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Anand Jon's plea for fresh trial rejected Details on page 9

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July 17, 2009

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Periodical Postage

FOREIGN SERVICE IS LETTING INDIA DOWN

SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

Kal Penn takes over White House job

VOL 15, No. 776

NEW YORK: India's own foreign policy establishment hinders the country from achieving great-power status, according to a South Asia expert of the Council on Foreign Relations think tank.

In an article published in the Asia Policy July 2009 pub-

lication of The National Bureau of Asian Research, Daniel Markey, a Senior Fellow for India, Pakistan and South Asia, has outlined significant shortcomings in India's foreign policy institutions that undermine the country's capacity for ambitious and effective international action, and proposes steps that both New Delhi and Washington should take, assuming they aim to promote India's rise as a great power.

Details on page 6 G-TWO: US President Barack Obama talks with Indiaís Prime Minister Manmohan Singh prior to a meeting with the leaders of the Group of Eight (G8) during a G8 summit in LíAquila, central Italy, on July 9. (Details on page 6)

Details on page 9

Clinton talks India trip with top leaders

Montek Singh Ahluwalia

Fears of global economic collapse recede Details on page 37

So Cal observes 403rd Shaheedi Divas of Guru Details on page 18

Funds raised for indian Smithsonian

Details on page 9

Details on page 8

PM discusses downturn with Gordon Brown

PanIIT 2009 conference to be held in Chicago

Details on page 6

Indian American doc couple faces jail Details on page 9

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

Should India reform its foreign service?

Last week’s result

Is Mumbai sea bridge worth celebration?

YES 38%

NO 62%

Details on page 6

CONTENTS

‘Obama Admn not ignoring India’

Bollywood ---------------------- 24-25 Classifieds --------------------- 48-51

SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY

Community Post -------------- 11-21

India Post News Service

Date Book -------------------------- 40

NEW YORK: There is no indication that the Barack Obama Administration in the US is not prioritizing India, according to Indian Ambassador to the US, Meera Shankar. "In fact, the message I am getting in Washington DC is that this is an area where there is bipartisan support and that the present administration would like to build on the achievements of the past two administrations.

Edit Page --------------------------- 53 HealthScience Post --------- 42-43 Horoscope ------------------------- 23 Immigration Post ------------- 44-47 Life Style ----------------------- 28-30 Philosophy ------------------------- 52 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4

Indiaís Ambassador to US Meera Shankar addressing the Indian American community at a reception at the Indian Consulate on her first visit to New York as Ambassador.-Pic Srirekha

Real Estate ------------------------ 41 TechBiz Post ------------------- 37-39 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 31-34

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atching a 24-hour breaking news coverage of the inauguration of India's first sea link bridge in Mumbai, recently, I was more amused than feel the sense of pride that the cacophonous news networks in the country were trying to instill.

Sure, the Worli-Bandra Sea Link in Mumbai is an impressive piece of engineering. But here's a bridge that took 10 years more than it should have to be built; at least 10,000 crore rupees more than it should have cost and still is not fully functional.

And here we have India which talks of nothing less than a targeted growth rate of 9 percent in two years and is blasé about comparing itself to China, when China, in the same period that it took to complete the sea link in Mumbai, has constructed at least six such bridges.

It is not to undermine the fact that India did manage to construct a bridge that ranks 20th among the world's largest cable-stayed bridges. But considering the country's leaders have been talking about infrastructure development for the past decade and trying to attract foreign investments for the same, they haven't been able to come up with ways to simplify their systems to make foreign investments smoother nor have they been able to learn from the developed world about the importance of dealing with infrastructure in a time-bound manner.

There is still a lot of red tape, corruption and nepotism involved in granting of infrastructure projects and the processes are far from transparent.

On a recent visit to the US, India's Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia conceded that the Mumbai sea link had been "hopelessly delayed". His justification was that such projects are still new to India and that they are still learning their lessons in dealing with them. Considering India has been independent now for 62 years and the economy was liberalized almost 20 years ago, I am beginning to wonder if it is indeed a country of slow learners or of people who refuse to learn.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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Bollywood Soft corner The Akshay-Katrina jodi has delivered a number of hits and in the process have developed a soft corner for one another.

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Cover Story: Letting India down India's foreign policy establishment hinders the country from achieving great-power status, according to a South Asia expert.

Community: Marathi convention Nearly 5,000 Marathi speaking Americans converged in one of the biggest Marathi conventions over the July 4th weekend.

Health: Sensitive NRIs Living in West makes NRIs susceptible to even minor ailments when they are visiting their homes in India.

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Travel: Mussoorie Due to its immense natural beauty, Mussoorie in Garhwal hills is known as the queen of hill stations.

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Foreign Service is letting India down SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: India's own foreign policy establishment hinders the country from achieving greatpower status, according to a South Asia expert of the Council on Foreign Relations think tank.

In an article published in the Asia Policy July 2009 publication of The National Bureau of Asian Research, Daniel Markey, a Senior Fellow for India, Pakistan and South Asia, has outlined significant shortcomings in India's foreign policy institutions that undermine the country's capacity for ambitious and effective international action, and proposes steps that both New Delhi and Washington should take, assuming they aim to promote India's rise

as a great power.

The article titled 'Developing India's Foreign Policy Software' cites four main reasons that hinder the country from achiev-

Markey has outlined significant shortcomings in India's foreign policy institutions that undermine the country's capacity for ambitious and effective international action ing a "great-power status": (1) The Indian Foreign Service is small, hobbled by its selection

process and inadequate midcareer training, and tends not to make use of outside expertise; (2) India's think-tanks lack sufficient access to the information or resources required to conduct high-quality, policy-relevant scholarship; (3) India's public universities are poorly funded, highly regulated, and fail to provide worldclass education in the social sciences and other fields related to foreign policy; and (4) India's media and private firms-leaders in debating the country's foreign policy agenda-are not built to undertake sustained foreign policy research or training.

Markey, a former State Department policy planning staff member whose current work focuses on US policy in South Asia, es-

G-5 seek restructuring of international financial architecture L'AQUILA, Italy: A summit of G-5 countries, including India, representing major emerging economies, decided to pursue their goal of immediate restructuring of international financial architecture, ensure greater credit for developing countries and to carry forward goals for climate change in favor of developing economies.

In a joint declaration at the end of their summit ahead of the G-8 meeting, leaders of India, Brazil,

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in his remarks, said the developing countries have been the worst affected by the weakened global economy and the worst financial and economic crisis.

"We discussed how we could contribute to strengthening the green shoots of recovery. It is only through an inclusive approach that a collective global effort can be effective," he said.

Singh said that at the G-8 summit

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with the leaders of G-5 countries, in LĂ­Aquila, Italy on July 8

South Africa, China and Mexico, the current chair of the G-5, reaffirmed their commitment to pursue global solutions to the problems especially battling the current worst international economic crisis.

Reading out from the declaration, Mexican President Felipe Calderon said the new international architecture they see would allow balanced participation of developing counties in financial matters.

G-5 leaders would stress the importance of maintaining adequate flow of finance to developing countries and also of keeping markets open by resisting protectionist pressures.

The developing countries were also the worst hit by high food prices. "We agreed that food and security need to be placed at the core of the international agenda," he said.

Singh said as responsible mem-

bers of the international community they recognized their obligation to preserve the environment.

But climate change cannot be addressed by perpetuating the poverty of developing countries, he said.

"The concept of sustainable development has so far been a buzz word. We need to evolve a strategy of growth that brings about a higher standard of living without harming the environment.

Technology has to be the key element to our global strategy in dealing with the climate change. We will be hosting a conference on technology development and transfer in climate change in Delhi in October this year," he said.

The joint declaration on trade said the leaders were convinced that successful conclusion of the Doha Round of talks on the basis of its development mandate would provide a major stimulus to restoration of confidence in world markets and inhibit emerging protectionist trends which were particularly damaging to developing markets.

They said the Doha Development Round must deliver real and improved market access to developing countries' products and services and also ensure meaningful results where the greatest distortions lie, eliminating export subsidies and bringing down the massive trade-distorting subsidies in developed countries.

The objective must be to ensure that rule-based multilateral trading was fair, equitable and addressed the legitimate aspirations of developing countries.-PTI

pecially India and Pakistan, says for India to achieve that august status, a number of improvements to its foreign policy software will be required including:

It recommends bringing non-career officers into the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and other parts of the foreign policy establishment as term-limited fellows * Expansion, reform, pay and training of the Indian Foreign Service to attract and retain high-caliber officers;

* Encouraging the growth of world-class social science research and teaching schools in India through partnerships with private Indian and US investors, universities and foundations; * Investing in Indian thinktanks and US-India exchange programs that build capacity for foreign policy research; * Bringing non-career officers into the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and other parts of the foreign policy establishment as term-limited fellows to improve outside understanding of the policy process; and * Supporting the efforts of Indian researchers to maximize public access to material related to the history of India's foreign policy by way of the 2005 Right to Information Act.

Manmohan discusses downturn with British PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh meeting the Prime Minister of United Kingdom, Gordon Brown on the sidelines of G-8 Summit, in LĂ­Aquila, Italy on July 8

L'AQUILA, Italy: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met his British counterpart Gordon Brown and discussed the current global economic downturn and restructuring of the international financial architecture as well as the issue of climate change.

The meeting, which lasted 45 minutes on the sidelines of the G-8 summit here, gave the two leaders an opportunity to exchange views and perspectives on steps for quick recovery of the global economy against the back of the current downturn.

Briefing reporters on the meeting, the second in three months after their earlier engagement this year in London in April, an official spokesman said it also

touched on the issue of restructuring of the global financial architecture.

On climate change, the two leaders reflected on taking up joint development of green technology projects.

Singh gave Brown his perspectives on India's national action plan on climate change and provided him a copy of it.

India's questions and answers preparatory to Copenhagen summit were also mentioned.

The Prime Minister invited Brown to participate in a conference on climate change in Delhi in October this year where technology transfer and development would be discussed.-PTI

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Obama Admn not ignoring India: Meera SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: There is no indication that the Barack Obama Administration in the US is not prioritizing India, according to Indian Ambassador to the US, Meera Shankar. "In fact, the message I am getting in Washington DC is that this is an area where there is bipartisan support and that the present administration would like to build on the achievements of the past two administrations - the Clinton Administration where the shift in Indo-US relations began and the Bush Administration where the transformation was consolidated," Amb. Shankar told India Post.

The Indian envoy met with the media at the Indian Consulate on this her maiden visit to New York, July 7, since taking over as the Indian envoy in Washington DC. Adding to her response to the query from India Post, she said, "We hope that with the Obama Administration, as Secretary Hillary Clinton has said, we are

able to take our relations to the third level," she added.

Coming as she does to her position in the days after the successful completion of the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal, Amb. Shankar said she saw no hindrance in the forward movement of the deal.

‘We hope that with the Obama Administration, as Secretary Hillary Clinton has said, we are able to take our relations to the third level,’ she added "The nuclear deal is about energy and not about strategic arms," she said. "And we hope to be able to finish our discussions on reprocessing arrangements by the end of this year and that would pave the way for concrete cooperation with US companies in the civil

nuclear energy area."

However, as regards the issue of nuclear disarmament, she said India has always subscribed to the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. "We don't think they (nuke weapons) are a good thing but if other countries have them in the neighborhood then we think India has no escape but to keep a modest strategic deterrent. Of course the objective is to have a world without nuclear weapons."

The nuclear deal, she said was a symbol of the transformed relations between India and the US. "We are engaged in discussions with the US which will enable us to progress the deal. We are also looking at a more active relationship in the whole field of security including intelligence cooperation and defense cooperation, where we hope to have not just personnel exchanges but also at US participation in projects for defense procurement in India where we are increasingly relying on international competitive bidding and where we have opened up defense production to the private sector."

The significant transformation of Indo-US relations, however, has been in trade and economic interactions, Ambassador Shankar said. Citing a recent FICCI study, she said in the last two years Indian Foreign Direct Investments in the US have been more than

‘So the important thing to remember is this is not a zero-sum game and that both sides benefit, and that there are opportunities’ those of US Foreign Direct Investments into India.

Citing another study by the Indian Brand Equity Foundation, which shows that in the last 4-5 years the total value added to the US economy as a result of the India-US interaction, has been over

a $100 billion, Amb. Shankar said it has helped generate about 300,000 jobs in the US. "This is by way of direct purchases -- for instance of aircraft from Boeing -- it is by way of Indian investment in the US; partnerships that Indian companies have with US companies which have added to the international competitiveness of US companies thereby helping them to increase their profits and enhance their business. So the important thing to remember is this is not a zerosum game and that both sides benefit, and that there are opportunities for enhancing these economic interactions in a mutually beneficial way."

Amb Shankar further said there was a whole new field of opportunities opening up for the two countries in the field of higher education, healthcare, and science & technology and added that she looked forward to the visit of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to India later this month when a gamut of these issues are likely to be discussed.

Amb Meera given a warm welcome in New York SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: It was a unique reception - a rare one perhaps where five former Indian Ambassadors were present to welcome the current India's Ambassador to the US Meera Shankar, on her maiden visit to New York City since taking office.

Hosted by Consul General Prabhu Dayal at the Indian Consulate in New York July 7, the reception was attended by more than 150 guests, comprising American and Indian- American dignitaries from the Tri-State area.

Special guests among them were Ambassador K. Shankar Bajpai (former Ambassador to Pakistan, China and US), Ambassador Chinmoy Gharekhan (former Ambassador of India to the United Nations), Ambassador S.M.S. Chaddha, Ambassador Aftab Seth (former Ambassador Greece, Vietnam) and Ambassador Shashi Tripathi (former Consul General in New York).

Addressing the august gathering Amb. Shankar said, "I am fortunate to come to the US as Ambassador on an ascending curve, because the curve of our relations is upwards and is poised to climb steeper."

Ambassador Shankar in her address, touched upon a variety of issues, covering Indo-US re-

Ambassador Meera Shankar at an informal press meet at the Indian Consulate in New York. Seated next to her is Ambassador Prabhu Dayal, Consul General of India in New York.-Pic Srirekha

lations, India's economic growth, and the immense contribution of the Indian American community. She talked about India's attempts towards inclusive economic growth, and remarked upon the successful completion of the 14th General Elections in India.

Amb. Shankar said India-US relations were broader than the successful passing of the civil nuclear deal. "I think the relations have very strong roots be-

cause they are based on the connections between people of the two countries, on the democratic values, on a confluence of interests in many areas whether it be in combating terrorism, dealing with piracy, keeping the sea links open for trade and commerce, or engaging in trade and commerce as free people with free markets.

The Indian economy has performed relatively better than most countries in the downturn.

"Our growth has been moder-

ated but we are still one of the few countries which still has growth," she said. "Last year India's GDP growth was 6.8% and this year it is predicted to be between 6-7 percent. Predictions by World Bank show that India is well placed to regain growth of 8% by 2010. Of course that might be a little too far in the future and is just a prediction, but it shows that there is recognition of the buoyancy of the Indian economy because our growth

has been domestic investment driven. This will help us tide over the downturn in a far better manner than many other societies."

Amb. Shankar said she hoped to further strengthen Indo-US relations with help from the Indian American community. "Indian American community is contributing significantly to the US economy and to building IndiaUS relations. I count on your support in carrying this relation forward."

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Funds being raised for Smithsonian PanIIT 2009 Conference Indian American Heritage Project to be held in Chicago SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Efforts are being made to raise $2 million from the community to have a “permanent presence” of Indian American history – called HomeSpun: Smithsonian Indian American Heritage Project — displayed at the prestigious Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC. According to Mano Bhartakka, a member of the Homespun Advisory Council told India Post, the project has already raised about $100,000 through fundraisers and other events across the country.

Bhartakka, a retired chief information officer for federal systems at Unisys, has been working on the Smithsonian Indian American Heritage Project on a voluntary basis since February this year.

HomeSpun builds upon Smithsonian’s other Asian Pacific American initiatives, and is the first historical exhibition to tell the story of the people of India who have made America their home for more than two centuries. “You will be surprised to know that the first Indian immigrants to America

came in the 18th Century,” said Bhartakka. “They were mostly Indian sailors on British cargo ships who jump shipped on the American east coast.”

Most Indians arriving in the late 19th and early 20th century were Sikhs, who went to the west coast to work in the lumber mills and in the agricultural industry. Race ri-

HomeSpun builds upon Smithsonian’s other Asian Pacific American initiatives, and is the first historical exhibition to tell the story of the people ots erupted in Washington in 1907, and further immigration from India was banned by the Immigration Act of 1917. A series of court cases in the 1920s deprived Indians of the right to become citizens and to own property. Finally, in 1946, Congress lifted the ban on

Indians attaining citizenship, but large-scale immigration did not begin until after the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965.

In order for this history and the contribution of Indian Americans to the arts, religion, culture and economy of this country to be institutionalized, the project has set a goal of raising $2 million, to be raised through a traveling exhibition about Indian American history and culture, a high school curriculum guide, and public programs that will travel to forty-plus cities across the US. Bhartakka said the volunteers working on the project which includes Smithsonian staff, is trying to get funding from Indian entrepreneurs and general members of the community.

All fundraising programs will be held under the Smithsonian banner.

The goal now is to raise the necessary funds by the end of next year. “Once we have all the artifacts and other displays in place, we would need at least $5 million to make HomeSpun a permanent display at the Smithsonian,” Bhartakka said.

Clinton discusses India trip with top Congress leaders WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has sought to take top Congressional leadership into confidence in her endeavor to take the Indo-US relationship to a new level, which she fondly says is 3.0.

Less than a fortnight left for her first trip to India as the Secretary of State, Clinton had a breakfast meeting with more than a dozen top Congressional leaders from both Democratic and Republican parties, coming from both the chambers of the Congress - the House of Representative and the Senate.

"I appreciate the Administration's determination to strengthen our strategic partnership with India in security, trade, and many other issues of mutual interest," John Cornyn, the Republican Senator from Texas, said after the meeting.

Cornyn is founder and co-chair of Senate India Caucus.

Clinton herself was its co-chair last year from the Democratic side.

The statement coming from Cornyn, a critic of the Obama Administration reflects the bipartisan support the Indo-US relationship has gained in the last one decade.

Clinton, aware of this fact, wants to build on it to, what she says, "deepen" the strategic partnership with India. The State Department spokesman, Ian Kelly, said Clinton had broad discussions with US lawmakers on her India trip. "I am

Attending the crucial meeting with Clinton were Howard L Berman, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; besides Congressmen John Crowley, Jerry Lewis, Jim McDermott, Frank Pallone, Gary Ackerman, Ed Royce and David Price not prepared to talk about details, besides previewing her trip and talking about a number of issues on the bilateral agenda," he said.

Attending the crucial meeting with Clinton were Howard L

Berman, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; besides Congressmen John Crowley, Jerry Lewis, Jim McDermott, Frank Pallone, Gary Ackerman, Ed Royce and David Price.

Senator John Kerry, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Senator Richard Lugar, Ranking Member of the Committee; and Senators Robert P Casey, and James E Risch also attended the meeting.

"Today I had the opportunity to speak directly with Secretary Clinton and several of my colleagues about the United States' strong partnership with India," Cornyn said.

"India is the world's largest democracy - and one of the world's biggest and most dynamic economies. During this decade, India and the United States have cooperated more closely than ever before," he said.

"I look forward to continuing this conversation as co-chairman of the Senate India Caucus and will continue to rely on the valuable input I receive from many of my Indo-American constituents in Texas," he said.-PTI

India Post News Service

ogy summits for executives looking to build partnerships across the globe. Past keynote speakers at PanIIT Conferences have included Bill Gates, Jack Welch, Larry Summers, Hillary Clinton, and Jeffrey Immelt. The 2009 conference will once again bring together many of the world's top public and private sector technology leaders to forge new initiatives in a wide range of advanced technologies. Attendees also include many entrepreneurs in various stages of venture evolution looking for capital and re-

NEW YORK: Aneesh Chopra, the first Chief Technology Officer of the US and Associate Director for Technology in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, will be a keynote speaker at the PanIIT 2009 Global Conference to be held in Chicago from October 9-11, 2009.

"Mr. Chopra's presence at the conference will underline the strong commitment of the Obama Administration for nurturing innovation as the engine of growth for the US and indeed the global economy," said The PanIIT Global Conference Ray Mehra, Chair2009 will focus on the theme of man of the Organiz"Entrepreneurship and Innovation ing Committee.

The panels and in the Global Economy." The workshops at the conference is expected to bring PanIIT 2009 Contogether a diverse group of ference will cover many topics that thought leaders are aligned with Chopra's goal of harnessing private market oppor- sources. The conference site will tunities in support of public pri- feature a dedicated Entrepreorities. Attendees will get to meet neurship Networking Zone with the nation's CTO in person and booths for Venture Capitalists.

Besides Chopra, other speaklearn how he plans to help build a next-generation digital infrastruc- ers at the event include James ture and drive innovation through W. Owens, Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc.; Sharon M. policy.

The PanIIT Global Conference Oster, Dean and Frederic D. 2009 will focus on the theme of Wolfe Professor of Management "Entrepreneurship and Innova- and Entrepreneurship at the Yale tion in the Global Economy." The School of Management; Sam conference is expected to bring Pitroda, Chairman of India's Natogether a diverse group of tional Knowledge Commission; thought leaders from industry, Meera Shankar, Ambassador of academia and government, includ- India to the United States; Tulsi ing alumni of the Indian Institute Tanti, Chairman of Suzlon Enof Technology, to address chal- ergy; Carl Shramm, President and lenges and opportunities in key CEO of the Kauffman Foundaindustries such as Alternative tion, the world's largest foundation devoted to entrepreneurship; and Raghuram G. Alumni from the IITs have made a Rajan, Eric J. significant impact in their chosen Gleacher Distinprofessions in India, the United guished Service Professor of FiStates, Canada, Europe, and Asia. nance at the UniIIT Alumni occupy positions of versity of Chicago leadership at top universities, at and Former Chief Economist of the leading research institutions IMF. PanIIT is an umEnergy, Healthcare, Digital Infra- brella alumni organization for all the structure and Climate Change. campuses of the Indian Institute The conference agenda includes of Technology (IIT). Alumni from numerous informative work- the IITs have made a significant shops and panel discussions on impact in their chosen professions current topics, and extensive in India, the United States, Canada, networking opportunities to Europe, and Asia. IIT Alumni ocmeet with technologists, inves- cupy positions of leadership at top tors, academics and entrepre- universities, at leading research institutions, at small and large comneurs.

PanIIT Conferences have be- panies, in government, and at noncome one of the leading technol- profits.

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July 17, 2009

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Anand Jon's plea for fresh trial rejected LOS ANGELES: High profile India-born fashion designer Anand Jon, convicted for sexually assaulting upcoming models lost his appeal for a fresh trial in his case after a court here dismissed the request sought on grounds that a juror had improperly contacted his sister.

The lawyers for Jon had requested for a new trial citing the misconduct but the Los Angeles County judge ruled that the juror's contact with the defendant's sister before the verdict did not prevent the designer from getting a fair trial.

Defense lawyers alleged that Juror Alvin Dymally twice reached out to Jon's sister Sanjana near the end of the trial, possibly seeking a date, and then voted for a conviction after she refused to meet him alone, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Jon, 35, was convicted on 16 counts of rape and other charges last year after allegations that he lured aspiring models to Los Angeles and sexually assaulted them.

After the judge's ruling, prosecutors immediately filed a sentencing memorandum in which

they asked that Jon be imprisoned for the maximum possible under the law -- three terms of 53 years and six months to life, AP said.

A tearful Sanjana told reporters outside the court: "It's a travesty of justice... I believed in the justice system. I did not go meet up alone with him. If I had, this today wouldn't be happening,"

According to a transcript filed by prosecutors, the phone recording of their conversation shows that the juror complimented Sanjana several times, telling her, ‘I think that you're really sexy she was quoted as saying by LA Times.

Outside courtroom after the verdict was pronounced Sanjana confronted Dymally, a Los Angeles building inspector.

"It's our lives you're playing with," she told him. "You know the truth." The juror left in silence.

Sanjana along with her mother

had come also to New Delhi, urging the government to intervene in the case so that Jon would get a fair trial in the US. Seen as a rising talent in the fashion industry, the Beverly Hills designer worked with celebrities like Paris Hilton and Mary J Blige and appeared on the TV show "America's Next Top Model" before his arrest in 2007.

Dymally had insisted that his contact with Sanjana Jon came after the trial.

According to a transcript filed by prosecutors, the phone recording of their conversation shows that the juror complimented Sanjana several times, telling her, "I think that you're really sexy" and suggesting that they meet afterward.

"Definitely, we will," Sanjana replied.

Prosecutors said they believed Dymally did speak to her before the verdict but said a fresh trial cannot be granted on such flimsy grounds, the LA Times said.

Jon's sentencing has been set for next month, with contempt hearings for his sister and Dymally to follow in September.PTI

Kal Penn takes over White House job WASHINGTON: Indian-Ameri- cluding Meera Nair's critically accan actor Kal Penn has formally claimed film 'The Namesake', TV taken up his new assignment in shows 'Harold and Kumar' and Fox the Obama Administration, where medical drama 'House', intends to he will work as a bridge between actively engage the youths and the White House and the Asian the Asian American communities communities. in his new role.

The 32-year-old actor took When asked about his new job, charge of his role as the associate Penn said, "The job is very differdirector of the White House Of- ent, as you can imagine. I'm wearfice of Public Engagement. ing a suit ... and a tie."

"This is an incredibly historic The actor took a bus to reach time, I am deeply honored to be the White House for work on his here and I hope to serve my coun- first day. Penn said he is renting a try to the best of my ability," Penn told reporters at the The actor, who has worked in a White House. number of Hollywood projects Penn's first day in the capacity of intends to actively engage the Associate Director in the White youths and the Asian American House's Office of communities in his new role Public Engagement, mostly involved paper work, introductory place for his stay in Washington meetings and setting up of emails. for his new assignment.

Penn, whose real name is Penn described his office as Kalpen Modi, had actively cam- "front door to the White House." paigned for Barack Obama during He told reporters that he expects his presidential campaign. to be treated just like any other The actor, who has worked in a staff member at the White House.number of Hollywood projects in- PTI

Indian American doc couple faces jail Pak created and nurtured HOUSTON: An Indian-American doctor couple faces five years imprisonment after being charged

by FBI for adopting unprofessional medical practices, like distributing controlled substances in their clinic described as 'pill mill' and billing the government for whopping USD 8.7 million.

The doctor couple, Dr Arun Sharma and his wife, Dr Kiran Sharma, MD, both 54 practiced in Baytown and Texas.

The charges carry a punishment of five years imprisonment

and a USD 250,000 fine.

They allegedly prescribed 615,000 tablets of Vicodan, 66,000 tablets of Xanax and 26,000 tablets of Valium in less than a year.

A single patient was prescribed more than 8,000 hydrocodone tablets in an eight month period spanning September 2008 and April 2009. They used to charge up to USD 100 from the patients for each hydrocodone prescription.

The couple has also been charged for a conspiracy to defraud Medicare and Medicaid.

The doctors allegedly billed the government for more than USD 8.7 million for injections that were never performed.

While searching the couple's home, investigators found a whopping USD 700,000. Another amount of USD 816,000 was recovered from a pair of bank safe deposit boxes issued in the name of Sharmas'. The FBI has termed it as a staggering dollar fraud, given the fact that there were only two people involved in the crime.-PTI

Senate panel confirms India envoy Roemer WASHINGTON: Ahead of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's planned visit to India this month, the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee has confirmed the nomination of Tim J Roemer as the next US envoy to New Delhi.

A former US lawmaker from Indiana and a member of the 9/11 Commission, 53-year-old Roemer is currently head of Washingtonbased think tank Center for National Policy (CNP).

Roemer had earlier testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The nomination process now goes to the Senate floor for final

Tim J Roemer

approval.

The Senate has accelerated his

nomination process so that he could be in New Delhi well before Clinton's proposed visit to India.

While no date of Clinton's trip to India has been announced yet, officials in the State Department said the idea is to have Roemer present in New Delhi when the Secretary of State visits the country in about 10 days from now.

Roemer in his testimony had said that if confirmed he will work closely with India to promote stability, prosperity and development in the often volatile region of South Asia.-PTI

terrorists, admits Zardari ISLAMABAD: For the first as well," he added. time, Pakistan President Asif Ali Labeling Pakistan as a frontline Zardari admitted that militants and state in the war against terrorism, extremists were "created and nur- Zardari pledged to eliminate this tured" in the country as a policy to scourge from society. "I have taken achieve some short-term tactical charge at a difficult time and will objectives. come up to the challenges the counBut they began to haunt the try is facing." country in the post-9/11 era, Zardari His remarks came days after his said in a candid admission during comments in an interview that the an interactive meeting with former Pakistan Army would even tarsenior civil servants at the presidency ‘Let us be truthful to ourselves and here.

Militants and ex- make a candid admission of the tremists emerged on realities,’ Zardari said. the national scene ‘The terrorists of today were the and challenged the heroes of yesteryears until 9/11 state not because occurred and they began to the civil bureauhaunt us as well’ cracy was weakened and demoralized, but because they "were delib- get militants it had backed in the erately created and nurtured as a past for use as a proxy force policy to achieve some short-term against India. tactical objectives," he said.

The army is currently engaged "Let us be truthful to ourselves in a campaign against the Taliban and make a candid admission of the in the northwestern Swat valley and realities," Zardari said. is gearing up for a push against Tehrik"The terrorists of today were the e-Taliban Pakistan chief Baitullah heroes of yesteryears until 9/11 oc- Mehsud and his network in South curred and they began to haunt us Waziristan tribal region..-PTI

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July 17, 2009

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Sikh leaders commit green plan to reduce global warming India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Senior delegates from the United Nations and Sikh leaders met at the EcoSikh Conclave at the India Habitat Center, New Delhi to raise their voice against global warming. At the conference, they endorsed a five year greening plan, which includes a long-term commitment to transform gurdwaras and schools into ecologically sound buildings in terms of energy and the types of building materials used, and incorporating environmental education into Sikh education curricula.

'EcoSikh' a five year plan crafted by the U.S. based Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE), organizer of the conference, will be used to disseminate 'green knowledge' throughout Sikh community in India and abroad to develop environmental activism.

UN Assistant Secretary-General Olav Kjorven and Victoria Finlay of UK based Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC) joined in this Sikh environmental summit. At the summit the UN Assistant Secretary-General

and UNDP's Director of Development Policy Olav Kjorven said "Throughout history religions have helped people and civilizations interpret and understand events around them and to respond to new challenges in light of their spiritual heritage and moral compass," He further added "Now, when we're facing the challenge of securing a livable planet for our children and safeguarding

UN Assistant SecretaryGeneral Olav Kjorven and Victoria Finlay of UK based Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC) joined in this Sikh environmental summit creation as we know it, the leadership of religions is indispensable."

Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairman of SCORE said, "This is perhaps the first time that so many Sikh leaders have gathered to declare their commitment to save the planet.

Sikhism teaches us to be environmentally conscious and this conference with UN was an opportunity for Sikhs to demonstrate to the world that we are ready to translate our beliefs into action."

SCORE has launched a website www.ecosikh.org to start worldwide participation of Sikhs in this movement.

"The Sikhs have always been unique in their combination of deep spirituality and immensely practical action. The 5Year Plan embodies all that is best in those two strands that make Sikhism the powerful force that it is and will be for the future," said Martin Palmer, secretary general of ARC. Among those who attended this EcoSikh conclave were Union Cabinet member Dr. Manohar Singh Gill, Secretary of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Dilmegh Singh, President of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Paramjit Singh Sarna, Former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Kuldeep Singh, MP Tarlochan Singh, Manjit Singh, President of Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) in Delhi, Major General M.S. Chadha, Sikh Forum Secretary R.

At the EcoSikh Conclave (L-R) MS Gill, Olav Kjorven, Victoria Finlay and Dr

S Chatwal, Vikram Singh Sahney of World Punjabi Organization, Artist Arpana Caur, Makhan Singh, Dr. Mohinder Singh and many other Sikh politicians, artists, grass roots leaders, and business leaders from all over India and abroad. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Baba Sewa Singh of Khadoor

Sahib, Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, Former Jathedar Prof.

Manjit Singh, Punjab Secretary D.S. Jaspal were honored for their environmental activism. Dr. Farooq Beg from Pakistan, who has documented trees associated with Sikh Gurus, was also in attendance.

Desi News Thousands attend biennial TANA convention RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

CHICAGO: Illinois Governor Pat Quinn said here that Telugu speaking people and Indian Americans in 11 India Post www.indiapost.com general have contributed a lot to the mosaic of American society and Illinois State in particular "The presence of Telugu speaking people from India in such a large number dressed colorfully and showcasing their rich culture in arts and music in a way symbolized their SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY orful with delegates strutting around rich Indian culture.

India Post News Service in traditional Maharashtrian dress Details on page 14 as they celebrated the culture, lanPHILADELPHIA: Nearly 5,000 guage and performing arts from their Marathi speaking Americans who home state. The cultural theme of Fundraiser to help have their roots in the state of the convention was headlined by Maharashtra in India converged legendary singer Asha Bhonsle adults learn to who performed on in one of the bigread & write gest Marathi Pennsylvania two days, besides a India Post News Service host of celebrities conventions to be organized by the Brihan including actors Nana Patekar, SAN CARLOS: Award winning Maharashtra Mandal (BMM) in Vikram Gokhale and Mahesh La Tosca Restaurant in San Carlos North America, over the July 4th Manjrekar. is hosting a fundraiser dinner on July 15 at 7:30 p.m. to benefit Vi- The cultural theme of the convention was headsion Literacy, a non-profit organi- lined by legendary singer Asha Bhonsle who zation dedicated to teaching adults performed on two days, besides a host of celebriin the Bay Area to read and write.

Established in 1985, Vision Lit- ties including actors Nana Patekar, Vikram eracy has helped over 25,000 Gokhale and Mahesh Manjrekar adults to improve their literacy Chief Guest for the convention skills and quality of life. Besides weekend in Philadelphia.

Over the four days - July 2-5 -- this year was Uddhav Thackeray, teaching reading and writing, the unique literacy program provides of the convention, downtown Phila- son of Shiv Sena supremo Bal learners with workshops in com- delphia was painted bright and col- Thackeray and a Party leader in puter skills, study skills and personal finances.

So Cal observes 403rd Shaheedi Divas of Guru Arjan Dev

July 17, 2009

Details on page 18

Marathi Americans converge for biggest ever convention in Philly

Details on page 20

MUMBAI'S DABBAWALAS: Dr. Pawan Agrawal (center), author of the book 'Mumbai Dabbawalas: Masters of Supply Chain Management' with the book which was released at the Brihan Maharashtra Mandal's Marathi Convention held in Philadelphia. He is seen with other representatives of the dabbawalas at the convention. (Pic: Srirekha)

his own right. Addressing the mammoth gathering in the convention center's main arena during the opening ceremony on the second day, Thackeray said that he was

skeptical about visiting the US when he was invited to participate in the convention.

Cont’d on page 12

Thousands participate in Yogathon for schools & veterans

Bera runs for 3rd Congressional District seat JS BEDI India Post News Service

SACRAMENTO, CA: Dr. Amerish (Ami) Bera has filed to run for United States Congress in California's 3rd District (Sacramento suburbs, Amador, Alpine and Calaveras Counties and part of Solano County). If elected Dr. Bera will be the third Indian American in history to be elected to Congress.

Details on page 18

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at YES fundraiser in Chicago (L-R) Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Indian CG Ashok Kumar Attri and Art of Living activist Vinesh Virani

RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The first week of July saw a number of conventions and meets in Chicago land but the Yogathon conducted by Interna-

Illinois tional Association for Human Values (IAHV) could easily be described as the biggest that attracted a good number of Americans as well as Indians.

A section of the audience at the Yogathon Fundraiser at Hilton

The event held at Hilton in Chicago Downtown was to raise funds for a campaign to reduce stress and violence in Chicago by bringing breathing and meditation programs to more local schools and veterans.

Hosted by world-renowned humanitarian Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, it was attended among others by Secretary of State Jesse White, Alderman Joseph Moore along with local Aldermen Joe Moore.

Cont’d on page 12

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Community Across America

India Post

July 17, 2009

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Thousands participate in Yogathon for schools & veterans Cont’d from page 11

Scott Harper, and Consulate General of India Ashok Kumar Attri.

"The purpose of yoga is to make us a child again, stress free and worry free" said Sri Sri, whose initiatives have affected more than 25 million lives in about 150 countries.

It "makes your body strong, brings clarity in the mind, brings stability in the emotions, enhances one's creativity, compassion, commitment. Though yoga was born in India, it belongs to every human being on the planet today."

At the event, IAHV gave Secretary Jesse White the "Heroes of Humanity" award, a national recognition for excellence in community service and uplifting human values for his dedicated work with at-risk youth in Chicago for 49 years.

"We believe that when you give young people the opportunity to use their time in a positive way, that we in society are the winners," said White, before he and his Tumblers rocked the International Ballroom of the Chicago Hilton with their high-flying acrobatics. It was a sight to watch and all those present were greatly enthralled.

Indian CG Ashok Kumar Attri

talked about efficacy of Yoga for wellness and said that he would specially thank Sri Sri for coming to Chicago. "I had virtually extracted a promise from him to come to Chicago when he was in Michigan last year. And he agreed and he has fulfilled that promise today," he said. Paying compliment to Sri Sri for huge number of humanitarian activities that is undertaken by his organization in India and across the world, he said that "Sri Sri is physically present to-

nated," and that he will "strongly support YES (Youth Empowerment Seminar) and the veterans program. I'll do everything to help spread YES in schools."

IAHV gifted the Tumblers enrollment to its YES. This year, the foundation implemented YES as a pilot program to address depression, suicide, violence and increased drop out rates in Chicago high schools. At Gary Comer College Prep High School and Roberto Clements High School,

IAHV gave Secretary Jesse White the ‘Heroes of Humanity’ award, a national recognition for excellence in community service and uplifting human values for his dedicated work with atrisk youth in Chicago for 49 years day but he is in our heart and mind for ever."

He also complimented a number of volunteers who worked hard to make "this event a grand success" and specifically recognized the huge efforts made by Nita and Vinesh Virani, the two activists of Art of Living, and community leaders like Balwinder Singh and Raghu Nayak. Joseph Moore said the event made him feel "rejuve-

YES students have reported increased energy, ability to focus and desire to learn.

William Herman, the head of YES program here, detailed the favorable impact of the YES program not only on students but Vietnamese veterans. "The breathing techniques and knowledge that we learn on the course are just so powerful," said Tikka LiftonHerman, a student who partici-

Marathi Americans converge for biggest ever convention in Philly Cont’d from page 11

"I thought there was nothing more the US than a concrete jungle, but after seeing all of you here I feel like coming back again and again because it feels like home."

Thackeray reiterated the Marathi pride and asked Maharashtrians settled around the world to work together with their compatriots back home for the development of Maharashtra. The state, he said, was in turmoil and faced many problems, the worst being the growing suicides among its poverty stricken farmers.

Thackeray further said the state, which was at one time the leader among the other

Mayor's Office, told India Post that having a convention of this scale meant a lot for the City in many ways. "The economic benefit is incredible," he said. "Its multi-million dollars packed into the city and the region.

More important than that is the cultural exchange and relationships we hope to build with the city from both delegates coming from India and from different parts of the States, we hope they will see Philadelphia as a place that is open for investment and wants to be a partner with them."

Gupta said the City hopes the community comes back again to hold similar conventions in future. "There's a very committed

Thackeray reiterated the Marathi pride and asked Maharashtrians settled around the world to work together with their compatriots back home for the development of Maharashtra. The state, he said, was in turmoil and faced many problems Indian states in terms of economic development, has today fallen far behind and is therefore crying out for help from its natives. "The state needs you to regain its glory, so come back so we can work together for the rise of Maharashtra," he said. He said he was surprised at how, despite being settled in the US for so many years, the community had kept its core Marathi values intact.

Convention boosts Philly economy Anuj Gupta, who represented the City of Philadelphia at the convention as Deputy Director of Performance Management at the

local chapter (of BMM) and they have been working with the city to keep in touch with what's happening with the convention and we will continue to reach out to them to provide whatever assistance we can," he said.

Large turnout despite recession Dr. Shrinivas Thanedar, grand sponsor of the convention and chairman, board of advisors for BMM, told India Post this convention was one of the biggest to be held in the last 10 years.

(For details logon to: indiapost.com)

Dignitaries attending the event (L-R) Iftekhar Shareef, Trustee FIA , Secretary of State Jesse White, Alderman Joe Moore, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Indian CG Ashok Kumar Attri.

pated in the YES program. "My life is filled with so much more happiness and enthusiasm." P. Christopher was another student who acknowledged the tremendous change that was made in his life and thinking thru the meditation and breathing technique he learnt at the YES program, A slide show of IAHV's veterans program was presented at the inauguration. The program was featured in the April issue of the Harvard University Medical School's Mental Health newsletter. The program reportedly re-

duced even extreme levels of stress found in Vietnam veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Art of Living Foundation and YES program co-coordinators presented bouquets of flowers to the invited guests and proposed a vote of thanks for their time and help. There was a session of breathing and meditation program after the inauguration and it was conducted by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Hundreds of eager participants patiently waited and took part in the program.

Krishnamoorthi bid for Illinois Comptroller gets a boost India Post News Service

Krishnamoorthi helped bring significant reforms and oversaw the custody and administration of billions of dollars in state funds without scandal or favoritism. Previously, Krishnamoorthi served as a Special Assistant Attorney General, helping to establish an anti-corruption unit. As a board member and audit committee chairman of the Illinois Housing Development Authority, he helped thousands of Illinois families find afford-

CHICAGO: Former Deputy State Treasurer Raja Krishnamoorthi announced last week that he has raised more than $390,000 for a potential campaign for Illinois Comptroller.

The amount is believed to be the most ever raised by a first-time Comptroller candidate this early in a campaign, according to records available on the Illinois State Board of Elections website.

Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat, is exploring a run for Comptroller should incumbent Dan Hynes choose not to run for a fourth term in 2010.

"As I've traveled across Illinois these past weeks, I have received a very encouraging response to my plans to protect Illinois taxpayers and bring real reform to state government," said Krishnamoorthi.

Raja Krishnamoorthy with Mujeeb Usman, a community activist "The unprecedented financial support we've received during these able housing. tough economic times demonstrates a hunA lawyer and policy expert who grew up ger in Illinois for candidates who believe in Peoria, Krishnamoorthi worked on Presipublic service is an opportunity to help oth- dent Barack Obama's successful 2004 camers, not merely a friends and family plan," paign for the US Senate, serving first as ishe said. sues director and then as a senior adviser.

Krishnamoorthi, 35, formed his explor- He was one of the advisors of Obama duratory committee on April 22 -- just 10 weeks ing his presidential campaign. before the June 30 fundraising deadline.

(For details logon to: As Deputy Treasurer of Illinois, indiapost.com)

Community/Illinois

July 17, 2009

India Post 13

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Society on Indian cremation launched in Chicago land SURI SWAMY

CHICAGO: An organization, Indian Cremation of Chicago land (ICC) to help Indian-American families deal with the death of a loved one and how to prepare for it was officially launched on June 28 at the IndoAmerican Center in Chicago.

The event was attended by prominent

‘There are many cases of some unscrupulous agents trying to exploit the situation of unprepared, grieving and shocked family members due to the death of a loved one, and an attempt now is made to address this issue’ community members, funeral home directors, and over 200 guests. The program started with non-denomination prayers, followed by the introduction of the organization by Satish Chander, Master of ceremony.

This was followed by an address from a founding member and Chairman, Dr. Chandrakant Modi, MD. Dr Modi said ICC is a no profit body and

Dr. Chandrakant Modi, Chairman ICC

is registered with the State of Illinois. It does not charge fee or commission and is run by volunteer group. The ICC was set up to help guide the Indian-American community to deal with issues related to death.

There are many cases of some unscrupulous agents trying to exploit the situation of unprepared, grieving and shocked family members due to the death of a loved one, and an attempt now is made to address this issue, he added.

Govindbhai Limbachia, a volunteer and representative of Indo American Center, said that the goal of ICC is to empower and assist families in making final arrangements

Star or no star, FIA celebration of India is on MOHAMMAD GHOUSE

CHICAGO: The Federation of India (FIA) not pay anything to them," he said. It is Executive Committee and members of unlikely that top artists who would be in Trustee Board held a meeting here last week Chicago- Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, to gear up their efforts for a grand celebra- Bipasha Basu and others- would join the tion of India Day on August 15.

Parade. Just a few days before the FIA meet, Dr. Hyder Mohammad pointed out that Iftekahr Shareef had said that there was no there were three agendas for an open discussion and input from FIA office bearers.

The first topic to be discussed is to nominate chairpersons for the Banquet Committee, Parade Committee and Downtown Celebration Committee.

The second was to appoint fund raising committee chairman and the third was to get a bigger involvement of FIA members and public at large in the FIA celebrations of India Day. The FIA team could decide on two positions- that FIA President Dr. Hyder Mohammad, Sher Rajput, Vice President of India Day Parade Commitand Sunil Shah, Secretary tee Chairman and Downtown Celebration committee chairman. Kanti possibility of Bollywood stars coming to Patel, a former FIA President, would head the Parade as FIA would not be spending the Parade Committee while Kirti Kumar any money for that.

Ravorri, a former secretary of FIA, will head Hyder Mohammad also told this paper Downtown Celebration Committee. Hyder that FIA has sent invitations to top elected Mohammad appealed for a larger participa- office bearers at the State and Federal level tion for the Parade and all agreed to re- for participating in the Parade. "We are double their efforts. awaiting their response," he said.

The FIA president was non committal Sunil Shah, secretary, said that the FIA about the participation of Bollywood stars. executive team, trustees and members He said that "we have invited the top would meet every Sunday for update on Bollywood artists to the Parade, but we will Parade and India Day celebrations.

Audience at ICC meeting at Indo American Heritage Center, Chicago

for a dignified funeral and cremation at a reasonable cost. The ICC founders have done lots of study and research regarding bioethics of the Hindu, Jain and Sikh religions and various aspects of their death rites and religious rituals. Dr. Modi mentioned that he with others visited many funeral homes in greater Chicago land and each facility was evaluated to see if they met the bioethics codes for Hindus, Jains and Sikhs.

From the study of various choices available for funeral/cremation, the ICC has prepared an Indian Cremation Package.

The package includes a basic fiber wood casket rather than expensive wood casket and no embalming of the body as it is an unnecessary expense (due to cremation taking place in a few days after the death). Dr.

Modi and his associates negotiated a reasonable cost for this package from 13 participating funeral home/crematoriums located from Chicago to Monee (about 70 miles west of Chicago), and from Evergreen Park, in the south, to Crystal Lake in the north.

It is interesting to note that in the tradition of several religions in India a person's last journey starts from his/her home to the cremation site. Many ICC participating facilities will provide an option of performing home Pooja, or last religious ceremony, at a person's residence rather than at a chapel or funeral home if desired by the family of the deceased.

(For details logon to: indiapost.com)

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Community/Illinois

India Post

July 17, 2009

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Thousands attend biennial TANA convention RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Illinois Governor Pat Quinn said here that Telugu

"The presence of Telugu speaking people from India in such a large number dressed colorfully and showcasing their rich culture in arts and music in a way

Quinn distributed Awards of Excellence to 23 recipients for their achievements in the field of community services, education, entrepreneurship, literature, science, engineering and philanthropy. The three days Convention beginning July 2 turned out to be a great success SP Balasubramaniam with outgoing president Prabhakar Kakrala

speaking people and Indian Americans in general have contributed a lot to the mosaic of American society and Illinois State in particular

symbolized their rich Indian culture. We value our close relationship with India since we share the values like tolerance, openness and education. India is the

world's largest democracy and the US is the world's oldest democracy. We work together for common good of the society. We want to welcome the world. We are all here together as one human race," he added.

Pat Quinnn was the chief guest at the Banquet event of the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) 17th biennial meet at Rosemont Convention Center in Chicago land last week. He was welcomed by Dr. Mani Akineni.

Chair of the awards committee.

Prabhakar Choudary Kakarala, president of TANA, honored the Governor with a plaque. The Governor appreciated the efforts of Dr. Akkineni, Prabhakar Kakarala and Kasi Paturi, Public Relation Chair, for their hard work in making this event successful. Yogandhar Yadlapti, the convention convener, welcomed the guests. Illinois Quinn distributed Awards of Excellence to 23 recipients for their achievements in the field of community services, education, entrepreneurship, literature, science, engineering and philanthropy. The three days Convention beginning July 2 turned out to be a great suc-

Swamy Viswamjee blesses Indian community AQ SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

Gov Pat Quinn being honored at TANA Convetion

cess overall speaking although many felt that the organizers should have been more forthright about the absence of some of the dignitaries and some of the program.

The spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar; Telecom Wizard Sam Pitroda, film star Junior NTR and Indian Ambassador Meera Shankar were conspicuous by their absence although the organizers had announced their presence earlier.

Incoming President Jayaram Komati

(For details logon to: indiapost.com)

Monika's spellbinding performance of classical music

for everyone - food, clothing, shelter, education and health.

Swamy Sri Sri Sri Viswayogi was addressing a gathering of disciples, devotees, eminent persons, and ethnic media at Northshore Banquet. The event was hosted

by Iftekhar Shareef. FIA members Sher Mohammed Rajput, Keethi Kumar Ravoori,

CHICAGO: God is one, omnipresent powerful and encompassing humanity all over the world. Practice any religious faithChristianity, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism or Hinduism, all leads to Him. He sounds like preaching a new religion, but he just wanted to chain the established religious beliefs to mould a good character of the believer. Swamy Sri Sri Sri Viswayogi Viswamjee Maharaj wants universal integrity of humanity and believes that all religions lead to One God destination though the paths are different. "You wanted to fly from India to US. You have Lufthansa, Air France, Swamy Sri Sri Sri Viswayogi Viswamjee Maharaj at a Singapore airlines - all taking reception hosted in his honor by Iftekhar Shareef (right) you to its home country first Trustee FIA and other community members. and then getting you to desSubhash Bhat and Dr Modi were among tination US." he says.

Different religious faiths do the same others to felicitate the "spiritual swamy" in thing. Swamyji has high regards for the US Chicago. Mir Mohtesham Ali, India's top among all countries of the world. He con- ranking body builder, who happened to be siders it as the head of the body of the earth, Chicago, was also invited for the event.

India as the heart of the world and other Mohtesham won Mr Universe 6th rank in countries serving like other vital organs of Miami Florida this year. Last year he won the body. What makes US a great world Mr World II in Las Vegas bodybuilder nation is its policy of immigrating top rank- completion.

(For details logon to: ing brains from all over the world. Swamiji indiapost.com) cares for humanity. He seeks five essentials

Monika Sharma performing at Visharad event India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Monika Sharma, a student of Sadhana School of Hindustani Music (USA), gave a scintillating performance of classical Indian music at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago auditorium in Lemont, a south side Chicago suburb.

The program was titled "Swar Sadhana" which is to meditate upon a single musical note-the "Swar" which is 'Brahman'. Well over two hundred attendees enjoyed Monika's performance of Raags and Bhajans. She was accompanied by Dharminder Singh on tabla and Kamelsh Desai on keyboard. The performance which lasted for over 90 minutes was a cultural journey back to India for many while providing an affirmation that classical Indian music is alive and doing well in the United States.

A senior at Neuqua Valley High School, Monika has been learning Indian classical

music from Smt. Nimrita Dholakia since the age of six. She started attending the Sadhana School of Hindustani Music when it first opened in 2003. It was at this point that she also started learning from Pandit Ronu Majumdar, through annual workshops, arranged by the school.

Over the years she has performed at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Chinmaya Mission, as well as multicultural shows at local high schools. She is currently teaching 1st through 4th year music students at the Sadhana School of Hindustani Music.

Smt. Nimrita Dholakia, Monika's teacher, took initiative to establish the Sadhana School of Hindustani Music in USA, with the blessings of her Guru, Pt. Ronu Majumdar, a renowned flautist. The main objective was to spread the art of India's classical and semi-classical music as well as to increase public awareness of India's musical heritage.

July 17, 2009

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Community Across America

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July 17, 2009

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Grand Pratishtha Ceremony by Jain Society HEMANT SHAH

BARTLETT: A10-day long grand Pratishtha Mahotsav was celebrated by the Jain Society of Chicago at Jain Temple and Community Center here from June 19 to June 28.

About 3800 people attended this celebration from all over the world. Many political, religious and community leaders and dignitaries besides Jain gurudevs and scholars from all sects of Jainism were present.

The keynote speeches were given by Dean of Kellogg School of Management Dr. Dipak Jain,

Illinois State Representative Randy Ramey of Dist. 55, Consul General of India Ashok Kumar Attri, Mayor and President of Village of Bartlett Michel Kelly, Gurudev Chitrabhanuji of Jain Meditation International Center New York, Gurudev Jinchandraji of Tithal India, Shree Tej Sahebji of Mumbai, Shree Rakeshbhai Jhaveri, Smt Sudhaben Sheth, Smt Tarala

Pratistha Poojan in progress

Doshi, Shree Narendra Nandu and Shree Lalit Dhami.

Founded in 1970, the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) is a non-profit tax exempt organization. There are over 1,500 Jain families registered with Jain Center of Chicago, the largest membership out of all the Jain Centers in North America.

This is the first Jain temple in the USA and now with renovation and expansion, it has become one of the

Jain Scholars and Munis, including Chitrabhanu Ji during the procession

The primary purpose of JSMC is to provide a temple for religious services and a community center for social, cultural, educational and economic needs of the Jain community

South Asian Spelling Bee regional winners India Post News Service

runner up while Narahari Bharadwaj of Plano, TX came in at third place.

In Houston, Aditya Chemudupaty of NEW YORK: The 2009 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee continued its eight-city Pearland, TX was the regional champ and tour this past weekend with two events in Akash Gupta of Lake Mary, FL was first runner up while Rajat Mehndiratta of Houston, the Dallas and Houston areas.

TX was second runner up.

Over 150 spellers particiEarlier, in the New Jersey pated in the contest and a Texas and Washington DC total of six winners were regionals, seven winners announced.

"The second annual Spelling Bee is off out of 150 spellers were announced.

In NJ, for the first time in its history, the to a strong start," said Rahul Walia, Founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee. "It's great South Asian Spelling Bee had a tie. Surabhi to have a partner like MetLife who can help Iyer of Franklin, MA was the Regional Champ us get the word out about the competition and the first runner up was Sriram Hathwar

Dallas Winners: L-R-Rahul Walia, Founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee with First Runner Up Abhinav Sangisetti of San Antonio, TX; Regional Champ Chetan Reddy of Plano, TX; Second Runner Up Narahari Bharadwaj of Plano TX and SASB Regional Coordinator Sandhya Sharma.

Houston Winners: (From L to R) Rahul Walia, Founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee with Second Runner Up Rajat Mehndiratta of Houston , TX ; Regional Champ Aditya Chemudupaty of Pearland , TX and First Runner Up Akash Gupta of Lake Mary , FL.

and educate families about the importance of planning for the rising costs of education."

In Dallas, Chetan Reddy of Plano, TX was the regional champ and Abhinav Sangisetti of San Antonio, TX was the first

of Painted Post, NY. Avvinash Radakrishnan of Nashua, NH and Sukanya Roy of Abington, PA were tied in third place.

In DC, Anjithaa Radakrishnan of Nashua, (For details logon to: indiapost.com)

"must see" icons of Chicago and a flagship Jain temple of the USA. The temple facility has been fully marbled inside and out. The white marble was imported from Abu, India.

The primary purpose of JSMC is to provide a temple for religious services and a community center for social, cultural, educational and economic needs of the Jain community. It also seeks to promote the feeling of amity and brotherhood among Jains as well

as inter-faith understanding, establish communications between scholars of Jain philosophy and members of the Society, and celebrate Jain festivals and holidays.

Celebrations started with Sanghpati of the Pratishtha Mahotsav, Mafat Patel and Tulsi Patel, prominent businessmen from Chicagoland, lighting the lamp.

(For details logon to: indiapost.com)

Telugu Association events in June a big success benefit of handicapped and orphan kids. The event was emceed by Shailaja Kuala member.

Suren Pathuri, President of TAS, welcomed ST LOUIS: The Telugu Association of the audience and introduced Founding MemSt. Louis (TAS) successfully conducted bers of Vegeshna Foundation, Chitten Raju two events namely 'Summer Picnic' and Vanguri, Vamsee Ramaraju, Singers Chandra 'Ghantasala Aradhanotsavaalu -2009' here Teja and Vijaya Lakshmi.

It was a terrific success, last month. Both events where more than 250 fans were a great success.

Missouri and lovers of Ghantasala at'Summer Picnic' was held at local 'Castlewood State park' on Sat- tended the event. The audience enjoyed the urday June 20, where more than 300 mem- old melodious songs performed by lead bers and their families turned out to partici- singers - 'Vijayalakshmi' and Apara Ghantasala pate and had a lot of fun. The event was 'Chandra Teja' who came from Hyderabad for celebrated with authentic Andhra food, barbeque as well as several fun filled activities. Cultural committee team - Krishna Rao Moharir, Sujatha Vinjamuri, Sandhya Yanamadala, Shailaja Akula and Midhuna Kalahasti conducted various games and sports like Tug of War, Three-leg Race, Bag Run, Pictionary etc., for all age groups.

'Anthyakashari' was a highlight of the day as many families par- this special live concert. The event raised alticipated enthusiastically in the program in most $7500 for the wonderful cause.

Suren Pathuri thanked 'Vegeshna Foungroups and enjoyed the whole program till the end. Prizes were distributed to the win- dation' founding members for organizing the ners. The Executive Committee led by Suren excellent program towards the noble cause Pathuri President thanked everybody for and the event was closed with felicitating their participation and attending the event. them with Star Awards. Chitten Raju TAS in association with Vegeshna Foun- Vanguri, Vamsee Ramaraju, Sujatha dation, organized a fund raising event at local Vinjamuri Vijaya Lakshmi and Chandra Teja Queeny Park Auditorium on June 27 for the were felicitated.

ASHWIN PATEL

India Post News Service

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July 17, 2009

India Post

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SCORE in White House briefing on health care reform India Post News Service

sistance in two regards: first, to listen to concerns on health care WASHINGTON, DC: At the in- reform from its membership, and vitation of the White House Of- second, to relay these concerns fice of Public Engagement, repre- directly to members of Congress.

Following comments from the sentatives of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE) government officials, the participants participated in a health care reform took part in an open discussion on briefing held on July 2. The inti- the relationship between health care mate roundtable meeting featured reform and the interfaith groups. one religious dignitary remarks by Nancy Ann DeParle, WASHINGTON DC spoke of the moral basis for his head of the White House Office of Health Reform, and group's involvement in the health

by Tina Tchen, director of White care issues. Others expressed their House Office of Public Liaison. hope that whatever final form that Joshua DuBois, director of the the health care legislation takes, it White House Office of Faith-Based must ensure that the least and Neighborhood Partnerships, advantaged in the society are helped.

SCORE agreed to the White op ened the proceedings.

SCORE and others from the in- House's call to serve as a conduit terfaith community were thanked of reliable information to and from for their service towards the com- the Sikh community. Parminder mon good. The White House Singh and Dawinder S. Sidhu parcontingent asked for SCORE's as- ticipated on behalf of SCORE.

Pranami Mission celebrates first temple building NALINI RAJA PATEL

CHRISTIANA, TN: With the blessings and leadership of Acharya Shri 108 Krishnamaniji Maharaj, Pranamis from all over USA, Canada, UK, Africa, Australia, Nepal and India took part in a week long celebration of the Shri Krishna Pranami Dharma Mahotsav from June 29 to July 5.

This included Shri 108 Parayan of Shri Tartam Sagar and inauguration of the new temple building here. The celebration started with

Tennessee a Shobha Yatra and Dhwajarohan.

The main focus of this event was the simultaneous recitation of l08 copies of the Tartam Sagar (Ocean of Spiritual Knowledge) which contains the teachings of this faith.

This grand religious treatise was composed by Shri Mahamati Prannath, a great saint who lived and preached in India almost 400 years ago. It is an assembly of fourteen books in one grand volume and encompasses teachings of all the major religions of the world -

Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Judaism. It contains 18,758 verses of exquisite poetry and erudite teachings.

Shri Mahamati Prannath taught the Pranamis that there is only one God and that he is called by differ-

The main focus of this event was the simultaneous recitation of l08 copies of the Tartam Sagar (Ocean of Spiritual Knowledge) which contains the teachings of this faith ent names in different faiths. The essence of all religious teachings is the same and that there is no need for religious conflict. He devoted his life to preaching of universal brotherhood, toleration and religious unity which is practiced by his followers worldwide today.

(For details logon to: indiapost.com)

Pak's internally displaced in dire need of relief: United Sikhs India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The future of Pakistan's Internally Displaced People (IDPs) becomes more uncertain with each passing day in the camps, according to the United Sikhs, which has appealed for immediate help to rehabilitate people living in make shift camps, where they face extreme heat and poor hygiene.

United Sikhs volunteers coming from the camps have been bringing harrowing reports from their conversations with the refugees.

"It's very hot and we are living in miserable conditions without a cooler or a fan. Our children and women inside a tent feel they are in a clay oven," Kareem Khan, an IDP at the Jalozai camp told the United Sikhs. The Jalozai camp has 21,000 families with more than 140,000 IDPs. The camp has been divided into four sectors and was an Afghan refugee camp during the Soviet- Afghan war. The Camp Director, Muhammad Tahir Orakzhai requested United Sikhs to supply 800 pedestal fans and 800 water coolers.

The United Sikhs relief team

found that there is a shortage of food, drinking water and hygiene facilities at the campsites. The camp toilets are in a squalid condition and due to the summer heat contagious bacterial infections

NEW YORK have increased among women and children. A significant number of women and children are suffering

The situation is aggravated by the fact that there is a shortage of female doctors to treat children and women who refuse to be attended to by male doctors from diarrhea, scabies and high fever.

"The conditions at the camps are deteriorating because of the weather and the onset of the mon-

soons. There is an increase in cases of snake and scorpion bites.

During our visit to the camp sites with the team of local doctors from the National Trust for Population Welfare (NATPOW), we learnt of the increase in the number of people requesting medicines for treating scabies, malaria, insect bites and diarrhea. The situation is aggravated by the fact that there is a shortage of female doctors to treat children and women who refuse to be attended to by male doctors. Some people have not taken a bath for more than a month," said Sundeep Singh, United Sikhs Projects Media Coordinator, who returned from Pakistan this past week.

Iftikhar Durrani, CEO of Pakistan's National Trust For Population Welfare (NATPOW) commented, "The humanitarian aid to be provided needs to be more humane, we need assistance, today!"

"We need to provide IDPs with a cleaning kit that has clean towels, antibacterial soaps, bed sheets and clothing to stop the spread of contagious bacteria.

(For details logon to: indiapost.com)

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So Cal observes 403rd Shaheedi Divas of Guru Arjan Dev JS BEDI India Post News Service

WALNUT, CA: Thousands of people attended the day long program of Shabad Keertan and discourses at Gurdwara Walnut on

July 4 in memory of Shaheed E Sirtaj Guru Arjun Dev, who was tortured to death under the orders of Mughal Emperor Jahangir at Lahore (now in Pakistan) in 1606.

This also coincided with Miri Piri Day, the Prakash of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib.

The Sangat also paid its respects to the martyrs of 1984 on

the 25th anniversary of Indira Gandhi's ill advised attack on Sikhism's sanctum sanctorum Sri Harmandir Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib in June 1984. It is this attack that eventually cost Indira Gandhi her life five months later when she was gunned down by her security personnel.

Over 20 Raagi and Keertani Jathas did Keertan.

The program commenced at 7 am with Aasa di Vaar Keertan by Akhand Keertani Jatha.

This was followed

by Keertan by children Keertani Jathas of Punjabi school of Alhambra, Buena Park, Riverside, Santa Ana, Walnut, Lankershim, and Ujjal Didar Singh Memorial Foundation.

The highlight of the program was a joint and collective Keertan by five Raagi Jathas of So Cal. Others who rendered Keertan include Bibi Ramandeep Kaur, Bibi Baljeet Kaur (from India), So Cal's

Langar

very own Bhai Keertan Singh Khalsa, Bhai Sohan Singh Rasia and other very accomplished

Combined Jatha of Five Raagi Jathas

nowned Bollywood actor and Director Girija Shankar. Most people remember him for his role as

Los Angeles.

As always, there was a continuous langar serving food, snacks

The Sangat

Raagis. The program was conducted by S. Hanwantbir Singh Sahni.

Amongst the sangat was re-

Dhritrashtra in the TV serial Mahabharat. Originally from Patiala, Girija Shankar divides his time between Patiala, Mumbai and

and hot and cold beverages to the sangat.

Cont’d on page 20

Amerish Bera runs for Third Congressional District seat

Guru Arjun Dev's Martyrdom Day observed JS BEDI

India Post News Service

L-R: Sumitpal Singh, Bhupinder Singh, Deepinder Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Mandeep Singh, Kavaldeep Singh, Jagjit Singh, Jaspreet Singh, Manveen Kaur and Gurmeet Singh.

JS BEDI India Post News Service

BUENA PARK, CA: The Sikh Sangat of Greater Los Angeles and Gurdwara Buena Park observed Martyrdom Day of Guru Arjun Dev (5th Guru of Sikhs) in a novel way here on July 5.

Free drinks including sodas, juices, water and snacks were distributed to around 3000 residents.

A stall was set up in front of the local Wal-Mart, and all the visitors were offered drinks of their choice

with the pamphlets about the Sikh identity and message of Guru Arjun Dev on world peace and universal brotherhood.

Organizers Jaspreet Singh and Jagjit Singh along with their team comprising Harbhajan Singh, Deepinder Singh, Guneet Singh, Bhupinder Singh, Mandeep Singh, Manveen Kaur, Sumitpal Singh, Paramveer Singh, Harpreet Kaur, Gurmeet Singh, Kavaldeep Singh, and Jyoti Kaur opened the stall at 11 am which lasted till 4 pm.

SACRAMENTO, CA: Dr. Amerish (Ami) Bera has filed to run for United States Congress in California's 3rd District (Sacramento suburbs, Amador, Alpine and Calaveras Counties and part of Solano County). If elected Dr. Bera will be the third Indian American in history to be elected to Congress. Based upon his level of support, his ability to raise funds and his history of achievement in the Sacramento Region, Dr. Bera has a very good chance of unseating incumbent Congressman Dan Lungren.

Dr. Bera is a well-known expert in Health Policy both at the local, state and federal levels (The Hill, 6/17/09). As Chief Medical Officer for Sacramento County he designed and helped implement the SacAdvantage Pilot, a program which served as a model for the Massachusetts plan to cover the uninsured, and has shared his expertise at the state and federal level. He recently served as As-

Dr. Amerish Bera with his wife Janine and daughter Sydra

sociate Dean for Admissions at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, where he created innovative programs to help ensure access to higher education for all qualified students. Dr. Bera

is a well-respected teacher, and community leader, holding positions on a wide variety of business and community boards.

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Prominent Jain monks grace Jaina Convention Shilapiji, Samani Akshaypragyaji, Samani Charitrya Prajnaji, and Samani Vinay Pragya; Jain scholars - Pandit Dhirajlal Mehta, Dr. Hukhumchand Bharill, Pramodaben Chitrabhanu, Taralaben Doshi, and Dr. Falguni Zaveri,; several academicians, and prominent community, civic and

India Post News Service

BUENA PARK, CA: Jain Center of Southern California played host to nearly 1600 adult and 400 youth delegates - from USA, Canada, Europe, India and Africa - who attended the 15th Biennial JAINA Convention from July 2-5.

The convention events were scheduled at the Jain Center's newly inaugurated facilities, built at a cost of nearly $20 million, in Buena Park and at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Fullerton.

JAINA (Jain Associations in North America) was founded in 1981 in Los Angeles. It is a federation of 69 Jain Centers located in various parts of USA and Canada.

JAINA provides a forum to foster unity and friendship amongst more than 100,000 Jains living in various communities in North America. Nearly 35 committees promote JAINA's objectives which include spiritual and cultural studies, publication of educational books, library of rare and hard-to-find religious books, interfaith dialogs, humanitarian outreach activities, long range planning, global unity with a novel concept of Jains Without Borders,

It is a federation of 69 Jain Centers located in various parts of USA and Canada. JAINA provides a forum to foster unity and friendship amongst more than 100,000 Jains living in various communities in North America

and others. JAINA has been duly recognized by the US Government, India Government, and the United Nations as an international Nongovernmental Organization (NGO) in par with the Red Cross.

JAINA convention is held once every two years and is hosted by one of the member centers. The biennial convention provides a unique opportunity for delegates to celebrate their heritage, gain new knowledge, and revive their spiritual aspirations.

This year's convention theme was

Discourse on Paramahamsa Yoga Therapy VICTORIA TRUVER

The audience was encouraged to practice mudras and yoga techniques

RIVERSIDE: During the Fourth of July weekend Riverside's Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir was crowded with devotees who came for a special guest speaker. Dr. A.R. Seetha Ram, founder and director of Paramahamsa Yoga Therapy Center of Mysore gave a discourse and demonstration. About 150 Mandir members learned how mudras, breathing, and yoga techniques can reduce stress and improve health.

The Yogacharya asked the audience to copy him as he illustrated such techniques as kechari mudra where the tongue is placed in the nasal cavity. His wife, Geetha Seetha Ram also entranced everyone with her beautiful bhajans.

The couple was in the area for a

others. An art gallery showcased the works of local artists in the form of paintings, ceramics, and others. Jain books, arts and crafts, jewelry, and informational material were made available at several booths setup in the parking area.

Additionally, three keynote speakers were invited to address

President Bachu Chandravadia thanks the Seetha Ram Family

short visit with Dr. A.R. Seetha Ram's sister who is a local Riverside resident. They reside in Mysore, India and hope to return soon for a longer more informative lecture.

"Ecology - the Jain Way." The convention was graced with the presence of prominent Jain monks - Pujya Chitrabhanu, Pujya Lokeshmuni, Pujya Bhattarak Charukirtiji, and Pujya Rakeshbhai Jhaveri; Jain nuns Pujya Acharya Chandanaji, Sadhvi Shubhamji, Sadhvi

business leaders.

A full schedule of parallel sessions provided the delegates unique opportunities to attend presentations on a multitude of topics that addressed spiritual aspirations and practices, climate change and global warming, charity focus, peace diet, humanitarian and retirement community projects, Jain Way of Living and

the convention. Dr. Gary Francione, a distinguished Professor of Law at Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, discussed why Jain doctrines concerning Ahimsa (non-violence) and ecology dictate in favor of strict vegetarianism and not wearing or using animal products.

(For details logon to: indiapost.com)

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Fundraiser to help adults learn Hindustan di kudi is amusing, entertaining to read & write India Post News Service

SAN CARLOS: Award winning La Tosca Restaurant in San Carlos is hosting a fundraiser dinner on July 15 at 7:30 p.m. to benefit Vision Literacy, a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching adults in the Bay Area to read and write.

Established in 1985, Vision Literacy has helped over 25,000 adults to improve their literacy skills and quality of life. Besides teaching reading and writing, the unique literacy program provides learners with workshops in computer skills, study skills and personal finances. Twenty percent of Bay Area adults (1 in 5) cannot read or write above the 5th grade level.

"At Vision Literacy, we help adults gain the necessary skills to read and write as well as offer a variety of workshops that give them basic skills to support them-

selves and their families," said Joanna Laznicka, Honorary Board Member of Vision Literacy.

Vision Literacy tutoring services and workshops are free to

‘At Vision Literacy, we help adults gain the necessary skills to read and write as well as offer a variety of workshops that give them basic skills to support themselves and their families’ learners and available at libraries and community sites throughout the Bay Area. Classes are also offered at correctional facilities to help inmates gain skills to keep

them from returning to jail after they are released.

"To keep the program going in these tough economical times, it takes more than the generosity of volunteers sharing their spare time but donations as well to help pay for tutor training, instructional materials and computers," commented Program Manger Pat Lawson-North of Vision Literacy.

The Vision Literacy fundraiser includes a sit down dinner, featuring a mixed green or Caesar salad, bread, choice of beef, chicken or salmon entree and Tiramisu or Chocolate Cake served warm with a vanilla creme anglaise and raspberry brandy sauce and coffee.

Vision Literacy, a service of the Santa Clara County Library system, provides literacy programs and tutoring services in libraries and other community sites throughout Silicon Valley.

Amitesh Mishra India Post News Service

A

mitesh Mishra is a medi cal doctor based in the San Francisco Bay Area helping the sick, and a musician/

singer with original compositions.

The objective of Amitesh Mishra is to express his musical abilities in a peppy way.

With singing and dancing puppets, odd attires and a lot of humor, his video (Hindustan di kudi) makes for good light entertainment. He has tried his best to make it funny and entertaining.

The video is quite amusing, and may not necessarily convey any message. He has tried to make people laugh - a noble way of musical communication. The song has a stylish touch through the impressive rapping.

The music video album can be seen on webpage amiteshmishra.com

So Cal observes 403rd Shaheedi Divas of Guru Arjan Dev

Riverside Mandir celebrates Annual Summer School VICTORIA TRUVER

RIVERSIDE: Summer School has been an annual event at Riverside's Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir since 2001 when it was started by Akshaya Sheth, who served as President during that time.

Last week 62 excited children attended the annual event which is traditionally held during the last week of June and beginning of July. Classes were formed according to age.

Program Coordinator Varsha Shah put together stimulating and creative classes which included crafts, dance, and lectures. Nutritious snacks and lunches were served. In the middle of the week everyone was given a custom tee-shirt and then a group photo was taken.

Ragini Iyer taught folk and dandia dance daily. On the final day students gave a dance performance for parents, volunteers and teachers. Pandit Shukavak Dasa instructed the children on Hinduism during the week-long

Bollywood actor and Director Girija Shankar

Cont’d from page 18 L-R: Varsha Joshi, volunteer, Ragini Iyer, Varsha Shah and Suma Hareesh have fun posing with peacock craft

event. Children especially enjoyed the lesson where they were called upon to re-enact the story of Prahlada, his father Hiranyakasipu and Narasimha.

Rita Oza explained the importance of Gayatri Mantra and showed how to perform a havan.

One day the children learned the care and importance of Tulsi.

Usha Agarwal and Suma Hareesh gave lessons on Hindu Deities and how to perform

abhishekham.

The last day of school is traditionally a party day complete with games. At the end of summer school each student received gifts of toys, a certificate of completion, group photo, and ice cream coupon.

Every year the children have the same wish. "Can't summer school last two weeks?" The tired volunteers and teachers simply smile indulgently as they say good bye until next year.

Gurukul Classes at Sindhu Center India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: The Sadhu Vaswani Mission has agreed to start Gurukul Classes at Sindhu Center for children between the ages of 5 and 18.

The classes will be held every Saturday between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. The program will start

from August 8. Children will be taught the Fundamentals of Hinduism, Prayers, Shlokas, Bhajans and Values of our culture.

There are well trained instructors and the instructions will be in English. The fee for this program is your commitment, says a press release. For details contact Neelam Hemrajani 818-541-1754

The organizers had set up a huge tent complete with giant coolers to provide a cool environment for the sangat to eat.

It is to the credit of the organizers that the arrangements were exceptionally good. There was plenty of parking and volunteers were at hand to guide the sangat on where to park. There was a shuttle to ferry the elderly and the young ones between the parking lots and the Gurdwara. Keeping the hot weather in mind there was a constant supply of cold water and at the langar there were chhabeels serving sharbat. Langar tent was complete with big coolers that kept the tent cool. It can be safely said that the organizers had thought of everything and left no stone unturned.

Bhai Raghbir Singh, Head Priest and Hazoori Raagi of Gurdwara Walnut thanked the Sangat, Raagi Jathas, management, donors and volunteers for their help and support.

Gurdwara Sahib Walnut has embarked upon an ambitious development program.

This includes building new structures including a brand new Darbar Hall and a covered patio.

Work on the elevator has already commenced and this is expected to cost about 70 thousand dollars.

The main Darbar Hall and the covered patio are estimated at about 2.5 million dollars. Then there is a long term goal to acquire the parcel of land next door and build a community center. This is expected to cost around 3 million dollars. The overall cost for the entire project is about 6 to 7 million dollars. Currently the committee has about $ 300,000 in hand and has a commitment of another $ 1.2 million.

So, folks please dive deep in your pockets to show your support. To contribute please call: Parmjeet Singh Nijjer at (626) 622 5551, Saab Singh Bhullar at (626) 893 2314 and Nachhattar Singh Bhullar at (626) 255 8555.

July 17, 2009

Community/California

India Post

21

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Racial attacks on Indian students in Australia INDER SINGH

D

uring the last few weeks, about 19 students have been beaten or attacked with a screw driver or similar weapon, mostly in Melbourne (Victoria) and some in Sydney (New South Wales). The latest victim is a 22-year Resham Singh whose attackers tried to remove his turban and cut his hair.

The continued violence forced the Victorian Police Chief Commissioner to launch a new sweep against crime in the worst-hit areas in Melbourne, using helicopters, mounted police, dogs and transit police. However, Police Chief's well meaning action has not brought an end to the random attacks as yet.

The attacks on students became a major cause of worry for parents in India. Many students have been pressured by their parents to return to India. Some have preferred safety over education and have decided to quit their studies and go back to join their families in India. Several students from India who had secured admissions have sent their cancellations.

The repeated violent attacks caused major concerns at the highest governmental level. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ex-

pressed his deep concern in a telephone call with the Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd who later said that he would do "everything possible to maximize security" and step up safety measures for international students.

The Australian government instead of putting their efforts to end the attacks and pass stringent laws to punish the culprits severely and speedily, has instead started measures to control the damage in India so that their revenue source continues unabated.

Australia's secretary of the department of education, employment and workplace relations, was in India in June and met with high ranking officials and Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and assured him that a regulatory mechanism would be in place to ensure proper wage for students engaged in part-time jobs.

A high-level delegation comprising representatives from Australian universities, vocational institutes, state governments, state police and foreign office is visiting New Delhi.

The delegation, led by the head of international education Colin Walters, will do an extensive tour of cities, meet state governments,

students and parents to reassure them that Australia is really a safe destination for Indian students.

The delegation from Australia is hoping that the people in India would believe their words in spite of the continuing random racial attacks taking place in Melbourne.

There are over 450,000 international students in Australia enrolled in universities and vocational institutes of which 75,000 students are Indians the second highest after the Chinese The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, with the help of Indian missions, is planning to formulate a data bank on the students. Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said that the data bank would include details on the total number of Indian students in a country, their place of stay and job conditions of the

part time employed students, etc.

GOPIO Australia Coordinator Amarinder Bajwa, GOPIO Regional Vice President Noel Lal and GOPIO chapter presidents Harry Walia and Jagidh Lodhia met Mrs. Sujata Singh, India's High Commissioner in Canberra and discussed the ways of helping students. They have organized fund raising for Rajesh Kumar who suffered 30% burn wounds in Harris park petrol bomb incident and are also providing legal aid where necessary. They are in communication with the local MP's, office of the Prime Minister and Premiere of New South Wales and are involved with community confidence building exercises.

They are in the process of setting up a GOPIO website to facilitate job network for the students and employers. The website can also be used for reporting incidents which GOPIO volunteers would follow up with the police and authorities.

Australia's education industry has boomed in recent years to become the country's third largest export earner after coal and iron ore. According to Forbes, Australia has a $15.5bn business with foreign students. There are over

450,000 international students in Australia enrolled in universities and vocational institutes of which 75,000 students are Indians - the second highest after the Chinese.

Indian student enrolments in vocational education and training (VET) have shot up during the last three years.

They are widely using admission into vocational courses to gain permanent residency (PR) status. As per the data compiled by the Australian Education International, over 52,000 Indian students are enrolled in these programs, the highest number from any country.

The number of Indian students pursuing higher studies in Australian universities has, however, not changed much.

The violence against the students and lack of protection from the law enforcement agencies can affect the popularity of Australia as an education destination for Indian students. The Australian education officials are becoming increasingly concerned at the potential damage the ongoing violence could cause to the third biggest export earner for Australia, after coal and iron ore.

(For details logon to: indiapost.com)

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w w w. i n d i a p o s t . c o m

22 India Post

July 17, 2009

Horoscope

July 17, 2009

India Post

23

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ARIES Mar 21-Apr 20 You will start the process to obtain a big loan. You may have to pour in more money into existing business also. Planets in second will give you taste for red meat or spicy hot food. Willing or not, you will go on a short trip with the family. Changes taking place in career will create more uncertainty. You will call an old friend for advice.

LEO Jul 23-Aug 22 Just do not give some the opportunity to come after you. There will be some fortunate changes at work and you will benefit from mistakes made by others.

Business will keep improving at fast pace this week. Spouse will become very health conscious and change diet completely. You will spend quality time with children and may take them to movie.

SAGITTARIUS

July 17 to July 23

Nov 23-Dec 22 Time spent on writing mails will not go waste and may open new doors. An older member of family may need extra medical attention. You may put your needs aside in order to fulfill demands of close family members. You will receive good piece of advice from a learned person. Do not increase liability at this point and keep an eye on expenses.

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TAURUS Apr 21-May 20 Do not be impulsive or will end up taking wrong decisions. Some one at work will keep creating headaches for you.

Your plans are great but you need to take second opinion and make necessary changes. Family will plan a short trip to a nice place never visited before.

You will feel tired of some ungrateful relatives and may start ignoring them.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sept 22 Expansion is not bad as long as you do not stretch your limits. You may invite few friends at your place for dinner. Problems will be followed by solution. A big payment will release financial pressure for quiet some time. You may have some concerns about an older family member not keeping well lately. Do not sign any paper in rush.

CAPRICORN Dec 23-Jan 19 You will use your imagination and definitely come up with a great idea to make money. It's the personal side that you will have to be very careful as someone close can cause emotional mayhem. You may be calling a trustworthy person to clear some confusion and seek guidance. Check you had been waiting for will come in the mail.

GEMINI May 21-Jun 20 You will put all the energy you got at work. Results will be positive. You may spend some time with a person you trust and try to finish some very important paperwork. Having almost everything in today's date, mind will stay restless. You will call siblings to exchange news. Things will continue to be in your favor at work.

LIBRA Sept 23-Oct 22 People will try to take advantage of your generosity. You may not get full rewards for the work right away, but in short time. Move will finalize and you may start the necessary preparations. A child will need lots of your time and attention. A close relative will call to invite you at his place for a small get together.

AQUARIUS Jan 20-Feb 18 Planets will give you the wisdom to make good choices. You will overcome some strong opponents. Phone call for another interview will come towards evening. Children will make some plan for a short trip. There will be some interesting developments in ongoing legal matters. You will be invited to few parties this week.

CANCER Jun 21-Jul 22 Mind will stay disturbed and you will be looking for solutions. You will try to free your self from previous attachments but will not be easy. Plans you have been working on, will take little more time to implement and bring in rich rewards. You will receive some nice gifts also from people close. If you are flexible, the deal is yours.

SCORPIO Oct 23-Nov 22 Spouse may stay irritated for small reasons. Progress will be slow but confidence level will stay high. You will have the chance to make little money through stocks also. You will continue to do good to others and help them with your expertise. Material you study will benefit you for long time.

You will get in touch with an old friend.

PISCES Feb 19-Mar 20 You may experience slight difficulty in getting the jobs done. There will be slow or no response from the other side. You will meet many old friends at the party. Ideas will be great but lack of finances will make you put them on hold. Spouse will be very understanding as usual and provide with emotional support.

6 Manmohini Morey - Yuvvraaj 1 Guzarish - Ghajini

7 Husn Hai - Wafaa

2 Haule Haule - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

8 Jaane Kyun Singers - Dostana

3 Tere Naina - CC@C

9 Sapnon Se Bhare Naina - Luck By

4 Bekha - Ghajini

Chance

5 Kaisa Ye Raaz Hai - Raaz

24

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India Post

July 17, 2009

10 Tu Ne Re - Victory

T

he Akshay Kumar-Katrina Kaif jodi is said to be the golden on-screen couple after Shahrukh-Kajol. The pair has delivered a number of hits and in the process have developed a soft corner for one another. They have spent much time together and in the course of shooting, they have known about each other's weakness, strength, liking and disliking. Knowing how sensitive his leading lady is, Akshay ran down to Kat's rescue when she was drenched in a sexy chiffon sari and strap blouse while shooting for Priyadarshan's 'De Dana Dan'.

Akshay in thin kurta was drenched too but without bothering about himself, he ran to Kat as she was shivering after several takes in rain. He ordered for two towels, wrapped Kat in towels and himself used one. Then he instructed the air-conditioners to be switched off. He then asked Priyan and choreographer Pony Varma to "please look after Katrina.''

Akshay knows if Katrina remains wet for long, she would catch fever. Kat is awestruck with Akki's lovey-dovey act and was heard murmuring "God, he treats me like a baby.''

P

riyanka Chopra is known to be a gutsy lady with the kind of stunts and actions she per-forms on screen. She is not different in person too and takes every opportunity to get the adventure and fun feel. Recently during the shooting for 'Pyaar Impossible' Piggy Chops along with her co-star Uday Chopra enjoyed their free time by performing adventurous water stunts. It seems the cast and crew was near a pool, the actress jumped off a 40 feet diving plank into the water. She had a huge smile once she came out of the pool which prompted co-star Uday Chopra to also try the stunt.

S

ayali Bhagat spills the beans on her on-off relationships and what role Shoaib Mallik, the cricketer from Pakistan, plays in her life.

Very upset with the wrong media hype, Sayali says, "It's funny.

How I can break off with a person I was never seeing? It's true that we met a couple of times on social occasions. But then that was it."

So what was the real scene? "All the stories were false. I was actually dating someone else. Let aside the social stature, my personal life went for a toss. I had a bad break off with my boyfriend thanks to this report. My career was affected as I wasn't in the correct frame of mind to work."

Currently, Sayali has managed to gather herself out of all the trauma she underwent. Kirkit and Paritosh Painter's Paying Guest are her two movies that have released this month. "Working is very therapeutic for me so, consciously I try and keep my hands full." She has two films in hand.

Bollywood

July 17, 2009

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S

hruti Haasan, Sarika and superstar Kamal Haasan's light eyed, fiery natured daughter, is days away from debuting into Bollywood. She is used to all the attention, having performed live with her own maiden band and her penchant for singing. However, it is Soham Shah's high-octane action drama, Luck, which she has her hopes pinned on.

In the film, she romanticizes teen sensation, Imran Khan! However, the film ain't all about romance, for she has done some really dare devil stunts evident from the promos. Says Shruti, "We've crossed all boundaries that might have never existed while filming action films," and in the process, she got herself bruises of which she's immensely proud!

When asked if her legendary father, Kamal Haasan dropped by on the sets, the lady says, "I wouldn't be able to act in front of him so I told him to wait and watch the final product", she smiled.

S

anjay Dutt has performed a stunning action sequence for Luck. He jumped from a speeding train, blindfolded and with his hands tied behind his back without any cables or dummies.

Director Soham Shah says, "This is one of the biggest and most expensive highlights of the film.

It's his introduction in the film. The characters are testing their luck."

During the shot the production, as a precaution, set up cables and kept harnesses ready so if anything were to go wrong there would be no injury to Sanju but the latter refused. The death-defying scene was executed in Goa with five running trains by ace action master, Allan Amin.

K

atrina Kaif feels belittled if someone calls her lucky because her films do well at box

office.

Akshay Kumar may have run out of hit movies, but Katrina keeps delivering them one after the other. Now that her latest release New York is pulling crowds to theatres, the gorgeous gal is ecstatic. And she wants to be acknowledged for her work rather than luck.

"Saying I'm just lucky kind of annihilates all the hard work that I have put into my films," she is quoted as saying

in a media report.

Katrina said a film succeeds because of the labor put in by its director, actors, writer and the remaining team. To attribute the success to luck is to take away credit from the entire cast and crew.

India Post

25

26 India Post

July 17, 2009

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28

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From left, Rishi Malhotra, COO of Saavn; Anil Kapoor, producer of Shortkut and Behram Shahparast, North America region head of Studio 18, at a press conference in New York to promote Shortkut, which releases July 10.

-Pic Gunjesh Desai

SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: For someone who can not only act in comedy films with the perfect sense of comic timing, but also produce laugh riots like Shortkut, Anil Kapoor is a pretty serious man when it comes to talking about his work.

Kapoor who has been in Los Angeles these past weeks to shoot for his role in Fox channel's popular series 24, took his time-off to come to New York last week to promote his latest Bollywood production, Shortkut, releasing July 10. At a press conference organized by Studio 18 at the upscale Pranna restaurant in Manhattan, Kapoor urged people to go out and watch

and I am not afraid of failing. If you keep playing safe, you will never succeed."

He laughed about Shortkut being spelt with a K."A numerologist told me 'K' would be lucky for Shortkut. It better be or else I'll hammer him!"

On his work in LA, Kapoor said he had already wrapped up four episodes of 24 and will soon be shooting for a fifth in LA. In a globalized world today, he thinks actors can find work anywhere given the right opportunities.

"I think anyone can work anywhere, whether it is Hollywood, Bollywood, or in China. It's all about being at the right time at the right place, and today July 17, 2009 filmmakers are such that they believe in the right casting and go for the right Shortkut with their families because "it's material, right story, right script; anya clean, nice comedy with a good story". body can work in any film, nothing is "I expect it to entertain people, I am not impossible." expecting any critical acclaim or awards Working in Slumdog Millionaire for it," said Kapoor of home production. (which won eight Academy Awards "I want people to just watch it and forget this year) or in the television series 24, their worries and problems. It's a main- are not necessarily career moves, Anil stream, commercial Bollywood film."

Kapoor assures. "I did Slumdog not Shortkut is distributed by Studio 18 -- to make money. I really wasn't looking home to hits like Welcome, Jab We Met, at the paycheck. I did it more to enjoy Singh is Kinng and Golmaal Returns. The the process and to learn from a different filmmaker, a different kind of genre, ‘You have to work really hard and with different environment, different kind integrity to make your work speak for of work culture… I you. And if shortcuts are possible, never knew it was going to become such your success will be short-lived’ a huge success. I just did it with integrity movie, which stars Akshaye Khanna, and my intention was positive."

Arshad Warsi and Amrita Rao, is a heart"Similarly," he adds, "I am not dowarming slice-of-life comedy about the ing 24 as a career move as such. Of trials and tribulations of two Bollywood course it's a great series, one of the insiders as they face some truly zany most successful series in the world, situations in the pursuit of their tinsel viewed in more than 83 countries. But town dreams. again I am doing it more as a learning Expanding on the theme of Shortkut, process; to see what can I learn, abKapoor quipped, "there is no shortcut to sorb and take back to India and tell

success. People want to hear about shortcuts.

People want to dream about shortcuts or take shortcuts, but in reality there is no shortcut to success. You have to work really hard and with integrity to make your work speak for you. And if shortcuts are possible, your success will be short-lived."

Adding to that philosophy, Kapoor says, "You can succeed only if you are ready to fail;

people there about how they do things here. Also, to try and bring what I have learnt in India to these people. I am not looking at commerce as such, at the moment I am just trying to enjoy the process and trying to give as much as possible in every which way."

Cont’d on page 30

July 17, 2009

India Post

29

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Rangoli celebrates classicism and creativity has always maintained a high caliber group which included superb guest artists from India over the years.

The program began with some members of the ensemble performing Pushpanjali, a dance piece invoking blessings from the Gods, gurus and audience.

Guest performer, award winning, Navia Natarajan, a disciple of Guru

PREM KISHORE India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Malathi Iyengar, artistic director/choreographer of Rangoli Foundation has always brought a new sheen to the traditional repertoire of Bharata Natyam, the classical dance of India. Enhancing a heritage of classicism, the dancers in her inspired ensemble have always expressed the joy of pure rhythm, lyricism and technique in their productions.

On June 28 Paintings of the Divine showcased crisp, energetic, focused and new choreographed works by Iyengar that revealed the beauty, emotion and complexity of

a dance company. The performance delighted an intent audience at Barnsdall Gallery Theater with solos, duets, trios and groups featuring exhilarated storytelling and technique.

Iyengar's training takes its origin in the Pandanallur/Tanjore style of movement interpretation.

Focusing on tempo, precision, expression and dexterity incorporating unique architectural conception of linear lines a variety of adavus (steps) as well as smooth, flowing explorations of body and space.

Paintings of the Divine was a presentation marking the 25th anniversary of Rangoli Foundation. Established in 1985, Iyengar

Enhancing a heritage of classicism, the dancers in her inspired ensemble have always expressed the joy of pure rhythm Padmini Ramachandran (Bangalore) A Lakshman and Bragha Bessell (Chennai) displayed a startling, evocative and soulful artistry in Kanjadalayatakshi as she narrated through movement, the glorious beauty of Goddess Kamakshi.

Lakshmi Iyengar both in her duet with Navia (Chandrachooda) and in her solo piece (Nagendra Haraya) showed impeccable tech-

nique, while her mother Malathi Iyengar gifted us with her vivacity and dazzling virtuosity in Shri Ganesha extolling him as the bestower of boons and removes obstacles.

Group dancers, Sheila Aula, Vyshnavi Aysola, Shivani Aysola, Anjali Gopalan, Shilpa Mantri,

Sandhya Rajan and Sumathi Nanguneri, Nishita Viswanathan, Akshaya Sekhar, Soumya Sundaresh, displayed the versatility and creative expanse of their guru, Iyengar in Kannada Jatiswaram, Neeradasama and Kanjadalayatakshi.

Cont’d on page 30

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India Post

July 17, 2009 www.indiapost.com

Sivamani concert at NY Consulate

I

ndia's contemporary percussionist, the amazingly talented Sivamani performed as part of the Jewels of India series of the Indian Consulate in New York recently. The drummer, who has performed on many soundtracks with A.R. Rahman, had the audiences in the packed ballroom of the Consulate tapping their feet and swaying in rhythm as he played a variety of drums non-stop for nearly an hour beginning with Vedic chants and playing the beats of the different parts of India to some of his movie tracks and ending with the national anthem.

The event was organized by Joe Prabhakar of Prabhu Entertainment.

-Pics courtesy Gunjesh Desai

Sivamani performing (right) and with Consul General Prabhu Dayal

Rangoli celebrates classicism and creativity Cont’d from page 29

Iyengar drew on the sublime musical compositions of Gurumurthy G, Nandakuma U, Papanasam Sivan, Aadi Sankaracharya, Mysore Sadashiva Rao, Purandara Dasa, Oothakadu Venkata Kavi, Muthuswami Diskhitar and Rajkumar Bharathi.

Lighting design by Eileen Cooley was excellent and set design by Suresh Iyengar minimal but dramatic. Costume design by Lakshmi Iyengar was a brilliant riot of flamboyant colors and striking jewelry reflecting the beauty of the dance.

Rangoli Awards were presented to the members. Most valuable dancer was Shaheen Sheikh and Artistic Merit Award went to Vyshnavi Aysola and Shilpa Mantri.

An unusual and truly unique highlight of the evening was the unveiling of two sculptures, The Dancing Ganesha and The Heroic

Hanuman sculpted by Suresh Iyengar. The astonishing, versatile Suresh Iyengar, a dentist by profession, is a prolific sculptor, painter, and craftsman whose works have been part of several productions of Rangoli Founda-

tion as well as other site specific concerts, museums, events, installations and weddings all over California. The recipient of many awards he has been a contributing artist and sculptor in building the City of Burbank Rose Bowl Float since 2004.

The exquisite sculptures represented the spirit and essence of the gods, in their detailed form and intense energy. The stone cast works of art are not only a symbol of divinity but display a stunning elegance and distinctive emotional depth.

Suresh Iyengar's work created on a non-spoken level communicated with space, form and silence celebrating the ritualistic spectacle of dance, and music.

Arts presenter Denise Leader Stoeber introduced the artist. Limited sculptures are available. The project was supported in part by the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles.

No ‘Shortkut for success’ looking after the children who worked in that film."

Kapoor quashed recent rumors that the father of one of the child stars in Slumdog, Rubina, tried to sell her off to a Gulf Sheikh, as something that the Western media had blown out of proportion. "I met with Rubina's father and fortunately he is a much stronger man than he has been made out to be. Stories that he tried to sell his daughter are simply not true."

Cont’d from page 28 Kapoor is launching his third Kapoor, who thinks, he is ex- production the same day as the release of Shortkut periencing the -- 'No Problem' "best days of my Kapoor quashed which is being dilife which I am gorected by Anees ing through," said recent rumors that Bazmi, who had dithat he was now at a phase where he the father of one of rected Kapoor in the hit comedies is more into "giv- the child stars in 'No Entry' and ing" than "taking" 'Welcome'. because, "I feel I Slumdog, Rubina, No Problem too have taken a lot, tried to sell her off is a comedy, in God has given me a lot. When to a Gulf Sheikh which Kapoor is also playing a role. people ask me what makes me happy, I say, it is "I think today people need comgiving, not taking and I am trying edy and feel good films," he says. to give as much as I can within "There's too much of seriousness my capacity." and too many problems in the

Elaborating on his charitable involvements, Kapoor said, "There are a few charities I am attached to such as Plan India. Like me, Plan India is also very low key, in terms of marketing. Plan India is doing a lot in India and the US also. In fact, it is the custodian for the entire proceeds of Slumdog Millionaire which are in a trust fund. Plan India in India is

world. I think we need films which make us laugh, smile and make us happy."

Directed by Niraj Vora (of Phir Hera Pheri fame), Shortkut is being released worldwide on July 10

by Studio 18. The New York event with Anil Kapoor was created and managed by Anhad, Studio 18's exclusive marketing agency for North America.

Travel Brief Adventure, heritage tourism in J&K NEW DELHI: The Centre will take an overall view of tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days especially in the areas of adventure, heritage and pilgrimage.

In a meeting, Minister of state for culture Kumar Selja assured the Jammu and Kashmir tourism minister Nawang Rigzin Jora that she will be visiting the state for the same.

"She has assured that liberal financial assistance well be extended to augment infrastructure so that the State is equipped to accommodate more and more tourists," Jora said. "During the meeting, various issues pertaining to development of tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir State were discussed," he said. -PTI

31 India Post

Mussoorie is located at a height of 2,500 meters in the green Himalayan range. Due to its location and beauty Mussoorie is considered as the best hill station in the northern region

M

ussoorie is located in the Garhwal hills. Due to its immense natural beauty, Mussoorie is known as the queen of hill stations. In 1820 Captain Young from the British army was influenced by the beauty of this place and made it his residence. This marked the foundation of a

hill station called Mussoorie. The name, Mussoorie, is derived from plants of 'Mussoorie' which were found in abundance here. After its discovery, this hill station gradually developed as a center of education, business, tourism and beauty.

Mussoorie is located at a height of 2,500 meters in the green Himalayan range. Due to its location and beauty Mussoorie is considered as the best hill station in the northern region. The modern bungalows, malls and well laid gardens which are located on the small hills around the area are enough to attract any tourist.

Mussoorie is an excellent respite for tourists and people who want relief from the hot sultry conditions of the plains. Nature has gifted Mussoorie everything which makes

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a place beautiful. With the onset of summers tourists start coming here.

As heat increases in the plains number of tourist inflow also increases proportionately. Mussoorie is very close to Delhi. It's an overnight journey and one can return in one day. So, some people come here to spend their week ends. Also, the major

July 17, 2009

Hindu pilgrimages like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Haridwar, Rishikesh are not far from this place.

Shopping: Mussoorie is famous for wooden decorative and gift items. But one can also bargain brass statues and ceramic vases.

Cont’d on page 33

32

Travel & Hospitality Post

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July 17, 2009

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Pinjore heritage site gets a face-lift India Post News Service Mango-eating competition at the Mela

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injore is a part of Panchkula district of the state of Haryana. It is located at the confluence of river Jhajjar and Kaushalya (tributaries of Ghaggar) in the lower Shivalik ranges. It is an ancient religious and historical place and derives its name from Panchpura- the town of Pandavs.

Built in the 17th century by Aurangzeb's architect and foster brother Fidai Khan, appointed as the Governor of Punjab. Fidai Khan was possibly inspired by the springs of Pinjore.

In the vicinity of Pinjore Gardens, there is an ancient temple known as 'Bhima Devi Temple'. A chance discovery of art objects in a field near Bhima Devi Temple in 1974 led the Archaeology Department to declare it as protected.

It is felt that it was a "Panchayatan" Group of Temples.

The architectural and technique of construction can be compared with the contemporary temples of Khajuraho and Bhubaneshwar.

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Five ancient plinths, a large number of beautiful sculptures and architectural members of Gurjar Pratihara School of Art of 8th to 12th century AD.have come to light during this chance discovery.

Haryana Tourism under Tourism Minister Kiran Choudhry has taken up the challenging task of restoration of these ancient heritages. Entire area of Mughal Gardens got a face-lift in the traditional

style reminiscent of the old Mughal times. The restoration and beautification work of Bhima Devi Temple and its vicinity is at the final stages and it would be thrown open for visitors very soon.

Mughal Gardens and the Bhima Devi temple are connected with a well-lit broadened road to make it an integrated circuit.

The heritage is at its best with the introduction of Heritage Chariot Train, a prototype of one of the few Luxury Heritage Trains that are operating in India. The train was flagged off by the Tourism Minister and proved to be a big hit amongst tiny tots almost immediately. The train ferries around the beautiful structure all around the Mughal Gardens

The architectural and technique of construction can be compared with the contemporary temples of Khajuraho and Bhubaneshwar The train is targeted to serve high end European and American travelers as well who wish to see the ancient locomotives of India.

"It reminds me of Heritage on Wheels, a luxury train of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways," commented one of the tourists.

Its history is a rich tapestry of the ancient, the medieval and the modern. The highway of history, Haryana bears the footprints of kings and warriors, saint and sages, sufis and savants. The continuity of its rich past has been unbroken through ages, with legends of the epic heroes and places of pilgrimage like temples, sarovars and dargahs. The resilience of the spirit of its people finds resurgence against a continuous backdrop of invasions and battles - triumphs and conquests!

Travel & Hospitality Post

July 17, 2009

www.indiapost.com

Mussoorie: Queen of hill stations Cont’d from page 31

Pure Ladakhi shawls are bit costly but are worth a good purchase. The antique Jamawar shawls also carry heavy price tags

the second highest point in Mussoorie. To access Gunhill, there are two ways. The first one is to begin trek from Court Complex on the Mall Road. This path takes you to Gunhill in about 20

Mussoorie has pleasant climate around the year. It is a very cool place with greenery at its full bloom from September to November but they are worth having a look.

Nowadays modern techniques are being applied in weaving these shawls which has reduced the prices.

Prime Attractions Kempty Falls: Kempty Falls, located 15 kms from Mussoorie, is the biggest attraction of the place.

With water cascading down from an altitude of 4,500 feet and splitting further into five cascades, Kempty Falls offers a panoramic view.

Gun Hill Trekking: Gunhill is

minutes.

Hanol Mela: The temple of Hanol in Chakrata, 78 km. from Mussoorie is the venue of this exotic fair called as the Hanol Mela.

Lal Tibba: This place is highest point in Mussoorie. Lal Tibba is located in Landhour area which is the oldest inhabited place in Mussoorie.

Haridwar: Gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttrakhand region, is located on the foot hills of Shivaliks.

Rishikesh: Rishikesh is just 24 kms from Haridwar. Located in the laps of lower Himalayas, this place is considered to be the access point of three other pilgrim places of Badrinath - Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri the four great places which combine to make Chardham.

Sahastra Dhara Falls: Located 14 km from Dehradun is the famous picnic spot called as the Sahastra Dhara. Noted for astounding beauty, its medicinal sulphur waterfalls are a great attraction.

How To Get There The nearest airport to Mussoorie - Jollygrant - is 60 kms away. But there are no regular flights to this place. Mussoorie also does not have a direct rail link.

Dehradun railway station serves for Mussoorie too. This station is linked which superfast trains to other major cities in country.

From Dehradun one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mussoorie. The queen of hill stations is well connected with roads with other major cities. There are regular bus services from various metros and other tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh as well as from out side the state. Bus services are provided

by State transports. There are conducted tours to Mussoorie too.

Climate: Mussoorie has pleasant climate around the year. It is a very cool place with greenery at its full bloom from September to November.General Information Population: About 34,000 Languages: Garhwali, Hindi & English Best Time: April to June

India Post

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34

India Post

Travel & Hospitality Post

July 17, 2009

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Tourist arrivals in TN up 23.4 per cent CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu witnessed an increase in the number of tourists with about 6.40 crore people visiting the state in 2008, registering a growth of 23.4 per cent compared to the previous year.

Foreign tourist arrivals also increased from 15.53 lakh in 2007 to 20.40 lakh in 2008, registering a growth rate of about 16 per cent, according to the policy note presented by state Tourism Minister Suresh Rajan in the Assembly.

The average length of stay of a foreign tourist in the state was seven days, while it was four to five days in the case of a domestic tourist. "A foreign tourist spends Rs 4,396 per day, while a domestic tourist spends Rs 1,422. A day-visitor spends Rs 540 per day," it said.

Among foreign tourists, 23 per cent

stayed in star hotels, 44 per cent in budget hotels and 13 per cent in Guest and Rest houses. The corresponding percentages for domestic tourists were 10, 49 and 14 respectively.

The government had undertaken nine major projects across the state at a cost of Rs 32.23 crore with an aim to increase the number of tourists visiting the state, it said.

After revamping the state Tourism Development Corporation's website, more than six lakh tourists visited the portal during 2008-2009 compared to 5.27 lakh tourists in the corresponding period of last year, the policy note said. Tourists from more than 70 countries like Spain, US, London, France, Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa booked hotel accommodations and tours using online facility. -PTI

Budget boost to adventure tourism NEW DELHI: Giving a boost to adventure tourism, the union budget for 2009-10 has exempted customs duty on inflatable rafts, snow-skis, water skis, surf skis, sail boards and other water sports equipment.

Tourism Ministry had sought exemption of adventure sports equipment from customs duty to facilitate import of these items in bulk for adventure tourism.

Tourism Minister Kumari Selja had met Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee last

week to seek the exemption of duty on these items in the General Budget.

Currently, only members of Adventure Tour Operators Association of India are allowed to import adventure equipment on payment of custom duty. The cost of such import turns out to be very prohibitive.

Vendors who can import these equipment in bulk are not allowed to import. Consequently, there is a shortage of modern adventure-related equipment. -PTI

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Tech News Amartya, Nooyi in PM's Global Advisory Council NEW DELHI: Economist Amartya Sen, business tycoon L N Mittal and Pepsico CEO Indra Nooyi are among the members of a high-level panel headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh constituted to advise the Government to draw upon experience of the best Indian minds abroad for a two-way engagement.

Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vyalar Ravi informed the Lok Sabha that the Global Advisory Council will develop an "inclusive agenda" for engagement between the country and the best Indian brains living abroad. -PTI

TechBiz 37 India Post

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July 17, 2009

Tata to head Air India advisory board NEW DELHI: Air India is in the process of having a seven-member international advisory board, with former top officials of global carriers, to turn the organization around. The Board, which is likely to be headed by industrialist Ratan Tata, may have former heads of leading carriers like Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines, sources in the know said.

Discussions are on to finalize the names of other members on this global advisory board, sources said, adding that an advertisement would soon be issued for the newly-created post of Chief Operating Officer so that a professional airline manager works under Chairman cum Managing Director Arvind Jadhav to improve AI's operations.-PTI

Fears of global economic collapse have subsided: Montek

PepsiCo opens huge plant in Russia DOMODEDOVO, Russia: PepsiCo opened an immense new bottling plant outside Moscow as it bets on Russia to become its biggest market outside the United States in five years.

The glimmering blue and white USD 1 billion plant, which the company says will be the largest bottling plant in Europe, will eventually churn out more than 2 billion liters of soft drinks a year and employ more than 1,000 people.

"Russia is a country of 147 million people ... who have purchasing power and they like the type of products we make," said Indra Nooyi, chairman and CEO of PepsiCo. -PTI

IMF raises India's growth forecast to 5.4% WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund has raised India's growth forecast to 5.4 per cent for 2009 even as it projected the world economy to shrink by 1.4 per cent this year.

The multilateral lending agency in April forecast a growth rate of 4.5 per cent for the Indian economy in 2009.

In its update to the World Economic Outlook, IMF said the global economy will contract by 1.4 per cent this year.

Earlier it had projected a growth rate of 1.3 per cent for the same.

India is expected to witness a growth rate of 5.4 per cent in 2009 while neighboring Chinese economy would expand by 7.5 per cent during the same period. The forecast for China has been revised upwards from 6.5 per cent in April, it said. -PTI

India's Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia addressing a gathering at the Indian Consulate in New York. (Pic Gunjesh Desai)

SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Fears of a panic collapse of the global economy have subsided and the United States should be able to see positive growth in the second half of this calendar year, according to Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Govt of India.

"Most people globally are cer-

tainly more optimistic today than they were three months ago, although not so optimistic about returning to growth rates that existed before 2008," he said.

Ahluwalia was addressing a gathering of representatives of the financial world at the Indian Consulate in New York last week where he laid out India's growth prospects vis-a-vis the global economic crisis. "In our own conclusions we surmise that

fears of the panic collapse globally have subsided and our own expectation is that in the second half of this current calendar year the US will go back to a positive growth range from negative growth rage. The year as a whole might remain in the negative growth range but by year 2010, it will get back into positive growth range," he said.

"The world is going through a major shock with the elimination

of demand from the industrialized world," he said. "That is impacting India also, in the sense that the export growth is much poorer than it has been for the last four years. But to some extent India is less affected than many other countries simply because its growth strategy did not depend as much as it did for others on the growth of exports."

Cont’d on page 39

India Budget raises IT-exemption limit NEW DELHI: In a budget to please the middle class, farmers and those in rural areas, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has hiked the personal income tax exemption limit by at least Rs 10,000 and abolished the 10 per cent IT surcharge, did away with the Fringe Benefit Tax but left corporate taxes untouched.

Battling effects of the global slow down and keeping in line with the Congress' poll promises, the first budget after the elections provides for cheaper food for poor, a guaranteed minimum Rs 100 a day for rural employment, massive provisions for infrastructure, farm and social sector schemes for raising the economic growth to at least nine per cent.

Mukherjee raised the personal income tax exemption by Rs 10,000 for women and others, besides Rs 15,000 for senior citizens above 65 years and abolished Fringe Benefit Tax that would help employers in giving more benefits to employees.

But he raised the Minimum Alternate Tax from 10 per cent to 15 per cent while leaving the Securities Transaction Tax largely untouched to the chagrin of industry and investors.

He, however, did away with the Commodities Transaction Tax introduced last year though it was yet to be notified.

At the same time, the Finance Minister promised to simplify tax

naptha costly while textile products would cost more but Mukherjee sought to please women by cutting duties on branded jewellery.

He brought legal consultancy services under the serivce tax net.

There is no change in the basic customs, excise and service tax rates. Changes in indirect taxes would give a net additional rev-

The first budget after the elections provides for cheaper food for poor, a guaranteed minimum Rs 100 a day for rural employment, massive provisions for infrastructure, farm and social sector schemes returns and bring a direct taxes code within 45 days for discussion to introduce a bill in the winter session of Parliament. Changes in direct taxes are revenue neutral.

Changes in customs and excise duties would make import of gold, silver and industrial intermediate

enue of Rs 2,000 crore.

Announcing a slew of measures, both short term and medium term, to spur the economy and at the same time bring the fiscal deficit in line with the FRBM Act at the earliest, Mukherjee said additonal resources would be

mobilised through disinvestment.

The government would retain control in its banks and insurance entities while not allowing its stake to go below 51 per cent in other entities and set in motion a mechansim to bring petro-fuel prices line with global level.

Though concerned that the fiscal deficit would shoot to 6.8 per cent this year from 2.7 per cent last year on account of three stimulus packages, Mukherjee said that efforts would be made to set it right immediately after the effects of global slow down are taken care of.

The implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations, a massive interest outgo of over Rs three lakh crore, huge outlay of Rs 1.41 lakh crore and subsdies of Rs 1.11 lakh crore would take the non-plan expenditure to Rs 6.97 lakh crore, reflecting a growth of about 37 per cent.

(For details logon to: indiapost.com)

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Steps to tone up functioning of Railways NEW DELHI: The Railway Budget was passed by the Lok Sabha with Minister Mamata Banerjee announcing a slew of measures to tone up the functioning of the Railways in terms of amenities and safety and deciding to set up an expert committee to prepare a blueprint for future.

Replying to a marathon discussion on the Budget, she said two more non-stop ‘Duranto’ (fast) trains —Delhi-Secunderabad and Delhi-Nagpur— would be introduced in addition to 12 such trains already announced.

Two of the 14 such trains would start within a month, she said but did not identify them.

Catering to regional sentiments which have often erupted in the form of violence in recent times, she favored 50 per cent quota for locals in induction in Railways through the Railway Recruitment Board and question paper in regional language as she promised to review the process of intake.

She also included several more stations in the list of those to be developed as ‘adarsh’ (model) and world class ones, responding to demands by members from all parties, who accused her of only focusing on West Bengal while neglecting rest of the country.

The Budget was passed by voice vote after suspension of a rule which provides for referring of Demand for Grants and Appropriation Bills to the Standing Committees.

Banerjee announced setting up an expert panel, headed by FICCI Secretary General Amit Mitra to prepare a business plan for toning up the Railways. It will have representatives of Chambers of

Commerce besides Member (Traffic) and Member (Engineering) of the Railway Board.

She said monitoring committees, headed by senior officials like members of Railway Board, would also be set up to keep tabs on train punctuality, amenities and clean-

Banerjee announced setting up an expert panel, headed by FICCI Secretary General Amit Mitra to prepare a business plan for toning up the Railways. It will have representatives of Chambers of Commerce besides Member (Traffic) liness.

Emphasizing that realization of these objectives was not an impossible task, she said efforts would be made to attain punctual-

NEW DELHI: The downward slide in Indian exports following recession in major markets of the US and Europe, has been arrested, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma informed the Rajya Sabha.

Replying to supplementaries during Question Hour, he said the data available for the first three months of the current fiscal showed decline in exports bottoming out. Exports had fallen 33.3 per cent in March to USD 11.51 bil-

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Declaring that all the commitments made in Budget would be implemented within this year, Banerjee said the White Paper promised by her would be unveiled as soon as possible.

She clarified that the exercise was not to target “any individual” but only to reflect upon the past and present state of affairs of the Railways and chalking out the roadmap for future.

Her promise to bring out the White Paper had upset her predecessor Lalu Prasad and given a handle to the opposition to attack the RJD chief.

Banerjee said her step was nothing unusual as such an exercise was carried out earlier by her predecessors George Fernandes and Nitish Kumar. She, however, did not give any time-frame despite BJP leader Ananth Kumar insisting that it be unveiled on the first day of the Winter Session. She said the timing would depend on internal and external audits.-PTI

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lion. In April, they declined 33.2 per cent to USD 10.74 billion and in the following month outward shipments dropped 29.2 per cent to USD 11.01 billion.

Sharma said the data available for June indicate exports declined by 29 per cent. "Global economic crisis has had adverse impact on our exports which have been declining since October 2008," he said.

Fall in demand in traditional destinations of the US, the UK, Eurozone, Japan and Singapore were primarily reasons for the dip in exports Fall in demand in traditional destinations of the US, the UK, Eurozone, Japan and Singapore were primarily reasons for the dip in exports. "The increase (or revival) in exports will depend on revival in major economies," he said. Slowdown in exports had led to job losses in labor intensive sectors.

Different reports and agencies have reported different numbers of layoffs. "0.5 million job loss was reported between December and March in one report. Later another report claimed 2.5 million new jobs have since been created." -PTI

July 17, 2009

TechBiz Post

India Post 39

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Fears of global economic collapse have subsided: Montek Cont’d from page 37

In the context of Indian banks surviving the global financial crisis when major banks in the West have collapsed, Ahluwalia said Indian banking sector has always been a regulated system and therefore did not suffer. "Being cautious has helped," he said.

However, as the West is now seeking to set regulatory systems in place, Ahluwalia said India is watching closely for development on the regulatory front in the US and Europe. "We are a part of the G20 countries and therefore are looking for lessons to see what we can learn from the experiences in the West."

Like in other countries, Ahluwalia said, India too was trying to replace a lot of export demand by trying to step up domestic investment demand. "In India we obviously suffer an infrastructure deficit, and for inclusive growth we need to have a huge thrust on infrastructure development not just in high end urban areas but also rural areas."

Infrastructure investment in India, however, was interrupted by the global financial crisis, he added.

India, Ahluwalia said, would see -- what many might perceive as optimistic -- a 7% growth rate this financial year and hopefully get back to 8.5% to 9% growth rate in the next two years. "I think it is possible because if you had an economy that was largely dependant on international demand then it would have been a constraint. But we believe, returning to 8.5 to 9 percent from

and domestic investments going.

The second mandate of the people of India to the UPA-led government was being interpreted as an endorsement of the basic strategy of inclusive growth which has been followed in the last five years with great success. And therefore, for that inclusive growth to continue, Ahluwalia said, "We are also trying to stimulate agriculture, and areas of health and education. A systemic change, however, will take at least 10 years, he said candidly.

In conclusion, Ahluwalia said that India was still an attractive destination for foreign investments and that there was enough

dynamism in the Indian private sector to see the kind of growth rates it expects to see.

Economy not dependant on monsoon Later responding exclusively to queries from India Post, Ahluwalia said India no longer was as dependant on the monsoons as it used to be. "Agriculture is definitely dependant on the monsoon, but agriculture is less than 20 percent of the GDP. So the impact of the monsoon on the economy is via ‘If you had an economy that was largely agriculture. There are a dependant on international demand then lot of people involved in agriculture and it would have been a constraint. But we that's important, but I believe, returning to 8.5 to 9 percent from think over the years the economy on the the supply side perspective is entirely feasible. There has been no interruption on the whole is becoming less dependant on the supply side factors and I think we have a monsoon. We have had bad monsoons strong domestic investment capability’ before and we are able to take them in our the supply side perspective is entirely fea- stride. The degree of dependence on monsible. There has been no interruption on the soon is much less than it was 20-30 years supply side factors and I think we have a ago." strong domestic investment capability."

On the delays in infrastructure develAhluwalia added that even if India did opment despite its dire need - specifically not have high export growth, its ability, with with reference to the newly opened Bandralikely foreign inflows, to finance a modest Worli Sealink in Mumbai, which took albalance of payments deficit (say 2.5 per- most 10 years to complete - Ahluwalia said, cent of GDP), would be quite good. "In the "The Bandra-Worli Sealink was hopelessly last 3-4 years the capital that flowed into delayed for a long time, I agree. These are India was much more than India needed," some of the implementation problems of he said. "What it led to was tremendous the past and I just hope that in future we build up in foreign reserves. So even if the would have learnt from this experience and inflows are low for a year or two, the gap they won't be repeated." can be accommodated within the reserves A lot of such new ideas have been around that the country has." for only the last 5-6 years, he said. "We are Ahluwalia reiterated that the real con- beginning with a new five-year period and I straints on India's growth are not export agree that the test of what we do is in how demands, but in keeping the supply side we perform on infrastructure in this period."

British cities to trademark Indian food LONDON: Can Punjab get a trademark for 'tandoori chicken' or Tamil Nadu apply to claim the status for 'idli sambar' and prevent the cooking and sale of the delicacies in other parts of India and elsewhere?

Food buffs and trade officials would reject the very idea, but two councils in Britain Birmingham and Glasgow are trying to trademark two varieties of Indian food that they claim originated in their areas and hope to ban its cooking and sale elsewhere.

The Birmingham City Council is looking at getting a trademark for 'Balti' dishes while the Glasgow City Council is supporting Labor MP Mohammad Sarwar's idea to get a trademark for 'chicken tikka masala'.

The two councils are examining European legislation that protects products such as Scotch whiskey, champagne, Wensleydale cheese and Arbroath smokies, so that they can apply for similar geographical indicator status to the dishes they claim as their own.

Birmingham is laying claim to the 'Balti' dish on the ground that it was invented in the Sparkhill area of the city by immigrants from South Asia in 1977. The city has a reputation for 'Balti' dishes and has a popular area called the 'Balti Triangle'.

Sarwar believes Glasgow should claim

the trademark for 'chicken tikka masala', which is so popular in UK that it is often referred to as national dish. The claim is that the dish was invented in Glasgow by immigrants nearly 40 years ago.

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: "Curry has a long history in Glasgow and

The Birmingham City Council is looking at getting a trademark for 'Balti' dishes while the Glasgow City Council is supporting Labor MP Mohammad Sarwar's idea to get a trademark for ‘chicken tikka masala’ the origins of 'chicken tikka masala' are now clearly part of that legend. Glasgow has been declared Curry Capital of Britain three times in recent years and the quality of the food available is unsurpassed.

"Anything that highlights the quality of the curry experience in Glasgow has to be welcomed." -PTI

40

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ï Gurukul Classes for Children

• Ohlone for Kids (and Teens) Summer Enrichment Program

Venue: Sindhu Center, South California Time: 2pm to 4pm Contact: 818-541-1754 & 909-576-1114 Highlights: Children between the ages of 5 and 18. Children will be taught the Fundamentals of Hinduism, Prayers, Shlokas, Bhajans and Values of our culture.

Thur July 16 to Sat July 18 ï Sri Sri Rukmani Dwarkantha 40th Anniversary Venue: 3764 Watseka Ave, West Los Ange Time: 4pm to 7pm Contact: 213-923-1584

Sun July 26 • Veena Concert by Srinivasan

Sat July 18

Venue: Center Point Studios, 324 Lafayette St, New York Contact: 516-857-6743

Venue: Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, 6905 Cipriano Road, Lanham, Maryland Time: 3pm Contact: 301-552-3335

• A Cooking Demonstration and Tasting

NEW JERSEY Upcoming

ILLINOIS Upcoming

Wed Aug 5 • Inner Engineering

Thues July 23

• Matri 2009

• Jai Ho! All Queer, All Bollywood, All Night!

Venue: Ramada Inn, 999 US Highway 1, North Brunswick, New Jersey Time: 8pm Contact: 732-921-0294

Venue: Big Chicks, 5024 N. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, Illinois Time: 9pm Contact: 413-672-1861

Sat July 18

Wed July 29

• Classical Indian Cultural Program

• Medication Management and Safety: Insomnia

Venue: George Street Playhouse, 9 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, New Jersey Time: 3pm to 7pm Contact: 732-422-8880

Venue: 700 N. Court, Palatine, IL 60067 Time: 11am to 1pm

Sun Aug 2

Sun July 19

• Mauli Dave Live Performance

by Sa Re Ga Ma Pa

• Mind and Body Wellness Workshop Venue: Art of Living Center, 200 Route 17 South, Mahwah, New Jersey Time: 11am Contact: 201-258-4773

Venue: Peninsula Center Library, 701, Silver Spur Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 Time: 1pm Contact: 310-377-9584 ext. 601

Sat July 25 • Guru Poornima

Fri July 17

HINDU TEMPLE & CULTURAL CENTER 3676 Delaware Drive, Fremont, CA, 94538 www.fremonttemple.org Tel:

(510) 659-0655

BHAJAN GROUP (11 AM - 11:45 AM)

PRAVACHAN (12 PM - 1PM) PRITIBHOJ (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM)

07/12/09

BHARTI JOSHI

GAYATRI PARIWAR

MONISH & SAPNA SHARMA

07/19/09

DR PRABHA BHATNAGAR MATA SHATRUPA JI

NEERU & HEMANT SHARMA

07/26/09

SWAMI PARMANAND

03/02/09

MAHANT JI

SWAMI AADHATMANAND JI ANKUR & KAVYA JAIN

UPCOMING TEMPLE EVENTS

MOHIT & AARTI GUPTA

ABHISHEKA: MON: 6:30 PM SHIVJI, FRI: 6:30

YOGA CLASS: MON.-FRI. 7 TO 8 AM SAT. 8 TO 9 AM GEETA CLASS: SAT. 11:00 AM TO 1:00 PM

PM LAKSHAMIJI, SAT: 10 AM BALAJI, SUN: 6:30 PM GANESHJI & NAVAGRAHA

Gayatri Mantra Every Saturday - 11 AM - To 12 PM Contact: Naresh Sethi (For Jagrata). TEL: 510-825-1927, 510-487-2544

Mata Ka Jaagran on 7-11-09 at 7 pm to -10 pm Sundar Kand paath by Satish & Jai Patel on 7-11-09, 2:00pm to 6:00pm Janamashtmi celebration on 8-8-09 from 6pm to 12 Midnight

TO PARTICIPATE IN TEMPLE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES CONTACT:

510-659-0655

SUNDAY, 1:15 PM FREE CONSULTATION WITH DR. PAWAN CHADHA AND DR. MRS. NOOTAN CHADHA

IN THE NEW YEAR BECOME: TEMPLE TRUSTEE - $1501, LIFE MEMBER - $ 501, YEARLY MEMBER - $ 101

REGULAR PROGRAMS & POOJAS & RITUALS: FOR ALL INFO CALL TEMPLE ADMINISTRATOR AT: (510) 659-0655. SASHTRIJI: (510) 490-8979, BHUSHAN KUMAR JI - 510-862-5834 GOVIND SRINIVASAN: (510) 226-6479 WEDNESDAYS: RAMAYAN KATHA (KISHIKINDHA KAND) BY SHASTRIJI. SUNDAYS AFTER AARTI FREE CONSULTATION WITH DR. PAWAN CHADHA SUNDER KAND KA PATH EVERY 3RD SATURDAY AT 10 AM TO 12 NOON. CALL TEMPLE (510)569-0655 (HANUMAN CHALISA) EVERY TUESDAY 7:30 PM AARATI FOLLOWED BY PRASAD AND PRITIBHOJ. SENIOR CITIZENS MEET WEDNESDAYS 10AM TO 1PM BHAJANS & DISCOURSES. For sponsoring Pritibhoj Anita Kapoor, Contact: 510-659-0655 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.FREMONTTEMPLE.ORG AND VISIT GALLERY

Fri July 17 • Ishika Seth presents: "It Will Explode"..an evening of dance, music & art

Sun July 19 • The 2009 Metlife South Asian Spelling Bee Venue: Chabot College, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward,CA Contact: (848) 248-4139

Mon July 20 • Chhandam Summer Youth Camp Venue: Mission Dance and Performing Arts, 42968 Osgood Rd, Fremont, California Contact: 415-333-9013

Sat July 18

Fri July 17 to Sun July 19

• Krishna - A Dance Ballet Presented by Vision-Aid

• Family Camping

Venue: Sorenson Center For The Arts, Babson College, Park Manor South, Babson Park, Massachusetts Time: 3pm to 5:30pm Contact: 781-333-5252

Venue: Shriji Banquet Hall, Shree Swaminarayan Temple, 1705 Middlesex Street, Lowell, Massachusetts Time: 10am to 9pm Contact: 617-309-0525

Fri July 31 • Bollywood Nights Venue: Taj Boston, 15 Arlington Street, Boston, Massachusetts Contact: 617-598-5255

• Annual India Day GAYTRI PARIWAR

Venue: Smith Center Amphitheatre at Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Blvd. Fremont, CA 94539 Time: 8:30pm Contact: 510.659.6031 or www.smithcenterpresents.com Ticket: $20-$25; Add dinner for $10 Highlights: Sweet Charity is a tender, poignant and consistently funny look at the adventures of a dance hostess who always gives her heart and her dreams to the wrong man. Songs include "Hey Big Spender," "Rich Man's Frug," "I'm Brass Band," and "The Rhythm of Life." Watch a great musical under the stars!

VIRGINIA Upcoming

Sun Aug 9

GIRI JI MAHARAJ

• Ohlone College Summerfest Presents: Sweet Charity

BOSTON Upcoming

• Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji

DATE

Thurs July 9 to Sat July 11 & Thurs July 16 to Sat July 18

Venue: NOH Space, 2840 Mariposa St., (between Florida and Alabama Streets), San Francisco, California Time: 8pm to 9:30pm Contact: 510-573-2076

Sat July 25

Weekly Services Open M-F 8:30 AM-1PM, 4 PM-8 PM, Sat & Sun 8:30 AM to 8 PM DAILY AARATI 9 AM MORNINGS AND 7:30 PM EVENINGS. Sunday Services: 11am to 1pm, Aarti at 1:15pm followed by Prasad & Pritibhoj EARLY MORNING Bhajans by Khanna, Surendra @ 10 AM

Venue: Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Blvd. in Fremont, Contact: www.ohloneforkids.com

Venue: Irvine Mandir, Southern California Time: 11am to 11:15pm Program schedule 11 am - Guru Stuti - Guru Bhajans by Saneyee Purandare 11:30 am - Guru Mahima - "Guru's role in life of a spiritual seeker" by Vishakha Purandare 12 noon - Guru Stotra Chanting & Chanting of Guru Geeta for invoking the blessings of Guru and offering our pranams at the feet of great masters.

12:30 pm - Guru Pooja, Sankalpa process 12:45 - Group Meditation 1 pm - Mandir Aarti 1:15 pm - Prasad Contact: 949-705-6670 Prasad: Please estimate about 100 people for the Prasad.

You may sponsor prasad for 100 people or share with someone in the quantity for 50 people.

Venue: India House Banquet, 1521 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, Illinois Contact: 630-904-5157

VEDIC DHARMA SAMAJ

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming

Venue: Lake Sherando Park, Stephens City, Virginia Contact: (346-5445) Highlights: Mark your calendar for an exclusive trip (3 Days, 2 Nights) filled with fun and food. Several activities for kids and adults, e.g., Volley Ball, Cricket, many other games, Tracking, Swimming in the Lake, Campfire, and Antakshari. Sumptuous meals (consisting of breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, dinner, late-night snacks).

Sat July 18 • Vibha DC Spelling Bee 2009 Venue: ChesterBrook Academy, 46100 Woodshire Drive, Sterling, Virginia Time: 10am

Sat July 25 • Raas, Garba & Folk Dance Competition Venue: Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 300 W Broad St, Columbus, Ohio Time: 12pm Contact: 978-4755614

Venue: Italian-American Cultural Center, Worcester, Massachusetts Contact: 508-842-9795

PHILADELPHIA Upcoming

HOUSTON Upcoming Sat July 18 • Indian Recidency at House of Blues

Sat July 18 • Designer Jewelry Expo 2009 Venue: Radisson Hotel, Valley Forge Convention Center, 1160 1st Ave, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania Time: 11am to 8pm Contact: 610-246-6655

Tues July 21 • Art of Living Venue: St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 6667 Lower Macungie Road, Trexlertown, Pennsylvania Contact: 610-373-1134 Admission: $350, $250, $25

Fri July 24 • Kanakadhara Stotram Chanting Venue: Chinmaya Mission, 3817 Northern Pike, Monroeville, Pennsylvania Time: 7pm to 8pm Contact: 724-344-4366

Venue: House of Blues, 1204 Caroline, Houston, Texas Time: 8:30pm Contact: 832-866-6770

Fri July 24 • Kailash Kher - Sufi Concert Venue: Brown Theater, Wortham Theater Center, 500 Texas St, Houston Time: 8pm Contact: 281-648-0422

Sun July 26 • Bharatanatyam Recital Bhakti Margam by Nadhi Thekkek Venue: Jewish Community Center, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston Time: 4pm to 6pm Contact: 510-798-3102

Realty Tidbits

Micro housing finance corpn in the offing NEW DELHI: The government is contemplating the setting up of a micro housing finance corporation in order to facilitate smallticket home loans for the economically weaker sections of the society.

The corporation, which could be set up under the finance ministry, will be permitted to take household savings as deposits. "We have set up a committee for promotion of a housing micro finance company which may be permitted to take household savings as deposits," said housing minister Kumari Selja. The committee is likely to be headed by the National Housing Bank CMD, S Sridhar.

DLF Home unit to merge firms with itself NEW DELHI: DLF Home Developers is planning to merge group companies DLF Estate (Delhi) Pvt Ltd and Irma Estate Pvt Ltd with itself. It has moved a petition in the Delhi High Court to obtain the necessary approvals.

In their joint petition under section 391 and 394 of the Companies Act 1956, the companies sought statutory clearances from the high court to go ahead with the amalgamation process.

A single member bench of Justice Sudershan Kumar Mishra directed the companies to produce no objection certificates from their creditors within four days. The direction came after the company informed that due to some reasons it could not produce the NoC issued by the IDBI Bank and sought adjournment of hearing.

Realty firms log on to ERP to boost productivity NEW DELHI: Indian realty firms are feeling the urge to invest in technology that will help them achieve optimum productivity, information access and regulatory compliance because of sales slowdown, stagnating capital values and a need to manage resources better.

End-to-end enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, that manage diverse projects across different locations, are slowly finding favor. ERP vendors are seeing increased enquiries pushing them to develop tailored solutions targeted at mid-market realty firms.

Real Estate 41 India Post

www.indiapost.com

July 17, 2009

Developers hiking prices again MUMBAI: Developers are stopping discounts, have stalled further price cuts, increased prices in budget housing projects launched recently, and are returning to revive high-end projects. Property experts said they do not expect this to be reflective of demand returning strongly to the housing market and think it is just that some developers are testing the waters with higher prices.

Unfazed, developers say further price cuts are unlikely.

Avoiding mortgage modification scams ANA GONZALEZ RIBEIRO

H

omeowners facing fore closure have one more thing to worry about: loan modification scams.

Normally, homeowners seek loan modifications in hopes of forestalling foreclosure. However, scam artists have seized the opportunity to use phony loan modification schemes to prey on vulnerable borrowers.

"The real unfortunate aspect of the foreclosure rescue scams is that it makes an already stressful and tough situation more stressful and more difficult," says Josh Fuhrman, director of counseling for the Homeownership Preservation Foundation, which works with credit counseling agencies to educate and counsel at-risk homeowners.

Unscrupulous individuals are targeting at-risk homeowners by combing foreclosure notices in newspapers, the Internet and public files to identify potential victims, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

These con artists advertise through TV and newspaper ads or on posters with attention-grabbing phrases, such as "Stop foreclosure now!" or "We guarantee to stop your foreclosure!"

Following are four ways to avoid being scammed: 1. Be skeptical.

2. Don't pay for help.

3. Don't transfer the property deed.

4. Ignore promises of shortcuts.

Be skeptical Scammers often work hard to present themselves as legitimate.

For this reason, it's important to be extremely wary, even when a solicitation or correspondence looks official, says Kimberly Allman, housing counselor at the New York Mortgage Coalition.

"Homeowners should be cautious of Web sites or companies with names similar to legitimate government programs," she says.

"Many scammers are presenting

These con artists advertise through TV and newspaper ads or on posters with attention-grabbing phrases, such as "Stop foreclosure now!" or "We guarantee to stop your foreclosure themselves as affiliated or associated with the government when that is not the case."

In one typical example, scammers use a letterhead that supposedly indicates the correspondence is from the Obama administration's Making Home Affordable plan, says Dianne Reichel, group manager and a Certified Credit Counselor at GreenPath Debt Solutions Inc. Douglas Robinson, spokesman for NeighborWorks America, a national nonprofit organization created by Congress to provide support to community revitalization efforts, suggests the follow-

Foreign investors lap up HDIL's QIP MUMBAI: A number of foreign and domestic institutional investors, including Macquire Bank, Prudential, KKR and Fidelity, have acquired stakes in Housing Development and Infrastructure (HDIL) through the recently completed Rs1,700-crore qualified institutional placement (QIP). HDIL placed 70 million shares with institutional investors at a price of Rs240 per share and also issued 26 million convertible warrants at the same price to the promoters on preferential basis.

However, the 50 odd companies which have rushed to QIPS may not be able to raise equity through

ing tips: • On the Internet, stick with Web sites officially associated with the government. Most of these sites have URLs that end with the "gov" domain name. Examples include the Making Home Affordable official Web site and the Web sites of federal agencies such as Housing and Urban Development.

• When talking to someone on the phone, you should feel comfortable asking for and receiving the main number of the agency

this route, on rising concerns over valuations and over-supply. GMR Infrastructure was forced to call off its $500 million QIP after investors developed cold feet on concerns over valuation.

There is a silver lining to this situation. Mumbai- based realty firm Lodha Group is in talks with three private equity players to raise $180-million (around Rs850crore) for its projects. "We are in active negotiations with private equity funds for three projects and are looking at an average deal size of $60-million for each project, said Abhisheck Lodha, Director, Lodha Group.

that the caller represents. That way, you can call back to make sure the number is legitimate.

Don't pay for help HUD-approved counseling agencies offer free foreclosure prevention counseling. In contrast, scammers request fees to help desperate homeowners.

Typically, scammers charge a homeowner exorbitant fees while promising assistance that will supposedly save the owner's home.

Instead, these crooks take the money and run.

"This scam is the most prevalent within the industry," Fuhrman says. Typically, people who pay for loan modification help receive very little in return, says Robinson.

Don't transfer the property deed Scammers sometimes try to encourage homeowners to turn over the ownership reins. In one popu-

lar scheme, an organization promises to buy an at-risk homeowner's home and agrees to let the former homeowner rent it out.

Scammers sell these programs by suggesting that giving the title to a new borrower with a better credit rating will help secure financing thus preventing loss of the home.

Supposedly, the homeowner is allowed to live at the residence as a renter with the option of buying it back later.

"Ultimately the organization has no intentions of selling the home back to the consumer," Fuhrman says.

In some cases, the scammer sells the home to someone else.

Or the crook takes the homeowner's title, any equity in the home and additional processing fees before disappearing and leaving the home to default, Fuhrman says.

Ignore promises of shortcuts Scammers often promise to make foreclosure problems go away overnight. Be skeptical of such claims.

"The foreclosure process is a lengthy and difficult process," Fuhrman says.

Any potential solution to foreclosure takes time. An at-risk homeowner may be asked to negotiate a workout package with the loan servicer. In addition, the homeowner may need to seek financial assistance from other organizations and craft an individual plan to reduce monthly expenses.

Also, say, "No thanks," to third parties who guarantee to singlehandedly stop the foreclosure process, or who promise to deliver a loan modification.

Health

Line

Patients fret over proposed Tylenol restrictions

CHICAGO: Proposed limits on Tylenol, a painkiller as common as pain itself, have left many consumers fearful, confused and wondering where to turn for relief.

The potential government crackdown on acetaminophen, Tylenol's main ingredient, would affect everyone from occasional pill poppers to chronic pain sufferers who rely on daily doses to make their lives more bearable.

If adopted by the Food and Drug Administration, the changes would lower the maximum overthe-counter Tylenol dose and would ban two narcotic painkillers, Vicodin and Percocet, which also contain acetaminophen.

Yet another painkiller, propoxyphene, was the target of FDA action. Also sold as Darvon and in an acetaminophen combination called Darvocet, it has been linked to accidental overdoses and suicides. The prescription medication will now come with a pamphlet describing the risk. -AP

Bay spawning more dangerous bacteria BALTIMORE: The polluted waters of the Chesapeake Bay are harboring bacteria that's posing an increasing health risk to humans, a bay watchdog group warned in a report that criticizes federal environmental regulators.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation noted increases in Virginia and Maryland of the number of infections from the saltwater bacteria known as Vibrio, some varieties of which can cause life-threatening skin and blood infections and intestinal illnesses.

The report faulted the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to clean up the bay as required under the federal Clean Water Act. -AP

Health Science 42

India Post

July 17, 2009

www.indiapost.com

State seeks closure of unlicensed surgical center CARSON CITY, Nev.: A complaint that a Las Vegas clinic was performing abortions in an unsafe location has resulted in a ``cease operations'' letter from a state agency. -AP

Living in West our bodies have become susceptible, hearts callous DR JASWANT SINGH SACHDEV

S

ome members of Diaspora make frequent visits back home while others may take years before they decide or afford to take a trip. Obviously it depends upon several factors such as the financial condition of a person, availability of the time and physical health. Yet, a constant desire to visit the motherland among a person living away from the country of one's birth is universal in all human beings, irrespective of where one lives and for how long one has been away.

Prior to a planned visit, most of the members of the Diaspora engage into discussions with the other members of their families and friends living in the West as well as back home about what to eat, where to eat, what to do and what not to do during such visits.

This, in a way is essential, for, after having lived in a Western country like the U.S., one ends up losing physical immunity that otherwise acts as a protective barrier against minor infections of gastrointestinal (GI) tract and pollution-related respiratory ailments that are prevalent back home.

Living abroad, especially in the countries of the West, makes our bodies susceptible, so much so that we may have difficulty in handling even the minor ailments, the very same ones amidst which we, the immigrants had earlier spent our childhood and major part of the adult living.

Why is it so? Why are we affected so easily? What is the explanation for this metamorphosis?

The answer may be well known to

“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. he does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.

In the end, leaders are much like eagles... they don’t flock, you find them one at a time.”

Celebrating Life

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many of us. The resistance or immunity that our people maintained back home was, indeed, the result of a small but constant dose of disease causing agents present all around in environments to which we were constantly exposed and also in the foods that we regularly ate. When we transplanted ourselves in almost close to sterile environments of the West, the immunity gradually got wiped out. This loss of immunity seems to be directly proportional to the duration

disposable silverwares in the West is a commonplace and for good reasons.

By living in this culture, the members of the Diaspora naturally start practicing local habits of the Westerners, to a greater or lesser extent. Such a habit helps in maintaining the health of the GI tract by preventing a direct contact of the hands laden with the bacteria and viruses with the food that is put in our mouth which ultimately trickles down through the tract.

'Living abroad, especially in the countries of the West, makes our bodies susceptible, so much so that we may have difficulty in handling even the minor ailments, the very same ones amidst which we, the immigrants had earlier spent our childhood' of time one has spent in these Western environments. As a result, our bodies don't stay armed to fight these offending agents as vehemently as they did back home. As a result they become susceptible.

It is an open secret that most of the people in the West, regardless of their educational level and societal status, are usually well informed about the advantages of personal hygiene. Such awareness in the countries of the West makes them more cautious and careful as to how the food should be ingested and under what circumstances. Use of spoons, forks and

Upon a visit back home, one naturally intermingles with the local population with consequent adoption of their prevalent style of eating, notwithstanding, that the time we had spent in the West did turn our bodies softer and susceptible. The diminished immunity definitely makes one an easy target and if one is not careful enough and starts using hands for the intake of food, even if they have been cleaned enough, it may not work.

This ritual of hurriedly cleaning of the hands prior to eating couldn't be considered entirely

fool proof in preventing the sickness during a short term visit by an NRI, for the water used for cleaning might not necessarily be without bacteria and viruses. The plates and utensils may also contribute to the problem because their cleaning, if at all it had been done, might have used pieces of clothes and water already overloaded with viruses and bacteria.

Here one cannot genuinely question the will or ability of the people living back home in trying hard to maintain hygienically impeccable conditions. But in order to achieve their objectives, awareness has to be factored in, which mostly if not entirely, relies upon educational level that again depends upon the resources. Given the economical conditions of the most of the people, the resources are often not optimum. Yet, the fact remains, that cleanliness doesn't always require much resources or money.

Prolonged washing of the hands with clean and possibly boiled water before and after every meal, keeping short nails with clean under surfaces, washing utensils with hot water and with a clean or disposable wash cloth doesn't require extra- money or resources. Likewise, covering food to prevent disease carrying flies and mosquitoes from sitting on it, is effortless.

Cont’d on page 43

Final rules out for government stem cell research WASHINGTON: The government issued final rules expanding taxpayer-funded research using embryonic stem cells, easing scientists' fears that some of the oldest batches might not qualify and promising a master list of all that do.

President Barack Obama lifted previous restrictions on the field in March, but left it to the National Institutes of Health to decide just what stem cell research was ethically appropriate: Only science that uses cells culled from leftover fertility clinic embryos - ones that

otherwise would be thrown away - the agency made clear in draft guidelines.

But the final rules settle a big question: Would new ethics requirements disqualify many of the stem cells created over the past decade, even the few funded under the Bush administration's tight limits?

The NIH came up with a compromise, saying it deems those old stem cell lines eligible for government research dollars if scientists can prove they met the spirit of the new ethics standards. Further,

NIH will create a registry of qualified stem cells so scientists don't have to second-guess if they're applying to use the right ones. ``We think this is a reasonable compromise to achieve the president's goal of both advancing science while maintaining rigorous ethical standards,'' acting NIH Director Raynard Kington said. ``We believe that judgment is necessary.''

He wouldn't speculate on how many old stem cells ultimately would qualify, but scientists welcomed the change. -AP

Health Science Post

July 17, 2009

India Post

43

www.indiapost.com

Living in West our bodies have become susceptible, hearts callous Cont’d from page 42

It is awareness, a habituation, willingness; and motivation as well as an understanding to keep the surroundings clean not only for the concern about one's own health but for the health of the others. And those characteristics may be in short supply as of yet!

So much for the vulnerable body of an NRI that becomes an easy prey to the offending infectious agents on leaving the sterile environments of the West when it reenters the previously lived-in zones where the common offending agents may be present in plenty.

Mental frame work Let us now discuss about the gradual change in the mental frame work of people who after arriving from different countries decide to settle here. As time passes, some among us, but not all, start turning self-seekers and self-servers with insensitive behavior towards others, particularly, after having been blessed with a good life that allowed us to create abundant resources.

A few others may sometimes try to spare their resources to help tackle the issues back home. Yet, overall most of the immigrants remain mired in their own issues and well-being.

The culture of the West turns our attitudes in such a way that we find it difficult to open our hearts fully to the others. Some may even turn a blind eye to the difficulties that our near and dear ones encounter back home and the harsh life they have to live on a regular basis. One could argue here that this is not the fault of the expatriates. It goes without saying however, that for each NRI that

'The culture of the West turns our attitudes in such a way that we find it difficult to open our hearts fully to the others' leaves his or her motherland for a greener pasture, many relatives and friends ended up sacrificing a great deal of resources to make it happen. And yet, at times, we may not even recognize it as our responsibility to lend a helping hand when they need it the most.

I say this with full realization that this is not necessarily true in all the cases; as many do undoubtedly take care of their needy relatives, friends and others, sometimes even more than what circumstances would permit. In fact, a

close perusal of the Diaspora members at-large brings home the fact that several NRI indeed, keep themselves fully involved in many of the philanthropic activities back home. And to them, my salaam!

Taking a stock of one's health before leaving for a visit back home and taking all the necessary precautions is essential. Playing macho is not worth, for the tiny bacteria and invisible viruses happen to be much stronger than a six or seven feet long frames, supporting three hundred pounds plus of weight.

At the same time, our hearts that have become callous and closed without any emotions or concerns for those left behind, will have to be reopened once again.

They may keep on beating under the comforts and protection of strong frames, but their beats have become slow and feeble by the influence of selfish environments all around. The callous, uncaring and heartless hearts will have to give way to the honest needs of those left behind, for truly speaking, it were they who had to sacrifice a lot in helping us, the NRIs, to settle abroad in comfort.

Excerpted from the author's recently published book, 'Square Pegs, Round Holes.'

FDA orders overdose warnings for Darvocet WASHINGTON: The government is letting the painkillers Darvocet, Darvon and their generic cousins stay on the market but ordered stronger warnings against deadly overdoses.

The Food and Drug Administration's decision puts the U.S. in contrast to Britain which banned the drugs several years ago, citing a trail of suicides and accidental overdoses and Europe's drug regulators, which just recommended that European Union countries do the same.

Known generically as propoxyphene, the 50-year-old prescription drug is widely used in the U.S. even though doctors consider it a weak pain reliever. The consumer watchdog group Public Citizen had petitioned the FDA to ban it here, too, saying the small benefit didn't justify a risk that was adding up to several hundred deaths a year. In January, the FDA's scientific advisers narrowly agreed.

But the FDA overruled its advisers, at least for now. It ordered that a stern boxed warning be placed on the drug's label and that patients soon start receiving a special pamphlet with every bottle that stresses the risk of taking too much.

Also, the FDA ordered manufacturer Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Newport, Ky., to study the effect of higher-than-recommended doses on patients' hearts, saying the findings could lead to additional actions. And the agency is seeking help from Medicare and the Veterans Affairs Department to further study the drug's specific effects in the elderly.

The Food and Drug Administration's decision puts the US in contrast to Britain which banned the drugs several years ago At the recommended dose, ``this is an acceptable option for patients,'' said agency drug chief Dr. Janet Woodcock. ``Alleviating pain is an important medical issue.''

She stressed that other painkillers come with their own side effects. Just last week another panel of FDA's advisers warned against liver damage from overdoses of over-the-counter acetaminophen, the painkiller in Tylenol and numerous other drug brands. -AP

In Brief San Diego officials mark completion of border berm SAN DIEGO: A historic canyon near San Diego may no longer be a popular spot for illegal border crossers.

Immigration officials announced the completion of the socalled Smuggler's Gulch project, which involved moving 1.3 million cubic yards of dirt to form a berm across a scrub-covered canyon just inland from the Pacific Ocean.

The canyon and its surrounding area were staging areas for immigrants to gather by the hundreds then rush across the border en masse. The U.S. Border Patrol says the berm makes it faster and safer for agents to patrol the area.

It is part of a larger project dating back to 1996 that has seen 14 miles of fencing installed. -AP

DPS, police bust 2 drop houses in west Phoenix PHOENIX: State police, members of Phoenix police and federal immigration agents busted two suspected drop houses in west Phoenix rescuing 13 people and arresting 15 suspected smugglers.

Police began moving on one drop house after ransom demands were issued.

A woman said captors held her boyfriend since June 26th and threatened to beat and behead him if they weren't paid a $3,000 ransom.

Police found the drop house and arrested seven suspected human smugglers.

A second west Phoenix drop house found led to 15 people.

Of the 15, two suspected human smugglers were taken into custody. -AP

Immigration 44

India Post

FAIRFIELD, Ala.: Trieu Dong was among thousands of Vietnamese who fled their native land after years of war, risking rough seas and pirates in small boats.

Details on page 46

Arizona House rejects immigration enforcement bill PHOENIX: With many members absent, the Arizona House has defeated a bill to criminalize the presence of all illegal immigrants in the state and draw local police officers deeper into the fight against illegal immigration.

The House voted 26-15 for the bill, but the ``yes'' votes were five short of the 31 needed for passage by the 60-member chamber. The Senate approved the bill 16-11 earlier.

The bill would have made Arizona the only state to criminalize the presence of illegal immigrants through an expansion of its trespassing law.

The proposal also would have prohibited cities and counties from limiting police officers in enforcing federal immigration law and require officers to try to determine people's immigration status when questions arise about their presence in the country.

Nineteen representatives missed the vote, which took place near the end of an overnight session as some lawmakers left the Capitol because of the approaching end to their 2009 session.

Though absenteeism likely was a factor in the bill's defeat, Pearce said he wasn't surprised that the

measure failed in the House. ``Some people support law breakers over law keepers,'' he said. ``How many more officers are we going to have killed?''

He said he would keep trying to get the bill to become law and might gather signatures to take it to the ballot.

Although immigration has long been considered the sole respon-

cal officers enforcing an expanded trespassing law would provide a second layer of enforcement to catch immigrants who slip past federal agents and point out that officers would still need probable cause to believe that people violated the law before they could arrest them.

Many police bosses in Arizona have resisted past efforts to have local officers confront border woes,

The proposal also would have prohibited cities and counties from limiting police officers in enforcing federal immigration law and require officers to try to determine people's immigration status when questions arise about their presence in the country sibility of the federal government, advocates for tougher border enforcement have said for several years that local authorities could help lessen border woes in Arizona, the busiest illegal entry point into the United States.

The practical effect of such a new law wasn't clear.

Immigrant rights advocates predicted it would lead to racial profiling that would target Latinos who are U.S. citizens. Supporters say lo-

saying it would detract from investigations of crime in their communities and jeopardize the trust they have built in immigrant communities.

The Legislature's defeat of the measure was the third time since 2006 that lawmakers have considered a trespassing expansion aimed at illegal immigrants. In 2006, thenGov. Janet Napolitano vetoed two bills with similar trespassing provisions. The Democratic governor had said she opposed automatically turn-

ing all immigrants who sneaked into the state into criminals.

Illegal immigrants account for an estimated 500,000 people in Arizona's 6.5 million population.

Under the trespassing proposal, a first offense would be a top-tier misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail. Subsequent violations would be a felony that would carry a penalty of up to 2 1/2 years in prison.

Agencies arresting first-time offenders would have the option of prosecuting them or turning them over to federal authorities.

The proposal also would let a person file a lawsuit to challenge officials who adopt policies that limit full enforcement of federal immigration law. If a judge decides a city or county is in violation, the court would be required to order them to pay a civil penalty up to $5,000 for each day the policy remains in effect.

Currently, most of Arizona's immigration enforcement is done by federal authorities at the border and in the state's interior. A few police agencies enforce a state immigrant smuggling law and have officers with special training in federal immigration law. -AP

July 2009 immigration update - Part I

Outlook grim for India, China employment-based visa categories

Judge lifts order after detainee ends strike CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas: A federal judge in Brownsville has agreed to lift a temporary order that allowed the federal government to force feed an immigrant detainee who ended his hunger strike, according to court documents.

Documents filed in the case show that Haitian Kensen Lima, who is detained at the Port Isabel Detention Center in South Texas, began eating regularly and his health improved after U.S. District Judge Hilda Tagle issued a temporary restraining order allowing medical personnel to feed Lima intravenously. -AP

July 17, 2009

www.indiapost.com

Vietnamese immigrant killed in robbery

CYRUS D. MEHTA

T

he July cut-off date for the India and China EB-2 categories is January 1, 2000.

The Department of State reports that these categories could become unavailable in August or September and remain unavailable indefinitely. The Department said there is a backlog of at least 25,000 India EB-2 cases awaiting visa numbers. Charles Oppenheim of the Department of State's Visa Office reportedly stated that without legislative relief, the waiting time for Indian EB-2 applicants may be measured in years, even decades.

Meanwhile, the EB-1 category for India and China is not likely to stay current, although the EB-1

category worldwide is expected to remain current. EB-3 visa numbers worldwide and for India, China, and Mexico are expected to remain unavailable for the remainder of this fiscal year at least. The EB-3 category for India could remain unavailable indefinitely.

The third preference and "other workers" employment categories are unavailable in July.

The Visa Bulletin for July 2009 is available at http:// travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/ bulletin_4512.html.

H-1B processing time increases July 1 The ability to file an H-1B extension or change of employer

petition for an H-1B employee on a same-day, or even same-week, has ended on July 1.

In the past several years, employers have become used to immediate turnaround of H-1B petitions, made possible by the Department of Labor's (DOL) electronic system for filing and certification of the required Labor Condition Application (LCA).

Effective June 30, 2009, the new iCert system for LCAs will eliminate same-day LCA approvals in many cases. Instead, the DOL may take up to seven business days to certify the LCA. Early experience with the system indicates that DOL is using all seven

business days or more.

In the era of iCert, advance planning is a must. Employers should monitor the expiration dates of H1B employees and allow sufficient time (4-6 months) for the preparation and filing of H-1B extensions and amendments. This delay in filing H-1B petitions will also affect the usefulness of H-1B portability, because an individual in H-1B status will only be authorized to work for the new employer upon the filing of the new petition, and a certified LCA is required to make that filing. Under the new system, LCA delays will likely add at least a week to 10 days to that process.

Cont’d on page 47

Immigration Post

July 17, 2009

India Post

45

www.indiapost.com

Police say feds should enforce immigration laws places where people are looking for work when there are crimes going on,'' Acevedo said. ``It's a matter of resources and priorities.''

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is reviewing its im-

The chiefs said they wouldn't turn a blind eye to crimes committed by illegal residents but denied such crime was a major concern in their precincts migration and border security policies, including those relating to state and local law enforcement, spokesman Matt Chandler wrote in a statement to The Associated Press. Partnerships between the federal government and local law enforcement have led to improve-

ments in enforcing illegal immigration, he said.

The Austin chief said ``economic immigrants'' _ people who come to the U.S. in search of employment or a better life _ shouldn't be treated as criminals.

They're in violation of civil statutes, not criminal laws, he said.

The chiefs said they wouldn't turn a blind eye to crimes committed by illegal residents but denied such crime was a major concern in their precincts. Timoney, who came to the U.S. as an illegal immigrant with his family at 13, said there is often less crime in the immigrant communities because of fear of deportation.

But that fear also hurts law enforcement efforts, the chiefs said. ``We cannot have a whole community of people afraid of coming forward when the time is absolutely critical to solving a case,'' Venegas said. -AP

Immigration initiative will not make Nov. ballot YAKIMA, Wash.: Proponents of a state initiative that called for stricter immigration rules failed again to collect enough signatures to make the November ballot.

Craig Keller, chairman of Respect Washington, the main group behind the initiative, told the Yakima Herald-Republic that organizers had not counted all the signatures collected, but it was clear they fell short of the amount needed.

The group has to return more than 241,000 valid voter signatures to make it on the election ballot.

Keller said the group collected less than 100,000.

An identical initiative didn't make the ballot last year. Efforts in 2006 and 2007 for similar initiatives also fell short. But Keller was not dismayed by this year's results. ``I think there's a lot to build on for filing this again next January,''

he said.

Proposals in the initiate included requiring employers to use the federal government's E-Verify system to check immigration status of workers, and barring illegal immigrants from obtaining a driver's license.

This year, the initiative had been sponsored by Wendell

The group has to return more than 241,000 valid voter signatures to make it on the election ballot Hannigan, a Yakama Tribe member from White Swan, Wash., a small town in the Yakima Valley.

Hannigan had said his motivation for being the sponsor is his worry that illegal immigration

is going unchecked by the federal government. They Yakima Valley has one of the highest concentrations of Hispanic communities in the state. The area's vast agricultural industry has attracted Hispanic farm workers for decades.

Respect Washington tried to use inserts in newspapers to widen their reach. Last month, the group paid newspapers in Yakima, Skagit and Clallam counties to include their petition as an insert.

Ricardo Garcia, who was a founding member of the state's first Spanish-language public radio station, said he wasn't surprised the initiative would not be in the November ballot. ``The initiative lacks compassion, and it's one that the citizens of our state have consistently rejected for that reason,'' Garcia said.-AP

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CORAL GABLES, Fla.: Three leaders from police departments in national immigration hot spots have said the federal government should remove the burden of enforcement from local agencies if it wants to fix the immigration system.

Chiefs John Timoney of Miami and Art Acevedo of Austin, Texas; and former Chief Art Venegas of Sacramento, Calif., called for an increased federal presence along the border and stricter enforcement of employment laws during a panel discussion organized by America's Voice, a group that advocates immigration reform.

Acevedo said police departments are stretched too thin.

When officers should be responding to crime scenes, he said, they're outside stores ensuring illegal immigrants aren't hired. ``Police are tied up outside of

46

India Post

Immigration Post

July 17, 2009

www.indiapost.com

Vietnamese immigrant killed in robbery FAIRFIELD, Ala.: Trieu Dong was among thousands of Vietnamese who fled their native land after years of war, risking rough seas and pirates in small boats.

After time in a refugee camp in Thailand, Duong and his family arrived in the United States on July 4, 1976, the nation's 200th birthday, and he lived in his adopted country for 33 years.

But last week, the eve of the anniversary of his arrival, the 54-year-old Duong was shot in the head during a robbery at his jewelry store. He died at UAB Hospital. ``It is a tragedy for his family and our community to lose Trieu,'' said Dr. Thomas Gaskin, a longtime friend who remembered Duong as a shy man with a big smile. ``They endeared themselves to all who knew them. I thought they were the perfect example of what desirable and responsible immigrants ought to be,'' said Gaskin, 66, a member of First Presbyterian

Church in Birmingham, which sponsored the Duong family.

Fairfield Police Chief Pat Mardis said two men went inside the story about 5 p.m. and broke a glass jewelry case. When Duong appeared from the rear of the store, one of the men shot him in the head.

Morsby - who is believed to be from Brighton - was being held in a southwest Virginia jail, awaiting extradition, the chief said Although his wife was in the store at the time of the shooting, she was not injured. Two suspects were arrested by police and U.S. Marshals and charged with capital murder.

Edward Morsby III, who Mardis said was the gunman, was caught on Interstate 81 in Virginia

wearing a shirt that read ``I'm the one that got away.'' ``Wrong,'' Mardis said. ``He didn't get away.''

Perry Cauthen Jr., 27, was taken into custody at a house in southwest Birmingham, U.S. Marshal Marty Keely said. ``Lucky for us, the entire crime scene was caught on videotape,'' Mardis said.

Morsby - who is believed to be from Brighton - was being held in a southwest Virginia jail, awaiting extradition, the chief said.

He added that he hoped to have him back in Alabama within two weeks.

Gaskin said he and others worried about Duong owning a jewelry store in Fairfield. He noted other incidents of robbery and violence involving immigrant store owners. ``We have people who see them as vulnerable and want to prey on them,'' he said.

Gaskin said the Duongs have three children. -AP

Woman pleads guilty to running immigration scheme DALLAS: A 71-year-old woman accused of recruiting family members to marry foreigners seeking green cards pleaded guilty to taking part in an immigration fraud conspiracy.

Federal prosecutors say Maria Refugia Camarillo of Fort Worth faces five years in prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced in September. She also must provide a $35,000 lien on her home.

Investigators said that from the 1980s until last year, Camarillo and others ran a scheme in which U.S. citizens would marry foreigners willing to pay up to $12,000. Once married, the U.S. citizen could petition for

their foreign spouse to receive US permanent residence, also called a green card, and later US citizenship.

Camarillo and others ran a scheme in which US citizens would marry foreigners willing to pay up to $12,000 Camarillo pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit fraud in connection with immigration documents. She and 15 other family members were charged in

a 29-count indictment.

Camarillo recruited her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews into the conspiracy.

The indictment was dismissed against one defendant, but the remainder have pleaded guilty and most are awaiting sentencing, federal prosecutors said.

The U.S. attorney's office said Camarillo coached the couples on how to appear like a legitimate marriage. She also admitted recruiting three of her grandchildren when they were minors to marry green card seekers.

Camarillo obtained fake identities for some defendants who were U.S. citizen spouses to help the scam from being detected. -AP

LAPD says no officers fired for May Day melee LOS ANGELES: None of the Los Angeles police officers who pummeled protesters with batons and opened fire with rubber bullets at a 2007 May Day pro-immigration rally at MacArthur Park will be fired, officials said.

Police Chief William Bratton had asked for the firing of four officers but said that the stiffest pen-

alty imposed by a department disciplinary board was a 20-day suspension for one officer.

Under the city's charter, the chief does not have the authority to remove an officer, he can only send them to a three-person disciplinary panel called a Board of Rights, which decides on punishment. ``Ultimately it is up to the board,

and that has been the way it has been for generations,'' Bratton said.

Attorneys for protesters and journalists at the park that day found the punishments far too lenient. “That's a slap on the wrist,'' said attorney Luis Carrillo, who represented 40 of the demonstrators who sued the city. “That just adds insult to injury.'' -AP

Immigration Post

July 17, 2009

India Post

47

www.indiapost.com

Outlook grim for India, China employment-based visa categories Cont’d from page 44

Unfortunately, employees who fall victim to the economy will also feel the impact of the delayed LCA certification timing because it will delay their ability to file a new H1B petition once they have obtained new employment.

If you have further questions on how iCert affects your workforce, contact your Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers attorney for more information.

USCIS resumes premium processing for certain I-140s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that effective June 29, 2009, it has resumed Premium Processing Service for certain I-140 Immigrant Petitions for Alien Workers. USCIS will accept premium processing requests for I140s involving the EB-1 (extraordinary ability and outstanding professors/researchers), EB-2 (members of professions with advanced degrees

or exceptional ability not seeking a national interest waiver), and EB-3 (professionals, skilled workers, and other workers) categories.

Premium processing is still not available for I-140s involving EB1 multinational executives and managers and EB-2 members of professions with advanced degrees or exceptional ability seeking a national interest waiver.

Under premium processing, USCIS guarantees petitioners that for a $1,000 processing fee in addition to the normal filing fee, it will issue an approval notice, a notice of intent to deny, a request for evidence, or an investigation for fraud or misrepresentation within 15 calendar days of receipt.

If the petition is not processed within 15 calendar days, USCIS will refund the $1,000 fee and continue to process the request. In addition to faster processing, petitioners who participate in the program

may use a dedicated phone number and e-mail address to check on the status of their petitions or ask related questions.

Premium processing continues to be available for previously des-

In many other countries, USCIS noted, a person may be admitted to medical school directly out of high school ignated classifications within the I-140 and within the I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker.

The notice is available at http:/ /www.uscis.gov/files/article/ premproc_22jun09.pdf.

USCIS issues guidance on education, training, experience requirements for foreign physicians

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a memorandum providing guidance on adjudication of the I-140 Petition for Alien Worker filed for certain physicians. In particular, the memo provides guidance to Immigration Services Officers (ISOs), formerly known as Information Immigration Officers (IIOs) or Adjudications Officers (AOs), on determining whether a foreign medical degree (MD) is the equivalent of a U.S. MD, and thus constitutes an advanced degree for EB-2 purposes.

The memorandum also addresses how to determine whether a foreign physician has met the education, training, and experience requirements of labor certification and licensure in the area of intended employment.

The memo clarifies that all EB-2 and EB-3 physicians must overcome the "unqualified physician" provisions of INA § 212(a) (5) (B) at the time of the permanent job offer.

The memo notes that the U.S. is one of the few countries where medical school applicants must obtain a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite to admission to medical school. As a result, a U.S. MD is considered to be an advanced degree.

In many other countries, USCIS noted, a person may be admitted to medical school directly out of high school. In these instances, the program of study for the foreign medical degree is longer in length (generally 5-7 years in duration) than the program for a less specialized foreign bachelor's degree (generally 34 years in duration.)

The memo is available at uscis.gov/files/nativ edocuments/ AFM_alien_ph ysicia ns_i140_af m _update_ad 09_10.doc.pdf.

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

48

Classifieds

India Post

July 17, 2009

www.indiapost.com

MATRIMONIALS BRIDEGROOM WANTED

Parents looking for a groom for their beautiful daughter, American Citizen, 31years, 5'3" tall, Caste No Bar. Please send your picture and biodata to P.O.Box # 342, India Post 29274 Union City Blvd.,

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Classifieds

July 17, 2009

India Post 49

www.indiapost.com

Motel for sale

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India Post

www.indiapost.com

PAYROLL ACCOUNTANT WANTED Currently seeking payroll clerks and accountants. Job comes with great benefits,Applicants should kindly e-mail resumes or inquiries to Guiseppina Cavaliere.

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Classifieds

July 17, 2009

India Post 51

www.indiapost.com

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Philosophy

52 India Post

July 17, 2009

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Hear the Guru speaking within in the voice of conscience YOGI KRISHNA PREM

U

ntil a man has reached a certain stage of development by his own efforts it is very little use for him to seek for a Guru. Of the vast army of 'gurus,' a very large number are charlatans who are simply desirous of acquiring disciples for the sake of their own fame and profit.

Of those that are genuine, comparatively few have anything to impart, and even they have such diverse views to set forth that the would-be disciple knows not in which direction to turn.

Jnana, Yoga, bhakti are all set forth by some 'guru' or other and the unfortunate aspirant, confused in the babel of voice, either gives up the search in despair or else trusts to luck, and, shutting his eyes, takes the first one that comes to hand.

But all this is his own fault since he has not taken the steps which should qualify him to be disciple

F

or the first years, I commonly employed myself during the time set apart for devotion with thoughts of death, judgment, hell, heaven, and my sins.

I continued, for some years, applying my mind carefully the rest of the day, and even in the midst of my work, to the presence of God, whom I considered always as with me, often as in my heart.

At length I began to do the same thing during my set time of prayer, which gave me joy and consolation. This practice produced in me so high an esteem for God that faith alone was enough to assure me.

Such was my beginning. Yet, for the first ten years, I suffered a great deal. During this time I fell often and rose again presently. It seemed to me that all creatures, reason, and God, Himself, were against me and faith alone for me.

The apprehension that I was not devoted to God as I wished to be, my past sins always on my mind, and the great unmerited favors which God did for me, were the source of my sufferings and feelings of unworthiness.

I was sometimes troubled with thoughts that to believe I had received such favors was an effect of my imagination. At other times I believed it was all a willful delusion and that there was

and is utterly unfit to recognize the Guru even if he meets him.

Some shastras give long lists of the qualities a disciple should possess, but the Bhagawata goes straight to the heart of the matter and lays down the essential qualifications as two, detachment from the enjoyment of the senses (vairagya) and self-control.

the truth. The disciple must tread the Path by his own efforts, and no Guru, however great a Mahatma he may be, can do more than show him the Way. But we haven't got to that point yet as we are still concerned with the search for the Guru. Before the Guru can be found in the flesh he must first be found in the disciple's

Before the Guru can be found in the flesh he must first be found in the disciple's heart and it is useless to expect to hear His voice while busy listening all the time to the voices of desire There is a foolish notion current that any man has only got to go to some competent Guru and the latter will push him into a firstclass compartment in the muktimail and then he will sit playing cards till he automatically reaches his destination.

Nothing could be farther from

heart and it is useless to expect to hear His voice while busy listening all the time to the voices of desire.

Only when they are to a large extent stilled and when this wandering mind has been brought into control will it become possible to hear the voice of the Guru in the heart. It may be asked how one is

to take these preliminary steps without the teaching of a Guru to help one, but the fact is that all that is necessary at this stage has been set forth by hundreds of teachers and written in a thousand books.

The Gita, in particular, is quite clear enough and quite definite enough to enable anyone who is in earnest to discipline himself and achieve a measure of vairagya.

This all-important work must be done by the aspirant for himself and then he will begin to hear his Guru speaking within him in the voice of conscience.

Constantly listening for and obeying that Voice, it will grow clearer day by day and then he will be in a position, when he meets the Guru in the flesh, to recognize his voice by its identity with the Voice within.

This is the only method to avoid mistakes and even disasters in the choice of a guru. Vast learning, genuine renunciation, great power of exposition, psychic powers - none of these by themselves, or taken together, afford any indication that the possessor is one's Guru.

Only when his voice echoes the voice in the heart can one know for certain that the outer Guru is found.

I do nothing; think nothing which may displease Him BROTHER LAWRENCE

no hope for me.

Finally, I considered the prospect of spending the rest of my days in these troubles. I discovered this did not diminish the trust I had in God. In fact, it only served to increase my faith.

It then seemed that, all at once, I found myself changed. My soul, which, until that time was in trouble, felt a profound inward

present, I cannot express it. I have no pain or difficulty about my state because I have no will but that of God. I endeavor to accomplish His will in all things. I am so resigned that I would not take up a straw from the ground against His order or from any motive but that of pure love for Him. I have ceased all forms of de-

I considered the prospect of spending the rest of my days in these troubles. I discovered this did not diminish the trust I had in God. In fact, it only served to increase my faith peace, as if she was in her center and place of rest.

Ever since that time I walk before God simply, in faith, with humility, and with love. I apply myself diligently to do nothing and think nothing which may displease Him. I hope that when I have done what I can, He will do with me what He pleases.

As for what passes in me at

votion and set prayers except those which my state requires. I make it my priority to persevere in His holy presence, wherein I maintain a simple attention and a fond regard for God, which I may call an actual presence of God. Or, to put it another way, it is an habitual, silent, and private conversation of the soul with God. This gives me much joy and

contentment. In short, I am sure, beyond all doubt, that my soul has been with God above these past thirty years.

I consider myself as the most wretched of men. I am full of faults, flaws, and weaknesses, and have committed all sorts of crimes against his King. In deep regret I confess all my wickedness to Him. I ask His forgiveness. I abandon myself in His hands that He may do what He pleases with me.

My King is full of mercy and goodness. Far from chastising me, He embraces me with love. He makes me eat at His table. He serves me with His own hands and gives me the key to His treasures.

He converses and delights Himself with me incessantly, in a thousand and a thousand ways.

And He treats me in all respects as His favorite. In this way I consider myself continually in His holy presence.

When you are in trouble No one comes near you: When fortune smiles.

All come to share the joy.

Love shows no external wound.

But the pain pervades every pore.

-Mirabai The whole world makes an outer display, whereas the practice of the Saint is within.

-Dadu Dayal I said to the almond tree, "Sister, speak to me of God," And the almond tree blossomed -Nikos Kazantzakis, Report to Greco The only thing you take with you is the light on your face -Shaikh Abu-Saeed Abil-Kheir The greatest comforts and lasting peace are obtained, when one eradicates selfishness from within.

-Guru Gobind Singh Love knows no difference between life and death The one who gives you a reason to live is also the one who takes your breath away.

-Mirza Ghalib Repeating the name of the Beloved I have become the Beloved myself.

Whom shall I call the Beloved now?

-Bulleh Shah

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July 17, 2009

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Pak Punjab emerging the new jihadi hub KANCHAN LAKSHMAN

"If you want to destabilize Pakistan, you have to destabilize the Punjab."

- Senior Punjab Police official quoted in New York Times

W

hile the progressive collapse in NWFP and FATA is well documented, the situation in Pakistan's heartland, Punjab, and its emergence as a jihadi hub, has largely escaped attention. A deeper scrutiny indicates that the state of affairs in Punjab is, in many ways, precarious - and this will have far reaching consequences for Pakistan.

Over 155 persons, including 92 civilians and 51 Security Force (SF) personnel, were killed in 104 terrorism-related incidents in Punjab during first half of 2009.

The overwhelming proportion of fatalities comprised civilians and SF personnel, and just 12 terrorists, including nine suicide bombers, have died in the current year a clear indication that the TalibanAl Qaeda network is securing the upper hand.

The extremists are also bringing the conflict to Pakistan's urban heartland, including the national capital Islamabad, Punjab's provincial capital Lahore and the garrison town of Rawalpindi. Out of the 104 incidents recorded in the first half of 2009, nine were reported from Islamabad and 18 from Lahore.

Amidst a welter of suicide and IED bombings and heightened subversion over the past two-anda-half years, the state has been in constant denial, something that has come naturally to successive regimes in Pakistan.

The standard assessment has been that these attacks are merely a 'spill-over' of the multiple insurgencies wrecking the Frontier and Tribal Areas, and that radical Islam cannot undermine Punjab.

The establishment has held that, while there are numerous conflicts in other provinces accelerating Pakistan's progressive collapse, Punjab's Sufi-Barelvi Islamic culture is proof against any indigenous movement in the province.

Such an assessment is, however, far from the deteriorating realities of the ground.

Out of the 35 districts in Punjab, at least 26 are currently militancyaffected, in varying proportions.

Apart from the urban space which the militants have consistently targeted and where they also maintain safe havens, there is also a great deal of subversion in the countryside.

Considerable militant activity has been noticed in Dera Ghazi Khan, from where the radical clerics of Islamabad's Lal Masjid hail.

The swift growth of madrassas

(seminaries) is reportedly encouraging Talibanisation in the remote areas of Dera Ghazi Khan Division.

According to records made available to The News, over 400 new seminaries have been established during the last eight years in Dera Ghazi Khan, raising their total number to 600.

The report indicated, further, that about 50 per cent of the population adhered to the Deoband sect, and are said to be Taliban sympathizers, and a "large number of youth belonging to these families‌ have taken part in what they term jihad."

The infirmity of state response has led to apprehensions that a NWFP-like movement may emerge in Punjab in the proximate future. Delayed state response in the Frontier, in fact, actually allowed the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to consolidate and mount an enormous threat to

Alarmingly, sources indicate that Al Qaeda has an unspecified number of sleeper cells in the madrassa network of south Punjab, which can be activated at a short notice Punjab (as well as Sindh).

The Federal Government has reportedly put both Punjab and Sindh on alert amid mounting concern that the TTP is spreading south.

Interior Minister Rehman Malik told The Financial Times in an interview published on June 26 that his department had analyzed 1,148 terrorist threats in the country over the last four months alone. "Now, for example, we suspect something similar [to Swat] may arise in south Punjab. We are sharing the information with Punjab," he said, "You know Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Jaish-eMuhammad ‌ all those people basically hail from that area. What we suspect [is] perhaps all those terrorists who fled from Waziristan or Swat might take refuge in south Punjab."

Alarmingly, sources indicate that Al Qaeda has an unspecified number of sleeper cells in the madrassa network of south Punjab, which can be activated at a short notice to attack both state

installations and foreign targets.

While there is some substance in the growing belief among American officials and experts that the next terrorist attack against the United States is likely to originate from within the FATA, there is a distinct possibility that such an attack could, more plausibly, involve urban jihadis from Punjab's extremist environment.

The TTP, LeT, Jaish-eMohammed (JeM), Harkat-ulMujahideen, Hizb-ut-Tehreer, Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan and its armed wing, the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), are the dominant terrorist groups operating in Punjab. The LeT and its banned front, Jama'atud-Da'awa (JuD), have long maintained an open presence in places like the provincial capital Lahore and Muridke (approximately 40 kms from Lahore). Muridke is where the LeT is headquartered.

Qudsia Mosque in Chauburji Chowk in Lahore is the Jama'at-udDa'awa headquarters.

Groups like the LeT, with considerable state support, have, over the years, built an elaborate socioeconomic infrastructure in Punjab, functioning as an alternative to the state, since the latter is unable to provide the needed social capital for an overwhelming proportion of the population.

The worldview of groups like the JuD/LeT thus enjoys wide acceptability. Given the quantum of popular acceptance, the Punjabi dominated armed forces - themselves deeply ambivalent on this count may find it difficult to confront the jihadis in Punjab, if subversion in the Province become unmanageable in the proximate future.

While military deployment in Punjab will be considered in a worst-case scenario, it is the Punjab Police which is currently the lead agency in anti-terrorist operations.

Police capacities are, however, known to be entirely inadequate to take on the Al Qaeda-Taliban combine. The force, moreover, has a 20 per cent shortage of weaponry, according to Jawad Dogar, the officer in charge of logistics.

As disorder spreads in the other provinces of Pakistan, its heartland, Punjab, is bound to come under intense pressure in the immediate future.

The writer is Research Fellow, Institute for Conflict Management; Assistant Editor, Faultlines: Writings on Conflict & Resolution

India Post Learning on job

T

he young British Foreign Secretary David Miliband rubbed India the wrong way during his visit early this year to New Delhi by emphasizing the resolving of Kashmir dispute as central to tackling terrorism emanating from Pakistan. While the BJP called his visit a "diplomatic disaster," India's foreign office, taking a dig at his lack of experience in international affairs, patronizingly described Miliband's views as his own and "evolving."

Since that visit, apart from twittering and blogging, the young minister seems to have made attempts at brushing up his knowledge about the sub-continent. On the eve of his visit to Pakistan, he told CNN that India has "better things to do" in the world of commerce and politics than end up as a threat to Pakistan. On the other hand, Pakistan, he observed, has had 31 years of military rule and two-thirds of its boundaries were still contested.

"Communities from Baluchistan through to the Punjab are split by lines between countries and of course, the Bangladesh experience of the early 1970s. Pakistan has been a society deeply challenged - socio-economically, politically, geographically - over the last 60 years," Miliband said.

He conceded that Britain was the architect of the Partition that caused almost half a million people to die but since then, India has taken the opportunity in both hands and was the largest democracy and the success story of the region whereas Pakistan was teetering on the brink.

Condoleezza Rice, the former US Secretary of State, had also made a similar point during a lecture that India was engaged with its own affairs "including Bollywood" to really bother about Pakistan.

The Western powers have consistently supported dictatorships in Pakistan and winked at Pak military's dubious policies which created and fomented terrorism. Even now, having been at the receiving end themselves, they are prone to making a distinction between the terrorists that threaten the US and the West and the terrorists being groomed to attack India. They think that terrorists that attack India are India's problem whereas the terrorists planning attacks on the West are the world's problem. Unlike the gerontocracy in India, there is a lot to be said about young politicians being preferred in the West. Miliband and Obama may be learning on the job but they are still not on board about the realty of the terror threat emanating from Pakistan and its international ramifications.

New reports suggest that the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai as well as the attacks in Indian cities including New Delhi were financed from the Gulf countries. The arrest of one terrorist has exposed preparations for another similar attack on India from the western coast. The Mumbai experience did send a shiver down the spine of some western intelligence agencies who feared a similar attack could very well be attempted in the West.

Terrorist attacks on India are littered with links to the Gulf countries where the Pakistanis think their interests can be better served without exposing their hands and that of the ISI. The US and Britain have great influence with the Gulf rulers and they can, if they want, nip such activities in the bud. It is hoped that the young politicians of the West quickly get wise to the new unfolding scenario where the terrorists under attack in Pakistan are now shifting bases.

Pakistan's "all weather" friend China is discovering to its chagrin that the weather has turned foul in its region of Xinjiang where Muslim separatists are set to create a "Kashmir". China is the one still standing in the way of UN sanctions against Pakistanis responsible for organizing attacks on India. Now that terrorism has come to its own doors, China should be doing a rethink.

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