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OFBJP hosts lunch event with Minister Gadkari Details on page 6

FOG scales new heights uniting global cultures Details on page 16

VOL 22, No. 1139

July 29, 2016

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NATURAL GAS FOUND IN BAY OF BENGAL

WASHINGTON: India has discovered large, highly enriched accumulations of natural gas hydrates in the Bay of Bengal that has the potential to be tapped, a top US agency which helped in this major discovery has said. "Advances like the Bay of Bengal discovery will help unlock the global energy resource potential of gas hydrates as well help define the technology needed to safely produce them," said Walter Guidroz, coordinator of the US Geological Survey (USGS) Energy Resources Program

coordinator. USGS said this discovery was the result of the most comprehensive gas hydrate field venture in the world to date, made up of scientists from India, Japan and the US. The scientists conducted ocean drilling, conventional sediment coring, pressure coring, downhole logging and analytical activities to assess the geologic occurrence, regional context and characteristics of gas hydrate deposits in the offshore of India, it said. Details on page 5

Rohit Khandelwal first Indian to be Mr World

Smita Shah is Vice Chair DNC Rules Committee Details on page 8

Indian doc in Detroit running for Congress Details on page 8

Hindu Americans for equitable education in CA Details on page 9

Was asked to stay away from Punjab: Sidhu

Details on page 50

Boeing to deliver 2 Dreamliners to Air India this year

Details on page 5

CONTENTS

Details on page 36

Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 48

INDIA POST SURVEY

Community Post -------------- 16-27

survey@indiapost.com

Edit Page --------------------------- 54

This week’s question

HealthScience Post --------- 32-35

Date Book -------------------------- 47

Horoscope ------------------------- 30

Are you happy with presentation of Hindusim by California board?

Immigration Post ------------- 44-46 Life Style ----------------------- 50-53

Last week’s result

Is Turkey safe for Indians? YES 17%

NO 83%

Philosophy ------------------------- 49

CAPTURED: U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, left, looks at a container of mosquitos that could potentially carry the Zika virus with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell, center, and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jaccobs while on a preparedness visit to Orange County Mosquito Control on July 25

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 13-15 TechBiz Post ------------------- 36-39 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

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Publisher’s Diary

onald Trump had his day at the Conventions last week and this week belongs to Hillary Clinton to bask in the glory of being the first American woman to be nominated to the highest office in the country, and well, presumably in the world. But now that we know for a fact that there is a fifty-fifty chance for Trump and Clinton to become President, let's start accepting a few truths that will become part of political history. History as we all know is written by the winners. Don't lynch me in the public square for saying this but in varying degrees I would give the benefit of the doubt to even such losers as Hitler. A cursory Google search will throw up questions like: 'How did Hitler really die?' or 'Did Hitler really die in that bunker?' proving my point in the very ambiguity of the widely accepted 'fact' that he committed suicide. So coming back to our own leading contenders for Presidency, they have already made history for being the first ever woman and the first ever 'outsider' to have reached that close to the White House. The many Trump supporters in the Indian American community will agree that history may not be kind to this billionaire who has bulldozed his way through sheer money power and more accurately, will power, if he loses this election. He has been for decades, and continues to be the butt of vicious liberal media jokes, so one can only imagine what it would be like for the Trumps in the years to come. So for the record, I would grant it to this man for challenging status quos in a way that Hillary Clinton can never do. For better or worse - perhaps only worse - Trump will shake up the political and diplomatic world, and turn the world economy topsy-turvy. And if we don't ask ourselves the questions: 'At whose cost?' or 'For whose benefit?' we might after all be able to let Trump have his bright spot in the annals of history. So don't wait for the winners to tell all, let's be our own chroniclers.

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Super Jatt Hrithik Roshan has showered praise on the trailer of Tiger Shroff's upcoming superhero film 'A flying Jatt'.

Cover Story: Natural gas found India has discovered large, highly enriched recoverable accumulations of natural gas hydrates in the Bay of Bengal

Community: New heights Festival of Globe has this year expanded its annual pageant to embrace multiple facets of global community.

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Immigration: Voters split Americans are divided on Donald Trump's proposed temporary ban on the entry of Muslims from other countries

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2 Dreamliners Boeing will deliver two Dreamliners to Air India this year and four more next year to complete the airline's order of 27

Lonavala Lonavala is famed as a health resort due to its unpolluted environment and pleasant climate all through the year.

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Natural gas found in Bay of Bengal WASHINGTON: India has discovered large, highly enriched accumulations of natural gas hydrates in the Bay of Bengal that has the potential to be tapped, a top US agency which helped in

the global energy resource potential of gas hydrates as well help define the technology needed to safely produce them," said Walter Guidroz, coordinator of the US Geological Survey (USGS) Energy

File picture of natural gas hydrates

this major discovery has said. "Advances like the Bay of Bengal discovery will help unlock

Resources Program coordinator. USGS said this discovery was the result of the most comprehen-

sive gas hydrate field venture in the world to date, made up of scientists from India, Japan and the US. The scientists conducted ocean drilling, conventional sediment coring, pressure coring, downhole logging and analytical activities to assess the geologic occurrence, regional context and characteristics of gas hydrate deposits in the offshore of India, it said. This research expedition was called the Indian National Gas Hydrate Program Expedition 02. It is second joint exploration for gas hydrate potential in the Indian Ocean. The first expedition, also a partnership between scientists from India and the US, discovered gas hydrate accumulations, but in formations that are currently unlikely to be producible, a statement said. Natural gas hydrates are a naturally occurring, ice-like combination of natural gas and water

found in the world's oceans and Polar Regions. Although it is possible to produce natural gas from gas hydrates, there are significant technical challenges, depending on the location and type of formation.

Krishna-Godavari Basin and is made up of a sand-rich, gas-hydrate-bearing fan and channellevee gas hydrate prospects. The next steps for research will involve production testing in these sand reservoirs to determine

The scientists conducted ocean drilling, conventional sediment coring, pressure coring, downhole logging and analytical activities to assess the geologic occurrence, regional context and characteristics of gas hydrate deposits in the offshore of India, it said USGS said the second expedition focused the exploration and discovery of highly concentrated gas hydrate occurrences in sand reservoirs. The gas hydrate discovered during the second expedition are located in coarse-grained sandrich depositional systems in the

if natural gas production is practical and economic, it said. "The results from this expedition mark a critical step forward to understanding the energy resource potential of gas hydrates," said USGS Senior Scientist Tim Collett, who participated in the expedition. -PTI

Was asked to stay away from Punjab: Sidhu NEW DELHI: Breaking his silence, Navjot Singh Sidhu has said he quit Rajya Sabha as BJP had asked him to stay away from Punjab and asserted that he will choose the state "hundred times" above any party or family, but kept everyone guessing on his future course of action. The cricketer-turned-politician,

sure as Akalis and Sidhu have had a long spell of hostility. Targeting BJP, Sidhu said he delivered the prestigious Amritsar seat to the party during adverse circumstances but was "drowned in the Modi wave" in 2014, when he was asked to shift from the constituency. "It happened three or four

you fight from West Delhi. I did not leave my roots then nor did I care about profit and loss." Asked if he wanted to be chief ministerial candidate, he told the media in his first interaction since resigning from Upper House last week that he always wanted to serve Punjab. "I said I will not fight. I have no wish for any post but I will not break the trust of those who made me an MP from Amritsar and have the highest honor in 21 generations. Now you tell me that I should leave Punjab. Tell me what is my sin," he said, speaking about his disenchantment with the BJP. "I quit the Rajya Sabha because I was told that I cannot look at Punjab and will have to keep Former Indian cricketer and former member of parliament Navjot Singh Sidhu addresses the media outside his residence in New Delhi on July 25 away from it. No dharma is bigger who made clear his displeasure times," he said, adding that it can- than Punjab for me," he said, callwith BJP, parried queries on not be "tolerated" even once as ing the state his nation from which whether he would join Aam Aadmi "no party in the world is bigger he cannot keep away. Party, saying he will be standing than Punjab for me." Asked if he will join AAP or if wherever the interests of Punjab "Navjot Singh Sidhu had won wants to be the chief ministerial are served. four elections but when there was candidate for the Punjab assemSidhu alleged that he was told a wave in favor of Modi sahab, bly elections due early next year, to keep away from Punjab to then Sidhu was drowned along Sidhu said, "You will find Sidhu "serve selfish interests," indicat- with rivals. I was told you cannot standing wherever the interests of ing that the BJP was acting under fight from Amritsar. Punjab are served. I have said its ally Shiromani Akali Dal's presYou fight from Kurukshetra, what I had to. Navjot Singh Sidhu

always wanted to serve Punjab and Amritsar." Sidhu spoke at length over his political innings in the BJP starting from 2004 Lok Sabha elections and how he delivered Amritsar seat to the party again and again only to be kept away from the state's affairs and then denied the seat in 2014. He also used the opportunity to highlight his commitment to the state. Sidhu said he fought in 2004

nior Congress leader Amarinder Singh. Sidhu, a cricket commentator and fixture at comedy shows on the television, recited a number of couplets and poems to underscore how he was treated as a "sinner" by the party without being told the reason. The Sikh leader, known for rapid-fire bytes, said he also worked for the victory of his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu from a difficult seat.

Sidhu, a cricket commentator and fixture at comedy shows on the television, recited a number of couplets and poems to underscore how he was treated as a "sinner" by the party without being told the reason on the request of the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and won the seat with over 1 lakh margin, adding that he won it twice more including in 2009 when he was the only party MP among the 50-51 seats in the plains of north India. "When storms were blowing, then Navjot Singh Sidhu was sent... Now when there was a wave in support of Modi sahab, I was drowned along with rivals," he lamented. Top party leader Arun Jaitley had contested from Amritsar in 2014 but lost to se-

Though he has maintained silence over his sour relations with the Akalis, his wife has been more vocal and has aired their anger with SAD and also with BJP over its alleged cold response time and again. Akalis are in power in Punjab with the BJP as their junior ally. AAP has emerged as a strong force in the state and Sidhu's departure from the party is seen as a major setback for the saffron party ahead of Assembly election next year. BJP has maintained that Sidhu has not quit the party yet. -PTI

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OFBJP hosts lunch event with Minister Gadkari India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: OFBJP, under the leadership of Chandru Bhambhra, hosted a lunch event in collaboration with various community organizations and leaders at Royal Palace restaurant in Fremont in honor of Nitin Gadkari, Indian Minister of Road Transport, Highways, and Shipping. The 200 capacity banquet hall was full. The event was well attended by prominent members of the Indian American community,

Cupertino City, California and Dr. Raj Salwan, former Fremont City Council Member. Prominent Indian community organizations that participated in the event included Festival of Globe [FOG], GOPIO, Sankara Eye Foundation, Maharashtra Mandal of Bay Area, Veerashaiva Samaja of North America [VSNA], Kannada Koota of Northern California [KKNC]. GITPRO, RANA, Fremont Hindu Temple, Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, Gujarati Cultural Association, Telangana,

Tamhankar, Niraj Baxi, Khanderao Kand, Murali Krishnamurthy, Dr Jashubhai Patel, Prakash Bhalerao, Suresh Patel (Palo Alto), Yogi Chugh, Ashok Bhatt, Mahesh Pakala, Jeevan Zutshi, Raj Bhanot, Dr. Dharampal Salwan, Rajesh Verma, Deepak Chhabra, Ajay Bhutoria, Raj Nathawat and many more. Amongst the present were many NC members and volunteers of OFBJP like Atri Macherla, Laui Goswami, Shivu Vibhuti,

From Left Chandru Bhambra, Indian Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari and Ambassador Venkatesan Ashok

representatives of various Indian community organizations, and OFBJP members. Also in attendance were local political leaders like Ro Khanna, Democratic Party candidate for California's 17th congressional district, Savita Vaidhyanathan, Vice Mayor of

Punjab, Bengal. Bay Area Odia community, Bharati Tamil Sangam, Bharatiya Mandai of San Francisco. Amongst the Community leaders and dignitaries who attended the event included Dr. Romesh Japra, Mahesh Patel, Mangesh

Mahadev Karadigudda, Thippeswamy Haryaplar, Dinesh Neelawar, Sunil Ganu, Chandan Damannagari, Gaurav Patwardhan, Vijay Chawa, Anup Ramgiri, Ratilal Patel, Bhriguraj Singh, Mahima Singh, Somanjana Chatterjee,

Anirban Kundu, Sidhhartha to sustain the growth needed for Bhavsar, Vijay Patel and many India to realize the ambitious more. goals. Mr. Bhambhra welcomed the The Minister's focus has been Minister as he arrived along with to experience the transportation Ambassador Venkatesan Ashok technology and systems first and felicitated both of them on hand. He was greatly applauded stage. Mr. Bhambhra then invited for his statement, "America has members from each Association great roads not because it's rich. on stage to honor the Minister and America is rich because of its great they presented flower bouquets roads!" Highlighting some of the as well as other souvenirs to the key achievements of his Ministry, Minister. The minister received so Mr Gadkari said that he has ormany bouquets that the table had dered equipment from Australia to to be cleared first to make attend- construct a road to Mansarovar ees visible to the Minister. from Uttarakhand via Himalayas. Gadkariji appreciated the re- The positive impact of Indian spect and graciousness he re- policy initiatives in road transport, ceived from the community. highways and shipping sectors Mr Gadkari had undertaken a whirlwind tour of the USA to un- He was greatly applauded derstand some of the world's best transporta- for his statement, "America tion systems that USA has great roads not has built. Leading the building of next genera- because it's rich. tion transportation sysAmerica is rich because tems in India, He understands that of its great roads! infrastructure is the heart of economic growth that India aspires to have given a boost to the Indian achieve. economy which is now growing During his visit to San Fran- as one of the emerging economies cisco, the minister had a hectic in the world. and busy schedule. His focus was The Minister highlighted the to understand the inner workings great work done by his ministry in of transportation systems here particular as well as Modi Govt. in and work with Indian Diaspora to general, over the past two years. seek inputs on building the next His ministry recognized that nalevel transportation system. Sup- tional highways though 2% of all ported by SF Indian Consulate roads in India, carry about 40% of General and his office, the Minis- Indian traffic. So they have focused ter emphasized the need for build- on developing them. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 9 ing strong infrastructure in order

Highways & shipping ties with St. Louis discussed ARVIND PATEL

ST LOUIS: Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Indian Minister for Road Transport, Highways & Shipping, had a short official visit to St. Louis (Missouri) on July 14 leading a high level delegation comprising senior government officials. The delegation comprised Dr. Alok Srivastava, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Rohit Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary (Highways) Abhay Damle, Joint Secretary (Transport) and others. From the Consulate General of India, Chicago, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India in Chicago and. D.B.Bhati, Consul (Political, Commerce & Visa) joined the high level delegation at St. Louis. During the visit, the Minister and his delegation had a very fruitful meeting with Dennis Wilmsmeyer, Executive Director,

L to R: Rajgoplal Sharma, OSD to Minister, William Paape, Director, US Deptt. of Transportation, Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Dennis Wilmismeyer, Executive Director, America's Central Port, Minister Nitin J. Gadkari, Rohit Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary, Dr. Alok Srivastava, Additional Secretary, Abhay Damle, Joint Secretary (Transport), Vaibhav Dange, PS to Minister, D.B.Bhati, Consul

America's Central Port (ACP), William K. Paape, Director, Office of Gateways, US Department of

Transportation and senior officials of ACP. In order to give a new impetus to Indo-US coopera-

tion in the vital infrastructure sector of Road Transport, Highways & Shipping, the Minister dis-

cussed a wide range of projects of mutual interest with US officials. The delegation particularly looked for widening and deepening the scope of Indo-US cooperation in innovative technologies for improving maritime sector in India. Minister Gadkari also highlighted investment opportunities in the Indian maritime sector and in building ports etc. in India. The delegation also had a site visit to Melvin Price Lock & Dam where they were briefed about the working of the lock and dam facility. The Minister had a meeting with Mr. Jacob Williams, Vice President, M/s Peabody Energy which is a Fortune 500 company and the world's largest privatesector coal company and a global leader in sustainable mining, energy access and clean coal solutions.

July 29, 2016

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Smita Shah is Vice Chair DNC Indian doc in Detroit Rules Committee running for Congress SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: A front ranking Indian American woman community activist, Ms. Smita N. Shah serves as Vice Chairman of the Rules Committee for the Democratic National Convention, with cochairs Barney Frank and Leticia

Convention is tasked with setting out the procedures for the convention, as well as electing the convention officers. This particular meeting saw some controversy as supporters of Bernie Sanders wanted to see many changes.

Ms Smita Shah (R) Vice Chairperson DNC Rules Committee with Maria Cardona

Van de Putte. She is one of the only persons of Indian origin to serve in leadership at the Democratic National Convention in 2016. The committee met on Saturday, July 23 and was in session for the most of the day. The Rules Committee for the

Dozens of amendments were presented, with debate by both sides against a backdrop of cries of "unity!" And "compromise". At one point there was a significant break as the whips from both sides brought everyone together for a position of unity. "The goal of this committee is

ASHOK JAIN MD

to develop procedures that reflect the inclusiveness of the Democratic Party - to honor all and exclude none," noted Vice Chairman Smita Shah. "With the work of every committee member, that was accomplished today." Smita Shah is a civic and business leader, with a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from MIT. She completed post graduate studies at Oxford University, and is the owner of SPAAN Tech Inc, a public private infrastructure firm. She serves on the Corporation Development Council for MIT, the Chicago Plan Commission and was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for changing the fabric of America. She is the daughter of Niranjan and Pratima Shah. Niranjan Shah is a community leader in his own right serving many a social and educational organization in Chicagoland. Besides, he has been in forefront of cementing India-US relations at high levels. Community members recall that it was at the initiative of Smita Shah that a sister City relationship was established between Chicago and Delhi a decade ago and this set up has boosted the cultural, social and economic ties between the two cities.

Indian diplomats' kids can't study in Pakistan NEW DELHI: Amid growing strain in Indo-Pak ties, India has asked its diplomats and other officials posted in its High Commission in Islamabad to withdraw their children from schools there from the current academic session, virtually downgrading it as a "non-school-going station". They have been advised to make arrangements for their wards to study outside Pakistan. Most of the children of Indian officials in Pakistan study in international schools. The announcement came after a government's review of staffing and related policies for their diplomatic missions as also prevailing circumstances at the station. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said,

"It is a normal practice for all countries to review staffing and related policies for their diplomatic missions, including in view of prevailing circumstances at those stations. "With effect from this academic session, officials posted in the

Vikas Swarup

High Commission of India in Islamabad have been advised to make arrangements for education of their wards outside Pakistan, till further notice."

Reacting quickly to India's move, Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria in Islamabad said, "This is an informal, internal, administrative arrangement we were informed of two months back. No other considerations were communicated to us." According to officials, there are about 50 school-going children of Indian officials, who are currently posted in Indian mission in Islamabad. This development amounts to "downgrade" of Pakistan as a "non-school-going station", an official said. Last week, India had asked Pakistan to ensure full safety and security of Indian officials and their families there in view of the threats of marches and protests at the High Commission after the observance of 'Kashmir's Accession to Pakistan Day" and "Black Day" last week.-PTI

DETROIT, MI: Dr. Anil Kumar has announced running for the US Congress in Michigan's 11th district, which is located in Metro Detroit seeking to use his expertise and experience to help bridge partisan divides, and move the country in a positive direction.

Dr Anil Kumar

that they have been some of the highest per capita in income, and thereby paying taxes to support social security, Medicare, and other programs which have helped American citizens. The vision Dr. Kumar has is to see that more members of our community participate in the political system, and will do everything to enable further the involvement of our community within the American system of life "Our campaign is working very hard at the moment, and has enlisted the talents of many interns, volunteers, and staff of Indian descent," he said. If elected , he would work to have easy access to affordable healthcare for everyone, especially seniors, debt free education for our students, resulting in an improved workforce and an overall increase in America's job market. Hailing from Mumbai, Dr. Anil Kumar moved to Detroit, and did his residency in neurology through Wayne State University. As an Urologist he is also clinical faculty with Michigan State University, educating residents and medical students. He has authored many articles, textbook chapters, and has three patents.

In a talk to this paper, he said that he would work to strengthen the relationship between India and the United States, and ensure that the voices of the Indian community are heard in the halls of Congress. "We are unopposed right now as there is no other Democratic challengers and we have endorsements from several labor unions, organizations, and individuals. US Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, If elected , he would work Former U.S. Senator Carl Levin, U.S. Con- to have easy access to gresswoman Brenda Lawrence, U.S. Con- affordable healthcare for gresswoman Debbie everyone, especially seDingell, U.S. Congressman John Conyers, U.S. niors, debt free education Congressman Dan Kildee and U.S. Congressman Sandy Levin have given A member of MAPI, and Ameritheir support to my candidacy," can Association of Physicians of he said Indian Origin, he has served in "They have also agreed to not various positions at different hosonly endorse our campaign, but pitals, and spearheaded salvagcontribute to our fundraising ef- ing a failing hospital in an inner forts as well," he added city, namely Pontiac, by organizDr Kumar is very concerned ing a group of physicians, primaabout the immigration policy of rily of Indian origin to buy and the US, which has been fluctuant run the hospital. He has been inat various times in its history. In- strumental in aiding a number of dian community members have foreign medical graduates in obbeen great citizens of America in taining residency positions.

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Hindu Americans for equitable education in CA India Post News Service

SACRAMENTO, CA: Leaders of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) have announced that important steps have been taken towards ensuring that Hinduism and India are presented equitably and accurately following the California State Board of Education's decision to approve the History-

changes, initially made in the May hearing, have been officially adopted by the Board. While Hindu Americans can rightly claim victory on many fronts, HAF Senior Director and Human Rights Fellow Samir Kalra voiced disappointment that the Board was not swayed to make even a few more changes requested by Hindus. Kalra said,

The widely contested Framework, adopted after a nearly two-year process, including extensive input from Hindu American community groups, parents, and school children, now incorporates prominent mention of Hinduism's pluralistic ethos Social Science Framework. The widely contested Framework, adopted after a nearly twoyear process, including extensive input from Hindu American community groups, parents, and school children, now incorporates prominent mention of Hinduism's pluralistic ethos, Hindu sages of diverse backgrounds, and the importance of the Bhakti movement. The Framework also maintained the term 'ancient India', despite attempts to change most references to India to 'South Asia'. These

"The Board showed much sensitivity to activists representing Islam and Muslims, by adjusting the frameworks slightly to show the religion in a more positive light." Kalra went on to note, however, "We only wish they had shown the same empathy when discussing further changes on the presentation of Hinduism." Contrary to the repeated and false assertions made in some testimonies, HAF representatives restated that they have always acknowledged the existence of

caste and caste based discrimination throughout the Indian subcontinent, and their submissions throughout the process reflected this fact. "Our edits only sought context, separating the social evil from the eternal teachings of ancient and contemporary Hindu spiritual leaders," Kalra continued. Still, Kalra was satisfied that such blatantly false conflations comparing caste to slavery, or the varna system as a 'caste pyramid' remained discarded. Also of concern for HAF leaders was the retention of language concerning "religions of Ancient India, including but not limited to Hinduism." With every other religion covered in the Framework, including other Indic traditions such as Buddhism and Sikhism, getting specific mention, Hinduism needed to be presented similarly they said. This is something in fact mandated in the content standards, yet remains unimplemented. "We made great progress," said Barbara McGraw, convener of the Social Sciences and Religion Faculty Group. "We have a long way to go. But we are on our way to a bright future for a more equitable representation of Hinduism in California textbooks."

HAF leaders said that the Foundation will now shift focus towards the textbook adoption process to ensure that the progress that was made in the frameworks is upheld in the textbooks. HAF said that the Foun-

dation will continue its efforts also with teacher trainings and community competency building to ensure that the remaining gap in Hindu understanding and adopted frameworks is bridged completely.

India has most number of stunted children NEW DELHI: Around 48 million children or two in every five children under the age of five years in India are stunted, making India home to largest number of stunted children in world in terms of volumes, a new report has said. "India, the world's second most populous nation and a country with a well-known sanitation crisis has been named as having the greatest number of children in the world who are stunted. "The report reveals 48 million children in India, or two in every five under five, are suffering from stunted growth, which affects their physical development as well as cognitive and emotional development," the report 'Caught Short' - How a lack of toilets and clean water contributes to mal-

nutrition' brought out by international development charity WaterAid said. Noting that India has the highest concentration in the world of people practicing open defecation, the report said that high rates of open defecation have a strong correlation with increased rates of stunting, as faeces in the environment contaminate hands and surroundings and spread disease and infection. It said that Nigeria and Pakistan rank second and third with 10.3 and 9.8 million children stunted respectively. The Southeast Asian nation of Timor-Leste tops the list of countries having the highest percentage of children who are stunted at 58 per cent.-PTI

OFBJP hosts lunch event with Minister Gadkari Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 6

Before the current government took over, on an average 2 kilometers of roads were being built per day. Since coming to power in May 2014, the current administration has increased it to 20 kilometers per day. The Minister has an ambitious target of 100 kilometers in the near future. The minister also highlighted that his ministry is committed to improving road safety. Toward

projects are under way; including a state of the art tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir State, which when built will be the longest tunnel in Asia. He also highlighted that through e-auctioning in particular and e-governance in general, they have increased transparency and reduced corruption. The minister talked about attempts being made by his ministry to make affordable lithium Iron modules, so that cost of electric vehicles becomes more affordable.

The Minister thanked OFBJP members and congratulated the Bay Area Indian community for contributing in various fields including medicine, information technology, entrepreneurship, politics, etc. The speech was followed by a question and answer session that goal, a new legislation is being worked on to update vehicular safety measures. Another attempt is to focus on accident prone segments across the country and improving conditions in those segments. Other than reviving several stagnant projects, the minister stated that many new

where attendees got a chance to ask the Minister various questions pertaining to the concerned ministry as well as government of India, in general. The minister answered all the questions with patience, intellect and candor, to the applause of attendees. During the Q&A session, he said that the highest priority we have for now is to work on road safety. His commitment is to improve the country's highways, roads and port connectivity in a time-bound, result oriented, corruption free and transparent manner through e-governance and fast-tracking decision-making process. He said that by visiting USA, he gained a first-hand experience of the latest techniques in road engineering, highway construction, road signage and other effective measures for road safety. He made an appeal to US investors and offered lucrative investment opportunities to strengthen India's infrastructure sector in road and highways construction and port-led industrialization as Prime Minister Modi has made the country's infrastructure development top-most priority of his government.

Prominent members spoke during the interaction. Members appreciated the palpable progress being made by the current Indian government. Mr. Chandru Bhambhra thanked the minister, Ambassador Shri Venkatesan Ashok and attendees. He also thanked the Royal Palace management, sound system manager, photographers, the media namely TV Asia (Reena Rao), IndTV (Mr. Mahal, Amrita Singh), India Post (Ritu

highlighted that in the upcoming legislation, they have made provisions such that new innovations, when ready, can be promoted without having to rewrite legislation. Another question was about corruption at RTO [Regional Transport Office]. The Minister said that this is a concurrent subject between the state and Central governments. The transport ministry has attempted through egovernance to increase transpar-

He said that by visiting USA, he gained a firsthand experience of the latest techniques in road engineering, highway construction, road signage and other effective measures for road safety. He made an appeal to US investors and offered lucrative investment opportunities Maheshwari), with whose support the event became successful. Following the luncheon event, the Minister participated in a press conference. He patiently answered questions from various media organizations. One of the questions was about promoting driver less cars in India. Gadkariji

ency and reduce corruption. For the next leg of his journey, Minister Gadkari will undertake a 500 mile trip to Southern California. This will provide him personal experience as to how transportation systems can be built, sustained and managed for a long term basis.

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Tribunal rules against India in Devas deal BENGALURU: An international tribunal has ruled that the Indian government had acted "unfairly" and "inequitably" in annulling a contract between city-based multimedia firm Devas and ISRO's commercial arm Antrix, making it liable to pay financial compensation.

also found that India breached its treaty commitments to accord fair and equitable treatment to Devas' foreign investors, the company said in a statement here. The PCA regularly administers cases involving states, including investment treaty claims brought under arbitration rules of the

A Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) tribunal based in the Hague has found that the Indian government's actions in annulling the contract and denying Devas commercial use of Sband spectrum constituted an expropriation, Devas Multimedia Private Ltd. said here A Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) tribunal based in the Hague has found that the Indian government's actions in annulling the contract and denying Devas commercial use of S-band spectrum constituted an expropriation, Devas Multimedia Private Ltd. said here. In its ruling, the PCA tribunal

United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). ISRO officials here said they were yet to get details of the development. The ruling is the second by an international tribunal arising out of the cancellation of the DevasAntrix contract.

The unanimous decision included the arbitrator appointed to the tribunal by India, Devas said. In September 2015, in a jolt to Antrix, the International Chamber of Commerce's (ICC) arbitration body International Court of Arbitration had asked it to pay damages worth USD 672 million (Rs 4,432 crore then) to Devas Multimedia for "unlawfully" terminating the deal five years ago on grounds of national security. The Tribunal then had noted that Antrix had no legal justification to terminate the agreement and that Dr K R Radhakrishnan, who at the time of annulment, was Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, Antrix and the Space Commission, could have prevented the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) from approving the annulment. CCS had annulled the deal based on the recommendation of the Space Commission on the ground that it was not in the security interests of the country. The UPA government's action

had come months after the Comptroller and Auditor General of India came out with a report on the 2G scam that had estimated a "presumptive loss" of Rs 1.76 lakh crore due to flawed spectrum allocation process. Under the deal signed in 2005, Antrix was to provide 70 MHz of

unanimously agreed that financial compensation should be paid after the annulment of Devas's rights," said Devas Chairman Lawrence Babbio, former Vice Chairman of Verizon, the largest telecommunications company in the United States. "Other courts in France and

"With this PCA award, two international tribunals have now unanimously agreed that financial compensation should be paid after the annulment of Devas's rights," said Devas Chairman Lawrence Babbio, former Vice Chairman of Verizon the scarce S-Band wavelength to Devas for its digital multimedia services by leasing 90 per cent of the transponders in ISROs GSAT6 and GSAT-6A satellites. Devas, in turn, was to pay Antrix a total of USD 300 million over 12 years. "With this PCA award, two international tribunals have now

the United Kingdom have agreed that the award against Antrix ought to be enforced. We prefer a mutually agreeable resolution of this matter. "But until that occurs, Devas and its investors will continue to press their claims before international tribunals and in courts around the world," he said. -PTI

Australian envoy for boosting Chinar Corps get 3G co-op with India network CHANDIGARH: Australian ture sector, Sidhu said Australian High Commissioner Harinder expertise in dairy sector can help Sidhu has pitched for boosting raise the milk output and reduce economic cooperation with India foodgrain wastage in Punjab. as she indentified numerous secAustralia was also closely tors like dairy, sports, scientific working with India in the field of research, foodgrains and educa- scientific research and technoltion where the two countries can ogy besides the smart cities work together. With bilateral trade between the two nations pegged at 20 billion Australian dollars in 2015, India is Australia's ninth largest trading partner and fifth largest export market, said Sidhu, whose family is originally from Punjab. "Even as these Australian High Commissioner Harinder Sidhu figures are very large, there is a lot of scope for doing more on devel- project, she said. oping economic relationship," The Australian Institute of Sidhu told reporters. Sports has partnered with Punjab She said Australia's trade with Institute of Sports for improveChina is ten times than the size of ment of athletes' performance trade it has with India. "One of which will involve bringing my objectives is to find ways to coaches and experts for excelgrow economic relationship be- lence in the field. tween two countries (Australia Sidhu said Australia has placed and India) not just in size but also India at the forefront of its interin diversity," she said. national relationships and both Offering to help India's agricul- are working together more closely

than ever on security cooperation. "We concluded civil nuclear cooperation agreement last year that was very a big step forward. Australia is very much supporting India's bid for entering nuclear supplier group," said Sidhu. The envoy also emphasized on partnership between the two countries in the field of education. She said Australia has rolled out a three-year multiple-entry visa system for India from July on pilot basis. "This will help parents who travel to Australia to spend time with their children and they do not have to apply for visa every time they go," she said. She said in the last 10 years, India born population in Australia has grown by three times in 10 years. "Many Indians are going for study in Australia. In 2014, there were 46,000 students, in 2015 the figure was 53,000, and this year, it can reach 60,000," she said. To a question on migration, Sidhu said, "Australia has a global migration program which we have been doing for four decades. We have set number of people which we take. Migration program is a global program." Sindhu said Australia's migration system was very robust and it encourages only genuine applicants. -PTI

SRINAGAR: Srinagar-based Chinar Corps has become the first formation of the Indian Army to get 3G Network. The Mobile Cellular Communication System (MCCS) was dedicated to the Chinar Corps by Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir Singh

The Network has been envisaged to provide the troops of Chinar Corps with a potent communication system to enhance battle field transparency, he added. The inauguration ceremony was also attended by the North-

MCCS was dedicated to Chinar Corps by the Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir Singh

at Srinagar's Old Air Field Garrison, an army official said. MCCS is a cellular system and offers enhanced security, and better voice quality, he said.

ern Army Commander Lt Gen DS Hooda, Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen Satish Dua and Signal Officer-in-Chief Lt Gen Nitin Kohli. PTI

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India call to isolate those harboring terrorists BANGKOK: Advocating outright rejection of state-sponsored terrorism, India said here it is vital to construct a strong international legal regime on the principle of "zero tolerance" for terrorism and isolate those who harbor, support or sponsor terrorists. "Countering terrorism is an imperative, in the face of rising terrorist attacks across the globe, including in our region, notably in Jakarta, Bangkok, Pathankot, Dhaka and Kabul in recent times,"

of security cooperation must be based on an "outright rejection" of state-sponsored terrorism, isolating those who harbor, support or sponsor terrorists and bringing the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of terror to speedy justice. Noting that today's realities warrant that nations act for urgent finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN, he called on ASEAN countries to support its

"We have also offered ASEAN countries a 'specialized program' on reducing cyber crime through knowledge exchange and capacity building" and a seminar on "egovernance", as joint activities under information and communications technology Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said at the 14th ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic. "It is vital to construct a strong international legal regime, built on the principle of 'zero tolerance' for direct or indirect support to terrorism, adopting an 'extradite or prosecute' standard and ensuring obligatory collaboration by countries in the investigation of terrorism related cases," he said. Singh asserted that deepening

early adoption. Singh said India would also like to host an ASEAN-India Conference on preventing radicalization and promoting de-radicalization, to share India's experience and benefit from the experience of ASEAN countries, notably Malaysia, in this important area. In addition, India will co-cost with Indonesia, an ASEAN Regional Forum inter-sessional meeting on counter-terrorism, he said. "Politico-security cooperation

between ASEAN and India is on the upswing. Reflecting our commitment to strengthen cooperation to effectively deal with traditional and non-traditional security challenges, the first G-2-G ASEAN-India Cyber Dialogue would be held in India in August 2016," he noted. "We have also offered ASEAN countries a 'specialized program' on reducing cyber crime through knowledge exchange and capacity building" and a seminar on "e-governance", as joint activities under information and communications technology cooperation, Singh said. He stressed that India's relationship with ASEAN is one of the cornerstones of its foreign policy and the foundation of the 'Act East Policy'. "We look forward to working closely with you to realize the full potential of our relationship as an enabler for the shared progress and development of our countries and region," Singh, who also attended the seventh Mekong Ganga Cooperation Ministerial Meeting here, said. Mekong Ganga Cooperation member states, including India, have strongly pitched for ASEAN integration and increased connectivity to help narrow the development gap and called for collaboration with a "sense of urgency". -PTI

Scribes' visa: Chinese media warns India BEIJING: Taking umbrage at India's refusal to extend visas to three Chinese journalists, a staterun daily has warned of "serious consequences" if New Delhi was "taking revenge" for China's refusal to back its NSG membership bid. "...speculation is swirling that India is taking revenge against China for the latter's opposition to India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)... If New Delhi is really taking revenge due to the NSG membership issue, there will be serious consequences," the Global Times said in an editorial titled 'India's expulsion of reporters is a petty act'. Three Chinese journalists based in India representing the state-run Xinhua news agency were denied permission for extended stay in the country. The visas of the three journalists, Delhi-based Bureau Chief Wu Qiang and two reporters in Mumbai - Tang Lu and Ma Qiang,

are expiring at the end of this month. All three had sought extension of their stay by a few months till their successors arrive. India's act was described as an "expulsion" by some foreign me-

If New Delhi is really taking revenge due to the NSG membership issue, there will be serious consequences," the Global Times said in an editorial titled 'India's expulsion of reporters is a petty act' dia, the editorial said. "No official reason was given for the rejection of the visa renewals. Some Indian media claimed that the three journalists are sus-

pected of impersonating other people to access several restricted departments in Delhi and Mumbai with fake names. There were also reports attributing it to the journalists' meeting with exiled Tibetan activists," it said. Quoting its former Indian correspondent Lu Pengfei, the newspaper said there is "absolutely no need" for Chinese journalists in India to conduct interviews under fake names and it is completely normal for reporters to request interviews with the Dalai Lama group. "The act has sent negative messages and media communications between China and India will inevitably be negatively impacted," the editorial said. It claimed that by opposing India's NSG membership, China was not being disrespectful because it was obeying the rule that all NSG members are required to be signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). -PTI

Whole Foods Store opens in Santa Clara

hole Foods Market's 50,000square-foot store in Santa Clara, California, opened on July 26 at Scott Boulevard and Bowers Avenue. The store anchors the Santa Clara Square Marketplace development and is the first Whole Foods Market location in the city of Santa Clara. The store has a tap room with 16 taps, full pub food menu, and seating for about 50 people; outdoor cafĂŠ seating for 40; smoothie

and coffee bar; sushi, ramen, and bao by Genji; new, convenient digital ordering for sandwiches, burritos, and whole pizzas; and new self-serve options in the bakery. The store will participate in Whole Foods Market's community support initiatives, including 5 Percent Days, Nickels for Nonprofits, and food and fund drives. Beneficiaries include Santa Clara library.

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Realty Tidbits

Jackson gets $1.2M to remove lead paint JACKSON, Miss.: The City of Jackson is getting $1.2 million in funding to help remediate leadbased paint in 86 eligible low-income housing units in the county. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced the award through its Lead Based Paint Hazard Control grant program. The city's also getting $150,000 in Healthy Homes supplemental funding. The City of Jackson is a firsttime recipient of the funding and was the only municipality in the state to receive it. Mayor Tony T. Yarber says the grants support the city's efforts to ensure it has a healthy community. The mayor's office says the funding will help reduce the number of children with elevated blood lead levels, and protect families by targeting health hazards in over 2,800 low-income homes. -AP

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Detroit's Paradise Valley to be redeveloped

DETROIT: A planned redevelopment project will celebrate an area that had once been a hub of black music and culture in Detroit. More than $50 million is expected to be invested over the next three years in the Paradise Valley Cultural & Entertainment District. Paradise Valley's night clubs hosted jazz legends, and the district's many black-owned businesses were the center of commerce for the African-American community until many of the shops and homes were demolished beginning in the 1950s in the name of economic development. The city pushed ahead in recent years with plans to redevelop the area along the eastern edge of downtown. ``The key developers behind this project are longtime Detroiters,'' Mayor Mike Duggan said. ``They know what this district was and they know what it can be. They're committed to working with existing tenants and building a Paradise Valley that not only honors the heritage of our city, but ushers in our future.'' Five Detroit-based firms will update existing buildings in the area, creating dozens of jobs for city residents. The projects include a boutique hotel, a restaurant, jazz club, offices and luxury apartments. The city's Downtown Development Authority used tax dollars from Detroit's three casinos in 2006 to buy five buildings and four surface lots with the intention of creating an entertainment district.-PTI

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16 housing agencies get $1.3M for job training INDIANAPOLIS: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded a total of more than $1.3 million to 16 local housing authorities in Indiana to help families living in public housing and those participating in a housing choice voucher program further their education, find good jobs, and attain self-sufficiency. The Indianapolis Housing Authority is receiving nearly $282,000 in the grants announced, while housing authorities in Evansville, New Albany, Fort Wayne and Terre Haute will receive grants of $100,000 or more. -AP

New neighborhoods beckon at Wallis Ranch in Dublin India Post News Service

DUBLIN, Calif.: It's time to say hello to Wallis Ranch, a new gated master-planned community by Trumark Communities now open in Dublin. A press release issued by Wallis Ranch says, "This is your chance to experience eight distinctive new neighborhoods that are perfectly suited for family-friendly living. Come out to tour new model homes, visit the sales galleries at four of the new neighborhoods now open and learn more about the exciting community. And, with walking and hiking trails, resort-style amenities, a pool and fitness center and a great school district, you'll see why Wallis Ranch will be a place to grow your legacy." Wallis Ranch is a secluded world with eight neighborhoods that create a unique opportunity. Where trees line the streets and community means family, 806 new homes will reflect old dreams and new ideas, spanning from 1,514 to 4,317 square feet with two to six

bedrooms and two-and-one-half to five baths. From attached townhome-style condominium and courtyard-style homes to single-family residences, each col-

"Antone Pavilion will draw you in to fresh experiences, Tassajara Creek will bring out the beauty in nature, and parks and trails will make room to spread out, connect-

lection will be connected to the land and the people who live on it. Winding down the road at Wallis Ranch will be like finding your place at home and in the world. The press release says,

ing you to the community's core. At the heart of the community, Kindred House will bring resortstyle amenities from a pool, spa and gourmet kitchen to a fitness room, terrace and playground, so

you can follow hello wherever it takes you. Plus, Green Bushel will help you rediscover nature with a seasonal fruit stand, garden, planters and orchard. At Wallis Ranch, each day tells the story of creating a place to be as grand as your dreams. "In the heart of Dublin, this new community is a making its mark. Wallis Ranch is one of the first master-planned communities to use recycled water to irrigate all front yards and open spaces, saving approximately 4.8 million gallons of water a year and showing just how far green living can go. In addition, this environmentally conscious community also houses preserved trees, protected streams and 35 acres of open space. "Plus, a sought-after Bay Area location means exceptional conveniences, excellent schools and a short commute to jobs, businesses and recreation." Wallis Ranch is located at Tassajara Road and Wallis Ranch Drive, Dublin, California 94568. To learn more, please visit WallisRanch.com.

Bay Area homes set price record SAN FRANCISCO: The median price of a San Francisco Bay Area home set another record while year-over-year sales dropped for a third straight month, reflecting a housing crunch that continues to stymie sales throughout the coveted region. The median price of a house or condo in the nine-county, tech-heavy Bay Area hit $712,000 in June, according to numbers released by research firm CoreLogic Inc. It was the third straight month of setting a new price high. Sales were down 6.5 percent from last year, to 8,679 homes sold. Statewide, the median price of a California home was $439,000, up nearly 6 percent from last June. Buyers closed on more than

45,200 homes last month, down 3 percent from a year ago. Kim Ott, president of the Bay East Association of Realtors, said inventory is tighter than even last year as people continue to move into the San Francisco region, and people who already live in the area are staying put. ``When I first started in this business, (homes) were turning over about every five to seven years,'' said Ott, who has been in the industry since 1999. ``Now, it's seven to 10 years. They are staying in their homes, and that also affects the inventory.'' Sales in Alameda County, which includes the city of Oakland east of San Francisco, dropped nearly 10 percent from a year ago while the median price increased more than 7 percent to $705,000. In the heart of Silicon Valley,

sales of homes in Santa Clara County declined 7 percent as the median price increased 4.5 percent

The median price in Southern California ranged from a low of $285,000 in the inland county of San Bernardino to a high of $657,500 in Orange County. to $860,000. ``The affordability crunch is significant, and it's constraining sales,'' said CoreLogic research

analyst Andrew LePage. In Southern California, sales remained flat from a year ago. The median price was $464,000 in the six-county area, up 5 percent from last year. About 24,300 homes were sold in June. The median price in Southern California ranged from a low of $285,000 in the inland county of San Bernardino to a high of $657,500 in Orange County. The median price of a San Francisco home was $1.17 million in June. But home-hunters on a budget should take heart: Prices are stabilizing in some areas, said David Stark, Bay East's public affairs director. ``Prices are still going up,'' he said, ``just not as aggressively or rapidly as we've seen the last few years.'' -AP

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Realty to be $180 bn industry in India NEW DELHI: India's real estate sector is set to become a USD 180billion industry by 2020, building on initiatives such as smart city mission and tax sops for investment trust REIT, a top NHB official has said. "The real estate sector is set to become a 180 billion dollar industry by 2020," National Housing Bank (NHB) Managing Director

vestors as well in a big way," he added. Home loan disbursements from NHB have been encouraging, Kalyanaraman said. The demand for warehousing space would grow whenever the GST Bill is implemented. Addressing the conference, CBRE - India and South East Asia Chairman Anshuman Magazine

National Housing Bank MD and CEO Sriram Kalyanaraman

and CEO Sriram Kalyanaraman was quoted as saying in a CII statement. "On the basis of the Smart City projects, land record digitization, withdrawal of corporate tax from REIT structure, the real estate sector growth is bound to attract funds and confidence of the in-

said: "A balanced regulatory framework and healthy financing environment are the two key pillars for the sustainable development of the real estate sector. Recently announced policy amendments, including those on RERA and REITs, will aid the growth of the sector."

The government is working with industry stakeholders to address development bottlenecks and help bring confidence back into the real estate market in India, Magazine said. Pinaki Misra, Member of Parliament and Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Urban Development, said that the government and the private sector must work in tandem towards further development and growth of real estate sector. President of realtors' body CREDAI, Getambar Anand said edevelopment of the real estate sector cannot happen without the private sector. "Documented demand for housing proves that the real estate sector is doing much better now. The government must ensure that over regulation does not discourage investment flow into the sector," he added. Xander Finance CEO Amar Merani, Sare Homes MD Vineet Relia and CHD Developers MD Gaurav Mittal talked about challenges in the real estate financing. CII Chairperson Rumjhum Chatterjee said the Real Estate Regulatory and Development Act 2016 will create the much-needed institutional framework to bring back the confidence among investors. Smart City projects announced for 100 cities by the government will also give a big fillip to the real estate sector, she added. -PTI

'40 pc allottees returned DDA flats' NEW DELHI: Over 40 per cent of the houses allotted by the DDA under its Housing Scheme 2014 have been surrendered or cancelled with some allottees complaining about the size of the flats and locality, the government has said. "The DDA has informed that out of 25,039 flats for draw of lots in the Housing Scheme 2014, 10,653 flats have been surrendered or cancelled," Minister of State for Urban Development Rao Inderjit Singh said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. Most of the allottees have cited no reason for their decision to surrender the flats but some have pointed that the size and locality did not meet their requirements, he added. The rate of surrender of the

houses possibly makes it one of the highest-ever in a housing scheme launched by the DDA. The Delhi Development Authority now plans to allot the surrendered flats and other vacant flats through a new housing scheme with modified terms and conditions, Singh said.

"At present, there is no proposal for constructing or allotting 60,000 new flats or units during 2016," he said. About 60,000 flats, that are expected to be launched in two years from now, are reportedly under construction and will be completed in phases. -PTI

19,300 house constructed under PM plan NEW DELHI: Nearly 19,300 houses were constructed under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)-Urban even as government has approved about 860

was built even as 1,413 units were under construction. Similarly, Telangana got nod for 64 projects, involving over 80,000 houses, but no house was con-

projects, involving construction of 7.28 lakh units. According to the data provided by Minister of State for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) Rao Inderjit Singh in Rajya Sabha, as many as 864 project were approved as on July 15 this year under the scheme, which was launched in June last year. These projects involved construction of 7,28,840 houses for the slum dwellers and urban poor, but only 19,255 units were completed and as many as 1,07,687 houses were under construction. The figure also includes projects approved under Rajiv Awas Yojana which has been subsumed with the PMAY-Urban. As many as 61 projects, involving construction of 1,93,147 units, were approved for Andhra Pradesh, but not a single house

structed, although around 300 units were under construction. Ten projects, involving over 1 lakh houses, were approved for Maharashtra, but neither a house was built nor was under-construction in the state, according to the data. Other states where no house was constructed under the scheme included Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. However, the highest number of 4,333 houses were built in Karnataka, followed by Rajasthan (3,627), Tamil Nadu (2,595), Gujarat (2,160) and Uttar Pradesh (2,044). States and UTs where no project was approved included Assam, Goa, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Chandigarh, Delhi, Daman and Dui, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadar and Nagar Haveli and Puducherry. -PTI

Paris Hilton to start new hotel chain LONDON: Socialite Paris Hilton will soon start her own line of

luxury hotels. Hilton, 35, is all set to follow her great-grandfather Conard Hilton's footsteps, who was also the founder of Hilton hotel chain all over the world, reported Female First. The reality TV star has chosen three cities to start her venture in. She will open hotels in Dubai, New York and Las Vegas which are also her favorite destinations. The launch date is yet to be revealed. This will not be Paris first venture into the real estate world. In 2010, she designed two Beach Clubs for Azure Urban Resort Residences by Century Properties in the Philippines. -PTI

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$13M to combat 'zombie homes' ALBANY, N.Y.: Communities across New York State still reeling from the housing crisis are getting some help from the state in dealing with abandoned properties. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman told The Associated Press that his office will award $13 million in grants to local governments with a high number of ``zombie homes,'' vacant properties that often fall into neglect as the foreclosure process drags on. Without regular maintenance, the homes can become an eyesore or even a haven for criminal activity, dragging down nearby property values and threatening to undermine entire neighborhoods. ``Too many communities across this state have been hit hard by the proliferation of zombie prop-

erties,'' Schneiderman said. ``This new grant initiative puts tools directly in the hands of towns and cities across the state to reverse course, rebuild from the foreclosure crisis, and put zombie homes in the rear-view mirror.'' The 100 communities in the state with the most zombie homes and blight may apply for the funds. The money will support local code enforcement and city legal efforts to ensure banks and lenders meet their legal requirements to maintain properties. The money may also be spent on programs to help homeowners avoid foreclosure in the first place. It comes from a $3.2 billion settlement negotiated by Schneiderman's office with Morgan Stanley, one of several large

Fargo alert over pirated house plans FARGO, N.D.: An organization terclaim accusing Building Conrepresenting homebuilders in cepts of failing to complete the North Dakota's largest city is ask- plans in a timely manner and backing its members to be on the looking out on a deal to finance conout for pirated house plans. struction. A civil lawsuit filed last month Dan Frisk, attorney for Buildaccusing a Fargo couple of copy- ing Concepts, said the general ising architectural drawings and sue has become ``more pervasive'' peddling them to builders sparked with the uptick in building in a the Fargo-Moorhead Home Build- burgeoning metro area. ers Association to bring in an expert on federal copyright law to update the group. Dan Frisk, attorney for Build`Ìt's not the first time we've heard about copy- ing Concepts, said the right infringement, but general issue has become we wanted to refresh everybody's memory ``more pervasive'' with the and what the laws are and how they work,'' uptick in building in a bursaid Clay Dietrich, immediate past president of geoning metro area. the association. `À lot of times people try to claim ignorance, but `Ì'm hearing of more comthat's really not an excuse under plaints with builders and architects federal law.'' A civil lawsuit filed by Building trying to preserve their designs,'' Concepts Inc. accuses Brian and Frisk said. Copyright law was specifically Linda Meier of federal copyright infringement. The complaint says extended to architectural designs the couple removed the copyright in 1990. The federal statute generreservation and distributed the ally prohibits people from sharing plans to general contractors, sup- copyright plans without a license pliers and tradesmen in an effort or permission. Dietrich said that to elicit construction bids for the while Fargo continues to grow, it's still small enough where most of home. The Meiers deny the allega- the builders recognize protected tions. They say they were dealing work. ``The builders should know with more than one architect in the process and told every better,'' he said. `Ì don't think a lot homebuilder who was shown the of consumers are aware what it drawings to return or destroy takes to produce that work and them. The couple has filed a coun- how expensive it is.'' -AP

settlements with financial institutions following the economic downturn. T h e grants will range in size from $75,000 to $350,000. There are an estimated 16,000 zombie homes across the state. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman

The grant program follows the passage of a state law this year that imposes new rules on mortgage lenders requiring them to maintain abandoned houses before foreclosures are completed. Banks that fail to do so face fines of $500 a day. The new law also establishes an electronic statewide registry of abandoned homes, a state hotline where neighbors can report them and requires notices to mortgage borrowers emphasizing their right to stay in houses until foreclosure. -AP

Desi News Indian teen surprises by running half marathon SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: A young energetic Gujarati teenager in a Chicago suburb has surprised many, including her family and friends, by successfully completing a half Marathon organized in Chicago by Rock & Roll. The event held in Chicago downtown on morning of July 15 had nearly 11,000 participants and probably 13 year old Serena Shah was the only Indian girl of her age to compete and finish the half marathon distance in admirable timing of one hour and 58 minutes. Details on page 18

Shiv Durga Temple shifts to Sunnyvale India Post News Service

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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Fresno row on anti-Sikh violence deplored

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FOG scales new heights uniting global cultures & communities India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Festival of Globe (FOG) is well known for organizing colossal community events that integrate the fabric of global communities. Keeping up its tradition of cultural integration, FOG has expanded its annual pageant to embrace multiple facets of global community. This year, Festival of Globe (FOG) Extravaganza is a 10-day jubilant celebration from Aug 5th to 14th in the San Francisco Bay Area and will include FOG Movie Fest, FOG Awards, FOG Music Fest, FOG Summit, FOG Fashion Fest, FOG FoodFest, Famous In-

200,000 people are expected to participate in FOG Grand Parade. Randeep Hooda is the star attraction and "Grand Marshal" in the parade this year to engage and entertain the community. Hooda has acted in many blockbuster movies in the recent past. A few of

his smash hits are Sultan, Highway, Do Lafzon Ki Kahani, Sarbjit,

pression while acting along with Salman Khan. Dr. Romesh Japra, Founder and Convener FOG, said, "Over the past 24 years, FOG has made great strides in including all parts of community and carrying out its mission to help communities better integrate. This year, the glamorous line up of movie stars includes Randeep Hooda, Gulshan Grover, Raveena Tandon, and Raima Sen. Bollywood has proven to be a great way to teach Indian culture to youngsters." FOG Movie Fest is Home to world's movies and its mission is to empower and integrate global cultures and communities through

Details on page 21

Vedika Global brings Ayurveda to India schools

fter completing three years of in-depth education in Ayurveda at Vedika Global Foundation for the Living Wisdom of Ayurveda Yoga and Vedanta, due to life, or may I say through the workings of karma, after marriage with Coimbatore based Indian Ragav Naidu, I moved to India in 2011. I was wondering how I would give back from the fund of knowledge I had received from my teacher Acharya Shunya Pratichi Mathur. I was glad I was able to convince a local school to allow me to teach "An Introduction to Ayurveda" series as part of "life skills curriculum". I decided to teach disease prevention (swasthavritta) via healthy lifestyle (dinacharya). Details on page 26

Details on page 19

dia Day Fair and Grand Parade. Surpassing previous turnout records, this year promises to attract some of the largest gatherings ever in the Bay Area. Over

Laal Rang, Main Aur Charles, Ungli, Rang Rasiya, and Kick. Randeep's Haryanvi background is very well immersed in the movie Sultan, where he makes a great im-

Film Arts, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Folk Arts. Many of the movies are World Premiers being shown for the first time on any screen. Hundreds of film makers

Dr. Romesh Japra, Founder and Convener FOG

and stars will be joining in-person for Q & A and Red Carpet. FOG Music Fest featuring Fetty Wap, Rick Ross, French Montana, Berner, Mally Mall, Anjali World and Horse Power will be held on Saturday 13th of August from 5 pm to 11 pm at SAP Center in San Jose. It is an amazing and incredible ensemble of super artists and celebrities. FOG Awards, Youth Empowerment, FOG Summit, FOG Fashion Fest, Fair ( Mela ), Grand Parade are the key featured events that make FOG an unparalleled community event. Visit www.FOGsv.org for more details.

Private group mails voter registration forms SHOBHANA VERMA

CHICAGO: A private organization called the Voter Participation Center (VPC) is sending millions of letters to prospective voters throughout the United States, but some recipients are not eligible because they are too young or not yet citizens. Chicago Election Board Chairman Marisel Hernandez said the form letters include a voter-registration form with the recipient's name and address pre-printed on the form. She however, noted that some residents have called to ask why they received the letters if the law does not allow them to regis-

ter to vote or if they are already registered. "If you are a U.S. citizen who will be 18 or older on Nov. 8, 2016

Chicago Election Board

and if you need to register at your new address, you may register

with this form by completing it, signing it and returning it to your local election authority," Hernandez said. "But you should disregard this letter if you are: (1) not eligible to vote; or (2) already registered at your current home address, perhaps under a slightly different name; or (3) claim the right to vote elsewhere." Chicago voters may check their voter-registration status at chicagoelections.com. Chicago voters also may use this web site and an Illinois driver's license or state ID card to register to vote online or file an address change

or a name change. Those who have questions about a letter from VPC may call 202-659-9570 or write to VPC, 27 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 710, Chicago IL 60606. The Illinois State Board of Elections has advised election agencies statewide that the VPC is operating as a non-government organization using mailing lists created by private marketing firms. VPC and other groups have issued similar mailings in past election years to reach people who are potentially eligible to vote but not registration.

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Quiet cleansing: Murder of Bangladesh Hindus GEETHA PATIL

ichard L. Benkin, who is a lecturer, writer, journalist, an American Jewish human rights activist, and a cofounder of Interfaith Strength, has made a serious effort to write about the ethnic cleansing of Hindus in Bangladesh which is happening quietly over many decades. His book opens up to the whole world the silence and the cover up by the government that has kept one of this century's worst human rights abuses. He is using his own extensive experience with the country's structure, as well as the fact-oriented research of a social scientist to make a substantial case in the book for why this terrible atrocity is happening, what are its roots, how terrible it is, and how it is going to spread to other countries if we allow this thing to proceed with exemption and even our silent approval. Benkin says there is an alarming decrease of Hindu population in the country. After India's 1947 partition, Hindus were a third of East Pakistan's population; when

East Pakistan became Bangladesh in 1971, they were less than a fifth; 30 years later under a tenth; and today fewer than eight percent. He says Bangladeshi Hindus are experiencing government-tolerated murder, rape, abduction, forced conversion, land grabs, and more, including a 2009 massacre behind a Dhaka police station. Yet, the world has remained silent until now and either the United Nations or any other international communities were nowhere to be seen. The author uncovers this atrocity with testimony by Hindus in Bangladesh and India and confrontations with their victimizers. He documents deliberate efforts by the "modest Muslim nation" of Bangladesh to kill, kick out, or convert Hindus and the involvementof some entities that are defending such activities. Benkin exposes the hypocrisy of the powers in this book. The condition of Hindus under the secular Awami League Government would improve but the situ-

ation has remained practically the same. Pakistan declared its Hindu minority as enemy and had legal provision for vesting their property under Enemy Property Act. Free Bangladesh, rather than warding off the same they gave it a new name asVested Property Act

(VPA) and it did not return the confiscated property to the minorities. The author describes in detail

vast appropriation of Hinduowned land under the VPA, and how this is forcing the minorities to migrate from Bangladesh. He further describes shocking facts of how Muslims illegally occupied Hindu owned lands and properties during the Bangladesh liberation war and put these Hindu refugees in a helpless and miserable situation when they returned back to their homes in free Bangladesh from India. Human rights lawyer and activist Sultana Kamal condemned the attacks on Hindus by saying, "I strongly feel that what is happening to the Hindu community in Bangladesh definitely falls under the definition of crimes against humanity." Some others with strong foresight had predicted about what is going to happen to Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Mr. Shaukat Hayat Khan, the then Prime Minister of undivided Punjab had said that Hindus might not be allowed to stay in Pakistan. A decade earlier than Partition,

Mrs. Savitri Devi, a Greek convert to Hinduism, in her book, A Warning to the Hindus, wrote about the "riots worse than any of those India has seen in the past". The real situation in Bangladesh since 2001 is now exposed to the national and international media and to the civilized societies around the world.In the background of such a situation, a big question that comes to the mind is whether Hindus will be able to continue living in Bangladesh and enjoying their rights as its full citizens. At the same time, Benkin's book, A Quiet Case of Ethnic Cleansing: The Murder of Bangladesh's Hindus'which critically analyzes current problems of Hindus in Bangladesh in the historical perspective and makes suggestions to resolve this problem is expected to strike a major blow against the big silence. This book will lead to more actions that place the ethnic cleansing of Hindus in Bangladesh on the international human rights agenda.

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Indian teen surprises by running half marathon SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: A young energetic brother Ronan, father Suketu and Gujarati teenager in a Chicago sub- mother Rupal) and well wishers urb has surprised many, including goading her to reach the finishing her family and friends, by success- line which she did. fully completing a half Marathon Hailing from a small village near organized in Chicago by Rock & Navsari, Serna has just finished Roll. her elementary school and plans The event held in Chicago going to Bartlett high school. She downtown on morning of July 15 aims taking up the medical profeshad nearly 11,000 participants and probably 13 year old Serena Shah Hailing from a small village was the only Indian girl of her age to compete near Navsari, Serna has just and finish the half marathon distance in admi- finished her elementary rable timing of one hour school and plans going to and 58 minutes. The event starting Bartlett high school. from Grand Pak ended there after a round of Lake Shore Michigan and had sion as she wants to see that othpeople thronging both sides of the ers are trim and fit physically as road cheering the participants. For she is. She has participated in Serena, there were her school smaller races earlier and has been friends, family members (younger scoring good grades. Rock & Roll marathon in Chicago

Participant Serena Shah with family members

Serena being goaded by well wishers

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Fresno row on anti-Sikh violence deplored DR SUDARSHAN KAPOOR

FRESNO, CA: In the aftermath of assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her two trusted Sikh body guards on Oct. 31, 1984 in India, anti-Sikh violence occurred in Delhi which lasted for about three days. Later, violence spread to other cities, according to historians. No doubt, it was a grim and gruesome tragedy as the violence resulted in the loss of many innocent lives; to this day, survivors and their families

There is a saying in our community that when rain clouds appear in Delhi, India, people start sneezing in Fresno and take up the umbrellas. Such is the impact of 'weather' now being felt in Fresno. I find myself in the midst of the storm, owing in large part to what I believe is an inaccurate characterization of my position and views in articles in the Fresno Bee. A draft Resolution on 'Sikh Genocide in India' was introduced

Measures to assist the victims of 1984 violence have been undertaken by the Government of India and apologies have been made at the highest level by leaders like Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a Sikh himself, in Parliament of India [Aug. 2005]. continue to experience pain and suffering. Measures to assist the victims of 1984 violence have been undertaken by the Government of India and apologies have been made at the highest level by leaders like Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a Sikh himself, in Parliament of India [Aug. 2005]. The current Prime Minister Modi of India said the violence was "a dagger pierced through India's chest". However, the issue has still lingered on without any resolution and closure in India, and indeed, not event in California. Background of Events in Fresno

last January at the City Hall in Fresno. The Resolution was withdrawn, and I and many others thought that the matter was closed. In early June, a city council member requested a meeting, inviting me and another member of the Indian community for a discussion in view of the mounting pressure and the possibility for the reintroduction of the Resolution. My response was that he and other council members who want to be well informed should reach out to Consul General of India's Office in San Francisco for details and better understanding of the

issues and concerns raised in the draft resolution and also about Government of India's current policies and initiatives pertaining to the violence of 1984. As a result, the office of City Council's President officially invited and arranged the visit of Consul General of India. The Council President's office scheduled the meetings on June 22 with council members who showed interest in meeting the Consul General. The Consul General explained in detail the background of the issue, the Government of India's position and various measures and initiatives taken to address the issues. A prepared statement was given to council members. An interview was given by the Consul General, as requested, to a Fresno Bee reporter who was invited by a council member without prior consultation with Council President and his office. The Fresno Bee story the next day, unfortunately, caused a big firestorm and misunderstanding in our community. I want to clearly state that there is no justification for the violence perpetuated against the Sikhs in 1984. It was very disturbing for me personally because of my family's long history of association with the Sikh faith and the influence and admiration I hold for the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikh faith, who focused his teachings on love, peace and harmony among Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims.

I also consider the anti-Sikh violence as a gross violation of human rights. It was a dark spot on the face of India in the history of relationship between Hindus and Sikhs who have lived together peacefully and harmoniously for centuries. Many Hindus, including myself, have condemned and decried the killings of innocent people. That said, having read the Resolution, I felt very much depressed

diaspora. Subsequent meetings with council members have been very informational and educational. In one meeting, one council member proposed the idea of arranging a dialogue between the selected community leaders from both sides of the issue. The idea of a dialogue was warmly supported to bring peace, understanding and harmony within the community. The idea is still under active con-

I felt very much depressed and disappointed by the overall tone of the resolution. I feel that the Sikh Community is a vital part of Indian society, has been and will remain so, as we share common values and are proud of our heritage and culture. and disappointed by the overall tone of the resolution. I feel that the Sikh Community is a vital part of Indian society, has been and will remain so, as we share common values and are proud of our heritage and culture. This resolution, and others like it that have been adopted here in the Valley, arise out of a sense that there has been little true justice for the victims of the 1984 pogrom-another term that has been frequently used to describe the events. Unfortunately, adopting this resolution, here in Fresno, does not further the aim. Instead, it is creating a wedge amongst the Indian

sideration and I personally support strongly and recommend that it be pursued vigorously by the council member and his colleagues. It might very well pave the way to peace in our community. I strongly believe that PEACE is the way to PEACE. There is no other better way for civilized and cultured groups to resolve their conflicts. In order to avoid any further damage, polarization and violence in our community, initiatives such as constructive dialogue must be encouraged and pursued by a third neutral party, also called mediators.

Rathyatra in Boston after over a decade GEETHA PATIL

BOSTON: After a long hiatus of 17 years, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Boston arranged a very special historic festival, the Ratha Yatra (chariot procession) of Lord Jagannatha on the major streets of Massachusetts and Boylston on Saturday, July 23 from 12 noon to 6 pm in the evening. It was attended by thousands of Lord Krishna devotees and others coming from all over New England region. The Ratha Yatra Parade proceeded from 12 noon down Boylston St, started from Massachusetts Avenue and culminated at the Boston Common Park, where the festivities of live devotional music (Kirtan), singing dancing and henna continued with full enthusiasm and all the religious fervor in the midst of a free vegetarian Prasadam feast prepared with love and devotion by the devotees of Lord Krishna.

Iskcon Rath Yatra

Bhajan singing

Devotees take Mahaprasad

The ISKCON Boston has been celebrating this festival for three decades now with some pause on

having grand procession on the major streets of Boston in between. This attractive, stunning,

and blissfully inspiring annual Ratha Yatra involved carrying of deities Lord Jagannatha, Balarama,

and Subhadra on a richly decorated chariot for a journey. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 20

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Hari Om Mandir celebrates Youth Night SURESH BODIWALA

CHICAGO: After celebrating Mother's Day & Father's Day, Hari Om Mandir decided to recognize the young artists in the community and celebrate the Youth Day with pomp and fervor. A gala evening of music, dance, fun and entertainment was organized by the Mandir on Saturday, July 16 at Lake Park High School east campus. The entire program was put together by children ranging 7 to 17 years in age. MC's Tushar Sharma and Divya Maheshwari led the program from start to finish in a very professional way. The program started with the traditional Lighting of the Diya and offering prayers to Ganesh Ji. Once, the ball was set rolling, there was no looking back….from Classical Bharatanatyam to Bollywood dances, from Punjabi folk to mod-

Youth members with séniors at Youth Day celebrations .Pics Asian Media USA

ern hip hop, from vocal singing to instrumental music……the kids had so much to offer. Srikar Gangadharni played and sang the old classic "Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram" on the piano. The highlight of this rendering was that this 8-year old kid had learnt this Bhajan from his grandfather in India thru Skype. Thanks to technology. Another memorable performance was the recitation of the Nursery Rhyme, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" by Shriya Lakshmi Narasimhan, who presented it in different Indian languages. After the dinner intermission, the program advanced to a grand finale

Young artists giving performances

with a Fashion Show put up by all the participants and their proud parents. Young kids and teenagers very elegantly walked the stage and posed for pictures. Satpal Salwan, Chairman Board of Trustees, thanked everyone for their hard work and congratulated the youth for putting up a great show. President of the Executive Board Vipan Wadhera presented a Plaque to the Youth Co-coordinator Tushar Sharma, honoring him for his services and attachment to the Mandir, since he was a 3-year old kid. The program concluded with National Anthem and the awards ceremony.

Rathyatra in Boston after over a decade Cont’d from page 19

This procession created a sight no different to that which happens in Puri, India. The huge procession was accompanied by groups of musicians who were singing devotional songs, playing traditional drums, dholaks, and various other instruments, a wide-range of chanting, devotional singing and dancing by Krishna devotees. This 2016 marks a big year for the ISKCON - a bhakti movement led by Swami Prabhupada who introduced spiritual science to the West in the form of devotional service to Krishna - turns 50 this year. ISKCON was formally established as a non-profit in 1966. This movement has been growing steadily ever since and spreading the message of spiritual knowledge, peace, and eternal bliss through chanting and singing of

Gathering at Rath Yatra

the holy names of Lord Krishna and distribution of vegetarian sanctified food. This memorable event was attended by many dignitaries and notables namely His Holiness Subhag Swami, ISKCON Mayapur

-West Bengal India, Latha Mangipudi, State Representative Nashua, NH, Sanjay Kaul, Vice President, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), Kanchan Banerjee, President, Global Indians for Bharat Vikas (GIBV),

Ravindra Mahadev, Financial Advisor, The Mahadev Group - A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. "It was the most wonderful experience of my life. I have never seen a gorgeous procession like

this before. There are no words to express my joy with these wonderful devotees of Krishna and Indian vegetarian food. I will definitely never forget my time with this event," An American witness from Watertown said to this reporter.

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Shiv Durga Temple shifts to Sunnyvale India Post News Service

SUNNYVALE, CA: Shiv Durga Temple was started on 6th December 2012 in Santa Clara under the guidance of Acharya Pandit Krishna Pandey. Led by the community and religious leader, the temple has now moved to 1170 Kern Avenue, Sunnyvale. The opening ceremony was attended by over 1000 devotees. Pandit hails from a family of priests from Northern India. He is the third generation priest in his family dynasty. He is an Acharya in Vedic Religion and Astrology from Sanskrit University, Varanasi, India. Pandit Pandey was awarded the Bharat Gaurav Award for his meritorious religious and social services. Panditji also served as a priest for the world famous temple of Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir, India, where on an average more than 100,000 devotees pay their tribute every month. He was also a disciple of Late Ashok

Singhal, VHP. He came to United States in 1999 to give his religious and spiritual

services and started Shiv Durga temple in 2012. This temple is dedicated to Late Ashok Singhal and

Sangeeth Marthand Pandit Jasraj Ji and Tripti Mukherjee. The temple has now been moved to a

bigger location with ample parking facilities. The Pran Pratishta ceremony was started on Saturday July 23, with Ganapathi poojan, havan, bhajan, keertan, cultural performances and concert. A special concert was arranged to mark the new beginning by Thomas Niggi, Germany and Madan Oak. The main purpose of the temple is to spread Hindu culture and traditions. "We are a young generation of Indians that have immigrated and we all have very young kids," Manasa, a devotee said. "The desire to be able to raise your kids in knowledge and awareness of their roots is a common thread across the community." The opening ceremony was attended by Mayors, council members, Consul General Venkatesan Ashok and other eminent Bay area community leaders. Pandey Ji thanked hundreds of volunteers who have dedicated their time and helped with the move.

Janice explains Tong Ren healing GEETHA PATIL

BOSTON: Janice Goldman, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer in the College of Management at the University of Massachusetts, Boston led the discussion on an interesting topic, "Principles and Practice of Tong Ren Healing" on July 20 at MIT Wednesday group meeting, Cambridge, MA. Kashif Ul Huda introduced Janice Goldman to the audience with her brief professional data.She graduated from MIT with a specialization in Organizational Sociology. Her interest in Tong Ren is both as a practitioner and as a scholar tracing the emergence of this exciting new healing modality and organization. She said that Tong Ren is a form of energy healing that restores health and vitality of a person by combining the western knowledge of anatomy and physiology with the ancient principle of "chi," or life force energy. It is based on the belief that people's body gets diseases due to the interruptions or blockages in the natural flow of chi, neural bioelectricity, blood, or hormones. She also stated that Tong Ren uses collective unconscious technique to restore the body's natural ability to heal itself, even when the person's condition is chronic, debilitating, or untreatable. This is practiced as a distance healing and no physical involvement of the practitioner and patient is nec-

essary. In this healing technique, energy from the universal source is passed on directly to the patient. She demonstrated the technique by using a small human ana-

Janice Goldman, Ph.D

tomical model as an energetic representation of the audience who are having some ailments in different parts of the body, and tapping on targeted points for that ailment on the model with a lightweight magnetic hammer. She said to the audience that she is directing chi to blockage points corresponding to the audience's condition/s, and breaking down resistance at these points. She promised that as blood flows, neural transmission and

hormone reception are restored. The body will then be able to heal itself. She asserted that this energy healing is an effective method for

healing people with Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes, Parkinson's disease and other serious illnesses by removing the blockage which interferes with the

conscious and the power of the mind. In her response, Janice said that when a group comes together to form a collective unconscious, as in healing meditation, this col-

Janice leading discussion on healing efficacy of Tong Ren

A few in the audience were wondering that for any healing system, there has to be a supporting theory and empirical evidence.

proper functioning of the body. Janice engaged audience's interest in this technique during her demonstration session as the theory of collective unconsciousness was working for this therapy. A few in the audience were wondering that for any healing system, there has to be a supporting theory and empirical evidence. But this therapy is purely based on the conjecture of belief system of the practitioner and patient, philosophy of the collective un-

lective mind can become the healing power and the leader works like a font that show a letter on a monitor in a computer. She concluded her presentation by saying proof may be found in research or empirical data but Tong Ren has not been proven by any expert research. This is the next step in the therapy. "I felt some tingling in my knees and flow of some energy. It feels good" an audience in the meeting told this reporter.

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Kalpita's charity dance to help the blind PRAKASH SWAMY

NEW YORK: Kalpita Chakote, a rising senior at George W. Hewlett High School, New York helped raise over $7,000 to prevent blindness and restore eyesight by giving a charity dance performance in Port Washington last

Kalpita, a student of Guru Satya Pradeep, Artistic Director of Nritya Saagaram Dance Academy, commenced her program with Pushpanjali, a traditional welcome and prayer in praise of Lord Ganesha and exhibited various

Kalpita's dance performance

week. Kalpita is the daughter of Dr. Vajinath Chakote, president of AAPI- QLI and a leading IndianAmerican physician of Long Island and Jyoti Chakote. The combined Bharatanatyam and Bollywood dance performance at Jeanne Rimsky Theater drew loud appreciation from a discerning audience that included Tom Suozzi, former Nassau County Executive and Democratic Party Congressional candidate.

rhythmic patterns. She followed it up with an item on Ardhanareeswara and explained the merger of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi in Ragamalika. She danced to the Hindustani number Deva Devam Bhaje, a famous Annamacharyakeertan on Lord Ram and ended the segment with a Thillana - a joyful conclusion of the recital. All the four were choreographed by Satya Pradeep. The second half saw her on an

upbeat mood by dancing the famous Bollywood song "1, 2, 3, 4 Get on the dance floor" from the movie Chennai Express. She performed Gunday's Jiya, Chennai Express' Titli and Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela's Ram Chahe Leela. She also danced to the famous numbers - Bajirao Mastani's Pinga and Devdas' Dola re Dola. These dances were choreographed by Guru Archana Phillip. She ended the performance with Drake's One Dance, Dhoom-3's Dhoom machale and Calvin Harris's 'This is what you came for' choreographed by Guru Nikhil Sadhnani. A student of Bharatanatyam since she was six and trained by guru Satya Pradeep, she is good at Bollywood dance as well. Under the tutelage of gurus Archana Phillip and Nikhil Sadhnani, she was able to excel in the dance form and performed Bollywood dances at several fundraisers including for St. Jude's Children's Hospital and Himalayan Development Foundation. She plays flute and excels in the 100 yard butterfly swim. "Dancing is my way of expressing my emotions and relating to others. I am happy that our team collected more than $7,000 to help restore eye sight and prevent blindness," she said "I have a severe astigmatism, irregularities in the curvature of

Community mourns Ranjanben Mangrola India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Members of Indian community at large mourned the death of Smt Ranjanben Mangrola, 73, mother of a community leader Harendra Mangrola. She passed away peacefully on Saturday July 23 in Skokie in the presence of her family members and relatives, many coming from India and UK. As Harendra Mangrola puts it, she was a pillar of strength for all the family members showering unconditional love and support for all. "All of us miss her very much and we pray that God give us strength to bear her loss," he said. Smt Ranjanben battled a rare type of cancer for the past two years and was given the best of treatment here by doctors and

oncologists. "We have special thanks for Northwestern Memo-

Smt Ranjanben Mangrola

rial hospital staff for the huge support and help that they gave us when scores of visitors came to

see my mother," Mangrola said. She was brought home two days before her passing away and "that was the right decision we took," Mangrola said. She died so peacefully and a sort of miracle happened at the end when the pictures of deities highly revered by Mangrola family fell down symbolizing the eternal life leaving the body. Smt Ranjanben was cremated at Pulaski-Foster funeral home on Monday July 25 with a large number of community members, friends, relatives and immediate family members in attendance. The wake ceremony is slated on Saturday July 30 at Mangrola residence in Skokie. She is survived by her two sons Harendra and Kishore and five grand children - Parth, Krupa, Vishal, Viraj and Devraj.

my eyes. It has made me extremely nearsighted. It used to affect me when I danced. Before I had contact lenses and I danced without my glasses. I couldn't see anything on stage. I was looking at complete darkness. I just had to trust that someone would catch me if I were too close

However, not being able to see and hoping nothing goes wrong are aspects of some people's daily lives. They don't have eye care. I stumbled upon Seva Foundation whose mission is to restore eyesight and prevent blindness. I wanted to help because I knew what they faced."

A student of Bharatanatyam since she was six and trained by guru Satya Pradeep, she is good at Bollywood dance as well. Under the tutelage of gurus Archana Phillip and Nikhil Sadhnani, she was able to excel in the dance form to the edge of the stage. Sometimes my jewelry fell off, and I couldn't see where it was. I just had to ignore it and hope that I wouldn't step on it. I am lucky because those situations were isolated events. I do not have to relive those moments.

Seva Foundation is a global non-profit eye care organization that helps and strengthens communities by restoring eye sight and preventing blindness. The organization has helped four million blind regain eyesight in more than 20 countries, she said.

NY doc honored with London FRCP PM SWAMI

NEW YORK: Dr. Mani demonstrated that they have not Srinivasan, Medical Officer at the gone above and beyond the call US State Department and a New of duty. Fellow of Royal College York physician, has been made a of Physicians, FRCP, is considFellow of Royal College of Physi- ered as a mark of excellence for cians in London for his contribu- physicians, a communique from tion to medical science. He is a the Registrar of the College said. Consultant in Infectious Disease Dr Srinivasan was senior at the Voluntary Medical Services House Officer of the Madras Genin Chennai. eral Hospital, MaDr. Srinivasan is dras, India in 1973 serving as a Mediand studied cal Officer since Medicine at 2003. He has reStanley Medical ceived many awards College Hospital, for exemplary mediMadras in 1972. cal care from the He followed it up State Department. with an MD in Recently, Dr New York State Srinivasan was University and honored by The was certified by White House Medithe American cal Unit for his conBoard of Internal tinued support to Medicine. He its mission in keephad his Posting with the highDoctoral training Dr Mani Srinivasan est tradition of in Columbia Unimedical care. versity in Infectious Diseases and The Royal College of Physi- is a Fellow of the American Colcians Council has announced that lege of Physicians. He has pubthe Fellowship is being offered lished in peer review journals and based on endorsement of his col- his clinical interests are geared to leagues - both locally and inter- newer antibiotics and Emerging nationally. This recognition is not Infectious Diseases. offered to all physicians and inDr. Srinivasan is member of deed many who are under con- many professional societies like sideration are not offered the fel- the Infectious Disease Society of lowship because they have not America.

July 29, 2016

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Vishal Bhagwati Jagran at Shivalaya Temple GEETHA PATIL

BOSTON: A devotion filled Ma Vishal Bhagwati Jagran was organized by the Shivalaya Temple of Greater Boston on Friday July 22 from 7 pm with hundreds of devotees attending it. Local artists coming from Greater Boston area participated in the event and mesmerized devotees with variety of devotional songs. Usha Kamalji and Shri Durga Temple Group were the main attraction of the Jagran. Devotees, followers in large numbers from Medford and nearby areas gathered for their active participation on this occasion and take blessings of Goddess Vishal Bhagwati. Before the beginning of the program, varieties of spicy, salt and sweet snacks with hot tea were served to the devotees. Vijay Kumar Selhi, President of the temple cordially invited all the devotees who came with their families and friends to the grand celebration of Ma Vishal Bhagwati

Bhagwati Jagran in progress

Jagran. Ma Ka Bhawan' (stage) was decorated with flowers and colorful lights besides proper arrangement of oil lamps. Temple priest, Pandit Jay Narayana Badal, performed puja with Vedic rituals and Mantras. Well-known singers of the night through their Bhajans effortlessly described the various Leelas of Ma Devi (Shakti) that

are infused with magnificent and thought provoking secrets of life. Bhajans depicted Devi as the Eternal Power (Shakti) that pervades the entire cosmos; she is the divine energy that manifests as the ultimate Creator, Protector and Destroyer. The melodious Bhajans created a mystical and transcendental atmosphere in the temple hall

and devotees of Greater Boston area also experienced spiritual bliss on the intervening night of Jagran. Maha Mangalarati was performed with all religious observance and devoutness to Ma Vishal Bhagwati and to all the deities in the temple. Later, all the devotees were served with sumptuous Maha Prasadam prepared by Kabab Corner of Medford. A

team of dedicated volunteers of the temple helped in serving food to the big crowd with respect and affection. Sudarshan Ji thanked profusely the sponsors of the Jagran. The volunteers were praised by him for their dedicated services. "They are very dear to my heart and next to God," Sudarshan Ji observed.

China research confirms benefits of Yoga MADHU PATEL

CHICAGO: Researchers at China's Binzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Central Hospital and Donghua University have concluded that yoga benefits adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), believed to be one of most frequently encountered metabolic syndromes worldwide. An abstract of the article "Effects of Yoga in Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis" published online at Journal of Diabetes Investigation stated: "A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of yoga in adult patients with T2DM". Researchers (Jie Cui, Jun-Hong Yan, Li-Ming Yan, Lei Pan, Jia-Jin Le, Yong-ZhongGuo) summed up in this article accepted on June 29: Based on the evidence, yoga significantly reduces fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels and alters other significant clinical outcomes in patients with T2DM. These results support the idea that yogabased training is a possible alternative exercise for T2DM management. In this study, researchers performed a meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials involving 864 patients in United Kingdom, India, Cuba and Iran to determine the effectiveness of yoga in patients with T2DM. The available evidence suggested that

yoga can significantly decrease patient FBG, postprandial blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, and low-density lipo-

ing the rate of progression of diabetes, as well as lessening the severity of further complications. Let's see how.

tion can help reduce stress in the mind and body. This, in turn, reduces glucagons and can also help improve insulin action.

China's Binzhou Medical University

protein cholesterol levels and increase their high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. According to Yoga practioners, regular yoga practice can help re-

Stress is one of the major reasons for diabetes. It increases the secretion of glucagon hormones in the body, responsible for increasing blood glucose levels.

The available evidence suggested that yoga can significantly decrease patient FBG, postprandial blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and increase their highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol. duce the level of sugar in the blood, along with lowering blood pressure, keeping a weight check, reducing the symptoms and slow-

Consistent practice of yoga asanas (body postures), pranayamas (breathing exercises) and a few minutes of daily medita-

Yoga, referred as "a living fossil", was a mental and physical discipline, for everybody to share and benefit from, whose traces went

Yoga Asan

The practice of yoga is also proven to reduce weight as well as control increasing weight, which is particularly important to keep diabetes in check. Sun Salutation and Kapal Bhati pranayama are one of the best ways to weight loss. Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said that yoga, though introduced and nourished by Hinduism, has a world heritage and is a liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all. According to Patanjali who codified it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.

back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus Valley civilization, Zed noted. Binzhou Medical College is a 5-year medical college in China. Binzhou Medical University is approved by "WHO" and Indian students can appear in screening test after 5 year MBBS course, which is conducted by National Examination Board According to US National Institutes of Health, yoga may help one to feel more relaxed, be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress. According to a recently released "2016 Yoga in America Study", about 37 million Americans (which included many celebrities) now practice yoga.

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Gopio holds anniversary celebrations in NY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: With the theme "Strengthening Connections between India and Indian Diaspora through Business," GOPIO International, Global Organization of People of Indian Origin, held its 27th Anniversary Celebrations and GOPIO Biennial Convention 2016 in New York, USA at the Marriott LaGuardia Hotel with evening banquets

held at World's Fair Marina on June 24 and 25. Over 200 delegates from 20 countries participated. GOPIO's New York Area Coordinator Lal Motwani served as the Convener along with Dr. Asha Samant, Kenny Desai, Shelly Nichani, Nohar Singh and Jayant Baxi as Co-Conveners. The convention started with a moment of silence for the victims of terror around

Convention Inauguration by Lighting of the Lamp. Left to right: Dr. Asha Samant, Dr. Rajeev Mehta, Lord Diljit Rana, Lal Motwani, Amb. Riva Ganguly Das, Ram Gadhavi, Guyana Prime Minister Riva Ganguly Das, Noel Lal, Niraj Baxi and Sunny Kulathakal

Moment of silence in memory of recent terror victims. Left to right: GOPIO VP Ram Gadhavi, Convention Convener Lal Motwani, Guyana Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, India's Consul General in New York Riva Ganguly Das, GOPIO President Niraj Baxi, GOPIO Exec. VP Noel Lal and GOPIO International Coordinator for North America Rajeev Mehta

the world. It was followed by rendering of the national anthems of the USA, India and Guyana. The convention was inaugurated at the World's Fair Marina on June 24th evening with welcome remarks by Convention Convener Lal Motwani and by GOPIO President Niraj Baxi and at a welcome dinner. GOPIO Founder President Dr. Thomas Abraham conducted the evening program and served as the MC. The chief Guest was Guyana Prime Minister and First Vice President Moses Verasammy Nagamootoo, a freedom fighter for Guyana. PM Nagamootto invited the Indian Diaspora community to consider Guyana as a destination for investment and business and spoke on many incentives Guyana could offer. India's Consul General in New York Am-

bassador Riva Das Ganguly Das representing Govt. of India, delivered the inaugural address in which she noted the role played by GOPIO in launching and building a worldwide movement as a united force for the Indian Diaspora. The evening program ended with classical and semi-classical dances performed by students of Pandit Satya Narayana Charka. Earlier in the day, a strategy planning workshop was held for GOPIO Executive Council Members and GOPIO Council Chairs. The Facilitator was Mr. Tarun Kapoor, Kapoor and Kapoor Hospitality Consultants, Inc., San Marino, CA. The 4hour workshop discussed the strategy for GOPIO to move forward in the next level of activities including the proposed GOPIO International Chamber of Commerce. This was followed Country and Regional reports.

Mesmerizing classical raags and devotionals India Post News Service

SAN JOSE, CA: Sangeet Dhwani's Concert at Balaji Temple Auditorium, San Jose, mesmerized music connoisseurs with some of the popular Hindustani classical raags and devotionals which were presented by two professional classical vocalists. The Senior Vocalist being Smt. Sandhya Shankar a popular music teacher and practicing in the SF Bay Area for over 20 years, and a youth artist Smt. Amrita Rao, who recently moved to the Bay Area from Bangalore. Sandhya has been under the tutelage of Dr. Laxmi Ganesh Tiwari, a legend in Hindustani Classical Music and a wellknown music guru who has trained numerous artists. Sandhya has participated in a good number of concerts held in India and California over the years. At the outset, Sandhya Shankar and Amrita together presented Raag Madhuvanti\ Ambika, an afternoon Raga followed by a Madhya lays Bandish set to Addha Taal, and 16 beat cycle along with a

Tarana. Later, they presented together, a jugal bandi with Raagamala, garland of 21 Raags, composed by late Shri Ramashreya Jha, one of the eminent contributors to Hindustani Classical Music who is regarded as Pt.Bhatkhande of present times. The Second segment of the concert was entirely dedicated to devotional songs of Meera, Kabirdas and others, by Ashwini Guruprasad, who regaled the audience with a devotional sentiment. Ashwini's presentations were based on melodious Raags-namely Basant, Bageshree, Desh, and Vibhas. A composition in Sanskrit devotional was "Jaya jaya hey Bhagwati Sura Bharati" offering salutations to "Saraswati" - Goddess of knowledge & music. The concluding pieces related to praises of Lord Shiva as "Mrityunjaya" the conqueror of death, "Mahadevaya Shiv Shambho Shankar". Her bhajan on Bhakta "Kabir" was in Raag Desh - "Chadariya jheeni re jheeni Ram naam ras beeni" and the last one, being salutations to Goddess Durga, the Divine Mother, "Pranamaami Sri Durge".

July 29, 2016

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All praise for CCA National Cricket Festival Tariq Khan from South Cali said, "Thank you all, for your hospitality. South Cali had a great time." Shrey Patel added, "Thanks CCA for a very well-organized and wonderful tournament, the kids enjoyed it and learned a lot." Ajay from South Cali: "South Cali really enjoyed the hospitality and the experience for these young lads. We met up with some old friends and made some new ones. Very well-organized by Hemant, Biju, and many others." Jignesh T., said, "Thank you CCA for hosting a wonderful tournament." With such wonderful compliments, Hemant and Kinjal Buch (CCA founders) assured that they have already started planning next year's festival. They also promised that 2017 will be bigger and better than 2016.

India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: The California Cricket Academy (CCA) successfully hosted their first National Cricket Festival, featuring sixteen teams from around the country. All the games were well attended by parents of the players and cricket lovers in the Bay Area. Eight teams battled it out at the U15 level. Teams CAUSA Atlanta; CCA Sharks; TCA Dallas; Cricmax NJ, Tigers; ACA St. Louis; Orange County, SCYCA; EYCA; CCA, Centurions competed for the U12 crown, while the other eight teams (BPL Chicago; TCA Dallas; Seattle, NextGen; CAUSA Atlanta; CCA, Falcons; Orange County; SCCA, S. Cali; Cricmax, NJ, Warriors) for the U15 competition. The kids, their parents, and the spectators had nothing but great things to say about the quality of cricket that was played among the young cricketers. Every ground was well-prepared and ready at game time. The umpiring was professional, and the scorers were on point with every detail; the games were also scored live on CricHQ. At the conclusion of the tournament, this reporter had a chance to chat with some of the coaches and managers, and here

CCA U15 Falcons team winner of the National U15 Championship

a great job. You guys put in countless hours to help make this event possible. Hats off to each and every member who used their personal time to promote youth cricket. You have raised the bar so high that it will be difficult to emulate. Looking forward to next

Rithwik Chunduri accepting U15 MVP Award from Team mom Rakhi Jain

are some of what they had to say: Dr. Pore from Atlanta said, "I want to thank the entire team for the wonderful job they did of hosting the CCA festival. Thank you for taking care of the players, the parents, the grounds, the scoring, and all the other requests, with a smile. It was a very well-planned and executed event. You have set a very high bar of excellence for the game of cricket." Rajesh from Dallas remarked, "The CCA team of volunteers did

year." Murali from Atlanta commented, "Simply put, this is an awesome event. Very well organized, quality umpiring, I can't ask for a better tournament for the youths than this. The kids are not too enthusiastic about playing T20 anymore after tasting what it's like to play 30 and 40 over games. Congratulations and a heartfelt thank you, to each and every one who made this event possible. We eagerly await next year's festival."

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Vedika Global brings Ayurveda to India schools ISHANI LAUREN NAIDU

(swasthavritta) via healthy lifestyle (dinacharya). • In November 2015, a three-session "Introduction to Ayurveda" series was conducted for all 4th and 5th level students (approximately 225 students total). • In April, 2016, five-session "Introduction to Ayurveda" series was conducted for 10th Standard students (approximately 110 stuIshani Lauren Naidu

Kutty (a leader in the organic farming movement) underscored the importance of Ayurveda with Yoga along with healthy food. • Students of the Ayurveda program shared their experiences and

inner beauty will capture the heart" 5. Ritucharya: "The season of failure is the best time for sowing the seeds of success" The Gurukulam training I received under my teacher, Acharya Shunya, greatly shaped the way I taught my students. She taught me about Seva, selfless service and Sadhana, living the noble teachings. The students' feedback furthers my conviction that this type of education encouraging self-inquiry and self-care can effectively elevate what schools offer students. The children who respond best to the one-size-fits-all and

Ishani when living in California, pre-marriage

10th grade students in their first class on Ayurveda

give back from the fund of knowledge I had received from my teacher Acharya Shunya Pratichi Mathur. I was glad I was able to con-

dents). International Yoga Day Ayurveda Classroom Celebrations - June 21, 2016 • A 3-hour afternoon event was

Ishani with her husband Ragav and their daughter Amaya

Students making and trying out face packs made with kitchen ingredients

vince a local school to allow me to teach "An Introduction to Ayurveda" series as part of "life skills curriculum". I decided to teach disease prevention

held for more than 300 students, parents and teachers • Guest speakers, Dr. Sai Deepa Nedungadi (Vaidya and Yoga teacher) and Sreedevi Lakshmi

what Ayurvedic practice or recipe they tried and the effect it had on them. A few parents said it was the best program they had ever attended at the school. One boy came up with wonderfully clever slogans to summarize each of the five sessions: 1. Introduction: "A small step towards a redefined lifestyle" 2. Dinacharya: "Do it once, you make a penny. Do it every day, you make a fortune" 3. Agni and Digestion: "Food for the Body isn't enough, there must be food for the Soul" 4. Beauty: "Your outer beauty will capture the eyes, your

(Left) Ayurveda students delivering a heartfelt Vote of Thanks. (Right) Ishani giving one of a few certificates acknowledging students who made the most creative and thoughtful Ayurveda notebook presentations

regimented school system may

Ishani with her daughters Amaya and Sahana in Coimbatore

The Gurukulam training I received under my teacher, Acharya Shunya, greatly shaped the way I taught my students. She taught me about Seva, selfless service and Sadhana, living the noble teachings. achieve in some areas of academics and meet certain behavior expectations. However, a gurukulaminspired classroom climate allows a chance to internalize, live, shine

and connect with knowledge in multidimensional ways. I feel blessed to be able to share the life changing wisdom from my teachers and Shastra.

Ishani with Acharya Shunya

July 29, 2016

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Dazzling dance by orphans from Adruta India Post News Service

PALO ALTO, CA: Seven girls who were raised in the Adruta Children's Home in the state of Odisha, India, mesmerized a packed audience at the Cubberley Theatre, Palo Alto early this month. The internationally acclaimed Odissi performers, Amrita, Anjali, Jyotsnarani, Priyanka, Purnima, Spandita, and Pranita were raised in this transformative orphanage since they were infants. They not only received shelter, food, and health care, but a loving home that instills the importance of education and the arts. The Adruta founders nurture the native inner talents of each child by giving the children professional training in art, music, dance and handicrafts. Many of the girls also have excellent academic records and are attendingtop-rated schools and university in India. The performances of Adruta Dance Troupe (ADT), choreographed by Guru Bharat Charan Giri, has received high accolades for their Odissi dance, which originates from the temples of the beautiful coastal state of Odisha on the Bay of Bengal. The ADT has received awards at the world-renowed Agra and Konark Dance Festivals. Prof.Leonard Susskin, director of the Stanford Institute for Theoretical Physics attended the performance with his wife and said, "My wife and I have been interested in dance for many years and have a great love for classical Indian dance. I don't think we have ever enjoyed a performance more than the Odissi Dance Performance last Saturday, held to support the marvelous work of the Adruta Children's Home." Event co-organizer, Dr. Jogesh Pati, Padma Bhushan awardee from the President of India and world-renowned scientist at the SLAC National Laboratory in Menlo Park, CA visited Adruta this past year. Dr. Pati noted that "Adruta is a successful experiment in humanitarism. I was touched to see how the abandoned children, including some newborn babies, are being brought up in an environment of love and care, that clearly shows in the smiles and the cheerful spirits of all the children. Altogether the place gave me the impression of a well-run home of a family, the family of the Adruta children, not of an orphanage." He also credits the efforts of founder Prof. Aditya Kumar Mohanty, who started the institution with his own savings, 18 years ago. Dr. Mohanty was joined by Ms. Gayatri Tripathy, Dr. Sagarika Mishra and others to accomplish a remarkable expansion to 11 well-managed centers across the state with some 440 children. A team fromThe Cupertino Rotary Club(CRC) took time from their Independence Day holiday weekend to attend the performance at Cubberley on Saturday afternoon. The CRC visited Adruta in the capitol city of Bhubaneswar during a trip to India as part of their international projects tour to India. However, due to the sister city relations between Cupertino and Bhubaneswar, CRC added Bhubaneswar as part of the tour. Cupertino Bhubaneswar Sister City Initiative (CBSCI) was formed in year 2012 as a community-based non-profit organization that conducts art, culture and student ex-

change programs supported by both cities. Mr. Orrin Mahoney, the former mayor of Cupertino and a long time member of the Rotary Club of Cupertino, was part of the visiting group and commented on how "impressed he was with the artistic progress the girls he met have made." Mr. Mahesh Pakala, event co-organizer and Board Member at CBSCI, "hopes that through such events CBSCI can be a catalyst for cultural and education exchange between Odisha and Bay Area." Mr. Gilbert Wong, city council member of the City of Cupertino and former Mayor

of Cupertino presented the Adruta Dance Troupe with a commendation. Mr. Wong, having visited Bhubaneswar twice on behalf of CBSCI, commented on his "love for Bhubaneswar, the culture, the food and the people."And added, "Adruta Children's Home has done some great professional work in terms of educating the orphans to do well in academics as well as train them to be professional dancers and artists. I am confident they will go places in their lives with this kind of a support structure." Mr. Rishi Kumar, Saratoga City Council member, presenting a commendation from

the city, appealed for support for the Adruta Children's Home. After the jaw-dropping dazzling performance, the ethnically diverse audience including members of the India Community Center, in Milpitas, responded to the call enthusiastically. Audience members commented that there is nothing more American than the desire to embrace other cultures and attending this exquisite performance of Odishi Dance is an outstanding way to celebrate America. For more information on how to support Project Adruta, please contact Reena Rao (reenaprao@gmail.com)

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Jag Ghoomeya: Sultan 2 Sab Tera: Baaghi 3 Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai: Sultan 28 India Post

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rithik Roshan has showered praise on the trailer of Tiger Shroff's upcoming superhero film 'A flying Jatt'. Hrithik, 42, took to his Twitter handle to applaud the trailer and tweeted, "I really was surprised byDIS totally whackd out take on supaheroes! #FlyingJatt #hopeDfilmisasgood #dying2see @iTIGERSHROFF@Asli_Jacqueline." Responding to it, Tiger tweeted, "Thank you @iHrithik sir! Flying jatt is Krrish's biggest fan!" 'A flying Jatt', which is directed by Remo D'Souza, has been in the headlines because of its comparison with Hrithik Roshan's superhero 'Krrish' franchise. The 'Baaghi' actor however rules out the comparison. "Hrithik Sir is the best. My Flying Jatt is Remo Sir's attempt to do a different take on the super-hero genre. We cannot compare it with Krissh."

July 29, 2016

4 Ud-Daa Punjab: Udta Punjab 5 Salamat: Sarbjit 6 Chitta Ve : Udta Punjab 7 Bol Do Na Zara: Azhar 8 Kar Gayi Chull : Kapoor & Sons 9 Cham Cham : Baaghi 10 Ikk Kudi : Udta Punjab

eetu Chandra recently grabbed headlines when in a letter addressed to Abhishek Chaubey and actress Alia Bhatt, she expressed her displeasure over the way people of Bihar have been portrayed in 'Udta Punjab'. Even as film offers from Bollywood have almost dried up for

uperstar Aamir Khan who lent his voice to the chartbuster 'Aati Kya Khandaala' in 1998 film 'Ghulam' will once again get behind the mike for his upcoming film 'Dangal'. The 50-year-old actor will reportedly do a rap song in the biopic on the legendary wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat. The song is reportedly a fun, peppy number. Composed by Pritam Chakraborty and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, it will involve rapping in an upbeat track, the filmmakers confirmed in a statement. Aamir practiced singing for two weeks and rehearsed the song with Amitabh and Pritam to ensure that the track turns out well. Besides singing in 'Ghulam', the actor has also mouthed a few verses in 'Is Deewane Ladke Ko' from 'Sarfarosh' and 'Mere Haath Mein' from 'Fanaa'. He will be heard rapping for the first time in 'Dangal'.

the actress after 'Garam Masala', it is learnt she has been approached for a Korean action flick. Neetu, who is a fourth Dan black belt holder in Taekwondo, couldn't have asked for anything more. She is happy about it since she will get an opportunity to showcase her martial art skills in the movie. Neetu has shed as much as 11 kilos in the last two months to look slim and trim for this Korean movie.

July 29, 2016

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Horoscope

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July 29, 2016

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July 29th - August 04th 2016 Please send your birthday, place of birth and time, so I can give you your zodiac sign, according to Vedic astrology. Send to Jaysastrology@gmail.com

rofessional matters may face obstructions. The health of the spouse may cause concerns. The health of father is improving. Handle relationship matters with patience. Continue to work with patience up to September, 2016. It is better to avoid haste, conflicts and unnecessary driving. Take care of your health and don't get involved in arguments. Obstructions are likely in income till sept 2016.

he professional matters look up. Some of you may be rewarded or your work gets recognition. If birth planets are strong those who are expecting promotion, may get the same. Social interaction increases spend time with friends. The new professional opportunities are likely. Avoid conflicting situations during 2016, and take care of your health. Exercise patience and avoid over ambitiousness.

he professional matters look better. Handle relationship matters with patience. Focus on children they may need help. Avoid haste, conflicts, speculation, aggressive behavior and unnecessary driving. Conflict and financial concerns are likely to continue. Be vigiliant take care. Enemies are likely to trouble. Conflicts will put you to harm. Manage obstructions with due patience.

he professional matters look good. Handle relationship and property matters with patience. Take care of the health of the parents and children. The social interaction is better. It is better to exercise patience and avoid conflicts and unnecessary driving. Rahu/Ketu transit is prolonged and is difficult for those with ascending degree around 19 in odd signs till nov 2016.

his week is good for those looking for job and for students. Some of you are likely to get promoted. Those who are appearing in selections may get good results. The new professional opportunities may be rewarding. The week brings some good news for the family. Children may also bring some happy news. Work with patience, stay calm and relaxed.

our professional matters are likely to face stress. Some sudden obstructions and delays are likely. Look after your parents as some health concern is likely. The incidence of difficulties is indicated for those who are in foreign lands. Better to avoid unnecessary driving. Work with patience. Stay calm and relaxed. Take care of your relationship matters. Some immune disorder is likely.

he professional matters look better. Fortune helps to some extent. Some sudden expenses and losses are likely. Business ventures start looking up. People in foreign land will benefit in ventures. Enjoy time with family and children. Good nite sleep and mental peace at home is there. Can purchase real estate, enjoy time with father. Basically a good week showing confidence and involvement with family.

he professional matters are starting to look better. Domestic mental peace is seen at home. Have a good time with family. May purchase immovable asset like real estate. Some additional income is likely. Stay away from manipulations by other people don't get sucked in. Focus on your health be vigilant and see a doctor if required. Avoid aggressive behavior.

he professional matters need care, focus on that. Some additional income is likely. Don't start new ventures or relationships put on hold. Work with patience and stay calm. Mental stress is likely so take care of your health. Avoid haste, conflicts, unnecessary driving and travel. Handle your problems with obstructions and relationship matters with care up to sept 2016.

he professional and in come matters are likely to look better. Avoid starting new venture or relationship they should be put on hold for now. Focus on your children they may need special attention up to sept 2016. Avoid getting emotionally attached in a relationship. Avoid gambling and purchase of stocks. Patience is the best medicine during this year.

he professional matters look good. Some new gainful opportunities are likely. Avoid conflicts in family matters and manage with patience. Enjoy time with younger siblings, short journey is seen. Relationship wise avoid conflicts, especially with business partners as debts and disputes can arise. Those in foreign land avoid conflicts will lead to debts.

he professional matters are starting to look better. Be vigilant and focus on your health as some concern is likely see doctor if needed. Due to transit of malefic planets for pisces the incidence of conflicts, obstructions and sudden setbacks continues. Focus on the health of your spouse it may be of concern. Its better to avoid unnecessary driving. Manage with patience.

This weekly horoscope is more focused and accurate as these are based on ascending signs. The ascending sign is worked out on the basis of your date, time and place of birth. You will find the predictions at other places based on your Sun sign or Moon sign. The Sun remains in one sign of zodiac for one month whereas the Moon remains in one sign for about 54 hours. It is the ascending sign, which changes every couple of hours." That is how this site offers you more focused predictions.

JATIN P - ACHARYA MIHIR â&#x20AC;˘ JAYSASTROLOGY@GMAIL.COM â&#x20AC;˘ 630-675-7148

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Smartphones may help test sperm health WASHINGTON: An inexpensive lens could turn a smartphone into a microscope and help men analyze semen samples in the privacy of their home, say scientists. Yoshitomo Kobori, a visiting scholar at University of Illinois at Chicago, discovered a USD 7 lens that could help address the problem of infertility in men. He is using the lens to create an iPhone microscope to analyze sperm samples at home, with help

from an app that is in development. "The lens is not made for a smart phone - it was made nine years ago. I'm improving the lens and thinking about how to attach it to a smart phone and analyze sperm," said Kobori. Kobori believes men would be more likely to analyze their sperm if they could do it in the privacy of their home. Researchers are also working to create better containers to collect and store semen samples. They use an antioxidant to help preserve the sperm when it is frozen. -PTI

Â&#x201E; Pregnant women told to delay travel to Zika areas NEW YORK: New York City health officials are urging women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant to delay travel to areas affected by the Zika virus. The media campaign announced by Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett will also remind New Yorkers to use condoms or another form of barrier protection when having sex with a person who has recently traveled to a Zika-affected area. Zika is known to cause miscarriage and serious birth defects. The mosquito-borne virus is affecting parts of Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean. Bassett says New York City health-care providers have tested than 2,000 pregnant women who have traveled to Zika-affected areas. She says 41 of the women have been confirmed to have the Zika virus. -AP

Health Science

DNA test may predict academic achievement

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Chinese doctors succeed in 3Dprinted vertebrae implant BEIJING: Chinese doctors have set a new record in a spinal operation to replace five vertebrae with 3D-printed replicas. The 3D-printed vertebrae measured 19 centimeters, the longestever in a successful operation. A 41-year-old cancer patient, surname Yuan, underwent the surgery at Peking University Third Hospital on June 12, and has been able to walk by himself since the operation, state-run Xinhua news agency quoted the doctors as saying. During the six-hour procedure, the replica, made from titanium powder, was inserted into his spine to fill the void left after five tumor-affected vertebrae were removed. Without the pioneering operation, he would likely have been paralyzed, the doctors said. In a previous operation on May 6, the tumor was removed, along with the posterior sections of the five vertebrae. The gap was filled with titanium rods and screws - a traditional treatment that ideally allows for patient mobility.

The 3D-printed bone was used to support the spine after removal of the remaining anterior sections in the June operation.

major disadvantages. The hollow titanium tube is straight and does not match human anatomical structure.

Liu Zhongjun, a surgeon of Peking University Third Hospital, displays a 19centimeter 3D-printed spinal replica in Beijing. Chinese doctors succeeded in 3D-printed vertebrae implant on June 12 for a patient who was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare cancer that can occur in the spine and skull.

The standard solution of inserting a titanium tube into the missing section would have had

The tube could also detach over time since the missing section of vertebrae is large, which

Docs in age 62-65 to hold non-admin posts NEW DELHI: In the wake of a recent decision to raise the superannuation age of doctors from the present 62 to 65 years, the Health Ministry has decided that such professionals under the Central Health Scheme will serve in non-administrative posts between the age of 62 and 65 years. "The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry's order dated May 31, 2016 and department of Personnel's notification published in the Gazette of India dated May 31, 2016, enhancing the age of superannuation of officers of Non Teaching specialists, public health specialists and General Duty Medical Officer sub cadres of CHS to 65

years. "The matter has been further examined and following has been decided. CHS officers of non teaching specialists, public health specialists and GDMO sub cad-

after, their services will be placed in non administrative positions," the notification on the health ministry website said. It said that the officers of teaching specialists sub cadre of

It said that the officers of teaching specialists sub cadre of CHS will continue to hold administrative positions till they attain the age of 62 years. res of CHS will hold the administrative posts till the date of attaining the age of 62 years and there-

CHS will continue to hold administrative positions till they attain the age of 62 years. -PTI

would lead to paralysis, according to Liu Zhongjun, chief surgeon. "The 3D printing technology offers a better option. It enables us to produce a replica resembling Yuan's original bone structures, both in shape and length, and it is firm," Liu said. The implant also has tiny pores that allow neighboring bone cells in normal vertebrae to grow. This will help with fusion of the replica and real bones, he said. Yuan was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare cancer that can occur anywhere in the spine and skull, in December after suffering acute lower back pain. In January, he turned to the Peking University Third Hospital, which has a research team that has studied 3Dprinting for orthopaedics since 2009. "I believe in the new technology. I've prepared myself for risks. My disease can't be treated in the conventional way and it makes no sense for me to wait," said Yuan,

The implant also has tiny pores that allow neighboring bone cells in normal vertebrae to grow. This will help with fusion of the replica and real bones, he said. who works in the catering industry in Beijing and has a five-yearold daughter. Yuan said he was able to walk with crutches two weeks after the surgery. A portion of his medical costs was exempted because of the experimental nature of the treatment, he said. The team developed the only two 3D-printed body implant products registered by the China Food and Drug Administration, which include a hip joint product and the vertebrae product approved in September 2015 and May respectively, the Xinhua re-

July 29, 2016

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Near 2 lakh new HIV infections in India WASHINGTON: About 1.96 lakh new HIV infections were reported in India last year, according to a new study which found that about 25 lakh people worldwide became newly infected in 2015, a number that has not changed in the past 10 years. The new Global Burden of Disease 2015 (GBD 2015), published in The Lancet HIV journal, found that about 28.81 lakh people in our country were living with HIV. The study shows a slow pace of decline in new HIV infections worldwide, with a drop of just 0.7 per cent a year between 2005 and 2015 compared to the fall of 2.7 per cent a year between 1997 and 2005. Improvements and updates in GBD's data sources and methodology indicate that the number of people living with HIV has been increasing steadily from 27.96 million in 2000 to 38.8 million in 2015. Annual deaths from HIV/AIDS have been declining at a steady pace from a peak of 1.8 million in 2005, to 1.2 million in 2015, partly due to the scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The proportion of people living with HIV on ART increased rapidly between 2005 and 2015, from 6.4 per cent to 38.6 per cent for men and from 3.3 per cent to 42.4 per cent for women. While the annual number of new infections has decreased since its peak at 3.3 million per year in 1997, it has stayed relatively constant at around an estimated 2.5 million a year worldwide for the past decade. "Although scale-up of antiretroviral therapy and measures to prevent motherto-child transmission have had a huge impact on saving lives, our new findings present a worrying picture of slow progress

in reducing new HIV infections over the past 10 years", said lead author Haidong Wang from the University of Washington in the US. "Development assistance for HIV/AIDS is stagnating and health resources in many low-income countries are expected to plateau over the next 15 years," said Christopher Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at

The findings come from a comprehensive new analysis of HIV incidence

the University of Washington. "Therefore, a massive scale-up of efforts from governments and international agencies will be required to meet the estimated USD 36 billion needed every year to realize the goal of ending AIDS by 2030, along with better detection and treatment programs and improving the affordability of antiretroviral drugs," said Murray. The findings come from a comprehensive new analysis of HIV incidence, prevalence, deaths and coverage of antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the global, regional, and national level for 195 countries between 1980 and 2015. Despite years of strong progress in reducing HIV at the global level, success in different countries and regions varies as the HIV epidemic has peaked and declined at different times, and depending on access to, and quality of ART, and other care. -PTI

'Chicken odor can prevent malaria' LONDON: The smell from a live chicken could help protect humans against malaria, researchers said here after finding that chicken's odor puts the mosquitoes off. Ethiopian and Swedish scientists discovered that malarial mosquitoes tend to avoid chickens and other birds. The experiments, conducted in western Ethiopia, included suspending a live chicken in a cage near a volunteer sleeping under a bed net. Last year malaria killed nearly 400,000 people in Africa, the UN says. India reported some 882,000 malaria cases in 2013, according to the World Health Organization. Infection and death rates are declining but health officials are continuing to look for new ways to prevent the spread of the disease. The malaria parasite, which initially hides in the liver before going into the bloodstream, is carried from person to person by mosquitoes when they drink blood. The scientists, whose research was published in the Malaria Journal, concluded

that as mosquitoes use their sense of smell to locate an animal they can bite, there must be something in a chicken's odor that puts the insects off. Addis Ababa University's Habtie Tekie, who worked on the research, said that the compounds from the smell of the chicken can be extracted and could work as a repellent. Field trials for this stage of the research are now "in the pipeline", he said. Researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences were also involved in the project. Compounds extracted from chicken feathers were also used in the experiments, as well as live chickens. Researchers discovered that the use of the chicken and the compounds "significantly reduced" the number of mosquitoes that were found in the trap nearby. The scientists say that with reports that some mosquitoes are developing resistance to insecticide "novel control methods" need to be embraced. -PTI

Yoga protocol to fight diabetes soon NEW DELHI: The AYUSH ministry is likely to issue a detailed standard yoga protocol for prevention and treatment of diabetes by next month, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal last month to focus on the treatment of the disease through the ancient Indian discipline. "We are setting up a committee under Professor H R Nagendra along with other experts of yoga and modern sciences, who will set up a protocol. This protocol will have a specific set of yoga exercise which will help in fighting diabetes," said Ajit M Sharan, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH. The committee, likely to include a research director from Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Yogpeeth, will also have a doctor from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). "These experts will recommend yoga practices for different types and stages of diabetes," Sharan said. The committee is yet to be notified however. Once the yoga procedure for diabetes is

prepared, research projects will be initiated in order to validate it. The ministry will undertake a media campaign to popularize the set yoga practices developed for diabetic patients. Addressing nearly 30,000 participants on the International Yoga Day in Chandigarh

last month Modi had dedicated this year to fighting diabetes. He had said, "In this one year, you continue to do what you do for yoga but focus on one subject and this is my subject diabetes diabetes and yoga." India is known as the 'Diabetes Capital of the World' and according to the World Health Organization nearly 70 million Indians suffer from the disease. -PTI

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Most children exercise less than 60 mins NEW DELHI: Seven out of every 10 children in the age group of 13-15 years exercise for less than 60 minutes per day while more than one in five are overweight, placing them at a high risk of developing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) which account for 60 per cent of all deaths in India, according to a report. Stressing that there is a need to promote healthy behavior among youths, the report said 19 per cent of boys and eight per cent of girls in the same age group have used a tobacco product in the past month. The Population Reference Bureau (PRB) report also recommended strengthening regulations concerning food industry and setting a maximum salt, sugar and saturated fat content in food products in the country. "Seven of every 10 boys and girls in the 13-15 year age group in India get too little exercise, meaning less than 60 minutes per day. More than one in five of them is overweight or obese, placing them at a high risk of developing NCDs," the report said. It also recommended the creation of safe public spaces and infrastructure for sports and in-

troduction of effective schoolbased interventions on diet and physical activity. "Promoting healthy behaviors among young people is key to curbing a growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)," said Toshiko Kaneda and Reshma Naik, who are the

ages of 30 and 70 due to the four major NCDs and they account for 60 per cent of all deaths in the country, according to the WHO. The four main NCDs- cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and cancers--are caused primarily by exposure to tobacco, harmful

authors of the report 'Addressing NCD Risk Factors Among Young People: Asia's Window of Opportunity to Curb a Growing Epidemic'. This comes in the wake of a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report which highlighted the problem of NCDs in India. Indians have a 26 per cent chance of dying prematurely between the

use of alcohol, unhealthy diet and too little exercise. These behaviors often begin in young age. "Among 13-15 year-old secondary school students in India, 19 per cent of boys and 8 per cent of girls have used a tobacco product in the past month. "Most of this consumption is of non-commercially produced cigarettes tobacco products like

'Breastfeeding can protect against diabetes' BERLIN: Breastfeeding may be a cost-effective intervention aimed at reducing the long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes among women with gestational diabetes, scientists have found. Researchers at the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen in Germany studied the metabolism of women with gestational diabetes after giving birth. Along with partners at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the German Centre for Diabetes Research (DZD), they were able to show that breastfeeding for more than three months brings about long-term metabolic changes. Four per cent of all pregnant women in Germany develop gestational diabetes before the birth of their child, researchers said. Although their blood sugar levels initially return to normal after delivery, one in two of the mothers affected develops type 2 diabetes within the next ten years. While it has been shown that

lactation can lower this risk by 40 per cent, the reasons for this are not yet understood. In an earlier study, researchers led by Professor AnetteGabriele Ziegler, Director of the Institute of Diabetes Research (IDF) at the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, showed that breastfeeding for more than three months postpartum has a protective effect, which lasts for up to 15 years after gestational diabetes. In the recent study, they examined whether the metabolism could be responsible for this. For their analyses, scientists examined almost 200 patients who had developed gestational diabetes. The participants in the study received a standardized glucose solution and gave a fasting blood sample beforehand, and during the test. The scientists then compared the samples on the basis of 156 different, known metabolites. On average, the women had given birth three and half years

earlier. "We observed that the metabolites in women who had breastfed for more than three months differed significantly from those who had had shorter lactation periods," said first-author Daniela Much from the IDF. "Longer periods of lactation are linked to a change in the production of phospholipids and to lower concentrations of branched-chain amino acids in the mothers' blood plasma," Much said. This is interesting because the metabolites involved were linked in earlier studies with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, researchers said. "The findings of our study provide new insights into disease-related metabolic pathways that are influenced by lactation and could thus be the underlying reason for the protective effect," said Sandra Hummel, head of the Gestational Diabetes working group at the IDF, who led the study. The research was published in the journal Diabetologia. -PTI

bidi, an inexpensive hand-rolled cigarette made of unprocessed tobacco wrapped in leaves," the report said. Anand Krishnan, Professor at the Centre for Community Medicine in AIIMS, said both in urban and rural India, people are increasingly eating processed and fast food, leading to a rapid increase in the obese population. "There is an urgent need for both the government and private sector to adopt an integrated approach and work in close coordination to identify effective solutions and reduce the NCD burden of the nation," he said. The PRB report was funded by the AstraZeneca Young Health Program (YHP). The YHP was founded in partnership with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Plan International with local NGO partners. Noting that the food processing industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of the Indian economy and accounts for about 50-60 per cent of the sugar, salt and fats consumed, the report termed as "challenging" to encourage healthy diets among young people. Although India is taking rel-

evant steps to address the health issues caused by harmful substances such as tobacco by introducing health warnings on tobacco packs, banning and restricting advertisement, promotion and sale amongst others, there is an urgent need to focus on fostering healthy behaviors among India's youth, the report said. "Strong tobacco control policy measures in some countries like India, Nepal and Sri Lanka have set best practices for the region and the globe. "India needs to step up enforcement of tobacco control policies to provide full protection to young people and introduce innovative prevention and cessation solutions to meet one of the NCD targets of 30 per cent reduction in tobacco use prevalence by 2025 that the country has adopted," Monika Arora, Director, Public Health Foundation of India said India has a window of opportunity to promote healthy behaviors among its 253 million adolescents and to curb their risky behaviors so that they will grow into healthy, productive adults and to lower the future NCD burden, it said. -PTI

Oily fish boosts bowel cancer survival PARIS: People with bowel cancer may improve their survival chances by eating a lot of omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish like tuna and salmon, a study has suggested. Analysis of data from more than 170,000 people in the United States revealed that among 1,659 who developed bowel cancer, there was a strong correlation between higher omega 3 intake and lower risk of death, it said. "Compared with patients who consumed less than 0.1 grammes (0.004 ounces) of omega 3 fatty acids daily, those who consumed at least 0.3 grammes daily after their diagnosis, had a 41 percent lower risk of dying from their disease," said a statement on the findings published in the British journal Gut. "If the findings can be reproduced in other studies, patients with bowel cancer might benefit

from boosting their oily fish intake to help prolong their survival." Further research was needed to prove the link was not coincidental, and that omega 3 actively lowered death risk, said the team. Yet, the findings "provide the first line of population based evidence for the potentially positive

impact of oily fish omega 3 fatty acids on bowel cancer survival". Omega 3s play a crucial role in growth and healthy brain function, but cannot be manufactured by the human body. They are ingested through socalled "fatty" fish and other seafoods, some plants, and certain nut oils. -PTI

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DNA test may predict academic achievement LONDON: Scientists have found a new genetic scoring technique that may predict a student's academic achievement from DNA alone and help identify children who are at risk of having learning difficulties. The technique is the strongest prediction of behavior from DNA to date, researchers said. The research shows that a genetic score comprising 20,000 DNA variants explains almost 10 per cent of the differences between children's educational attainment at the age of 16. The findings from King's College Lon-

don mark a 'tipping point' in predicting academic achievement and may help identify children who are at greater risk of having learning difficulties. Twin studies can tell us the overall genetic influence on a trait in a population. Polygenic scores, however, estimate genetic influence from common variants only, which explains the discrepancy between these DNA-based studies and twin studies (10 per cent vs 60 per cent). As human traits are so complex and influenced by thousands of gene variants of very small effect, it is useful to consider

Prison doc charged with bribing JACKSON, Miss.: A defense lawyer said that a Jackson physician indicted on federal bribery charges fell victim to a ``shakedown'' by former Mississippi Corrections Commissioner Christopher Epps. Federal prosecutors unsealed a July 13 indictment charging Dr. Carl Reddix, 57, with six counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Prosecutors say Reddix was paying cash bribes to Epps to secure medical contracts at state prisons. Reddix pleaded not guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Ball, who released Reddix on $10,000 unsecured bail. Reddix faces up to 80 years in prison and $1.75 million in fines if convicted. Lisa Ross, Reddix's defense attorney, did not deny that Reddix gave Epps money.

Assurance the contract for Wilkinson County Correctional Facility, the indictment says the bribes rose to $8,000 a month. In late 2014, by which time Epps had been caught and was secretly collecting evidence for federal prosecutors, the amounts rose to $9,000 for two months and then finally $9,500 in October 2014, it said. The indictment describes Reddix as one of the owners of Health Assurance, although incorporation papers no longer list him as an officer. Other leaders include Reddix's brother, Dr. Michael Reddix. Records maintained by the Mississippi Center for Public Policy show Health Assurance collected more than $40 million from the state since 2003 and more than $22 million from Harrison, Hancock, Jackson, Pearl River, Rankin and Scott counties since 2004. The separate Reddix Medical Group was paid $1.7 million by County from 2004 to 2012, The indictment describes Reddix Hinds records show. Reddix-related companies also have done business as one of the owners of Health in Alabama. Assurance, although incorporaCharlene Priester and Hinds County Court Judge Melvin tion papers no longer list him Priester said they provided legal as an officer. Other leaders services to Health Assurance. Political operative Robert include Reddix's brother, Dr. Simmons admitted in pleading Michael Reddix. guilty to a federal charge in February that he passed bribes from Health Assurance to a county su``It's our position that Dr. Reddix is a pervisor in exchange for the Harrison victim of a shakedown,'' Ross told report- County jail medical contract. Former Superers after the hearing. ``Chris Epps shook visor William Martin killed himself last year, him down and we believe when we review hours before he was due in federal court all the evidence in this case, the evidence on bribery charges. will show that.'' Simmons is scheduled to be sentenced Ross said she expects to ask for a delay Sept. 15. in the Oct. 3 trial date. The Harrison County contract was the Health Assurance won a contract to pro- most lucrative of Health Assurance's county vide medical care to the privately run Wal- contracts, producing more than $12 million nut Grove Correctional Facility beginning in revenue from 2004 to 2012. Ross said the in 2008. The indictment says the cash bribes Simmons payments weren't bribes. began in 2012 at $6,000 a month, around Epps and Brandon businessman Cecil when Epps awarded a contract to Health McCrory pleaded guilty in February 2015 Assurance to also provide care at East to charges connected to the bribery Mississippi Correctional Facility and scheme, which cast a harsh light on MisMarshall County Correctional Facility. sissippi politics and its prison system. Later, when Epps also awarded Health AP

the joint effects of all of these trait-associated variants - and this principle underlies the polygenic score method. Calculating an individual's polygenic score requires information from a genomewide association study (GWAS) that finds specific genetic variants linked to particular traits, in this case academic achievement. Some of these genetic variants, known

Their findings show that what makes students achieve differently in their educational achievement is strongly affected by DNA differences. as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), are more strongly associated with the trait, and some are less strongly associated. In a polygenic score, the effects of these SNPs are weighed by the strength of association and then summed to a score, so that people with many SNPs related to academic

achievement will have a higher polygenic score and higher academic achievement, whereas people with fewer associated SNPs will have a lower score and lower levels of academic achievement. The new research examined almost 10 million SNPs and identified 74 genetic variants that were significantly associated with years of completed education. 'Years of education' was used as a proxy measure for education achievement and related traits. Researchers measured academic achievement in Mathematics and English at ages 7, 12 and 16, in a sample of 5,825 individuals from the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS). Their findings show that what makes students achieve differently in their educational achievement is strongly affected by DNA differences. On average those with a higher polygenic score would obtain a grade between A and B, while those with lower score obtained an entire grade below at age 16. About 65 per cent of people in the higher polygenic group went on to do A-levels, whereas only 35 per cent from the lower group did so. The findings appear in the journal Molecular Psychiatry. -PTI

Tech News Cycle valley to have ultra modern facilities LUDHIANA: The Cycle Valley at village Dhanansu will have all ultra modern facilities and infrastructure, Punjab Principal Secretary (Industries) Anirudh Tewari has said. He said this during his visit to the site where a Cycle Valley is to come up. He was accompanied by Amit Dhaka, Managing Director, Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC), Deputy Commissioner Ravi Bhagat and other senior officers. Tewari said that this Cycle Valley would attract more entrepreneurs as village Dhanansu is located in the vicinity of Ludhiana which in turn will provide alternative business activities to the existing units running in the residential areas thereby reducing pollution in the city. He informed that Dhanansu village would be developed as a model village having all basic amenities including a by-pass for better access with the national highway, and many others. He said the existing connecting roads would be widened as well as strengthened. They also interacted with the Panchayat of village Dhanansu, which assured the officers of all possible support for the coming up of this Cycle Valley. Before visiting the site of Cycle Valley, the officers interacted with the people at village Chahlan near Samrala, where they reviewed the ongoing welfare schemes of the Punjab government. -PTI

Fiat Chrysler recalls vehicles for wiring trouble DETROIT: Fiat Chrysler is recalling nearly 410,000 vehicles worldwide because a wiring problem can cause them to move slowly. The company said that the recall covers some Jeep Renegade and Cherokee SUVs, Chrysler 200 sedans and Ram ProMaster City vans from the 2015 model year. Also included are certain 2014 Cherokees. Vehicles built after Sept. 23, 2014 aren't affected. FCA began investigating after getting warranty claims and found wires that weren't crimped properly. That can lead to a rare solenoid problem that can cause the engines to go into a limited power mode so they can limp home. Fiat Chrysler says it doesn't know of any related crashes or injuries. -AP

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People in agriculture underemployed: Jaitley HYDERABAD: Indian agriculture sector, which contributes about 16 per cent to the nation's GDP is grossly "underemployed", Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Symbiosis International University campus at Kothur in Mahaboobnagar District, Jaitely said population in some of the developed countries is contracting and the trend may present opportunities to the Indian youth if they are trained well. "Agriculture in India barely gives to agriculturists subsistence. In fact, people are already underemployed there. We can't afford to have 55 per cent of people in agriculture contributing 16 per cent Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 38 to the national GDP. That creates inequalities.

Boeing to deliver 2 Dreamliners to Air India this year NEW DELHI: US aircraft maker Boeing will deliver two Dreamliners to Air India this year and four more next year to complete the airline's order of 27 of these aircraft, even as the national carrier grapples with glitches in its fleet of 787-800 planes. Once described as a "gamechanger," Air India was one of the launch customers of the Boeing 787-800s and had started inducting them in its fleet about four years ago. Since then, the airline has been facing a series of technical glitches and other malfunction issues with regard to the Dreamliner fleet. Boeing's Senior Vice President Sales (Asia Pacific and India) Dinesh Keskar said two Dreamliners would be delivered this year. "The delivery of Dreamliners start in November this year ... It (delivery) is on schedule. First plane in November and the next in December. Four more in 2017," he

told PTI in an interview. Air India currently has 21 Boeing 787-800s in the fleet. It has not taken delivery of these planes since May 2015. In January 2006,

Air India to ground these planes multiple times, causing long flight delays and significant loss of revenue. Playing down instances of op-

it had placed orders for 68 Boeing aircraft, including 27 Dreamliners and 41 B-777s and B-737-800s. Occasional glitches have forced

erational woes faced by some planes, Keskar asserted there was no delay in the delivery schedule for Air India.

"You don't hear about it. So they have been taken care of. The aeroplane (Dreamliner) has stabilized. That is the thing now," Keskar said. On whether Boeing was in discussions with no-frills airline SpiceJet for plane orders, Keskar indicated they were in talks. "The answer is very simple. They have already ordered Boeing 737 MAX planes. They have been operating Boeing planes from day one. All they are looking at now is what kind of price Boeing will offer or what benefits Airbus will offer. When the time is right, they will make their decision," he said. B-737 MAX is a narrow-body, single-aisle jetliner series being developed by Boeing as a successor to the B-737 Next Generation series. It is scheduled for first delivery in 2017. Air India, Jet Airways and SpiceJet have Boeing planes in their fleet. -PTI

NGOs asked to file assets detail by July 31 NEW DELHI: All domestic and foreign-funded NGOs receiving grants beyond a threshold limit and their executives have been asked to file details of their assets and liabilities by the end of this month. The directive follows the Centre's order last month which brought organizations receiving more than Rs one crore in government grants and donations above Rs 10 lakh from abroad under the ambit of Lokpal. "Any person who is or has been a director, manager, secretary or any other officer of a society, association of persons or trust (whether registered under any law for the time being in force or not), wholly or partly financed by the government, and the annual income of which exceeds Rs one crore has to file the details (of assets and liabilities)," a senior Personnel Ministry official said.

He said these declarations are laration, information and annual to be filed with the central gov- returns pertaining to his assets ernment department concerned and liabilities as on March 31 evgiving the highest amount of grant ery year or on or before July 31 of to the Non-Government Organiza- that year. tions (NGOs). The returns are to be filed for In case of NGOs getting the for- financial year 2015-2016 by July 31. eign grant of over Rs ten lakh, these Besides them, all central governreturns are to be filed with the Home Ministry, the official said. "It has been decided This is a complete violation by the Centre to conof Article 14 of the Constitusider office bearers of the NGOs as public ser- tion which requires equals to vants and they need to file the details of assets be treated equally and and liabilities, along unequals unequally with those of their spouse and dependent children, with the central government employees also have to file ment department concerned by such details by that date. July 31, 2016," he said. "The new rules by the PersonAs per rules notified under the nel Ministry bring officials workLokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, ing under the NGOs funded by the every public servant shall file dec- government under the Lokpal's

ambit and subject them to legal action for misusing the grant or for alleged corruption," the official said. The decision is being objected to by the civil society activists. "NGOs and their officers do not perform any public duty like civil servants, MPs or judges. Their work is purely voluntary i.e. no law or rule imposes on them any duty to perform public functions. "So, treating them as public servants is like treating unequals equally. This is a complete violation of Article 14 of the Constitution which requires equals to be treated equally and unequals unequally," said Venkatesh Nayak, who works with NGO Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative. As many as 14,222 NGOs were barred from receiving foreign funds in the past four years for violating norms, as per the government's latest data. -PTI

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Declare black money or face action: PM NEW DELHI: Warning black money holders of stringent action including imprisonment after September 30, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said those with undisclosed wealth, most of which is parked in jewellery and real estate, should come clean to sleep peacefully. At a function jewellers organized to felicitate him, Modi said he is aware of people going to bullion merchants with "cartload" of money and a message has to be delivered to them to come clean using the one-time compliance window closing on September 30. Stating that people have been jailed in the past for evading taxes, he said the government should not be forced to resort to the same

after September 30. "Aur us paap ko karna nahi chahata hu jo September 30 ko mujhe karna padega (I do not want to commit the sin which I will have to do after September 30 against black money holders)," he said. Under the Income Declaration Scheme (IDS) which opened on June 1, black money holders can come clean by declaring the assets by September 30 and paying tax and penalty of 45 per thereafter. Those who fail to take advantage of the scheme will have to face stringent actions, including imprisonment. The Income Tax department has already identified 90 lakh high value transactions without PAN. As part of the scrutiny, the depart-

ment will initially issue 7 lakh letters to those who have indulged in such transactions seeking their details.

'Don't want to be big brother watching' BENGALURU: Asking people to come clean on unaccounted wealth and live with "heads held high", Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said here government is aware of sectors generating black money but it would be unpleasant to start the "big brother watching" process. Government, he said, has to trust its citizen and hence keeping a watch on their transactions is

portunity which is being granted, you will understand the idea behind this scheme is to slowly nudge India in to becoming more and more compliance state. As you become a compliance state, I think it is good for the country..." Noting that tax rates are reasonable in the country and in future non-payment in all likelihood is going to be detected, he said it is extremely important to pay taxes,

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

not a very happy thing for it to do. Pressing black money holders to come clean under the Income Declaration Scheme (IDS), Jaitley said the policy of the government is to gradually nudge and push India to become a tax paying society rather than a tax evading one. "It is an opportunity for tax payers to come out clean, clean up their books, sleep well and live with their heads held high. Those who pay taxes lead a life without fear," Jaitley said. He added: "I'm sure it's an op-

also at a time when India is emerging as strong economy. He further said: "Tax department is aware of the sectors in which unaccounted money is generated. It is very unpleasant duty for any state for it to start the process of big brother watching. "Any government has to trust its citizens and therefore to keep watching their transaction is not a very happy thing for a government to do." Jaitley was addressing an IDS event, organized by the Depart-

ment of Income Tax in association with Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, and industry bodies Ficci and Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry. It was attended by Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia among others. The Finance Minister said tax rates are moderate in India as far as the direct taxation is concerned, compared to other economies in the world, leaving out tax havens and tax exempted societies. "If you look at the developed world or even emerging economies and compare them with India and do this comparative study of international taxation, our tax rates are extremely moderate compared to the rest of the world," he said. Jaitley also pointed out that tax rates are an important election issue in countries like the US. Stating that tax base is very narrow and rates are reasonable in India, Jaitley said it is mandatory, statutory and ethical duty to pay tax, but there has been general tendency to ensure how to avoid it. He said: "As the world is proceeding on and on, with the advent of technology, more openness and transparency coming into the system it is going to be extremely difficult to conceal evasion or avoidance. "The world today is moving towards automatic and real exchange of information. The policy of government is clear and that is to gradually nudge and push the system that India becomes a tax paying society rather than a tax evading society." -PTI

Referring to the ambitious plan to mobilize idle gold lying with households and temples, the Prime Minister said that since jewellery

is used only 2-5 times in a year by holders, it is better loaned to the government for boosting economy. "Unfortunately gold is linked to social status in India. It remains locked as dead money... You can deposit it with the government and take it out when needed. This will boost the country's economy," Modi said. As per an estimate, about 20,000 tonnes of gold is lying with households and temples across the country. Referring to the excise duty levied on jewellery, which had led to widespread protest by jewellers,

Modi said both sides entered into a dialogue to resolve the matter. "I know where I have come. You people have forced governments to roll back decisions. "(Following dialogues) it is good that excise duty also remained as well as issues were resolved. We have ended the atmosphere of fear (tax raids)," he said. Modi said he has already ordered officials to consider citizens as partners in nation building and not to view taxpayers as evaders. He further said jewellery market all over the world is growing and handmade, manual jewellery is something that is becoming very popular. "Look beyond the domestic market. Yes, it is big and lucrative, but look at the global market too," he said. He further said that for initiatives like 'Make In India' to succeed, innovation is very important and this happens when importance is given to skill development. Modi also rejected the demand of the industry for a separate ministry of gems and jewellery, saying the Prime Minister himself is for the development of the sector. Recalling recent issues related to excise duty, the Prime Minister said they gave an opportunity for the Gems and Jewellery industry to better understand the working of the government, and vice versa. He said both have won over each other. -PTI

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'China alone can't ensure global growth' BEIJING: The world should not pin its hopes on China to be the sole engine of growth, Premier Li Keqiang said here, underlining that his country cannot shoulder major responsibilities of the world economy post Brexit downturn. "China is still a developing country. We cannot shoulder the major responsibilities of the world economy," Li said at a rare round table talk with six global trade and finance leaders, including heads of IMF and the World Bank.

Li's comments came days after the IMF forecast that uncertainty created by Britain's vote to leave the 28-nation European Union would slow the world economy into next year. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) increased its growth forecast for China in 2016 due to Beijing's "determined and decisive" implementation of reforms and the "steady" support for the economy, said managing director Christine Lagarde here.

Premier Li Keqiang

Li said world economic recovery should not be driven by mainly China, but in concert with many countries. "Given the financial fluctuations as a result of Brexit, China will advance market-based reform of its exchange rate. We will not engage in a trade war or currency war," he said.

Chinese economy posted 6.9 per cent growth rate last year and the government has fixed the target between 6.5 to 7 per cent this year. Lagarde told the media later that IMF had increased the growth forecast for China in 2016 by 0.1 percentage point to 6.6 per cent from 6.5 per cent.

"First of all, we have witnessed the determined and decisive implementation of reforms; and second, there was also support given to the economy in order to encourage growth to go forward," she was quoted as saying by the staterun Xinhua news agency. "On the latter point, it did not take the form of vast fiscal stimulus but simply some solid and steady support in order to make sure that growth was indeed sustainable," she added. This is the first time a "1+6" round-table meeting has been held in China. The theme of the meeting was "promoting strong, sustainable, and balanced growth of the Chinese and global economy". World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, World Trade Organization Director General Roberto Azevedo, International Labor Organization Director General Guy Ryder, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Secretary-general Angel Gurria and Financial Stability Board Chairman Mark Carney also attended the meeting. The meeting was held ahead of the G20 central bank governors' meeting in Chengdu tomorrow. According to a joint press statement issued after the meeting, the participants of the meeting agreed that the round-table should become a regular mechanism to strengthen ties between China and international organizations, deepen communication and cooperation in the international economic and financial arena and jointly explore responses to global economic challenges. -PTI

People in agriculture underemployed: Jaitley Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 36

In terms of manufacturing, our aspiration is that it should be about 25 per cent of our economy. And therefore we lost the opportunity when the first industrial revolution came, we lost the opportunity when the second and third industrial revolution came... that is lowcost manufacturing," he said. According to the finance minister, China and other Asian economies benefited more than India. "Now it seems that fourth industrial revolution is there for India to catch up...

hopefully we may... but we are not sure." "The hard reality is that we are a services economy and services do contribute about 60 per cent of our national GDP," he further said. Speaking about the promotion of higher education by private sector, he said it was unimaginable 2025 years ago. He said the population in India can become advantageous if they are trained and converted as human resources. "We have one of the largest populations in the world. And one important change that is taking place is that population in most

developed countries is contracting. They have an ageing problem. They do not even have adequate number of people to manage their own systems. What do we do with this large population? Obviously education plays a very important role to create human resource. That human resource is not only useful to India but to the whole world," he said. According to him, as the country grows, the desire of people to get career outside the government increases as in a narrower economy everybody looks for a job in the government. -PTI

G20 FMs vow to support global growth BEIJING: The Group of 20 major economies, including India, have vowed to deploy all policy tools to foster confidence and boost global environment for growth, which they said was "challenging" and uncertain after UK's decision to exit the world's largest single market, the EU.

"The global economic environment is challenging and downside risks persist, highlighted by fluctuating commodity prices, and low inflation in many economies," a communique issued after the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in southwest China's Chengdu city said. Department of Economic Affairs Secretary Shakthikanta Das attended the gathering, which was held ahead of G20 leaders meeting scheduled in the Chinese city Hangzhou in September. The comminique said that the outcome of the Brexit result adds to uncertainty in the global economy. The European Union's 28-member account for 16 per cent of world imports and exports. To foster confidence, monetary policies will continue to support economic activity and ensure price

stability, but monetary tools alone cannot lead to balanced growth, state-run Xinhua quoted the communique as saying. "We are using fiscal policy flexibly and making tax policy and public expenditure more growthfriendly," it added. The nations reaffirm their previous exchange rate commitments, including refraining from competitive devaluations and not targeting exchange rates for competitive purposes. "We will carefully calibrate and clearly communicate our macroeconomic and structural policy actions to reduce uncertainty, minimize negative spillovers and promote transparency," it said. The G20 economies committed to enhance communication and cooperation, and take effective steps to address the challenges of structural problems, including excess capacity in some industries, exacerbated by a weak global economic recovery and depressed market demand. According to the communique, G20 members reaffirmed commitment to promote investment with focus on infrastructure in terms of both quantity and quality. Before the meeting, the International Monetary Fund downgraded its forecasts for global growth this year by 0.1 percentage point to 3.1 per cent. -PTI

Website of Radio Kashmir Jammu launched JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Minister of State for Education Priya Sethi has launched the website of Radio Kashmir Jammu in Panjtirthi here. V K Sambayal, Station Director, and other officials of Radio Kashmir Jammu were present at the launch of the website www.radiokashmirjammu.com. After launching the website, Sethi said, "Everything is well connected with technology today. Children can access data from anywhere through mobile devices. The easiness of accessibility means that we need to provide quality service with transpar-

ency." She said radio has come alive in the recent years and "our Prime Minister Narendra Modi started 'Mann in Baat' on radio and made the medium come alive in the lives of people again". She said Radio Kashmir Jammu has always played a vital role in preservation and proliferation of Dogri and other local languages and with the launch of their website they will come closer to the people of the state. The first ever broadcasting centre of the state - Radio Kashmir Jammu - came into existence on December 1, 1947. -PTI

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Easier now for start-ups to get IPR benefits NEW DELHI: To improve ease of doing business, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said a start-up would now need only a certificate of recognition from the government to avail IPR-related benefits. Earlier, a budding entrepreneur had to go through an elaborate process of approaching an interministerial board to procure the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) benefits. "A start-up would now require only a certificate of recognition from the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and would not be required to be examined by the inter-ministerial board, as was being done earlier. This is one rapid change that we have brought in," she said here at the 'Start-up India States' Conference'. Under the 'Start-up India' action plan, the government has announced three-year tax holiday and other benefits to these entre-

preneurs. She also said that the ministry has lined up a series of meetings with different stakeholders, including investors to resolve start-up issues. She will also meet investors, industry and journalists soon. Commenting on views of some critics about interference of government in implementing the action plan for start-ups, particularly on extending tax holiday, Sitharaman said the government is committed to facilitate young entrepreneurs. "...many questions are being raised about 'minimum government and maximum governance'. I want to ensure that the government is only facilitating you," she said. However, she said, "As and when money has to be spent, it will have to be looked into. All of us are duty-bound to be accountable and

transparent...Accountability and transparency warrants that if tax breaks have to be given, in cases when the government defers, postpones or foregoes, we have to have some kind of accountability system. Therefore, there has to be an inter-ministerial board". The Minister also said that seven proposals for research parks, 16 for TBIs (Technology Business Incubators) and 13 proposals for Start-up Centers have been recommended by the National Expert Advisory Committee formed by the Human Resource Development Ministry. "These proposals will be implemented in the current financial year itself," she added. To obtain tax and IPR related benefits, a start-up shall be required to be certified as an eligible business from the inter-ministerial board of certification. The board consists of DIPP Joint Secretary, representative of Department of

Science and Technology; and Department of Bio-technology. Sitharaman asked all the stakeholders to regularly provide in-

and tax breaks," she said. She also said that the DIPP has written to top 50 companies requesting them to support the ini-

Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Chandigarh gets a floating solar plant CHANDIGARH: A floating solar power plant pilot of 10 kw peak (kWp) - the peak power - has been commissioned at Dhanas lake here amid efforts by the government to develop the Union Territory as a solar city. It has been designed to supply power to fountains at the lake for aeration.

broader objective, Yellow 2 Gen Energy Pvt, which installed the plant recently, has proposed to the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST) for innovative development of the landneutral solar photovoltaic (floating SPV) plants. "The approximate cost of the

The USP is its dual-axis tracking technology that has been developed indigenously, which is capable of generating 30 per cent or more power than conventional solar photovoltaic ones mounted on the ground. In a move towards realizing the

10 kWp floating solar power plant designed by Yellow is around Rs 12 lakh," Jeevan Mohanty, one of the Co-founders and Director of Yellow 2 Gen Energy, said. This technological innovation means the platform could be set up on small water bodies for meet-

ing captive energy requirements as well as conservation of lakes and ponds. Highlighting its relevance, Vivek Jha, a Co-founder and Director, said a decision to promote installation of floating solar power plants will benefit states that are grappling with the problem of land acquisition. "Yellow's design has dual-axis tracking, which leads to higher energy generation and makes it cost-effective," Rakesh Chauhan, the other Cofounder and also a Director, said. The floating power plant in the planned city is yet another attempt to achieve practical and tangible progress in harnessing solar energy and facilitate large-scale generation of electrical energy through solar radiation at economically viable cost. The government has earlier chosen Chandigarh to develop it as a model solar city and has an ambitious plan for deployment of 175 GW renewable power capacity by 2022, including 100 GW in solar energy. -PTI

puts to further improve the startup ecosystem to give it an impetus. India is ranked third in the world, behind the US and the UK in terms of number of start-ups. Close to 4,400 technology startups exist in India and the number is expected to reach 12,000-plus by 2020, driven by a young and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem, she said. On the rate of success of startups, she said: "World-over, the success rate is not very high. But that is the nature of the business. Rate of success is beyond the government. What the government, however, can do is to give a chance to every idea to reach some stage and give facilitation

tiative under their CSR activities by setting up new incubators in collaboration with educational institutes. Five states including Rajasthan, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka gave detailed presentation about their initiatives to boost start-up ecosystem. "Every state is working for start-ups and it's not like these five states only are working," Sitharaman said. In January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a slew of incentives to boost start-up businesses, offering them a tax holiday and inspector raj-free regime, capital gains tax exemption and Rs 10,000 crore corpus to fund them.- PTI

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onavala is a popular hill station at a height of 625 mt above sea level in the western region of the state Maharashtra. The expanse of this ex quisite hill station is about 38 sq km. Lonavala, located by Sir Elphinstone, the then Governor of Bombay Presidency in 1871, derived its name from a Sanskrit word Lonavli means caves. The plenty of caves like Bhaja caves, Bedsa caves and Karla caves brought the name Lonavala to the city. Lonavala is famed as a health resort due to its unpolluted environment and pleasant climate all through the year.

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It is attracted by thousands of tourists, domestic as well as foreign, every year. Monsoon is the best climate with waterfalls, thriving lakes full of water and lush greeneries all around. Chikki, the hard candy sweet, is a specialty item in Lonavala and is famous among the visitors to Lonavala. Lonavala is a romantic gateway from the hustle and bustle of the crowded metropolitan life in Mumbai and Pune. This hill station forms a part of breathtaking Sahyadri hills and is a perfect location for hiking and trekking. The place is bestowed with many historical forts, ancient caves and wonderful serene lakes. Lonavala offers panoramic views

of Deccan plateau on one side and the Konkan coast on the other. Lonavala offers all luxurious facility to tourists. Many ancient model resorts, most modern architectural luxurious hotels and eye catching scenic attractions make this place a grandeur spot for holiday vacations. Cool climate, serene ambience and all facilities for secluded stay are the great offers of this natural gift. One can easily take up package for Goa from Lonavala. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 42

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Bullet train tickets to cost less than airfare NEW DELHI: Mumbai-Ahmedabad highspeed rail corridor will be completed in six years and its fare will be less than airfare, railway minister Suresh Prabhu said here. Maintaining that the ambitious project is doable, Prabhu said in Lok Sabha during Question Hour that the high-speed train project would be cost-effective.

The bullet train is expected to cover 508 km between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in about two hours, running at a maximum speed of 350 kmph and operating speed of 320 kmph. At present, Duronto Express takes about seven hours to cover the distance between the two financial centers. When it was pointed out that huge funds

have been given for the project which might hamper those in other parts of the country, Prabhu said, "There was no regional bias." PTI The high-speed rail project has been sanctioned with technical and financial assistance from the government of Japan and the joint feasibility study of the project has already been done by Japanese International Agency. Estimated to cost about Rs 97,636 crore, 81 per cent of the funding for the 508 km long Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail corridor project will come in form of a loan from Japan. The project cost includes possible cost escalation, interest during construction and import duties. The project is being funded by Japan with a soft loan for 50 years at 0.1% annual interest with 15 years' moratorium. Rolling stock and other equipment like signaling and power system will be imported from Japan as per the loan agreement. Railways has spelt out its policy with regard to running of high speed and semi-high speed trains by identification of potential routes for both kinds of train services. -PTI

Foreign tourist footfall up by 7.3 percent NEW DELHI: Foreign tourist arrivals have recorded a growth of 7.3 per cent in June as compared to the same period last year with 5.50 lakh visitors coming to India, the government has said. The rise in tourist footfall led to a growth of 12.2 per cent in foreign exchange earnings from tourism. Among the top 15 source countries, the US accounted for the highest share at 22.20 per cent, followed by Bangladesh (20.69 per cent), the UK (6.84 per cent), Malaysia (3.90 per cent), Sri Lanka (3.20 per cent), Australia (2.63 per cent) and China (2.62 per cent). Canada's share was 2.60 per cent, while that of Japan 2.49 per cent, Singapore 2.47 per cent, France 2.35 per cent, Germany 2.26 per cent, Nepal 2.17 per cent, Pakistan 1.33 per cent and Korea 1.31 per cent. During January-June, as many as 41.86 lakh overseas tourists arrived in the country, recording an 8.9 per cent rise over the corresponding period last year. Last year, foreign tourist arrivals in June stood at 5.12 lakhs and the figure for January-June period was 38.45 lakhs. In June, foreign exchange earnings from

tourism were to the tune of Rs 10,732 crore as compared to Rs 9,564 crore in the same month last year. During January-June, foreign exchange earnings from tourism were Rs 73,065 crore with a growth of 14.1 per cent as compared to Rs 64,035 crore during the corresponding period last year.

The Delhi airport welcomed the highest share of foreign tourists in June at 24.69 per cent, followed by Mumbai airport 16.76 per cent, Haridaspur Land check post 11.99 per cent, Chennai airport 10.90 per cent, Bengaluru airport 7.74 per cent, Hyderabad airport 4.95 per cent and Kolkata airport 4.09 per cent. -PTI

Parts of Taj turning greenish-black NEW DELHI: Parts of Taj Mahal are turning greenish-black due to release of faeces and dirt by an insect variety, the government has said while stressing that it is a "temporary phenomena" as color of marble could be regained after simple treatment. In a written reply in Rajya Sabha, Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma said that it has come to the notice of the government about the change in color of the iconic marble mausoleum due to faeces and dirt by the insect called Geoldichironomous. The Minister, however, said, "This is a temporary phenomena as original color and texture of marble is regained after simple cleaning treatment and washing the affected surfaces." On a query on breeding of the insect, he said Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is keeping "vigil" on any development in this regard. On action taken by government to check

the environmental degradation of Taj Mahal, he said conservation and preservation work of this heritage is "attended regu-

larly" by the ASI. "The ambient air quality is also monitored constantly. The protected area is maintained neat and clean with sufficient growth of plants in open areas of Taj Mahal and across the Yamuna River at Mehtab Bagh to minimize the effect of harmful substances," he said. -PTI

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Tourist attractions Bhaja Caves: These second century Buddhist caves are a rare Buddhist tourist destination. These caves enclose 18 rock cut caves constructed by Buddhist nuns and enshrines many sculp-

tures like a prince in a chariot, a prince seated on an elephant, three armed warriors and dancing couples. All these sculptures are specimens of Indian architectural age and the mastery in sculpturing. The first cave is believed to be the residential place of the master of the caves, the next ten caves are Buddhist viharas with one cave containing the Chaitya hall. The rest seven caves are adorned with inscriptions including the details of the donor. A water fall is also located at the last of the caves. Bushi Dam: Bushi Dam is a majestic picnic spot in Lonavala. The Dam is magnificent during the monsoons with water gushing out making exhilarating waterfalls. The Dam is located at the backdrop of scenic hilly terrains and lush green

environments. This is a much sought weekend and vacation destination in Lonavala. Calm environment and cool atmosphere add to the beauty of this site. Swimming is not allowed in this Dam. Karla Caves: Karla Caves are the largest cave temples (chaitya)

in India. These rock cut caves were built around 100 AD by Buddhist nuns. The marvelous ancient Karla Caves are presently a popular tourist destination to have a close look at the ancient Buddhist architec-

ture and culture. These caves exhibit Buddhist ideologies through inscriptions and stupas. Koregad Fort: Koregad Fort is an individual fort in a hillock which is not connected to other hills in Lonavala Region. About one hour trekking expedition is required to reach the top. This hillock is credited with few ponds and magnificent picturesque landscapes. This fort stands alone with grandiose solitude. The fort is in ruins and most of the structures of the fort are not visible nowadays. Lohagad Fort: Lohagarh, literally meaning Iron fort, is an important hill fort used extensively by Chatrapati Shivaji. It has a long history and was used by all dynasties who ruled Vidharbha and Maratha kingdoms. The fort is placed at an altitude of more than 1050 meters. It is situated on the Sahyadri ranges and divides the Pavna basin and Indrayani basin. The fort site is a fine destination for tourists with interests in architecture, archeology and history. The actual date of original fort is not clearly known but the known records point to some additional constructions such as a step well and big tank during eighteenth century. The ancient fort's four mammoth gates are still intact and are in good condition. Rajmachi Fort: A beautiful fort, located in the Shayadri hills is a popular tourist attraction in this

region. There are two forts located here which were built by Shivaji in the 17th century. The fort overlooks the Borghat valley and can be reached only via trekking from Lonavala and it takes around two

Maval region near Lonavala. Tikona fort, literally meaning triangle fort, had witnessed many dynasties ruled in the Maratha region. This was the nerve centre of the many activities of entire

days to reach the fort. Shreevardhan Fort: Shreevardhan Fort, an ancient fort spotted with the history of Maratha rulers, is situated to the east of Rajmachi town. The construction of the fort is in Maratha style architecture and the imposing entrance of the Shreevardhan fort is in a semicircular shape. The fort is built at the pinnacle of one of the peaks in Rajamchi, so that one can view the movements of the downhill region. The view from the fort is breathtaking with wide greenish landscape and undulating hilly terrains. Tikona Fort: Tikona Fort, also renowned as Vitandgad fort, is a major hill fort in

Malwan Pawna regions. The small hamlet close to the fort is Tikona Peth. The fort's mammoth entrance is a special attraction. Tikona fort is a great trekking destination for adventurous tourists. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 43

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Jet Airways to roll out new ticket pricing NEW DELHI: Facing heat from rival Air India, which is offering last minute ticket prices equivalent to AC II tier fares of Rajdhani trains on 11 domestic routes, private carrier Jet Airways also plans to roll out a new ticket pricing structure to give more choices to customers from next month. Jet Airways will offer a total of eight new 'Fare Choices' across economy and premiere class of travel, allowing fliers to tailor their bookings to their individual needs, the airline said in a release. These fare choices will be available to customers from August 17, Jet Airways said. As part of this, economy class passengers will have the option of choosing fares from the Deal, Saver, Classic or Flex fare categories. Likewise, premier class fares includes Saver, Classic and Flex, while in first class there will only be one fare "family - First," it said. In a move that check-mated its rivals like Jet Airways and Vistara on the pricing front, national carrier Air India had early this month announced dropping of its last minute fares to the level of AC II

tier fares of Rajdhani trains on four trunk destinations from Delhi Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai, to begin with. Later it extended the offer on seven other routes, giving jitters to the private airlines, which jack

The new flexible 'Fare Choices' will be available on all domestic and international routes through all of Jet Airways' booking channels, the release said. Besides, the various fare categories are differentiated based on

up their last minute fares to astronomical sums. Gaurang Shetty, Wholetime Director, Jet Airways, said: "The new fare structure being introduced by Jet Airways will offer distinct features in each category as well as greater choice to our guests. Ultimately, this is about providing choice."

the changeability and refund of a ticket, mileage accrual, upgrade eligibility, priority check-in and lounge access, it added. The baggage allowance for the bookings availed under these fare choices is differentiated according to routes based on piece and weight and the same will reflect on the e-ticket, Jet Airways said. -PTI

Kerala strikes gold at PATA awards THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Tourism has struck gold at the Pacific Asia Travel Association awards in recognition of its trend setting marketing initiatives, which have boosted the state's profile as a must-visit destination. The two gold gongs for Marketing Media are in the categories of Travel Advertisement Broadcast Media and E-Newsletter, which were clinched by the successful

Visit Kerala television commercial campaign and the popular Kerala Tourism E-Newsletter, respectively. "Winning two awards at the highly influential PATA awards is a tremendous feat. It reflects the success Kerala Tourism's cuttingedge marketing techniques have had in elevating the state into the top-tier of coveted destinations for the inbound tourism market,"

Tourism Minister A C Moideen said. The awards will be presented at the PATA Gold Awards Luncheon and Presentation on September 9 in Jakarta, Indonesia, an integral part of the PATA Travel Mart. This year's awards attracted 212 entries from 71 organizations and individuals worldwide. "Since our marketing campaigns are created and executed from a keen understanding of the unique appeal that God's Own Country holds for tourists, they will undoubtedly have a positive impact and bring the state more such honors," Principal Secretary (Tourism) Dr Venu V said. The latest recognition continues a run of success for Kerala Tourism at PATA awards, with the state having been conferred the PATA CEO Challenge 2015 award for the top emerging destination in the world. Last year, Kerala Tourism was awarded PATA Gold in the Heritage and Culture category for Muziris Heritage Project. -PTI

Aguada jail to be developed for tourism PANAJI: The Portuguese-era Aguada central jail here would be developed for tourism purpose only, the state Tourism department has said, brushing aside possibilities of converting a portion of its premises into a detention centre for overstaying foreigners. "We have taken up (work to prepare) a master plan for developing entire area, including jail and plateau at Aguada, into a tourism centre. There is no question of allowing it to be used as detention centre for foreigners illegally staying here," state Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar told PTI. The Aguada central jail no longer houses prisoners and all the inmates have been shifted to other centers like Mapusa sub jail and newly-constructed Colvale correction centre (prison). "The activities only related to tourism would be allowed at Aguada. We have taken up the work of complete maintenance of the area," Parulekar said. Deputy Inspector General of Police Vimal Gupta told reporters that the police department has

moved a proposal to the state government, requesting them to allow a part of the jail to be converted into detention centre. Last year, 72 foreigners were deported, including 16 Russians and 10 Britons, he said. Goa Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Nilesh Cabral said there was no possibility of allowing any detention centre at Aguada. "The state cabinet has already passed a resolution giving its nod to the proposal converting this place into a tourism hub. There is no question of anyone staking claim on it," Cabral said. On July 1, Goa cabinet approved the proposal of the state tourism development corporation to convert the Portuguese-era Aguada jail into a heritage tourism spot under the Central government's Swadesh Darshan scheme which was launched for integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits. Union Ministry of Tourism has already sanctioned Rs 25.85 crore for this project, which will convert this erstwhile prison into Heritage Tourism destination. -PTI

Lonavala

Health resort with clean environment & pleasant climate Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 42

One can get eye catching views of the Pawna Dam and the forts at Visaput, Tung and Lohagarh. The fort encloses a lake, Satvahan caves and the temple of 'Trimbakeshwar Mahadev'. Tung Fort: Tung Fort, also known as Kathingad, is a fort in the peak (tung means peak) and is very difficult to approach. The fort is in the Mawal region which was ruled by Maratha kings. The fort is constructed at a height of 3500 feet and about 1200 feet hilly terrain has steep ascents. The Tung fort is a tough and rough adventurous trekking destination. One can start trekking to Tung fort from Phagne Dam in Pawna River. The Tung fort is in ruins and the only structure left is a temple dedicated to Devi Tungai. There is a lake and a cave in the fort region. From the pinnacle of the hillock, one can enjoy the majestic views of Laghghar and Visapur forts. Visapur Fort: Visapur fort is located at an altitude of nearly 4,000 ft above sea level. A trekking expedition is needed to reach this

historical fort. The fort was built centuries back and was thriving with many activities during the rules of many Maratha dynasties. Chathrapthi Shivaji was using this as a place to watch movements downhill and the plains. Best time to visit Lonavala has a moderate climate with warm summer. It can be visited all through the year, except perhaps May. How to reach By Train: Lonavala railway station lies in the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune. Many express trains between Mumbai and Pune stop here. By Air: The nearest airport is Pune, which is 64 km from Lonavala town. Pune is connected to Mumbai, Goa and Bangalore by air. Major international airport near Lonavala is Mumbai's Chatrapati Shivaji International airport. By Bus: State owned buses connect nearby cities with the hill station. Tourist service providers arrange package tours by A/C deluxe buses to Lonavala from Mumbai and Pune.

In Brief 518 Indians languishing in jails in Pakistan NEW DELHI: A total of 518 Indians including 55 civilian prisoners are languishing in various jails in Pakistan, the Government informed the Rajya Sabha. Replying to a question, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said the total prisoners included 463 fishermen. "As per the list exchanged between the governments of India and Pakistan on July 1, there are 518 prisoners who are Indian or believed to be Indian in Pakistani jails," he said. About incidents of attacks on members of the minority community in Bangladesh, Singh said India was closely monitoring the situation, adding Bangladeshi authorities have conveyed that their investigations into past attacks suggest that these are the handiwork of local radical and terrorist outfits. To a question on 39 Indians abducted by ISIS in June 2014, Singh said government was actively following up the case and taking all necessary steps to secure their release. The Minister, to a separate question, said a total of 22,286 Indians died in 110 countries from 2013-2015. Asked whether a group of Indian students were sent back by the US authorities in spite of having valid visas, the Minister said there were instances of denial of entry by the US Immigration department to Indians holding valid visas. -PTI

Older immigrants denied school access

PHILADELPHIA: Civil rights lawyers have accused a third U.S. school district of denying older immigrant students a meaningful education by steering them to alternative high schools. The federal lawsuit against the Lancaster School District in Pennsylvania involves refugees ages 17 to 21. They are from Myanmar, Sudan and other war-torn countries. The American Civil Liberties Union says the district has steered at least 30 students over three years to a disciplinary high school with fewer services and opportunities. Civil rights groups have filed similar lawsuits in Utica, New York, and Collier County, Florida. The Lancaster district in a statement calls the ACLU suit ``without merit'' and says it offers summer, after-school and other ``cutting edge'' programs for refugees. -AP

Immigration 44 India Post

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July 29, 2016

Trump's 'border wall' is not a new idea Details on page 46

Voters split over how to secure US from illegal immigration WASHINGTON: Most Americans reject Donald Trump's proposal to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico and his support for deporting those in the country illegally. But they're divided on the presumptive Republican nominee's proposed temporary ban on the entry of Muslims from other countries, a new survey finds. The poll shows Trump's shifting rhetoric on that ban might win some Americans over. When it comes to Trump's proposal to build a wall along the Mexican border, about 6 in 10 Americans oppose the idea while 4 in 10 are for it, the new Associated Press-GfK poll indicated. Similarly, 6 in 10 Americans favor providing a way for immigrants who are in the country illegally to become U.S. citizens, while about 4 in 10 are opposed. Seventy-six percent of Democrats, along with 44 percent of Republicans, favor a path to citizenship for immigrants in the coun-

try illegally. Among Trump's supporters, just 38 percent are in favor of a path to citizenship. Sixtyseven percent of Republicans and just 21 percent of Democrats fa-

vor a border wall. Three-quarters of Trump's supporters favor that proposal. Trump's likely rival, Democrat Hillary Clinton, has cast his calls

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks in Denver. Most Americans reject Donald Trump’s proposals to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico and to deport immigrants living in the country illegally, and they’re divided on the presumptive Republican nominee’s proposed temporary ban on Muslims from other countries entering the United States. But the poll shows Trump’s shifting rhetoric on that ban might win some Americans over.

for the border wall and temporary foreign Muslims ban as dangerous. Trump supporter Marile Womack, 79, of Debary, Florida, adamantly favors the border wall. No one else ``had the guts to do it,'' she said. But the daughter of Austrian immigrants isn't opposed to immigration from any country so long as it's done legally. ``I don't favor banning immigrants, but I am for investigating them before they come,'' she said. In contrast, Mark Wecker, a car salesman from Redding, California, called a border wall stupid, because ``it's a lot of money and it's not going to keep them out if they want to get in.'' Three-quarters of Latinos, twothirds of African-Americans and more than half of whites favor providing a path to citizenship. Fortyeight percent of whites, 26 percent of blacks and just 16 percent of Latinos favor a border wall. Cont'd on Page 46

GOP for reforming guest workers program CLEVELAND: Concerned over alarming levels of unemployment in the US, the Republican party favors reforming the guest workers program, which include H-1B visa system, indicating a drastic reduction in the green cards issued every year that could impact Indian IT professionals. "In light of both current needs and historic practice, we urge the reform of our guest worker programs to eliminate fraud, improve efficiency and ensure they serve the national interest," said the Republican platform, which was approved by the party leadership during its convention here. "In light of the alarming levels of unemployment and underemployment in this country, it is indefensible to continue offering lawful permanent residence to more than one million foreign nationals every year," the platform said.

Currently, Indians have the longest waiting list for green cards. In case of any reduction in the number of such cards being issued every year, that might further delay the process. However, the platform, which talks in details about the immigration policy does not specifically mention about the H-1B visa program but the language on guest

has also called for increasing the salary of those coming to the US on H-1B visas. The platform said the Supreme Court has correctly recognized that states have the constitutional authority to take steps to reduce illegal immigration. "We condemn the Obama Administrations lawsuits against states that are seeking to reinforce

"In light of both current needs and historic practice, we urge the reform of our guest worker programs to eliminate fraud, improve efficiency and ensure they serve the national interest” workers is seen as a move to reform the H-1B visas system. Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, has been against increase in H-1B visas and

federal law. We support the right of the states to enact laws deterring illegal aliens from residing within their states," it said. "From its beginning, our coun-

try has been a haven of refuge and asylum. That should continue - but with major changes. Asylum should be limited to cases of political, ethnic or religious persecution. As the Director of the FBI has noted, it is not possible to vet fully all potential refugees. "To ensure our national security, refugees who cannot be carefully vetted cannot be admitted to the country, especially those whose homelands have been the breeding grounds for terrorism," the platform said. While the platform calls for deportation of illegal immigrants, it praises the role of legal immigrants. "The greatest asset of the American economy is the American worker. Our immigration system must protect American working families and their wages, for citizens and legal immigrants alike, in a way that will improve the economy," it said. -PTI

Immigration Post

July 29, 2016

India Post 45

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Trump promises relief from 'uncontrolled immigration' CLEVELAND: Donald Trump has vowed to "put America first" as he projected himself as the "law and order" candidate in the race for the president of a country rocked by shootings and attacks and sought Americans' support while formally accepting the Republican nomination. The 70-year-old real estate tycoon vowed to defeat ISIS and reiterated his resolve to build the wall along the Mexico border, stressing that immigration from countries that have compromised on terrorism should be immediately suspended. While accepting the nomination "humbly and gratefully" here, Trump promised to defeat ISIS and Islamic terrorism, but toned down his previous proposal of a complete ban on entry of Muslims in the country. He blamed President Barack Obama and his former secretary of state, presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for problems the country faces as he painted a dire state of affairs in the US and the world. Trump said his plan will put America First. Americanism, not globalism, will be his credo. "As long as we are led by politicians who will not put America First, then we can be assured that other nations will not treat America with respect that we deserve," he

said amid thunderous applause. "In this race for the White House, I am the law and order candidate," he said as he accused Obama of sowing disunity along racial lines. "The irresponsible rhetoric of our president, who has used the pulpit of the presidency to divide us by race and color, has made America a more dangerous environment for everyone. The "crime and violence that today afflicts our nation will soon, and I mean very soon, come to an end," he said. "Beginning on January 20, of 2017, safety will be restored." Trump painted his rival from the Democratic camp Clinton as incompetent. "This is the legacy of Hillary Clinton: death, destruction, terrorism and weakness," he said. Trump said if elected as the US President in the November elections, he will put in place an immigration system "that works, but one that works for the American people". "Tonight, I want every American whose demands for immigration security have been denied and every politician who has denied them to listen very closely to the words I am about to say. On January 21st of 2017, the day after I take the oath of office, Americans will finally wake up in a country

where the laws of the US are enforced. We are going to be considerate and compassionate to everyone. "But my greatest compassion will be for our own struggling citizens. My plan is the exact opposite of the radical and dangerous immigration policy of Hillary Clinton. "Americans want relief from

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump delivers his acceptance speech during the evening session on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans In Cleveland, Ohio

uncontrolled immigration. Communities want relief," he added. "Illegal border crossings will go down. Peace will be restored. By enforcing the rules for the millions who overstay their visas, our laws will finally receive the respect they

Trump's Hollywood Walk of Fame gets a wall LOS ANGELES: An American "No Trump Anytime" signs on street artist erected a miniature street corners in Los Angeles, New wall around Republican presiden- York and other cities earlier this tial nominee Donald Trump's star year, tweeted: "I built and paid for on the Hollywood Walk of Fame the wall myself. No Mexican to mock his rhetoric of building a money." wall between Mexico and the US The post was accompanied by to stop illegal migration. a photo of the star with the 'wall' The 6-inch wall made of as onlookers clicked pictures of it wooden planks and topped with on their mobile phones. barbed wire emerged around the 70-year-old controversial real estate tycoon's star as tourists stopped to click photos of the gray wall which was also plastered with "keep out" signs. The tiny wall by popular Los Angeles-based street artist known as 'Plastic Jesus' was, however, reThe Hollywood Walk of Fame features this walled-off Donald Trump star. moved in a few hours. This came on a day when the reality TV star managed Another post on Instagram, to clinch the Republican Party's which garnered over 13,000 'likes', presidential nomination for the had a caption: "Hollywood sightNovember polls despite a divided seers on the famous walk of fame opinion within the party. were confronted with an unusual The artist, known for posting addition to Trump's Famous Star.

deserve. We must immediately suspend immigration from any nation that has been compromised by terrorism until such time as proven vetting mechanisms have been put in place," he said. "We don't want them in our country," the New York billionaire said to huge cheers and applause in his speech during his party's ongoing National Convention.

Someone had built a 6" tall grey concrete wall around it. Complete with "Keep out" signs and topped with razor wire. The unofficial addition to the iconic star appeared to the amusement of onlookers." According to the British-born artist's website, his art is influenced by 'news and culture'. The wall alludes to one of Trump's most controversial proposals - the erection of a wall along the US border with Mexico in order to halt the flow of illegal immigrants, the CNN reported. Trump's Walk of Fame star, which he got on Hollywood Boulevard in 2007 for his hit reality TV show "The Apprentice", has been targeted in the past as well. The real estate tycoon has repeatedly vowed during his campaign to build a wall between Mexico and the US to stem illegal immigration and drug smuggling. While his rhetoric has drawn cheers by many, it has also attracted criticism from rights groups and even US President Barack Obama. -PTI

Trump had earlier called for a complete ban on Muslims immigrants, which had drawn widespread global condemnation. He said to make life safe in America, they must also address the growing threats the country faces from outside. "America: we are going to defeat the barbarians of ISIS. Once again, France is the victim of brutal Islamic terrorism. "Men, women and children viciously mowed down. Lives ruined. Families ripped apart. A nation in mourning. The damage and devastation that can be inflicted by Islamic radicals has been over and over at the World Trade Centre, at an office party in San Bernardino, at the Boston Marathon, and a military recruiting centre in Chattanooga, Tennessee," he said. To protect the US from terrorism, he proposed a three pronged

strategy. "We must have the best intelligence gathering operation in the world. We must abandon the failed policy of nation building and regime change that Hillary Clinton pushed in Iraq, Libya, Egypt and Syria," he said. Instead, the US must work with its allies who share the goal of destroying ISIS and stamping out Islamic terror. "This includes working with our greatest ally in the region, the State of Israel. Lastly, we must immediately suspend immigration from any nation that has been compromised by terrorism until such time as proven vetting mechanisms have been put in place," he said. Trump said anyone who endorses violence, hatred or oppression is not welcome in the US and never will be. Underlining that an attack on law enforcement is an attack on all Americans, Trump said: "This Administration has failed America's inner cities. It's failed them on education. It's failed them on jobs. It's failed them on crime. It's failed them in every way and on every level. "When I am President, I will work to ensure that all of our kids are treated equally, and protected equally." He used his major primetime address as the opportunity to call for protecting the "LGBTQ community", elevating the issue to a Republican nomination address for the first time. Trump said he recently pointed out that NATO was obsolete, because it did not properly cover terror, and also, that many of its members were not paying their fair share. "As usual, the United States has been picking up the cost. Shortly thereafter, it was announced that NATO will be setting up a new program in order to combat terrorism - a true step in the right direction," he said.-PTI

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Trump's 'border wall' is not a new idea ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.: Donald Trump's push for a border wall is not a new idea. The U.S.Mexico border is already lined with intermittent miles of barriers. In some places, a tall fence ascends desert hills. In others, sturdy wire mesh or metal pillars end suddenly. The pieces come from different moments in history when the U.S. government wanted stronger barriers to halt unwanted immigration, drug trafficking, Prohibition-era bootleggers and even meandering cattle. Historians say that idea has been pursued for a century with spotty results due to changing politics and technologies and pressure to divert enforcement attention elsewhere. Here's a look at the history of U.S.-Mexico border barriers.

The walls have been the scene of crossborder volleyball games and bilingual poetry competitions known as slams. Priests hold Mass and give Communion through the walls.

BIRTH OF A WALL The U.S. began constructing pieces of a wall between U.S. territory and Mexico during World War I, according to Kelly Lytle Hernandez, a University of California, Los Angeles history pro-

the U.S. Border Patrol in 1924. Some fences and tin walls that had been built were abandoned or neglected until voters demanded new barriers. Meanwhile, many illegal crossers dug tunnels to

fessor and author of "Migra!: A History of the U.S. Border Patrol." Ironically, there were no restrictions on Mexican immigration at the time because U.S. growers wanted a steady stream of agricultural workers. Mounted watchmen who patrolled from El Paso, Texas, to California were largely on the lookout for Chinese immigrants trying to illegally enter the U.S. Pressure to build a wall came and went after Congress created

dodge the walls and keep out of sight. "As the walls got higher, the tunnels got deeper," Hernandez said. "The walls served as psychological solutions that didn't work." RISING UP Entering the U.S. became more restricted as the U.S. struggled to recover from the Great Depression. A decade later, Organ Pipe

National Monument in Arizona and other national parks along the border called for fencing to keep Mexican cattle and other livestock from overgrazing in protected areas.

Voters split over how to secure US from illegal immigration Cont'd from Page 44

Daniella Gil, a stay-at-homemom from Cornelius, Oregon, who is the daughter of Mexican immigrants, said, ``We should be focusing on the violence coming from Syria as opposed to Hispanics jumping the border.'' She said she supports immigration from any country so long as it's done legally. Americans are slightly more likely to oppose than favor a temporary ban on Muslims who are not U.S. citizens from entering the United States, by a 52 percent to 45 percent margin that has been strikingly consistent in AP-GfK polls conducted this year. Sixty-nine percent of Republicans say they favor the temporary ban on Muslim immigration, while 68 percent of Democrats are opposed. Half of whites and just a third of non-whites say they favor the ban. Seventy-six percent of Trump supporters are in favor. On a trip to Scotland last month, Trump shifted his rhetoric, saying he would instead ``want terrorists out'' of the U.S., and to do so, he would limit people's entry from ``specific terrorist countries and we know who those terrorist countries are.'' The poll indicates that rhetori-

cal shift could win support. Among those asked more broadly about a temporary ban on immigrants from areas of the world where there is a history of terrorism against the U.S. or its allies, 63 percent are in favor and 34 percent opposed. Ninety-four percent of Trump supporters say they favor this proposal, as do 45 per-

Seventy-six percent of Republicans think the U.S. should allow fewer refugees. Among Democrats, 43 percent think the current level is about right cent of Clinton supporters. ``That's a necessity for creating stability,'' said Ryan Williams, 40, a health care provider from Jacksonville, North Carolina. Most Americans - 53 percent think the United States is currently letting in too many refugees from Syria, engulfed in civil war since 2011 and the Islamic State militant group's de facto center. President Barack Obama has pledged to admit some 10,000 Syrian refugees this year.

Another 33 percent think the current level is about right, while just 11 percent want to let in more. About 4 in 10 think there's a very or somewhat high risk of refugees committing acts of religious or political violence in the United States, 34 percent think the risk moderate, and 24 percent consider it very or somewhat low. Seventy-six percent of Republicans think the U.S. should allow fewer refugees. Among Democrats, 43 percent think the current level is about right, 38 percent think the U.S. should allow fewer, and 18 percent want to allow more. Said Gil, the stay-at-home mom from Oregon, ``Some of those people are innocent kids.'' The AP-GfK Poll of 1,009 adults was conducted online July 7-11, using a sample drawn from GfK's probability-based KnowledgePanel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 3.3 percentage points. Respondents were first selected randomly using telephone or mail survey methods and later interviewed online. People selected for KnowledgePanel who didn't have access to the Internet were provided access for free. -AP

The push for a wall got new life under President Richard Nixon with Operation Intercept - an effort to halt the flow of illegal drugs from Mexico. Later, when the North American Free Trade Agreement hurt the agricultural economy in Mexico in the 1990s, millions of migrants came to the U.S. illegally, prompting an expansion of border fences in urban areas such as San Diego and El Paso. That forced many migrants to try dangerous desert crossings into Arizona. After the Sept. 11 terror attack, President George W. Bush signed the Secure Fence Act of 2006 authorizing the construction of 850 miles of border fencing. It also called for more vehicle barriers, checkpoints and lighting to help the Border Patrol spot crossers. In 2011, President Barack Obama declared fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border was "now basically complete" - a claim rejected by many critics. THE WALL TODAY Current barriers from the Pacific Ocean to the Rio Grande range

from vehicle checkpoints made of steel beams to tin walls that can be easily climbed. In large cities such as El Paso, motorists can drive next to a barrier. Some stretches feature murals honoring female migrants who have disappeared or small shrines dedicated to La Virgen de Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico and Mexican Americans. The walls have been the scene of cross-border volleyball games and bilingual poetry competitions known as slams. Priests hold Mass and give Communion through the walls. Tourists sometimes go off-road to visit spots where barriers end to take selfies on both sides of the border. Meanwhile, the mounted watchmen of a century ago have been replaced by border patrol vehicles and infrared cameras. Hernandez said building a continuous wall would be a massive undertaking with uncertain results. "There are always planes," she said. "There will always be other ways to get across." -AP

Immigration court has 500,000 pending cases WASHINGTON: The backlog in the federal immigration court system has eclipsed half a million pending cases, The Associated Press has learned. The Justice Department's Executive Office for Immigration Review said there are now 500,051 pending immigration cases in the agency's courts. The backlog has been steadily rising in recent years as the number of unaccompanied children and people traveling as families have been caught crossing the Mexican border illegally. Since 2011 more than 200,000 cases have been added to the court's docket and backlog is likely to continue growing. More than 51,000 people traveling as families and more than 43,000 unaccompanied children, mostly from Honduras, El Salvador or Guatemala, have been caught crossing the border illegally since the start of the budget year in October. Cases of newly arrived immigrants facing deportation have been made a priority, but the backlog still means that many immigrants are likely to face years long delays before a judge makes a final decision on their cases. And while people are waiting to go be-

fore a judge, their case could dramatically change, for good or bad. The president of the union representing immigration judges, Judge Dana Leigh Marks, said multi-year delays are frustrating to immigrants fighting for permission to stay in the United States and the judges hearing those cases. ``As a judge, it's very frustrating because we have to go back to the beginning,'' said Marks, who is a judge in San Francisco. ``It's a more time consuming job, more difficult. It's very different when you (hear a case) within a year, as compared to seven or eight years. Marks said the judges' union has long seen this backlog coming and has pressed for more resources. A spokeswoman for the court system, Kathryn Mattingly, told AP that 34 new judges have been added since the beginning of the year and there are now 277 judges hearing cases. She said approximately 100 other judge candidates are in the process of being hired. ``We've been undergoing a robust hiring initiative,'' Mattingly said. She added that a pending budget proposal would allow the court to have as many as 399 judges on staff. -AP

Datebook

July 29, 2016

NEW JERSEY Upcoming

NEW YORK

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Sun, Aug 7 • IFMP Annual Summer Picnic

Sun, Aug 7

Venue: Mercer County Park East, 1346 Edinburg Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550 Time: 11:00 pm

Venue: Mercer County Park East, 1346 Edinburg Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550 Time : 11:00 am

Sun, Aug 21

Sat, Aug 13

• Dream Team Star live Concert 2016

• DesiParty Featuring Bollywood Beats By Dj Harsh

Venue: Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St, Newark, NJ 07102 Time : 7:00 pm

Venue: LEXICON, 226 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022 Time : 10:00 pm

Venue: Clarke Theater, 1100 North Grand Avenue, Walnut, CA 91789 Time: 5:00 pm Contact: 626-322-7092

Sat, Aug 27

Sun, Aug 14

• South Asian Theater Festival 2016

• Gurdas Maan ‘Ki Banu Duniya Da’ Tour

Mon, Aug 8

Venue: George Street Playhouse, 9 Livingstone Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ Time: 2:30 pm

Venue: Colden Center, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367 Time : 8:00 pm

• IFMP Annual Summer Picnic

Fri, Jul 29 • Whats Done is Done Venue: Valencia High School Auditorium, 512 Bradford Avenue, Placentia, CA 92870 Time: 07:30 pm

Sat, Jul 30 • Natyanjali School of Dance Presents Sri Ram

• Little Music Academy Sri. RamaChary Music class Venue: Bay Area Telugu Association, 39120 Argonaut Way, Fremont, CA 94538 Time: 1:00 pm

Fri, Aug 12 • Roaring with DJ - Akbar Sami

India Post 47

CHICAGO

Upcoming Sun, Aug 14 • Independence Day Celebrations Venue: Rainbow Park, 6155 Rainbow Drive, San Jose, CA 95129 Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 408-573-7307

Sun, Aug 21 • Kailash Kher Live in Concert 2016 - Bay Area Venue: Performing Arts Center - Chabot College, 25555 Hesperian Boulevard, Hayward, CA 94545 Time: 07:00 pm

ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, July 30 • DJ Akbar Sami Indias 1 DJ at Atlantas 1 Club

Venue: Project Club LA, 6356 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028 Time: 10:00 pm

Venue: Gold Room Atlanta, 2416 Piedmont Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30324 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 4045520566

Sat, Aug 20 • Dream Team Star Show - The BIGGEST STAR

Sat, Aug 20 • Gurdas Maan Live in Concert in Atlanta

from Bollywood in Hollywood!!

Venue: The Forum, 3900 West Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA 90305 Time: 07:30 pm

Sat, Aug 13 • Dream Team Star Concert 2016 Venue: Oracle Arena Oakland, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621 Time: 07:00 pm

Venue: Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Boulevard Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30303 Time: 7:00 pm

Fri, Sep 16 • Sonu and Atif Live in Concert 2016 Atlanta Venue: Infinite Energy Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097 Time: 8:30 pm

ILLINOIS Upcoming 1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105

Swami Ishatmananda • Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life Venue: Public Library-95th Street 3015 Cedar Glade Rd Naperville IL 60564 Time: 1st friday of every month 7-8 pm Contact: 630-637-0662

• India Eternal: From the Vedic Age to the Present Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 N. Main Street Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 630-655-8822

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Philosophy

July 29, 2016

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an one really discuss metaphysical ideas in an European language? I doubt it. We say "spirit," and behold, what confusion it leads to! Europeans give the name spirit to that something which they conceive as apart from physical organization, independent of corporeal, objective existence; and they call spirit also the airy, vaporous essence, alcohol. Therefore, the New York reporter who defined a materialized Spirit as "frozen whiskey," was right, in his way. A copious vocabulary, indeed, that has but one term for God and for alcohol! With all their libraries of metaphysics, European nations have not even gone to the trouble of inventing appropriate words to elucidate metaphysical ideas. If they had, perhaps one book in every thousand would have sufficed to really instruct the public, instead of there being the present confusion of words, obscuring intelligence, and utterly hampering the Orientalist, who would expound his philosophy in English. Whereas, in the latter language, I find but one word to express, perhaps, twenty different ideas, in the Eastern tongues, especially Sanskrit, there are twenty words or more to render one idea in its various shades of meaning. We are accused of propagating ideas that would surprise the "average" Buddhist. Granted, and I will NIRMALA

hat is love and where is it found? We search for love and try to get love, and yet it seems like we never get enough. Even when we've found it, it can slip away as time passes. What if there is a source of love that never fades and is always available? What if love is as near and easy as breathing? What if you have been "looking for love in all the wrong places" instead of actually lacking love? Love is both simpler and more mysterious and subtle than we imagine it to be. Love is simply the spacious, open attention of our awareness, which is the gentlest, kindest, and most intimate force in the world. It touches things without impinging on them. It holds all of our experience but doesn't hold it down or hold it back. And yet, inherent in awareness is a pull to connect and even merge with the object of your awareness. It's this seemingly contradictory nature of awareness-the completely open and allowing nature of it and its passionate pull to blend with and even become the object of its attention-that gives life its depth and sweetness. There is nothing more satisfying than this

liberally add that the average Brahminist might be equally astonished. We never said that we were either Buddhists or Brahminists in the sense of their popular exoteric theologies. Buddha, sitting on his lotus, or Brahma, with any number of teratological arms, appeal to us as little as the Catholic Madonna, or the Christian personal God, which stare at us from cathedral walls and ceilings. But neither Buddha nor Brahma represent to their respective wor-

Buddhists, or average people of any sort. But I am quite willing to match any tolerably educated Buddhist or Brahman against the best metaphysicians of Europe, to compare views on God and on man's immortality. The ultimate abstract definition of this - call it God, force, principle, as you will - will ever remain a mystery to Humanity, though it attain to its highest intellectual development. The anthropomorphic ideas of Spiritualists concerning spirit are a direct consequence of the anthropo-

Just, and the sins of this brief span of life may not be expiated by even an eternity of conscious agony. Now, among thousands of mistranslations in the "Holy" Writ, the word "destruction," the synonym of annihilation, was rendered correctly in the King James' version, and no dictionary can make it read either damnation, or eternal torment. We believe that there is but one indefinable principle in the whole universe, which being utterly incomprehensible by our finite intel-

European languages can't discuss Metaphysics The ultimate abstract definition of this - call it

Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. -Francis of Assisi

God, force, principle, as you will - will ever remain a mystery to Humanity, though it atHelena Petrovna Blavatsky

tain to its highest intellectual development.

shippers the same ideas as these Catholic icons, which we regard as blasphemous. In this particular, who dares say that Christendom, with its boasted civilization, has outgrown the fetishism of the Fijians? When we see Christians and Spiritualists speaking so flippantly and confidently about God and the materialization of "spirit," we wish they might be made to share a little in the reverential ideas of the old Aryas. We do not write for "average"

morphic conceptions of Christians as to the Deity. So directly is the one the outflow of the other that handiest argument against the duality of a child and potential immortality is to cite "Jesus who increased in wisdom as his brain increased." Christians call God an Infinite Being, and then endow Him with every finite attribute, such as love, anger, benevolence, mercy! They call Him All-Merciful, and preach eternal damnation for three-fourths of humanity in every church; All-

lects, we prefer rather to leave undebated, than to blaspheme its majesty with our anthropomorphic speculations. We believe that all else which has being, whether material or spiritual, and all that may have existence, actually or potentially in our idealism, emanates from this principle. Excerpted from The Spiritualist, London, March 22, 1878. The 185th birth anniversary of Madame Blavatsky will be observed on July 31.

delicious dilemma of being both apart from and, at the same time, connected to something you see, hear, or feel. Awareness is the beginning of all separation. Prior to awareness, there is just oneness or "is-ness," with nothing separate from the oneness that would be able to ex-

ever you fall in love with a person, pet, piece of music, beautiful object, or anything else, you have felt this flow of intimate, connected awareness. Unfortunately, we've been taught to believe that the source of this good feeling was the object of our affection. So we suffered whenever we lost our

own Heart? What if it doesn't matter what your awareness touches, but only that awareness is flowing? That would profoundly simplify the search for love. Anything or any experience would be a suitable object for your love. The sweetness of love is in the flow of awareness itself. The com-

Love is spacious, open attention of awareness But what if you are the source of the aware-

Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced. -ISoren Kierkegaard

Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking. -Marcus Aurelius

The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them. -Ernest Hemingway

It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt. -Mark Twain

ness that connects you to everything? What if the love you have been seeking has always been right here inside your own Heart? Nirmala

perience it. With the birth of awareness comes the subtle distinction of two things: that which is aware and the object of awareness. And yet, those two are connected by this mysterious force we are calling awareness, or love. This flow of awareness and love that connects you to all you experience is the true source of satisfaction and joy. We have all experienced it to some degree. When-

apparent source. When your lover leaves, your beloved pet dies, the concert ends, or your dream home is repossessed, you feel bereft of that loving, connected feeling. You Are the Source But what if you are the source of the awareness that connects you to everything? What if the love you have been seeking has always been right here inside your

pletely allowing openness and freedom you might look for from a perfect lover is already here in your own awareness. It doesn't have to try to be accepting because awareness is, by nature, open and allowing. It is deeply and intimately connected to the object of awareness. Excerpted from Nirmala's satsang book, Living from the Heart

Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present. -Jim Rohn

Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you. -Walt Whitman

Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

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50 India Post

ohit Khandelwal has become the first Indian to win the coveted title of Mr World 2016 at the grand finale of the Mr World competition held at the Southport Theatre & Convention Centre in Southport, UK. The 26-year-old model-actor from Hyderabad defeated 46 contestants from across the globe to be crowned the first Indian winner. Khandelwal - who looked dapper in a tuxedo by designer Nivedita Saboo - received a cash prize of USD 50,000 (Rs 33,59,497 approximately) on winning this celebrated title. Not only is he the only Indian, but also the first Asian to win this coveted title. "I still can't believe that I have won the Mr World title. Being

the first Indian ever to win this title internationally makes me immensely proud and ecstatic. "It's a dream come true and am very thankful to the Miss India Organization for giving me this opportunity and guiding me throughout my exciting journey. "My family, friends and my fans have been a constant support for me and this wouldn't have been possible without the support of my well-wishers," he said in a statement. Mr World 2014 Nicklas Pedersen passed on the title to the new winner. The actor-model graduated from Aurora Degree College, Chikkadpally, Hyderabad and first worked as a SpiceJet ground staff. He later worked as a technical support assistant for Dell Computers. He has been a part of several television commercials and Hindi se-

Being congratulated by last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner, Nicklas Pedersen of Denmark

July 29, 2016

Rohit Khandelwal, Mr World 2016

"I still can't believe that I have won the Mr World title. Being the first Indian ever to win this title internationally makes me immensely proud and ecstatic.

rials Yeh Hai Aashiqui andPyaar Tune Kya Kiya. Fernando Alvarez, 21, from Puerto Rico and Aldo Esparza Ramirez, 26, from Mexico were the first and second runner respectively. The event was hosted by Filipino superstar and Miss World 2013 Megan Young alongside professional singer and former Mr England Jordan Williams and Frankie Cena of Canada. Khandelwal also competed for various sub-titles at the pageant like Mr World Multimedia Award, Mr World Talent, Mobstar

People's Choice Awards, Mr World Sports Event and won the Mr World Multimedia Award. When Rohit Khandelwal moved from Hyderabad to Mumbai to pursue a full-time career as an actor-model, he would've laughed off the thought of being crowned Mr World, one day. But Rohit's done it! Rohit plans to invest the $50,000 prize money on himself, after donating a portion to a cause he believes in. Cont'd on Page 53

July 29, 2016

India Post 51 www.indiapost.com

Sidharth & Katrina sizzle with 'Kala Chasma'

aar Baar Dekho', a roman tic love story with a twist, starring megastars Katrina Kaif and Sidharth Malhotra, took the meaning of 'swag' to new heights when Katrina and Sidharth released a still from the film's first track - Kala Chasma. Sporting Kala Chasma's (black sunglasses), Sidharth looks uberchic whilst Katrina sizzles as they groove to the track, Kala Chasma is composed and re-created by Badshah and choreographed by leading dance sensations Bosco-Caesar. Sidharth shared the new look on twitter and said, "Watch out #kalachashma coming out on 27th July #BaarBaarDekho #katrina @nitya_mehra @ritesh_sid @karanjohar".

Katrina who is a new entrant on social media shared the look on her facebook page and said, " K a l a Chashma â&#x20AC;Ś C o m i n g Soon". Baar Baar Dekho marks the first venture between two of India's most innovative film companies, Excel Entertainment co-founded by

Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani and Karan Johar's Dharma Productions. The dream team are not just adding panache and dynamism to the film but also disrupting the film promotion landscape, bucking the conventional film marketing trend to unveil the release of a film's track before it's trailer launch. Karan Johar explains why he chose the track: "Kala Chashma 2.0 is a party starter and has been the heartbeat of the Punjabi music scene for over a decade. Our revamped and rejuvenated version has enhanced the energy to an altogether different level. Baar Baar Dekho is a celebration of life and love and we thought the song would encapsulate that ethos in the best possible way. It kickstarts our campaign and the trailer will

be out soon after. Kala Chashma leaves you with a huge smile on your face and a dance in your demeanour." Baar Baar Dekho is the directorial debut of Nitya Mehra, who has previously worked on Don, The Namesake and Lakshaya. Speaking about the track Nitya said: "Kala Chashma, or KC as I call it, is a celebratory song. Since Baar Baar Dekho is a film that celebrates relationships we wanted a banging number to announce the arrival of its trailer. It's a fun, foot tapping, funky number that'll put a swag in everyone's step. Enjoy!" Baar Baar Dekho is presented by Eros International in association with Excel Entertainment and Dharma Productions and releases on 9th September.

Mother Teresa Film Festival from Aug 26 KOLKATA: To mark the canonization of Mother Teresa this September, a film festival focusing on her life and teachings will be held at over 100 locations in India and around 50 other countries. Organized by the World Catholic Association for Communication's India chapter, the Mother Teresa International Film Festival (MTIFF) will be kicked off from Kolkata on August 26 after which it will travel all over the world for the next six months. Festival director Sunil Lucas said they would present the best and the biggest repertoire of films and documentaries made on the Nobel laureate and inspired by her life. "The objective is to spread the message of Mother Teresa before the world. We want to raise awareness and sensitize the people," he

told PTI. The Roman Catholic nun, who passed away in 1997 after serving the poor and sick on the streets of Kolkata for 45 years, will be declared a saint on September 4 by Pope Francis in the Vatican City. Although the complete list of films to be screened in the festival is yet to be finalized, the organizers are planning around 20 movies out of which two will have world premieres. In Kolkata, the festival will be held for three days from August 26 at the state-run Nandan multiplex. Other Indian cities where the film will be showcased include Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Udaipur, Guwahati, Patna, Indore, Ranchi and four cities of Kerala. Besides, the film festival will

also travel to around 50 other countries including the UK, Malaysia, Ireland, Italy, Australia, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and China. The two films which will have world premiere are "Love till it hurts" by Pauline Sisters and "Memories of Mother", made by a London-based filmmaker. Most of the films in the carnival are documentaries. Notable among them are 'Making of a Saint' and 'In the Name of God's Poor', which stars Charlie Chaplin's daughter Geraldine as Mother Teresa. Another important work is from Emmy Award winning directors Ann and Jeannette Petrie who made "Mother Teresa: The Legacy" which was official film of the occasion of her Beatification in Rome.

Duchess dress adds to Dongre fame

nita Dongre, who de signed a dress worn by Kate Middleton during her India visit in April, has the Duchess of Cambridge on her mind for her upcoming line. Middleton looked stunning in Dongre's printed tunic and the designer is hoping to work with her again on her next collection. "That (moment) was very special for me. She carried it off beautifully and made the dress look so amazing. I am looking to dress her up again. I hope that happens soon. I am working on a collection with her in my mind. She is my muse. She is so gorgeous and I love her style sense," Anita told PTI.

The 52-year-old designer said once she is done creating designs, she will get in touch with Middleton's stylist. Dressing up the Duchess was not only a special moment for Dongre but it has proved to be a game changer for the designer internationally. Dongre said it has opened the global market for her like never before. "For the first time we had a lot of non-Indian clients. The label has got popular globally. Even men abroad notice the dress and say, 'This is Kate Middleton dress'. I get orders till now. I find it unbelievable that a dress could turn so big. I feel great," she said.-PTI

Chronicling Teresa's rich legacy, which is carried out through the Missionaries of Charity founded by her in Kolkata, the

the Nobel laureate. "No saint or blessed in the Catholic Church's history has had an international festival of films

Organized by the World Catholic Association for Communicationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s India chapter, the Mother Teresa International Film Festival (MTIFF) will be kicked off from Kolkata on August 26 after which it will travel all over the world for the next six months.

film also has her interviews and other video footage. Besides films on the Mother's life, there will be works which take a cue from her teachings like the Bengali film "My Karma". This is the fourth edition of the festival, which is held only on special occasions associated with

dedicated to him/her," said Fr C M Paul, who had led the first and second edition of MTIFF. The first MTIFF was held in 2003 immediately after her beatification, the second on her 10th death anniversary in 2007 while the third edition, in 2010, marked her birth centenary. -PTI

52 India Post

July 29, 2016 www.indiapost.com

Varun won't say no to nude sequence

hile an innocuous sweatpants situation brought all the trolls swarming to his social media accounts recently, a suitably amused Varun Dhawan talks onscreen nudity. When Varun Dhawan shared a picture of himself sweating it out in the gym with his trainer, little did he know that his innocuously clingy sweatpants would generate more wolf whistles and giggles online than his drool-worthy sixpack abs. In conversation with Mirror at his Juhu home, the 29-year-old actor had confided that online trolls don't really bother him. True to form, he was sporting enough to laugh off the gym guffaw with a quip on Twitter. "I had heard that size matters. Didn't know that my size would matter to so many." He had pointed out to Mirror that he had never blocked anyone and read both the positive and the negative stuff on him. "The social media population constitute a really small percentage of society, inke judgement se aapki life decide nahi ho sakti. I tell others also to not give apps the power to decide whether you're cool or not," he asserts. Meanwhile, on the happiest end of this thought is Varun's

'Dishoom' co-star, Jacqueline Fernandez. A self-confessed

Snapchat addict, Jackie has been documenting their lives during the

Varun Dhawan shared a picture of himself sweating it out in the gym with his trainer. Little did he know that his innocuously clingy sweatpants would generate more wolf whistles and giggles online than his drool-worthy sixpack abs.

A file pic of the ex-couple

importantly, it shouldn't be offputting, I don't want to do anything just for the sake of it or for shock value." And what if a film with an aesthetically shot scene doesn't click with the masses? "I am an extremely grounded person. When I goof up, it's my fault. I don't try to defend myself. Doing the right thing is always hard, but satisfying," he avers, adding that Bollywood is replete with passionate and talented people but sometimes wavelengths don't match. Point out to him that at the end of the day, an actor is only as good as his last release and he says, "The greatest superstars today are the ones who have bounced back - Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. They've all gone through lows but are at the top of their game today. The cycle is the same for everyone in the industry or any other, for that matter. Some actors cannot be written off," he reiterates.

Urvashi Rautela roots for sex education

Suzanne denies holiday with Hrithik uzanne Khan totally rubbishes the report of holidaying with ex-husband and actor Hrithik Roshan in London. She took to the social media account to insist that she only took the boys from their father as she wants to go on a vacation with them. The boys were with their father enjoying vacation in Tanzania. There is no reunion happening, quips Suzanne, "It surprises me how quickly people reach conclusions about my life. No, we were certainly not holidaying together. Hrithik happened to be in London at the same time for a few days as I had to take over the boys from him, for my holiday with them", she said. The devoted mother added that she would do anything in her capacity to keep her sons happy and for the good upbringing of their sons. "Like I always said, Hrithik

shoot and promotions by sharing videos of them singing 'Sau Tarah Ke' on top of their voices in Jaipur, Varun chugging on milk, the cast walking in and out of airports, dancing on reality shows, and prepping up for events. The actioner, directed by elder brother Rohit, features Varun as an NRI cop in Abu Dhabi, who joins the cat-and-mouse chase with John Abraham after a leading Indian batsman, played by Saqib Saleem, is kidnapped by a baddie (Akshaye Khanna). Turns out, Jacqueline has made Varun hop on Snapchat too. "But mine is a private account, strictly, because most of the things I do cannot be revealed to the public!" the 29-year-old actor quips, tongue-incheek. But privacy settings are only meant for real life. Ask him if he'd bare all for the big screen and he says promptly. "I won't say no to a nude sequence. But the scene needs to be approached artistically and, more

and I are parents first and have to be in sync, regarding our priorities as parents in order to make sure our boys get the best upbringing. They are and always will be our main priority. So the two of us having lunch with them doesn't mean we are holidaying together." Pictures of Hrithik holidaying with his sons Hrehaan and Hridhaan surfaced on net. Before the actor handed over their children to Suzanne, the doting father took them to the Serengeti National park and the NGORONGORO crater in Tanzania, where they learned the prehistoric ways of life from the bushmen. Suzzane was also spotted playing soccer with her sons. It is also said that she is trying to be both mom and dad to her sons. "I am trying no such thing. I love sports and outdoor games and I enjoy playing these games with my sons," she signs off.

MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela feels it is important to impart sex education to children. "I think imparting sex education to children is important. Being a model and an actress I feel we a have a responsibility towards society. We need to create social awareness," Urvashi told reporters here at the launch of Sex Chat with Pappu and Papa. Sex Chat with Pappu & Papa is a five-part fictional series that will provide information across different themes related to sex and sexuality. Helmed by Ashish Patil it (web series) covers topics from masturbation and periods to condoms, pregnancy, and homosexuality but in a clean style with a lot of humor. In one of the episodes, the Great Grand Masti actress is seen endorsing a condom brand. "It's a short role but I loved the idea of this web series and hence I came on board. Ashish and his team have done a great job with this seriesâ&#x20AC;Ś it was need of the hour." The series is launched in 15 languages. It's set to be dubbed in six Indian languages in-

cluding Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Bengali and also subtitled in ten International languages including English, Chinese, French, Dutch, Spanish, German, Bahasa, Malay and Thai. Starring Anand Tiwari, Kabir Sajid, TV star Sanjeeda Shaikh and veteran Sachin Pilgaonkar the series marks the directorial debut of Ashish Patil, Head of Y-Films. "I must thank my writers Gopal Datt and Devang Kakkad for this wonderful informative story. We struggled for six months to get this story. It's a first fiction series and I am grateful to have such an amazing cast," Ashish said. Ashish reveals he does plan to show this web series Sex Chat with Pappu and Papa in schools. PTI

July 29, 2016

India Post 53 www.indiapost.com

Move to end insults by fitness experts FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.: My grandmother can do more pushups than you. No one wants to see jiggly cellulite hanging out of a bikini. You need to make up for all those cookies you ate last night. While those kinds of drill sergeant-style putdowns and bodyshaming warnings have long been a part of many fitness classes across the country, some instructors and researchers are promoting a change of message aimed at empowering clients, relieving stress and fueling students with confidence. ``Body shaming and focusing on appearance and comparing yourself to other people, we absolutely know that's harmful for women,'' said Renee Engeln, a Northwestern University psychology professor who has been studying messaging in fitness classes. ``The more you're exercising to look good or to lose weight, the less you tend to enjoy it, the less you tend to stick with it. Whereas women who exercise because of

how it makes them feel - healthier, stronger, less stressed - they tend to get more out of exercise and they tend to stick with it longer.'' She recently surveyed hundreds of women who worked out in various types of classes and asked them to list their least fa-

Topping the list of loathed comments were those urging women to get a bikini body, look like a celebrity or endure punishment to atone for yesterday's dessert. ``You still go into most group fitness classes and the lowest common denominator conversa-

vorite motivating comments. Around half said they hated comments that focused on appearance.

tion is like `bikini body ladies, July Fourth is around the corner, what did you eat last night?''' said

Kids leaving home doesn't mean savings CHICAGO: Raising kids costs a lot of money, so when they finally strike out on their own it stands to reason that parents would have more money to spend, save or invest. How they spend that money can have large consequences for their retirement security.

A report by Boston College's Center for Retirement Research found that empty nesters do increase savings, but the increases are ``extremely small,'' suggesting that baby boomers may be losing out on a critical opportunity to save for retirement. ``If you want to believe that

households are saving enough for retirement, then you have to believe that their savings will increase dramatically when the kids leave and we're not seeing that,'' says Geoffrey Sanzenbacher, a research economist at Boston College's Center for Retirement Research and co-author of the re-

port. The Agriculture Department has estimated that a middle-income family would spend about $245,340 raising a child born in 2013 to age 18. That includes food, housing childcare and school but not higher education. So, in theory at least, it would

seem, ``there is this sweet spot when the kids are off the payroll,'' says Joy Kenefick, managing director of investments at Wells Fargo Advisors. ``Maybe the mortgage is paid off and people are looking at another five to 10 years of work where they can really maximize savings and get ahead,'' she said. However, unlike previous generations, Kenefick says, young adults today take longer to be up and running on their own. A study by the Pew Research Center released in May says that in 2014 about a third of adults 18 to 34 were living with parents. It attributed the phenomenon to a postponement of marriage and economic factors, including employment and wages. Even when kids do move out, Kenefick said, household spending may not actually go down. ``There is no magic switch,'' she says. ``We counsel our clients that when you retire, your level of consumption is not going to change.'' Kenefick says parents often continue supporting their kids by picking up costs like student-loan payments, auto insurance, phone bills and other line items. -AP

Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, a New York fitness instructor and assistant professor of history at The New School who has been studying feminism and group fitness. Sadie Kurzban, owner of New York's 305 Fitness, a dance workout with a live DJ, says such messages from instructors are ultimately counterproductive for clients, some of whom already have body insecurities. ``When a fitness instructor shouts something to us at a class it's very emotionally charged,'' Kurzban said. ``As instructors we have this deep power to either build people up, empower them, give them a message that's really about their choice, their bodies, their lives or about shaming or putting them down.'' But it's a difficult shift for instructors to make, particularly because the lingo is so ingrained not just in the fitness world, but with the rise of social media where body photos are relentlessly dissected. The instructors in the Northwestern study denied making these types of comments ``but the women we surveyed were like, `no, we hear it a lot.' So there's a real disconnect there,'' Engeln said. Elaine Lewinnek said she eventually stopped going to a barre studio near her home in Encinitas, California because she was sick of all the talk about getting a bikini body. While the 42-year-old mother of two and professor at

California State University says she exercises in part for vanity, she says it's mainly about taking a moment for her herself and being inspired by others, like the ``the 80-year-old doing a headstand in yoga class.'' ``I don't work out to try to look like a Barbie doll. I work out to feel strong and healthy,'' said Lewinnek. New York trainer Kira Stokes says a full workout goes beyond the physical. Clients are also looking for emotional support. ``A lot of it is reading the people in the room and saying that woman's shoulders are rounded forward, she won't look at herself in the mirror. The last thing she needs to hear is for someone to say, `What kind of posture is that, get your shoulders back' .... You're there to make people feel really good and that doesn't include tearing people down while you're trying to build them up,'' Stokes said. Petrzela created Link Together, Lead Together to unite fitness instructors to better use their platforms to help women. The group has had three events in New York and Los Angeles in the past year, with more than 100 instructors attending. The idea, she says, is to ``raise our awareness about the words we are using in our studios and ... see ourselves as vanguards of a new conversation rather just amplifying the old one which is pretty disempowering.'' -AP

First Indian to be Mr World Cont'd from Page 50

"I'd been prepping up for the contest since the last three months. My parents (Rajkumar and Sumanlata Khandelwal) were initially hesitant about what I was getting into and when I won, the first call I made was to them. They were ecstatic! My mom began to cry. I am thankful to Mr Vineet Jain (Managing Director, The Times Group) and the Miss India organization for giving me this opportunity and guiding me throughout this exciting journey," Rohit admitted his 'victory' was a milestone in the modeling world. India has had Miss Universes like Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta and Miss Worlds like Aishwarya Rai and Priyanka Chopra, but male models haven't

got the same kind of international recognition. "I'm immensely proud and hope that I can be an inspiration to many other male models in India," he exults. Even though he is contractually bound and will travel across the globe for several humanitarian causes, he is ready for a Bollywood career. "Shah Rukh Khan has been my inspiration. His work, charisma and the manner in which he conducts himself and stays dedicated has always motivated me," he asserts, "I'd love to sign a film with the right production house soon." Rohit, who weighed 85 kg earlier, decided to move to Mumbai three years ago for pursuing a career in modeling. He lost 15 kg in a year and bagged his first commercial alongside Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor.

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China's double speak and verdict at The Hague India Post

VIJAY SHANKAR

hen Premier Xi rubbished the 12 July verdict of the International Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague on China's claims over most of the South China Sea, what exactly was meant? For no international justice system had thus far ever called China to order for its expansionist strategy. What The Hague had in fact done was not only to uphold the case filed by the Philippines in 2013, after China seized a reef in the Scarborough Shoal; but also condemned China's conduct in the South China Sea (SCS) over construction of artificial islands and setting up military infrastructure. In an unequivocal rebuke, it found China's expansive claim to sovereignty over the waters had no legal basis, historical or otherwise. The verdict gives motivation to the governments of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan to pursue their maritime disputes with Beijing in the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). Small wonder then is Premier Xi's fulmination. The central issue before the PCA was the legality of China's claim to waters within a socalled "nine-dash line" that appears on official Chinese charts. It encircles 90 per cent of the SCS, an area of 1.9 million square kilometers approximately equal to the combined areas of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Myanmar put together. Philippines' contention was that China's claims were in violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which both China and the Philippines have ratified. In its decision, the tribunal said any historic rights to the sea that China claimed "were extinguished" by the treaty. And its failure to be a party to the deliberations in no way bars the proceedings. The UNCLOS lays out rules for drawing zones of control over the world's oceans and seas based on coastal orientation, while the concept of Historic Waters means waters that are treated as internal waters where there is no right of

innocent passage. As far as the "nine-dash line" (originally eleven-dash) is concerned; following the surrender of Japan in 1945, China produced a proprietorship chart titled "Position of the South China Sea Islands" that showed an elevendash line around the islands. This map was published by the Republic of China government in February 1948. It did not hold onto this position after it fled to Taiwan. The Chinese Communist Party, however, persisted with this cartographic notion, modifying the 11 to 9 dashes when in 1957, China ceded Bailongwei Island in the Gulf of Tonkin to North Vietnam. The PCA concluded that China had never exercised exclusive authority over the waters and that

several disputed rocks and reefs in the SCS were too small for China to claim control of economic activities in the waters around them. As a result, it found China outside the law in as much as activities in Philippine waters are concerned. The tribunal cited China's construction of artificial islands on the Mischief Reef and the Spratly archipelago as illegal in addition to the military facilities thereon which were all in Philippine waters. The episode has besmirched the image of Xi Jinping, his politburo and indeed the credibility of the Communist Party of China (CPC). To lose their legal case for sovereignty over waters that they have heavily invested in must come as a rude shock to their global aspirations. A complaisant response may set into motion the unraveling of the CPC's internal hold on the state as defense of

maritime claims is central to the CPC's narrative. Any challenge to this account is seen in Beijing as a challenge to the Party's rule. But the die has been cast; it remains to be seen how more regions and neighbors respond to China's unlawful claims wherever it is perceived to exist. An indication of the regional response was Vietnam's immediate endorsement of the tribunal's decision. Thus far China has responded sardonically with a typical Cold War propagandist style avowal. "We do not claim an inch of land that does not belong to us, but we won't give up any patch that is ours. The activities of the Chinese people in the South China Sea date back to over 2,000 years ago" said the front-page in the People's Daily, which ridiculed the tribunal as a "lackey of some outside forces" that would be remembered as a "laughingstock in human history." Such dippy doublespeak has no place in contemporary geopolitics. For China to do nothing about the matter will be difficult in the extreme. It does not take a political pundit to note that some form of immediate coercive military man oeuvre in the SCS is in the offing. Also, it would hardly be realistic to expect China to scurry away to dismantle the military infrastructure it has so far set up; more likely it is their revisionist policies that would be reviewed. Towards the end of the Cultural Revolution, in 1976, China brought out a movie titled "Great Wall in the South China Sea;" it was not about the inward looking narrative of Chinese civilization but of "expansive conquests that would knit together all of South East Asia." The Hague's verdict has grievously injured the latter strategy. And if the free world is to rein in China's bid to rewrite the rule books, including the right to unimpeded passage in the SCS, then it would do well to convince her of the illegitimacy of her position. In the meantime, Indian diplomacy should promote the littorals of the SCS to seek arbitration for their maritime disputes with China at The Hague. The writer is Former Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command of India. Courtesy IPCS

Punjab prospects

he BJP is in a curious dilemma in Punjab. As a junior partner in government with the Akali Dal, which has become highly unpopular, it can neither leave the alliance nor is it happy continuing with it. Leaving would mean collapse of the government and continuing would mean the odium will stick to it also harming its chances of doing well in the coming elections. According to a report, almost a decade of power has seen the father-son duo Parkash Singh Badal and son Sukhbir Singh Badal and their extended family expand and consolidate their businesses. Their assets have soared manifold even as the state stands deep in debt - virtually broke. Master Mohan Lal, a BJP leader and former transport minister, alleges that buses owned by private companies (read Badals) were causing huge losses to the Punjab Roadways through clever methods. The Badals' transport empire, which began with one bus, has 265 passenger buses and 62 'luxury' coaches and it is the luxury buses, and not ordinary ones, are granted favored treatment in taxes. Nothing shows up the rift in BJP over Punjab more than the recent resignation from Rajya Sabha by Navjot Singh Sidhu, former cricketer, commentator, comedy show fixture at television and a four-time MP from Amritsar. Addressing a press conference Sidhu alleged that he had been told by BJP top brass to stay away from Punjab. That is why he had been offered the candy of a Rajya Sabha seat. Sidhu may be a show off with hyperbolic comments but no one can deny his courage to have stood up to the dynasty ruling Punjab. He has been always at loggerheads with the Badals, particularly Sukhbir. It is learnt that Sidhu expected to be made a minister at the recent cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Modi but it seems that Sukhbir vetoed it. Sidhu complains that he was unable to do much for Amritsar as the Badals stymied his plans. It is a tribute to his popularity that in the so-called holy city of Amritsar, a stronghold of the Akalis, he was always able to win with great margins. There has been speculation that Sidhu has opted out of the Rajya Sabha as he had been offered the chief minister post by the Aaam Admi party supremo Arvind Kejriwal. But in actual fact neither has Sidhu talked of such an offer nor Kejriwal made any mention of welcoming Sidhu to his party fold although he could be an asset to the now emerging party in Punjab. The Aam Admi Party seems to be attracting the Punjab people mostly at the cost of the Congress with a similar ideology. In the 1974 parliamentary elections it was able to bag four seats. Banking on that performance, Kejriwal has been campaigning in Punjab and addressing large audiences. He has been mostly absent from Delhi, handing over the functions of chief ministership to his deputy, and travelling even to Gujarat where some dalits were beaten up by BJP cow protectors. Some speculate that Kejriwal might be angling for Punjab chief ministership himself and that is why he has not dangled any carrot before Navjot Sidhu. Also it is said that Kejriwal is an autocrat and he would not tolerate a man like Sidhu who has his own mind. In fact, the AAP is also facing dissensions in Punjab with two of its MPs, Harinder Singh Khalsa and Dharamvira Gandhi, threatening to resign and form a rival party. Khalsa called Kejriwal a dictator and promoter of "coterie culture." He alleged that "Delhi leadership is treating dedicated volunteers as doormats. Instead, they are promoting the money bags who are deserting their traditional parties and joining AAP with an ulterior motive." The Congress has little to hope in Punjab in view of its anti-Sikh riots record. Thus the picture is highly fluid with no particular group powerful enough to take on the Badals.

July 29, 2016

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