Top Stories
India Post V O I C E
O F
I N D I A N S
W O R L D W I D E
www.indiapost.com
NEW YORK • WASHINGTON D.C. • CHICAGO • ATLANTA • CALIFORNIA
Rishi Raj to lead Society of Indian Academics Details on page 14
VOL 17, No. 881
July 29, 2011
50¢
Periodical Postage
KASHMIR LOBBYIST WAS ISI AGENT Ghulam Nabi Fai arrested by FBI
Harvard and MIT and other think tank platIndia Post News Service forms in Washington DC. Among US lawmakers, many of who benNEW YORK: For over two decades Dr. efited from campaign donations made by Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai, as Executive DirecFai through KAC, he was known to be a tor of Kashmiri American Council/Kashmir lobbyist for Kashmir. Center, carried himself off as an intellecToday however, this American citizen of tual, a scholar and die hard activist for the Indian origin finally stands exposed as an Kashmiri separatist movement, venting agent of Pakistan's official spy agency, the vitriol against the Indian government's alDr. Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai Inter-Services Intelligence Agency (ISI) - a leged human rights violations in the befact that was not entirely unknown to the Indian governleaguered valley, organizing seminars and conferences at ment. high profile forums in prestigious institutions like the Details on page 6 SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY
Screening of ‘Sita Sings’ cancelled Details on page 24
David Paterson & Joe Crowley
NY lawmakers attend peace forum Details on page 12
Yuba City Sikh shot dead by police Details on page 29
Two India Day banquets, two I-Day parades Details on page 14
Pediatrician charged with abusing girls Details on page 12
Air India introduces 4- ticket plan
CONTENTS PLAY LEADERSHIP ROLE, CLINTON TELLS INDIA:
Details on page 13
INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question
Fai arrest tit-for-tat in CIA-ISI spat? Last week’s result
Can terror attacks be totally stopped? YES 76%
NO 24%
Bollywood ---------------------- 22-23 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 14-21 Date Book -------------------------- 46
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calling on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on July 19.
Edit Page --------------------------- 49
(Details on pages 8-11)
Real Estate -------------------- 40-41
HealthScience Post --------- 36-39 Horoscope ------------------------- 45 Immigration Post ------------- 42-45 Life Style ----------------------- 24-27 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4
TechBiz Post ------------------- 34-35 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31
Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”
2
India Post
www.indiapost.com
July 29, 2011
July 29, 2011
www.indiapost.com
India Post
3
4
India Post
July 29, 2011
India Post
IndiaNewsweekly Post
www.indiapost.com
The Weekly Newspaper Serving Indians Worldwide
Romesh & Sunita Japra Publishers Subhash C Japra Co-Publisher Vikram Paul President Krishan Sharma Mg Director & Joint Editor Ranjana Sodhi Managing Editor Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor Naresh Sodhi General Manager Ghanshyam Bisht Supervisor Graphics SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY Vijay Thapar CPRO & Advertising Sonia Sidhu Management Analyst Radhika Jhamb Correspondent Sudesh Kumari Correspondent Deepa Japra Youth Post Correspondent Rama Mehra Advertising Bhumi Bhutani Health Science Correspondent Jaya Gautam Correspondent Sujata Singh Correspondent Sirisha Chandraraju Correspondent Isha Patnaik Correspondent Raaj D. Photo Journalist LOS ANGELES Mrs Shashi Trivedi Bureau Chief J S Bedi PR & Marketing Mrs Prem Kishore Sr Correspondent Greg Heffernan Correspondent Ms Bobby Sharma Correspondent Babeeta Kaur Dhillon Correspondent Pavan Kaur Bhatia Correspondent CHICAGO Ramesh Soparawala Resident Editor A Q Siddiqui Correspondent ST. LOUIS Ashwin Patel Correspondent NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY Pinky Kaur Bureau Chief Srirekha N. Chakravarty Correspondent Nikita Japra Correspondent Sukhvinder Saini Circulation ATLANTA Sanjay Saggere Bureau Chief FLORIDA B K Madnani CANADA Firdaus Ali Correspondent BOSTON Gope Gidwani Bureau Chief DETROIT Ashok B Jain, M D Bureau Chief Gurminder Singh SAN DIEGO Neelu Bhardwaj Bureau Chief SACRAMENTO Madan Sharma Bureau Chief Janak Sidhra Correspondent Upen Shukla Correspondent
Mission Statement To empower the Indian Diaspora and make their voice strong and effective in countries of their adoption. RJ Media conglomerate offers a credible, professional and complete package of news, opinion, entertainment, networking and information.
Publisher’s Diary
I
ndian American political and community groups are saying: "We told you so" to the US government. Sure they are thanking the FBI for arresting Kashmir American Council's Ghulam Nabi Fai, a Kashmir lobbyist turned ISI agent - a wolf in sheep's clothing to use a cliché - but they are happier that the single shot by the FBI hit more birds than one. First, the Pakistan government and its roguish Inter-Services Intelligence Agency (ISI) have been left with no wriggle room by the investigators who implicitly mentioned both in an affidavit charging Fai, for running the Kashmir American Council (KAC) headed by him. Second, Dan Burton, the one Congressman perhaps most reviled by Indian American political action groups and other community organizations for his pro-Pakistan-anti-India stance in the House, has been exposed as one of the largest beneficiaries of political contributions by the KAC - read Pakistan/ISI. Third, considering every single meeting, conference, seminar that Fai organized in the US ostensibly to discuss Kashmir was micro-managed by the ISI, just as every single media release/propaganda material released by him was dictated by the spy agency, it is interesting to note the names of some of the Indian "liberals" who have found themselves as special guests at those events or have been quoted in the propaganda material. Controversial writer/activist Arundhati Roy appears to be one such favorite of the ISI since her view that Kashmir was never a part of India is touted by the agency which advises India to heed to her views. Of course we will no longer be spammed by unsolicited emails from kac@kashmiri.com. It's creepy to think these emails coming from KAC, which routinely found their way into my own inbox, were dictated or approved directly by the ISI. I may not be qualified to comment on the ways of intelligence agencies but I wouldn't buy assumptions that neither American intelligence nor the Indian government knew of Fai's activities or his true affiliations over the years. So why did the FBI expose him now? Like magicians, spies too never tell, right?
Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com
INFO-CENTER CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
CENTRAL VALLEY (CA) Dr Ram Saini Bureau Chief Sheila Rogers Correspondent
1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-797-7799, Fax: 510-790-2806; E-mail: info@indiapost.com
YUBA CITY (CA) Satnam Tatla Correspondent
E-SUBSCRIPTION: Vikram Paul Tel: 510-789-7520 Extn: 208; E-mail: subscribe@indiapost.com
CAROLINAS Nalini Raja Patel Correspondent INDIA Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor & Bureau Chief
For Editorial: Sonia Sidhu Tel: 510-797-7799; E-mail: sonia@indiapost.com
For advertisement rates call the office nearest to you:
PUNJAB Shiv Japra Bureau Chief Anil Kanwar Senior Correspondent/ Marketing
LOS ANGELES
HYDERABAD M Sagar Kumar Bureau Chief MUMBAI Mayank Thakkar Correspondent Nidhi Soparawala Correspondent Frank Fernandes Correspondent Vaidehi Patel Correspondent NASHIK Mahendra Thakkar Correspondent India Post (ISSN-1064-3868) is published weekly for $30 for 52 issues yearly by India Post, 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538. Periodicals postage paid at Norwalk, CA and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the corporate headquarters: 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Copyright © 1994 Indamec, Inc. DISCLAIMER India Post assumes all advertisers to be reliable and responsible for all liability for their claimers
In love with Bengal A debut with a Bengali film left such a deep impression on Vidya Balan’s mind that she made Kolkata her second home.
22
Cover Story: Pak agent Kashmir lobbyist Dr. Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai of Indian origin finally stands exposed as an agent of Pakistan's ISI.
Community: Two parades
1
14
Members of the Indian community will witness two India Day Parades - one in Chicago and the other in a suburb.
Immigration: Church opposes law Churchgoers in Alabama see a chance for redemption by opposing the toughest anti-immigration law in America.
42
Graphics Inquiry: Tel: 510-936-9490; E-mail: ghanshyam@indiapost.com
SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY
DOABA, PUNJAB Romesh Kaura Correspondent
Bollywood:
Classifieds: Tel: 510-938-8668; E-mail:classifieds@indiapost.com
NEW DELHI Vinod Kumar Khatana Graphics Madan Bangari Graphics
CHANDIGARH Raj Kumar Bali Correspondent
HIGHLIGHTS
1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-938-8667 e-mail: nareshsodhi@gmail.com 12908 Indian Lane Norwalk, CA 90650 Fax: 562-947-0632 Tel: 562-441-5511, shashi19@yahoo.com Tel: 562-929-4213, kimi@indiapost.com
CHICAGO 2740 W Devon Ave Chicago IL 60659 Tel: 773-973-7394; Fax: 773-973-7396; Email: sramesh@aol.com
NEW YORK Tel: 212-944-1931, Fax: 732-969-3735 Tel: 908-338-3752 (Marketing) Tel: 732-283-4939 (Editorial) E-mail: indiapost2000@yahoo.com
NEW JERSEY 21 Longfellow st., Carteret, NJ 07008 Tel: 732-969-1114; Fax: 732-969-3735 E-mail: indiapost2000@yahoo.com
BOSTON Tel: 617-298-9200; Fax: 617-298-1104 GOPE; E-mail: ggidwani@aol.com
ATLANTA 67 Peach Tree Dr., Ste. 102, Buckhead Atlanta, GA 30309 Tel: 404-425-3021 E-mail: sanjay@eBolo.com
Life Style: Screening stopped Hindu Americans get a special screening of Sita Sings the Blues cancelled through intense emailed protests.
24
FLORIDA 8401 West Sample Road 30, Coral Springs, Florida - 33065 TORONTO, CANADA Tel/Fax: 416-744-8610
Techbiz:
DELHI
Eurofighter
Jin Kushal Suri Complex, 3rd Floor, 230-A, Masjid Moth, (NDSE Part-II) New Delhi - 110049 Tel: 11-46142940, 26257769 Fax: 11-46142969 E-mail:delhi@indiapost.com
Eurofighter hopes to make India a partner in its Typhoon fighter jet program which it says would be a game-changer.
34
MUMBAI • Shivam, 3rd Floor Opp Raj Kumar Hotel Andheri (W) Mumbai Tel: (22) 2677 7782 Email: nidzp_04@yahoo.com • Fernandes Mansion Tam Taloa, Bassien (W) Mumbai 09619 330159 NASHIK 6 Amrit Dhara Deolali, Near Nashik-422 101 94 23 138 700
For editorial, contact: editor@indiapost.com or call 510-797-7799
Travel: Dandeli Dandeli small town situated in Uttara Kannada district is famous for its adventure and eco-tourism.
29
July 29, 2011
www.indiapost.com
India Post
5
6
Cover/Top Stories
India Post
July 29, 2011
www.indiapost.com
Kashmir lobbyist was ISI agent Ghulam Nabi Fai arrested by FBI SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service
NEW YORK: For over two decades Dr. Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai, as Executive Director of Kashmiri American Council/Kashmir Center, carried himself off as an intellectual, a scholar and die hard activist for the Kashmiri separatist movement, venting vitriol against
ment including the ISI. Fai, 62, and Ahmad, 63, are charged of participating in a longterm conspiracy to act as agents of the Pakistani government in the United States without disclosing their affiliation with the Pakistani government as required by law. The charges were announced by Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security;
In a photo from the Kashmiri American Council's website, Executive Director Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai speaks with the press at a United Nations event in Geneva
the Indian government's alleged human rights violations in the beleaguered valley, organizing seminars and conferences at high profile forums in prestigious institutions like the Harvard and MIT and other think tank platforms in Washington DC. Among US lawmakers, many of who benefited from campaign donations made by Fai through KAC, he was known to be a lobbyist for Kashmir. Today however, this American citizen of Indian origin finally stands exposed as an agent of Pakistan's official spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence Agency (ISI) - a fact that was not entirely unknown to the Indian government. Fai was arrested the morning of July 19, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) while another individual, Zaheer Ahmad, a Pakistani American, also charged on the same count as Fai, remains at large and is believed to be in Pakistan. Both face a potential sentence of five years in prison if convicted. And through findings that directly implicate the Pakistani government, FBI investigators filed an affidavit in connection with Fai's arrest stating that the KAC was one of three such centers in the world that are actually run by elements of the Pakistani govern-
Neil MacBride, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and James McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. Fai, a resident of Fairfax, Va., and Ahmad, a US citizen and resident of Pakistan, are charged in a one-count criminal complaint in the Eastern District of Virginia that alleges that the twosome conspired to: 1) act as an agent of a foreign principal without registering with the Attorney General in violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA); and 2)
Fai was arrested the morning of July 19, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) while another individual, Zaheer Ahmad, a Pakistani American, also charged on the same count as Fai, remains at large falsify, conceal, and cover up material facts they had a duty to disclose in matters within the jurisdiction of Executive Branch agencies of the US government.
"FARA is designed to ensure that the US government and American public know the underlying source of information and identity of persons attempting to influence US policy and laws. The defendants are accused of thwarting this process by concealing the fact that a foreign government was funding and directing their lobbying and public relations efforts in America," said Assistant Attorney General Monaco. "Mr. Fai is accused of a decades-long scheme with one purpose - to hide Pakistan's involvement behind his efforts to influence the US government's position on Kashmir," said US Attorney MacBride. "His handlers in Pakistan allegedly funneled millions through the Kashmir Center to contribute to US elected officials, fund high-profile conferences, and pay for other efforts that promoted the Kashmiri cause to decision-makers in Washington." "Foreign governments who try to influence the United States by using unregistered agents threaten our national security," said FBI Assistant Director in Charge McJunkin. "Mr. Fai's alleged conduct illustrates the risk to our fair and open government. The charges underscore the dedication of special agents who enforce laws - like the FARA violations charged here - that are designed to detect and defeat those who attempt to surreptitiously exert foreign influence on our government by using agents who conceal their foreign affiliations." According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Fai serves as the director of the Kashmiri American Council (KAC), a non-governmental organization located in Washington, D.C., that was founded in 1990 and also goes by the name "Kashmir Center." The KAC describes itself in educational materials as a "notfor-profit organization dedicated to raising the level of knowledge in the United States about the struggle of the Kashmiri people for self-determination." The affidavit alleges that, although the KAC held itself out to be a Kashmiri organization run by Kashmiris and financed by Americans, the KAC is one of three "Kashmir Centers" that are actually run by elements of the Pakistani government, including Pakistan's military intelligence service, the ISI. The two other Kashmir Centers are in London, England and Brussels, Belgium.
According to the affidavit, a confidential witness told investigators that he participated in a scheme to obscure the origin of money transferred by Pakistan's ISI to Fai to use as a lobbyist for the KAC in furtherance of Pakistani government interests. The witness explained that the money was transferred to Fai through Ahmad, an American living in Pakistan. A second confidential witness told investigators that the ISI created the KAC to propagandize on behalf of the government of Pakistan with the
has acted at the direction of and with the financial support of the Pakistani government for more than 20 years. The affidavit alleges that four Pakistani government handlers have directed Fai's US activities and that Fai has been in touch with his handlers more than 4,000 times since June 2008. Fai's handlers have also allegedly communicated with Ahmad regularly. For example, the affidavit alleges that Fai repeatedly submitted annual KAC strategy reports and budgetary requirements to his Pakistani government han-
‘Mr. Fai is accused of a decades-long scheme with one purpose - to hide Pakistan's involvement behind his efforts to influence the US government's position on Kashmir,’ said US Attorney MacBride. "His handlers in Pakistan allegedly funneled millions through the Kashmir Center goal of uniting Kashmir. This witness said ISI's sponsorship and control of KAC were secret and that ISI had been directing Fai's activities for the past 25 years. When questioned by the FBI about these relationships in March 2007, Fai allegedly stated that he had never met anyone who identified himself as being affiliated with the ISI. In March 2010, the Justice Department sent Fai a letter notifying him of his possible obligation to register as a foreign agent with the Justice Department. In his written response to the Justice Department, Fai asserted that neither he nor KAC had ever engaged in any activities for or provided any services to Pakistan or any foreign entity. In a March 2011
According to the affidavit, Fai and the KAC have received at least $4 million, from the Pakistani government since the mid-1990s through Ahmad and his funding network. The money is allegedly routed to Fai through Ahmad interview with the FBI, Fai again denied having any relationship with anyone in the Pakistani government. The affidavit alleges that Fai
dlers for approval. One document entitled "Plan of Action of KAC/ Kashmir Center for Fiscal Year 2009" laid out Fai's intended strategy to secure US Congressional support in order to encourage the Executive Branch to support selfdetermination in Kashmir; his strategy to build new alliances in the State Department, the National Security Council, the Congress and the Pentagon, and to expand KAC's media efforts. According to the affidavit, Fai also set forth KAC's projected budgetary requirements from the Pakistani government for 2009, including $100,000 for contributions to members of Congress. There is no evidence that any elected official who received financial contributions from Fai or the KAC was aware that the money originated from any part of the Pakistani government. According to the affidavit, Fai and the KAC have received at least $4 million, from the Pakistani government since the mid-1990s through Ahmad and his funding network. The money is allegedly routed to Fai through Ahmad and a network of other individuals connected to Ahmad. Ahmad allegedly arranges for his contacts in the United States to provide money to Fai in return for repayment of those amounts in Pakistan. To date, neither Fai nor Ahmad nor the KAC has registered as an official agent of the Pakistani or Kashmiri governments with the Attorney General as required by FARA.
Top Stories
July 29, 2011
India Post
7
www.indiapost.com
Dr Fai's ISI-dictated, anti-India propaganda material SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Of the hyperbolic anti-India propaganda released regularly to the media, US lawmakers and others, by Dr. Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai, federal investigators found, almost 80 per cent was provided by Pakistan's InterServices Intelligence Agency (ISI) for Fai to repeat and disseminate verbatim; and the other 20 percent of the Kashmir American Council's messaging that consisted of Fai's own ideas, were pre-approved by the ISI. The latest 'press release' from Fai - received by this paper also was an endorsement by Kashmiri Americans and Kashmiris worldwide to the July 13th 'Martyrs Day' protest call given by All Parties Hurriyat Conference to mark the day when 22 unarmed Kashmiris were allegedly killed by the Dogra regime in 1931. Fai claims in the release, that evidence testifies that human rights violations in Kashmir are
systematic, deliberate, and officially sanctioned. "Far from seeking to rectify its atrocious human rights record, India has legalized its state-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir," he says. "It has given
The latest 'press release' from Fai was an endorsement by Kashmiri Americans and Kashmiris worldwide to the July 13th 'Martyrs Day' protest call given by All Parties Hurriyat Conference its occupation forces powers to shoot to kill and the license to abuse the people of Kashmir in whatever ways they like in order to suppress the popular movement for basic human rights and
human dignity." Fai further says: "The studied unconcern by the United Nations has given a sense of total impunity to India. It has also created the impression that the United Nations is invidiously selective about the application of the principles of human rights and democracy." Interestingly, Fai adds that India should listen to one of its prominent novelists, Arundhati Roy who said 'It's (Kashmir) not ever been really a part of India, which is why it's ridiculous for the Indian government to keep saying it's an integral part of India. But that armed struggle claimed the lives of 68,000 people, because India today has 500,000 troops manning that little valley. It's the highest, most militarized zone in the world.' The release further quotes Roy as saying "India has done everything wrong there. Apart from a military occupation, it has completely rigged elections. It has changed that valley into a little
sort of puddle, a little pool of spies and informers and intelligence networks and torture chambers." Fai referred to a noted academic, Prof. Angana Chatterji who said "for over two decades now,
Not only were the high profile seminars and conferences organized by him totally funded by the ISI, but also that the ISI dictated who exactly were invited
egregious human rights violations, enacted with impunity by the Indian military and paramilitary, have been integral to the policy of the Indian state in Kashmir. The use of torture, disappearances, sexu-
alized violence, and massified killings by institutions of the Indian state have been utilized as strategies in militarization". Fai discounted the United States hopes that the Kashmir dispute could be settled through bilateral peaceful talks between India and Pakistan. He recounted the litany of failed bilateral efforts and said that the people of Kashmir have steadfastly maintained that tripartite talks are the only way to resolve the Kashmir issue. The people of Kashmir are committed to finding a just and lasting peace to the disputed territory of Kashmir through negotiations between Governments of India & Pakistan and the accredited leadership of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The FBI affidavit charging Fai shows that not only were the high profile seminars and conferences organized by him totally funded by the ISI, but also that the ISI dictated who exactly were invited to attend these events, especially the Indian guests.
Rep. Burton received contributions from ISI agent Fai India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Republican Representative from Indiana Congressman Dan Burton was no friend of India. And that he has proved over the years of his service as lawmaker by his consistent anti-vitriol and pro-Pakistan propaganda. Turns out he was one of the foremost beneficiaries of political contributions by the Kashmir American Council's Executive Director Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai, the agent of Pakistan's ISI who operated under the guise of a Kashmiri lobbyist. Fai, who was reportedly on the ISI's payroll for more than 20 years, received approximately $4 million from Pakistan to use as political contributions for members of US Congress from both parties. Among those that received contributions from Fai was Representative Dan Burton (R-Indiana), who heads the Pakistan Caucus in Congress, and was a harsh critic of India on many issues, including Kashmir. Rep. Burton (R-IN-05), in a statement issued following Fai's arrest on the grounds of making improper campaign donations, said: "I am deeply shocked by Dr. Fai's arrest. I've known Dr Fai for 20 years and in that time I had no inkling of his involvement with any foreign intelligence operation and had presumed our correspondence was legitimate." As believable as that might be,
Rep. Burton continued to say, "For as long as I've known him, Dr. Fai has been either a permanent legal resident of the United States or a
according to Congressional Quarterly's Politics in America. Burton has received campaign contributions from Fai, spoken at
Dan Burton
citizen and as such any political contributions I may have received from Dr. Fai over the years are completely legal. My campaign does not accept contributions from anyone not legally authorized to donate to US political campaigns. However, if there is any doubt about the origin of these contributions, I will donate those funds to the Boy Scouts of America." Rep. Burton, an unabashed India-basher over the years, is a top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The CourierJournal reports that in 2003, Burton was blocked from taking over the panel's subcommittee on South Asia because he was thought to be too pro-Pakistan,
the group's Capitol Hill conferences, held a hearing on human rights abuses in Kashmir where Fai was a witness, and inserted comments from Fai into the Congressional Record. In one statement in the record, Burton referred to Fai as an advocate for "freedom from the subcontinent." A Pakistani news agency reported last year that the Kashmiri-American Council held a reception for Burton where he vowed to fight for Kashmir in Congress. While Burton received more than $10,000 in campaign contributions from Fai, there are other Congressmen and even Barack Obama who also received donations from Fai.
On KAC's support for the election campaign of Rep. Burton, the US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) said it had previously called out the Indiana Congressman and supported his primary opponent Dr. John McGoff. Rep. Burton, the USINPAC said, has made over 16 unsubstantiated accusations about India on the floor of Congress in the past two decades. USINPAC Chairman Sanjay Puri said, "The use of KAC by the ISI shows how far these agencies could go to undermine a legitimate
India-Pakistan peace process." He further stated that KAC's actions undermine the activities and efforts of other non-profit organizations working towards various noble causes. In 2005, USINPAC organized support in Congress to successfully prevent Rep. Burton from becoming the top Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee. In 2003, it organized a campaign to successfully prevent him from becoming the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee that had jurisdiction over India.
HAF hopes Fai arrest will uncover other ISI activities India Post News Service
NEW YORK: The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) expressed hope that the arrest of the Kashmiri American Council (KAC) executive director, Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai, for allegedly engaging in illegal lobbying activities on behalf of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), signals awareness within American intelligence agencies about any other ISI activities in the United States. Fai, a Fairfax, Virginia resident, along with Zaheer Ahmad, currently believed to be in Pakistan, were charged by the FBI with conspiring to act as unregistered
agents of the Pakistani government. "We're disappointed that the Kashmir Center's possibly false identity as a legitimate non-profit went unnoticed for so many years as it secretly advanced Pakistan's interests on Kashmir while ignoring the plight of more than 350,000 Kashmiri Hindu Pandits," said Sheetal Shah, HAF's Senior Director. "If Pakistan is found to have contravened American laws and attempted to influence US foreign policy through the Kashmir Center, such actions must be denounced and further affect the flow of military support into that Cont’d on page 11 country.
8
Top Stories
India Post
July 29, 2011
www.indiapost.com
HILLARY CLINTON VISIT
Will press Pakistan as 'hard' as possible on terror: US
Foreign Minister S M Krishna and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the delegation level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi
NEW DELHI: Admitting that counter-terrorism was "first and foremost" on the minds after the recent Mumbai bomb blasts, the US has pledged "full" support to India's efforts to protect itself from terror attacks, and said it will press Pakistan as "hard" as it can on terror. After the second round of Indo-US Strategic Dialogue with her counterpart External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pointed out that the issue of homeland security and counterterrorism was given a special emphasis, saying both sides were exploring ways to protect the two countries from the scourge of terrorism. Asserting that it has been made
clear to Pakistan that confronting violent extremism of all sorts is in its interest, Clinton said, "We do not believe that there are any terrorists who should be given safe haven or a free pass by any government, because left unchecked the consequences of that kind of terrorist activity or intimidation can become very difficult to manage and control." At a joint press conference with Krishna, she said in the aftermath of the attacks of 2008 in Mumbai, the US had made it very clear that there was an absolute international responsibility to cooperate to bring the perpetrators to justice. The US has made that equally forcefully clear to Pakistan that it
has a special obligation to do so transparently, fully and urgently, Clinton said. "And it is US policy, we believe the perpetrators need to be brought to justice and have urged Pakistan to do so. Obviously, there is a limit to what both the US and India can do but we intend to continue to press as hard as possible," she said. She was replying to a query about Pakistan failing to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, raising questions on US' claim of pressurizing Pakistan on India-directed terror issue. Maintaining that the US was encouraged by the discussions
between India and Pakistan, Clinton said, "We think this is the most promising approach to encourage both sides to build more confidence between them and work to implement the kinds of steps that will demonstrate the improved atmosphere that is so necessary for us to deal with the underlying problem of terrorism." Both Krishna and Clinton also underscored the importance of elimination of terrorist sanctuaries in Pakistan for regional stability and security and for Pakistan's future, according to a joint statement after the meeting. The US Secretary of State said Pakistan was a "key ally" in the fight against terrorism and that the US has made the point repeat-
edly to its Pakistani colleagues that terrorists threaten both of them. "We recognize that Pakistan must act on its own behalf first and foremost to protect its own territory and sovereignty and to protect the lives of the people of Pakistan," she said. She said the US has made it clear that it wants a long term relationship with Pakistan based on common interests including a mutual recognition that they cannot tolerate a safe haven for terrorists anywhere and when we know the location of terrorists whose intentions are clear and need to work together in order to prevent those terrorists from taking innocent lives and threatening institutions of state.-PTI
'Fully committed to nuke deal but ratify CSC' NEW DELHI: The US has said it was "fully" committed to the civil nuclear pact with India but asked it to ratify the UN convention on nuclear damages and bring its domestic liability regime in line with international norms. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton after the second round of Indo-US Strategic Dialogue with her counterpart S M Krishna, made it very clear that there were "issues" which required to be resolved by the two sides in the civil nuclear field. But she did not go into the specifics. Addressing a joint press conference, she said the US was committed to the Indo-US nuke deal and the recent Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) decision to strengthen guidelines on transfer of Enrichment and Reprocessing Technology (ENR) should not be
construed as detracting from the "unique impact and importance" of the pact. But she added that "We are looking forward to India ratifying the Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC) on Nuclear Damages before the end of this year and we will encourage an engagement with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure that the liability regime that India adopts... fully conforms to with the international requirements under the Convention. "We stand by our agreement. Many of us have worked very hard for the agreement. We are committed to it but we do expect it to be enforceable and actionable in all regards," Clinton said after a two-and-a-half hour meeting with Krishna.
S M Krishna and Hillary Rodham Clinton shake hands after their joint statement following their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi
The US strongly supports India's membership in four export control regimes including the NSG in a phased manner, she said. India, which signed the CSC last year, is expected to ratify it by this November with officials here saying the process was "on course". The CSC provides for an international fund to compensate victims in the case of a nuclear accident and limits financial liability of foreign nuclear operators. India's liability regime has been a bone of contention between it and many of its nuclear partners as many international companies, including American firms have expressed reservations about some aspects of the domestic law that they fear impose huge penalty on foreign suppliers in case of nuclear accidents.-PTI
Top Stories
July 29, 2011
India Post
9
www.indiapost.com
HILLARY CLINTON VISIT
Clinton meets Jayalalithaa in Chennai
CHENNAI: The United States is "looking at some innovative and creative ideas to break the impasse over the Sri Lankan Tamils issue," visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa here on July 20. Ms. Clinton met with Ms. Jayalalithaa for an hour in the Secretariat. They discussed various social, political and economic issues of common interest, an official press release said. Contrary to assertions attributed to Indian External Affairs Ministry officials, the Tamil question in Sri Lanka also featured in their discussions. Ms. Jayalalithaa was quoted by PTI as pointing out that though Sri Lanka's war ended two years ago, Tamils in Jaffna area are still in camps and unable to go back to the original areas
where they used to live. Ms. Clinton also congratulated Ms. Jayalalithaa on her electoral victory in the April 13 Assembly polls, and invited the Tamil Nadu leader to visit the United States, PTI said. Meanwhile, in a public address Ms. Clinton said that India's example of multicultural democracy should serve as a model for Sri Lanka. Commenting on Clinton's remarks, Eezham Tamil political circles said Indian-modeled political solution will not work in the island when the military is Sinhalese. Centuries of political experience in the island shows that equal status of Tamils and Sinhalese is possible only when they have equal States, the political circles further commented. Describing Chennai, Tamil
U S Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton shakes hands with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa at a meeting in Chennai
Nadu's capital, as an example of how much society can achieve when all citizens fully join their country's political and economic life, she added: "Every Sri Lankan deserves the same hope and opportunity." Her comments predictably drew loud applause from the crowd, press reports said. Addressing a crowd of students, industrialists, businessmen, artistes and members of civil society at the Anna library, Ms. Clinton said she chose to come to the coastal city as "an admirer of what has been accomplished in the country in the last 18 years". She described Tamil Nadu as one of the "most industrialized and educated states" that indicates why India should take a leadership role in the region. -PTI
US wants India to play leadership PM likely to meet Obama role in Asia during East Asia Summit CHENNAI: Betting on India's future, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said here the country should play a "more assertive" role across Asia-Pacific, noting that this is a "time to lead" by seizing emerging opportunities. In comments against the backdrop of growing Chinese assertiveness in Asia, Clinton said India's leadership has the potential to positively shape the future of the Asia-Pacific and that the US encourages the country to not just to look east, but continue to engage and "act east" as well. Clinton, who is the first American top diplomat to visit Chennai during an India trip, also asserted that the bondage outweighed differences in Indo-US ties and that the bilateral relationship would be a defining partnership of the 21st century. "We have a common commitment to combating terrorism and achieving economic prosperity," she told students and opinion makers at the Anna Centenary Library hall here. "It is true we are different countries with different backgrounds. We will from time to time disagree. But we believe our differences are far outweighed by the bondage," Clinton said, addressing students and opinion makers at Anna Centenary Library here. Clinton began her address saying "Vanakkam," a vernacular greeting, triggering a round of applause. Noting that the role she was asking India to play is ambitious, Clinton said, "Yes, it is an ambitious agenda, but we can afford
to be ambitious." "It's time (for India) to lead. It has to do more to integrate economically with neighbors Afghanistan and Pakistan and take a more assertive role across the Asia-Pacific," Clinton said a day after attending the second IndoUS joint strategic dialogue in New Delhi. "This is not a time when any of
spire others to follow a similar path of tolerance. We are making this bet not out of blind faith but because we have watched your progress with great admiration," she added. In Clinton's view, the US was not making this bet not out of some blind faith but because it has watched the progress of India with "great admiration".
Hillary Rodham Clinton delivers her address at Anna Centenary Library in Chennai
us can afford to look inward at the expense of looking outward. This is a time to seize the emerging opportunities of the 21st century. This is a time to lead." she said "We are betting on India's future...that the opening of India's markets to world will produce a more prosperous India and South Asia. We are betting that India's vibrant pluralistic society will in-
Clinton said the future of Asia would be shaped by decisions of the Indian government and 1.3 billion people of the country. She said the opening of India's market to the world would not only produce a more prosperous India and a more prosperous South Asia, but it would also spill over to Central Asia and beyond into the Asia-Pacific region. -PTI
CHENNAI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is likely to meet US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Indonesia later this year. "President Obama looks forward to joining Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the East Asia summit later in the year in Indonesia," US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said here. She said the US wanted to work with India and "all of our friends, all our allies" to build the East Asia Summit into Asia Pacific's premier forum for dealing with political and security issues. "We want to use it, set out priorities and lay out vision for other regional institutions," Clinton said addressing students and opinion makers at the Anna Centenary Library. High on the list at the summit are maritime security, including
developing multilateral levels of cooperation, disaster readiness response and relief and non-proliferation, including working for a denuclearized Korean peninsula. Clinton said she would be
meeting her Indian counterpart S M Krishna later this week at the ASEAN regional forum. "We will be working in conjunction with ASEAN partners and soon inaugurate a trilateral US-India-Japan dialogue. -PTI
Hillary Clinton meets PM; discusses Indo-US relations NEW DELHI: The growing and expanding relations between India and the US were the focus of discussions when US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here. Clinton, who was here for the second Indo-US Strategic Dialogue, met Singh for over 30 minutes, PMO sources said.
The two leaders are understood to have discussed the growth of the relationship which has been propelled by the visit of President Barack Obama last November. The relationship has witnessed a significant growth in the recent years, covering a broad spectrum of subjects. -PTI
Top Stories
10 India Post
July 29, 2011
www.indiapost.com
HILLARY CLINTON VISIT
US, India to create tools for open governance India Post News Service
NEW YORK: As part of the US-India Dialogue on Open Government launched in November 2010, the two countries have committed to jointly create an open source "Data.gov" platform by the first quarter of 2012 to be taken to interested countries globally. Discussions over this "open source" platform came about in the bilateral strategic dialogue between US Secretary Hillary Clinton and India's External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna in New Delhi this past week. Leveraging the high-technology strengths and institutional expertise of both India and the United States, the "open source" platform is intended to provide citizens access to Government information via a user-friendly website and a package of e-Governance applications to enhance public service delivery. Welcoming the technical col-
laboration between the Indian International Institute of Democracy and Election Management and the Washington DC-based International Federation of Electoral Systems, the two countries com-
The ‘open source’ platform is intended to provide citizens access to Government information via a user-friendly website mitted to work together to strengthen election management capacity in interested countries. Marking the expansion of strategic consultations, the two sides launched a Central Asia Dialogue in June 2011 in New Delhi and a
West Asia Dialogue in July 2011 in Washington DC. The two sides intend to expand strategic consultations to other regions, including Latin America and Caribbean, and plan to hold the fourth round of the East Asia Dialogue in September 2011. The two countries also intend to commence a trilateral dialogue with Japan at a senior official level. Development work in Afghanistan The two sides reaffirmed their commitment for consultation, coordination, and cooperation on Afghanistan, and to work jointly in Afghanistan in capacity building, agriculture, and women's empowerment, expanding on work already underway. Both sides agreed to Afghanled, Afghan-owned, and inclusive reconciliation. The two sides acknowledged that increased trade, transit, and commercial linkages across South and Central Asia will benefit Af-
ghanistan and contribute to the region's long-term peace, stability, and prosperity. United Nations Secretary Clinton recalled President Obama's statement
The two sides intend to promote food security in Africa through a triangular cooperation program with Liberia, Malawi, and Kenya that, in the years ahead, the United States looks forward to a reformed UN Security Council that includes India as a permanent member. The two sides intend to continue the bilateral dialogue on
United Nations matter that was launched in New Delhi in March this year. They decided to meet next in Washington in early 2012, while continuing regular consultations between capitals and in UN cities as appropriate. Following on the successful meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on UN Peacekeeping Operations in March in New Delhi, the two countries hope to conduct their 10th meeting of the JWG in early 2012. The two sides intend to promote food security in Africa through a triangular cooperation program with Liberia, Malawi, and Kenya. A promising area of potential collaboration includes the participation of Africans at Indian universities and research and technical institutes in mutually agreed capacity building programs. The two sides agree to explore additional areas based on requests from the three African countries.
US commits to providing clean cookstoves to Indian homes India Post News Service
NEW YORK: As an extension of the varied and multi-pronged engagement between the US and India, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who was in Chennai July 20, committed to work with Indian agencies to provide clean cooking stoves to millions of rural Indian homes. At an event at the Working Women's Forum in Chennai, Secretary Clinton announced that two major Indian industrial organizations - the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) have agreed to join the Alliance Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, a public-private partnership led by the United Nations Foundation. In September 2010, Clinton announced the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, to save lives, improve livelihoods, empower women, and combat climate change by creating a thriving global market for clean and efficient household cooking solutions. The Alliance's '100 by 20' goal calls for 100 million homes to adopt clean and efficient stoves and fuels by 2020. In India, the CII and FICCI will be partners in building successful and sustainable cookstove businesses and consumer financing options across India. CII has
committed to link community efforts to its extensive industry network, help commercialize promising cooking technologies, and help integrate clean cookstoves into its other members' projects. FICCI will support small and medium-sized local cookstove enterprises, develop microfinance channels to support the purchase of cookstoves, develop women's employment options, and support Alliance interaction with the In-
In India, approximately 80 percent of rural homes and 20 percent of urban homes rely on solid fuels like wood or dung for cooking. As a result, more than 100 million homes suffer unsafe exposures to cookstove smoke dian government. Nearly half of the world's population - about 3 billion people cooks their food each day on polluting, inefficient stoves. Exposure to smoke from traditional cookstoves and open fires is the fifth worst health risk factor in poor countries and leads to nearly
2 million premature deaths of mostly women and young children each year (more than twice the mortality from malaria). Cookstoves also increase pressures on local natural resources (e.g., forests, habitat) and contribute to climate change at the regional and global level. In India, approximately 80 percent of rural homes and 20 percent of urban homes rely on solid fuels like wood or dung for cooking. As a result, more than 100 million homes suffer unsafe exposures to cookstove smoke. According to World Health Organization estimates, this exposure causes nearly 500,000 women and children in India to die prematurely each year. Cookstoves account for about 3.5 percent of India's national burden of disease. Additionally, cookstoves represent about half of India's black carbon inventory. The United States Government has committed more than $50 million to the Alliance over the next five years. Participating US agencies include: The State Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services (National Institutes of Health; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), and the US Agency for International Development, all of which are already involved in the cookstove project in India.
Hillary Rodham Clinton meeting artists after watching their performance at Kalashetra Foundation in Chennai
India, US launch Consular Dialogue India Post News Service
NEW YORK: For the first time, India and the United States launched a Consular Dialogue which will take place July 25, in Washington DC. This was one of the many significant agreements that came about as a result of the strategic dialogue between US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and India's External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna in New Delhi on July 19. The two governments will participate in the first Consular Dialogue on July 25 in Washington, DC, for a full discussion of visa and other consular matters. This dialogue is expected to help facilitate travel between the United States and India and support the
exchange of people, information and ideas to further strengthen the bilateral relationship. In recent months, steep hikes in the processing fee for H1B and L1 visas have had an adverse impact on Indian IT companies which have typically been the largest beneficiaries of these visas. India had taken up the issue at various bilateral meetings with the US, the most recent being earlier this year during a high level trade summit led by US Secretary of Trade Gary Locke. During their meeting, Minister Krishna and Secretary Clinton reaffirmed their desire to bolster economic ties between the United States and India, creating jobs and improving livelihoods for the citizens of both countries.
Top Stories
July 29, 2011
India Post
11
www.indiapost.com
HILLARY CLINTON VISIT
India, US sign Aviation Safety Agreement India Post News Service
NEW YORK: The bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) between India and the US has been signed by Dr. Nasim Zaidi, Secretary, Civil Aviation and J. Randolph Babbitt, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in New Delhi on July 18. The signing coincides with the visit of US Secretary of State Ms. Hillary Clinton to India. The signing took place in the presence of Senior Officers from the Ministry, DGCA, AAI from the Indian side and FAA and USTDA from the US side. BASA will facilitate reciprocal airworthiness certification of civil aeronautical products imported/ exported between the two signatory authorities. Indian standards would be comparable to global standards and its aeronautical products would be accepted by the US. The nascent aircraft manufacturing industry in India would be hugely benefited and it would spur trade between the two sides.
It would demonstrate that India has the capability to develop FAA certifiable aircraft articles/appliances. It would encourage the civil aeronautical products industry which will eventually lead to self sufficiency in the sector. BASA would encourage indigenous aircraft and aeronautical products industry and the US ac-
BASA will facilitate reciprocal airworthiness certification of civil aeronautical products imported/ exported between the two signatory authorities ceptance of Indian products will help their global acceptance. It would lessen the economic burden imposed on the aviation industry and operators by redundant technical inspections, evalu-
ations and testing. The next stage is to sign the implementation Procedures for Airworthiness (IPA) which provides for airworthiness technical cooperation between FAA and its counterpart civil aviation authorities. The scope of IPA can be enhanced from time to time. The USA has signed BASA with 24 countries. India Aviation-2012 Ahead of the "India Aviation2012", the 3rd international exhibition and conference on Civil Aviation to be held in Hyderabad in March next year, the Ministry of Civil Aviation held a kick-off event in New Delhi on July 14. Dr. Nasim Zaidi, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, who launched the exhibition, said the event will be held at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, from March 14-18, 2012. The United Kingdom is the partner country for the 2012 event with France as Focus country and the US as the Guest Country. The Host State is Andhra Pradesh and the Overseas Associate for the
show is Farnborough International Ltd. Addressing on the occasion, Dr. Zaidi said that it would be necessary to redefine the parameters of regulation in order to assure travelers the guarantee of safety. The ministry is considering restructuring the DGCA into a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). In or-
The ‘India Aviation2012’, the 3rd international Exhibition and Conference on Civil Aviation is being organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation der to prevent repetitive accidents, an Independent Civil Aviation Accident Investigation Committee has been set up within oversight of Ministry of Civil Aviation to coordinate and oversee the in-
vestigation into accidents and also effective follow up of compliance of recommendations. Steps are under way to set up a full-fledged Independent Accident Investigation Board. The landmark Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement he said, will open up a huge market for export of aeronautical products manufactured in the country, in the US and other regions of the world. This will open up huge potential for investment. The "India Aviation-2012", the 3rd international Exhibition and Conference on Civil Aviation is being organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation jointly with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). It will witness participation of over 250 exhibitors comprising of Aircraft Manufacturers, Aircraft Machinery & Equipment Companies, Aircraft Interiors, Airlines, Airlines Services & Air Cargo, Skill Development, Airport and Infrastructure, MROs. The exhibition will be spread over as area of 20,000 square meters.
India, US to step up Science & Technology coordination India Post News Service
In his address Dr. Kumar stated that there are major issues facing us in the areas of food, agriculture, nutrition, energy and water. In this connection research on monsoon is very crucial, as well as forecasting extreme events like floods and droughts, pests, crops etc. There is a need to work towards making agriculture resil-
agreed to further strengthening the exchange of data. Dr. Kumar raised the importance of facilitating exchange of scientists from both the countries by addressing bottlenecks relating to Visa for S&T professionals. He urged for a liberal visa regime to ensure seamless issuance of visas for Indian scientists willing to work
NEW YORK: India and the US have agreed to step up Science & Technology coordination between the two countries in crosscutting areas relating to energy, agriculture, affordable healthcare, nutrition and monsoon forecasting. This was agreed upon during a meeting July 18, between Dr. John P. Holdren, Assistant to the US President for Science & Technology and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology and Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Minister of State for Planning, Science & Technology and Earth SciMinister of State for Planning, Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Ashwani Kumar and ences in New John P. Holdren, Assistant to the US President for Science & Technology and Director of the White House office of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, at a meeting in New Delhi Delhi. The meeting was held in the context of the on- ient. He stated the need for fur- in the US. He also expressed going Indo-US Strategic Dia- ther research on forecasting vari- India's preparedness to substanlogue, as part of Secretary of State ous hazards like cyclones and in tially increase resource investHillary Clinton's visit to India. In- this connection, usage of instru- ment in promoting agricultural dia and the US have embarked mental spectra aircraft is essen- crops leading to affordable innovation in key sectors. upon a strategic relationship tial. Dr. Holdren agreed to look into Dr. Holdren also responded which specifically identifies science, technology and innovation this aspect. He also appreciated favorably to addressing issues as a major focus of future relation- the sharing of data on issues re- such as Visa for S&T professionlating to monsoon and flood and als and stepping up resources ship in the 21st century.
for S&T cooperation. There was general consensus on substantially increasing financial outlay by both sides, for example, the Indo-US Science and Technology Endowment
Fund which is currently 30 million dollars could have its corpus increased and the current allocation of 50 million dollars for both the sides for next 5 years could be enhanced to $100 million.
HAF hopes Fai arrest will uncover other ISI activities Cont’d from page 6
Furthermore, this is US taxpayer dollars going to a rogue state which is then sending it back to the US through covert means to influence our government officials to do its bidding." "The arrest of Fai is a troubling reminder of the extensive reach and influence of the ISI," said Aseem Shukla, MD, Co-Founder and Board Member of HAF. "We commend the FBI for exposing the alleged illegitimate activities of the Kashmir Center and revealing its connection to the ISI, an authoritarian government institution of Pakistan that does not heed the norms or laws of public engagement - at home or abroad." Since 9/11, Pakistan has received nearly $20 billion in US aid, including more than $12 billion in military assistance to combat alQaeda and Taliban militants. According to the HAF, which publishes an annual human rights re-
port documenting persecution against Hindus worldwide, Pakistan has redirected large amounts of this money to purchase military equipment for use against India. Between 1989 and 1991, a brutal insurgency funded and nurtured by Pakistan's ISI in Kashmir has been responsible for the death and displacement of over 350,000 Kashmiri Hindu Pandits. According to the report, this insurgency continues today as a proxy military force in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and remains a threat to the native Kashmiri Hindu population as well as to the entire nation of India. HAF leaders recently issued a statement applauding the Obama Administration's decision to withhold $800 million in military assistance to Pakistan, and again urged the Administration and Congress to further reduce assistance to Pakistan until it severs all ties to Islamic militant groups operating in the region.
Top Stories
12 India Post
July 29, 2011
www.indiapost.com
NY lawmakers attend peace forum India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Several lawmakers, other elected officials, and prominent leaders of the community from New York and New Jersey spoke at a unique forum on the history and future of the global non-violent movement, organized by USIN celebrations in New York recently. US Reps. Joseph Crowley, Carolyn Maloney and Gregory Meeks, former New York Governor David Paterson, NY Assemblymen Bill Scarborough and David Weprin, NJ Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula and Uma Sengupta, Democratic District Leader for the 25th Assembly District in New York attended the event.
Former NY Governor David Paterson
"Promoting global peace and harmony is a vitally important goal - and a central part of that effort is promoting peace and harmony in our own homes and communities," said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. "Unfortu-
nately, assault and domestic violence are life-threatening, pervasive crimes that affect millions across this country regardless of age, socioeconomic status, race, or religion." Maloney further said, "I have
Pediatrician charged with sexually abusing young girls India Post News Service
NEW YORK: An Indian American pediatrician from Bethpage has been indicted by a grand jury on charges that he sexually abused and assaulted girls as young as 11 years old under the guise of medical examinations, and then secretly videotaped and photographed them, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced. The 60-count indictment, filed with the court late last month, charges Dr. Rakesh Punn, 53, of Bethpage, with four counts of Criminal Sale of a Prescription for a Controlled Substance, 28 counts of Assault in the Second Degree, 10 counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, three counts of Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, one count of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, six counts of Unlawful Surveillance in the Second Degree, seven counts of Fraudulently Obtaining a Signature, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Third Degree. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison on each of the 28 assault charges. He has been in jail on $3.5 million bail since he was originally arrested on July 16, 2010. Rice said that as early as 2007, Punn obtained video footage and still photographs of at least five young girls in his office. Punn would get video footage in two different ways. First, he would have them disrobe, lie on the examining table, and cover their eyes with gauze and a blindfold. He would then videotape or photo-
graph his sexual contact with them. Investigators say that Punn touched and manipulated the girl's genitals. In many instances, Punn would give the girls a sedative to render them unconscious. In other instances, he would have the girl stand in his office,
DA Kathleen Rice
If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison on each of the 28 assault charges. He has been in jail on $3.5 million bail since he was originally arrested on July 16, 2010 while a small digital camera hidden among objects on his desk recorded video. Punn would then have the victim expose her breasts in various positions while being taped. Punn did all this while telling the girls that these were medically necessary examinations. Punn
also duped some of the girls into signing a "contract" that said that they were 18 years old and willing to perform numerous sexual acts on Punn. The victims have told the District Attorney's Office that they never saw the document they were tricked into signing. In addition to the assaults and sexual abuse, Punn wrote prescriptions for chloral-hydrate, a controlled substance, and gave the prescriptions to patients or another person. He would then trick the patients into filling prescriptions and bringing them back to him, under the guise of compounding a special drug or "checking" the prescription. Punn then secretly removed the bottle of chloral-hydrate and kept it for himself. Pursuant to a search warrant of his office, three bottles of chloral-hydrate were recovered, with prescription labels in patient's names. The investigation began with a tip to the DA's Office and is being investigated by the DA Squad and members of the NCPD's Crimes Against Property Squad. Rice is asking anyone who believes that they might have been a victim of Dr. Punn to contact the NCPD's Special Victim's Unit. A search of his home revealed a large amount of cash and a forged international driver's license with his photo, but a false name and birth date. "This trusted pediatrician turned his office into a house of horrors for many young girls, and I am asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this sexual predator to contact my office immediately," Rice said.
Congressman Joe Crowley
been a long-time advocate on behalf of women and children who are victims of abuse here in the United States and across the world. The federal government has taken great strides toward providing essential services to adult and child victims of violence and has made significant progress towards breaking the cycle of violence in so many homes throughout our country. I will continue to fight to keep these essential programs and funding in place to protect women and children who are victims of abuse." Former NY Governor David Paterson said, "In a lifetime spent in public service one of my main focuses was to try and close the disparity gap for women and minority owned businesses. We were able to achieve this goal because we recognized that an all inclusive philosophy was not only critical for New York State's financial recovery but, more importantly, the very basis of our
responsibility to fight for fairness and equality for all." "Stopping violence, whether in our city's streets or conflict zones around the world, requires smart, ongoing dialogue," said Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer. "There are many esteemed guests at this forum representing a wealth of experience and backgrounds. Our diversity is our strength, and we must make full use of it to turn words into action." Archarya Dr. Lokesh Muni, who was the guest of honor on the occasion, was honored by a NYC City Council proclamation. USIN Celebrations is a community organization which was cofounded by New York City District Leader Uma Sengupta and her husband Roger Sengupta. Several of Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi civic leaders as well as cultural and diplomatic figures were in attendance too.
Two Indian men caught in undercover sex sting India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Two men of Indian origin have been arrested on charges of attempted sexual assault on a minor, according to the Bergen County prosecutor's office. Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli announced the arrest of Harmanpreet Sharma,31, of Avenel, New Jersey on June 27 and that of Chintan Bhojak, 27, of Flushing in Queens, New York, on June 30. Sharma was arrested and charged with luring, attempted sexual assault, and attempted endangering the welfare of a minor, specifically by traveling to Bergen County for the purpose of having sexual intercourse with a fourteen year old female. Sharma's arrest stemmed from an investigation in which he used the Internet to have sexually explicit conversations with the pur-
ported child who was an undercover detective, and subsequently made arrangements to meet the alleged child for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. Prosecutor Molinelli requests anyone who has had contact with Yahoo! Messenger user lubhianajawaan or Harman Sharma contact the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Computer Crimes Unit. Bhojak too has been charged on similar counts. Investigators from the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Computer Crimes Task Force, after a month long investigations involving sexually explicit conversations with an undercover cop arrested him. Prosecutor Molinelli requests anyone who has had contact with Yahoo! Messenger user Chints Cantsay or chintsnyc contact the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Computer Crimes Unit.
Top Stories
July 29, 2011
India Post
13
www.indiapost.com
Hindus welcome ICJ decision on Preah Vihear Shiva Temple India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Welcoming International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision on demilitarizing Preah Vihear Hindu temple on ThailandCambodia border, Hindus in America have urged international organizations to urgently undertake its restoration work. ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations established in 1945, in its decision at Hague (Netherlands) on July 18, reportedly found out that both parties (Cambodia and Thailand) must immediately withdraw their military personnel currently present in the provisional demilitarized zone defined by it, and refrain from any military presence within that zone and from any armed activity directed at that zone, to ensure that no irreparable damage was caused. There were skirmishes between both countries in the earlier part of the year reportedly causing damage to this Shiva temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA), said that demilitarization of the temple area would probably avoid the risk of further damage to the ancient
Hindu shrine. Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, stressed that international community, UNESCO (United Nations
There were skirmishes between both countries in the earlier part of the year reportedly causing damage to this Shiva temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) should immediately provide funding and manpower for restoring this Lord Shiva temple back to its original shape. These organizations should not shy away to shoulder their responsibility of saving the important heritage of the world and respecting the feelings of Hindus worldwide, Zed added.
Besides temple repairs, some infrastructure in the area should also be provided for devotees and other visitors, Rajan Zed stated. Zed pointed out that this landmark age-old and revered Hindu temple complex in Preah Vihear province of Cambodia, about 245 kilometers north of Phnom Penh, was important to Hindu heritage and must be preserved to pass it on to the future generations. Damage and deterioration of 11th century Shiva temple was shocking and hurtful to the Hindu community world over. Lord Shiva, one of the major deities in Hinduism forming great triad with Brahma and Vishnu, was focus of worship of the Hindus, and it was important for them that Preah Vihear Hindu Shiva temple be protected and restored. It was moral duty of the world to keep it intact for the coming generations, Zed stressed. Known as Preah Vihear in Cambodia and Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand, this remote temple had been a source of tension for generations. Preah Vihear was said to even predate Cambodia's Angkor Wat temple complex by about 100 years and its stunning setting made it finest of all the ruins left
Air India introduces unique four-ticket package India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Indian Americans and NRIs are often concerned about their parents, relatives, or friends traveling unaccompanied from India to the US, or sending them to India on their own. So, Air India has developed a unique solution, whereby two Executive (Business) Class fare tickets are purchased from or to India, along with two Economy Class tickets at a special 4-ticket package price (inclusive of fuel surcharges). The special offer makes it possible for someone to accompany the Executive Class passengers along their entire journey at the departure, arrival and connecting airports in both directions, all at a significant cost saving. One economy ticket holder flies with the two Executive Class passengers on their outbound leg and the other economy ticket holder could accompany them in the return direction. The economy class tickets are flexible - permitting the ticket holders to fly independently in the one direction (either earlier or later). At any time on their journey, the Executive Class Passengers must be accom-
panied by at least one Economy Class Companion, and each of the Economy Class Companions must perform at least one leg of their journey with the Executive Class passengers. To complete the package, Air India will provide door-to-door service with an airport limo transfer up to 45 miles on arrival and departure at New York. Additional mileage beyond 45 can be
The economy class tickets are flexible permitting the ticket holders to fly independently in the one direction (either earlier or later) paid directly by the passengers at $3.00 per mile. According to Pankaj Bhargava, Air India's Regional Manager-New York, "The scheme addresses a special need that we have identified in the market. Having someone accompany loved
ones at all stages of the trip is a wonderful expression of gratitude, and removes a lot of the anxiety and worry about their traveling alone. And, the cost saving versus purchasing the tickets separately has great appeal to those who would like to treat their parents or other relatives to the comfort of Executive Class travel at the same time. In fact, we thought perhaps we should simply refer to this as our 'Pamper Your Parents, Impress Your Inlaws, Favor Your Friends, Regale Your Relatives or Charm your Colleagues' campaign." So, for $9999 plus government taxes and airport taxes fees which vary by routing, two passengers travel together in Executive Class from any city in India served by Air India to New York, or vice versa from New York to India. The Executive Class passengers must travel together in both directions. However, the two economy class ticket holders need only accompany the Executive Class passengers in at least one direction. Outbound travel of the two Executive Class and at least one economy class passenger must commence between July 21 and October 15, 2011.
from the mighty Khmer civilization, Rajan Zed said. Zed argued that world should not let this sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva (situated where
Known as Preah Vihear in Cambodia and Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand, this remote temple had been a source of tension for generations Preah Vihear province of northern Cambodia touched Sisaket province of eastern Thailand), whose history could be traced to 9th century when the hermitage was founded, be further damaged to advance political agendas of
some. Moreover, Temple of Preah Vihear, an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture mostly created by Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II, was a unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries and was said to be exceptional for the quality of its architecture and carved stone ornamentation. It was reportedly dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva in his manifestations as Sikharesvara and Bhadresvara. It was also said to be marking representation of sacred Mount Meru, the abode of the gods, and showing a depiction of Churning of the Ocean, a Hindu scriptural episode, Rajan Zed said. Cambodian Government's National Committee for the World Heritage describes Preah Vihear as: The site serves as a sacred place worshipping to the Hindu god Shiva manifesting as Sikharesvara (the Lord of Peak) and his figures are depicted on pediments and lintels.
HAF applauds US suspension of military aid to Pakistan India Post News Service
NEW YORK: The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) applauded the recent announcement by the Obama Administration to withhold approximately $800 million in military aid to Pakistan. The decision came amidst reports of an increasingly strained security relationship between the two countries and allegations that the Pakistani military continues to fund and support Islamic militants throughout the region. According to White House officials, the Administration was also upset over steps by the Pakistani army to reduce the presence of US military trainers and other personnel in Pakistan. HAF leaders called the Administration's decision to withhold money a positive development and maintained that military assistance to Pakistan should be subject to strict pre-conditions. "The Obama Administration should be commended for holding the Pakistani military accountable for its blatant misuse of American tax dollars," said HAF Managing Director and Legal Counsel Suhag Shukla. "However, we strongly urge the Administration to further reduce assistance to Pakistan as long as it continues to foment terrorism and extremism in South Asia." Since 9/11, Pakistan has received nearly $20 billion in U.S. aid, including more than $12 bil-
lion in military assistance to combat al-Qaeda and Taliban militants. According to the Foundation, which publishes an annual human rights report documenting persecution against Hindus worldwide, Pakistan has redirected large amounts of this money to purchase military equipment for use against India. During prior HAF meetings with US Congressional offices, Congressional staff acknowledged that there was no real way of ensuring US aid to Pakistan was being used for its intended purpose. In a government supplement published in 2008, the Foundation also detailed the connection between US appropriations to Pakistan and rampant human rights violations against its minority citizens. "The Pakistani government cannot be rewarded with US money while it continues to have a deplorable human rights record." said Ramesh Rao, HAF's Human Rights Coordinator. "Pakistani minorities, including Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and Ahmadiyyas, face daily acts of violence and discrimination and are deprived of fundamental human rights and religious freedom." HAF expressed hope, however, that the Administration would put increased pressure on Pakistan to end its relationship with Islamic militant groups and address the human rights situation in the country.
Desi News Kadava Patidar Samaj organizes picnic KRISHNA RAJDA
CHICAGO: Over 870 KPS members, friends and well wishers participated in the picnic organized by Kadava Patidar Samaj of Chicago here recently. The picnic was planned from 11 am to 6 pm but all KPS committee members and other volunteers arrived at 8:30am to start preparing for the great event. The food team was well prepared. There were donuts, chips, salsa, peanut butter. Details on page 16
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
Bera campaign raises over $500K in CA Details on page 20
14 India Post
www.indiapost.com
July 29, 2011
Two India Day banquets, two India Day parades SURI SWAMY
Arangetram: a dream fulfilled for Kajal Asian Media USA
SKOKIE: Arangetram is a Tamil word which means the 'etram' or ascending of the 'arangu' or performance stage by a dancer, on the completion of her training. Kajal's parents, Ketan Chokshi and Sonal Chokshi hosted an Arangetram event for their daughter on July 16 at the North Shore Center for Performing Arts in Skokie An audience of roughly 200 guests attended the ten dances from two styles of Indian Classical dance, Bharatantyam and Kuchipudi. Details on page 17
Hindu Temple's 14th anniversary celebrated ASHWIN PATEL
ST. LOUIS: The fourteenth anniversary of St Louis Hindu Temple was celebrated with great enthusiasm and big participation by devotees across St. Louis on July 6. The temple management also celebrated Guru Poornima with gusto on July 14 with the performance of Samuhika Satyanarayana pooja by devotees. The Hindu temple of St. Louis was formally registered as a not for profit organization in the state of Missouri on March 7, 1988.
Sunil Shah (center) with two office bearers Mr Singh and Mr Rizvi
CHICAGO: With two factions of the Federation of Indian Associations failing to resolve their intra-organizational feud despite long drawn court battle and good
resent the "real" FIA and are hell bent to prove their huge following among community members by staging India Day parades and India Day banquets.
The FIA headed by Sunil Shah has announced hosting India Day banquet prelude to India Day parade at Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows on August 12 office intervention by a few community activists, members of the Indian community will have the "pleasure" or an "eyesore" witnessing Two India Day Parades one in Chicago and the other in a north side suburb. Both the factions claim to rep-
The FIA headed by Sunil Shah has announced hosting India Day banquet prelude to India Day parade at Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows on August 12 between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Cont’d on page 16
Sunny Gabhawala, the current FIA Chief, with former FIA president Hetal Patel
Rishi Raj to lead Society of Indian Academics
Details on page 18 India Post News Service
Corrigendum All the photographs of the TANA event in Santa Clara published in the California section of India Post were by Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia. The credit to him was inadvertently left out. The error is regretted. -Editor
Dr. Rishi S. Raj, Chair, Faculty Senate of City College of New York
NEW YOK: Dr. Rishi S. Raj, Chair, Faculty Senate of City College of New York (CCNY) has been elected as President of Society of Indian Academics in America (SIAA). D. Raj is a US Navy Distinguished Fellow and Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the CCNY and one of the most dis-
tinguished Indian-American faculty. Among those elected to other posts are: Prof. Hrishikesh D. Vinod (Fordham University) as Vice President; Prof. Surendra Kaushik (Pace University) as Secretary; and Prof. M.G. Prasad (Stevens Tech) as Treasurer. Cont’d on page 16
Community Across America
July 29, 2011
India Post 15
www.indiapost.com
MAFS well-attended semi annual dinner HIMALI BHARUCHA
Naperville Mayor, A. George Pardel
CHICAGO: The Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) recently hosted its semi annual dinner event with a gathering of over 300 people at its Naperville location. The overwhelming participation was from Metropolitan Chicago, the suburbs of Skokie, Niles, Carol Stream, Roselle and Naperville. Naperville Mayor, A. George Pardel graced this occasion with his presence. Distinguished guests like Marta Pereyra, the Executive Director of the Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly, Amrish Mahajan, chairman, Public Relation Committee, Hindu temple of Greater Chicago and Dr Vijay Patel of Woodridge Clinic were also present at this event. The program began with lighting of a lamp by Mr Promod and Mrs Santosh Kumar, the CFO and the Executive Director of MAFS respectively along with Dr Firdaus Jafri, the President, MAFS, Ms Nalini Gohel, the vice president of MAFS, and other staff members of the agency while Swami Dev Priya Nanda Giri, Bharat Seva Ashram recited a prayer thanking God for peace, tranquility and bliss upon all, and blessed MAFS and its leaders for carrying forward the mission of serving needy elderly everywhere. Dr Firdaus Jafri welcomed the audience and expressed her heartfelt thanks to everyone for coming to this function. She acknowledged that Mrs Kumar has worked very hard for the upbringing of the much needed senior care programs for past two decades; and that, she is continuing to thrive to help, assist and benefit the community senior members at present time free of charge. She encouraged all to donate generously for the elderly. Mrs Santosh Kumar expressed her gratitude by thanking Mayor Pardel, the board members, the seniors, the staff and others
Swamij Purnatma Nand, Mr Promod Kumar, the CFO of MAFS, Ms Nalini Gohel, VP of the Board, Mrs Santosh Kumar, the Executive Director
programs which benefit seniors for the years to come. Mayor Pardel congratulated MAFS for raising funds for the elderly. Praising the members of MAFS, Mayor Pardel spoke, "Love for seniors is evident here," with great appreciation for services rendered to elderly by the Metropolitan Asian Family Services. Admiring the courage of Mrs Santosh Kumar, Marta Pereyra, the Executive Director of the Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly described her as a dynamic leader of the community and mentioned that MAFS is one of the strongest or-
She updated the fact about State budget
Ms Indira Naik, Gazal and Sufi singer
present for coming to this event. In her address, Mrs Kumar assured everyone present that MAFS will continue to support and assist elderly, and attend to solve their problems to bring joy and contentment in their lives. She urged everyone to donate for this worthy cause. She stated that as we all donate in the temples, mosques and churches, we need to donate for
the God's highest creations human beings, especially seniors. She pitched for support from daughters, sons and relatives of elderly parents or grandparents who raised them and played a part in their lives. She convinced everyone that when MAFS homemakers take care of elderly at home, their daughters, sons, relatives can do their jobs or doing
Rohit Parikh and Gayatri Patel
chores etc. guilt free; and that if their parents or other elder relatives join Adult Day services at the center. She updated the fact about State budget cuts and reduction in funding for senior services and inspired all to support and donate for MAFS. She announced the opening of new locations of MAFS in McHenry and Lake Counties and promised to bring
cuts and reduction in funding for senior services ganizations in the coalition. Mr Amrish Mahjan and Dr Vijay Patel thanked and honored Mrs Santosh Kumar for her great work for the senior population and for serving them through various locations in Chicago and suburbs. Shree Gurusamy, the MC appealed for support during intervals. During the entertainment, everyone enjoyed a delicious, sumptuous dinner. Dances were performed by artists of Tamil Association and Bollywood Rhythm's renowned Ms Indira Naik, Gazal and Sufi singer, Rohit Parikh and Gayatri Patel of Malhar Orchestra kept the audience entertained with popular numbers and kept the fund raiser going. With a vote of thanks by Ms Nalini Gohel to participants and supporters, this memorable night came to an end.
Community Across America
16 India Post
July 29, 2011
www.indiapost.com
Kadava Patidar Samaj organizes picnic
Telugu youth dies of medication overdose
KRISHNA RAJDA
Kadva Patidar Samaj office bearers and other members
CHICAGO: Over 870 KPS members, friends and well wishers participated in the picnic organized by Kadava Patidar Samaj of Chicago here recently. The picnic was planned from 11 am to 6 pm but all KPS committee members and other volunteers arrived at 8:30am to start preparing for the great event. The food team was well prepared. There were donuts, chips, salsa, peanut butter, jelly, breads for kids and over 800 pieces of corn with two grills to handle the demand. Also, as usual, Indian traditional Fresh Gotta (Bhajiya) was there. To add taste on Gotta, special Indian Chatani was served too with fried green peppers and onions. The temperature was in 90s and it was necessary to prepare enough water and drinks to face the heat wave for over seven hours. To make members happy
and cool, ice-cream was distributed in the afternoon. On top of this, well wishers donated Idlee
After ice-cream was served, members decided to go for Indian traditional Garba and "Sanedo" dance. This was never performed in KPS picnic before and every committee members had fun watching this dance while food was being prepared for dinner and Sambhar (South Indian dishes) to members. During this event, cricket, vol-
leyball, kothra dod, water balloons and other enjoyable games were played. Prizes were given to winning teams and members. Raffle tickets were sold and the winner was given LCD screen TV which was donated by one of the KPS active members and trustees. After ice-cream was served, members decided to go for Indian traditional Garba and "Sanedo" dance. This was never performed in KPS picnic before and every committee members had fun watching this dance while food was being prepared for dinner. Finally, over 800 members were served Indian food which included khichadi, vegetable shaak, Indian popular sweet Mohanthal, Bhakhari, Chhach (butter-milk), Athanu (Achar) and green peppers. Jayantibhai Oza captured some events of the day shooting video and pictures.
Rishi Raj to lead Society of Indian Academics Cont’d from page 14
The goal of the Society is to connect more than 20,000 faculty of Indian origin in the US under one umbrella, use their expertise to help education system in India and bring US-Indian intellectuals closer to benefit the young and evolving brains and uplift science and technology. Raj received his BS (Hons.) in Math from Punjab University
(Govt. College Ludhiana), MS (Hons) in Mech. Engg (Steam-Gas Turbines) from PFU, USSR and Ph. D (Aerospace) from Penn. State University. He is currently President of Faculty Senate and Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the City College of New York. Professor Raj has lectured at many IIT's and Indian engineering colleges and also served as external examiner for
PhD candidates from Indian Universities. He has also built bonds with local Industries and research laboratory. Prof. Raj designed India's first Transonic and Supersonic Test Rig at the National Aerospace Laboratory in Bangalore. The fame of the City College where he is presently located is associated with Nine of City College students who have gone on to win Nobel Prizes.
Suresh Babu India Post News Service
DALLAS, TX: Maddi Suresh Babu, a software engineer, 37 years, from Davenport, Iowa died on Monday, July 11 because of overdoes of medication that he was taking for his Bipolar disorder. Suresh, a graduate of BITS Pilani, hailed from Dhulipudi village in Guntur District. He is survived by wife, two children and
parents Koteswara Rao and Gangajalam. Friends and family members of Suresh Babu requested TANA to help with logistics to send the remains of Suresh to India. TANA Team Square Chairman Anjaiah Chowdary Lavu and Mohan Nannapaneni, TANA Executive Vice President have completed all procedures in time to send the remains of Suresh Babu to Hyderabad.
Two India Day banquets, two India Day parades Cont’d from page 14
In a talk to this paper, Sunil Shah claims that its celebration of Indian Republic Day had attracted 600 plus members and guests and "we expect over 1000 guests and members to attend the event." FIA has invited a number of dignitaries including the Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Indian CG Mukta Tomar besides numerous front ranking politicians and community activists. "We expect that they will attend our event as was the case in the past," he said. Touching upon the
subject of India Day Parade, he said that "we are planning a Parade in a northwest suburb like Schaumburg and are seeking permit for the event." Satish (Sunny) Gabhawala, the FIA president took great exception to the claim made by the FIA Group saying that it was like "hijacking" the real FIA. "They are misleading the community members and we would urge them not to fall prey to mischievous claims and propaganda," he said. The FIA headed by Gabhawala would host India Day Parade on Devon Avenue, the traditional venue.
Community Across America
July 29, 2011
India Post 17
www.indiapost.com
Arangetram: a dream fulfilled for Kajal
Kajal offering respects before Natraj Idol Asian Media USA
SKOKIE: Arangetram is a Tamil word which means the 'etram' or ascending of the 'arangu' or performance stage by a dancer, on the completion of her training. Kajal's parents, Ketan Chokshi and Sonal Chokshi hosted an Arangetram event for their daughter on July 16 at the North Shore Center for Performing Arts in Skokie An audience of roughly 200
guests attended the ten dances from two styles of Indian Classical dance, Bharatantyam and Kuchipudi. Kajal became interested in dance form an early age by watching her mother perform in many shows. At the age of five she joined Natraj Dance Academy to find her passion in Indian Classical dancing. Since then she has continued to dance in many different ways. She performed in elementary and
New Orleans Museum to exhibit Hindu deities RAJAN ZED
NEW ORLEANS: The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) in New Orleans, LA will display Hindu deities in bronze in an exhibition titled "The Elegant Image" from August 5 to October 23. This exhibition spanning 15 centuries of the Indian subcontinent will show over 100 sculptures. Museum Director Susan M. Taylor has been quoted as saying: "The Elegant Image must be seen first hand to truly appreciate the spiritual power of these truly unique bronzes." During the same period, NOMA is also organizing another exhibition titled "Modernist Photographs of Tagore's Santiniketan and the Indian Subcontinent from 1929". The art had a long and rich tradition in Hinduism and ancient Sanskrit literature talked about religious paintings of deities on wood or cloth. Founded in 1910, NOMA houses over 30,000 art objects encompassing 4,000 years of world art. It has 46 galleries and its mission includes "to inspire
the love of art". It houses a significant and growing collection of the tribal and village arts of India, particularly those from the Khond tribes and arts from the Karnataka region. Adjacent
This exhibition spanning 15 centuries of the Indian subcontinent will show over 100 sculptures. Museum Director Susan M. Taylor has been quoted as saying: "The Elegant Image must be seen first hand to truly appreciate the spiritual power of these truly unique bronzes" Besthoff Sculpture Garden occupying five acres houses over sixty sculptures from artists from all over the world and hosts yoga three times a month.
Kajal performing during Arangetram
Her Guru Vijayalakshmi Shetty is a leading Indian classical dance choreographer and teacher in the US. Under her guidance, Kajal has pursued these two dance styles over the past 11 years middle school talent shows. She has also performed at many different temples and shows. Her Guru Vijayalakshmi Shetty is a leading Indian classical dance choreographer and teacher in the US. Under her guidance, Kajal has pursued these two dance styles over the past 11 years. Using a range of facial expressions, rhythmic footwork, complex hand gestures and sinuous body
movements, Kajal brought to life ancient stories, mythical scenes, poetry and song. Many in attendance, experiencing Indian classical dance for the first time, were treated to a virtuoso introduction to the art form. In between dances, Kajal took the effort to explain the meaning and significance of each dance to those in the audience unacquainted with the Indian classical dance styles. The performance commenced with several dances in the Kuchipudi style featuring nearly
contorted twists and turns of the body and hands in which the dancer's eyes and fingers are as much a part of the expression as the whirl of her body and feet. Kajal's subtle facial expressions, slight neck movements and hand gestures were integrated rhythmically with the music, evoking her inner happiness and creating a truly joyful spiritual experience. Her dances ranged from expressive pieces depicting sculptures coming to life, spiritual invocations, and celebrations of movement of "Krishna Leela Tharangini".
Community Across America
18 India Post
July 29, 2011
www.indiapost.com
Hindu Temple's 14th anniversary celebrated ASHWIN PATEL
Gurupurnima celebration at St Louis Hindu Temple
ST. LOUIS: The fourteenth anniversary of St Louis Hindu Temple was celebrated with great enthusiasm and big participation by devotees across St. Louis on July 6. The temple management also celebrated Guru Poornima with gusto on July 14 with the performance of Samuhika Satyanarayana pooja by devotees. The Hindu temple of St. Louis was formally registered as a not
for profit organization in the state of Missouri on March 7, 1988. Bhoomi Pooja (ground breaking ceremony) was performed on April 21, 1990. The architectural plans were drawn by the V Ganapati Shastri and Associates of Chennai, India. After the completion of Phase I, the formal inauguration of the Temple was done on Nov 8, 1991. Initially there were only pictures of the deities in the temple. Later Samprokshana
The 14th Temple anniversary celebration
Shanti homam was performed on June 11, 2011 in the Hindu temple of St. Louis yagashala. Homam was conducted to bring blessings to all
(initiation) of Charabimbas (Utsava Vigrahs) made of Panchaloha was celebrated on Jan 21, 1995. The construction of Phase II was started on July 12, 1995. Eleven shilpis (artisans) came from India on Jan 21, 1997 and worked hard to complete the project. The Pran Pratishtapana and Kumbahabhishekam celebrations were done on July 6, 1998. The phase III construction including
Rajagouram was immediately started. Finally Navgrah Pranpratishtapna and Rajagpuram Abhishekam took place on July 8, 2000. Shanti homam was performed on June 11, 2011 in the Hindu temple of St. Louis yagashala. Homam was conducted to bring blessings to all the temple employees, volunteers, devotees and to everyone who is connected to the temple.
South Asian Spelling regional winners
NJ WINNERS: (From L to R) Second Runner Up Mariamma Abraham of Dayton, NJ; Regional Champ Sriram Hathwar of Painted Post, NY and First Runner Up Aditya Rao from Phillipsburg, NJ with Niteka Mokal, Director - PR & Media Services, Touchdown Media Inc. India Post News Service
NEW JERSEY: Over 150 spellers participated in the 2011 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee regionals in the New Jersey and Washington DC areas.
In NJ, Sriram Hathwar from Painted Post, NY became the regional champ and Aditya Rao from Phillipsburg, NJ, the first runner up while Mariamma Abraham from Dayton, NJ came in at third place.
DC WINNERS: (From L to R) Daisy Walia, Manager - Grassroots & Events, Touchdown Media Inc.; First Runner Up Moses Alexander of Herndon, VA; Regional Champ Sruti Akula of Horseheads, NY and Second Runner Up Som Mohapatra of Glen Allen, VA with Rahul Walia, Founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee.
In DC, Sruti Akula from Horseheads, NY was the regional champ and Moses Alexander from Herndon, VA was first runner up while Som Mohapatra from Glen Allen, VA was second runner up.
"We congratulate all of the children who participated in the competition. We also commend the parents who took the time to start learning about how to cover the rising costs of education during the
event," said Kuldeep S. Grover, financial services representative, Gateway Capital Financial, an office of MetLife. The winners received cash prizes of $500, $300 and $200 respectively.
July 29, 2011
Community Across America
India Post 19
www.indiapost.com
12 Sikh Advocates complete training
India Post News Service
WASHINGTON, DC: The Sikh Coalition has successfully graduated its first class from the inaugural Sikh Advocate Academy, a groundbreaking initiative designed to create a national network of professionally-
trained social justice advocates. Twelve passionate individuals from around the nation are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to engage credibly with government officials, promote Sikh perspectives in the media and build alliances with organizations outside the Sikh
community. The new local advocates endured a competitive interview process to be selected for the Academy. They are: Simran Kaur (Fresno, CA), Meeta Kaur (Union City, CA), Saranjit Kaur (Fremont, CA), Sahaj Singh (Santa Fe, NM), Sukhsimranjit Singh (Salem, OR), Arvinderpal
Sikh groups meet with TSA leadership
Singh (Oxford, MS), Manpreet Kaur (Chicago, IL), Manpreet Kaur (Bellaire, TX), Harmeet Kaur (Houston, TX), Kaviraj Singh (Braintree, MA), Charanpreet Singh (Marriottsville, MD), and Gurwinder Singh (New York, NY). The following partners in the
Twelve passionate individuals from around the nation are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to engage credibly with government officials, promote Sikh perspectives government and non-profit communities spoke on panels during the Academy and training of the advocates: • Eric Treene, Special Counsel on Religious Discrimination, United States Department of Justice • Gene Kim, Executive Director, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus
India Post News Service
WASHINGTON, DC: Representatives of the Sikh Coalition, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), and UNITED SIKHS recently met with the head of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Administrator John Pistole, as well as other TSA officials, to highlight the discriminatory screening of Sikhs at American airports. The meeting was led and made possible by Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), who chairs the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Representatives of the offices of Congressman John Conyers (MI-14) and Congresswoman Sheila Jack-
son-Lee (TX-18) were also present to support the Sikh com-
The meeting was led and made possible by Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), who chairs the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus munity. The Sikh organizations thanked the offices of Congress-
woman Judy Chu, Congressman John Conyers, and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee for their support of civil rights, as well as to TSA Administrator Pistole and other TSA officials for their willingness to listen to and address the Sikh community's concerns. TSA officials pledged to examine the issues raised by the Sikh advocacy organizations, including the status of the current secondary screening policy; the impact of a new riskbased screening policy on Sikh travelers; the screening of Sikh children who wear patkas; updates to cultural sensitivity trainings; and improvements to the TSA complaint process for travelers who are mistreated.
• Jasmeet Ahuja, Former Staff Member, House Committee on Foreign Affairs • Michael Lieberman, Washington Counsel, Anti-Defamation League • Priya Murthy, Policy Director, South Asian Americans Leading
Together • Shawn Gaylord, Director of Public Policy, Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network • Arsalan Iftikhar, Senior Media Director, ReThink Media • Mark Reading Smith, Managing Director of DC Office and Rapid Response Director of Security and Rights Collaborative, ReThink Media
Yuba City Sikh shot dead by police India Post News Service
YUBA CITY, CA: A 72-year old Sikh, who was venting his anger over neighbors for using fireworks on July 4, was shot dead by a Sheriff's deputy in Yuba City, California. Authorities say a Sutter County sheriff's deputy fatally shot Jagtar Singh Kang, who witnesses said was in rage with neighbors over using fireworks in front of his home. Kang apparently was in a car and was trying to run over some of his neighbors. He did not heed to warnings to stop by the police officer, who then shot him to death.
"I think that he was probably just fed up," a neighbor was quoted as saying by a local daily. The neighbor said Kang hated fireworks, especially the kind that were being used that night. "There's a difference between safe and sane and what type of fireworks they light over there," he said. The sheriff's deputy, who was not identified, has been placed on paid administrative leave. Because of the potential conflict, the Sutter County District Attorney and the State Department of Justice are conducting the investigation into the shooting. Neighbors said Kang had lived there with his wife for decades.
Community/California
20 India Post
July 29, 2011
www.indiapost.com
Bera campaign raises over $500K in CA India Post News Service
SARAMENTO: Dr. Ami Bera raised more than $530,000 from more than 1,200 contributions this year to challenge Rep. Dan Lungren, R-California., according to a preview of second quarter financial numbers released last week by Bera's campaign. The Bera campaign has more than $448,000 cash on hand for the anticipated rematch, following one of the closest contests in last year's midterm elections. One of the most hotly contested Congressional challengers in the nation in 2010 - Dr. Ami Bera (CA-03) - is picking up right where he left off. He had earlier said, "Since I announced that I am running again in 2012, the broad outpouring of community support for our Congressional Campaign has been incredible," said Bera. "It's clear to me that the community is frustrated with what's going on in Washington DC, and is looking for new rep-
resentation that will be a voice for the forgotten middle class." Growing frustration in the region has fueled Bera's support,
"We need to restore America's economic stability and expand opportunities for everyday people here in California," said Bera with over 93 percent of his contributions coming from California voters. During Lungren's 30 years in Washington, mortgage foreclo-
sure and unemployment rates in the Sacramento area rose to record levels, well-above national averages. More than 6,000 Sacramento area voters joined Dr. Bera at two recent town hall meetings, also raising serious concerns about Rep. Lungren's attempt to overhaul Medicare to pay for more tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires. "We need to restore America's economic stability and expand opportunities for everyday people here in California," said Bera. "We can't do that by gutting important programs like Medicare or by recklessly pushing more risky tax breaks for the richest Americans." Newly proposed boundaries would consolidate CA-3 around Dr. Bera's base, threatening to eliminate Rep. Lungren's conservative supporters from the district all-together. The Cook Political Report labeled Lungren "one of the most vulnerable incumbents in the country" earlier this year.
GOPIO condemns bomb blasts in Mumbai India Post News Service
T
he Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has condemned the series of bombings in Mumbai on July 13 that killed at least 21 innocent people and left many more injured. GOPIO Chairman Inder Singh in a statement said that it considers "these brutal and despicable acts as unforgivable and unjustified criminal actions directed to create widespread fear among innocent citizens." He said, "We consider these bombings as heinous acts against humanity, coming after the brutal attacks of 2008 in the very same city of Mumbai. Our global membership shares the pain and anguish of our brethren and sisters in India, and extend our condolences to the families of the victims and offer prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured. We believe that these continuing series of senseless attacks are meant to cause terror among innocent citizens, and we affirm that terror will not succeed as the will of decent people shall overcome such criminal acts. GOPIO commended the Government of India and Maharashtra State for their diligent efforts in providing emergency services to
the survivors and their families. The statement said, "We fully support all measures taken by the government to bring security, calm and confidence to the people and urge all efforts to prevent similar
and abiding concern for the victims of the tragedy, their families, friends and associates. It is indeed a time of deep sorrow for India, a very nervous time for the people of Mumbai, foreigners affected by
Scenes from the latest Mumbai blasts
attacks in the future. We share in the universal belief that such callous, inhumane and uncivilized crimes have been perpetrated against innocent people in the land of our forbears, a land where freedom has in itself been savagely wounded by the criminals." It said, "GOPIO expresses deep
the heinous acts and citizens of India in general. We are very confident that the people of India will endure this national disaster while they retain courage, sense of dignity, pride, their values and their freedom. There is no doubt that a resilient nation as India will overcome these brutal and senseless attack."
Readers Write... www.indiapost.com
Mumbai blasts part of grand strategy of Islamists
M
umbai has had terrorist bomb blasts in 1993, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2008 and now on July 13, 2011 by radical Islamists. These Indian terrorist, militant groups practice an extreme form of Wahhabi Islam. They preach unrelenting hate and eternal enmity against infidels (those who do not believe in Quran and Mohammed as the only truths). They extol the virtue of violence and savagery to terrorize peaceful Indians who are of Hindu and every other faith except Wahhabi Islam. They derive ideological inspiration from Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Jaishe Mohammed. These have been formally declared as terrorist organizations by the US Government. Indian jihadists are recruited, trained and completely financed by Pakistan's military intelligence agency - Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). First of all, all Indians, and especially Hindus who from 83-84% of the Indian population, have to understand in unambiguous terms that this is not an isolated bomb attack. This bomb blast is a part of the grand strategy by the Pan Islamic movement to Islamize India. At the moment, India is the vortex of World Jihadi movement. The aim of this movement is to dominate entire world, plant Islamic flag in New Delhi, 10 Downing Street in U.K., White House in the US, wipe out Israel and convert the entire world to Islam. In order to achieve their sinister aim since 9/11/2001, Islamic terrorists have carried out more than 17,479 attacks all over the world. In the month of June, 2011 alone, Jihadists carried on 184 attacks, killed 930 and critically injured 1527. (http:// thereligionofpeace.com/) There are newspaper reports that 30 Muslims from Sri Lanka and hundred of Muslims from Kerala have been recruited by Islamic organizations and are being trained in Pakistan for subversive activities in Jammu and Kashmir. It is also reported that Indian Mujahideens were trained by Ilyas Kashmiri, the notorious commando who is reported to have been killed by American drone attacks in Pakistan. (We do not have definitive proof.) The root cause of this problem is Pakistan. Pakistan is the biggest exporter of world terrorism. Pakistan, in one way or the
other is connected with the bomb blasts in Bali, New York, Mumbai, Delhi, Madrid, UK, and Beslan in Russia. The new U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. John Allen declared recently that he has been given the task of eliminating 230 terrorist training camps in Pakistan. The pro-Islamic UPA Government, led by its Chairman Sonia Gandhi has so far refused to hang Mohammad Afzal also knows as Afzal Guru who was convicted and sentenced to death for attack on Parliament, by Supreme Court of India in 2004. This has emboldened the would-be terrorists to kill and maim as many Hindus as possible because they know that nothing would happen to them also. They hold the pacifist, doddering government in Delhi in withering contempt since they know it is incapable of any firm action. In addition to that 10 Janpath is scared that any firm action against terrorists might backfire on the 'Gandhi Dynasty'. Personal safety and political ambition is above national security for them. This is an open secret, yet no one wants to talk about it. Hindus in India live in the state of denial. They do not recognize the gravity of the situation. In each and every state, Muslims have formed militant groups to kill Hindus at will. For example, in Jammu and Kashmir 32 terrorist groups and four secessionist groups are working hard to destroy India from within. In Assam, the following Islamic insurgent groups are working in tandem with Pan Islamic Jihadi groups to demoralize and terrorize Hindus, balkanize India and establish Nizam-e-Mustafa (the Rule of Allah): Adam Sena (AS) , Harkat-ulMujahideen, Harkat-ul-Jehad , Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam , MULTA), Muslim United Liberation Front of Assam (MULFA) , Muslim Security Council of Assam , MSCA), Islamic Liberation Army of Assam (ILAA), Muslim Volunteer Force (MVF) , Muslim Liberation Army (MLA), Muslim Security Force (MSF), Islamic Sevak Sangh (ISS) , Islamic United Reformation Protest of India (IURPI), United Muslim Liberation Front of Assam (UMLFA), Revolutionary Muslim Commandos (RMC), Muslim Tiger Force (MTF). Cont’d on page 21
Readers Write...
July 29, 2011
India Post 21
www.indiapost.com
Freedom isn't freedom without justice
A
merica celebrated its Independence Day on July 4th while Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day on August 14th. This nearness of the Independence Days of America and Pakistan is the only thing that can be said to define the relationship of the U.S. to Pakistan as "close." In all other respects, we are as far apart as night and day. America deserves due credit because it's Constitution and amendments grant its citizens rights and freedoms and the means to secure and protect them. And while the realization of these rights and freedoms by different groups and classes took many decades to achieve, the fact remains that the freedom America represents is the shining light that draws people to our shores from all over the globe. America as an ideal is the place where people are Americans first and nationalities or religions second. It is this very dream of inclusiveness in the American Dream that must be made a reality for all. The Africans brought to America as slaves were eventually freed not only by the efforts of goodhearted people but by the promise imbued in the words of Thomas Jefferson - Founding Father, slave-owner and author of the Declaration of Independence who wrote: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It is these words that ultimately
gave birth to our Constitution's Bill of Rights - freedoms that would be in the governing charters of all Muslim nations were they truly following the dictates of justice set forth in the Holy Quran. One Muslim country, Pakistan, started off on the right path towards justice when, on August 14th, 1947, its founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, stated the fundamental right of all Pakistanis to enjoy religious liberty free from state control. In his inaugural speech, Jinnah proclaimed that all citizens of Pakistan - be they Muslim, Christian, Jew, Hindu or Sikh - were free to go to their mosques, churches, synagogues or temples. The state would not interfere in the religious matters or faith choice of any citizen of Pakistan. However, when Jinnah passed away suddenly soon after, the dream of religious freedom died with him. The Mullahs of that era lost no time in strong-arming the national assembly into defining Pakistan as an Islamic and not a secular state. Sixty-four years later, all religious minorities in Pakistan live in fear of the bigotry, persecution and violence of the mainstream Sunni Mullahs and their congregations. This is because Pakistan's Constitution and penal codes, rather than protecting people's religious rights, liberty and lives as envisioned by Jinnah, instead sanction their death by way of the draconian blasphemy laws that criminalize the free exercise
Mumbai blasts part of grand strategy of Islamists Cont’d from page 20
http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/ countries/india/terroristoutfits/ index.html) Hindus have to give up apathy. Hindus have suffered unprecedented brutalities at the hands of radical Islam for at least a thousand years. It is a pity that Hindus still have illusions and delusions about Muslim psyche! The time to procrastinate is over. They have to wake up from their deep slumber. The survival of the Hindu religion and culture is at stake. The present pro-Islamic Muslim appeasing government in India is responsible for all the ills from which Hindus are suffering. Hindus should clearly note that they will have no respite until Pakistan
suffers drastic and continuous penalties for its terrorist actions, or is broken into pieces or completely destroyed. Hindus can amply benefit by listening to the following quote from Chinese General, military strategist and author of The Art of War: "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself, but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle" - Sun Tzu (The Art of War). Narain Kataria President Indian American Intellectuals Forum
of religion and religious expression - all in the name of respecting Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammad. Since 1984, anyone in Pakistan can be fined, jailed or even put to death by the state simply for being accused of blasphemy against Islam or the Prophet Muhammad by word or deed. No proof is required because to produce it would be to recommit the alleged offense. Ahmadi Muslims, Christians, Shia Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus are the chief victims of these infamous blasphemy laws, which are employed regularly to dispossess one's neighbors and business rivals of their homes, livelihoods and even their lives. It is a spiritual cancer that has raged unchecked for three decades, claiming thousands of innocent lives. The instigators and beneficiaries of this cancer are the Mullahs, the religious clerics and fanatical rabble-rousers the Holy Prophet Muhammad warned Muslims about 1,400 years ago, calling them "the worst creatures under heaven." But do Pakistani Muslims listen to and act upon the dire prediction of the founder of their religion and rid themselves of this plague of Mullahism? On the contrary, the vast majority of Pakistanis either cower in fear of the Mullahs or jubilantly support the hate-mongering incitements of these same
Mullahs. (To demonstrate this one need only consider the paltry 362 Pakistanis who turned out to condemn the Jan. 4th, 2010 assassination of Punjab Gov. Salmaan Taseer by his own bodyguard, compared with the 62,000 Pakistanis who turned out a few days later to cheer and show their support for Taseer's unrepentant confessed murderer, showering him with rose petals as he went to court for his arraignment.) To add insult to injury in this deadly theater of the morally insane, the majority of Pakistan's Mullahs routinely tell the people that all their problems are caused by America. In reality, all their problems are, ultimately, caused by the Mullahs themselves. And though Pakistan is labeled a 'democracy,' there is no democracy, no justice and no civil rights or equal protection under the law. The rule of law is held captive by the clenched fists of the Mullahs who, with their venomous calls for hatred and murder, are leading themselves and their congregations to hell from virtually every mosque in Pakistan. This is why the only way to effect real, substantive spiritual change and true justice in the lives of the persecuted religious minorities in Pakistan is to rid the country of Mullahism. The first and most effective step towards that end is to excise all blasphemy laws and punishments
from the Pakistan Constitution and penal codes. The next step is to stringently enforce the "rule of law" and provide equal protection under the law for all Pakistanis, regardless of race or religion. This will effectively hold the Mullahs and their minions accountable for the evils they commit in the name of Islam - evils that are in complete violation of true Islamic law. As long as the Mullahs hold sway over the military, president, prime minister and national assembly, and as long as the Mullahs are given free license by the laws and Constitution of Pakistan to foment injustice and murder, there will be no freedoms and no justice. Ideally, there should be total separation of state and mosque in Pakistan, with the Mullahs being removed completely from the political equation that only condemns Pakistan to certain chaos and eventual death as a nation. When the Constitution of Pakistan begins to resemble the Constitution of the United States, then and only then will our two countries begin to have a relationship that can be said to be "close" - one based on mutual respect, human rights and true religious freedom. Then and only then will the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, rest easy in his grave and be proud of Pakistan: the "Land of the Pure." Imam Shamshad A. Nasir Chino, CA
New Muslim group advocates Sharia in US
A
n extremist Muslim group in the US called AsSabiqun has opened two centers to promote its ideology, reports the Investigative Project on Terrorism. The group urges Muslim-Americans to create Muslim-only enclaves as a step towards bringing the US under Sharia Law. The two centers, called the "College in Islamic Movement Studies" and the "Islamic Institute to Counter Zionist American Psychological Warfare," are in Washington, D.C and Oakland,C.A. The website of As-Sabiqun honors Ayatollah Khomeini; Hasan al-Bana, the founder of the Muslim Brotherhood; Sayyid Qutb, the extremist preacher who inspired Osama Bin Laden, and other supporters of terrorism. Musa also promotes theories that the U.S. government and Israel
staged the 9/11 attacks, and says that as a Muslim, he "like[s]" Osama Bin Laden. He has also praised Hamas and Hezbollah. As-Sabiqun also promotes a plan to create Muslim-only communities in the U.S. where Islamic Sharia law can be established. The ultimate goal is to bring the U.S. under Sharia Law. As-Sabiqun isn't the only group trying to create such mini-states. The Muslims of the Americas organization has established compounds dozens of acres large, such as "Islamberg" in Hancock, New York State. In 2009, the Christian Action Network exposed how this organization is instructing some of its members in guerilla warfare by releasing, "Homegrown Jihad: Terrorist Camps Around the U.S.," a film about the organization. As the spotlight moves away from the Fort Hood massacre, one
of America's most openly radical Islamist organizations has taken to the murderer's defense. AsSabiqun, a Washington D.C.based organization with branches in four other major American cities, released a flyer labeling shooter Nidal Malik Hasan as "victimized" and the "target of psychological warfare." The handout also defended convicted terrorists and suspects. As-Sabiqun has repeatedly predicted the demise of the United States and dreams of "the Islamic State of North America no later than 2050." It has openly declared support for terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hizbullah, and even claimed it funded anti-American militants. Madhu Patel Founder President NRI Press Club Chicago
TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Hale Dil : Murder 2 2 Bhaag D.K Bose, Aandhi Aayi : Delhi Belly 3 Phir Mohabbat : Murder 2 4 Ik Junoon : Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
22
India Post
www.indiapost.com
July 29, 2011
In love with BENGAL A
debut with a Bengali film left such a deep impression on her mind that Tamil actress Vidya Balan went on to act in three Hindi films having a strong Bengal connection, made Kolkata her second home and even vowed to marry a Bengali. But the reason for her bonhomie with the 'City of Joy' remains a mystery that the Kerala-born actress has failed to unravel. "I don't know. I have stopped trying to understand that. I have
just accepted that there is a relation. My mom keeps on saying that there might be a relation from past life because I do not know anyone with so much of love for Bengal. Even the man in my life will have to deal with another love affair and that is Kolkata," Vidya said. The actress talks about her Bengal connection, her women oriented roles and more. Anything from Bengal - be it the films, food, language, culture, fashion and songs - the 33-year-old
Back in Bolly
S
outh actress Kajal Agarwal, who made a blink-n-miss appearance in Aishwarya Rai-starrer 'Kyun Ho Gaya Na', and now with strong presence in Singham, says she is looking for a longer innings in Bollywood while continuing to work in films down South. "I am here to stay. There are people who come and go. I would like to believe that I am here for a very long time. And Hindi being my language I am very comfortable with it, I can deliver my dialogues way more easily. I don't have to mug up scripts and lyrics, which is a plus point," said Kajal, who is playing the female lead opposite Ajay Devgn in the Rohit Shetty directed action film.
Kajal's acting career spans four years but she is already a name to reckon down South. She has 21 South movies to her credit, having majorly worked in Telugu movies and done a couple of Tamil films as well. "Singham came my way when I was shooting for a Telegu film of mine in Hyderabad. At that time Rohit had seen my film 'Magadheera' which is a very big Telegu film. He liked me and my role in the film," Kajal said. In Singham, Kajal essays the role of Kavya, Ajay's love interest. On her experience of working with the actor, Kajal says he was very helpful and made her feel comfortable.
5 Aye Khuda : Murder 2 6 Haal-E-Dil : Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap 7 Saathiya : Singham 8 Jalebi Bai : Double Dhamaal 9 Bande : Men Will Be Men 10 Tai Tai Phish : Chillar Party
Bollywood (Indian film industry) actress has lapped it all up. "I even know some Bengali songs and rhymes. I keep on learning," she said, adding that her unflinching love for Kolkata is so deep and self-evident that people often mistake her to being a Bengali. It was a decade ago when Vidya, who made her acting debut with Goutam Halder's Bengali film 'Bhalo Theko' in 2003, first visited Kolkata to shoot for an ad film. "The first time I came to Kolkata and I felt like I knew it. That was where it all began. I felt a sense of familiarity. I could instantly connect with the warmth and sentimentality that Bengalis have," said Vidya, last seen in 'No One Killed Jessica'.
Bollywood
July 29, 2011
India Post
23
www.indiapost.com
S
onam Kapoor would have missed the recently held unveiling of the theatrical trailer of her forthcoming film "Mausam", had she not requested her "Players" producers for a short break. Sonam was about to give the event
a miss, but she really wanted to be a part of it and asked for a few hours off from her pre-booked schedule of "Players", according to a source close to the actress. Sonam promised to be back on the shoot as soon as possible, and managed to balance her responsibilities to both her projects.
It’s all
"Mausam" producer Sheetal Talwar of Vistaar Religare Film Fund says he was glad that Sonam could make it to the event. "It was great that Sonam could make it for the launch, after all 'Mausam' is a love story and would have truly been incomplete without her," Talwar said in a statement.
OVER
A
sin Thottumkal broke up with Neil Nitin Mukesh through a text message that simply said: "It's over", reveal close friends. Since then, there has been no communication between the two actors, who started out as friends and later began dating. A source reveals, "In any case, they never made their relationship public. Asin had made it very clear that Neil shouldn't ever talk about them to the press or otherwise. Strangely the two are poles apart - she's controlling and fiercely ambitious, he's fun-loving and easy going. Like every other couple, they too had fights; teething problems, if you please. But the real trouble began when Asin started getting close to Salman Khan." Apparently, Neil had issues with her attending SK's house parties. When he confronted Asin, she told him to back off. "She was bonding with everyone from John (Abraham) to Akshay (Kumar). Even though all this was for work and to sign big films, Neil felt he was getting sidelined. He raised the issue often but she refused to address it." Soon, Asin just stopped answering his calls. "His phone calls and messages went unanswered for days. Her 'it's over' text was the final nail in the coffin. The two have gone their separate ways since."
Aftab detained
A
ftab Shivdasani was detained for interrogation at the Tel Aviv airport while on his way to Istanbul for a short holiday at the end of the annual 10-day fest. His frequent visits to the Gulf countries as recorded in his passport apparently caught the attention of the airport authorities. Reveals a close friend, "They asked him all sorts of questions, right from his purpose for visiting the Gulf countries so frequently and people he knew there to what his name meant. Apart from the interrogation, the actor's bags were also checked very thoroughly. Each item was checked manually and then put separately through the screening machine. His iPod and iPhone weren't spared either. The officials even insisted on going through his message inbox to double check things".
S
hah Rukh Khan was halted and interrogated by custom authorities at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport while returning from London. A source informs, "SRK had gone on a family holiday to Holland and London. On his way back he was carrying with him about 20 bags. Thus, the custom officials at airport interrogated him, while his family was allowed to go. The interrogation was conducted by a team of deputy collector, Customs, Sameer Wankhede. Shah Rukh had to pay a duty of approximately Rs 1.5 lakh." An eyewitness says, "The customs treated Khan, no differently than other passengers. They didn't give him any special treatment. He wasn't even allowed to make a phone call." Customs commissioner, P M Govande confirms, "Yes, he was interrogated but it is a routine thing. Whenever people bring stuff they have to pay duty on it."
Excess baggage
SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Sita Sings the Blues, a critically acclaimed animation film that draws parallels from Ramayana once again raised the heckles of Hindu Americans who last week, got a special screening of the film in New York cancelled through intense emailed protests. Rohan Narine, a real estate agent in New York was to organize a screening of the film at Starlight Pavilion, a catering hall in Queens, on July 21. It was however, cancelled after growing protests from the Hindu community.
24
India Post
www.indiapost.com
July 29, 2011
whom Nina Paley has drawn irreverent parallels from her own heartbreak," the Forum said in a statement. "The film claims to be based on the Hindus' holy scripture Ramayan, when in reality, it is a parody on the sacred epic." The Forum said that animator Nina Paley has in the past disregarded protests by over 8500 Hindus, showing her complete insensitivity to the Hindu sentiment and malicious intent in making this film. The Forum urged organizer Rohan Narine and Starlight Pavilion to show sensitivity to the Hindu sentiment and cancel the showing. HowA spontaneous protest demonstration by temple devotees also had taken place at Durga Temple of Virginia July 18, when a TV interview about the issue was recorded in front of the Rama-Sita shrine. Last week, Forum for Hindu Awakening had received several complaints about this showing to be held along with a panel discussion with the filmmaker Nina Paley. Hindus have found this animation film to be an extremely denigrating twist on their sacred epic Ramayan. The Forum for Hindu Awakening said given the organizer Rohan Narine's initial non-response to Hindus' protests, it had to call for staging educative protests outside the venue and boycotting Starlight Pavilion. The film, directed, written, produced, designed and animated by American animator Nina Paley, drew intense protests from Hindu Americans a couple of years ago when PBS aired it in New York. The film shows Sita as the goddess separated from her beloved Lord and husband Rama. Nina is an animator whose husband moves to India, then
Forum for Hindu Awakening had received several complaints about this showing to be held along with a panel discussion with the filmmaker Nina Paley. Hindus have found this animation film to be an extremely denigrating twist on their sacred epic Ramayan dumps her by email. Three hilarious shadow puppets narrate both ancient tragedy and modern comedy in this colorful animated interpretation of the Indian epic Ramayana. Set to the 1920's jazz vocals of Annette Hanshaw, Sita Sings the Blues goes with a tagline "the Greatest Break-Up Story Ever Told." "Hindus have found almost each scene of the film to be extremely denigrating of their revered deities like Rama and Sita, with
ever, the Forum said that not receiving a response from neither of them the Hindus were left with no option but to intensify their protests. On her website last week, Paley had asked viewers to attend the screening for the special reason that it was "organized, at great effort, by a devout Hindu, Rohan Narine, for a largely Hindu audience." According to her blog, Narine had origi-
nally set up the screening at a temple, but someone had nixed it. He then rescheduled it at a Hindu senior center, but it was nixed from being screened there too. Finally he chose the neutral Starlight Pavilion. "‌ and of course the Hindutvadi fundamentalists want to protest it‌" she wrote. Narine, on the same website, later informed that the Starlight screening too has been cancelled over too many "threats" and "abusive emails." "So, I've decided to have this screening in my living room with catered food, seating for fifty people, and a microphone system for the panel discussion afterward. This will be taped and aired on you tube to show all the "devout" Hindus in India that it was indeed shown, discussed, and documented," Narine wrote as a last word.
July 29, 2011
India Post
25
www.indiapost.com
from around the world to portray the King of Rock 'n' Roll in unprecedented visual styles. Beyond the original illustrations, the book will also feature numerous hand-writ-
The illustrated, oversized coffeetable book will be released in stores early April of 2012, with a more immersive digital iPad edition
times," he said. In the same way comic books inspired Elvis, this book will enable today's premiere comic book artists to find inspiration from Elvis' treasured archives at
The book, entitled ‘Graphic Elvis’, will combine rare quotes, photos, memorabilia and even notes written by Elvis himself with original pieces of artwork by leading international graphic novel artists of America award. "When I was a child ladies and gentlemen, I was a dreamer. I read comic books and I was the hero of the comic book...so every dream that I've dreamed has come true a hundred
collectors' edition, priced at $195 and limited to only 2,500 copies worldwide, is currently available for pre-order to be shipped early for this year's holiday season in December 2011. Liquid Comics, a digital entertainment company focused on creating cinematic and mythic graphic
ery entertainment medium he touched, from music to movies to concerts, and now to graphic novels," stated Liquid Comics CoFounder & CEO, Sharad Devarajan. "We are honored to be working with EPE, Inc. on this iconic celebration of Elvis' legacy. Through his personal reflections and archives we hope to allow Elvis' creativity to be channeled through the inspiring visuals from some of the most acclaimed creators in graphic fiction."
of Elvis that continues to create new fans around the world today. We can't wait to see what fantastic imagery will be created by the time the book is completed." The illustrated, oversized coffee-table book will be released in stores early April of 2012, with a more immersive digital iPad edition also planned for release later that year. The book will be edited by Devarajan and Liquid Comics CoFounder, Gotham Chopra. However, a premium hardcover,
novel stories with filmmakers, creators and storytellers, was founded by entrepreneurs, Gotham Chopra, Sharad Devarajan and Suresh Seetharaman. Liquid has created and is creating original graphic novels with acclaimed filmmakers and talents including John Woo, Guy Ritchie, Shekhar Kapur, Deepak Chopra, Dave Stewart, Jonathan Mostow, Edward Burns, Nicolas Cage, John Moore, Wes Craven, Barry Sonnenfeld and others.
Liquid Comics to produce Elvis Presley comics
India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Indian American digital entertainment company, Liquid Comics, has licensed the name, image and likeness of the legendary Elvis Presley from Elvis Presley Enterprises to produce a unique illustrated anthology of original artwork inspired by the King of Rock 'n' Roll. The book, entitled "Graphic Elvis", will combine rare quotes, photos, memorabilia and even notes written by Elvis himself with original pieces of artwork by leading international graphic novel artists. With a release date timed to commemorate the 2012 35th anniversary of his death, "Graphic Elvis" will be an illustrated homage to Elvis' lifelong appreciation of comic books. This was one of the sources of inspiration for his unique sense of personal style and his fashion choices both on and off the stage. Elvis shared the impact of comic books on his life in his famous acceptance speech for the 1971 Top Ten Outstanding Men
ten notes and musings, rarely seen by the public and written in the margins of various books owned by Elvis. "Elvis Presley transcended ev-
"We are very excited to work with Liquid Comics on such a unique book that we are certain Elvis' fans are going to love," added Carol Butler, Vice President of Worldwide Licensing for EPE. "The images we've seen so far do an amazing job of representing the spirit, the energy and the passion
Graceland, creating a unique visual experience for his millions of fans. Acclaimed graphic novel artists, Paul Pope, Greg Horn, Jeevan Kang and Mukesh Singh will join dozens of artists being recruited
26
India Post
July 29, 2011 www.indiapost.com
Daredevil Director - always in midst of action
D
irector Prakash Jha's latest film Aarakshan, a powerful look at the state of the controversial educational system in India, stars Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, and Deepika Padukone and opens in theaters worldwide on August 12. On a typical film set where most directors are found sitting by the camera in their director's chair calling out action, Prakash Jha is always found in midst of the action. Prakash Jha who is known to be one director who takes on challenging subjects with his films, seems to have taken a few during the shooting of Aarakshan. One would always find Prakash Jha with the film camera on an edge of a bridge without support, or on a crane 50 odd ft above the ground, amidst a chaotic crowd or under a
running bulldozer to get a shot just right. Amitabh Bachchan who is working with Prakash Jha for the first time, rightly dubbed him as a "Khaatron Ka Khiladi."
One would always find Prakash Jha with the film camera on an edge of a bridge without support, or on a crane 50 odd ft above Being the daredevil director, Prakash Jha escaped a few almost accidents during the shoot. It happened twice during shooting,
Prakash Jha directs Amitabh Bachchan
while taking a shot under the bulldozer, the driver didn't hear the command to "Stop" from the action director, almost running over Prakash Jha. Second time, he wasn't as lucky as he takes off on a scooter by himself during a location shift, and gets into an accident. Un-fazed by the injury the "Khataron Ka Khiladi" - Prakash Jha remarks to his crew jokingly "you've made me fall, but don't
It is the story of his loyal disciple, Deepak Kumar (Saif Ali Khan) who will do anything for his Sir. Of Deepak's love for Prabhakar's daughter, Poorbi (Deepika Padukone), of his friendship with Sushant (Prateik). It is the story of their love, their lively friendship, their zest for life, and of their dreams for the future. Centered on one of the most controversial issues of recent years, with
Saif and Deepika in a scene from the film
think I have fallen from grace." The story Aarakshan is the story of Prabhakar Anand (Amitabh Bachchan), the legendary idealistic principal of a college that he has single-handedly turned into the state's best.
the Supreme Court's order on reservation, the story suddenly becomes a rollercoaster ride of high drama, conflict, and rebellion, which tests their love and friendship for one another, and their loyalty to Prabhakar Anand.
July 29, 2011
India Post
27
www.indiapost.com
Big B doesn't believe in caste system
A
mitabh Bachchan, who plays a major role in Aarakshan, doesn't believe in the caste system, has never faced any bias because of his caste and is proud that his father gave him a surname that doesn't denote any such thing.
"If ever I have faced a rejection or a failure, it has been on the basis of my incapability to do something and never my caste," said Amitabh, 68. "I think rejection because of incapability is right because if I'm not capable of doing a particular work, the other person has the right to disapprove of me or reject me. Like, I lost in politics because I was not capable, not because I was of a
particular caste," added Big B. "I never understood the caste system because I was born and brought up in a family and in an atmosphere that never ever preached caste or believed in it," said Amitabh. "I feel very proud because I am the first bearer of a name that was started by my father which has no cast reference at all. My father, perhaps, was the very first individual in the city of Allahabad to have undergone an inter-caste marriage in those times. "He married a Sikh. He was a Kayasth from UP (Uttar Pradesh). When the question came about of my admission in school and the teachers asked what is the surname, my father said he didn't want the surname to bear any kind of caste reflection and therefore his pen name became my surname. Amitabh's family boasts of secular credentials. While his father married a Sikh, he himself is married to a Bengali (Jaya Bachchan). His son (Abhishek Bachchan) is married to a Kannadiga (Aishwarya Rai) and his daughter (Shweta Nanda) has tied the knot with a Punjabi (Nikhil Nanda).
Turkey: First Class & Deluxe Touring
SITA WORLD TOURS
SITA WORLD TOURS INTRODUCES:
With its 10,000 year history, a rich cultural tapestry and awe-inspiring landscapes encompassing some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and dramatic vistas, visitors will discover a vacation destination of endless fascination in Turkey. Book any Turkey tour below before Aug 30, 2011 and receive $50 off per booking!
Explore Istanbul: 4-day/3-night - includes the highlights of Istanbul: Spice Market, boat ride on the Bosporus, Topkapi Palace, St Sophia, the Grand Bazaar and more. From $735 p.p. sharing. Turkey at a Glance: 6-day/5-night - includes the highlights of Istanbul with Izmir and Ephesus added. From $995 p.p. sharing. Treasures of Turkey: 9-day/8-night - includes Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia and the underground city, Konya/Pamukkale, Kusadasi. From $1,595 p.p. sharing. Best of Turkey: 11-day/10-night includes all of the above time plus Canakkale/Pergamum and their Greco-Roman ruins. From $1,770 p.p. sharing. Attractive airfares on Turkish Airlines available on request!
Benefits of traveling with SITA: Providing customized family travel • Exceptional prices and value Personalized SITA service • Destinations: Africa & the Middle East, Asia, Australia & New Zealand • India • South & Central America Discover the World of SITA
800.421.5643 www.sitatours.com
CST #2003643-40
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SITAWorldTours
28 India Post
www.indiapost.com
July 29, 2011
29 India Post
www.indiapost.com
D Dandeli is the mythical "Dandakaranya" mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. The name 'Dandakaranya' was derived from the word 'Dandvalli' (green bamboo)
andeli is a small town situated in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is located amidst lush green forest ranges of the Western Ghats along the banks of River Kali. Dandeli is famous for its adventure and eco-tourism. As per ancient texts, Dandeli is the mythical "Dandakaranya" mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. The name 'Dandakaranya' was derived from the word 'Dandvalli' (green bamboo). Dandeli lies at a varying altitude of 100m to 970m and is intersected by river Kali and a large number of streams. Dandeli is a popular destination as it rears rare species of flora and fauna, which are typical of Western Ghats.
July 29, 2011
This place consists of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the second largest sanctuary in Karnataka. Set in the heart of dense deciduous forests of Western Ghats, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is home to about 200 varieties of avian species. Spread along a sprawling area of 834. 16 sq km, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve, in the year 2006. Dandeli also holds the designation of being a Hornbill reserve and Crocodile reserve. The town of Dandeli is an emerging educational and industrial hub in the South. Cont’d on page 31
30
Travel & Hospitality Post
India Post
July 29, 2011
www.indiapost.com
'Festival' draws tourists back to Swat KARACHI: After being a centre of Pakistan's biggest military operation for two years, the picturesque Swat valley got a rare opportunity to host a colorful festival where thousands gathered to collectively shift the focus from conflict to regeneration. The 'Swat Festival' organized by the army to promote tourism and help people recover from the
tion of thousands of people. During the festivities, a new world record was set by a UKbased skydiver Andrew and two others, who jumped from a height of 3,660 meters with the "largest" Pakistani flag. "It gives me great pleasure to be here. I feel honored to fly the biggest Pakistani flag over Swat Valley which is such a beautiful
Swat valley, 160 kilometres from Islamabad, was a popular tourist destination before being overrun by militancy. Over the past two years it has been a focal point of a military operation memories of militancy and conflict attracted a large number of adventure sport lovers to what is known as the 'Switzerland of Pakistan'. The military operation that was launched in 2009 against the Taliban claimed over a thousand lives and displaced as many as 2.4 million people. Many popular tourist spots were destroyed, but with peace slowly returning to the government administrated district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhawa province, the festival has caught the atten-
place," Andrew told reporters after completing his world record feat. Swat valley, 160 kilometres from capital Islamabad, was a popular tourist destination before being overrun by militancy. Over the past two years it has been a focal point of a military operation against Taliban and other militant groups. "The festival aims to provide the younger generation of Swat with multiple opportunities. We want to involve them in healthy and positive activities to regain
A British skydiver sets a world record by jumping off a height of 3,660 metres with a Pakistani flag. Paragliders also display various stunts at the Spirit of Swat paragliding event
peace in the region," Major (retd) Hamid Raza, the owner of Hawk Gliding Club, one of the organizers of the event, said. "The free fall jump was con-
Andhra Pradesh top tourist destination NEW DELHI: With Tirupati temple attracting hordes of visitors, Andhra Pradesh has become the top tourist destination in the country recording 155.8 million domestic tourists last year. Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu settled at second and third positions respectively with 144.8 million and 111.6 million domestic tourists, according to the data available with Tourism Ministry. "Tirupati temple in Andhra attracts maximum tourists. In fact, the number of domestic tourists visiting the state is more than Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra which have Taj Mahal and Ajanta Ellora respectively," a senior Tourism Ministry official said. The footfall at domestic tourist destinations across the country witnessed a surge touching 740 million in 2010, an increase of 10.7 per cent than the previous year. The number of domestic tourist visits to the states and Union Territories was 669 million in 2009 and 563 million in 2008. "The growth in domestic tourist visits in 2010 was about 11 per cent in comparison against the previous year," said the official. The other states in top ten category were Maharashtra (48.5 million), Karnataka (38.2 million), Madhya Pradesh (38.1 million), Uttarakhand (30.2 million), Rajasthan (25.5 million), West Bengal (21.1 million) and Gujarat (18.9 million). The contribution of top 10 states was
about 85.5 per cent to the total number of domestic tourist visits during 2010. The number of foreign tourist visits during 2010 was 17.9 million as compared to 14.4 million in the previous year, registering a growth of 24.2 per cent. Maharashtra becomes the top state in attracting 5.1 million foreigners in 2010 followed by Tamil Nadu (2.8 million) and Uttar
Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu settled at second and third positions respectively with 144.8 million and 111.6 million domestic tourists Pradesh (1.7 million). The other states and Union Territories which attracted foreign tourists in significant number are Delhi (1.9 million), Uttar Pradesh (1.7 million), Rajasthan (1.3 million), West Bengal (1.2 million). Those states and Union Territories which attracted less than a million tourists in 2010 were Kerala (0.66 million), Bihar (0.64 million), Himachal Pradesh (0.45 million) and Goa (0.44 million). -PTI
ducted 3,660 meters above sea level from an MI 17 plane, and the adventure athletes displayed various stunts during their free fall, after which their
parachute opened at a height of approximately 1,220 meters," Captain Jamshed, instructor of Peshawar Parachute Training Centre said. -PTI
Suu Kyi criticizes restoration of Myanmar temples YANGON: Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has decried restoration work on Myanmar's centuries-old Bagan temples for not meeting international standards. Myanmar's application in 1996 for World Heritage status for the temples was rejected by the UN cultural agency UNESCO because the restoration did not use original designs and materials. "It's so sad to see that the temples are not properly restored. Restoration of the temples is not up to international standards," Suu Kyi said. Her visit to Bagan was her first trip out of Yangon since being released from house arrest last year. Bagan, also known as Pagan, has more than 2,800 monuments built between the 10th and 14th centuries. The central Myanmar site is considered one of Southeast Asia's major historical landmarks, with Cambodia's Angkor Wat and Indonesia's Borobodur temple. UNESCO still has the site on its "tentative" list. "These monuments represent the outstanding artistic and technical achievement of an original and innovative Buddhist school of art," the agency has said. Construction of a 60-meter-high viewing tower in 2003 drew particular ire from conservationists, with UNESCO saying the tower would be out of scale and detract vi-
sually from the historical monuments. State tourism authorities responded that the tower intended to provide unfettered views would prevent tourists from climbing on fragile pagodas and stupas and damaging them. Citing the conservation of Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu valley in Nepal, Suu Kyi said experts took five years of study before carrying out restoration of the structure. "Thorough technical study should be
Citing the conservation of Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu valley in Nepal, Suu Kyi said experts took five years of study before carrying out restoration of the structure made before carrying out the restoration work. One cannot just go about restoring the temples using modern material and without adhering to the original architectural styles," Suu Kyi said. Suu Kyi said one of the reasons her National League for Democracy urged a boycott of a government-launched Visit Myanmar year in 1996 was that conservation of the temples was done hurriedly for the tourism campaign and was substandard. -PTI
July 29, 2011
Travel & Hospitality Post
India Post 31
www.indiapost.com
Dandeli: Famous for adventure and eco-tourism Cont’d from page 29
It is also termed as 'Mini-India' as majority of the inhabitants here are migrants from across India, who have settled here for employment. Hindi, Kannada, Konkani, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam are the commonly used languages at Dandeli. Dandeli tourism offers a wide array of activities that range from jungle safari, trekking, white water rafting, canoeing, ab-sailing, rappelling, fishing, boating, swimming, bird watching and coracle rides. There are also many sightseeing attractions in and around Dandeli like Naghjari view point, Ulavi, Syntheri rocks, Maulangi, Kulgi nature camp, Supa dam, Supa catchment area, Ganeshgudi, Shanmukha view point, Vincholli falls, Magod falls etc. Dandeli is located at a distance of 125 km from Goa and 480 km from Bangalore and is easily accessible as it is well connected by road with
distance of 25 km from Dandeli. Tourists will have to trek some thousand steps through a dense forest to reach Kavala caves. These caves are revered as the abode of Lord Shiva - the Hindu god of Destruction.
Dandeli Wild Life Sanctuary and Anshi National Park is dominated by river Kali, be it from its banks or from atop a mountain. The activities at this national park includes: Coracle Rides (in water, would be able to spot crocodiles, hornbills and other birds), Rock Climbing (small), Mountain Biking, Rafting/Kayaking/Canoeing, Camping, Jeep Safari ride, Trekking in the forest, bird watching. Other nearby places to visit includes: Kavala Caves, Syntheri Rocks, Sykes point, Siroli peak. Dandeli Wildlife sanctuary is very calm and peaceful. It nestles some very rare birds and animals.
Dandeli Wildlife sanctuary is very calm and peaceful. It nestles some very rare birds and animals
all the major destinations within the state of Karnataka. The vicinity of Goa, Belgaum, Karwar, Dharwad and Hubli makes Dandeli a favorite destination of holiday makers. Best time to visit Dandeli would be October to June. What to see Kavala Caves: Ancient Kavala caves are a perfect destination for tourists to visit while their trip to Dandeli. This place is located at a
Kulgi Nature Camp: Kulgi Nature Camp is located at a distance of around 14 km from the Dandeli National Park. This camp has small museum, nature interpretation centre. It is located on the Ambika Nagar - Yellapur Road. Main highlight of this museum is the stuffed remains of a 13-ft king cobra which was caught few years back in this area. What to do
It has unspoilt and not much explored hidden treasure of wildlife, which can surely leave any nature lover speechless. Rafting: Kali River is a great location for the rafting. There is a route of around 9-14 km for rafting. This route is of class III and continues for around 2 to 3 hours. Getting There Air: Closest airport: Belgaum (110 kms), Hubli (75 kms) and Goa (150 kms). Air Deccan has daily flights from Mumbai and Bangalore to Belgaum, Goa and Hubli. Train: Closest rail head: Alnavar (32 kms), Londa (48 kms), Dharwad (57 kms), & Hubli (75 kms). Road: Dandeli is well connected to Bangalore, Mumbai (Bombay), Goa, Belgaum, Karwar and Dharwad, Hubli by road. Several buses ply to Dandeli everyday.
World renowned painter's work taken to Mt Everest KATHMANDU: World renowned artist Ranan Lurie's "Uniting Painting" has been taken to the Mt Everest to campaign for tourism promotion of Nepal. Famous summiteer Namgyal Sherpa of Nepal along with India's Jogabyasa Bhoi reached atop the Everest, the highest peak in the world besides five other Sherpas. They carried the 17 kg paintings to the Everest top. Lurie, renowned artist and political cartoonist from New York, met President Dr Ram Baran Yadav here on April 25 when the paintings were handed over to mountaineer Namgyal.
This event has helped to deliver the message of friendship, peace and harmony and equality among all nations, cultures and world community, said Hotel Association of Nepal, the main sponsor of the event in a release. The Uniting Paintings of Lurie was unveiled by then UN Secretary General Kofi Annan at the visitors' entrance to the UN General Assembly building in November 2005. The 37 multi-colored panels inside the UN represent one of the rare occasions when any art exhibitions have been allowed in the complex. -PTI
Cho-Lhamu declared highest lake in India GANGTOK: Cho-Lhamu lake, located over 18,000 feet above sea level in North Sikkim, has been declared the highest lake in the country after a survey conducted by the central government. The Wetland Atlas, prepared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has stated that Cho-Lhamu is the highest lake in the country and the sixth highest lake in the
world, state Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel said here. The Teesta River, stated to be the lifeline of Sikkim, has its origin in Cho-Lhamu Lake, located near the Donkiala pass and only about five km from the Indo-China border. Dhungel said the recognition for Cho-Lhamu Lake would boost the tourism industry of the state. -PTI
If You are looking For the BEST & the MOST AUTHENTIC VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT IN TOWNCome to One and Only One Place
Publicly Acclaimed Top Vegetarian Restaurant Serving NORTH INDIAN • SOUTH INDIAN • GUJARATI • JAIN DISHES
TASTE OUR 30 PLUSE MOUTH WATERING DISHES ONCE YOU COME TO US YOU WILL NOT ELSEWHERE THAT IS OUR GUARANTEE
2508 W. Devon Ave.Chicago, IL 60659
Tel:(773) 274-5800 Fax: (773) 262-4465 E-mail: aryabhavan@aol.com www.aryabhavan.com
CATERING IS OUR SPECIALITY
32
July 29, 2011
India Post www.indiapost.com
Serving to P erf ection Perf erfection SOUTH INDIAN CUISINE
SEEMA WORLD TRAVEL, INC.
SCHAUMBURG EXCLUSIVE LUNCH BUFFET 7 DAYS AWEEK
One of the Oldest Travel Agencies in St. Louis
Competitive Rates & Confirmed Seats for All Major Airlines DEVON LOCATION STRICTLY VEGETARIAN CHICAGO:
SCHAUMBURG:
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11:30 AM TO 10:00 PM WASHINGTON D.C.:
2543 W. DEVON AVENUE
730 SCHAUMBURG RD.
1329 UNIVERSITY BLVD. EAST
CHICAGO IL 60659
SCHAUMBURG IL60194
TACOMA PARK MD 20783
(773) 338-2152
(847) 884 9510
(301) 434-1531
ENJOY SPECIAL NON-VEG ITEMS AT SCHAUMBURG
New York (Hicksville)
10635 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132
Tel: (314) 423-9990 or (800) 55 SEEMA Fax: (314) 423-0391
AIRWING TRAVELS INC. Est. 1991
Tel: (516) 931 4600
Toll Free: (866) 532 3413
New Jersey (Iselin)
Tel: (732) 658 5450
Lowest Fares / Confirmed Seats to INDIA & Other Destinations Worldwide Save upto 40% on First and Business Class OPEN 7 DAYS - Call or Email : AIRWINGTRAVELS@GMAIL.COM
NEWS on your desktop www.indiapost.com
July 29 , 2011
India Post 33 www.indiapost.com
SKY WORLD TRAVEL 1-888-695-0005
CONSOLIDATORS (INTL. & DOMESTIC) : 3HWHUVRQ 6WH &KLFDJR ,/
SPECIAL LOW FARES TO BOMBAY, DELHI, MADRAS, CALCUTTA, DHAKA, KARACHI, LAHORE etc. Tel: 773-728-9071 773-315-8597
E-mail us at: skyworldtravels@hotmail.com
FOR ALL YOUR
MATCHLESS EXPRESS TOURS 2600 W. Peterson Ave., Suite 105 Chicago IL 60659 Experienced Travel Consultants Pasport and Visa Services available * Confirmed seats (Even in High season) * Low Airfares * Courteous Service 2240-42 West Devon Chicago IL 60659 Ph# 773-338-4080 Fax# 773-338-4088
Call and Contact
Tel. (773) 338 6260
TRAVEL NEEDS INTERNATIONAL DOMESTIC AIR INDIA AND ALL OTHER MAJOR AIRLINES. PACKAGE DEAL TAJ TOUR-SOTC
CALL:
Sita Ram Patel @ 847-568-0535
Tech News Iran warns it may halt crude supplies to India TEHRAN: Iran has issued a new warning that it will halt supplies of crude to India unless the issue of billions of dollars in overdue payments is resolved. "If the Iranian side feels it cannot receive the money for its exported oil punctually and under desirable conditions, it will reconsider" its crude exports to India, foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told his weekly press conference. India is Iran's second largest client after China and absorbs about 20 per cent of its crude exports, but New Delhi has been struggling for more than six months to pay Tehran due to international banking sanctions imposed on the Islamic republic over its nuclear program.-AFP
LIC investments to top Rs 2 lakh cr NEW DELHI: India's largest insurer Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has said its total investments in the market will cross Rs 2 lakh crore this fiscal. "Our investments will be more than last year... We will top last year's total investment of Rs 2 lakh crore this year," LIC Managing Director Thomas Mathew told reporters on the sidelines of a Ficci event here. He said the company had invested Rs 40,000 crore in equities last fiscal and this year, it will be above that. LIC is the largest domestic institutional investor in the Indian market. -PTI
Punjab govt amends two revenue acts CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act 1953 and the PEPSU Tenancy and Agricultural Land Act 1955 have been amended by the state government for the benefit of land owners. "These amendments would ensure that the tenancy would be for a fixed term. It will also allow farmers to give their land on lease without fear or risk," an official spokesman said here. The amendments were suggested by Punjab Governance Reforms Commission setup at Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal's initiative. Amendments have been made in Sections 9(1), 9(A), 17 and 18 of Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act 1953, he said. -PTI
TechBiz
Rajiv M Sanghvi, Managing Director, Audi Hyderabad, unveils Audi RS 5 Coupe in Hyderabad.
34 India Post
www.indiapost.com
July 29, 2011
Eurofighter optimistic to win India's MMRCA contract LONDON: As India prepares to open the commercial bids for the USD 10.8 billion tender for 126 medium range multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA), Eurofighter hopes to make the country a partner in its Typhoon fighter jet program which it says would be a game-changer. "We are offering India to become a full participant in the program‌ fully or partially whatever India chooses to do...get involved in future developments. Combat aircraft program never stops. It will operate over decades," said Peter Maute, Senior Vice-President of Cassidian Air Systems, the secu-
rity and defense company of the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS). Quoting an independent study,
A Eurofighter Typhoon
Maute said choosing Eurofighter Typhoon would create more than 20,000 high skilled jobs in India. The European consortium
OPIC to invest $ 820 mn in renewable sector
T
he US financial agency, Overseas Private Investment Corp (OPIC) expects to mobilise investments of $820 million by the year-end to finance projects in the Indian renewable sector. "We have doubled our portfolio of investments in India since last November. By the end of cal-
OPIC has been focussing on renewable sector in India and has been working with both large and smaller companies endar year, we hope to have generated $520 million in brand new investments of US companies into solar and renewable sector," Ms Elizabeth Littlefield, President and CEO of OPIC. Besides, the OPIC expects to mobilise $300 million in private equity fund to invest in smaller firms in the renewable sector, Ms Littlefield told the US India Business Council roundtable on supporting India's infrastructure.
hopes that the offer to make India a full industrial participant in the Eurofighter Typhoon program would be a game-changer.
OPIC has been focussing on renewable sector in India and has been working with both large and smaller companies in areas of solar, bio-gas, wind and hydro power sector since 2007. "We expect to make a difference to address India's challenges such as energy shortage, difficulty in access and distribution and shift to cleaner sources of energy," Ms Littlefield said. Meanwhile, the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) also announced a grant of $1.4 million for feasibility studies of two clean energy projects in India. USTDA Director, Ms Leocadia Zak announced a grant of $719,985 to Astonfield Renewables Pvt Ltd to prepare design and deployment of a 5 MW solar photovoltaic unit in Bankura, West Bengal and a 10 MW plant in Belgaum, Karnataka. Ms Zak also announced a $686,447 study grant to North Delhi Power Ltd for the implementation of smart grid technology in India. The USTDA is also expected to announce support for the Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) at the Chennai International Airport. The project will provide assistance to the Airports Authority of India for installation and operational commissioning of a pilot GBAS system.
According to Eurofighter officials, 280 Typhoons have already been delivered out of the 707 aircraft on contract to Germany, Italy,
Spain, the UK, Austria and Saudi Arabia. Asked if Eurofighter is willing to "give away" its unique selling propositions, source codes of radars and design for the "sake of 126 units," the consortium said it would not be an issue if India becomes a partner of the Eurofighter program. In the meanwhile, the Eurofighter partner countries of Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom are doing all they can to showcase and aggressively promote Typhoon as the world's most advanced swing-role combat aircraft. -PTI
HC rejects Vedanta expansion bid plea CUTTACK: In a major setback to Vedanta Aluminum Limited's plan for expansion of its refinery and captive power units in Kalahandi district, the Orissa High Court has upheld the Center's decision of stalling the expansion bid and withdrawing the terms of reference (ToR) granted to the company. The High Court, however, allowed the company to make a fresh
for environmental clearance for any expansion attempt by the Company has to be started de novo." Justifying MoEF's October 20, 2010 order of status quo at the plant site at Lanjigarh, the HC also viewed the ministry's withdrawal of ToR granted to the company in 2009 as legal. Reacting to the high court's verdict, VAL counsel Manoj Mishra
Justifying MoEF's October 20, 2010 order of status quo at the plant site at Lanjigarh, the HC also viewed the ministry's withdrawal of ToR granted to the company in 2009 as legal. Reacting to the high court's verdict, VAL counsel Manoj Mishra said the company would take the next course of action bid to obtain environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) for any further expansion of its existing units. Rejecting the writ petition of the company and another related PILs, the Division Bench of Chief Justice V Gopala Gowda and Justice B N Mohapatra said, "The process
said the company would take the next course of action after studying the full text of the judgment. The company is left with the option to either challenge the decision of the high court in the Supreme Court or to furnish a fresh proposal to obtain environmental clearance as suggested by the MoEF. -PTI
TechBiz Post
July 29, 2011
India Post
35
www.indiapost.com
Tweaking laws to check money laundering: Pranab Group on 'Money Laundering' here in the south Indian state Kerala. He said, "The capabilities against money laundering and
operation, among others. Stressing the need for mutual legal assistance, especially in extradition and exchange of information and intelligence
He said, "The capabilities against money laundering and terrorist financing should be strengthened by all nations to ensure an effective, efficient and more productive crusade against this menace"
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee inaugurating the Asia/Pacific Group meeting on Money Laundering at Kochi.
KOCHI: Committed to the full implementation of international standards to combat money laundering and terror financing, India said it was making suitable amendments to converge the country's existing laws with the recommendations of the global Financial Action Task Force. In order to make the Prevention of Money Laundering and
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Acts more effective, India was in the process of making 'suitable' amendments to the two acts to bring them in line with the core and key recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said while inaugurating the five-day meeting of the Asia-Pacific
terrorist financing should be strengthened by all nations to ensure an effective, efficient and more productive crusade against this menace." Global responses to the challenges of money laundering could be in the form of raising awareness about the phenomenon, especially the socio-economic impact, creating the necessary legal and institutional frameworks and effective law enforcement and international co-
Japanese delegation interested in Kalpasar project AHMEDABAD: A Japanese trade delegation has evinced interest in the ambitious Rs 30,000crore Kalpasar Project which proposes to build a dam on the Gulf of Khambat in Gujarat and establish a huge reservoir of fresh water. Discussions were held with the Japanese delegation and if all goes well, the project could be a joint venture with them," Principal Secretary, Narmada Water Resources, Water Supply and Kalpasar department, H K Dash, said. "The delegation has assured us of organizing a seminar in Japan this September to showcase opportunities back home offered by this project for companies specializing in water projects," he said. Kalpasar project has a lot of potential and shall help the government fulfill its commitment for supplying water to parched areas of Saurasthra region, Dash added. The re-designed dam is proposed to be built from Kalatalav in Bhavnagar district in Saurashtra to Aladar in Bharuch district in south Gujarat, which is 15-km north of the place from where the dam was earlier envisaged--from Ghogha in Bhavnagar to Hansot in Bharuch. It is a massive project in which sweet water that flows into the sea via seven big rivers of the state will be collected and stored in the proposed dam.
The project proposes construction of a 30-km-long dam on Gulf of Khambat, leading to creation of 2,000 square km fresh water reservoir in the region. "The mega project shall also link Saurasthra to South Gujarat by a 30-km dam, with a ten lane road," Dash said, adding a proposal for energy generation, both solar and wind, also falls under the ambit of the project. "The land reclaimed for dam
pockets. "About 10,000 million cubic meter (MCM) of water inflow of rivers like Narmada, Dhadhar, Mahi, Sabarmati and some of Saurashtra rivers will be stored there (Kalpasar dam)," state officials said. According to a CII report, Gujarat has nearly 185 river basins located within the confines of its boundaries. However, only three rivers,
‘The delegation has assured us of organizing a seminar in Japan this September to showcase opportunities back home offered by this project for companies specializing in water projects’ construction can be used for industrial activity. A lot of interest is being generated in the project from leading industrial houses as well as from overseas," Dash said. Gujarat, with 50 billion cubic meters of usable water, has a per capita water availability of less than 1200 cum (cubic meter), much lower than the nation average of 1880 cum, states a CII report on 'Water Sector in Gujarat'. Presently, sweet water flows from the state rivers directly into the sea and is not being diverted to parched regions of the state leading to water scarcity in certain
Tapi, Narmada and Mahi are perennial in nature. The river basins in regions like Kutch are plagued with issues of poor rainfall, it said. Other benefits of the project are a surface transport link, reclamation of saline land and ground water improvement around fresh water reservoir besides potential development of fisheries and tourism. The projected water demand for domestic and industrial customers will be 2,000 MCM (million cubic meter) by 2025, the report added. -PTI
among enforcement agencies, he said technical assistance and cooperation must be strength-
ened in a "robust manner". Although it was not possible to make a suitable estimate of the amount of money laundered, the quantum of money generated from criminal activities and laundered throughout the world is believed to be several billions of dollars, up to as much as 2 to 5 per cent of the global GDP, he said. Left unchecked, money laundering can undermine the integrity of any financial system and embroil individual financial institutions in share-crippling financial scandals, he said, calling for collective efforts to deal with it "ruthlessly".-PTI
Over 20K customers affected by Allahabad HC order: CREDAI NOIDA: Apex body of real estate players CREDAI has said it will challenge the Allahabad High Court order to quash acquisition of nearly 600 hectares of land in Greater Noida in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, a step that will affect over 20,000 buyers. The Allahabad High Court order has impacted 11 projects in Greater Noida, CREDAI said. "Along with buyers, we will go to the court against this order," Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI) Vice-President Geetambar Anand told reporters here. The realtors' body said developers have become "victims" following quashing of land acquisitions by courts, asking government to buy land from farmers in a transparent manner. "Over 20,000 buyers have been affected as per our initial estimation. From the developers' side, 11
projects have been affected by the court's order," CREDAI Vice-President, NCR, Anil Sharma told reporters here. Most of the projects have been partially affected and developers include Amrapali, Supertech, Panchsheel, Arihant and Nirala, Sharma, who is also the Chairman of the Amrapali Developers, said. "It is a huge area. Apart from houses, there are many schools, colleges, medical facilities and roads that have all been affected," he added. CREDAI members met Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) officials to sort out the issue and discussed ways to protect interests of both buyers and developers, Sharma said. "Along with builders, it's also the responsibility of the authority and the government to protect the interests of home buyers," he added. -PTI
Health
Line
FDA favors innovative heart valve for the frail WASHINGTON: Federal health scientists say the first artificial heart valve designed to be implanted without major surgery appears to help patients who are too frail to undergo chest-opening surgery. The Food and Drug Administration has posted its review of a highly anticipated heart valve from Edwards Lifesciences, which can be threaded into place through one of the body's major arteries. Cardiologists hope this approach could offer a new option for old, sickly patients who cannot undergo the more invasive open heart surgery, which has been used to replace valves for decades. FDA says more patients who received Edwards' valve were living after one year than those who did not receive the device in a company study. -AP
Brain injury raises risk of dementia PARIS: A big study in older veterans raises fresh concern about mild brain injuries that hundreds of thousands of American troops have suffered from explosions in recent wars. Researchers say even concussions seem to raise the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life. The results challenge the current view that only moderate or severe brain injuries pose a dementia risk. The study involved nearly 300,000 veterans 55 and older receiving care through the U.S. Veterans Health Administration. -AP
Wyoming sees increase in bacterial infection CHEYENNE, Wyo.: The Wyoming Department of Health is reporting a sharp increase statewide in potentially dangerous human Campylobacter bacterial infections this summer. The department has identified 29 cases of the infections in Wyoming residents statewide since June 1. That is a fourfold increase compared to historical data for the same time period. At least six people have been hospitalized. Nearly three-quarters of the case patients are male. Kelly Weidenbach of the state Health Department says there appears to be no single common source for the infections. -AP
Health Science 36
India Post
www.indiapost.com
July 29, 2011
Bachmann adds health care to spending limit pledge COLUMBIA, S.C.: Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann signed a pledge opposing any increase in the U.S. debt limit, after adding her own stipulation on health care. Details on page 38
Accusations fly over Medicare board under healthcare law WASHINGTON: So long death panels. Hello ``rationing'' board. An independent panel authorized by President Barack Obama's health care law to control excessive Medicare cost increases is drawing heavy fire from Republicans. Nearly every health industry lobbying group is pushing for its repeal, as are some consumer advocates. GOP lawmakers call it a rationing panel, and at least one has suggested seniors will die from its decisions. But don't look for the Independent Payment Advisory Board to start chopping any time soon. It doesn't exist yet. Known as IPAB, the board may not be appointed for another couple of years, and remains in suspended animation to see if the brouhaha dies down. IPAB has the power to force Medicare cuts if costs go up beyond certain levels and Congress fails to act. Although Medicare's long-term finances are troubled, it's unclear if short-run costs will
rise enough over the next decade to trigger the board's intervention. If that happens, the law explicitly forbids IPAB from rationing care, shifting costs to retirees or restricting benefits. Yet the uproar is getting louder. ``Senior citizens will lose control over what they actually get in
tially privatize Medicare for future retirees ran into trouble, Republicans became more vocal about IPAB. At a press conference of the GOP Doctors Caucus, Georgia Rep. Phil Gingrey suggested the board could leave a trail of bodies. ``Under this IPAB ... a bunch of bureaucrats decide whether or not
'If Congress is actually paying attention to the bottom line of Medicare, IPAB is irrelevant ... and it never triggers in,' she said Medicare,'' GOP presidential candidate Michele Bachmann told conservative bloggers in Minneapolis last month, ``because a politically appointed 15-member board that's unelected and unresponsive to the will of the people called IPAB will make the decisions about what care we get and what care we don't.'' After their own plan to essen-
you get care, such as continuing on dialysis or cancer chemotherapy,'' said Gingrey, an ob-gyn physician. ``I'll guarantee you, when you withdraw that, the patient is going to die.'' But IPAB an unusual delegation of power by Congress may exist only on paper for a long while. The administration seems in no rush to set it up.
Just this spring, Obama had proposed beefing up IPAB to squeeze more out of Medicare. But as opposition grew, and prominent House liberals and AARP voiced their own objections, the administration downplayed that idea. In recent testimony before two House committees, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius described IPAB as just a ``backstop'' and a ``failsafe.'' ``If Congress is actually paying attention to the bottom line of Medicare, IPAB is irrelevant ... and it never triggers in,'' she said. Obama hasn't made any moves to set up the new agency, said Sebelius, but has only consulted about possible board candidates. Those members would have to be confirmed by the Senate, a fight the administration may be unwilling to pick when it can't even get Medicare chief Don Berwick approved. Cont’d on page 38
Falls, eye test may give clues to Alzheimer's PARIS: Scientists in Australia are reporting encouraging early results from a simple eye test they hope will give a noninvasive way to detect signs of Alzheimer's disease. Although it has been tried on just a small number of people and more research is needed, the experimental test has a solid basis: Alzheimer's is known to cause changes in the eyes, not just the brain. Other scientists in the United States also are working on an eye test for detecting the disease. A separate study found that falls might be an early warning sign of Alzheimer's. People who seemed to have healthy minds but who were discovered to have hidden plaques clogging their brains were five times more likely to fall during the study than those without these brain deposits, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's. Both studies were discussed at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in France. More than 5.4 million Americans and 35 million people worldwide have Alzheimer's, the most
common form of dementia. Brain scans can find evidence of it a decade or more before it causes memory and thinking problems, but they're too expensive and impractical for routine use. Doctors and families need easier ways to tell who is developing the disease, so a simple eye test and warning signs like falls could be a big help.
Researchers compared retinal photos of 110 healthy people, 13 people with Alzheimer's and 13 others with mild cognitive impairment, or ``pre-Alzheimer's,'' who were taking part in a larger study on aging. The widths of certain blood vessels in those with Alzheimer's were different from vessels in the others and the amount of differ-
'My hat's off to them for looking outside the brain for other areas where we might see other evidence of this disease' The eye study involved photographing blood vessels in the retina, the nerve layer lining the back of the eyes. Most eye doctors have the cameras used for this, but it takes a special computer program to measure blood vessels for the experimental test doctors are using in the Alzheimer's research, said the study's leader, Shaun Frost of Australia's national science agency, CSIRO.
ence matched the amount of plaque seen on brain scans. More study is planned on larger groups to see how accurate the test might be, Frost said. Earlier work by Dr. Lee Goldstein of Boston University showed that amyloid, the protein that makes up Alzheimer's brain plaque, can be measured in the lens of the eyes of some people with the disease, particularly
Down syndrome patients who often are prone to Alzheimer's. A company he holds stock in, Neuroptix, is testing a laser eye scanner to measure amyloid in the eyes. Goldstein praised the work by the Australian scientists. ``It's a small study'' but ``suggestive and encouraging,'' he said. ``My hat's off to them for looking outside the brain for other areas where we might see other evidence of this disease.'' Eye doctors often are the first to see patients with signs of Alzheimer's, which can start with vision changes, not just the memory problems it's most known for, said Dr. Ronald Petersen, a Mayo Clinic dementia expert with no role in the new studies. Other signs could be balance and gait problems, which may show up before mental changes do. Susan Stark of Washington University in St. Louis led the first study tying falls to a risk of developing Alzheimer's disease before mental changes show up. Cont’d on page 39
July 29, 2011
Health Science Post
India Post
37
www.indiapost.com
US states cut home health services for seniors LOS ANGELES: Born with cerebral palsy, Jennifer McPhail relies on a home health aide to help her get dressed for work and ready for bed at night. Her motorized wheelchair keeps her active, working as an organizer with a disability rights group in Austin, Texas, and volunteering to help people find housing and to staff hurricane shelters. She now fears deep cuts in the state's Medicaid spending will prevent her from living independently. ``What it says to me is that the state doesn't value the lives of people with disabilities,'' said McPhail, 39. ``A lot of people are going to be hurt in a very intimate way.'' It's a concern facing families across the country as states with gaping budget deficits cut home health services that help keep the elderly and disabled out of nursing homes. States are reducing how much time a nurse can spend making house calls and ending meal deliveries for the homebound. Many also are gutting adult day care programs that give seniors a safe place to spend their days while their relatives are at work.
Aging and disability services in three out of four states have been reduced over the last two years or face cuts, even though demand is increasing. Texas lawmakers underfunded Medicaid by nearly $5 billion in the state budget, a move that home health advocates say leaves the elderly and adults with disabilities unsure how their care at home will be provided. California eliminated funding for about 330 adult day centers, a move that will affect some 35,000 seniors who use them for medical care and socializing. Lawmakers are hoping to restore about $85 million to transition seniors into an as-yet undetermined alternate program - about half the amount cut from the budget. Minnesota is considering cuts to home health aides and a program that allows disabled people to live on their own. With each cut, the ability to live at home becomes more difficult. ``You end up losing control over your decisions,'' said Neil Johnson, executive director of the Minnesota HomeCare Association. About 12 million people receive
home health services nationwide, according to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice. Home health services are an easy target for budget-cutters because they are not required by federal law, have been subject to fraud and don't have deep-pocketed special interests advocating for them. But down the road, steep cuts in these services eventually
Because the programs are not required, most states first look at cutting home health care could cost states more money if they end up pushing more people out of their own houses and into nursing homes that would require taxpayer subsidies. ``Just because you cut the budget doesn't mean their needs go away,'' said Anita Bradberry, executive director of the Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice Inc.
Medicaid, the state-federal program that pays for medical and long-term care for the poor and disabled, is generally required to help fund nursing homes but not home care and community services. Because the programs are not required, most states first look at cutting home health care funded through Medicaid, even though such programs are much cheaper than nursing homes. The price of an adult day health center is $67 a day on average, compared with $229 a day for a private room at a nursing home, according to a 2010 survey released by insurance company MetLife Inc. Overall, Medicaid spending on nursing homes came to $46.5 billion in 2007, the latest figures available, while home health services cost $6.3 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Before the recession, states actually expanded home health programs because they are less costly. But now, with so many states facing billion-dollar deficits, lawmakers say they have no choice but to cut Medicaid spend-
ing, the second-biggest spending item for states behind education. South Carolina is ending payments for adult dental and vision care. In Massachusetts, Gov. Deval Patrick has proposed cutting $55 million from the state's adult day care program, two-thirds of its funding. That would affect some 5,200 participants. Among them is the 81-year-old mother of Irva Almonor. She agonized for months over what to do with her mother, who was forgetting to take her diabetes medicine and turn off the stove inside the Massachusetts home they share, before enrolling her in an adult day center. The family feared she would hurt herself - or worse - while she was alone, and she resisted any thought of going into a nursing home. Without the adult day health care centers, Almonor's only choice would be to leave her mother, who suffers from diabetes and mild dementia, alone again at their Holliston, Mass., home. Quitting work wasn't an option, and hiring a home health aide would cost her about $21 an hour. Cont’d on page 39
38
Health Science Post
India Post
July 29, 2011
www.indiapost.com
Bachmann adds health care State investigating HIV unit contracts to spending limit pledge COLUMBIA, S.C.: Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann signed a pledge opposing any increase in the U.S. debt limit, after adding her own stipulation on health care. The GOP presidential hopeful signed the ``cut, cap and balance'' pledge in Columbia after adding that Congress must cut off funding and repeal the health care overhaul passed last year. ``Obama added to our spending problem by adding trillions of dollars to our debt. Without the repeal of Obamacare, we can't hope to have real economic reform,'' she said. ``I pledge to you as president of the United States of America, I will not rest until we repeal Obamacare. I have the resolve and titanium spine to do just that.'' Bachmann had avoided signing the pledge for several weeks, saying that it didn't go far enough. The pledge signed by eight other Republican candidates says the federal government should not borrow more unless there are immediate spending cuts, enforceable spending caps, and Congress passes a constitutional amendment to balance the federal budget. Bachmann became the ninth GOP presidential candidate to sign. Five Republican governors have signed it, including South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman said that he won't sign because he opposes such pledges in general. The U.S. House is expected to vote on the tea party-backed ``cut,
cap and balance'' plan, though it's sure to stall in the Senate. Even if it manages to pass, Obama said he would veto it. Under the measure, if all the conditions are met, the debt ceiling would be raised. Bachmann said she signed the pledge to support U.S. Sen. Jim
The pledge signed by eight other Republican candidates says the federal government should not borrow more unless there are immediate spending cuts, enforceable spending caps, and Congress passes a constitutional amendment to balance the federal budget DeMint's plan to fundamentally transform the way Washington spends. However, she said emphatically she wouldn't vote to raise the debt ceiling even if the conditions were met. ``Even if we pass this bill, that doesn't necessarily follow that we must increase the debt ceiling. I continue to stand strong and will vote no on increasing the debt ceiling,'' she said. ``We should never continue to spend and borrow money we don't have.'' Bachmann's spokeswoman said later she was unsure whether
Bachmann's insistence she wouldn't vote to raise the debt ceiling means she'd vote against the bill. Earlier this month, DeMint said on CNN that he was disappointed in Bachmann for not signing. DeMint has turned the pledge into a threshold test for 2012 presidential hopefuls seeking his support. However, Bachmann said she felt ``absolutely no pressure to sign.'' She attributed her delay in signing to needing to think it over thoroughly. ``I've always stood firm on these principles,'' she said, adding she talked with DeMint as he drafted the plan. ``I was in the midst of launching my announcement for presidency of the United States. I believe in actually reading the bills before we sign them. I read the bill. I talked this over. I thought about it quite a bit, and I believe that Jim is exactly right. We need a fundamental restructuring in the way Washington spends our money.'' Bachmann was set to talk with religious leaders gathering at a Renewal Project event. The group tries to keeps a low profile with meetings that are closed to the media. ``They want to be able to communicate, probably, in an unvarnished way,'' said Oran Smith, who runs the Palmetto Family Council in Columbia. The group held a similar gathering in Iowa in March attended by Bachmann, Gingrich and thenhopefuls Alabama Gov. Haley Barbour and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. -AP
ATLANTA: State officials are investigating a string of contracts that were awarded by the Georgia Department of Public Health's HIV unit, according to a published report. The internal investigation focuses on about $5 million in contracts issued to nonprofit firms that perform much of the HIV testing in Georgia, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The report said the health department's HIV office has been plagued for years with massive turnover and questionable management of federal funds. HIV Prevention Program Director Leisha McKinley-Beach resigned last month as investigators probed the awarding of millions of dollars in federal funds during her 16-month tenure, the newspaper reported. State Health Officer Brenda Fitzgerald told the newspaper she is conducting a top-down review of all the contracts that have been awarded by the unit. She said there appears to be a wide variation in the costs of the contracts, and that some of the contracts went to former state employees without competitive bids. ``I'm looking at every single part of that, because we have to do better in the state of Georgia,'' she told the newspaper. Department spokesman Ryan Deal said that Fitzgerald may ask Attorney General Sam Olens to open a criminal investigation. Georgia receives about $8 million each year in HIV prevention funds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About $5 million is doled out to nonprofit organizations in con-
tracts ranging from $30,000 to $150,000. Several of those contracts went to a nonprofit affiliated with two men who had recently left the state health department, according to the newspaper. The Comprehensive Men's Health Initiative received three HIV prevention contracts during McKinley-Beach's tenure, the newspaper reported. Initiative chief executive Gregory Bolden is a former health department official who left his state job as the
Several of those contracts went to a nonprofit affiliated with two men who had recently left the state health department, according to the newspaper firm was awarded the money, and Jevon Gibson is another ex-state health official who is now a contractor for the nonprofit. Gibson told the newspaper that he was approached to do the work because of the constant turnover of staff in the health department. ``The total institutional knowledge of the HIV unit was less than a year,'' he said. Clare McGuire of the watchdog group Georgia Watch said competitive bidding for government contracts helps guarantee better use of taxpayer money. She said not doing so could foster an appearance of ``impropriety or favoritism.'' -AP
Accusations fly over Medicare board under healthcare law Cont’d from page 36
``The more interesting question is whether it will ever get off the runway,'' said economist Robert Reischauer, one of the public trustees overseeing Medicare finances. ``Can they find 15 people willing to serve under the conditions laid out in the legislation? Will the Senate confirm them?'' It wouldn't be the first time cries of rationing forced Democrats to pull back. During the congressional health care debate, Sarah Palin denounced a plan to have Medicare pay for voluntary end-of-life consultations between patients and their doctors. Although the ``death panels'' accusation was discredited, the idea got dropped.
Rationing is a criticism Americans respond to, said Reischauer. ``They are fearful that health reform might include limitations on their ability to access any care they consider worthwhile.'' HHS spokeswoman Erin Shields said comments such as Gingrey's amount to ``scare tactics'' and IPAB is ``absolutely prohibited'' from rationing. It could recommend savings that don't involve cuts, she said. Backers say the board is meant to counterbalance a Congress addicted to spending, unable to turn down lobbyists for hospitals, doctors, drug companies, nursing homes, power wheelchair companies and other businesses that depend on Medicare, and whose executives and employees make
political contributions. ``The system now is that people come up here that work the Congress like crazy, lobbyists making
HHS spokeswoman Erin Shields said comments such as Gingrey's amount to 'scare tactics' millions of dollars,'' said Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., one of IPAB's biggest supporters. ``The Congress often doesn't know how to say no. And the Congress has the practice of never saying no. And costs go up.''
Dispassionate experts can do a better job, Rockefeller contends. Some of his colleagues don't like IPAB ``because they don't get to ... do the big connection with the lobbyist,'' he added. Under the law, Congress can override the board's recommendations with its own savings, as long they add up to the same total. Critics say their concerns can't be dismissed as easily as that, because IPAB is an attempt to cap Medicare spending. A stingy approach could stifle promising new medical innovations. And if IPAB leads to steep payment cuts, doctors and other providers will be reluctant to take Medicare patients, limiting access even without explicit rationing.
The early evidence is not particularly alarming. For example, the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service tried last fall to estimate the impact of projected IPAB cuts and came up with about $60 per year, per beneficiary from 2015-2019. Annual Medicare spending during that period was estimated to increase from an average of $13,374 per enrollee in 2015 to $15,749 in 2019. Updated cost projections from other government offices differ on whether IPAB cuts will be required in the short run. The Congressional Budget Office says no. But Medicare's Office of the Actuary says yes, in 2018 and 2019. Under the law, it's the actuary who makes the call. -AP
July 29, 2011
Health Science Post
India Post
39
www.indiapost.com
US states cut home health services for seniors Cont’d from page 37
``Financially, I can't afford to have anyone to come take care of her,'' she said. One problem for home health care programs is image. Some lawmakers are skeptical of the industry that provides the services and say lax regulation makes the program susceptible to fraud. In April, a home health care provider in Virginia pleaded guilty to fraud charges after federal prosecutors said the company failed to provide required training for personal care aides and issued false certificates. A New Mexico woman was sentenced to three years in prison in January after she and another woman were convicted of claiming to be each other's caregivers and getting more than $96,000 in Medicaid benefits. Investigators in Florida a year ago found that when they tried to visit 16 home health agencies, there were no such businesses at the addresses. ``Home health care appears to be experiencing fraud and abuse issues that are significantly increasing spending on home health care,'' said a report released last year by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, an independent arm of Congress. The report went on to say the number of home health care agencies has risen dramatically in states where fraud concerns have emerged, including California, Texas and Florida. Home health advocates say that kind of bad behavior is rare and that cutting funding only hurts people who need the most help. In most cases, it's the family members who provide much of the care for the elderly and disabled at home - and usually for free - even if they get help from home-health aides.
Among Alzheimer's patients, nearly 15 million caregivers are family members and friends who provide unpaid care, said a report released in March by the Alzheimer's Association. Home health services often bridge the gap when family members are unable to provide around-the-clock care. Adult day care centers provide another avenue for the frail and their caregivers, but those programs also are on the wane.
'Home health care appears to be experiencing fraud and abuse issues that are significantly increasing spending on home health care,' said a report Several states have been chipping away at adult day care programs over the last year and some have eliminated them, even though the number of facilities has grown by a third since 2002, according to a 2010 study from the National Adult Day Services Association. Mary Nonnette, who lives in Hawthorne, Calif., isn't sure how she will take care of her mother if she is no longer eligible to stay at one of the centers in Los Angeles. Nonnette, 67, said she does everything for her 87-year-old mother ``except breathe, really,'' and that she has provided the care alone since her husband suffered a paralyzing stroke in December. The only time she's free to visit her husband is when her mother is at the center. -AP
Falls, eye test may give clues to Alzheimer's Cont’d from page 36
It involved 125 people, average age 74, who had normal cognition and were taking part in a federally funded study of aging. They kept journals on how often they fell, and had brain scans and spinal taps to look for various substances that can signal Alzheimer's disease. In six months, 48 fell at least once. The risk of falling was nearly three times greater for each unit of increase in the sticky plaque that scans revealed in their brains. ``Falls are tricky'' because they can be medication-related or due to dizziness from high blood pressure, a blood vessel problem or other diseases like Parkinson's, said Creighton Phelps, a neuroscientist at the National Institute on Aging. Falls also can cause head injury or brain trauma that leads to cognitive problems, said Laurie Ryan, who oversees some of the institute's research grants but had no
role in the study. Older people who hit their heads and suffer a small tear or bleeding in the brain might seem fine but develop symptoms a month later, she said. The bottom line: ``If you see somebody who's having falls for no particular reason,'' the person should be evaluated for dementia, said William Thies, the Alzheimer's Association's scientific director. The warning signs of Alzheimer's: • Memory loss that disrupts daily life • Trouble planning or solving problems • Difficulty completing tasks • Confusion with time or place • Trouble understanding images and spatial relationships • New problems with speaking or writing words • Misplacing things and inability to retrace steps • Decreased or poor judgment • Social withdrawal • Changes in mood or personality. -AP
WHO: Blood tests for tuberculosis are unreliable GENEVA: Widely used blood tests to detect tuberculosis are ``dangerous'' to patients because they are unreliable and can produce wrong results, the World Health Organization has warned. The U.N. health agency said it will issue an unprecedented recommendation against using such tests for the infectious lung disease that affects some 14 million people worldwide. As much as a third of the world's population is thought to harbor the bacteria that causes TB. ``The tests are not reliable and a waste of money and time, putting proper care at risk,'' said Mario Raviglione, the director of WHO's Stop TB department. A review of the tests has shown that they produce too many false negative and false positive, according to WHO. Raviglione told The Associated Press that the blood tests ``are in fact dangerous to patients, since some cases will not be detected and some will be called TB when in fact they do not have it,'' It is the first time that WHO has issued a ``negative'' policy, specifically counseling against the use of a particular method for diagnosing a disease. The use of TB blood tests is particularly common in developing countries such as India, where an estimated 3 million people are infected with the disease. The Lancet medical journal reported in
January that some of the blood testing kits used there are made in developed countries where such tests aren't licensed. They are ordered by doctors who receive greater commissions for the blood tests than for the older and more reliable sputum microscopy method, the journal reported. ``Many of these tests are used in the private-for-profit sector, charging poor people who do not understand the lack of value of the test,'' Raviglione said. -AP
US approves flu vaccine for coming season WASHINGTON: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it has approved the new flu vaccine for the season beginning this year. Each year the FDA works with other federal agencies and global health experts to design a vaccine to protect against the three viral strains most likely to cause the flu. This year's flu shot will be a duplicate of last year's because the same flu strains are still circulating. The vaccine will be manufactured by six companies: GlaxoSmithKline, CSL Limited, ID Biomedical Corp., Medimmune Vaccines, Novartis and Sanofi. -AP
Realty Tidbits SC Dismisses Hilton International's trademark Plea
Real Estate
T
he Supreme Court has dismissed global hospitality chain Hilton International's plea seeking exclusive right over trade mark 'Hilton' while allowing an Indian entity to continue with its business under the name 'Hilltone'. Hilton International's petition challenged the order of Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High Court which in April had rejected the New York-based entity's claim to exclusively use 'Hilton' trade mark for its hospitality business in India. "We see no reason to interfere in the matter. The special leave petition is dismissed," an apex court bench of justices Aftab Alam and RM Lodha said. The high court had upheld an order of the district court restraining Hilton International from using its trade mark as it has 'deceptive similarity' with Hotel Hilltone.
Unitech office cum retail complex in Gurgaon
U
nitech is coming up with a commercial complex named Nirvana Courtyard 2 within Nirvana Country 2, a 100 acre integrated township located in Sector 71,72 Gurgaon. The ready-to-move office suits, in sizes starting from 486 square feet, consist of false ceiling and lighting, split ACs in all units and 100 per cent power back up. The project also has retail options such as health clubs, beauty clinics, restaurants with open terrace and seating for a fine dining experience, cafes, and boutiques, in sizes starting from 300 square feet.
Builders promise to protect NOIDA buyers' interests
T
he recent ruling of the Supreme Court, which upheld the quashing of the land acquisition of 156 hectares of land in Sahbari village in Greater Noida by the Allahabad High Court, has led to the loss of Rs 500-600 crore to the builders involved in the project. This was claimed at a press meet of CREDAI Western UP held in Noida. However, it was asserted that this loss would not be transferred to home buyers as they will be given the option of getting their entire invested money refunded with interest.
40
India Post
www.indiapost.com
July 29, 2011
DLF, Unitech projects in NCR delayed
M
ost of the projects launched in the National Capi tal Region (NCR) between 2005 and 2007 are yet to be completed. These include DLF's Magnolias and Belaire in Gurgaon, Parsvnath's Exotica in Gurgaon and Palacia and Privilege at Greater Noida. Unitech has also seen construction delays in two of its projects - Escape and The Close - in Gurgaon. "We are trying to complete the two by the end of this year," a DLF spokesperson said on the company's delayed projects.
Crisis deepens in Greater Noida with another cancellation
T
he Allahabad High Court cancelled land acquisition in Greater Noida's Patwari and Dewla villages, deepening the crisis in the Noida Extension area. It may even throw a few builders out of business. Builders fear similar decisions when the court takes up petitions by residents of other villages in the area in the next couple of days. At stake in Noida Extension is nearly Rs 37,500 crore, 17 projects and 250,000 flats under construction. Builders have already sold 100,000 apartments and completed 40-50 per cent construction. Acting on a bunch of petitions by farmers, a Division Bench comprising Justice Sunil Ambawani and Justice S S Tiwari set aside the acquisition of 589.13 hectares in Patwari and Dewla villages in Dadri tehsil of the Gautambuddh Nagar district. The farmers were not given a right to file objections
by the Uttar Pradesh government. The court was of the view that since the land was acquired for residential purposes, there was "no urgency involved" and hence "the acquisition should not have taken place without giving the af-
projects in Patwari village. The project or parts of projects that will get affected are Amrapali's La Residencia, Supertech Eco Village Phase-I, Nirala Estate and Patel Neo Town, among others. The order comes a fortnight af-
Many believe the episode in Noida Extension will hurt the real estate industry in the national capital region (NCR). ‘It is a big setback and may spoil the real estate market in NCR’ fected parties an opportunity for hearing, which would have facilitated payment of adequate compensation." The land was acquired by the state government through notifications in March and May 2008. The court decision will hurt over 20,000 home buyers in 11
ter the Supreme Court upheld a high court order quashing the acquisition of 156 hectares in the nearby Sahberi village by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority. On July 6, the Supreme Court asked the authorities to return the land to the farmers and ensure refund with interest to
flat buyers. Over 100 farmers of Patwari and Dewla villages had moved the high court challenging the acquisition of land by the state government without giving them an opportunity to raise objections. They also alleged that they were not given adequate compensation. Many believe the episode in Noida Extension will hurt the real estate industry in the national capital region (NCR). "It is a big setback and may spoil the real estate market in NCR. Nobody will believe in any builder," said a leading real estate brokerage in Noida. "This will create panic among the 100,000 flat buyers and builders will not be in a position to refund the money." "With one project, 70 per cent business of some builders will be affected, and many may go out of business." The industry is annoyed that third-party interests are being ignored in these cases.
HNIs investing in commercial properties
T
he super rich in India are not just buying trophy homes, but they also betting their money on pre-leased commercial properties offering good rental yields. These bigticket investors are locking 3040% of their portfolio in real estate, higher than any other investment category including equities. A majority of ultra HNIs-some define them as those with a net worth of over Rs 100 crore while others as those with a networth of over Rs 25 crore-are mandating what are called family offices to help them cherry pick grade 'A' commercial properties. Family offices are specialized financial firms managing investments and trusts of wealthy clients. "Ultra HNIs are increasingly investing in commercial real estate generating fixed income. They are also entering into joint development agreements with the developer for commercial ventures," said Rajesh Saluja, CEO and managing partner at ASK Wealth
A recent study titled 'Top of the pyramid' by Kotak Wealth Management and CRISIL Research found that real estate holds the greatest attraction for ultra high net worth households (HNH) in Delhi and Bangalore. Over 50% of ultra HNH investments in Delhi are in real estate, followed by 37% in Bangalore. But ultra HNHs in Mumbai put more money in equi-
ket. "The annual rental realization from commercial offices is between 8-10% compared to 4-5% in the residential space," said Sunil Shah, promoter of Evergreen Family Office. Karun Varma, MD-Bangalore and Kochi at Jones Lang LaSalle, says even if an ultra HNI buys a commercial property at Rs 4,000 per sft, he can expect Rs 40 per sft as monthly rental that translates
These big-ticket investors are locking 3040% of their portfolio in real estate, higher than any other investment category including equities ties (37.2%), followed by real estate (32.8%). The report, which defines ultra HNHs as having a minimum net worth of Rs 25 crore, estimates that there were around 62,000 ultra HNHs in India in 2010-11. The shift towards commercial real estate is driven by higher rental realization compared to the residential mar-
to 9.5% annualized returns. In comparison, if he buys a Rs 50 lakh flat and rents it out, he can expect a monthly rental of Rs 20,000 that translates into 5% annual return. A spokesperson of BodhiTree family office says ultra HNIs prefer commercial properties as they come with greater clarity on tenancy rights and it's easier to evict
tenants from these buildings. Some ultra HNIs are broadening their portfolio to include real estate private equity funds. Around 200 ultra HNI clients of Ask Wealth Advisors have invested in ASK-promoted real estate PE funds. "We advise our clients to co-invest in real estate PE funds through debt or equity. When capital is scarce, many HNIs help developers with last mile financing where they charge between 1836% as interest," said Saluja. But Jones Lang Lasalle's Varma says ultra HNIs are still averse to real estate PE funds because it's a new product and there is lack of clarity on income generation. "They don't commit fixed returns. Some may give a lump sum at the end of the lockin while others many look at annualized returns. If land acquisition is delayed, the project runs late and income generation is delayed. They are comparatively new products and there is a learning curve that everybody has to go through," he said.
Real Estate
July 29, 2011
India Post 41
www.indiapost.com
Regulator the panacea to Greater Noida woes
W
ith the apex court upholding the judgment of Allahabad High Court on the legality of the land acquisition process in Greater Noida and with more land owners joining issue - more instances of land being acquired under the emergency clause of the Land Acquisition Act are coming to light - the pall of gloom over the real estate sector is not likely to lift any sooner. Builders and consumers, who have been at the receiving end, are already at loggerheads. The plight of the consumers won't have been so miserable had a real estate regulator been in place. For about seven years now, people have been clamoring for a special Act meant to protect investors in real estate. The objective is to put in place a specialized domain knowledge-based regulator who would ensure that the consumer is protected both from the vagaries of the builder and from the callousness of the government. The RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) Bill has been gathering dust with the centre for about five years now - that's when
the first draft was circulated for seeking public views. The bill seeks to establish the responsibility of the promoters (read builders) towards the consumers. It has sections pertaining to issues like how the promoter should issue advertisements before begin-
The real estate sector is not keen to allow the RERA bill to see the light of day - when such an authority is established, it would make the promoter accountable ning construction; how he would be able to request for and receive advance payments for the apartments he is to build; how he could receive payments while constructing; and how he would hand over common areas etc to the resident welfare associations after the projects are completed. The bill also seeks to define the role of the consumer and caters to issues like sup-
Mahindra buying Mumbai bungalow for Rs 270 cr
T
he Mahindra Group's real estate arm will pay close to Rs 270 crore to acquire a three-storey bungalow on south Mumbai's Nepean Sea Road in which Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Anand Mahindra was born and lives as a tenant. The bungalow, named Gulistan, occupies around 13,000 square feet of land opposite Priyadarshini Park and is owned by a special purpose vehicle set up by one of Mumbai's top builders, Orbit Corporation. Rishi Gagan Trust, whose beneficiary is businessman Om Navani, also has a small stake. Navani had bought the bungalow from an earlier owner in the early 1980s while Orbit acquired the property in 2008. Arun K Nanda, chairman of Mahindra Lifespace, the real estate arm, said his company has signed a termsheet, or a preliminary agreement, with the current owners and made an advance payment of Rs 11 crore. "The company has a 90-day window to complete due diligence and complete the transaction," he said. It will have to come to a settlement with its co-tenants that include Bank of Maharashtra, which operates its Nepean Sea Road branch from the premises. Nanda, who became non-executive chairman of Mahindra Lifespace in March 2010 after Mahindra stepped down as chairman, also said the deal amount was not Rs 270 crore. "It is lower than that," he said declining to divulge the exact amount. But sources familiar with
ply of essential services, adherence to local laws and approvals of all kinds. It also addresses issues connected to mortgages and consents required for such mortgages besides the liabilities of consumers. Significantly, the Bill deals with the responsibility of promoters regarding the ve-
the transaction explained that the amount included what they described as "settlement amounts" for tenancy rights of four of the building's tenants. These sources, who did not wish to be named because the deal had not yet been completed, said that Mahindra offered to buy the property as the current owner, Orbit, was planning to tear down the
Mahindra offered to buy the property as the current owner, Orbit, was planning to tear down the old building and build a new one old building and build a new one as part of a redevelopment plan. Sources close to Mahindra Lifespace said the company might execute the redevelopment plan itself once the transaction was completed. But this was not certain, these sources added. Mahindra Lifespace executives said the deal was between the two companies and did not involve the group's vice-chairman. If the deal went through, the Mahindras would continue to be a tenant, paying rent to Lifespace. He would be compensated with an
racity of the facts placed in advertisements or prospectus in order to ensure that the consumer gets the right information before he makes a choice or purchase. If the RERA bill had been legislated and been in force today, some of the pain which consumers are facing today may have been averted. The average age of home loan applicants has now dropped to 28 - most con-
sumers are young people just starting out in life. Perhaps young enough to not want to be bothered with the kind of problems which such a lack of regulation have once again thrown up. One can understand why the real estate sector is not keen to allow the RERA bill to see the light of day - when such an authority is established, it would make the promoter accountable in ways which he is not used to now. The sector may have pulled strings and ensured that such a law is not enacted possibly this may be the cause for the delay in bringing it before Parliament. It is time the Central Government woke up to the fact that such reforms are inevitable in the urban sector. Sooner or later, these reforms will have to be enacted if the sector is to develop without the ambiguities and scandals it is ridden with today. Perhaps, the Greater Noida meltdown will spur the government into action on this most important piece of legislation.
Developers seek approval to scrap SEZs
M
any developers have applied to the Govern ment asking to drop their plans to build Special Economic Zones. They say the economic slowdown, lack of demand for SEZ space, imposition of 18.5 per cent Minimum Alternate Tax on SEZ developers and units as well as the Direct Taxes Code proposing to withdraw profit-linked deductions for SEZs have made their projects unviable. Their applications will be taken up by the Board of Approval (BoA) for SEZs on July 22, according to the agenda note for the BoA meeting. Parsvanath has sought the BoA's nod to withdraw the in-principle approval given for its sector specific SEZ in Agra (100 hectareleather SEZ), Jaipur (45 hectaregems and jewellery SEZ), Kundli in Haryana (100 hectare-food processing SEZ), Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh (100 hectare-handicrafts SEZ), Pune (100 hectare-automotive and auto component SEZ) and Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu (1000 hectare multi-product SEZ).. In-principle approval is given to feasible projects requiring acquisition of land later. Developers who have sought withdrawal of formal approval for their SEZ projects include: Juventus Builders and Developers - 10.12 hectare IT/ITES SEZ in Raigad (Maharashtra); Sundari Theme Ventures - 10.12 hectare biotech SEZ at Kolthur in Andhra Pradesh; and Alok Infrastructure
- 73.48 hectare textile SEZ near Silvasa in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Formal approval is for those projects with land. Those who have applied for denotification of their SEZs include: Oval Developers - 11.78 hectares Electronic Hardware and Software SEZ at District-24 Parganas
biotech SEZ in Bangalore; and NG Realty 217 hectare-engineering SEZ in Ahmedabad. De-notification of an SEZ is permitted subject to the condition that the developer returns to the Government the tax benefits availed for the SEZ. Besides, around 45 developers,
Parsvanath has sought the BoA's nod to withdraw the in-principle approval given for its sector specific SEZ in Agra (100 hectareleather SEZ) (South) in West Bengal; Airmid Developers - 11.7 hectare-IT/ITES SEZ at Gurgaon in Haryana; Yashprabha Enterprises - 10.36 hectare biotech SEZ at Ratnagiri (Maharashtra); Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services - 37.5 hectare
including Smart City (Kochi) Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, Foxconn India, Electronic Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT), Navi Mumbai SEZ Pvt Ltd, Raheja, Deccan Infrastructure and Land Holdings and GP Realtors have sought more time to complete their projects.
In Brief Illegal immigrant sentenced to 70 months in prison TUCSON, Ariz.: A Mexican man has been sentenced to 70 months in a U.S. prison for attempting to illegally re-enter the United States. The US Attorney's Office says it prosecuted 33-year-old Guadencio Molina-Carbajal of Guerrero, Mexico, after he was captured July 9, 2010, near Vamori, Ariz. During processing at the Casa Grande Station, a fingerprint identification system revealed that Molina was convicted on Sept. 17, 2009, in California for attempted sale of narcotics and had several convictions for harming a spouse or cohabitant. Record checks also indicated that Molina was previously deported in April 2010, in San Ysidro, Calif. -AP
Births, not new immigrants, push US Latino growth WASHINGTON: With immigration slowing, babies born in the U.S. rather than newly arrived Mexican immigrants are now driving most of the fast growth in the Latino population. A Pew Hispanic Center study highlights a turning point in Hispanics' rapid U.S. growth. Demographers point to the potential for broader political impact as U.S.born Mexican-Americans widen their numbers over non-citizen foreign-born counterparts, who have no voting rights. The Mexican-American population grew by 11.4 million over the last decade, of which 63 percent came as a result of births. That is a reversal from the previous two decades. -AP
Speaker expects court to target immigration law HUNTSVILLE, Ala.: Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard said he expects parts of the state's tough crackdown on illegal immigrants to be struck down. The lawmaker told the Madison County Republican Men's Club that he was proud of the legislation, but he acknowledged that the law may not survive legal scrutiny. He said ``some parts of that law may be struck down,'' but added that lawmakers are prepared to tweak the legislation if necessary. Supporters of the law say it's needed to limit the number of illegal immigrants living in Alabama. Critics including immigrant support groups and faith-based workers have filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the law. -AP
Immigration 42
India Post
www.indiapost.com
July 29, 2011
Blaine immigration adviser responds to state suit BELLINGHAM, Wash.: A Blaine-based immigration advisory has agreed to change his business practices and pay $3,000 in legal costs in response to a civil suit filed by the Washington Attorney General's office. -AP
Alabama churches join fight against anti-immigration law BIRMINGHAM, Alabama: During the civil rights movement of the 1950s and `60s, many Alabama churches didn't join the fight to end legalized racial segregation. Now some churchgoers see a chance for redemption by opposing the toughest anti-immigration law in America. They see ominous parallels between the era of segregation that relegated backs to a shadowy, second-class existence in white Alabama, and a new state law that bans helping illegal immigrants most of them Hispanic - secure a place to live, a job, or even a ride to the store. Matt Lacey, pastor of a United Methodist church once attended by Birmingham's infamous segregationist police commissioner Eugene ``Bull'' Connor, who set vicious police dogs on black protesters in front of newspaper cameras, said there are all sorts of reasons Alabama Christians are opposed to the immigration law. Making amends for past inaction is among them, he said.
``For me, as pastor of a church that was engaged in that battle, it is very important,'' said Lacey. ``If we take redemption very seriously, then it not only covers our sins but our past actions as a church. I think for some, there is a tendency to want to be on the side of right on this issue. ... I would like to think the church just wants to do what's right.''
tant to get involved then for fear of white backlash. Now that Alabama has passed what is widely considered America's most restrictive state law against illegal immigration, mainstream churches, faith-based organizations and individual members are leading the opposition. ``I think what happened in the `60s may be a stimulus for the ac-
Urged to come to a rally and candlelight march sponsored by churches and faithbased groups, a diverse crowd estimated at 2,000 marched quietly through downtown streets on a recent Saturday night For much of the 20th century, some cross-burning Ku Klux Klan terror gang members took off their hoods and sat in the pews with other white churchgoers on Sunday mornings, and few white congregations actively opposed segregation. Some black churches were hesi-
tion that you have seen many of the churches taking on this,'' said Chriss H. Doss, an attorney and ordained Southern Baptist minister. At 56, the Rev. Al Garrett is old enough to recall some faith communities sitting on the sidelines during the civil rights movement. Garrett, who helped organize a
prayer rally that drew a few hundred people Sunday night in Huntsville, said the difference now is uplifting. “I've thanked God that I've been here to see the way people of faith are taking a stand on this,'' he said. After a prayer for wisdom, members of the Birmingham City Council recently passed a unanimous resolution calling for the repeal of the law. That same day, ministers and lay people gathered to discuss opposition to the law in the same church where, more than 50 years ago, white segregationists gathered to form a group to oppose white and black children going to school together. Urged to come to a rally and candlelight march sponsored by churches and faith-based groups, a diverse crowd estimated at 2,000 marched quietly through downtown streets on a recent Saturday night near where police dogs snapped at black demonstrators two generations ago. Cont’d on page 44
Right to counsel in removal proceedings CYRUS D. MEHTA
A
non-citizen placed in removal proceedings has the privilege of being represented at no expense to the government pursuant to §240(b)(4)(A) and §292 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. While every noncitizen has a right to be represented by competent counsel of his or her choosing, he or she cannot ask the Immigration Court to appoint counsel if indigent. Even though we all know that immigration law is extremely complex, and a respondent's chances to stave off removal are substantially increased if represented by counsel, this person is out of luck if he or she cannot afford a lawyer or does not have access to one if detained in a remote area where an immigration attorney may not be in close proximity. Intuitively to one, including a lawyer, unschooled in immigration
procedures, it may seem obvious that a respondent in removal proceedings, especially if incarcerated, should be afforded counsel to navigate through the labyrinthine maze of immigration law as would a defended in criminal proceedings. The Sixth Amendment clearly grants an indigent defen-
Deportation even while harsh, which tears the person away from family and all that life is worth living for, is not seen as punishment, Bugajewitz v. Adam, 228 U.S. 585 (1913), and nor is detention for the sole purpose of facilitating the deportation. Demore v. Kim, 538 U.S. 510 (2003).
This person is out of luck if he or she cannot afford a lawyer or does not have access to one if detained in a remote area dant the right to state appointed counsel in a criminal case, Gideon v. Wainright, 372 U.S. 335 (1963), and so why not the same right to a non-citizen in a removal case? Deportation has always been classified as a civil rather than as a criminal procedure. Harisiades v. Shaughnessy, 342 U.S. 580 (1952).
Not many may have noticed the Supreme Court's June 20, 2011 decision in Turner v. Rogers, 64 U.S (2011) for its relevance in the immigration context, which held that an indigent parent threatened with incarceration for civil contempt for failure to provide child support does not have a right to counsel
under the Fourteenth Amendment. Although Turner v. Rogers dwelt on whether a right to counsel was applicable to an indigent non-custodial parent in a civil contempt proceedings, on first brush it applies negatively to all civil proceedings, including immigration removal proceedings. But hold your breath! The Supreme Court qualified its holding that there is no right to appointed counsel only if certain other safeguards are met in child custody cases. The question is whether such safeguards even exist in immigration cases? The answer is a clear "No," and this author believes that Turner v. Rogers can be used favorably by immigration advocates seeking to establish a right to appointed counsel in immigration removal proceedings. Cont’d on page 43
Immigration Post
July 29, 2011
India Post
43
www.indiapost.com
Right to counsel in removal proceedings Cont’d from page 42
In Turner v. Rogers the petitioner, Michael Turner, who had been incarcerated previously for civil contempt, was again sentenced to 12 months of incarceration for civil contempt even though he tried to demonstrate that he was unable to pay the child support. Turner appealed on the ground that that the Federal Constitution entitled him to right to counsel. The Supreme Court had to decide whether Turner threatened with incarceration for civil contempt was entitled to the same right as counsel under the Fourteenth Amendment as a criminal defendant under Gideon v. Wainwright, supra. The majority acknowledged that a contempt proceeding is a civil proceeding although it still involved the indigent parent's loss of liberty through imprisonment. However, such imprisonment in a civil proceeding is not punishment, but only to coerce the defendant to do what the court had ordered him to do. While there is still a requirement of fairness in civil proceedings under the Due Process clause, it does not always require the provision of counsel even where there is a threat of incarceration. Key to this analysis, however, is the defendant's ability to pay. If the defendant parent subject to the child support order can demonstrate indigence, he or she can avoid incarceration. Thus, if the defendant is given an opportunity in the civil contempt proceeding to demonstrate the lack of ability to pay, including a meaningful opportunity to respond to questions of financial status during the hearing, such safeguards would be have been met. The Supreme Court also took into consideration that the other parent opposing the defendant at the hearing is also mostly not represented by counsel, which was the case with Ms. Rogers, the custodial parent. Therefore, providing a lawyer to the non-custodial parent would create an asymmetry of representation, resulting in delay, making the proceeding overall less fair and increasing the risk of the depriving the family in need of support the payment it is entitled to receive. Even though Turner did not have a lawyer, he also did not receive the benefit of the alternative safeguards such as a notice that his ability to pay would make the difference between being incarcerated or not, or a finding on his ability to pay. The Supreme
Court remanded the case back to the South Carolina court for further proceedings in conformance with its opinion. Now compare these safeguards that were elaborated by the Supreme Court in the context of a civil contempt proceeding to an immigration removal hearing. The respondent charged with deportability cannot avoid incarceration by meeting a condition precedent like the non-custodial parent such as an ability to pay! Indeed, INA §236(c) makes it mandatory for the detention of a non-citizen based on the commission or conviction of an assortment of offenses, no matter even if the respondent can pay a million dollars to post bond. The respondent's opponent in removal proceedings is the government, which is always represented by a well trained counsel employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Interest-
Left without the aid of counsel, he may be put on trial without a proper charge, and convicted upon incompetent evidence, or evidence irrelevant to the issue or otherwise inadmissible ingly, the majority in Turner v. Rogers concluded, "Neither do we address what due process requires in an unusually complex case where defendant "can fairly be represented only by a trained advocate."[citing Gagnon v. Scarpelli, 411 U.S. 778, 788 (1973)]. No one, not even opponents of due process for immigrants, can deny the fact that immigration removal proceedings are extremely complex, and can only fairly be represented by a well trained attorney conversant in immigration law. Yet, the majority of incarcerated respondents never have access to counsel. According to the Katzmann Immigration Representation Study Group's recent findings, 60% of detained immigrants in New York City and 27% of non-detained immigrants do not have counsel by the time their cases are completed. Individuals who are transferred elsewhere and who remain de-
tained and out of New York are unrepresented 79% of the time. This is truly a crisis. It is unthinkable to allow respondents in removal proceedings to proceed without the assistance of a lawyer to navigate and help through the complex maze of statutes, regulations and legal interpretations. This same study indicates that where there is competent representation of those who have been released or never detained, 74% had a successful outcome. Advocates must continue to press for the right to appointed counsel in removal proceedings where the respondent cannot afford his or her own lawyer. Such a cause may be too unpopular for Congress to pass legislation at this time. Only a court ruling can make this happen, and the Supreme Court's decision in Turner v. Rogers may provide the analytical framework to make a winning argument. Gideon v. Wainright was historic as it established the right to counsel under the Fourteenth Amendment for criminal defendants in state courts. We need a civil Gideon, and the best place to establish this is in immigration removal proceedings. In conclusion, the following passage from Gideon v. Wainright citing Mr. Justice Sutherland's eloquent and moving need for a right to counsel in Powell v. Alabama, 287 U.S. 25 (1932) will surely resonate with those seeking a right to appointed counsel in removal proceedings: "The right to be heard would be, in many cases, of little avail if it did not comprehend the right to be heard by counsel. Even the intelligent and educated layman has small and sometimes no skill in the science of law. If charged with crime, he is incapable, generally, of determining for himself whether the indictment is good or bad. He is unfamiliar with the rules of evidence. Left without the aid of counsel, he may be put on trial without a proper charge, and convicted upon incompetent evidence, or evidence irrelevant to the issue or otherwise inadmissible. He lacks both the skill and knowledge adequately to prepare his defense, even though he have a perfect one. He requires the guiding hand of counsel at every step in the proceedings against him. Without it, though he be not guilty, he faces the danger of conviction because he does not know." * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com
PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law
Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney
Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1
http://www.proy-singh.com
2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659
44
Immigration Post
India Post
July 29, 2011
www.indiapost.com
Alabama churches join fight against anti-immigration law Cont’d from page 42
An interfaith prayer walk planned for July 30 in Montgomery will pass Martin Luther King Jr.'s first church on the way to the steps of Alabama's Capitol. And more than 100 United Methodist ministers - many of them moderate to liberal, but some also on the conservative side - signed an open letter to the governor criticizing the law. Believers are doing more than praying and protesting. The ecumenical Greater Birmingham Ministries, a Montgomery-area church member who works with Hispanics and two ministers were among the groups and individuals who filed a federal lawsuit last week attempting to have the law declared unconstitutional. Doss is struck by the differences between 2011 and 1963, when the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his ``Letter from a Birmingham Jail'' to seven white moderate ministers and a rabbi who were publicly urging him to go slower with the campaign to end legalized segregation. Many black churches also were slow initially to embrace the cause of civil rights in Birmingham, where Klan terrorists roamed with bombs for years. ``There were a number of black ministers who took a more conservative position, that they were not
going to get involved publicly. Their involvement greatly increased through the years,'' said Wayne Coleman, head of archives at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Now in Alabama, leaders among the state's fast-growing Hispanic community hope the involvement of churches will help lead to a repeal of the law, signed earlier this month by Republican Gov. Robert Bentley, a Southern Baptist deacon and Sunday school teacher. ``It's huge to have the faith community come together and speak out in such great numbers against this new law,'' said Isabel Rubio, executive director of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama. ``Because we're in the middle of the Bible Belt, we certainly expect that the faith communities' influence ... will land on folks' ears who are willing to listen.'' Religious opposition to the new law - which has included not just Christian churches but Jewish and Muslim congregations is twofold. Some Christians see the issue in faith terms when they compare biblical instructions to welcome strangers and love others with the law's ban on helping illegal immigrants secure a place to live, a job,
health care other than for emergencies and even a ride to the store. Under the law, police can check anyone's immigration status dur-
‘Should we ignore people who are injured or have broken down on the side of a busy interstate highway and have small children’ ing a traffic stop or other encounter and jail people without bond if they don't have proper documents. Fernando del Castillo, pastor of a Spanish-speaking congregation of about 300 people in Birming-
ham, is particularly worried about a provision requiring that schools check the immigration status of students and report the information to the state. He fears some immigrant parents will be afraid to send their children to school when classes resume in August. ``Will they keep them at home? I don't know,'' del Castillo said. Others are worried the law could criminalize mission work with illegal immigrants. ``They wonder if this is the beginning of infringing on freedoms that the church has considered its bailiwick,'' Doss said. Leaders of the United Methodist Church, the Episcopal Church, the Lutheran Church and the Roman Catholic Church all have criticized the law as running counter to biblical teachings about caring for neighbors, helping visitors and showing hospitality to strangers.
The state's largest denomination, the Alabama Baptist Convention, hasn't taken a position publicly and likely won't since it doesn't speak for individual churches. Convention president Mike Shaw, pastor of a church in suburban Birmingham, said the law ``is the toughest in the nation and personally I think all laws need to be enforced.'' ``I am concerned about the language concerning giving a ride in an automobile to an illegal immigrant or allowing children of illegal immigrant parents to ride on a church bus to Sunday school, vacation Bible school, or church camp,'' he said in a statement. ``Should we ignore people who are injured or have broken down on the side of a busy interstate highway and have small children in sweltering heat with no family or friends to help them?'' -AP
WA counties deciding fate of immigration program SEATTLE: When the governor's office declined last year to make a unilateral decision on behalf of all the state's sheriffs, it fell to each individually to activate a federal program that uses fingerprint analysis to identify illegal immigrants in county jails, the so-called Secure Communities initiative. Now, as more than a dozen of Washington's 39 counties are participating, the state's largest immigrant advocacy group and its allies are lobbying against the program statewide. But some involved sheriffs, especially from smaller counties, said the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement program is simply another way to see certain people with criminal records are properly screened. ``It's not uncommon for us to have somebody claim to be someone they're not,'' said Franklin County Sheriff Richard Lathim. ``It's just another layer of security.'' The pushback against Secure Communities is nationwide, as the program evolves, with its final
shape uncertain. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said that communities will not have an option of whether to join when the program becomes mandatory by 2013. Immigrant right groups say Secure Communities can discourage immigrants from reporting crimes and can lead to the deportation of people who haven't been convicted of anything. Advocates
‘It's not uncommon for us to have somebody claim to be someone they're not,’ said Franklin County Sheriff Richard Lathim. ‘It's just another layer of security’ have gone on the offensive in the past year, publishing internal documents through records requests, lobbying lawmakers, and setting up community groups. “We need an immigration system that's dealing with immigration. There are a lot of mechanisms in place for people who are serious criminals. They can be tracked now,'' said Pramila Jayapal, executive director of OneAmerica, the state's biggest immigrant advocacy group. Her group has met with many of the sheriffs making the decision on whether to acti-
vate the program. In Yakima County, the first county to join, the group brought opponents of Secure Communities to county council meetings after county officials declined to meet with them. In June, ICE tweaked the program's guidelines to address some concerns. A new policy directs ICE officers and attorneys to use appropriate discretion to make sure victims and witnesses to crimes are not put into deportation proceedings. The Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General's office is also taking a closer look at the program. Still, the governors of Massachusetts, Illinois and New York have said their states will not participate. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick's office, citing ICE statistics, said that one-quarter of the people who were deported after being flagged by Secure Communities had committed a serious crime, while more than half were ``non-criminals.'' While Patrick's office has opposed Secure Communities, it continues to work with ICE on other local-federal agreements. In Washington, ICE asked Gov. Chris Gregoire in 2009 to make a decision for all the counties. State Patrol spokesman Bob Calkins said the governor's office decided in 2010 not to undermine county law enforcement authority, but that the State Patrol would facilitate any jurisdiction that wanted to join the local-federal partnership. -AP
Horoscope
July 29, 2011
India Post
45
www.indiapost.com
Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar
JULY 29TH - AUGUST 4TH ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20)
TAURUS (APRIL 21 TO MAY 20)
M
T
inor change in diet will bring desired results. Money will go on buying expensive and quality items for family. An upcoming event will be the cause of excitement in the house. Professionally you will do continue to do well and keep marching towards your goals. You need to control your nicotine or caffeine intake.
ransiting Mars in second can take you deeper in hole. Be careful when signing any loan contract. You may temporarily develop taste for red meat or spicy food. On time meals will reduce the problem in stomach. Business will continue to grow but at a slow speed. You will receive support from boss and get ready for an important event.
GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20)
CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22)
Y
ou may not like the way things are going at work and start looking for another opportunity. If you are ready to take a cut, the job is yours. You will be on the move most of the time and get some results. You may start to use the gifts you received recently. You will have a chance to learn few good things from an experienced person.
P
eople prone to blood pressure problem should be careful for next 40 days. Enemies will get aggressive. You will make good use of time on hands and make few phone calls. Results will be small but beneficial for long terms. Let the past go and that is the only way to get out of previous bondages. Business will almost double up.
LEO (JULY 23 TO AUGUST 22)
D
o not loose confidence and keep working on your plans. You may stretch your limits in order to buy a property this week. Business will keep improving every day. Stay away from people who are already frustrated at the party. People prone to litigation should watch out for next few weeks. Worship Lord Sun for self confidence.
VIRGO (AUGUST 23 TO SEPTEMBER 22)
S
tress level will be little too much to handle and you may have hard time finding good solution to even small problem. You may try an old confidant for some advice. Avoid taking any hasty decisions about career for next 40 days. You may visit a holy place with other family members and participate in special prayers.
LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 22)
SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 22)
Y
T
here will be some interesting developments in career. You will be studying some very useful material. Do not ignore the health issue and have proper treatment done. Money wise you will stay comfortable. A small transaction could get little money in your pocket. Number of people will benefit from your expertise.
ou need to be careful with money. Commitments made in the past could drain you out now. You will be called for second interview. Obstacles will come but as long as you are persistent, they will go away. People in business will sign few new contracts. Some one lot younger in age will give you very useful tips.
SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 22)
CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 19)
Y
ew things will happen against your desire and you won't be able to do much about them. Hunt for another place to live will continue. You may be thinking of going the legal way to prove your point. You will get few leads from an old friends and may start working on them. Too many bills coming in mail.
ou will become very ambitious and try your hands in different directions. Have patience with friends and people you love. You may be successful in recovering some money from insurance company this week. Boss will take your advice seriously and act quickly. You will be leaving for an important trip soon.
F
AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 18)
PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 20)
M
Y
ost of the efforts you make, will get the desired result. One of your strong competitor will call it quit and move out of area. Have little more patience as another better offer is on its way. You will be invited to couple of social events. You may be advised minor surgery to cure the problem.
Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com
ou will be spending little extra time at work this week. Your efforts will not go unnoticed. Money anticipated will arrive on time. You will be making payments on several bills. family will be getting ready for an upcoming big event. You may call an old friend to seek his expert opinion and advice.
925-833-7170 website: www.parashar.com
Datebook
46 India Post
July 29, 2011
www.indiapost.com
NEW YORK
ILLINOIS
Upcoming
Upcoming
NEW JERSEY
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Upcoming
Upcoming
Fri July 29
Sat July 30
• Gujrati Play Anandiba Chalya Amreli thi America
• Surtarang Music Competition
Sat July 30
Venue: Naperville Community Concert Center, 104 E. Benton Ave., Naperville, Illinois Time: 11am to 4pm Contact: 630-355-5468
• BasementBollywood. Night Venue: Fire N Ice, 583 Fords Ave, Fords, NJ Time: 9pm Contact: (732) 734-1364
Sun July 31
Sat Aug 13
• SGPS Picnic
• Jadavpur University Picnic 2011
Sat Aug 6
Venue: Busse Wood South Forest Preserve, Grove# 32, Grove# 32, Elk Grove, Illinois Time: 9am to 7pm Contact: 224-430-3415
Venue: Mercer County Park, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, New Jersey Time: 6pm Contact: 609-785-1505
• Fogana National Dance Competition
Sat Aug 13
Sat Aug 27
• Veggie Fest 2011
• Asian American Fair 2011
Venue: Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, 4S175 Naperville Wheaton Rd, Naperville, Illinois Time: 11am to 7pm Contact: 630-955-1200
Venue: Garden State Exhibit & convention center, 50 atrium Drive.somerset, New Jersey Time: 11am to 9pm Contact: 347-513-8526
Venue: Hindu Temple, 143 - 07 Holly Avenue, Flushing, New York Time: 8:30pm to 11:30pm Contact: 732-763-0118
Sat Sep 3 • Indo America fair Venue: Mercer country Park, west Windsor, New Jersey Contact: 609-240-2350
Sat Oct 8 • Rhythm For Relief Venue: Haven NYC, 244 East 51st St, NY Time: 6pm Contact: 347-307-1378
WASHINGTON DC
Upcoming Fri Aug 5 • Bollywood Night Out with DJ Akbar Sami Venue: Phoenix Night Club, 300 N College St, Charlotte, North Carolina Time: 10pm Contact: 651-343-9796
Mon Aug 22 • Shri Krishna Janamastami Venue: Hare Krishan Temple, 10310 Oaklyn Drive, Potomac, Maryland Time: 4:30am Contact: 301-299-2100
Mon Sep 5 • Gopinath Muthukads Vismayam Venue: High Point High School, 3601,Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, DC Time: 5pm Contact: 703-506-0807
Fri July 29 • Anandmurti Gurumaa- Sunnyvale Venue: Sunnvale Hindu Temple & Community Center, 450 Persian Dr, Sunnyvale, CA Time: 7pm to 1pm Contact: (408) 373-6728
Venue: Tdbank Center, Washington Township High School, 519 Hurfville-Crosskeys Rd, Sewell, CA Time: 12:15pm to 8pm Contact: 856-313-6741
Wed Aug 10 • Ekal Walk/Run 2011 Venue: Shoreline Park, 3070 North Shoreline Boulevard, Mountain View, Bay Area Time: 7:30am Contact: 510-676-7357
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Sat July 30 • Summer Sports Event Venue: Excelsior High School, 15711 Pioneer Blvd., Norwalk, California Time: 9am to 5pm Contact: (805) 328 DYFC
Mon Aug 1 • Yogalicious! Venue: Art of Living Center Los Angeles, 948 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, California Time: 6:30pm to 9pm Contact: 310-820-9429
Fri Aug 5 • David Maldonado's "Noche de Pasion" - 100 Years of the Spanish Guitar Venue: Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd., East, Hollywood, California Time: 8:30pm to 10pm Contact: 619-723-5407
Sat Aug 13 • Rang De Basanti A Night With Remix King Dj Akbar Sami
Fri Aug 12
Venue: Avalon, 777 Lawrence Expressway, Santa Clara, California Time: 9pm Contact: 408-368-6865
Venue: Crimson, 1650,Schrader Blvd, Los Angeles, California Time: 10pm to 2am Contact: 323-205-5594
• Akbar Sami live at Indiafest 2011
Sat Aug 20 • Awakening Prana By Swami
Sat Sep 10
Satyadharma Saraswati
• Veena Sahasrabuddhe
Venue: UUCPA, Palo Alto, Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto, 505 East Charleston Road, Palo Alto, California Time: 2pm to 5pm Contact: (408)564-3198
Venue: Loyola Marymount University, Ahmanson Hall, 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles Time: 6pm to 8pm Contact: 610-585-7951
Mon Sept 5 • Saraswati Pooja 2011 Venue: M.A. Center, 10200 Crow Canyon Road, Castro Valley, CA 94522 Time: 3pm to 5pm Contact: www.saraswatipooja2011.eventbrite.com
Sat Oct 15 • Inner Engineering, Technologies for Wellbeing Venue: Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California Time: 3pm to 9pm Contact: 866-424-4742
July 29, 2011
Classifieds
India Post 47
www.indiapost.com
WANTED COOK in St. Louis For vegetarian restaurant in St Louis Must know Punjabi and Gujarati cooking. Good Compensation for Right Candidaate Call Jiten Sandhe 314 409 7874
Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted in the office of the GSA-Purchasing Department, County of Alameda, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 907, Oakland, CA 94612 NETWORKING/NORTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFP #900898 for State Legislative Advocacy Services and RFP 900886 for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services, Tuesday, August 2, 2011, 10:00 a.m. 単 General Services Agency, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Room 1105, 11th Floor, Oakland, CA NETWORKING/SOUTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFP #900898 for State Legislative Advocacy Services and RFP 900886 for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services, Wednesday, August 3, 2011, 2:00 p.m. 単 Castro Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge Avenue, Canyon Room, Castro Valley, CA Responses Due by 2:00 pm on September 7, 2011 County Contact : Kelley Smith (510) 891-5670 or via email: kelley.smith@acgov.org Attendance at Networking Conference is Non-mandatory. Specifications regarding the above may be obtained at the Alameda County Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org. 7/29/11 CNS-2138082#
48
Philosophy
India Post
July 29, 2011
www.indiapost.com
Page Sponsored by Sahanis SWAMI SIVANANDA
T
he full-moon day in the month of Ashada is the extremely auspicious and holy day of Guru-Purnima. On this Ashada Purnima Day, sacred to the memory of the great sage Sri Vyasa Bhagavan or Sri Krishna Dvaipayana, Sannyasins settle at some place to study, do Vedantic Vichara, and discourse on the thrice-blessed Brahma Sutras composed by Maharshi Vyasa. Sri Veda-Vyasa has done unforgettable service to all humanity for all time by editing the four Vedas, writing the eighteen Puranas, the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata. We can attempt to repay this deep debt of gratitude we owe him only by constant study of his works and practice of his teachings imparted for the regeneration of humanity in the iron age or Kali Yuga. In honor of this divine personage, all Sadhakas and devotees perform Vyasa Puja on this day; aspirants worship their Guru. Mahatmas and Sadhus are honored and entertained, and acts of charity done by all Grihastis with deep faith and sincerity. Chaturmasa for Sannyasins begins from this day. Sannyasins stay in one place during the rainy season for four months, study the Brahma Sutras, and practice meditation. Mark fully the deep significance of this great day. Ashada Purnima HELENA PETROVNA BLAVATSKY
T
he Law for the birth, growth, and decay of everything in Kosmos, from the Sun to the glow-worm in the grass, is One. It is an everlasting work of perfection with every new appearance, but the SubstanceMatter and Forces are all one and the same. But this Law acts on every planet through minor and varying laws. The "imperishable Laya Centres" have a great importance, and their meaning must be fully understood if we would have a clear conception of the Archaic Cosmogony, whose theories have now passed into Occultism. At present, one thing may be stated. The worlds are built neither upon, nor over, nor in the Laya centres, the zero-point being a condition, not any mathematical point. Bear in mind that Fohat, the constructive Force of Cosmic Electricity, is said, metaphorically, to have sprung like Rudra from Brahma "from the brain of the Father and the bosom of the Mother," and then to have metamorphosed himself into a male and a female, i.e., polarity, into positive and negative electricity. He has seven sons who are his brothers; and Fohat is forced to
heralds the Chaturmasa, or the setting in of the eagerly awaited rains. The water, drawn up and stored as clouds in the hot summer, now manifests in plentiful showers that usher in the advent of fresh life everywhere. Even so do you all begin seriously to put into actual working all the theory and philosophy that you have stored up in you through patient study. Commence practical
will be highly benefited. As the day of Guru-Puja or worship of one's preceptor this is a day of pure joy to the sincere aspirant. Thrilled by the expectation of offering his reverent homage to the beloved Guru, aspirant awaits this occasion with eagerness and devotion. It is the Guru alone that breaks the binding cords of attachment and releases the aspirant from the
will now stand transformed before your changed vision. The Virat Guru will reveal all the precious secrets of life and bestow wisdom. The Supreme Guru, manifest in visible Nature, will teach you the most valuable lessons of life. Worship daily this Guru of Gurus, the Guru who taught even Avadhuta Dattatreya. The silent all-enduring earth with its lofty forbearance, the shady fruit-bear-
Repaying the deep debt of gratitude to the Guru Let all that you have read, heard, seen and learnt become, through Sadhana, transformed Swami Sivananda
into a continuous outpouring of universal love
spiritual Sadhana right from this day. Generate fresh waves of spirituality. Let all that you have read, heard, seen and learnt become, through Sadhana, transformed into a continuous outpouring of universal love, ceaseless loving service and continuous prayer and worship of the Lord seated in all beings. Live on milk and fruits on this day and practice rigorous Japa and Dhyana. Study the Brahma Sutras and do some lakhs of Japa (Anushthana or Purascharana) of your Guru Mantra or Ishta Mantra, during the Chaturmasa. You
trammels of earthly existence. The Sruti says: "To that high-souled aspirant, whose devotion to the Lord is great and whose devotion to his Guru is as great as that to the Lord, these secrets explained, become illuminated." Guru is Brahman or Isvara Himself. He guides and inspires you from the innermost core of your being. He is everywhere. Have a new angle of vision. Behold the entire universe as GuruSvarupa. See the guiding hand, the awakening voice, the illumining touch of the Guru in every object in this Creation. The whole world
ing tree with its willing self-sacrifice, the mighty Banyan tree (Pipal) reposing with patience in the tiny seed, the dripping drops whose persistence wears away the rocks, the planets and the seasons with their orderly punctuality and regularity are divine Gurus to him who will look, listen and receive. Become a personification of receptivity. Empty yourself of your petty ego-sense. All the treasures locked up in the bosom of Nature will become yours! Guru Purnima was celebrated on July 15
be born time after time whenever any two of his son-brothers indulge in too close contact whether an embrace or a fight. To avoid this, he binds together and unites those of unlike nature and separates those of similar temperaments. This, of course, relates, as any one can see, to electricity generated by friction and to the law
hidden behaviour, and as objective phenomena in the world of senses; the former requiring abnormal faculties to perceive them - the latter, our ordinary physical senses. They all pertain to, and are the emanations of, still more supersensuous spiritual qualities, not personated by, but belonging to, real and conscious Causes. To
ness, they nevertheless (from the standpoint of the adept Occultist) possess a distinctive objective if not material structure, in the relatively noumenal - as opposed to the phenomenal - Universe. Men of science may term them Force or Forces generated by matter, or "modes of its motion," if they will; Occultism sees in the effects
Worlds are built on a condition, not any mathematical point
Helena Petrovna Blavatsky
involving attraction between two objects of unlike, and repulsion between those of like polarity. The Seven "Sons-brothers," however, represent and personify the seven forms of Cosmic magnetism called in practical Occultism the "Seven Radicals," whose co-operative and active progeny are, among other energies, Electricity, Magnetism, Sound, Light, Heat, Cohesion, etc. Occult Science defines all these as Super-sensuous effects in their
The nearer a body is to the Unknown Substance, the more it approaches reality, as being removed the farther from this world of Maya attempt a description of such Entities would be worse than useless. The reader must bear in mind that, according to our teaching which regards this phenomenal Universe as a great Illusion, the nearer a body is to the Unknown Substance, the more it approaches reality, as being removed the farther from this world of Maya. Therefore, though the molecular constitution of their bodies is not deducible from their manifestations on this plane of conscious-
"Elemental" (forces), and, in the direct causes producing them, intelligent Divine Workmen. The intimate connection of those Elementals (guided by the unerring hand of the Rulers) - their correlation we might call it - with the elements of pure Matter, results in our terrestrial phenomena, such as light, heat, magnetism, etc. The 180th birth anniversary of Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky will be observed on July 31
It is as if, in the middle of one's being, there were a non-being. The Confucians call it the centre of emptiness; The Buddhists, the terrace of life; the Taoists, the ancestral land, or the yellow castle, or the dark pass, or the space of former heaven. -The Secret of the Golden Flower Like the empty sky It has no boundaries, yet It is right in this place, ever profound and clear. -Yung-chia Hsuan-cheh Into the soul's essence no speck can ever fall. -Eckhart Seeing into one's selfnature is seeing into nothingness. Seeing into nothingness is true seeing and eternal seeing. -Shen-hui Penetrate into the centre of nothingness. Creep as far as you can into the truth of your nothingness, and then nothing will disquiet you. -Molinos When a man is awakened he melts and perishes. -Rumi There is no longer any need to believe, when one sees the truth. -Al-Alawi
You Insure all your Valuables, all are replaceable except YOU! So Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs
Edit Page
July 29, 2011
India Post
49
www.indiapost.com
Is a nuclear Iran good for India? ABHIJIT IYER-MITRA
A
n Iranian nuclear bomb is now fait accompli. No military action can stop it, while sanctions and stuxnet can only slow it down. The negatives are obvious, but India's official position "opposed to any new nuclear powers" begs the question as to why is it keeping quiet? What are the regional dynamics of an Iranian bomb? And lastly, what impact will it have on India domestically and on India's alliances abroad? India was never happy about giving up its relationship with Iran. The reasons for that friendship were energy (which India needs desperately and from diverse sources), a bargaining lever against America, a conduit to playing the great game in Central Asia and finally to encircle Pakistan. Iran obliged (possibly unwittingly) on all counts. Now much has changed and India having burnt its Iranian bridge is consigned to defeat on three of those four interests come 2014. Iran going nuclear may just provide an opportunity to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The threat to India whether jihadi or nuclear has always been Sunni, Pakistan being the launching pad and Saudi Arabia the intellectual home. In such a scenario, creating another enemy for Pakistan and strengthening any ideological enemy of Saudi Arabia is critical for India. The problem is that India cannot take any direct action against these two simply out of fear of derailing US interests. A nuclear Iran changes all that. First, a nuclear Iran is a much more revisionist Iran which presents an existential threat to the Gulf monarchies that have viciously oppressed their Shia minorities, while providing a safezone from where to carry out destabilization free from the fear of conventional retaliation. A nuclear Iran may very well arm and train peninsular Arab Shias - something it has been too cautious to do thus far. Iran's capability to build a potent guerrilla force given Hezbollah's good showing against Israel in 2006 should not be underestimated. Given that peninsular Shia concentrations sit atop most of the oil reserves, significant disruption in these regions along with competitive radicalization within the Gulf states will strain finances (important for Wahabi proselytization abroad). Much of the Gulf's stability being purchased by govern-
ment handouts, strained finances almost always result in social disruption. This turmoil mated with Al-Qaeda's peninsular focus will only serve to attract Arab Jihadis back, bringing the chickens home to roost. Second, post 2014 a renewal of hostility between Iran and Pakistan over Afghanistan is likely as was seen prior to 9/11. Any gains by Iran in Afghanistan may lead
certainly ensue post 2014) is only likely to worsen. Most importantly Pakistan's main patrons - the Gulf Sheikdoms will be forced to publicly and substantively cut ties should they seek a continued US shield against a significantly upgraded Iranian threat. America having burnt its fingers relying on Pakistan, will hardly make the same mistake again by enlisting Pakistani cooperation in
India Post Soft target
T
The Bushehr Nuclear Facility in Iran
to increased attacks against Pakistani Shias and set a destructive action-reaction cycle in motion. So if Pakistan claims that the US presence is the main destabilizing factor, then the US withdrawal will be an equally destabilizing factor albeit of a different nature. Iran's bomb will therefore achieve objectives that India's Machiavellis have persistently failed at vis-Ă -vis Pakistan - con-
The threat to India whether jihadi or nuclear has always been Sunni, Pakistan being the launching pad and Saudi Arabia the intellectual home tinued internal destabilization and geostrategic encirclement. Third, Iran's Sunni minorities are concentrated in its two extremities - the Iraqi and Pakistani borders. Pakistan's terror resources will have to be split on two fronts - Kashmir and Iranian Balochestan-Sistan. Since the terrorism imperatives of the Pakistani state only increase with an Iranian bomb, its international isolation (which will almost
containing Iran. The best part is that many of India's goals are achieved without India having to lift a finger or in any way alienate America. The internal political dynamic that a Shia-Sunni polarization produces may very well be to America's advantage. The Shia-Sunni split in India by most accounts settles at a 30:70 ratio. While the Sunnis in India tend to vote as a bloc, the Shias tend to have an eclectic voting pattern. Polarization however will ensure that any party courting the Muslim vote, will effectively have to declare a preference for Shia or Sunni thereby alienating one or the other - with the current balancing act virtually impossible to sustain. In practical terms this will mean a significant weakening of the "Muslim vote bank" and a decisive shift to the right, which may ultimately force left leaning and centrist parties to move right of centre. As a corollary, that move will only mean an ideological strengthening of the American alliance and a weakening of antiAmerican demagoguery in the Indian political discourse. Whether this was the calculus behind India's silence, or the sheer ineptitude of the Indian Foreign Service is impossible to tell. Whatever the case, India should learn to love the Iranian bomb - the best things in life after all are free. The writer is Research Officer, IPCS
he very fact that no one has claimed responsibility (or credit) for the latest Mumbai attacks, points a finger. Terrorist groups normally thrive on publicity. Post-26/11 however, Pakistan and its ISI supported groups have received worldwide adverse publicity. Therefore the need to cover their tracks which they have done carefully this time by using local recruits to carry out their prime objective of hurting India, from which they are unable to resile, whatever the circumstances. Whether they will succeed in this endeavor to have unnamed and fresh local recruits to carry out their misdeeds by proxy will be known in due course. Because if the perpetrators of this particular string of three simultaneous bomb blasts are not found out, the Pakistani military intelligence called ISI, would have perfected a module through which it can carry out further havoc in India without the smoking gun pointing westward to Islamabad. Their new motive seems to be in some danger of unraveling. Although India has been cautious not to blame Pakistan this time without proper investigation, media in the West and elsewhere have expressed their suspicion of Pakistan being behind this incident too. Although not accusing Pakistan of being behind the latest bomb blasts in Mumbai, visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in New Delhi that it would continue to press Pakistan to desist from abetting terrorism. "We cannot tolerate a safe haven for terrorists anywhere," she declared. Thus it is naĂŻve of Pakistanis to believe that they are mere victims of terrorism themselves. Their foot-dragging on the trial of known 26/11 perpetrators is a clear giveaway on their approach to terrorism emanating from their soil. Why is it that Mumbai continues to be the favorite target of terrorists? They haven't succeeded in doing much damage in Delhi although they tried, and elsewhere in the country. But they continue to succeed in Mumbai, even after the so-called security overhaul after 26/11. The angry residents of Mumbai have become cynical. After every incident, they dust themselves up, get up and go back to work. Because they know the authorities, the government and the police have not been able to solve anything, learn anything and have failed to provide proper governance. The Congress chief minister of the state blamed the home minister, who belongs to a different party in the coalition government. He regretted that in the peculiar set up, the home ministry is not with the chief minister and hence he is unable to do much. The coalition partner NCP retorted that he could hand over the chief ministership to them and take over the home portfolio. The conclusion from this bickering at the top level is that no improvement in governance should be expected. A comparison has been made with Delhi which has a local government of its own and which has done well for its citizens, providing them with excellent services like the Metro and the new improved public transport buses. It is true the city benefited from the preparations for the Commonwealth Games which provided it with world-class infrastructure. But that is again the reason why the Games could not have gone to Mumbai not only because of lack of space but also because of poor governance. Despite the parochial approach of its homegrown parties like the Shiv Sena and its offshoot MNS, Mumbai doesn't have a government of its own. It is ruled by the Maharashtra state ministers who coming from the rural areas have no concern for the demands of the megacity. They just fleece it for making money as their home base is elsewhere.
50 India Post
www.indiapost.com
July 29, 2011
July 29, 2011
www.indiapost.com
India Post 51
52 India Post
www.indiapost.com
July 29, 2011