apply for asylum, and the delays inherent in removal proceedings would likely allow them to file their completed application relatively shortly before the expiration of the one-year deadline if they could not complete it sooner. Alabama, on the other hand, apparently wishes to alter the one-year deadline for asylum applications, by making it illegal to rent a room or give a ride to an unlawfully present victim of persecution who has overstayed their initial authorized admission and is preparing to file a timely application for asylum within one year of their arrival. Even with respect to some people who have been ordered removed following removal proceedings and are unlawfully present as that term is used in U.S. immigration law, Alabama's attempt to force exile by denial of housing or transport is problematic. As I explained in a recent blog piece (http:// cyrusmehta.blogspot.com/2011/ 06/if-even-chief-justice-canmisunderstand.html), an order of removal is not incompatible with employment authorization. People who have been ordered removed by an Immigration Judge and who would qualify as unlawfully present may be authorized to accept employment under 8 C.F.R. § 274a.12(c)(9) and 8 C.F.R. § 274a.12(c)(10), and may as a practical matter be allowed by DHS to remain in the United States, if they are seeking judicial review under 8 U.S.C. § 1252(a)(2)(D) of a denial of a defensive application for adjustment of status under INA § 245 or an application for cancellation of removal under INA § 240A(b) due to an asserted error of law. Or, those who have been ordered removed and are unlawfully present may remain in the United States with the knowledge and acquiescence of DHS because no other country will accept them for removal; the Supreme Court ruled in Zadvydas v. Davis, 533 U.S. 678 (2001), that the law does not generally allow that problem to be solved by simply detaining people indefinitely without hope of removal or release. Unless the Alabama legislature is of the view that it can overrule the Supreme Court's decision in

Zadvydas, the implication seems to be that such impossible-to-remove unlawfully-present people should either sleep on the street or leave Alabama. If all 50 states were to enact laws mirroring HB 56, the problem would become more obvious, but Alabama's law is no less unconstitutional or disturbing simply because of its relative uniqueness. All of these problems with HB 56 may in large part rest on the same underpinning: the highly oversimplified model of U.S. immigration law that seems to have existed in the minds of Alabama state legislators and others lobbying for similar laws. In this simplistic view of the world, there are only three possibilities: any noncitizen either has a valid nonimmigrant visa, is a lawful permanent resident with a green card, or is "illegal" and thus entitled only to be swiftly removed from the country with no hope of review. This is simply not an accurate representation of the Immigration and Nationality Act and implementing regulations, which contain many more ways of obtaining and retaining some form of lawful authorization to remain in the United States than such an oversimplified model suggests. It is partly because immigration law is actually so complicated that any state attempts to meddle in it are more likely to lead to disaster or farce than to any positive consequence. Alabama has no power to abolish asylee and refugee status as inconvenient anomalies, forbid out-of-status aliens from remaining in the United States so as to seek asylum within the one-year deadline for doing so, require that a nonimmigrant maintain a valid unexpired visa in order to maintain valid status, or require potential applicants for adjustment of status under INA § 245 or cancellation of removal under INA § 240A(b) to depart on pain of homelessness before their applications have been adjudicated by an Immigration Judge or reviewed on appeal by the Board of Immigration Appeals or a federal court. Such highly inadvisable modifications of our immigration law could only be made by Congress, and likely never will be. Alabama's attempts to modify the basic structure of immigration law on its own are pre-empted and unconstitutional.

* Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Immigration Post

July 15, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Immigrant advocates sue LA Co. over deportations LOS ANGELES: Immigrant rights advocates filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to get information about the department's participation in immigration enforcement programs and data about deportations. The National Day Labor Organizing Network, the National Immigration Law Center and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles filed their petition and plan to serve Sheriff Lee Baca with a summons. In February the groups filed a California Public Records Act request to get access to communications between the Sheriff's Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. They also asked for statistics that outline the cost of participating in federal programs to the county and its taxpayers, and arrest records which they say might

be evidence of racial profiling. The department said the records weren't public, said Jessica Karp, staff attorney with the day labor organization.

Immigrant advocates say agreements between local departments and ICE mean more people deported, more families torn apart ``Their response is completely inadequate and asserts that the records related to this program aren't public records. The California Public Records Act gives citizens broad rights to access documents generated by public

agencies,'' she said. ``Our three organizations have been asking for this information since 2007. The Secure Communities program led us to file this new comprehensive request. We're trying to get at how much it's costing the county and who is being deported.'' Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said the information is ICE's to release. ``It's up to them. We don't have anything to hide,'' he said. Los Angeles County was among the first to enter into agreements that authorized law enforcement officers to move immigrants into the deportation pipeline. Immigrant advocates say agreements between local departments and ICE mean more people deported, more families torn apart and more problems for community policing efforts. -AP

Rodeo announcer's immigration remarks criticized Cont’d from page 43

The woman said she was shocked. ``I felt people's stares, or their look, upon my family,'' she said, adding she has lived in the U.S. for years and her family members are citizens. Johnson heard similar remarks when he attended the rodeo the

night after the woman. ``I was a little bit concerned and taken back when he had asked about those that were outside the United States if they were illegal, that they should be shipped out,'' he told the Deseret News. Stewart, who is based in Louisiana and works at rodeos across the country, said he asks illegal immigrants to identify themselves

at every event. He said it's a joke and is ``not offensive in any shape or fashion.'' He denied saying anything about rounding anyone up and putting them on a train. Johnson said he wants to discuss the issue with other council members and the mayor to determine ``if they felt the same degree of (discomfort) that I did.'' -AP

Church calls for turbans for Sikh detainees Cont’d from page 42

The Sikh organization was contacted by Church World Service, a chaplaincy provider for detention centers, regarding the fact that many Sikhs in Port Isabel were without turbans, and asked United Sikhs to help on behalf of the Sikh detainees. "Knowing that we had a plea from our brothers to assist them so that they may maintain the dignity of their faith while in detention struck us quite deeply," said Gurvinder Singh, United Sikhs board member and coordinator of this delivery. When asked about the length of the drive (9 hours each way), he responded, "United Sikhs will continue to strive to ensure that the religious rights of all are respected even if we have to drive half way

across the country." Reverend Joan Maruskin, Program Administrator for the Religious Service Program at Church World Service wrote in her thank you letter to United Sikhs that: "The United Sikhs visit to the Port Isabel Detention Center was a blessing to both the detainees and staff members of the detention center. Your visit let the detainees know that they are valued and respected and not alone, thank you so very much. Additional thanks for providing religious items to help them practice their religion. Wearing and using the items not only provides them with a connection to the divine, but also reminds them of their connection to the greater Sikh community.

Knowing that others care brings added dignity and value to their lives in detention and beyond. Again, thank you for visiting the Sikh detainees in Port Isabel. They continue to use the materials you provided and will long remember and talk about the visit."

Men indicted for immigrant smuggling operation WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.: A 25-year-old boat captain faces the death penalty in connection with an ill-fated June 14 immigrant smuggling operation that left a pregnant woman dead and another woman critically injured. Tarran Maynard was indicted after telling investigators he was paid $10,000 to ferry 11 Bahamian, Jamaican and Haitian nationals from Freeport, Bahamas to South Florida. He told federal agents the money was lost when the 24-foot boat capsized about 12 miles off Riviera Beach. Maynard said a man he identified as ``Biggs'' threatened to harm him and his family if he didn't take the job, court records show. He later identified Biggs as Andrew Smith, who was one of the passengers. Smith, 37, was also indicted last week. He and four other Jamaicans are charged with trying to re-enter the country illegally after being deported for having felony convictions. All face a maximum 20 years in prison. Maynard is charged with 28 separate crimes because of the number of people aboard the boat. The most serious charge encouraging and inducing aliens

to enter the U.S. resulting in death - is punishable by life imprisonment or death. After the U.S. Coast Guard plucked 11 of people out of the water, they discovered the body of a woman, later identified as Jeanne Pierre, under the boat that capsized after the engine failed.

Maynard said a man he identified as ‘Biggs’ threatened to harm him and his family if he didn't take the job, court records show Another woman, Shoudna Charles, didn't have a pulse when she was rescued, agents said. She was taken to an unidentified hospital where, as of June 16, she was in critical condition. The six who were indicted are in federal custody. In addition to Maynard and Smith, they are: Patrick Campbell, 33, Basil Barker, no age available, Anthony Smith, 43, and Gary Mitchell, 40. -AP

Perspective

India Post

July 15, 2011

www.indiapost.com

American schools lag in math & science: Study India Post News Service

hen former President George W. Bush launched the 'No Child Left Behind' program it was obviously in recognition of the serious disparities in educational opportunities in American schools. And today when President Barack Obama persistently harps on the importance of teaching math and science in schools to be able to compete with the India and China of the future, it is not without reason either. Recently, the US Department of Education released data that cast much-needed light on disparities in educational resources and opportunities for students across the country. These data provide policymakers, educators and parents with critical information that will aid them in identifying inequities and targeting solutions to close the persistent educational achievement gap in America. Known as the Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC), this data is the first installment of a two-part biennial survey. The survey covers approximately 7,000 school districts and more than 72,000 schools, and has also been sig-

nificantly enhanced and made more accessible through improved data collection, additional data indicators, and publicly-accessible online tools for data analysis. "To meet President Obama's goal to lead the world in college graduates by 2020, we need efficient, practical and accessible information like this to help guide our path," said US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "These data show that far too many students are still not getting access to the kinds of classes, resources and opportunities they need to be successful." The new data includes information on: access to the rigorous sequence of college and career-ready math and science courses, the number of first and second-year teachers in schools, the number of high school counselors in schools, availability of pre-K and kindergarten programs, districts operating under desegregation orders or plans, and whether districts have written policies prohibiting harassment and bullying on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. Within the 7,000 sampled school districts: • 3,000 schools serving nearly

500,000 high school students offer no algebra II classes, and more than 2 million students in about 7,300 schools had no access to calculus classes. • Schools serving mostly African-American students are twice as likely to have teachers with one

‘These data show that far too many students are still not getting access to the kinds of classes, resources and opportunities they need to be successful’ or two years of experience than are schools within the same district that serve mostly white students. • Only 2 percent of the students with disabilities are taking at least one Advanced Placement class. • Students with limited English proficiency make up 6 percent of the high school population (in grades 9-12), but are 15 percent of the students for whom algebra is

the highest-level math course taken by the final year of their high school career. • Only 22 percent of local education agencies (LEAs) reported that they operated pre-K programs targeting children from low-income families. • Girls are underrepresented in physics, while boys are underrepresented in algebra II. "Despite the best efforts of America's educators to bring greater equity to our schools, too many children - especially low-income and minority children - are still denied the educational opportunities they need to succeed," said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Russlynn Ali. "Transparency is the first step toward reform and for districts that want to do the right thing, the CRDC is an incredible source of information that shows them where they can improve and how to get better." The 2009-10 data reflect important changes both to the method of collection and to the information being gathered. The sample included school districts of all sizes, including every school district with more than 3,000 students as well as state-operated juvenile

justice facilities. The survey was for the first time conducted in two phases: Part 1 collected primarily enrollment data, while Part 2 collected cumulative and end-of-year data. Most of the student data are disaggregated by race/ ethnicity, sex, disability (including additional disaggregation by disability status in some instances), and limited English proficient status. The Part 2 data, which will be released this fall, will include: numbers of students passing algebra, taking AP tests, and passing AP tests; significantly expanded discipline data; data on restraint and seclusion; retention data by grade; teacher absenteeism rates; school funding data; and data on incidents of harassment and bullying. The Part 2 data will thus highlight some of the most important civil rights issues facing our schools today, such as whether certain groups of students are being disciplined more harshly or more often than other groups, and whether all groups are equally likely to be taking the SAT or ACT - the tests most likely to help them enter college. Many of these data will be available at the school level for the first time anywhere.

Red Tourism: Economic industry or ideological propaganda? NAMRATA HASIJA

ed Tourism has gained considerable momentum as a phenomenon in China. The government is encouraging tourism around historic sites. Is it purely an economic move? Is it primarily motivated by the need to strengthen the ideological base for the Communist Party of China? Also, is it being used as a propaganda tool for diluting the rising social tensions in China by promoting the 'red values' of sacrifice and hard work among the younger generation? Is it being promoted to rejuvenate the party's popularity on its 90th anniversary? What is Red tourism? Red tourism refers to an aspect of the tourism industry which is dedicated to developing sites historically related to Mao Zedong and the revolutionary struggle carried out by the Communist Party of China against the Kuomintang. It has generated not only tremendous revenue for the government but has also revived interest in the country's history, especially the role of Mao Zedong. Many revolutionary era locations in Yan'an, Hebei, Zunyi, Gansu and so on, which have some linkages to the revolutionary struggle,

have been developed into popular tourist sites. This is a governmental push which, with the help of locals, scholars and experts, has transformed these areas into significant revenue generation sites. Yan'an alone earned US$1.17 billion in 2010 from the 14.5 million tourists who visited the city for its historical connections. The Yizhang county government earned about US$215 million in 2010 from the 1.3 million tourists that visited the 'red sites' of the county. Locals, officials and private entrepreneurs have pitched in different schemes to augment revenue. For example, Chu Xianyi, an entrepreneur from Zhejiang province has invested in a show titled 'Battle Defending Yan'an' which is a simulation of a battle fought between the Communist party and the Kuomintang in 1947. This show has become a hit with visitors (most of whom are students from affluent families), attracting 1000 plus visitors a day and generating a yearly revenue in millions. The locals of Yizhang County on their own initiative repaired the houses of the revolutionaries, built roads and even erected signs for the tourists. The Yizhang county govern-

ment has also invested approximately $48 million for the restoration and improvement of historical sites. Innovative items such as Mao keychains, t-shirts, posters, mugs and wallets are being sold at these sites and have developed into a brand. Cigarette companies are pitching in with catchy slogans like 'the only cigarettes which give you the

All these moves not only promote the party before its 90th anniversary but also inculcate the so-called 'red values' of the Mao era among the younger generation revolutionary spirit', indicating the momentous growth of this industry. Thus, we see that a wellrounded development has been undertaken by all sections of society which has enabled this industry to grow by leaps and bounds. Party officials have seized the growing popularity of the movement for their ideological propaganda as articulated by Li Changchun (China's propaganda

chief): "Red tourism was a political project to strengthen the people's conviction of sticking to the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics." The government is trying to invigorate its position and also dilute the social tensions in China to a certain extent. This is done by showcasing the hardships faced by Mao and other party members during their struggle. The next generation of party members are very enthusiastic about the project and have integrated several programs such as 'red text', 'red songs' and 'red training' within its ambit. Under these programs, the party members encourage colleges and other organizations to send texts to their students and employees carrying Mao's sayings. The local party secretaries have given orders to state radio and television to promote 'red songs' praising the communist party. Under the 'red training' program, colleges are encouraged to send students to work in the countryside. All these moves not only promote the party before its 90th anniversary but also inculcate the so-called 'red values' of the Mao era among the younger generation. Special organizations have

been set up (like the 'Red Tourism Revolutionary Traditions Education Activity Leading Team') to organize trips for college students. Many young people who were interviewed after their visits to these sites acknowledged the importance of Mao's ideas in present day China where 'everybody only cared for money'. They also feel that these sites have substantiated their textual knowledge of Mao's sacrifice and hard-work, enabling them to take pride in their past. The party is in fact using Mao's stature and values to portray their linkage with the same values. The government views this program as a means to reinforce socialist ideas in order to address problems of rising corruption and social inequality. Although initially it might have been a purely economic move, party leaders are now using it for reinstating the party's image before its 90th anniversary and emphasizing the superior nature of socialism. In a way it is a two-pronged strategy, which is not only bringing rich economic dividends to poor areas but also consolidating the Communist Party of China's grip on power. The writer is Research Officer, IPCS

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Philosophy

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(Terence James Stannus Gray)

nyone, a child or a man partially blind, can poke a stick through a bicyclewheel that is in repose. But when the wheel is in movement a stick will not pass. But if the movement of the stick were more rapid than the movement of the wheel, for instance if it were an arrow shot from a bow, it could pass. Similarly anyone can throw a stone between the blades of an aeroplane propeller that is in repose, whereas if the propeller is in motion it will be rejected. But a bullet from a machine-gun, fired from behind the propeller, can pass, on account of its speed. The spokes of the wheel, and the blades of the propeller, are clearly visible when they are not in movement or when the movement is slow, but as soon as the movement becomes rapid they become invisible. That is because the human eye does not react with a rapidity sufficient to seize the moving image. If the rapidity of reaction of the eye were increased, or the movement of the object retarded, the spokes or the blades again become visible. These common phenomena, and the so-called 'laws' which appear to regulate them, may have a certain universality of application. In particular they may

OSHO

he idea of perfection is the root cause of all neurosis. Humanity has not been healthy because of the idea of perfection. Man has suffered immensely, and unnecessarily. Erase this word 'perfection' from your vocabulary. 'Perfection' means you are creating a tension in your life between that which is and that which should be. And that tension is what creates schizophrenia. You become split; you are no more one, you become two. And you will never again be Open because there is no end to your imagination. You can always imagine a better state of affairs. Wherever you are, you can always have your goal somewhere there on the horizon. And the horizon is never achieved. You remain unfulfilled - not because life makes it difficult for you to be fulfilled; life is all for your fulfillment. You remain unfulfilled because of your imagination. Life is ready to deliver all that you need, this very moment - but your idea of perfection becomes a barrier. Then you cannot love, then you cannot live, then you cannot

apply to our perception of Time. Phenomena are separated from noumena, or we from Reality, by the screen of Time. But this 'screen', although a function of our own apparatus, should be like the 'screen' formed by the revolving spokes or blades. If we could speed up our perception or slow down the apparatus we should be able to make contact with what is beyond.

only be ultimate in the sense that we can experience no higher: and that because it may approach the velocity of Time itself, and so represent the frontier between our three sensorially perceptible dimensions and the next further. The 'screen' in question is only impermeable in certain conditions; as the term implies in science it is also the nature of a sieve. Just as many things, from light to bullets,

versed our screen of Time, for on this side are phenomena and on the other is Noumenon. But such penetration is indirect. In the normal process of manifestation the 'screen' has also the characteristics of a prism, a prism which splits up a motionless, colorless and formless unity, like light, into multiplicity and diversity. A further example of the same phenomena is an apparatus called

Reality is screened from us by Time Nowhere can we look, or perceive sensorially, without coming up against the limitation that is Time. But its frequency is too high for our senses to traverse

Wei Wu Wei

But what is beyond? Undoubtedly what is beyond is a further dimension that is screened from us by our self-made time. Our whole lives are bounded by our time. Nowhere can we look, or perceive sensorially, without coming up against the limitation that is Time. But its frequency is too high for our senses to traverse. It seems just possible that the speed of light, regarded by Relativity as the ultimate velocity, may

can pass through the spoke and propeller 'screens', so elements can pass through the 'screen' of Time. One of these we sometimes term 'intuition'; presumably because it has a higher frequency than thought it is able to pass. Reasoning is much slower, and the results obtained therewith are either false or have a degree of truth that is entirely relative. Everything of which we can have cognizance must have tra-

a phenakistoscope, in the form of a revolving cup with vertical slits in the side. On the inside of the cup is a series of designs in consecutive attitudes so that when the cup is revolved the illusion of movement is produced in anyone looking through the slits. Were the ratio of the velocities to be readjusted - that of the eye augmented, that of the revolving cup reduced - the designs would be seen for what they are.

sing, then you cannot dance... No mind is needed to see that which is. Mind means thoughts. And if there is a traffic of thoughts, you will never be able to see what is, you will see something else. You will see what your thoughts allow you to see. Your thoughts prevent much reaching you. You will be surprised to know

accordingly - your whole life becomes a falsification. Man is a rainbow, all the seven colors together. That is his beauty and that is his problem too. Man is multifaceted, multidimensional. His being is not simple, it is a great complexity. And out of that complexity is born the harmony we call God: the divine melody.

"Who knows whether I will be able to do it or not?" Man is a bridge between the animal and the divine. The animals are tremendously happy - of course not aware, not consciously happy, but tremendously happy, unworried, non-neurotic. God is tremendously happy and conscious. Man is just in between the

Idea of perfection making humanity unhealthy Osho

what modern psychological researchers have come to know: ninety-eight percent of the reality is not allowed to enter in your being; the mind only allows two percent. So whatsoever you see is only two percent of the reality. And because the mind allows only two percent of the reality in and then gives you the feeling that this is the whole, you live in a false world. You think the part is the whole. And you live

'Perfection' means you are creating a tension in your life between that which is and that which should be. And that tension is what creates schizophrenia So the first thing to be understood about man is that man is not yet. Man is only a possibility, a potentiality. Man can be, man is a promise. The dog is, the rock is, the sun is... man can be. Hence the anxiety and anguish one can miss too; there is no certainty. You may flower, you may not flower. Hence the shivering, the shaking, the trembling inside:

two, in limbo, always wavering to be or not to be..? Religion has very rarely existed in a healthy way - only when a Buddha walks on the earth, or a Christ, or a Krishna, or a Kabir. Otherwise, religion has existed as a pathology, as illness, as neurosis. One who has realized religion through his own being has a totally different understanding of it.

I find that somehow, by shifting the focus of attention, I become the very thing I look at, and experience the kind of consciousness it has; I become the inner witness of the thing. I call this capacity of entering other focal points of consciousness, love; -Nisargadatta Maharaj A man who as a physical being is always turned toward the outside, thinking that his happiness lies outside him, finally turns inward and discovers that the source is within him. -Soren Kierkegaard Imagination assuages the craving for the absolute, but through the 'moral' suffering which flows from it, imagination constitutes the chief impediment to realization. -Dr. Hubert Benoit The man of great wisdom is like water which, though benefiting all things, never strives -John Blofeld To praise others for their virtues can but encourage one's own efforts. -Nagarjuna A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions. -Confucius

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Compellence or deterrence dilemma in defense reforms FIRDAUS AHMED

r Naresh Chandra, former defense secretary, cabinet secretary and ambassador to the US, is to lead a task force on the next steps in defense sector reforms. His team comprising former chiefs, bureaucrats, military technologists and strategists is to begin work in midJuly and complete its report in six months. Commentators will be undoubtedly rush to inform the deliberations, leading to strategic commentary that is likely to get both parochial and ugly as the monsoon proceeds. In particular, the faceoff between the army and air force will be open to exploitation by status-quoist parties out to derail any substantial movement. The key issues anticipated to figure in the Chandra task force report are the appointment of the CDS, whether this figure would have command or staff responsibilities, integration of the service HQs with the ministry, integration of theatre commands; professionalization of the defense ministry bureaucrats; jointness and higher military education etc. The very constitution of the task force suggests its necessity; ten years since the last bout of post Kargil reforms. Specifically, the Chandra committee would need to have a determined perspective on how the nation wishes to deploy its military instrument: for compellence, deterrence or defense. That would in turn be a function of what balance India envisages between the strategic choices: 'sama, bheda, danda, dana'. Defining the latter could be suggested to the government, since the former cannot be done without this prior definition. Once the issue of strategic doctrine is settled, the restructuring necessary to operationalize the doctrine becomes easier. However, the consequences of the restructuring may be missing in the debate. This article, mindful of possible consequences in terms of the 'security dilemma', seeks to point out additional necessary measures even as the reforms are proceeded with. That the reforms are intended to enhance India's military capability is certain. The logic is that this is necessary to cope with India's rising power indices, its perception of regional and global responsibilities and security threats. In this logic, the security

situation has changed with the rise of China and the possibility of a 'two front' situation for India. India may be taking measures to enhance its security, but it must be noted that these measures would enhance the perception of threat of its neighbors, even though India, in its logic, is merely being responsive to prior moves of its neighbors. The upshot is an in-built interactive mutual threat spiral known in theory as the 'security dilemma'. India needs to be mindful of its neighbors' reaction which would ratchet up the threat India itself perceives. India could choose to be complacent about this, believing that higher preparedness brought about by the reforms would enable it to cope better with higher threat levels.

India believing that it can do without the 'give and take' necessary for amicable solutions to outstanding problems. India must therefore alongside keep up the engagement structures and processes that are already at work on both fronts. Yet, these are not enough in the new post-reform circumstance. Additionally, a joint forum for strategic dialogue can be forged with both separately, that would mutually arrive at and implement conflict avoidance measures, confidence-building measures and over time, when greater trust is available, create security architecture conducive for cooperative security. The advantage of this innovation would be in mitigating the security dilemma. Each state can

China's infrastructural developments in Tibet, presence in POK and water-related initiatives in the east have perhaps instigated the defense reforms in India. The forum could serve to bring future such concerns to each other's attention Naresh Chandra, Former Defense Secretary & Ambassador to US

Despite this, the recommendation here is that even as India proceeds with the necessary and perhaps long overdue reforms, it needs simultaneously to put into place measures to mitigate the consequence in terms of security dilemmas for both its neighbors and in turn itself. How can this be done? The expectation is that the reforms would place India in a better position to engage its neighbors, specifically China and Pakistan, from a position of strength. This would be useful for Indian self-assurance and help deter the neighbors. The resulting engagement, for instance, border negotiations with China and the dialogue with Pakistan, would be more outcomeoriented. Materializing this expectation would however require ensuring that the power play in the background does not get ugly and affect the engagement. It is equally possible that increased capability may result in

be expected to respond materially and physically as necessary, since in the realist logic, capabilities are of consequence, not intent. However, the psychological effects of security-related movements by one on the other are amenable to amelioration in case dialogue is in place where concerns can be ventilated. Essentially, the forum could serve to present and explain respective strategic doctrines as non-threatening to the other side. For instance, China's infrastructural developments in Tibet, presence in POK and water-related initiatives in the east have perhaps instigated the defense reforms in India. The forum could serve to bring future such concerns to each other's attention. The idea is not to substitute reforms but to complement them. India is likely to settle for deterrence with an offensive bias. Ensuring that it is not mistaken for compellence is the challenge. Courtesy IPCS

India Post Court interventions

he Supreme Court has had to repeatedly intervene in critical matters of governance where the government is found to be unable or unwilling to act. This should shame the government as the court is appropriating to itself what the government should have been doing in the normal course. The court's intervention has however been welcomed by the general public because the paralysis of governance has reached alarming proportions. The Court has set up a high-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) to oversee the ongoing inquiries aimed at tracking down black money. Corruption has been a major issue in the public eye and first the Anna Hazare team and later Yoga Guru Ramdev's campaign has had little impact on the government, as well as the members of Parliament who will ultimately decide the fate of the Lokpal Bill now under discussion, which is supposed to tackle corruption in high places in government. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is of the view that there is no instant solution to bring back black money stashed in foreign banks because treaty obligations prevented the government from making public the information. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee also stated that information received on black money cannot be disclosed in the absence of a legal framework. This can at best be described as dithering. The characteristics of this government has been that it won't act unless it is pushed. So the Supreme Court has taken on the responsibility of governance also. The Supreme Court found it necessary to intervene in another volatile issue which is bedeviling the government's relations with farmers whose land it seeks to acquire. The Court assailed states for taking advantage of the "colonial legislation" on land acquisition to "grab" poor farmers' land in the name of development. In particular it was referring to the actions of the Uttar Pradesh government of Mayawati in trying to acquire agricultural land in Noida, close to Delhi. Earlier, the Mayawati government had faced a big agitation in Bhatta-Parsaul villages against land acquisition for the Yamuna Expressway linking Noida and Agra. Taking a dig at the Mayawati government, the Court observed, "When people protest against acquisition of their land, men are arrested and women are raped." This is not an issue of the UP government alone. Earlier, in West Bengal the Left Front government met its waterloo at Nandigram village over land acquisition. In the current urbanization zeal, land acquisition has become a major problem for the country. What is required is for the Central government to repeal the archaic law and bring in legislation which ensures a fair compensation and stake in future projects for the farmers in lieu of surrendering their land. It speaks for the aimlessness of the government that instead of working for a solution at the Central level, Rahul Gandhi has been allowed to descend on Bhatta-Parsaul village ostensibly to hear the people's grievances. Actually he is trying to exploit the sentiment against Mayawati over the land acquisition issue in view of the forthcoming state assembly elections in UP. Rahul is considered by many to be the future Prime Minister of India by many in the Congress party. But he has not betrayed any degree of political acumen in his public actions. He is making selective populist visits to land acquisition dispute areas in opposition ruled states when his own government can solve this problem as suggested by the Supreme Court. In the face of abdication of responsibility in large areas of governance by his government, his visits to the houses of poor villagers are not even funny. They are tragic.

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