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INDIA LOSES A 'REAL GEM'

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VOL 21, No. 1089

July 31, 2015

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SALAAM TO KALAM: President Pranab Mukherjee paying his last respects to former President APJ Abdul Kalam at Air Force Station Palam in New Delhi on July 28

SHILLONG: Former President A P J Abdul Kalam, the 'missile man' who became popular as 'People's President' died July 27 after he suffered a massive cardiac arrest and collapsed during a lecture at the IIM here.

Kalam, who would have turned 84 in October, was confirmed dead more than two hours after he was wheeled into the ICU of Bethany hospital in a critical condition following the collapse at around 6.30 PM. Arriving at the Indian Institute of Management around 5.40 PM, he took rest for sometime and started the lecture on 'Livable Planet' at 6.35 pm. He collapsed five minutes later, according to Director, IIM-Shillong, Prof De. Paying tributes on behalf of Parliament, Speaker Sumitra

Mahajan described Kalam as the "real gem of India" who till his last breath was doing what he loved best, interacting with young India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Kalam was a 'rashtra-ratna' (nation's gem) and the best tribute to him would be to realize his dreams.

He was admitted to the Bethany hospital at 7 PM, a km away from the institute. De said the hospital authority told him that Kalam died due to cardiac arrest.

Meghalaya Governor V Shanmughanathan, who rushed to the hospital on hearing the news of his admission, said Kalam died at 7.45 pm. Despite medical team’s best efforts, he could not be revived.

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CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 30-31 Classifieds ------------------------- 48 Community Post -------------- 16-26 Date Book -------------------------- 47 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-35 Horoscope ------------------------- 49 Immigration Post ------------- 44-45 Life Style ----------------------- 50-52 Philosophy ------------------------- 49 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 36-39 TechBiz Post ------------------- 11-15 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

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s I write this, the debate is still on over whether Yakub Memon, the beleaguered younger brother of the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts accused Tiger Memon, should be hanged to death for his alleged involvement in the heinous conspiracy that killed nearly 300 people and injured thousands.

And by the time you read this, he may still be crying for small mercies, or be celebrating a Presidential pardon or may have already been hanged.

Honestly, I do not know what to think: I mean, who is to believe what and whom and on what basis - guilt by association, suspicion, evidence, legal diligence, politics or something else?

Twenty three years since the crime, and a 14-year trial since Yakub Memon's arrest in Mumbai, and a death sentence later, nobody is still certain as to whether he committed any crime at all, let alone whether he should be hanged or left to serve a sentence for life in jail.

Now if this is not a travesty of basic police investigation, of legal procedures, of the judicial system and justice in general, I don't know what is.

In India everyone from actor Salman Khan to hardcore leftist politician Sitaram Yechury to pacifist and Mahatma Gandhi descendent Tushar Gandhi are desperately calling for Yakub's death sentence to be commuted. No one's saying that Yakub is innocent, though, because no one really knows. His innocence is assumed because after initially having fled the country, he voluntarily came back and surrendered. Of course, it is possible that Yakub's claims of innocence are true. But shouldn't someone be hanged for the deaths of all those innocent people?

What they say about justice delayed being justice denied holds absolutely true here. If Yakub is innocent and still hanged, it would be denial of justice to him; and if he is indeed guilty but escaped death sentence, then it would be denial of justice to the victims and their families.

In an ideal world, an elder brother would not let a younger brother to literally be hanged for something he did. So, who's saying it's an ideal world anyway?

This is called the real world.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Love birds Love birds Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma made their first red carpet appearance at the Vogue Beauty Awards

Cover Story: People’s President Former President A P J Abdul Kalam died July 27 after he suffered a massive cardiac arrest during a lecture in Shillong

Community: Unique Fest Dr Romesh Japra, Founder and Convener, Festival of Globe describes in an interview some key aspects of the event.

Sanctuary cities The House passed legislation cracking down on "sanctuary cities" that shield residents from immigration authorities.

Life style: Mr India 2015 Rohit Khandewal from Hyderabad was anointed Provogue Personal Care Mr India 2015 at a prestigious pageant

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Collapsed during a lecture at IIM, Shillong SHILLONG: Former President A P J Abdul Kalam, the 'missile man' who became popular as 'People's President' died July 27 after he suffered a massive cardiac arrest and collapsed during a lecture at the IIM here.

Kalam, who would have turned 84 in October, was confirmed dead more than two hours after he was wheeled into the ICU of Bethany hospital in a critical condition following the collapse at around 6.30 PM. Arriving at the Indian Institute of Management around 5.40 PM, he took rest for sometime and

started the lecture on 'Livable Planet' at 6.35 pm. He collapsed five minutes later, according to Director, IIM-Shillong, Prof De. Kalam last tweeted "Going to Shillong to take course on livable planet at IIM." He was admitted to the Bethany hospital at 7 PM, a km away from the institute. De said the hospi-

tal authority told him that Kalam died due to cardiac arrest.

Meghalaya Governor V Shanmughanathan, who rushed to the hospital on hearing the news of his admission, said Kalam died at 7.45 pm. Despite medical team best efforts, he could not be revived.

A Bharat Ratna, Avul P a k i r

A rare gem; let's realize his dreams: PM NEW DELHI: A P J Abdul Kalam was a 'rashtra-ratna' (nation's gem) and the best tribute to him would be to realize his dreams for the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said as the nation mourned the demise of the former President.

Speaking at a condolence meeting of the BJP parliamentary party, Modi described Kalam as an "ordinary man with an extraordinary personality" who gave the best to every position he held.

Kalam was a 'rashtra-ratna' (nation's gem) first and 'rashtrapati' (President) later, he said, and recalling the former President's humble origins, noted that his life was an example of what a person can achieve.

"A rare sparkling gem has disappeared.... He sold newspapers in childhood and today newspapers across the world are full of reports about him. He was a rare gem with diverse talents. The beloved son of Mother India is no longer among us. We have lost a

dreams he had for the country.

Kalam believed in removing poverty and transforming religion into spirituality among solutions to solving the world's problems, he said.

Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam rose from humble origins to become the President in the most unexpected manner during the NDA government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

His victory was a foregone conclusion after an all party consensus minus the left parties which fielded Captain Lakshmi Sehgal of the INA fame.

Born in 1931 in Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu in a poor family, he studied aeronautics engineering

from Madras Institute of Technology-Madras.

Kalam was considered the brain of the missile program in India and as Chief Scientific Adviser to Vajpayee he was instrumental in the Pokhran nuclear tests in 1998.

A bachelor, the former President was a Veena player and was deeply interested in Carnatic music. He was a vegetarian all his life.

-PTI

Parliament calls him 'real gem of India' NEW DELHI: Parliament has paid glowing tributes to former President A P J Abdul Kalam, hailing him as India's "true son" and

asm of 38 years and an innocent smile of an 8-year old," Mahajan said about the departed leader who served as the President be-

rare combination. He reached different destinations in life, gave them the best and moved on. It is very easy to say I am a teacher.

(But) He said it when he became the President and said so when

Members observe silence in the Lok Sabha to pay tribute to former President APJ Abdul Kalam in New Delhi on July 28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying his last respects to former President APJ Abdul Kalam at Air Force Station Palam in New Delhi

Modi said Kalam always called himself a teacher irrespective of the high positions he held and began teaching immediately after he demitted the President's office and breathed his last in Shillong among students.

Talking about the former President's roots in Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister said language at times works as a barrier but it was the specialty of Kalam's File photo of former president APJ Abdul Kalam with character that no Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi in Jan 2015 one felt it when they were with him. lot," the PM said in his solemn "It was because not his words address. but his personality that spoke. He The best tribute to Kalam was an ordinary man but had an would be to work to realize the extraordinary personality. It is a

he was a top scientist and was awarded Bharat Ratna.

"He started teaching in a college in south India the day after he demitted the office of President. The very next day with the same smile on his face," Modi said at the meet, recalling Kalam's dedication to teaching and his death at IIM Shillong while giving a lecture.

"May his life continue to inspire us and the new generations," he said.

BJP chief Amit Shah spoke on how Kalam spent his time among people despite being the President and was a fine example of how to contribute while holding a constitutional post.

He also recalled that Kalam worked among the youth and scientists for the country's development after he was no longer the President.-PTI

"real gem" whose contributions tween 2002 and 2007. will be deeply cherished by the She said his passing away has grateful nation. indeed left a void but his life will Both the Lok Sabha and the ever remain an inspiration to all.

Rajya Sabha were adjourned for "He has left an indelible imprint the day soon after convening and upon our national psyche." paying tributes to Kalam. The two Houses did not have sittings His passing away has the next day too as a indeed left a void but his life mark of respect to him will ever remain an and to enable the MPs to participate in his last inspiration to all. ‘He has left rites in Tamil Nadu. an indelible imprint upon our "In Dr Kalam's death, the country has national psyche’ lost a sagacious statesman, a great scientist and a friend In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman of the under-privileged and a fine Hamid Ansari termed Kalam's human being," the Lok Sabha said death as "an irreparable loss to in a condolence resolution read the country." out by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan.

He said the country has lost a She described Kalam as the "true son of India and his contri"real gem of India" who till his last butions to the nation, in his cabreath was doing what he loved pacity as a man of technology, a best, interacting with the young teacher and a leader will be deeply India, igniting their minds with cherished by a grateful nation." scientific temperament and spirit Members in both Houses of inquiry. stood in silence for a brief while "Kalam was a noble man of 83 before the proceedings were adyears, with energy and enthusi- journed. -PTI

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From missile man to People's President NEW DELHI: Popularly called the "Missile Man" of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam rose from humble beginnings and earned the reputation of being the "people's President" who endeared himself to all sections, especially the young.

A devout Muslim and son of a boatowner, Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, who assumed office as the 11th President on July 18, 2002, was seen as a figurehead who could help heal some of the scars of the communal riots which broke out in Gujarat just a few months before.

The country's first bachelor President, Kalam, whose flowing grey hair is seen as being at odds with what Indians thought a president ought to look like, was one amongst the most respected people of the country who contributed immensely both as a scientist and as a president.

Acknowledged as the driving force behind India's quest for cutting-edge defense technologies, Kalam's contribution to India's satellite programs, guided and ballistic missiles project, nuclear

weapons program and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project made him a household name.

Born and raised in Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu on October 15, 1931, Kalam, who is known for having a unique style,

graduating from Madras Institute of Technology.

Mainly focusing on research in defense and space arena, he later involved himself in the India's missile program. His contribution to the ballistic missile and launch

School children in tears as they light candles to pay tribute to former President APJ Abdul Kalam at their school campus in Chennai on July 28

joined the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) after studying physics and aerospace engineering after

vehicle technology earned him the named as the "Missile Man of India".

Kalam, who received several

Indian-Americans mourn Kalam WASHINGTON: Indian-American community in the US joined the people of India in mourning the death of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, and said it was his "simplicity and humility" that endeared him to all.

"His simplicity, humility, and inspiring personality endeared him to all and he is the most popular president of India in recent times. He inspired millions of children and youth of the nation and gave motivational speeches

across the country," President, Overseas Friends of BJP-US, Chandra Patel said.

Kalam, who would have turned 84 in October died after suffering a massive cardiac arrest during a lecture at the IIM Shillong.

"Dr Kalam was indeed a people's President, and beloved child of India. All Indians across the world salute him for his invaluable contributions to India.

His death is a tremendous loss to the nation and creates a big void

that is hard to fill," Patel said.

North America Telugu Society (NATS) in a statement said, it is "deeply saddened" on the sudden demise of Kalam.

"Dr Kalam had a special relationship with the Telugu land, spending a major portion of his life here," said Telugu Association of North America (TANA) in another statement TANA was a supporter of Kalam's Lead India 2020 movement.

"A P J Abdul Kalam has left a rich legacy to the people of India and an even richer legacy to the world," Indian-American attorney Ravi Batra said.

"His love of nation and peaceful celebratory co-existence of multiple faiths are an enduring lesson of humility," he said.

India has indeed lost one of the iconic leaders of all time and the passing away of former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam has left a tremendous void, Chairman of the Indian National Overseas Congress, US, File photo of former president APJ Abdul Kalam with US President Barack Obama George Abraham said. in New Delhi in Jan 2015 -PTI

prestigious awards including Bharat Ratna, played a crucial role when India tested its nuclear weapons at Pokhran in 1998 when the Vajpayee government was in power.

A vegetarian bachelor, Kalam was quoted as saying that like most of the technology he spearheaded, he himself was "Made in India", having never been trained abroad.

Kalam succeeded K R Narayanan and served a full fiveyear term from 2002 until 2007 after he won the Presidential elections which was a highly onesided contest with Lakshmi Sehgal, a revolutionary of the Indian Independence movement, as his rival. He secured the backing of all political parties.

With his appointment, Kalam became the first scientist and first ever bachelor to occupy the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

During his tenure as President, Kalam came up for criticism for his inaction in deciding the fate of 20 out of 21 mercy petitions. Kalam acted on only one mercy plea in his 5-year tenure, rejecting the

Assignment which Kalam couldn't give to students KOLKATA: Working tirelessly even on his last day, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam had planned a surprise assignment for the students of IIM Shillong on finding innovative ways to end disruption in Parliament.

Kalam's close aide Srijan Pal Singh, who was with him on his last day, said while traveling from Delhi to Shillong they were discussing about disruptions in Parliament.

"He was very worried and said he had seen the tenures of many governments but disruption keeps on happening every time. He had told me to prepare a surprise assignment question for the students which would be given to them at the end of the lecture," Singh, who coauthored two books with Kalam, told PTI from Shillong.

He said the former President wanted students to come up with three innovative ideas to make Parliament more productive and vibrant. "We had also decided to include this topic of disruptions in Parliament into our next book 'Advantage India' which would be released in September-October. I'll do that now before the book comes into the market," the IIM Ahmedabad alumnus said.-PTI

plea of rapist Dhananjoy Chatterjee, who was hanged thereafter.

He answered critics over the delay in deciding on the mercy plea of Afzal Guru, who was on the death row after he was convicted of the terror attack on Parliament, saying he had not received any papers from the government. Guru was subsequently hanged.

Kalam also faced criticism over his assent from abroad to the controversial decision to impose President's rule in Bihar in 2005.

He, however, sought to dismiss the criticism, saying he had no regrets.

Kalam on one occasion showed that he too was not a rubber stamp-like Constitutional head by refusing to approve the Office-of-Profit Bill. It was an unexpected response that sent tremors across the political establishment, especially the ruling Congress and its leftist allies.

The next day, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was left to explain the matter to the President and somehow get his consent for the Prevention of Disqualification (Amendment) Bill 2006.

Known for his unique interactive skills, Kalam made it a point to involve students in his speeches and lectures irrespective of their age-group. After the lectures, he would often ask students to write to him and he did not fail to respond to many messages that he got.

For his contribution to the missile program, he was awarded with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in 1997.

He was also awarded Padma Bhushan in 1981 and Padma Vibhushan in 1990.

Post-presidency, Kalam worked as a visiting professor at Indian Institute of Management Shillong, Ahmedabad and Indore and several research and academic institutions across the country and world.

He authored several books with the 'Wings of Fire', 'India 2020' and 'Ignited Minds' being the most read best-sellers. Kalam's father owned boats which he rented out to local fishermen, but he himself began his career as a newspaper vendor.-PTI

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Pranab's friendship with 'poet' Kalam ON BOARD SPECIAL FLIGHT: A P J Abdul Kalam who worked to strengthen the country's defense and security backbone was also a "poet" at heart, President Pranab Mukherjee said while reminiscing his "friendship" with the former Supreme Commander of the armed forces.

"He enhanced defense capabilities of the country. He used to write poems. Sometimes when we used to go to pay respects to the departed soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti, he will compose a poem, he would not recite there, but he would quietly pass on the poem....

I received two-three poems," Mukherjee said on a special flight to the national capital.

The President said his personal interaction with him was very deep as initially in UPA-I Mukherjee was the Defense Minister and Kalam was the Supreme Commander of the armed forces.

"Besides, he was very much interested in Bramhos missile and asked me how to promote it. And now with his direct encouragement, we are having Bramhos missiles for all three services.

"Earlier, it was only surface-tosurface, now surface-to-air, air-toair and from navy to air. And it is the only indigenous cruise missile.

It was completely done by him and first interaction with Dr Kalam was his other colleague. A Sivathanu when he was scientific advisor to Pillai was his chosen person," he said.

Mukherjee was speaking to reporters while rushing to the national capital, canceling all his programs scheduled in Karnataka after hearing of the death of the former President in Shillong.

Calling Kalam a mighty mind, the President said "his void cannot be filled."

When asked about File photo of former president APJ Abdul Kalam Kalam being called with President Pranab Mukherjee 'People's President', Mukherjee said, "He was people's President. Even in his Presidency, he was people's President. Even after his death he will continue to be people's President.

"No President was ever loved so much. Nehru has earned love and affection of children and after that we found Kalam.

Sometimes when he was with children, it appeared to me that he is Nehru in another form. He was always inspiring new ideas, new thoughts."

Recounting his first interaction with Kalam, Mukherjee said, "My

When he refused a larger chair NEW DELHI: Once during an event, President APJ Abdul Kalam refused to sit on a chair that was designated for him - because the chair was larger in size than the other chairs!

This was one of the several instances where Dr Kalam's actions became synonymous with simplicity and humility that was the hall-

fused to sit on it and offered the Vice Chancellor to sit on it instead, according to a published account.

The VC couldn't, obviously and another chair was made available immediately for the "People's President".

Once, Kalam rejected the suggestion to put broken glass on the wall of a building that needed protection because it would be harmful for Kalam rejected the sugges- birds.

This happened tion to put broken glass on when Kalam was with the wall of a building that the Defense Research needed protection because and Development Organization (DRDO) it would be harmful for birds and his team was discussing options to semark of his public life - both as cure the perimeter of a building India's top scientist and most that needed protection. Kalam reloved President. portedly said: "If we do that, birds At a convocation of IIT (BHU) will not be able to perch on the Varanasi, Kalam was the Chief wall."

Guest and there were five chairs When youngsters and teenagon the stage, the centre one be- ers sought a meeting with him, ing for the President. The other Kalam, who always wore a genial four were designated for the top smile, not only obliged and gave university officials. them his precious time, but he Noticing his chair being bigger also listened carefully to the ideas in size than the others, Kalam re- the kids had.-PTI

Raksha Mantri and after the Pokharan blast Prime Minister Vajpayee invited the Congress Party leaders - myself, Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi and a couple of others were present and the technical aspects of explosions were explained by him. It was an impressive presentation."

The President said his formal interactions with Kalam started from 2004 onwards when he became Defense Minister in UPA and developed because the two had great affinity with books.

"He loved books and he lived with them. His world was around books... I am always surrounded by the books besides he was such

a prolific writer so that was the commonality," he said.

Kalam even coaxed Mukherjee to write books saying "your production compared to your reading is much less".-PTI

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Day before, Kalam asked about brother's health RAMESWARAM (TN): mourn his death. was first and foremost above all Former President A P J Abdul Students in the city were seen religion. He wanted to work for the Kalam had called up his family lining up with candles to pay people of the country. from Shillong a day before his homage to Kalam. About 5000 Kalam's childhood friend death to enquire about the health students of the St. Joseph College Venkata Subramanian said he was of his 99-year-old brother, Mohd here, where Kalam pursued his saddened by his sudden demise.

Muthu Meera Lebbai Maraicker.

Kalam's grand nephew Saleem said that Kalam had called the family members on July 26th evening and enquired about the health of his brother and others.

He had also stated that it was very cold in Shillong, where he breathed his last.

The late President's last rites will be performed here as per the wishes of his close relatives and the general public in the island city.

"It is the wish of not only our family but the Former President APJ Abdul Kalams brother Mohammed Muthu Meera Lebbai Maraicker entire people of this is- (2nd R) and other relatives mourn his death at his house in Rameswaram on July 28 land that his body should be brought and buried here," B.Sc (Physics), took out a silent He recalled that Kalam invited Saleem told reporters. march to pay homage to the former him for his swearing in ceremony.

All the shops in Rameswaram president.

"The top position did not go to island remained closed as a mark In Dindigul, his former profes- his head and nobody can say of respect for the great leader. Fish- sor Chinnadurai expressed grief anything against him. Such a gem ermen also decided not to go to over his death. He said Kalam was he was", he said in a voice choked the sea for the next three days to a simple man, and for him country with emotion.

Don't rest after victory, advised Kalam NEW DELHI: "Don't take rest after your first victory because if you fail in second, more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck." These were the words of late President A P J Abdul Kalam which he lived by till the last moment.

83-year-old Kalam, who collapsed while delivering a lecture at IIM, Shillong, and died, was a daring President who undertook a submarine sortie, flew Sukhoi jet, visited Siachen glacier, world's

all his official engagements during his visit to Mizoram and was scheduled to leave the next morning. But a restless Kalam decided to take off for Delhi at night, one of his senior aides recalled.

The local IAF station's head was summoned and informed of the President's wish to fly to the national capital as his work in Mizoram was over.

"But there are no facilities for taking off from the airport at night," the IAF official said, thinking the matter was settled.

However, his ex‘Don't take rest after your planation did not cut ice with Kalam, first victory because if you who retorted: fail in second, more lips are "What if there is an emergency? waiting to say that your first Will the IAF victory was just luck.’ wait for the -A P J Abdul Kalam morning? Tell them I have to take off and all highest battlefield and interacted necessary arrangements with troops at the Line of Control. should be made."

But probably none as daring His aides went to the as a night-time flight from Aizawl IAF official and conairport that took off after the run- veyed the message from way was illuminated with lanterns Kalam, who as President was also and torches. the supreme commander of the This occurred one evening in armed forces.

2005 when Kalam, always wearThe IAF commander immediing a genial smile, had completed ately got in touch with his seniors

in Delhi, who did not come to his rescue and instead asked him to comply with the orders of the "missile man".

Finally, Kalam had his way and IAF personnel lit up the runway with lanterns, flaming torches and bonfires to facilitate the take-off, the aide said.

President's aides too were concerned about his decision to take off at

A P J Abdul Kalam

night from an airport that had only basic equipment and privately asked IAF officials whether such a flight would be safe.

Cont’d on page 9

Kalam, who had addressed students in Tamil Nadu some years ago, had asked children to be courageous.

"You know I was even dreaming of becoming a pilot...During my schooling in Rameswaram, an island, I was taught by a teacher about how a bird flies. There were 40 students. But I got up and candidly told the teacher that I have not understood it.

"Will you students do that", he had asked the children.

On not getting a positive reply, he had repeated, "Will you ask or you will not, thinking the

teacher might beat you. My teacher was a Gandhian and he did not mind and taught me again.

The teacher will teach you if you approach him," he had said. -PTI

Seven-day state mourning but no holiday NEW DELHI: Government has announced a seven-day state mourning in honor of former President APJ Abdul Kalam. However there will be no holiday.

"As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, seven days of state mourning will be observed throughout India from July 27 to August 2, both days

inclusive," an official statement said.

However, all central government offices will remain open and no holiday has been declared.

During the period of state mourning, the national flag will fly at half-mast on all buildings throughout the country where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment.-PTI

Kalam's Twitter account to remain alive KOLKATA: Although former President A P J Abdul Kalam is no more, but his Twitter account will continue to be active in a new form.

A team of his close associates has decided to run his official

Twitter account which has now been renamed as 'In memory of Dr Kalam'.

"Dedicated 2 immortal memories of Dr Kalam. this account wil nw reflect his thoughts, his lessons & missions. Miss you sir! (sic)," Kalam's close aide Srijan Pal Singh said in a tweet.

Singh would now act as the ad-

ministrator of his Twitter account and will keep sharing inspirational quotes from an innumerable number of speeches made by Kalam and his books like 'Wings of Fire', 'India 2020' and 'Ignited Minds'.

Another book 'Advantage India', coauthored

by Kalam a n d Singh, is due to rel e a s e later the year.

Since February 2011, Kalam had been regularly posting his views on contemporary issues facing the country besides sending out inspirational messages on Twitter.

He had more than 1.4 million followers on the microblogging site which is now flooded with his one-liners. Hashtag 'KalamSir' has been trending on Twitter in India since last night. -PTI

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LeT militants may have entered from Pak GURDASPUR: Preliminary probe into the terror strike in the district that left seven persons dead indicates that the three suspected Lashker-e-Taiba militants had entered the country from Pakistan through Bamiyal village close to the International Border.

The investigators are pinning their hope on seized Global Positioning System (GPS), a compass used by travelers to reach their destinations, to ascertain the movements of the terrorists who were killed in the gunbattle. The GPS has been sent for forensic examination.

As part of the probe, a highlevel forensic team visited the abandoned building near the Dinanagar police station where the terrorists were holed up.

Director General of Punjab Police Sumedh Singh Saini said the terrorists were carrying sophisticated weapons. "We have recovered 'Made in China' grenades from them. They were wearing combat fatigues," he said.

Saini said AK 47 guns and hand grenades were recovered from the terrorists, who had attacked the sentry at the police station before engaging with the SHO and the SP. He described the attack as "planned" as their modus operandi

pointed at a specific direction.

The attackers were suspected to have sneaked into India from Pakistan through the unfenced border between Jammu and Pathankot or Chak Hira in Jammu

lice Gurdaspur Gurpreet Singh said the bodies of the militants have been kept at the civil hospital and their weapons were being examined.

An alert has been sounded

Security personnel react to express victory after their encounter with armed militants in Dinanagar town of Gurdaspur district, Punjab on July 27

district, according to inputs received by central agencies.

Seven persons - three civilians, Superintendent of Police (Detective), Baljit Singh, a Punjab provincial service officer and three home guards were killed by the terrorists. The terrorists were gunned down after a day-long operation.

Senior Superintendent of Po-

along the international border in Punjab and Jammu as the terrorists are suspected to have infiltrated from there.

Dinanagar town, which is close to Pakistan, falls in Gurdaspur district. It is sandwiched between Gurdaspur town on the one side and Pathankot on the other and lies about 260 km from capital Chandigarh.-PTI

Indian-American wins jr title at US Powerlifting

Pak condemns Gurdaspur terror attack

WASHINGTON: A 20-year-old Indian-American has won junior title at the latest US Powerlifting Association National Championships.

Amitoj Chhabra lifted a total of 1,383 pounds at the US Powerlifting Association National Championships in Las Vegas to win the junior title earlier this month.

Chhabra, a 2013 Galena graduate, competed in the 198-pound weight class, a drop of about 20 pounds from his normal weight, the local Reno Gazette Journal re-

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has condemned the terror attack in India in which three fidayeen, believed to have come from Pakistan, attacked passengers in a moving bus and stormed a police station in Punjab, killing seven persons.

"We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist incident in Gurdaspur, India, in which a number of precious lives have been lost. There are reports of others having suffered injuries. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families," a Pakistan Foreign Office statement said.

In the pre-dawn attack, the terrorists, suspected to be members of either Pakistan-based Lashkare-Toiba (LeT) or Jaish-eMohammad (JeM), in army fatigues first targeted a roadside eatery, then sprayed bullets on a passenger bus and later barged into the Dinanagar police station.

The Foreign Office statement said, "Pakistan reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. -PTI

ported.

Son of a Punjabi father and a Nepali mother, Chhabra squatted 485 pounds, bench pressed 325 and deadlifted 573 at the competition was held at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas.

He has added 100 pounds to his deadlift in the past year, the daily reported.

Chhabra, who began powerlifting in December 2013 and began competing in May 2014, is training with Adam Lauritzen of Silverback Strength and Conditioning in Reno. -PTI

A great President, says Lord Paul LONDON: Leading NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul has condoled the death of APJ Abdul Kalam, describing him as a "great President" and a world-renowned scientist who made immense contributions to India.

Expressing his condolences, Paul, Chairman of Caparo Group, the UK-based diversified conglomerate, said Kalam was one of the most popular Presidents of India and a great personal friend. 2004 when Kalam gave a recep"APJ Abdul Kalam was a great tion in New Delhi to celebrate his President and a very distin- son's marriage. guished world-renowned scien"He had graciously accepted tist who made an immense contri- our invitation to attend. However, bution to India. All of us Indians when I saw him that morning he are very proud of the achieve- said that he wouldn't be able to ments for which he was responsible.

"In addition to being I want to give a reception one of the most popular Presidents of India, to your family in honor of he was also a very approachable man and a the newly-weds and all of great personal friend. I you must come to met him just three months ago when I was Rashtrapati Bhavan' in India in April and he was his usual warm and hospitable self," Paul said. join us because he was hosting a Paul recalled that he had pre- dinner in honor of the President sented Kalam with an honorary of Burma, who was paying a state doctorate in his capacity as Chan- visit to India at the same time. cellor of the University at "I told him that I understood and Wolverhampton in 2007. that his acceptance alone was a "It was an honor for me and for great privilege. To which he replied: the university and everyone at the 'No Swraj Paul, that is not what I am University of Wolverhampton saying. I want to give a reception sends their condolences," he said to your family in honor of the newlyin a statement. weds and all of you must come to Paul also relived the time in Rashtrapati Bhavan'.-PTI

Don't rest after victory, advised Kalam Cont’d from page 8

The answer from an IAF official was enough to send a chill down their spines - "you can take off but there may be some problems if you have to return".

At around 9 pm, the Presidential Boeing took off with Kalam and his entourage of 22.

"If you fail, never give up because F.A.I.L. means "first Attempt In Learning"; End is not the end.

In fact E.N.D. means "Effort Never Dies". If you get No as an answer, remember N.O. means "Next Opportunity". So let's be positive," was another quote that he often used to mention in his pep talks to university and school students.

Immediately after he became the 11th President, Vice President Krishna Kant suffered a heart at-

tack and was admitted to AIIMS. His first visitor was Kalam, who was dressed in blue shirt and Khaki pants. This was probably Kalam's first engagement after taking office.

Two years into his tenure, Kalam decided to visit troops in Siachen. In October 2004, he waited at the airport for weather clearance for 40 minutes before landing at Thoise airbase and later took a helicopter to reach army personnel at Siachen base camp.

"The glacier is of extreme geostrategic importance where our Indira Col meets Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Aksai Chin.

Many battles have been fought during the last 20 years to establish our supremacy. It is war of deeds," Kalam had said in his address to the troops.-PTI

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BSF to check how terrorists breached border Sikh killed in NEW DELHI: Describing the terrorist strike in Gurdaspur as "serious", the government has ordered the Border Security Force to find out how the terrorists could breach the International Border despite heightened security.

"I don't know whether it is big or small.

It is serious," National Security Advisor Ajit Doval told reporters here after a high-level meeting which took stock of the situation in the country.

He was replying to a question on whether the Gurdaspur incident was a big terror attack.

The meeting, chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, directed the BSF to remain

in high alert and find out how the three terrorists could breach the IB and entered India from Pakistan.

"It is a serious violation and the BSF,

which guards the IB, has been asked to find out how was the border breached despite vigil and fencing," a senior official, who was privy to the discussion, said.

The high-level meeting was attended by Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar, Doval, Union Home Secretary L C Goyal, BSF Director General D K Pathak and top officials of para-military forces and intelligence agencies.

After the meeting, an official spokesperson said the Home Minister appreciated the operation of the Punjab government and various measures were discussed to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future. -PTI

hit-and-run accident in UK LONDON: A 74-year-old Sikh samaritan died in an alleged hit-and-run case while he was on his way to a gurudwara in the British city of Derbyshire.

A post mortem examination said Satnam Singh died from head and chest injuries "consistent with being hit by a vehicle", Derbyshire police said.

Singh was found seriously injured near the Sri Guru Singh Sabha temple in Derby while he was on his way to the gurdwara.

Described by his friend's as "one of life's good guys", Singh was a volunteer at the temple and was holding a donation in his hand when he was reportedly hit by a car.

"He was a devoted volunteer who was close to the gates that day when they found him and he had his donation in his hand.

He was the first one to come to the Gurdwara (temple) every day, seven days a week, at 4.30am every morning without fail.

Rain or shine, he would be there," Gurpal Singh of the National Sikh Heritage Centre was quoted as saying by the BBC. "It was not just people in Derby who respected him - he was held in high regard in the Sikh community across Europe", he said. "My uncle was a very good man. He was a caring, considerate and happy family man," his nephew, Bill Johal, said. Officers are trying to trace a dark hatchback car which had been seen in the area at the time of the incident, the report said.-PTI

Indian health worker dies in traffic crash NEW YORK: A 22-year-old Indian-origin emergency health worker in New Jersey died on the spot when a car slammed into an ambulance in East Brunswick, police said.

Hinal Patel and the ambulance's driver, Mark Seube, were driving west with their lights and sirens on while hurrying to an accident elsewhere in the town south of Staten Island, said East Brunswick police Lt. Kevin F Zebro.

But a 2013 Toyota Prius t-boned the ambulance as the emergency team drove through the intersection. The ambulance crashed down on its side and careened into another car, Zebro was quoted as saying

by New York Daily News.

Patel died in the collision, but Seube and the driver of the Prius, Kathleen Meade, suffered only non-life threatening injuries, according to police. The driver of the third car was not hurt in the crash.

Police have not arrested or charged anyone in the fatal accident, WABC-TV reported. Family members and friends of Patel, who lived in nearby Piscataway and received her degree in biological sciences from Rutgers earlier this year, are trying to come to terms with her tragic death, they told NJ Advance Media.-PTI

Tech News India's holding of US bonds touches $114 bn WASHINGTON: India increased its exposure to US government securities by USD 31 billion in the first five months of the year, taking the overall holdings to USD 114 billion in May. This is also the highest level of holding by India in more than a year.

Latest data from the US Treasury Department shows that China continued to have the maximum exposure to American government securities with May holdings touching USD 1.27 trillion.

In May, India's holding climbed to USD 114 billion from USD 110.3 billion in April. The total exposure has surged by 31 billion in the first five months of 2015.

Last December, the holding stood at just USD 83 billion, according to the data.

Since May last year, the country has been steadily raising its exposure to the American government securities.

Interestingly, the US economy has been sluggish in recent months and its GDP contracted for the 2015 March quarter.-PTI

Protect our own interest on ITA: Nasscom KOLKATA: Nasscom has said there was need to protect the country's interests in services and technology even as WTO members ratified the need to change the 18-year old Information Technology Agreement (ITA).

"These trade agreements give access to India's market to companies globally. So the question is what we are getting in return and whether our services are getting the reciprocal access," Nasscom President R Chandrasekhar said on the sidelines of a Retail Summit organized by Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) here.

According to him, restrictions and constraints are coming up outside the trade agreements like movement of technically skilled persons, or even the movement of data.

India is yet to be a signatory to the new ITA. "What is happening in trade is happening, but restrictions are coming up outside the trade agreements. I think it is important that we need to ensure that protect our interests in service and technology even as these global trade agreements are reached," he added.-PTI

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Women pose for photographs after the launch of new Hyundai vehicle Creta in Guwahati on July 24

Iran seeks $8 bn Indian investments before sanctions end NEW DELHI: Asking India to take advantage of the period ahead of lifting of sanctions against it, Iran has invited Indian investments of about USD 8 billion in infrastructure projects there without wasting time in "cheap negotiations".

Asserting that Iran has been a "reliable partner", Iranian Ambassador here Gholamreza Ansari said India should take advantage of the time before the western countries

government's focus is on connectivity which coincides with Iran's government policy and therefore Iran has asked India to get into major projects like building strategic ports like Chabahar, constructing big highways and railroads.

The two countries reached an agreement in May this year to develop the Chabahar port in Southeast Iran. India's Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Ahmad

Chabahar port will allow India easier access not only to Afghanistan but also to Central Asia - an energy-rich region that is very appealing to energy-starved India by bypassing Pakistan. start making their investments after lifting of sanctions in the next 3-5 months.

"India has always been there even during the difficult time of sanctions. They should take advantage of their presence on the ground. Otherwise it will be a lost opportunity," Ansari told PTI in an interview.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ufa, Russia, earlier this month on the sidelines of the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) Summit, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had offered India a bigger role in its strategic infrastructure projects including ports, railroads and highways and sought investments to the tune of USD eight billion, Ansari said.

"Prime Minister Modi was very positive. People here are very positive. But what I am trying to convey is that it should translate into action and we should not waste our time in cheap negotiations. We need to move forward.

"Iran is a reliable partner for the business. It used to be so for a long time (before sanctions) and the sentiments and attitude especially towards India is positive...

India investing in Iran is obvious fruitful business for Indians," the envoy said.

He also said Modi

Akhoundi signed a USD 85 million deal for India to lease two existing berths at the port and use them as multi-purpose cargo terminals.

Under the new proposal, India can help build second and third terminals at the port as well as railway connections into the rest of Iran.

The project is expected to increase trade and economic en-

gagement between the two countries. Although India and Iran originally agreed to develop the project in 2003, both nations failed to make much progress on this front due to Western sanctions on Iran linked to its controversial nuclear program.

Chabahar port will allow India easier access not only to Afghanistan but also to Central Asia - an energy-rich region that is very appealing to energystarved India - by bypassing Pakistan.

Indicating that the West-imposed sanctions will be lifted in next 3-5 months, pursuant to a nuclear deal between Iran and Western countries reached earlier this month, Ansari said all big European countries like Germany, France and others would seize on the opportunity to invest in Iran and asked India to take advantage of the "right time" now.

The envoy also said that many Indian companies have expressed business interest in various fields and negotiations going on in different fields.

India has maintained a trade relation with Iran despite the sanctions, especially in terms of crude oil imports.

Gholamreza Ansari

As per the industry estimates, India has been Iran's second biggest oil customer after China. Iranian oil has been imported by private as well as public sector refiners in India.-PTI

Roti maker gets $11.5 mn investment Nagarkar and her husband SINGAPORE: An Indian-origin couple in Singapore has received Rishi Israni, who came on board a whopping USD 11.5 million as as a co-founder a couple of years second round of investment for their innovative one-minute robotic chapati making machine, allowing them to expand the operations in international markets.

P r a n o t i Nagarkar, a mechanical engineer from the National Rishi Israni and Pranoti Nagarkar University of Singapore, came up with a prototype for an auto- later, floated a product design matic roti maker which won her the company named Zimplistic to pro"Start-Up Singapore" competition mote the roti maker brand called Rotimatic. in 2009.

The duo co-founded start-up Zimplistic for the invention, a 17kg breadmaker type device which combines 10 motors, 15 sensors and 300 parts to produce chapati.

Rishi, a serial entrepreneur and formerly the founder of a Singapore-based mobile security company, made the smart device and helped raise USD 3 million from private investors.

Zimplistic has now announced an investment of USD 11.5 million from NSI Ventures and Robert Bosch Venture Capital (RBVC), web portal TechinAsia.com reported.

"It has been an amazing year for us and these new partnerships will only help to improve what we see as a revolutionary product that enables families to eat healthier," said Israni, CEO Zimplistic.-PTI

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Corporates carry clout, but DIPP to rank states on 'ease of doing business' Sebi stands firm: Sinha MUMBAI: Often at the receiving end of the companies for its penal actions and 'tough' regulations, markets watchdog Sebi has said the corporates carry a lot of clout and keep testing its resolve, but the regulator has always been firm on its ground.

At the same time, it is always "generous" and open to reasonable suggestions from the corporates, Sebi chief U K Sinha said, but regretted the fact that companies often come out with such "suggestions" after new regulations have already been framed.

Among others, such suggestions have been made by the corporates in cases like new norms for minimum public holding and delisting, while there have been voices of discomfort in the industry on requirements for mini-

mum one woman director on the boards of listed companies.

Besides, the new insider trading norms of Sebi have also been criticized in some quarters, with Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar Shaw going to the extent of call-

Sebi chief U K Sinha

ing the new regulation 'draconian'.

Some industry leaders had earlier said that Sebi was like a 'dragon'.

"You see, what happens is that the corporates generally keep testing you. They test your resolve.

They test how serious you are and how determined you are. And, they obviously have lot of clout in the country as a class," the Sebi Chairman said.

"What Sebi has been doing for last several years is to have a very effective consultation process.

My feedback is that in the consultation process, often they do not take enough interest.

"If they had taken interest and come out with things which are reasonable, Sebi can easily accommodate them. After something is done, then the voices are raised.

"For us it becomes a problem because since we have already taken a decision, how should we change it," he said.

Sinha further said that Sebi has still been "quite generous and willing to accept genuine demands" even if it has been raised at a later stage.

"However, if a demand has been raised at a later stage, then we have to again follow a process and it becomes an entirely new process and therefore it takes time," he said.-PTI

KOLKATA: The Centre will evaluated by both commerce and soon come out with a list of states industry ministry and the World ranked on the basis of ease of do- Bank jointly. I think by the end of ing business, DIPP Secretary August we will have the ranking Amitabh Kant has said. of the states in terms of the best "We are trying to build a spirit performing states and the worst of competition on ease of doing performing states, Kant said. business among the states. States Regarding acquisition of land are now competing among them- for setting up industrial units, he selves to attract investors to their said every state government states. This is a positive sign. In- would have to find innovative sovestors must know which are the best and worst performing ‘By the end of August we states," Kant said at an will have the ranking of the Indian Chamber of Commerce meet here. states in terms of the best The Department of Industrial Policy and performing states and the Promotion (DIPP) has worst performing states’ received responses from all the state governments and a study is currently lutions for the purpose and on to evaluate and rank the busi- should ensure that farmers beness-friendliness of the states, he come a part of the development said. process.

The ranking would be an an"After issuing the land acquinual exercise, he said. sition notifications, the govern"All the states have given us ment-appointed committees can reports on what actions have negotiate with the farmers to arbeen taken by them for ease of rive at a right land price," he doing business. This is being added.-PTI

Anshu Jain cleared of charges of lying LONDON: Indian-origin banker Anshu Jain, Deutsche Bank's former co-chief, has got a clean chit from the German financial watchdog BaFin, on charges of allegedly lying to the regulators about the interbank rate rigging scandal.

Jain, who quit as co-CEO of Deutsche Bank with effect from June 30, was earlier accused of having "knowingly made inaccurate statements" to Germany's central bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, thus misleading regulators on what he knew about the alleged manipulation of interbank rates such as Libor.

As per reports, the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) had criticized Deutsche Bank and Jain in its report on investigations into the rate fixing scandal.

Bafin and Deutsche Bundesbank together share the supervision of banking business in the country.

A report in business daily Financial Times, however, said that BaFin has dropped "a key strand of its investigation" and has cleared Jain of allegedly lying to the central bank about what he knew about the rate manipulation.

On its part, Deutsche Bank said, "We continue to work with our

regulator to bring this inquiry to a conclusion."

In a letter written to Jain earlier this month, BaFin President Felix Hufeld said that the regulator was "dropping that part of its probe into Libor-rigging at Deutsche after considering that the 'probable' interpretation of the evidence weighed in Jain's favor," the report said.

"The suspicion that you made knowingly incorrect statements to a regulator seems unsubstantiated to me... This aspect will therefore no longer be relevant in the continued assessment by BaFin," Hufeld wrote in his letter to Jain.

The BaFin President, however, added that all other allegations

against Jain and Deutsche Bank were still being evaluated by the regulator.

Jain, 52, had reportedly told the central bank that he had no knowledge of rumors of possible rigging in 2008.

Deutsche Bank had said last month that Jain's comments were taken out of context.

Anshu Jain

"Jain disputes as baseless the allegation that he misled the Bundesbank in his 2012 interview.

"He understood Bundesbank's question about when he first learned of rumors of possible LIBOR rigging to mean rigging at Deutsche Bank itself which he learned of in 2011, not rigging in the marketplace which was publicly reported on in 2008," the bank had said in a statement on June 27.

The bank paid USD 2.5 billion earlier this year to settle probes in the US and the UK into alleged manipulation of Libor and Euribor benchmark rates by its traders.

Jain had joined Deutsche Bank more than 20 years ago and he served as a co-CEO for three years.-PTI

SIT suggests measures to check black money NEW DELHI: Seeking a tight rein on black money, the Supreme Court-appointed SIT has recommended enacting tough laws to curb betting in cricket, bring donations to education and religious bodies under tax net, monitoring unusual rise in stock prices and regulating P-Notes.

The Special Investigating Team (SIT) identified circular trading in shares, overseas invest-

ments being routed through PNotes from tax havens, shell comp a n i e s , mispricing of imports and exports and cricket betting as major sources of black money generation.

Stating that betting in cricket

has become sophisticated with use of technology, SIT wanted "some appropriate legislative directions or rules or regulations" to curb the menace of betting.

With half of the Rs 2.7 lakh crore overseas investment using P-Notes coming

through tax havens of Cayman Islands, Mauritius and Bermuda, the SIT on black money wanted market regulator SEBI to come up with regulations so as to be able to identify the final beneficiary of Participatory Notes.

P-Notes are instruments issued

by FIIs to overseas investors wanting to invest in Indian stock market without registering themselves with the regulator.-PTI

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Action on Shah Panel report on MAT 'soon' NEW DELHI: The government has said it will soon take a decision on the Justice A P Shah Committee report on applicability of minimum alternate tax (MAT) on foreign investors, an issue which had riled FIIs. The high-level Shah Committee has submitted to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley a 66-page report, the content of which has not been disclosed.

"We have just received the report. The government will examine, consider the report and take a decision. I cannot specify the date, but I can say that the decision will be taken soon and the government will not sit over the report.

The government will take a decision on the matter as soon as possible," Revenue Secretary Shaktikanta Das told reporters.

The report comes against the backdrop of foreign investors dragging the government to court over applicability of MAT on capital gains made by them. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) are

hoping that the government will waive MAT prior to April 2015.

The government had in May appointed the Shah Committee to examine the matter relating to levy of MAT on FIIs prior to April 2015.

Justice A P Shah

The committee looked into all related legal provisions, judicial, quasi-judicial pronouncements and other relevant aspects.

"It's a unanimous report. We have received responses from industry, chartered accountant firms, CBDT and leading advocates," Shah said, adding that it would not be proper for him to disclose the

'Revised IFC draft is not view of govt' NEW DELHI: The Finance March 2013, too had talked Ministry has sought to distance about the committee and majoritself from the revised draft of the ity vote, but gave powers to RBI Indian Financial Code, which pro- chairperson to supersede the poses to dilute powers of RBI decision of the panel. chief, saying it does not reflect "In exceptional and unusual views of the government. circumstances, if the RBI Chair"FSLRC report is a report of person disagrees with a deciFSLRC. It is not the report of the sion taken at a meeting of the government or the Finance Min- Monetary Policy Committee, the istry. The report is not the view of the government," Chief Economic The Governor consults a Adviser Arvind Technical Advisory ComSubramanian said, commenting on media mittee, but does not necesreports that the gov- sarily go by the majority ernment is seeking to opinion while deciding on dilute RBI Governor's powers in deciding in- the monetary policy stance. terest rate.

The revised draft of IFC, posted on the website of RBI Chairperson will have the the Finance Ministry, has said right to supersede such deciRBI "must constitute a Mon- sion," it had said. The provision etary Policy Committee to deter- was dropped in the revised mine by majority vote on the draft.

Policy Rate required to achieve The Financial Sector Legislathe inflation target". tive Reforms Commission At present, the Governor (FSLRC), which was set up on consults a Technical Advisory March 24, 2011, for re-writing the Committee, but does not neces- financial sector laws to bring them sarily go by the majority opin- in harmony with the current reion while deciding on the mon- quirements, submitted its report to etary policy stance. the government on March 22, The first draft, submitted in 2013.-PTI

content of the report.

The Supreme Court is hearing a petition filed by Castleton on levy of MAT while there is also another case on the same pending in the Bombay High Court.

"The Supreme Court hearing is still about 10-11 days away. We have time in between. We will go through the report.

The course of action which the government will follow with regard to the Supreme Court hearing on August 4 can be decided in the next 10 days," Das said.

The Income Tax Department had sent notices to 68 FIIs demanding Rs 602.83 crore as MAT dues of the previous years.

This has raked up a big controversy, with FIIs moving the higher court challenging the MAT demand.

Jaitley in Budget 2015-16 exempted FIIs from paying MAT with effect from April 1, 2015. The panel, headed by Law Commission Chairman A P Shah, included former chief economic advisor Ashok Lahiri and Chartered Ac-

Two Dedicated Freight Corridors by 2019 NEW DELHI: Two ambitious Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), on which trains will run at a high speed of 100 kms per hour, will be completed between 2017 and 2019, enabling faster movement of goods. Stating this here about the Rs 81,459 crore project, Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha invited private companies to invest in the largest national transporter which is facing a dire need for funds for upgradation and modernization.

"Prevailing scenario in goods transportation is not very good and everybody wants faster movement. Railways is constructing (two) separate corridors for freight to speed up transportation and it will be completed in time," he said.

He was referring to the timeline, according to which work on DFC will be completed in phases between 2017 and 2019.

Highlighting the abysmal speed of freight trains, Sinha said, "Currently goods trains are moving at 25/26 km per hour speed. The speed will go up to 100 km per hour on the DFC which will be beneficial for the industry." Railways is constructing Eastern Corridor from Ludhiana to Dankuni (1840 kms) and the Western Corridor from Dadri to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (1502 kms) -PTI

countant Girish Ahuja as other two of fresh notices and any further members. assessments on levy of this tax on Asked if the report would come such entities. as a relief to FIIs, Shah said: "It is Das further said other legacy not giving relief to any FII. It is tax issues would be referred to the only examining the issues, which Shah committee in due course. The arise out of inconsistent judg- Shah panel has a one year term. ments of AAR... there are judgExperts, however, said the govments of ITAT which are taking a ernment should issue a circular very different view.

We broadly looked into all aspects of working of FIIs, we have also gone into international practices. It takes a holistic view of the matter."

AAR had, in 2010, ruled that MAT did not apply to foreign companies which did not Finance Minister Arun Jaitley have an office in India.

But in 2012 the AAR directed clarifying its position on levy of Castleton to pay MAT in India on MAT on FIIs before August 4, their book profits when it trans- 2015, when the Supreme Court ferred shares from a Mauritius en- hears the Castleton case. tity to a Singapore entity.

"One hopes that the recommenShah said: "The term of refer- dations would be for CBDT to isence was MAT on FIIs. We an- sue clarification that MAT was not swered that." meant to apply to FIIs for the past Das added that "the Commit- years based on which all the lititee being a government appointed gation for the past can be reone, we will give a lot of weightage solved. It's important that the govto the report". ernment firms up its stand in the Following the announcement next few days before the matter of setting up of the panel, the tax comes up in the Supreme Court," department has directed its field PwC India Partner Sunil Gidwani officers to put on hold issuance said.-PTI

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'Social commitment attracts best talent to Tata' MUMBAI: Tata Group's com"That also creates a higher possible way to its employees. mitment to society, coupled with sense of purpose for our employThe same has assumed more recently introduced volunteering ees. The harder you work, more importance after the recent spate programs, have helped it attract surplus you generate, and then of acquisitions by the group, good talent as youngsters appre- more you can give back to the so- Rajan said. ciate the sense of purpose, its ciety," Rajan said.

He said people born in other Chief Ethics Officer and Brand He added that in the last few parts of the world do not have the Custodian Mukund Rajan has years, the group has started fo- same understanding of the probsaid. cusing on volunteering and work- lems that are unique to India and "We find focusing on volun- ing pro bono, as it helps employ- hence, it is necessary to commuteering, focusing on pro nicate what the group bono, is making a bit more stands for. of an employer of choice "Communicating perhaps more than we and giving them the were in the past," Rajan opportunity to give said at an event on phiback at a personal level lanthropy held here over makes a huge differthe weekend. ence," he added.

"Particularly for young Last year, the Tata He said people born in other parts people coming into the Group had said that organization, they want of the world do not have the same the CSR spend by the to understand that the understanding of the problems that group companies employer has social conalone crossed Rs 660 are unique to India and hence, it science. They want to feel crore in financial year that this is an organiza- is necessary to communicate 2013-14. tion which has credibility "During the last what the group stands for. they can respect," he three years, we have added. ees engage with the community been trending at an average of Rs Rajan said the social commit- and non-profits, and also to un- 1,000 crore per annum between the ment is wired into the DNA of the derstand significance of the impact Tata trusts and our companies, over USD 100-billion group, which of a corporate's work at institu- typically in a 60:40 ratio between is majority owned by various Tata tional level. the companies and the trusts. trusts which are not-for-profit, and Rajan said it is necessary for The specific figure for financial hence it is a rich heritage and the salt-to-software group to com- year 2013-14 by group companies legacy which needs to be pro- municate this facet to its over 5 is Rs 660 crore," Rajan had said tected. lakh employees globally in the best last July.-PTI

Odisha to create land banks to attract investment BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to attract investment and ensure hassle-free land acquisition for major projects, the Odisha government has decided to create land banks in ten districts for industrial development.

The state-owned Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation of Odisha (IDCO), assigned to work for infrastructure development for different industrial projects, would create the land banks.

"IDCO has so far identified more than two lakh acres of compact land patches suitable for industrial use," said state Industries minister Debi Prasad Mishra.

The minister said the state wanted to keep land ready for setting up industries and investors would not have to wait for land acquisition, they would be offered land as soon as they come forward for investment.

Mishra was speaking on the sidelines of a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

The ten districts to have land banks are - Jagatsinghpur (Paradip), Bhadrak (Dhamra), Cuttack, Khurda, Dhenkanal, Angul, Sundergarh (Rourkela), Jharsuguda, Jajpur (Kalinga Nagar) and Balasore.

The state wanted to keep land ready for setting up industries and investors would not have to wait for land acquisition, they would be offered land as soon as they come forward for investment.

Patnaik has directed the agency to split target dates for completion of sector specific industrial parks into monitorable milestones, he said adding, the Chief Secretary would review the progress of land

banks every month and report to the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister also asked IDCO to take CSR activities more seriously and expedite projects like Craft Museum, Mission Shakti Building and Krishi Bhawans.

Mishra said IDCO has created Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for various industrial parks such as steel downstream at Kalinga Nagar, Aluminium Park at Angul, Plastic Park and PCPIR (petroleum, chemicals and petro-chemical investment regime) at Paradip and Electronics Park and SEZ Park in Bhubaneswar.

"IDCO has also developed SPVs for a railway corridor and sports development," Mishra said.

The agency has also set different deadlines for completion of these projects.

Besides these, the IDCO has also taken up two SEZ projects Infocity and Infovalley - at Bhubaneswar and four PPP projects in different districts, the minister said.-PTI

Facility mgmt mkt to cross $19 bn by 2020 GUWAHATI: The Indian facili- tor is the fastest growing part of ties management market is esti- its economy," the study said. mated to grow 17 per cent to cross As per the report, the overall USD 19 billion mark over the next services sector held 33.3 per cent five years, says a report. of GDP (at current prices) in 1950"The swiftly growing services 51 and it grew to 64.8 per cent in sector is creating huge potential 2012-13. for FM services, which is anticiCommenting on the findings, pated to grow at a CAGR of GIFPMA President Amit Raual around 17 per cent during 2015- said: "Companies are increasingly 2020 and reach to approximately concerned about the skills of the USD 19.4 billion by 2020," the re- manpower provided by them with port by Global Infrastructure Fa- changing needs of the customer... cilities and Project Managers As- It was also found that the qualifisociation (GIFPMA) said. cation and the minimum salary of The report pointed out that various factors such as boom in real "Almost 93 per cent of estate, increasing awareness levels, corporates are concerned growth in retail and about the police verificahospitality sectors are the major drivers of this tion of the people desector.

"In light of the im- ployed at sites," he added. mense growth potential that the sector promises, many players, including for- the manpower vary with the type eign players, have dotted the In- of service to be offered." dian market... India's service secAs per the report, with administrative and HR departments of around 300 companies across India, 87 per cent of the respondents expect knowledge of basic English, 87 per cent of them expect dress code and 73 per cent expect tidiness and basic etiquettes.

"Almost 93 per cent of KOLKATA: Consumer durable corporates are concerned about major Godrej Appliances has said the police verification of the it is working on differentiated people deployed at sites," he online strategy for its products in added. the wake of deep discounting by Talking about the salary struce-retailers. ture, Raual said it varies with the "When it comes to discounting type of service to be offered, which by the online players, we are workis lower in soft services. ing on a strategy of differentiated GIFPMA analysis highlights offering with our strategic online that soft services is dominating partners so that together we offer a the market with the share of about value to the end consumer which 65 per cent, in which housekeepis not based on the discounted ing and security occupy large price but on the overall product proposition," Godrej Appliances shares of 45 per cent and 34 per Business Head & EVP Kamal Nandi cent respectively.

"HVAC/Electro-mechanical is told PTI. "Online sales today are clearly dominating the hard sergrowing by leaps and bounds. vices sector and is expected to E-tailing has successfully created occupy 90 per cent of the market a buzz and connect with the consumin 2015," it added. ers. Going by the performance in the As per the report's finding, past year, we feel that this emerging channel has huge potential," he said. more than 60 per cent of these serPresently, the mix of online in vices are performed in-house, but the overall sales is three per cent. this trend is changing rapidly.

"The corporate sector, espeAlong with online strategy, he cially IT/ITES, BPO/KPO and said, the company is also strengthbanking and finance sectors are ening physical sales channels.

"We plan to increase our foot- rapidly inclining towards print by 15 per cent in this fiscal. outsourcing the services," the Currently, we are present in over study said. Research also found 25,000 outlets across India with out that, currently 80 per cent of over 6,000 outlets in the East the services offered are on a subcontractual basis, but it is exalone," Nandi said.

He said in two years the com- pected that the trend will shift topany would open 100 exclusive wards integrated facility managebrand outlets contributing nearly ment as organized players are entering the market. -PTI 3-4 per cent to its turnover.-PTI

Godrej working on e-retailing strategy

July 31, 2015

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'India should make 100 existing cities smart' SINGAPORE: India should consider making 100 existing cities smart instead of building new ones, an India-based American architect has said here in Singapore.

Prof Christopher Benninger said he feels that Indian planners should design the country's new cities using the knowledge of local culture and economics as well as understanding of the appropriate infrastructure requirements.

He called on authorities to consider making 100 existing cities smart cities instead of building 100 new cities.

"We have about 300 cities, each with more than half a million population. My argument is that let's make even 100 of those 300 cities smart," said Pune-based Benninger, 72, who was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Singaporebased Business Excellence and Research Group (BERG).

"I feel that Indian planners should be planning Indian cities as we know the culture, the economics and the most appropriate infrastructure for India," he told PTI last

I-T dept to verify bank applicants' credentials NEW DELHI: RBI has asked the I-T department to get a 'tax angle' verification done for four dozen corporate entities seeking license to operate small finance and payment banks in the country.

RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan had recently written to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the apex policy making body of the Income Tax department, to expedite the matter and provide the banking regulator with inputs about individuals at the helm of these entities with businesses spread across the country and abroad, officials said.

CBDT has asked its investigation and regular assessment ranges across the country to "quickly" collect the data and submit them so that RBI can take a final view on the grant of licenses to eligible parties.

"The inputs sought relate to financial and tax history of close to 50 entities, their owners and senior executives who have applied for getting RBI's license to run small finance and payment banks," they said.

It has been instructed by RBI and CBDT, the officials said, that any adverse record or observation about financial dealings of these entities, found out either by way of an earlier action by the taxman or through regular mechanism of intelligence and data gathering, should be reported.

"In case there is no adverse finding, the I-T will send an all okay report," one of the officials said.

Those entities for which tax clearances have been sought include Intellecash MicroFinance Network Company Private Ltd., SKS MicroFinance Limited, Capital Local Area Bank Limited, Electronica Finance Limited, Repco MicroFinance Limited, SE Investments Limited, RGVN (North East) Micro Finance Limited, Ujjivan Financial Services Private Limited, and Ashika Global Securities Private Limited. -PTI

night.

US-born Benninger, who has spent most of his life designing projects in India, wel-

comed Singapore's design for Andhra Pradesh's new capital city of Amaravati. He is now designing the Institute of Technology at Hyderabad and Bajaj Institute of Technology near Nagpur.

"India will always have enough engineers and there were a lot of applications for civil engineering courses at the universities. We definitely have a lot of applicants for civil engineering courses. India is a huge country with a lot of huge aspiration," he said.

After receiving the award, he said, "It is a great honor to be given a life-time achievement award by friends in a country like Singapore which we all look up to. It is a country which is very good at urban plans and designs."

The Singapore awards, held annually, recognized the contribution of developers, architects and interior designers in India.

"The (Indian real estate) sector plays a critical role for managing India's rapidly urbanizing population. BERG aims to provide an international thought leadership platform in this process," Chairman of BERG Advisory Board Thomas McMahon said.-PTI

Desi News Indians galore at Milwaukee Asian Fest Asian Media USA

MILWAUKEE WI: Two days of unforgettable celebration, Asia Fest of Milwaukee, was held on Saturday July 11 and Sunday July 12 at the scenic and trendy Milwaukee's lakefront, Veterans Park in Milwaukee, WI. Wisconsin has a huge Asian population. Asia Fest of Milwaukee sought to celebrates the diverse cultures of Asia - from Bollywood to Beijing - so that the festival goers can experience the music, dance songs and food of diverse Asian population in the city. The attendance for this event was "House full" The event, an Ocean Breeze Entertainment production, was coordinated by a team for Asia Fest of Milwaukee (AFOM) which comprised Rina Modak, Karmen Kron, Subhendu Modak, and John Kettler.

Details on page 18

Dada Bhagwan organize Selfrealization seminar JAYANTI OZA

CHICAGO: Dada Bhagwan of Chicago, a no profit body, organized a self-realization seminar from July 17-19 at Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago in Bartlett, a northwest suburb of Chicago About 700 people attended the event to listen to Shri Deepakbhai Desai for this three day seminar.

On July 17 from 6:30pm- 9pm there was General Satsang. He explained that knowledge of the Self (Atma-Gnan) is the final goal of all seekers. Without this knowledge, there is no liberation.

Details on page 19

Thousands attend 4th Biennial Jaina Convention SURESH SHAH & HEMANT SHAH

ATLANTA, GA: Over 4000 people gathered from all over the world in Atlanta during the July 4 long weekend to celebrate Jainism by participating in the fourth biennial JAINA convention. The convention sought to boost its religious education, spiritual, community and cultural activities.

The Convention theme "Ahimsa: A World of Non-Violence" found its rightful site in Atlanta, the birthplace of one of the global apostles of peace: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Details on page 20

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Souls keep revolving in the cycle of life & death Details on page 26

July 31, 2015

Why is Festival of Globe unique?

Dr Romesh Japra explains key aspects of the event RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Festival of Globe (FOG) is being held from Aug 7th to 16th in the Silicon Valley and will include SF Global Movie Fest, FOG Grand Parade, FOG Awards, FOG Culture Fest, Music Fest, Art Fest, Food Fest and Health Fair.

Dr Romesh Japra, Founder and Convener, Festival of Globe spoke to India Post and discussed some

Awards, Mela (Fair) and Grand Parade and has over 150000 attendees. Also it's being held in Silicon Valley where ideas transform into wealth and dreams turn into reality.

We've forums like Investor Pitch where venture capitalists, angel investors and bankers will be able to fund movie entrepreneurs.

Q: What kind of films are showcased at the festival? On what parameters are these chosen?

A: We had 3000 movies sub-

It is the event that combines International Film Festival, FOG Awards, Mela and Grand Parade and has over 150000 attendees. Also it's being held in Silicon Valley where ideas transform into wealth and dreams turn into reality of the key aspects of the event.

Q: There has been a rise in the number of film festivals across the globe. How is FOGSV different? What is its unique factor?

A: We've been hosting Cultural Festivals and Parade for the last 22 years. To integrate diverse cultures and communities, we have taken up this Initiative.

Through music, dance, movies and parade we can empower communities with cross cultural sharing and integration on a single platform. FOGSV is unique because this is the only Festival that combines International Film Festival, FOG

mitted from all over the world by independent movie makers. They are all subtitled in English. They're rated by jury on their overall merits.

Q: What is the process of selection at the festival?

A: This year we're promoting Women Empowerment related is-

sues like domestic violence, women safety, sex trafficking, gender equality and women education. Most of the movies selected pertain to these issues. Movie makers need to be present at the Festival for movie screenings and Q & A. Q: With the increasing number, do you think the film festivals have lost their charm and have merely become an excuse for celebrity visits to a particular place?

A: Our Festival is uniquely designed where celebrities and guests can also get a taste of Technology. We've arranged special visits to Facebook, Google and Twitter for them.

choreographed by Hollywood and Bollywood choreographers.

Q: Do you think the increase in the number of these film festivals, is mainly to attract the NRIs and PIOs living in those countries?

A: We'll have not only Indian immigrants but also from rest of the Globe. We've international celebrities like Jackie Chan, Sharon Stone, Martin Sheen, Bappi Lahiri

Q: How much of Dr Romesh Japra, Founder and Convener FOG the local crowd gets attracted to these festivals? What response do and Gulshan Grover.

Bollywood movies receive at Q: How do you think an increase these festivals, by foreigners?

A: We'll have 20000 people at- in film festivals and cultural festend FOG Awards where, besides tivals in the USA reflects on the awards, we have newly designed soft power of the country? performances on the theme of A: We Indian Americans who West meets East. Bohemia the have had phenomenal success in Punjabi Hip hop Rapper will sing every field in USA are proud to with Fremont Symphony Orches- take this lead of integrating global tra. Bappi Lahiri will sing newly cre- communities and humanity at ated song World is our Family large.

Practice 'Vasudev 'Vasudev Kutumbakam'. There will Kutumbakam' in the real practical be Holly Bolly Dance performance sense.

‘Petals In The Dust’ premiere on Aug 8 India Post News Service

SAN JOSE, CA: The Silicon Valley premiere of documentary "Petals In The Dust: The Endangered Indian Girls" will take place on Saturday August 8 at the Camera 12 Cinema, San Jose, during the SF global move festival with special appearance and panel discussion by the film's

director Nyna Caputi.

The powerful film tells the story of the escalating gender discrimination and violence in India and in the Indian Diaspora in North America. The seven-year odyssey sheds light on personal stories of tragedy and hope Apart from Nyna Caputi, the other speakers at the Women Empowerment Forum will be Indian

actress and producer Divya Khosla Kumar and Miss India (2002) and actress Neha Dhupia.

Gender violence is universal and manifests itself in different forms in different countries. No woman should feel unsafe either in her home, her community or her country, says Nyna Pais Caputi, Producer and Director of the film.

Cont’d on page 19

Nyna Caputi

July 31, 2015

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Startups display their innovative wares at IACS show These four firms were the finalists from a list of multiple startups seeking funding.

CHICAGO: Indo American Community Runners up from the list were provided with Services (IACS), a Chicagoland based not an opportunity to demonstrate their prodfor profit organization, has been organizing ucts in a startup expo, where the investor multiple events across the nation by creat- panel and other participants had an oping a community platform to foster network- portunity to review the features and functionality of the products by the startups. The firms which participated in expo are Netisen, Occation, Conceptdrop and India Health Link.

Dr Sindhu Rajan, CEO pres e n t e d Pranadiabetes. Dr Sindhu has devoted last 12 years at Yale and university of Chicago on ways to develop effective solutions to help patients impacted by Type 2 Jai Shekhawat, CEO and Founder of Fieldglass d i a b e t e s .

Pranadiabetes ing, engagement, mentoring, leadership, developed an innovative mobile solution women, innovation, job fairs and entrepre- 'StopSugar' to engage, guide and enforce neurial related exchanges amongst the compliance on signed up patients to South Asian community in general and spe- proactively manage diabetes.

Balu Kadiyala, CEO presented cially Indian American community.

By organizing multiple events around SchoolRush. School rush is a smart phone the year, IACS brings together successful app supported on both iOS and Android leaders and entrepreneurs and aspiring operating systems. The app enables comleaders and entrepreneurs for the mutual munication between teachers and parents benefit of individuals as well as commu- so that parents can be on top of all the activities of kids at school. nity.

Ms Parminder Batra, Co-Founder & CEO The second IACS Business and Entrepreneurial conference held on July 24 at presented TraknProtect. TraknProtect soMarriott Naperville IL was a roaring suc- lutions enable enterprises improve their efcess. The event was attended by success- ficiency and save dollars by helping them ful and wannabe entrepreneurs, investors track their tools and equipment faster. One of the primary targets of TraknProtect is and professionals.

This year's event had a mix of startups hospitality industry.

Sashi Kusuma, Co-founder and MD prepitching to seek funding from potential insented symSymplast Runners up from the list were allowed to dem- plast. was founded onstrate their products in a startup expo, where by a group of the investor panel and other participants had plastic surgeons, seeing a an opportunity to review the features and need for a comfunctionality of the products. The firms which plete eHealth solution built participated in expo are Netisen, Occation, specifically for plastic surConceptdrop and India Health Link. geons and medical spas. vestor panel and demos by startups with Symplast is attempting to change the martheir innovative solutions. There was also ket paradigm in the health care segment. a panel discussion providing tips and tricks This firm is bringing a holistic approach to and guidance to wannabe entrepreneurs. solve the problem by taking an end-to-end The review panel consisted of Jai approach so that patients, doctors and Shekhawat, founder and CEO of Fieldglass, hospitals can reduce and potentially elimiacquired by SAP, Raymond Stanton III, Co- nate the need to use multiple systems, techPartner of Savearound, publisher of cou- nologies in providing a service to the papons books for retailers and Lakshmi tient.

The presentations were followed by a Shenoy, Director of Business Development for 1871, Chicago based startup incubator. talk by Jai Shekhawat on tips and tricks for The startups seeking funding were successful entrepreneurship. Jai is the CEO Pranadiabetes, Schoolrush TracknProtect of Fieldglass, which he co-founded. It was acquired by SAP in 2014 for over 1 billion and Symplast.

India Post News Service

dollars. He was Ernst & Young's 2012 Mid- at Walmart and other retail chains, in Inwest "Entrepreneur of the Year" as well as dia at an affordable price. As the number the 2012 recipient of the Peter Yessne Staff- of doctors available to serve patients in ing Innovator Award, recognized for pio- India is low, this concept can bring basic neering the Vendor Management Software health care to ordinary citizens in India in (VMS) space. Fieldglass was also recog- an easy manner. nized as the Illinois Venture Capital Dinner and networking was followed Association's 2014 Private Equity Portfo- by a panel discussion and Q&A session lio Company of the Year. All the partici- where participants got a chance to ask pants were highly appreciative of the talk. questions and panel addressed them. The There were also four other startups panel was facilitated by Balu Kadiyala and that presented in the Startup expo at the consisted of Lakshmi Shenoy, Sashi event. The first one is Netisen, a SaaS solu- The final presentation was by India Health tion that aggre- Link, which plans to deploy health check gates web/social media feed- kiosks, similar to the ones we see at Walmart, back based on in India at an affordable price. As the number patent pending natural lan- of doctors available to serve patients in India guage pro- is low, this concept can bring basic health cessing algocare to ordinary citizens in India rithm for the customers.

The second was by Occation, an online Kusuma, Arnav (CEO of Fitnesscubed). booking solution which allows customSreenivas Katragadda, President of ers to book their next visit from any loca- IACS thanked all the sponsors and partion, on any device, at any time. The third ticipants who attended the event and also presentation was by Conceptdrop, an on- discussed about upcoming events demand graphic design firm which brings planned by IACS for the benefit of the designers and firms on a common plat- community. All the shortlisted startups form. received gifts worth $2,000 of accounting The final presentation was by India services from Chawla and Associates, CPA Health Link, which plans to deploy health firm from Chicagoland and $60,000 worth check kiosks, similar to the ones we see of software and support from Microsoft.

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July 31, 2015

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Indians galore at Milwaukee Asian Fest Asian Media USA

MILWAUKEE WI: Two days of unforgettable celebration, Asia Fest of Milwaukee, was held on Saturday July 11 and Sunday July 12 at the scenic and trendy Milwaukee's lakefront, Veterans Park in Milwaukee, WI. Wisconsin has a huge Asian population. Asia Fest of Milwaukee sought to celebrates the diverse cultures of Asia - from

Organizers Rina Modak, Samantha Fairuz, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Subhendu Modak of Asia Fest of Milwaukee

Members of audience

Bollywood to Beijing - so that the formance arts, cultural displays, festival goers can experience the demonstrations, educational mamusic, dance songs and food of terials, and interactive workshops. diverse Asian population in the city. The attendance for this event was "House full" The event, an Ocean Breeze Entertainment production, was coordinated by a team for Asia Fest of Milwaukee (AFOM) which comprised Rina Modak, Karmen Kron, Subhendu Shefali and group at Indian Fashion show Modak, and John Kettler. Asia Fest of Milwaukee was a venue to en- Also included were vendors selljoy a multi-cultural Asian experi- ing authentic mouth watering food ence along with an opportunity to from various countries and multi-

Chinese Lion Dance

interact with, learn and experience diverse Asian cultures, heritage and traditions through visual per-

ethnic merchandise representing those of Asian descent and others.

Cont’d on page 22

A group of dancers

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July 31, 2015

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Dada Bhagwan organize Self-realization seminar JAYANTI OZA

CHICAGO: Dada Bhagwan of Chicago, a no profit body, organized a self-realization seminar from July 17-19 at Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago in Bartlett, a northwest suburb of Chicago About 700 people attended the event to listen to Shri Deepakbhai Desai for this three day seminar.

On July 17 from 6:30pm- 9pm there was General Satsang. He explained that knowledge of the Self (Atma-Gnan) is the final goal of all seekers. Without this knowledge, there is no liberation. In the Gnanvidhi ceremony, the belief that "I am this body-mind complex" is destroyed and the conviction that "I am the Pure Soul" is eternally established within.

This awareness will blossom into deeper and subtler levels as one follows the simple guidelines that are given to nourish, protect and accelerate this newly revealed knowledge of the Self. Satsang

Dada Bhagwan of Chicago participant getting blessing from Shri Deepakbhai Desai

was in a question-answer format.

On July 18 from 10am-12pm the Satsang was by Shri Dimplebhai Mehta. He explained about reg-

Shri Deepakbhai Desai explaining aspects of spirituality

‘Petals In The Dust’ premiere on Aug 8 Cont’d from page 16

Nyna Caputi's heartrending and compelling documentary honestly explores themes of gender discrimination and violence against women in India, ranked the most dangerous country in the world to be a woman. By profiling the unimaginable stories of brave survivors, viewers enter the chilling realities girls and women are currently enduring, providing a sense of urgency in helping to change

status quo.

Nyna is the recipient of the Woman of the Year 2015, California State Assembly, District 14, a recipient of the Woman of Distinction 2015, Soroptimist International of Diablo Vista and a Bay Area Video Coalition 2013 Media Maker Fellow.

For more information about Petals in the Dust and to view the trailer, visit: petalsinthedust.com.

For more information about the festival, visit: http://fogsv.org/selected-films.

istration and introduction to Gnanvidhi. This was also in a question answer format.

Gnanvidhi was performed by Shri Deepakbhai Desai which started at 5:30pm and went on till 8:00pm.

Over 200 people took Gnan during this program.

On July 19, there was a followup satang by Shri Dimplebhai Mehta which was also in a question answer format. This is open to everyone but it allowed those who took part in Gnanvidhi to

He explained that knowledge of the Self (Atma-Gnan) is the final goal of all seekers.

In the Gnanvidhi ceremony, the belief that "I am this body-mind complex" is destroyed and the conviction that "I am the Pure Soul" is eternally established within. ask questions or share any experiences they wished to share.

Members of Dada Bhagwan Chicago center worked hard to

make this event successful. On all three days of the event, Prasad was served by Dada Bhagwan, Chicago center.

Community Across America

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Thousands attend 4th Biennial Jaina Convention SURESH SHAH & HEMANT SHAH

ATLANTA, GA: Over 4000 people gathered from all over the world in Atlanta during the July 4 long weekend to celebrate Jainism by participating in the fourth biennial JAINA convention. The convention sought to boost its religious education, spiritual, community and cultural activities.

The Convention theme "Ahimsa: A World of Non-Violence" found its rightful site in Atlanta, the birthplace of one of the global apostles of peace: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Convention was graced by over 30 erudite Jain monks, nuns, scholars (from India as well as other

an equal amount of funding collected through other means.

The host city Atlanta's Jain Center President Samir Shah said that a makeshift temple was created at the venue for worshippers to continue their daily prayers without interruptions. In that same area, there was a floral silhouette of Mahavir Swami Bhagwan and about an 8' x 8' replica of the temples of Samat Shikhar, with the mountain, painted and decorated with true life-paint colors. Outside the Derasar were five cubicles decorated with captivating paintings and sculptures to replicate the 5

elements of Jainism: Panchkalyanak-Chyavan, Janma, Diksha, Kevalgyan and Moksha.

On July 1, Thursday evening,

the "swagatam" welcome ceremony was a big draw. It was highlighted with classical and folk dances showcasing a cross-coun-

Wearing attractive turbans, they carried banners and even sang and danced in the procession.

In the main hall in opening cer-

JAINA scholars

try journey from East to the West including items from Atlanta to Chicago to Southern California, interlaced with welcome mes-

emony, the guests present were Nagesh Singh, India's new Consul General to the southeastern US, UN Ambassador Andrew

Lord Mahavir Swami and the theme logo at JAINA Convention

A group of JAINA Convention activists

sages by conveners of this event.

The packed hall of guests for Raas-Garba night, young and old, decked in colorful formal costumes formed circles and performed the high-energy Garba and Dandiya raas with talented singer

Young, Congressman John Lewis, Mayor of Norcross, Bucky Johnson; Nipun Mehta (noted philanthropist), Mafat Patel of Patel Brothers and RK Sehgal of Atlanta besides other dignitaries . A live recorded message of

nations including the US), leading social activists, distinguished professionals and patrons.

The Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA), the 35 years old apex organization of Jains touching over 150,000 in the United States and Canada, hosts the biennial conventions. The Convener of the Convention Ashok Domadia and Chair of Convention PR Sobha Vora of California indicated that over $600,000 were raised and Raas Garba

JAINA procession

Abhesinh Rathod, accompanied by artitsts Rinku Patel and Jayshri Khavadiya and ably supported by musicians Hitesh Bakdas, Jayanti Kabira and Kunal.

During the grand opening ceremony, the procession commenced outside of GICC Center.

Ladies clad in fetching saris and carrying "kalashes" earthen pots marched in front. They were followed by a van and beautifully and imaginatively themed floats festooned with flower-garlands, and carrying the idol of Lord Mahavir. Some marched in the parade waving Indian Tricolors & U.S. flags and even Kenya flags.

Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji was played, as JAINA was started in 1981 with the blessings from Gurudev and Acharya Shri Sushil Kumarji, in Los Angeles.

Co-Conveners and past Presidents of Atlanta Jain Center, Deepak Shah and Anil Shah welcomed all and presented a short video of Georgia Governor Nathan Deal's greetings. The morning Opening Ceremonies continued with recognition of sponsors. Grand Sponsors and Corporate sponsors were recognized with plaques on stage.

Cont’d on page 23

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July 31, 2015

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New diet system can cure old ailments JAYANTI OZA

CHICAGO: Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago organized a new diet system health camp from July 13 to July 17 at Rana Regan Community Center in Carol Stream, a northwest suburb of Chicago.

Close to 70 people participated in this health camp. Balubhai Chauhan from Amreli, Gujarat, is the promoter of the new diet system that works miraculously in addressing ailments. With the experience gained thru experimenting on himself for a very long time, he started promoting the new diet system with the help of family, friends, relatives, sages and wellwishers.

He explained on the first day that gradually weight will decrease by following his new diet formula.

All old diseases will begin to come out slowly. It will directly or indirectly have an effect on the body.

As a result, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, cracks in ankle, skin itching, thick urine (with stink), ab-

New diet system promoter Balubhai Chauhan and his wife Sarojben with BSC President Haribhai Patel and participants and volunteers

ache, blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, thyroid, allergy, cancer, cholesterol, heavy weight find themselves improving and ultimately cured.

He gave detailed information about understanding of the new diet system as follow: Morning: Fasting for 6 hours; No tea-snacks or water (below 25 years 4 hours fasting) Afternoon: Eat raw food like vegetables, fruits, leaves and water.

Drink water as needed till night according to one's need.

Evening: If possible nothing for 4 hours. If needed light snack at 4 pm (Raw food preferable) Balubhai Chauhan giving information about fruits, juice etc in small health camp amount.

Night: Cooked food like domen pain, giddiness etc. may chapatti, dal-rice, Kari, vegetables, start receding.

"Do not be afraid of anything. butter milk, salad, papad. For betFilthy things will come out of the ter results, avoid tea, milk and body and the body is becoming dairy products.

In six days some participants clean and pure. Be happy about it.

If needed take advice of experi- feel their BP, sugar, pain, weight enced person who has adopted getting lower.

Anybody wanting help or a this new diet system," he observed Chauhan told participants that camp in their area, may contact without medicine, without money Haribhai Patel 630-205-7404 one can rid of incurable diseases BSC President, Madhubhai Patel following his methods. For ex- (Executive member) 630-518ample, people suffering from acid- 6376 or Mukesh Patel Camp Coity, constipation, back pain, head- coordinator 847-890-2179

Sarojben Chauhan preparing food for participants

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Political innovation can stop a future revolution RAM KONDURI

I

ndian political framework built after independence is losing its relevance to govern a complex and diverse country. Six and half decades of democratic exercise has generated more hypocrites than true leaders.

Selfless sacrifice by millions of freedom fighters against British exploitation, and for the vision they had about India, has gone waste.

Democracy has been reduced to a number game to support self interest as against that of the country. Voters have become consumers for political parties, to be lured and deceived with various schemes before and after every

change was triggered by the voters realizing their lives will not change, no matter which party is in power. Educated middle class and lower section of society had a new ray of hope in AAP, but those hopes got bust like a bubble in very short time.

All political parties have diminished to anarchism. Furthering their personal interest of control, these anarchists have ruined the institution to a great extent.

These one-man shows brought fortunate and unfortunate results for undeserving and deserving politicians respectively based on the side they contest. These trends are unhealthy for compe-

Politicians are busy scrambling on issues like fake certificates etc, to defame opposition to prove their better image and control, forgetting major issues like population, poverty, malnutrition, resource management, air pollution election. Unending patience, philosophical attitude and hope are driving factors for voters to move from one situation to the other for a better nation in future.

Present: The electoral results of 2014 have proved the mindset of voters to move their hope from a party to a credible leader to deliver; as a result, Mr. Narendra Modi of BJP was given the mandate to lead the nation. The

tent leaders to grow under an anarchist control. These situations are very loud and clear under Congress, AAP and others political parties.

Politicians are busy scrambling on issues like fake certificates etc, to defame opposition to prove their better image and control, forgetting major issues like population, poverty, malnutrition, resource management, air pollution,

education, law and order, health care, corruption, social harmony - the list never ends. How to fix these issues with credible governance? Most of the representatives do not even understand the issues and expecting them to address them is a foolish dream. Do these people deserve salaries plus benefits from the tax payer?

India's last hope is P M Narendra Modi. This Herculean task to cleanup the past filth and offer a better future for India is extremely challenging.

But these major problems are in the process of turning into monsters and could lead to a revolution. Do politicians understand how to cooperate?

Problem: Multi-party democracy adopted by the Indian constitution allows a party with the highest number of elected representatives with majority or with external support to form a government, but how the majority can be formulated is not well defined. The majority can be of any combination, defying people's

voice by elected representatives or partymen to switch sides based on personal interest. This is the biggest joke on the democratic process. This flexible process has given opportunity for regional

Ram Konduri

groups to form political parties.

These groups garner votes based on religion, caste, muscle power etc. This flexible process with low standards has ruined democracy on the whole.

Solution: I wish to share a bird's-eye view about my idea. Details need to be worked out with help from experts. India should move from multi-party to "no party democracy". Representatives will be of two categories. 1Representative (Ministry) - Qualified to head a ministry/ institutions. 2- Representatives (General) - to address people's issues.

Under Supreme Court and High court observation, there will be two phases of screening, both for central and state governments.

The standards and screening process will be decided by experts to qualify a representative to contest. All representatives must go through Phase I. Phase II is for ministry eligibility, screening process is more rigorous related to a ministry, subject matter and administration.

Phase III screening will be for the post PM/CM, 5 representatives will be qualified to contest for this role. For each constituency 5 representatives will be qualified to contest. Based on the screening results and public debates people will vote to elect PM/CM plus constituency representatives.

Elected PM / CM has the authority to select/fire his/her cabinet members from the elected representatives. It is very important to limit the period for a representative to occupy a constitutional post.

Advantages: The above solution will eliminate anarchism, political fights, communal violence, incompetent leaders, horse trading, misdeeds of representatives on Governments, wastage of parliament time and resources, compromising institutions, political crimes and corruption and political slavery etc.

My objective is simple: I dream about India's bright future. Nothing more.

F e e d b a c k : konduriram@gmail.com

Indians galore at Milwaukee Asian Fest Cont’d from page 18

Asia Fest of Milwaukee is a collaborative effort by many organizations and communities. Cultures from 15 different Asian countries were represented by residents residing in states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Florida and Minnesota. The main goal was bringing together long time US residents with different Asian communities to educate and promote diverse Asian cultures and traditions.

The kick off featured Lion Dances, a Taiko Drummer, Middle Eastern Dances, Indian Drummers and Indian Bhangra Dance among

other performances. Samantha Fairuz did an admirable job as Master of ceremony. Rina Modak introduced Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and presented him with bouquet of flowers, an Asia Fest of Milwaukee T shirt and other memorabilia.

In his brief remarks, the mayor said, "Welcome to City of Festivals and Milwaukee's beautiful Lake front. I want to thank all the organizers for putting together this wonderful Asian festival. The most prominent of Milwaukee's streets that we have on the Southside is National Avenue. I have been tempted to rename this street to International Avenue be-

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cause it reflects the true diversity we have in our city. We all come from different backgrounds and our community has strength from all its different cultures. The more we learn to understand different

“The more we learn to understand different nationalities and different cultures the more peaceful our world will be and I am so grateful to have everyone here today because you are the future of our community" nationalities and different cultures the more peaceful our world will be and I am so grateful to have everyone here today because you

are the future of our community" The entertainment included traditional colorful dance, music, live bands and different performances from India, China, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Laos, South Korea, and many more. Artists representing diverse Asian countries performed and there were kids' workshops, arts, crafts, a magic show and more. Highlights included world famous Bollywood Disco King Bappi Lahiri from India, renowned Filipino Band Klutch, Middle Eastern Belly dancers, Japanese Drum band, special fire performances by Brew City Fire Brigade among others.

Attractions consisted of Taiko Drummers, Illusion Show, Lion Dances, Puppet Show, Sri Lankan performance, Bharat Natyam Dances, Taiko Drummers, Fire Performer, Klutch performance, Shompreeti Rahman from Bangladesh, Clowns, Denai's

Dancers, Safar Dancers, Trisha Dancers, Desert wind Dancers, Nkauj Hmoob USA dancers, Hmong group performances, Okniwoko Tyco Drummer, Sitar by Ariba Khan & group, Bengali Group dance, Nepali Dance performance, South Korean Dance, Bangladeshi's performance, Thai Fon Malai Dance, Punjabi Giddha & Bhangra, Thailand's Sri Wichai Dance, Bharatnatyam, Taiwan Puppet show, Hmong Qeej performance, Martial Arts performance, Tamarind Dancers and Hawaiian Dances.

Shefali Vallecha did an excellent job as Master of ceremony for the Bappi Lahiri event and Indian Fashion Show .An admission fee of $10 was charged for adults and $5 for children. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to support Nepal Earthquake Relief fund, the ALS Association Wisconsin Chapter and other selected nonprofit organizations.

July 31, 2015

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Where the Presidency in USA is headed?

B

efore the ins and outs of the 2016 presidential contest become a preoccupation for many of us, it seems a good time to step back and look at the office of the presidency for which so many candidates are vying. The presidency inherited by whoever wins next November will be substantially changed from the position his or her predecessors occupied a few decades ago.

The President is now the chief - and sometimes the sole - actor in American government. He far outweighs the other so-called "co-

LEE H. HAMILTON

equal" branches. People don't expect Congress or the Supreme Court to solve the country's problems. Instead, they look to the President for initiatives, for remedies, and increasingly - and sadly - to serve as a de facto pastor to the nation when we confront a tragedy.

Not even the press can hold the President to account any more, except under extraordinary circumstances. For one thing, it's very hard to grill the President these days. The tradition of regular presidential news conferences has all but disappeared, making it very

Thousands attend 4th Biennial Jaina Convention Cont’d from page 20

The cultural show was a presentation of performances from children to seniors from all over the country. There was beautiful dancing and singing of songs such as "Jai Ho" and "Senorita."

Then, Kumar Sanu rocked the stage with many of his hit songs.

The cultural program included the presentation of JAINA awards to distinguished members of the Jain community. The JAINA Ratna (Jewel) was presented to Dilip V. Shah of Philadelphia for his outstanding commitment and dedication to JAINA. Presidential Awards were given to Dr Dipak Jain, Dean of Business School Sasin and Dr Jagdish Sheth, Business School Emory along with other adult and youth awards recognition.

The youth had an equally great time with their many speakers, Jain Networking Forum and Jain Milan cruises, evening dances, and opportunities for growth as young Jains in America. There was a myriad list of activities for children.

The youth had a Bridal Match Registry, collection of bone marrow cells, Jain Academic Bowl competition; JAINA's got Talent and much more. There were booths selling apparel, CDs, DVDs, literature mainly on Jainism, travel companies, a booth for sinus flush NeilMed by Dr Mehta, Navkar Mahamantra Yoga, StudioIndia.org, etc.

Authors Robert Arnett & Smita Turakhia also had a booth.

Siddhayatan, Arham Inc, Airtour, BAPS Shayona, Maxim Tours, Bhindi Jewellers, Veerayatan and AakaarMarble Murtis all had displays.

Lee H. Hamilton

hard to find a forum or a place where people outside the White House bubble can ask the President probing questions and press for thorough explanations of a policy or problem.

Which is a shame not just for the obvious reasons, but also because the federal government cries out for more accountability these days. Whoever is President next, he or she would do well to pay more attention to effective management of the vast executive establishment than has been the practice until now. Otherwise, the breakdowns in the operation of government to which we've grown accustomed will continue.

That's because government today is strained at every level.

Highly complex problems pile up with great rapidity, and government needs highly skilled people to deal with them. Every President comes into office insisting he'll make government work better, but invariably he is distracted by the rush of events.

This is not entirely the

President's fault. The Congressional Research Service estimates that 1,200 to 1,400 positions are subject to confirmation by the Senate, and Presidents often have a hard time getting the people they want into position.

To sum it up, while the President's accumulation of power is a serious problem in the big picture, it nonetheless is a fact. We ought to make it easier for him to get the people he needs in a position to make government work more effectively.

Lee Hamilton is Director of the Center on Congress at Indiana University; Distinguished Scholar, IU School of Global and International Studies; and Professor of Practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years

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Eminently likeable performance of 'As You Like It' ARCHANA ASTHANA

W

e have all been touched by the types of romantic comedies portrayed in numerous works by the beloved and famed English Bard,

throughout...love-at-first-sight, unrequited love, sibling love, and lost love, charmingly executed by seasoned actors from the Livermore Shakespeare Festival, in association with the University

Lilian Wouters and Maryssa Wanlass.

Pics Gregg Le Blanc, CumulusLight.com

William Shakespeare, and so, can identify with, and be pulled into, some of the antics unfolding during staged performances. The absurdity of the situational comedy, and the obvious enjoyment of the actors and audience alike in this rendition of "As You Like It" that was performed at the beatific Wente Estate Winery and Tasting Room in Livermore was an experience to be savored.

In his prolific works, the Bard has used the cornerstone of love, romance, jealousy, as some key

of Pacific Theatre Arts, under the direction of the talented Lisa A. Tromovitch.

Summer festivals are a special favorite, as the outdoor milieu of the verdant and scenic vineyard itself was enough to put the audience in a romantic mood! Coupled with a lazily sipped glass of Wente's Reisling (among other offerings for sale) added to the ambience. The raised circular stage was constructed solely for these series of plays, and had four aisles as entry points for actors to

ence to be intimate with the characters, and wholly participate in the enjoyment of the work. To top it all, California served up the best weather for that evening in mid July, hovering at a tepid 75 degrees, not even requiring a light shawl.

There were also flavored water stations for those desiring a non alcoholic beverage to parch their thirst, as it was a Family Night Preview. The audience, consisting of all age groups, was ready to become part of the experience as we gladly sank our feet into the lush grass below in our assigned seating and settled back for a viewing.

Majority of the action in this play takes place in the pastoral vistas of the Forest of Arden, where the characters ultimately congregate through some agency or another. Away from the deceitful politics of the Court, they find the pull of love hard to resist and give themselves in to the giddy experiences. Orlando, the youngest son of a Lord, brilliantly played

by Joseph Salazar, finds himself in this venue after losing to the court wrestler, Charles, and disagreeing with older brother, Oliver, commandingly acted by Patrick Andrew Jones.

Duke Frederick, having usurped the dukedom has already banished the Duke Senior to the Forest. Rosalind, Duke Senior's daughter, too flees prosecution and arrives at the Forest in disguise as the boy, Ganymede, along with her cousin and confidante, Celia, Duke Frederick's daughter; and Touchstone, the court jester.

Having already fallen in love at first sight with Orlando earlier, Rosalind, now Ganymede, played

Michael Wayne Rice as Jacques

emotions to weave a tale of the human experience. This play had various flavors of love embedded

enter the stage with unrestricted viewing from any angle.

The setting allowed the audi-

by Maryssa Wanlass, uses her disguise to test Orlando's honesty, trustworthiness and stead-

fastness while falling deeper in love with him when he rises to the challenge. Deftly concealed amorous interactions ensue, when Rosalind strategically uses her disguised persona as Ganymede, to get closer to Orlando. Along the same lines, she professes to "cure" him of his "malady" of love.

It is typical in Shakespearean plays to employ the ruse of disguised identities to play on the theme of love. As an unintended and unfortunate consequence of this, Phoebe, a shepherdess in the Forest begins to fall in love with Ganymede, the disguised Rosalind, while herself being the object of love for Sylvius, a shepherd. Lindsay Marie Schemeltzer, as Phoebe had a smaller, but de-

human experiences. However, a melancholy nobleman, Jacques, played by Michael Wayne Rice, provides sharp contrast to the merry band in the Forest of Arden.

As an astute observer, he disputes the hardships of life in the country, and delivers the famous, oft quoted speech, "all the world's a stage". The antics of Touchstone, the jester, energetically played by Alan Littlehales, provides comic relief, while the entertaining shepherd, Sylvius, played

by Aaron Kitchin spews obvious wisdom, adding to the hilarity of the situation.

All the intended couples are united in the end, true identities revealed, and rightful rulers returned to their dukedom, in a feel good,

Joseph Salazar and Maryssa Wanlass and Lindsey Marie Schmeltzer

lightful role as the pursuer of Rosalind, and being wooed by Sylvius. Of course, cousin Celia, coyly played by Lilian Wouters, must be paired up too, so enters Oliver, the older brother of Orlando, who has now forgiven the brotherly spat after being rescued from danger by him, and promptly proceeds to fall in love with Celia.

Touchstone, obligingly becomes enamored by Audrey, a goatherd, charmingly played by Amy Billroth-Maclurg.

Along the development of these themes, is some lovely serenading, as actors punctuate dialogues with musical interludes, and merrily live their lives free of distraction from the court politics, and reveling in the richness of

happy ending, typical of the Bard's joyous comedies. As a group, the cast delivers on most counts, the acting, dialogue and singing were superlative, the costumes authentic, and antics engaging.

The amphitheater like setting was definitely a plus in many ways, however, the challenge was to maintain the appropriate acoustics. A few lines were lost hither and thither as the actors moved about, but it was not enough to mar the experience. Most heartening was to see the young ones getting into the play, despite the challenges of following dialogues in Shakespearean English.

We look forward to more such joyful encounters with this promising drama company in the future.

The action in this play takes place in the pastoral vistas of the Forest of Arden, where the characters ultimately congregate through some agency or another. Away from the deceitful politics of the Court, they find the pull of love hard to resist

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Souls keep revolving in the cycle of life & death

A

t the beginning of the fourth chapter, Shree Krishna tells Arjun that He had given this same knowledge of the Gita to Vivaswan at the beginning of the current manvantar. Hearing this, Arjun expresses surprise that Shree Krishna could have done that, because the beginning of the manvantar was over 120 million years ago, and he knows Shree Krishna to be existing right now.

Then, how is it possible that Shree Krishna gave this knowledge to Vivaswan 120 million years ago?

In response, Shree Krishna explains the secret of His Divine appearance in this world (avatar rahasya). He says, "O Arjun, both you and I have had many births. I remember all of them, but you do

SWAMI NIKHILANAND

not. Though I am unborn, immortal, and the Lord of all beings, yet, while controlling maya (the material energy), I appear in this world through My Yogmaya (Divine personal power). Whenever righteousness declines and unrighteousness increases, I manifest Myself (in My personal form) at that time.

For the protection of the pious, destruction of the wicked, and to re-establish dharm, I appear age after age. One who correctly understands that My appearance and actions are Divine does not take another birth upon leaving their body, O Arjun. Rather, they come to Me in My eternal Divine abode." (Chapter 4, verses 5-9).

Let's address some of the questions that may arise as a result of

these statements by Shree Krishna. In the fifth verse, He states that both He and Arjun have had unlimited janm. How is this possible?

Every soul has had unlimited janm or births As we learned in the second chapter, souls are eternal. They have existed for as long as God has existed. The third entity maya - is also eternal. Thus, God, the souls and maya have been here forever. Maya continues to cycle through its two phases of existence - srishti (creation) and pralay (dissolution) - with the help of God. When God activates maya, then the universe is produced; and when God deactivates maya, then the universe is dissolved. There-

after, God again activates maya, and the universe is manifested again. Thus continues the eternal cycle of srishti and pralay of the mayic universe.

Souls either exist in the state of bondage under maya, or in the state of liberation in God. Those who are under maya have been so since eternity. They are born again and again in the mayic world until they surrender to God, and with His grace become liberated.

Those souls who are under the bondage of maya continue to take rebirth in various bodies as long as the universe exists, and when the universe is dissolved, they wait in a dormant state for the next srishti. Hence, we see that all souls have had unlimited births (janm) in this mayic world, forever caught in the cycle of birth and death within the larger cycle of the birth and death of the universe.

God has also had unlimited janm God also takes janm in this world (not only ours, but in all the other brahmands in the universe as well). He tells Arjun that just as souls have had unlimited janm, so has He had unlimited janm. This is because He repeatedly keeps taking avatar as is required to accomplish certain tasks on the earth planet, as stated in shloks seven and eight of this chapter.

The difference between God's janm and a soul's janm Is there any difference between His janm and a soul's janm? He says that for one, He remembers all of His janm and all of ours, but we don't remember any of them.

A soul's memories of previous lifetimes are buried deep in their unconscious section of the mind; thus those memories can't be accessed by the conscious mind of an ordinary person. So who knows what we have been and done in all of our unlimited past lives?

Not us - only God knows. And He knows all the unlimited actions of unlimited past lifetimes of unlimited souls. This is why we call Him omniscient. In contrast, we are very little knowing, because even an intelligent person would have trouble recalling what he ate for dinner last Tuesday, let alone what he did in his previous birth.

Is there any other difference between our janm and God's janm besides the fact that He can remember all of His and all of ours, and that we can't? In the ninth shlok, Shree Krishna states that His janm is Divine, which implies that a soul's janm is not Divine, or is material in nature. What is a Divine janm as compared to a material janm? We will learn this in the next article.

Disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj Swami Nikhilanand Ji is a Canadian born Hindu spiritual leader based in Austin, Texas. He is a sanyasi disciple and pracharak of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj.

Attracted to the teachings of Hinduism from a young age,

Swami Nikhilanand

Swamiji eventually let his deep spiritual longing lead him to India, where he was most fortunate to come under the guidance of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Thereafter, living in the ashrams of JKP, he extensively studied Hindi, the philosophy of the prime Sanskrit scriptures (Vedas, Darshan Shastras, Gita, Bhagwatam), and practiced meditation in the tradition of raganuga bhakti. In 2003, he was given sanyas. Now, with the blessings of his Guruji, he offers satsang programs throughout America, engaging audiences with his clear explanations of Hindu philosophy coupled with inspired chanting of Sanskrit mantras and shlokas and charming nam sankirtan.

His informative and compelling speeches provide practical insight into how to adopt the teachings of Sanatan Dharm into our daily lives, and inspire us to awaken our inner spiritual potential.

To stay in touch with Swami Nikhilanand Ji, like his Facebook page at https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / SwamiNikhilanand or follow him on twitter at https://twitter.com/ Swami_Nikhil.

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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Jeena Jeena : Badlapur 2 Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan : Roy 3 Jee Karda: Badlapur 4 Khamoshiyan : Khamoshiyan 5 Sooraj Dooba Hai : Roy 30 India Post

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ove birds Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma made their first red carpet appearance at the Vogue Beauty Awards in Mumbai looking deep into each other's eyes.

While speaking to NDTV, the 27-year-old actress spoke candidly about the vacation that she took with Virat in London recently and spotted walking hand in hand with her.' Anushka said, "He's my very, very good looking arm candy." She said that the holiday was relaxing and much needed for both of us."

The couple also attended the Wimbledon championship together recently.

Anushka, who was last seen in 'Dil Dhadakne Do' will start filming for Karan Johar's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' with co-stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Ranbir Kapoor. Speaking about her upcoming films, the 'PK" actress said, "I'm glad I've been on a holiday. I had four films releasing back to back. Now I'm feel-

F

ilmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan kept actress Richa Chadha in mind while writing the script for award-winning film "Masaan".

Richa's role of Devi, whose outlook towards life and approach is rather different than what one would think it should be, was penned down

by Ghaywan during the time of "Gangs of Wasseypur".

"I feel humbled that Neeraj kept me in mind. I was written into the role and that is truly fulfilling. I am very grateful," Richa said in a statement.

The film's story revolves around four lives which intersect along the Ganga river: a low-caste boy falling hopelessly in love, a daughter ridden with guilt of a sexual encounter ending in a tragedy, a hapless father with fading morality, and a spirited child yearning for a family, long to escape the moral constructs of a small town.

"I feel humbled that Neeraj kept me in mind. I was written into the role and that is truly fulfilling.

I am very grateful," Richa said

July 31, 2015

ing a little more relaxed and really looking forward to Karan's films."

The actress, who looked stunning in lemon Gauri and Nainika at the Vogue awards, also said, "Beauty has nothing to do with the products you apply. If I can have good and positive thoughts and not fall into a negative state of mind a lot of us get into, then you end up being a really positive person."

He's my very, very good looking arm candy." She said that the holiday was relaxing and much needed for both of us."

6 Tu Hai Ki Nahi : Roy 7 Judai : Badlapur 8 Tu Har Lamha : Khamoshiyan 9 Chhil Gaye Naina : NH10 10 Dard Karaara : Dum Laga Ke Haisha

Bollywood

July 31, 2015

India Post 31

www.indiapost.com

K

areena Kapoor Khan seems to be ready to spread her wings across the border as she has expressed her desire to work with famous Pakistani director Shoaib Mansoor.

The 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' actress said in a recent interview that she's a fan of the 'Bol' director and is looking out for an opportunity to work with him as he has made some fantastic content driven films, The Express Tribune reported.

Bollywood veteran actor, Naseeruddin Shah, had played a crucial role in Shoaib's directorial venture 'Khuda Ke Liye', which was the highest grossing film of 2007.

Bollywood veteran actor, Naseeruddin Shah, had played a crucial role in Shoaib's directorial venture 'Khuda Ke Liye

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new still from the upcoming action drama 'Gangaajal 2' reveals the lead actress Priyanka Chopra leading a parade.

Priyanka recently wrapped up the shooting of the Prakash Jha film in which she will be seen enacting the role of a cop.

In the still, the 'Dil Dhadakne Do' actress is seen attired in ceremonial uniform of the police force. She is holding a sword and leading a parade.

Priyanka plays a tough IPS officer named Abha Mathur in the action film.

'Gangaajal 2' is the sequel of the director's 2003 hit film 'Gangaajal' which starred Ajay Devgn, Gracy Singh and Mukesh Tiwari.

The film is said to highlight present day issues and revolves around farmer suicides and the land mafia.

ilan Luthria's next is an emotional drama with action titled Baadshaho, starring one of his favorite actors and people, Ajay Devgn, with whom he has worked with several times.

Shruti Haasan has been cast as one of the lead actresses in the film. There is also another second lead actress with a prominent role that is yet to be cast. Milan is known to give his actors a look makeover, be it Vidya Balan as Silk Smitha in The Dirty Picture or Ajay Devgn playing Sultan in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. It is learnt that he is working towards doing the same with Shruti.

Baadshaho, based on the name of Ajay's character in the film, is a joint production of Bhushan Kumar with Milan, who is also directing the film.

„ Health

Line

Facebook use may affect mental health TORONTO: Teens who use social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more than two hours daily may be at risk of poor mental health, high psychological distress and suicidal thoughts, a new study has warned.

Adolescents who use the social networks for longer times also reported an unmet need for mental health support, researchers said. These findings send an important message to parents and suggest an opportunity to increase mental health support service offerings on these sites, they said.

Hugues Sampasa-Kanyinga and Rosamund Lewis from Ottawa Public Health in Canada analyzed data on students in grades 7-12 from the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey. About 25 per cent of students reported using social networking sites for more than 2 hours daily.

Researchers compared the time spent using social networking sites to the teens' self-reports of psychological well-being and unmet needs for mental health support. -PTI

„ Music training may help to get better grades WASHINGTON: Music training, begun as late as high school, may help enhance skills that are critical for academic success, scientists have found.

Researchers from Northwestern University found that music training may help improve the teenage brain's responses to sound and sharpen hearing and language skills.

The gains were seen during group music classes included in the schools' curriculum, suggesting in-school training accelerates neurodevelopment.

"While music programs are often the first to be cut when the school budget is tight, these results highlight music's place in the high school curriculum," said Nina Kraus, senior study author and director of Northwestern's Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory at the School of Communication.

"Although learning to play music does not teach skills that seem directly relevant to most careers, the results suggest that music may engender what educators refer to as 'learning to learn,'" Kraus added. -PTI

Health Science

Coca-Cola: Diet Coke still struggling in US

32 India Post

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July 31, 2015

Details on Page 35

FSSAI proposes banning health supplements sale as 'medicines' NEW DELHI: Clamping down on mislabeling of 'health supplements', food safety regulator FSSAI has proposed banning sale of these products as 'medicines' and announced new norms for products based on Ayurveda, Sidhha, Unani and other traditional health systems.

Under the new draft regulations announced, the companies can't claim that their nutraceuticals and health supplement products are for therapeutic and curative purposes.

"Every package of food or health supplements shall carry the words Food or Health Supplement... the term 'Not For Medicinal Use' shall be prominently written on the label," as per a draft order issued by FSSAI, which recently created a flutter by banning the popular Maggi noodles.

Food Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also proposed the maximum usage levels for cow's milk, buffalo's milk, camel's milk, ghee, curd,

ments which are based on Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems.

The regulator will finalize the safety norms after receiving com-

The regulator will finalize the safety norms after receiving comments from all stakeholders on the draft note. butter, honey, gold, gold foil, silver, pearl in Ayurveda, Siddha And Unani ingredients based products.

The limit has been fixed as maximum usage levels per day for use as a health or food supple-

ments from all stakeholders on the draft note.

FSSAI said that the benefits of specialty foods containing ingredients based on Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha and other traditional health systems of India,

Sikh kitchens becoming new food banks LONDON: The Sikh community kitchens at gurdwaras in the UK are turning out to be food banks for homeless as the need for hot meals rises, according to new research.

Nearly, 5,000 meals are being served to non-Sikhs each week by Britain's 250

in cities across Britain. The Midland Langar Seva Society in Birmingham, Guru Nanak's Free Kitchen based in Doncaster and Edinburgh are some examples," Jasjit Singh, postdoctoral research and impact fellow at University of Leeds was quoted as saying by The Conversation.

gurdwaras and efforts are being made to take "langar" out of gurdwaras to fulfill its core objective of serving the whole community.

"British Sikhs have established food relief organizations

Gurdwaras are playing an important role as food banks in which meals are offered free, and everything from the buying of the food, to the preparation of the meals, is based on donations, it reported.

The trend is not just confined to Britain, according to Singh who is carrying out a research on the religious lives of young Sikhs in Britain.

"In Canada, the Seva Food Bank serves food to low-income families. In Los Angeles, the Khalsa Food Pantry and Khalsa Peace Corps provide meals to the destitute, while the Sikhcess project provides food and clothing to the homeless in a number of local communities across the US," Singh said.

The idea of 'langar' as a community kitchen was developed

by Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, in his settlement at Kartarpur, now in Pakistan.

It was developed as a practical manifestation of his teachings where devotees were encouraged to work hard and share the fruits of their labor.

Sharing a langar which includes cooking, serving, eating and cleaning up emphasized the idea of equality beyond any categorizations of caste, gender, social status, ethnicity, or religion. -PTI

should be shown by science based evidence.

Industry body Assocham has released a knowledge paper suggesting that FSSAI should come up with safety norms for nutraceuticals and dietary supplements.

In the paper, the industry body said about 60-70 per cent supplements in the nutraceuticals market, which has potential to grow to USD 12.2 billion in the next five years, are fake and such unregistered and unapproved products should be recalled.

India accounts for 1.5 per cent of the global nutraceuticals market.

Heinz, Kellogg's, Nestle, Hormel, Unilever, Johnson & Johnson and GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals are key players in this segment. -PTI

A night's sleep lost could alter your genes LONDON: If you lose a single night's sleep, it could alter your genes that control the biological clocks in cells throughout the body, according to a new research.

The research carried out at Uppsala University also found that these changes in the clock genes could be linked to diseases caused by sleep loss.

"Previous research has shown that our metabolism is negatively affected by sleep loss, and sleep loss has been linked to an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes," said Jonathan Cedernaes, a researcher at Uppsala University.

"Since ablation of clock genes in animals can cause these disease states, our current results indicate that changes of our clock genes may be linked to such negative effects caused by sleep loss," he said.

Researchers studied 15 healthy normal-weight men who, on two separate occasions came to the lab for almost two-night-long stays.

Cont'd on Page 34

July 31, 2015

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Major hurdles 'cleared' for clinical trials in India NEW DELHI: The recent amendment brought to the compensation guidelines in carrying out clinical trials in the country has cleared "major hurdles" for testing of new drugs, especially for those diseases for which cure is not yet available in India, experts have claimed.

"The government brought in amendment to the clinical trials guidelines in December 2014 and it has come into effect from June this year.

"And, the revised regulations are balanced and have addressed various issues, because of which sponsors have earlier been either not participating in or withdrawing from trials," President, Indian Society for Clinical Research (ISCR), Suneela Thatte said.

She added that the new regulations also seek to streamline the 'institutional ethical committee' to make sure the trials are carried out in the safest way.

"The guidelines earlier were as blanket that for any injury suffered by the patient (trial subject) the medical management had to be provided to him or her, irrespective of its causality. This was one of the factors that was keeping sponsors away. Now with the amendment, the compensation would be awarded commensurate with the severity of the injury," Thatte said.

She was speaking at a press conference called at the AIIMS here, where some doctors and a patient, who have been associ-

ated with conduct of clinical trials, also participated.

Y K Gupta, professor and head of department of pharmacology at AIIMS and executive council member, ISCR, said, there were some trials in the past, which "went wrong" and since then the government has taken "correctional measures" in the regulations.

"Compensation guidelines are balanced and ensure safety of patients, and the compensation offered would be based on the severity of the injury if any sustained by the patient during the course of the trial.

"All institutional ethical committees for the trials have to be accredited and no trial can be conducted without the informed consent of a patient," Gupta said.

He said that the amendment has added the provision of "recording and archiving"

WHO campaign to combat hepatitis in India GENEVA: The WHO has said it will launch a new pilot campaign in India, Egypt and Uganda to combat hepatitis which affects over two million people globally through the use of unsafe injections.

The Global Injection Safety Initiative, to focus on Hepatitis B and C which cause approximately 80 per cent of liver cancer deaths counting to about 1.4 million people every year, is part of the World Health Organization's global patient safety program.

The campaign will raise public awareness for safe injections to combat Hepatitis B and C, ministry engagement for national plans to deal with the infections and engage the private sector, including the syringe manufacturing community, to transition to exclusive production of safe syringes, the WHO said.

"Egypt, Uganda and India are three of the flagship countries that will be taking on the first steps on this campaign," said Dr Edward Kelley, Director, Service Delivery and Safety at WHO. "In India, the discussion is essentially focusing on two states as a potential start but we haven't had the final discussions with the ministry as to how exactly they would like to roll that out. In September, there will

be a team going out to do assessments.

"Our work on preventing the infection before they happen will be key to controlling the potential elimination of hepatitis globally," Kelley said.

Unsafe injections account for 32 per cent of Hepatitis B - 1.7 million infections - and 40 per cent of Hepatitis C - 315,000 infections - globally.

The most frequent medical procedure in the world today is administering of injections, about 16 billion a year, Kelly said, adding: "And the rate of unsafe injections of those 16 billion - the estimate is up to 40 per cent."

Around 130 to 150 million people globally have chronic Hepatitis C infection and an estimated 240 million people are affected with chronic Hepatitis B. "We call Hepatitis, the silent epidemic. It is really under-appreciated its level of importance as a cause of death," said Dr Stefan Wiktor, Team Leader, Global hepatitis Program of WHO. The UN agency is also planning to combat the problem of excessive use of injections as part of its campaign.

Gilead, one of the three companies with Hepatitis C treatment, has given voluntary licensing to 11 Indian generic drug manufacturers for use in 91 countries after a huge furor caused by its USD 1,000 a pill price tag for treatment.-PTI

the interaction with the patient for future references.

Thatte said, "Some of the sponsors (individual, company etc) over the period have been unwilling to participate, because of unpredictability in review process of their application to begin trials."

"The process takes a long time and now the amendment to the rules seek to bring in more predictable review timeline; steps which will encourage sponsors to participate in the trials," she said.

"We therefore have cleared major hurdles in making clinical trial in India more streamlined and there are only operational challenges now, like the right number of trials, etc," she added.

A schoolteacher who suffers from multiple sclerosis, and relatives of two patients who both suffer from Rett Syndrome, shared their agonizing experience of suffering these diseases, while looking for an affordable cure for them in the country.

Rett Syndrome is a rare genetic postnatal neurological disorder of the grey matter of the brain that almost exclusively affects females but has also been found in male patients.

Samir Sethi, President of Indian Rett Syndrome Foundation, said, "My daughter suffers from this debilitating disease and we want to find a cure for her. We only hope clinical trials will offer some hope for people like my daughter."

Gupta of AIIMS said, "While patients must know that clinical trials offer possible hope but not the only hope in case of such diseases."

He further said that for companies agreeing to enter into clinical trials in India or any other country, "they have to ensure that later after the drug is developed, it must be made available to the country at affordable rates."

"Also, genetic make differs from one county to another, so if cures of diseases suffered by people here is to be found, the trial must be conducted in India only," he added.

All clinical trials being undertaken in India has to be registered first with the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTR) that falls under the aegis of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

ICSR is a non-profit association of clinical research professionals that aims to build awareness on the issue and facilitate its growth in the country while evolving the highest standards of quality and ethics. PTI

Health Science Post

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On-demand doctor apps for medicine WASHINGTON: It was 8 o'clock on a weeknight and Brooklyn resident Sarah Sheehan was reeling from a painful earache.

She wouldn't be able to see her doctor until the next morning, and that would require a 45-minute subway ride uptown. That's when Sheehan, co-founder of an education technology business, remembered receiving a promotional code for a new company called Pager, an Uber-like service that sends doctors to patients' homes.

Pager and similar companies like Heal and Medicast aim to streamline medical care - cutting out waiting rooms, receptionists and trips to the doctor's office. ``It's a completely different experience when you're sick and able to stay in your pajamas,'' says Sheehan. ``Someone comes to your home, they're kind to you, they answer all your questions and give you all the time you need.''

But some doctors warn there could be drawbacks to convenience-driven medical care, especially if it disrupts an already complex, fragmented health care system. As the app makers search for a sustainable business model, however, it appears they are more likely to end up working with traditional medical providers, than

against them.

HOUSE CALL COMEBACK? House calls were once commonplace in the U.S. Today, 9 out of 10 general practitioners say they do not typically make house calls, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

But new phone apps may signal a comeback for house calls.

Pager is currently only available in New York City but it will expand to San Francisco in coming weeks. A rival company on the West Coast, Heal, already operates in San Francisco, Orange County and L.A Gaspard de Dreuzy, one of Pager's three co-founders, says the services' typical customers are working mothers ages 30 to 45. ``It's really an urban population that is busy and values its time,'' he adds. So much so that they are willing to pay a premium. Like other services, Pager is not currently covered by insurance. Customers pay a $50 fee for their first visit and $200 for subsequent visits from one of the company's 40 health practitioners, including doctors, nurses and physician assistants.

That fee is about 10 times more than the typical $15 to $25 doctor co-pay for patients with insurance.

But there are situations where a Pager visit might be cheaper than conventional care. For instance, $200 is significantly cheaper than the median cost of an emergency room visit: $505, according to fed-

eral figures. The ER is often the only medical option for people without insurance. ``We're trying to move forward to a model where the Pager service will be as affordable as any other care option for people who are insured or not,'' de Dreuzy says.

Early treatment can prevent transmission of HIV WASHINGTON: Starting antiretroviral treatment early against HIV is highly effective at preventing sexual transmission of the deadly virus in partners, a new study conducted in nine countries, including India, has found.

Beginning in 2005, the study enrolled 1,763 heterosexual couples ages 18 or older in India, Botswana, Brazil, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Thailand, the US and Zimbabwe.

Each couple included one partner with HIV infection and one without.

Infected participants were assigned at random either to start antiretroviral therapy right away, while their immune system was relatively healthy, or to delay starting treatment until their immune system weakened or they developed an AIDS-defining illness, consistent with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines at the time.

All participants received condoms and counseling on how to protect their partners from sexual transmission of HIV.

In 2011, the study investigators at the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) reported a breakthrough - starting HIV treatment early, reduced the risk of sexually transmitting the virus by 96 per cent over 18 months.

Once the investigators re-

Only eight cases of HIV transmission occurred in uninfected partners of HIV-infected participants who received antiretroviral therapy. ported their data in 2011, all infected study participants were offered the opportunity to begin antiretroviral therapy right away, and the trial continued for another four years. At the end of the study, 1,171 couples remained in the trial.

Based on additional data gathered since 2011, the new findings show the power of HIV-control-

ling antiretroviral therapy to reduce sexual transmission of the virus.

"The study now makes crystal clear that when an HIV-infected person takes antiretroviral therapy that keeps the virus suppressed, the treatment is highly effective at preventing sexual transmission of HIV to an uninfected heterosexual partner," said Anthony S Fauci, director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in US. "For heterosexuals who can achieve and maintain viral suppression, the risk to their partners is exceedingly low," he said.

Only eight cases of HIV transmission occurred in uninfected partners of HIV-infected participants who received antiretroviral therapy.

Four of these infections were diagnosed shortly after the start of treatment. In these cases, the virus most likely was transmitted just before antiretroviral therapy began or right after it commenced, before treatment had fully suppressed HIV replication. -PTI

POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS But some doctors are skeptical.

Dr Robert Wergin of Milford, Nebraska says on-call services could be useful for one-time medical needs. But treating chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis or Alzheimer's requires careful, consistent attention over many years. A doctor responding to a phone app may not be familiar with a patient's family history, medications, allergies and other critical details. ``If these apps develop and they further fragment care it's not going to help the health care delivery system. We'll get more of what we already have: higher costs and lower quality,'' says Wergin, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Other experts worry about doctors making appropriate prescribing decisions when patients are paying $100 or more for their services. ``The visit becomes much more transactional,'' says Dr. Jonah Feldman, a specialist in health care delivery at Winthrop University Hospital. ``And it will be much harder for that doctor to come out of that visit without giving some kind of treatment, and that exposes patients to the risks of overtreatment.''

ROAD TO COVERAGE But these concerns may be premature. The on-demand doctor business is still in its infancy, and there are signs it is converg-

ing with traditional medicine, not breaking away from it.

The sector's oldest company, Medicast, founded in 2013, recently abandoned its direct-toconsumer model in favor of collaborating with large hospital networks. The company recently helped Providence Health & Services - a medical system in the Pacific Northwest -launch its own house call app for the Seattle area.

Medicast CEO and co-Founder Sam Zebarjadi says the company is working with a dozen other hospital systems on similar offerings.

Previously the company operated its own doctor networks in Miami, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. But Zebarjadi says he found that consumers have ``a really big issue around trust, which is one of the reasons we decided to start partnering with hospitals and health systems.''

These collaborations may also further another key goal: getting insurance coverage. Like Pager, Medicast is currently a cash service. The company offers to file the bill for a house call with a patient's insurance provider to see if they are willing to cover it. But in coming months Zebarjadi expects some insurance providers to begin covering Medicast visits. ``Why should patients face challenges - especially when they're sick - having to deal with all the inconveniences that come with getting health care traditionally, versus getting that care in the comfort of their own homes?''

Zebarjadi says. -AP

A night's sleep lost could alter your genes Cont'd from Page 32

During the second night the participants slept as usual (over 8 hours) in one of the two sessions, while they were kept awake in the other of these sessions, but in random order.

To minimize the influence of various environmental factors, light conditions, food intake and activity levels in the lab were strictly controlled and the participants were bed-restricted when they were kept awake.

Following the second night on both occasions that the men were studied, small tissue samples were taken from the superficial fat on the stomach, and from the muscle on the thigh; two kinds of tissues that were important for regulating metabolism and controlling blood sugar levels.

Blood samples were also

taken before and after the participants had consumed a sugar solution to test their insulin sensitivity, a practice commonly done to exclude the presence of diabetes or a metabolic state called impaired insulin sensitivity, which could precede type-2 diabetes.

Molecular analyses of the collected tissue samples showed that the regulation and activity of clock genes was altered after one night of sleep loss. The activity of genes was regulated by a mechanism called epigenetics.

This involved chemical alterations to the DNA molecule such as methyl groups; a process called methylation; which regulated how the genes were switched on or off. The researchers found that clock genes had increased numbers of such DNA marks after sleep loss. -PTI

July 31, 2015

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Coca-Cola: Diet Coke still struggling in US NEW YORK: Coca-Cola says sales of Diet Coke are still sliding as people continue gravitating toward foods they feel are fresh.

Sandy Douglas, president of Coca-Cola North America, attributed the drink's declining sales to the move away from diet

and frozen products in recent years, with people reaching for options they consider to be fresh or natural. ``It's a good dietary change, actually, for the country. But the impact on categories, and particularly categories that are appealing to diet-oriented positions, has been pretty negative,'' he said.

During the second quarter, Coca-Cola said that Diet Coke's sales volume declined 7 percent. CEO Muhtar Kent said the drink's challenge has been ``very much a U.S.-centric one.''

Douglas said he thinks the trend toward

products positioned as natural will endure.

But he nevertheless expressed optimism for the future of Diet Coke, which is made with the artificial sweetener aspartame. Douglas said the company is starting to see its customer base ``stabilize.''

Beverage industry executives have blamed the decline in traditional diet sodas to concerns about the safety of aspartame.

Earlier this year, that prompted PepsiCo Inc. to announce it would swap out the aspartame in Diet Pepsi with surcralose, another artificial sweetener.

Coca-Cola has said it has no plans to follow suit. But Douglas said PepsiCo's move could help the broader category by raising awareness about the safety of diet sweeteners. He also noted that Diet Coke's popularity has ebbed in the decades since its launch in the 1980s.

The drink came about after Coca-Cola executives began experimenting with diet colas to replace Tab under the code name, ``Project Triangle'' in 1975, according to ``Secret Formula,'' a book about Coca-Cola's history by Frederick Allen. The problem with Tab was that it didn't bear the name of the company's flagship brand.

So when Diet Coke was finally introduced years later, the word ``diet'' on the can was spelled with lower case ``d'' to emphasize the Coke name.

The drink quickly became a hit. Until recently, Diet Coke was the country's second-most-popular soda. Last year, however, its ranking slipped to No. 3, with regular Pepsi taking its No. 2 spot, according to Beverage Digest. Regular Coke remains the most popular soda.

To boost Diet Coke's performance, Douglas said the company is looking at offering ``adjacent innovation'' in its lineup. He

Wide disparities in health outcomes: Govt NEW DELHI: The government has said there were wide disparities in terms of health outcomes such as maternal and infant mortality rates, reflecting variation in terms of availability of health services in different states.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda said this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Presenting the status of health care facilities in the country, Nadda said that according to Rural Health Statistics (RHS) Bulletin 2014, there was a 20 per cent shortfall of sub-centers, 23 per cent of primary health centers and 32 per cent of community health centers.

"Under National Health Mission, financial and technical support is provided to states and union territories to strengthen their health care system," he said.

He said the support is provided for upgradation or establishment of health infrastructure, engagement of nurse, doctors and specialists on contractual basis.

In another written reply, Nadda

said that India is emerging as a health care hub in Asia. -PTI

didn't provide details, but one alternative the company has already introduced recently is Coke Life, which comes in green cans and is made with a mix of sugar and stevia, a sweetener derived from a plant.

In the meantime, Coke Zero - another

diet soda made with aspartame - is enjoying growth, according to Coca-Cola. But that drink is far smaller, with 1.8 percent market share last year, according to Beverage Digest. That compares with 8.5 percent for Diet Coke. -AP

Realty Tidbits

Kohler to be present in 100 cities by year end KOLKATA: US-based kitchen and bathroom major Kohler is looking to expand its base to 100 cities in the country by the end of this year, a strategy aimed at minimizing the impact of slowdown in the real-estate sector.

"We'll be in 100 cities by this year and will expand to further 50 more cities by the end of next year for wider reach," Kohler India MD Salil Sadanandan told PTI. The expansion would minimize the impact of the slowdown in the sector and keep up the momentum for the company, he added.

The strategy seems to be working well for the company as Kohler claimed the company was growing much faster than industry average of 12-15 per cent.

"We are already the market leader in the premium and luxury segment of organized kitchen and bathroom fittings which is estimated at 40 per cent of the Rs 7,000-7,500 crore industry in India," Sadanandan said.

Kohler is also expanding its product portfolio for a wider reach to consumers.

"We have launched tailor-made bath cubicles and bathroom furniture. In days to come we will have to get into readymade bath cubicles as those are easy to manage," he said. -PTI

PropTiger luxury flats on MansionGlobal.com NEW DELHI: News Corpbacked realty portal PropTiger.com has said luxury flats listed on its website would also be available on MansionGlobal.com.

High-end luxury homes in India listed on its portal would also be available on MansionGlobal.com, a global luxury real estate website launched by Dow Jones & Co, a unit of News Corp, in May 2015, PropTiger said in a statement.

In November last year, News Corp acquired a 25 per cent stake in Singapore-based Elara Technologies Pte Ltd which owns PropTiger.Com. Noida-based PropTiger, which was founded in February 2011, helps customers through the entire process of buying a home, including search, property identification, price negotiation, documentation, home loan facilitation and post sales services.

In April this year, PropTiger acquired rival Makaan.com for an undisclosed amount as it aims to ramp up presence in India's secondary property market. -PTI

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Indiabulls raises Rs 538 cr from promoters MUMBAI: Indiabulls Real Estate Ltd has raised Rs 538 crore by allotting over 8 crore securities, including equity shares, to promoter group companies.

In a filing to the BSE, the company said it has "issued and allotted an aggregate of 3.67 crore equity shares of face value of Rs 2 each at the issue price of Rs 67 per share, and 4.36 crore warrants, convertible into equivalent number of equity shares of face value of Rs 2 each at an exercise price of Rs 67 per equity share to the promoter group entities namely, SG Infralands Pvt Ltd and SG Devbuild Pvt Ltd." -PTI

La Colina estates' new-home grandeur with 7 magnificent floorplans India Post News Service

GLENDORA, CA: William Lyon Homes' La Colina Estates brings a rare opportunity for new-home grandeur to Glendora with seven magnificent floorplan designs now pre-selling. Set on estatesized properties averaging 20,000 square feet, each distinctive 1and 2- story single-family detached home design showcases exquisite interiors and a multitude of room options tailored to the lifestyle needs of today's modern families. In addition to sought-after features such as gourmet kitchens, comfortable living spaces and indoor-outdoor living options, homebuyers will also find a number of innovative design elements per residence.

Highlights of the single-level floorplans include Residence 1's elegant conservatory and optional covered outdoor room; Residence 1X's formal living and dining rooms and en-suite baths; Residence 2's covered porch with optional outdoor kitchen and fireplace and impressively sized master suite; Residence 3's den/office space, expansive living and dining area, and optional California Room off the family room and Residence 4's dramatic foyer entryway, optional wine room, and master suite with optional dressing room.

Highlights of the sweeping two-story designs include Residence 5's large interior courtyard

with optional fireplace, lower-level bedroom with en-suite bath, optional hobby/service room and a versatile bonus room; while Residence 6 features a club room, bonus room, wine room, optional suite with exterior entrance, interior courtyard and two covered porches. With the collection's extraordinary design selection, financial benefit of no Mello Roos,

Homes. "If you're ready to own in Glendora's most beautiful newhome neighborhood, now is a smart time to secure your ideal home at valuable pre-model pricing."

Beautifully framed by the breathtaking San Gabriel Mountain Range, La Colina Estates features 5 single-story and 2 twostory floorplans all elegantly ap-

and pre-sales underway, homebuyers are urged to act quickly. For details on pre-qualifying, visit the sales gallery, or call 626.969.1177. To learn more or to experience the collection's virtual tours, visit www.LyonLaColinaEstates.com today.

"La Colina Estates transcends expectations with design elements that embody true elegance and distinction," said Ben Blomdahl, Director of Sales for William Lyon

pointed. Interiors span from approximately 3,643 to 6,081 square feet, with 3 to 6 bedrooms, 3.5 to 5.5 baths, modern kitchens with large islands, spacious living areas, and 2-car to 4-car garages.

Every home is graced with impressive estate-sized homesites that offer a spectacular backdrop for outdoor living and provide opportunities for indoor/outdoor entertainment and family leisure time. Prices are anticipated from the low $1 millions.

The collection's excellent proximity to both I-210 and the future Gold Line commuter train eases the burden of daily work commutes, making La Colina Estates the ideal home base for professionals with growing families.

Homeowners will also appreciate the setting near the private Glendora Country Club, which is nestled in the foothills of the mountains and encompasses a 113-acre golf course with a diverse urban forest and beautiful water features, as well as a 25-yard swimming pool, and numerous indoor and outdoor social venues.

Other advantages include the proximity to the Eastland Center's array of retail and dining spots, including an Albertson's, PetSmart, Target, Chipotle and Starbucks; and the easy distance to the popular Plaza West Covina.

The Sandburg Middle School Park and South Hills Park, are also nearby, as well as Foothill Presbyterian Hospital and East Valley Hospital Medical Center.

Parents of La Colina Estates will greatly value inclusion in the highly rated Glendora Unified School District, including La Fetra Elementary, Sandburg Middle School, and Glendora High School.

It matters who your builder is and William Lyon Homes is a company built upon a legacy of pride and integrity.

Cont’d on page 39

Bill to protect small property buyers NEW DELHI: To protect small property buyers, a parliamentary panel is understood to have recommended to cover housing projects on land below 1000 sq meter in the proposed Real Estate Regulatory Bill.

According to the original provision in the Bill, builders could register with the regulator only if the project was on land exceeding 1000 sq meter.

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill has been referred by Rajya Sabha to a Se-

lect Committee for its examination

The panel has not changed the penalty provisions of the Bill and retained the original proposal such as imprisonment of developers

with instruction to submit its report by the last day of the first week of the next session of Parliament, which is the current monsoon session.

The 21-member committee headed by BJP member Anil Madhav Dave is likely to submit the report this week.

The Bill seeks to establish the Real Estate Regulatory Authority for regulation and promotion of the real estate sector and to ensure sale of plot, apartment or building in an efficient and trans-

parent manner, to protect the interest of consumers in the real estate sector and to establish Appellate Tribunal to hear appeals from the decisions, directions or orders of the authority.

The panel has not changed the penalty provisions of the Bill and retained the original proposal such as imprisonment of developers for any violation of the proposed law.

The Bill covers both residential and commercial real estate sector. -PTI

July 31, 2015

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Real Estate Post

38 India Post

July 31, 2015

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Veo is best selling home project in South Bay India Post News Service

CARSON, CA: Since opening for sales in November 2014, Veo in Carson has quickly risen to success. The new residential community of 152 for-sale condominiums, town homes and single-family residences and more than 14,000 square feet of retail space has become the best selling project in the South Bay, a title earned by virtue of high interest, convenient location and desirable product.

With three sales releases to date, each of which has sold out on opening weekend, the community has managed to sell 50 homes in only a matter of days, and it's easy to see why.

Through strategic geo-targeted marketing, the dynamic Kor sales and marketing team has not only leveraged their strong, loyal following but also revealed Veo as the ultimate new home destination in the area.

"Veo delivers the rare opportu-

nity to buy a new home at a great price in the South Bay," said Loren Bloch, president of Community Dynamics. "Veo is a community for families looking for an energyefficient home they can be proud of, a shorter commute allowing them to spend more time at home with their families, and beautiful landscaping with resort-style amenities."

High demand for Veo has resulted in the complete pre-selling of homes prior to completion. With plans to unveil a new collection of 15 single-family homes next year, Veo hopes to meet the needs of buyers and offer new opportunities to live in the South Bay at an affordable price.

With recent news of an NFL stadium and more on its way to Carson, the city is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after areas in the South Bay. As part of the city's revitalization, Veo is unique in Carson and a major step toward community growth. Cen-

trally located in the growing commercial district near a variety of malls and retail outlets, Veo affords homeowners access to an evolving center of restaurants, shops, services and city parks as

Veo is a model for the kind of mixed-use family living that serves as a keystone for the South Bay's rebirth, as it's an ideal setting for a variety of family types.

This 9.5-acre community presents

well as employment centers and businesses. Easy access to freeways will keep Veo community residents connected to all points in Southern California.

the modern design, spacious open floor plans, high ceilings, natural light and new construction with sustainable features buyers are looking for. Designs offering from approximately 680 to 2,135 square feet allow for households ranging from single living to extended families with as many as five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and two-car garages with on-site tandem parking.

Inside the residences, state-ofthe-art residential living will include fiber optic wiring to each home for high-bandwidth Internet and satellite subscription services, and Veo homes will outperform the state's energy-efficiency

Demand for luxury homes going strong NEW YORK: Ultra-rich individuals collectively own real estate worth nearly USD 3 trillion globally and demand for luxury homes is strong in the Europe, the

nearly USD 3 trillion of real estate, equal to 10 per cent of their net worth," as per Wealth-X, the global wealth intelligence and prospecting company.

Vancouver, the priciest market in the country, saw an increase of 36% in sales in 2013 from 2012 with homes selling for $2-million and up.

Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, says a report.

According to a new report by Wealth-X and the Sotheby's International Realty brand, ultra wealthy individuals are buying up luxury homes around the world to further diversify their holdings.

"There are 211,275 Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) individuals globally, who collectively own

The report said that the EMEA region offers purchasing and investment opportunities, particularly in Madrid, Dubai and Cape Town, where luxury properties and strong lifestyle considerations may appeal to UHNW buyers.

"As their (UHNW individuals) wealth continues to grow, so will their investment fueled by flight to safety from less geopolitically

stable geographies," Wealth-X President David Friedman said.

London was the top real estate hub in the EMEA region.

The city's price per square foot (USD 3,103) is nearly four times that of Dubai, six and nine times more than Madrid and Cape Town respectively.

The less expensive price per square foot for premium real estate in Cape Town generally leads to larger houses.

"A luxury property in the South African city has six bedrooms on average - higher than Madrid and Dubai, the two other cities profiled in the report," the report said.

Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC, said, "the research shows that trends and the economic climate in some EMEA countries are stimulating alternative investments such as real estate in these local markets."

The UHNW Residential Real Estate index tracked by Wealth-X hit a new record high of 112.1 in the first quarter of 2015, up nearly 4 per cent from the fourth quarter of 2014, and 7 per cent from the first quarter of 2014.

"This highlights the strength of the global luxury real estate sector on the back of demand by ultra high net worth (UHNW) individuals," Wealth-X said. -PTI

standards by more than 15%, reducing both energy use and homeowners' ongoing utility costs.

The community features centrally located recreational amenities, including a clubhouse with central Wi-Fi, library, multi-screen theater wall and entertaining kitchen as well as pool, spa, fireplace and barbeque, tot lot and outdoor entertaining decks in each condominium building. On Carson Street, 13,313 square feet of sidewalk-adjacent groundfloor retail will target family restaurants and lifestyle retailers.

Veo is located at 552 East Carson Street, Carson, CA 90745, off the I-405 N freeway and Avalon Boulevard exit. The office is open Thursdays through Sundays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more details, please visit VEOHomes.com or call (424) 570-5001.

CityView is one of the nation's premier institutional investment firms focused on urban real estate, in-city housing and metropolitan infrastructure. American CityVista, CityView's predecessor, was founded in 2000 by Henry Cisneros, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in President Clinton's Administration.

CityView was founded in 2003 and has generated more than $2 billion in urban investment in 45 communities across the United States. Visit CityView.com for more information.

Distressed property investor capitalizes on tax auctions ST. LOUIS: Four times a year, the city of St. Louis auctions hundreds of properties with delinquent taxes at the civil courts building downtown. In the lobby, a sheriff's deputy reads from a list of parcels, many of which are vacant lots and deteriorating homes that draw little interest from the crowd of prospective buyers.

Every few minutes, a bidding war breaks out over a more desirable property. Robert Vroman stays away from those, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

To the city's most prolific tax sale investor, opportunity lies in what no one else wants.

Since 2011, Vroman, 34, has bought more than 140 properties from tax auctions for himself and other investors. The properties, which he said ``usually need a lot of cosmetic work,'' are mostly in struggling, sometimes blighted neighborhoods.

There's an ``A'' class of prop-

erties that almost everyone at the tax sale cares about, Vroman said. There's a drop-off in quality for the ``B'' properties, which is his specialty, he said, and there's not much competition. ``I am the barometer of decay,'' he said. ``I guess my slogan is `I find the best of the worst.'''

Most of the properties bought by his company, Vroman Industries, are scattered across the city's north side, and the rest are mostly located southeast of Gravois Avenue in south city.

He buys homes for the back tax amount (usually around $2,400), then sells them for around $10,000.

He has legal costs and additional expenses for cleaning or minor fixes, but other repairs needed are the buyer's responsibility. ``We are aiming to buy stuff that is currently livable,'' he said.

His success depends on high volume and low costs. He declined to say how much money he was making. -AP

Real Estate Post

July 31, 2015

India Post 39

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US home sales surged in June to fastest pace in 8 yrs WASHINGTON: Americans bought homes in June at the fastest rate in over eight years, pushing prices to record highs as buyer demand has eclipsed the availability of houses on the market.

The National Association of Realtors said that sales of existing homes climbed 3.2 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.49 million, the highest rate since February 2007. Sales have jumped 9.6 percent over the past 12 months, while the number of listings has risen just 0.4 percent.

The median home price has climbed 6.5 percent over the past 12 months to $236,400, the highest level - unadjusted for inflation - reported by the Realtors.

Home-buying has recently surged as more buyers have flooded into the real estate market. Robust hiring over the past 21 months and an economic recovery now in its sixth year have enabled more Americans to set aside money for a down payment.

But the rising demand has failed to draw more sellers into the market, limiting the availability of homes and sparking higher prices that could cap sales growth in the coming months. ``The recent pace can't be sus-

flat or falling over the past year.

Some of the recent sales burst appears to come from the prospect of low mortgage rates beginning to rise as Fed officials consider raising a key interest rate from its near-zero level later this year. Past efforts by the Fed officials to reduce their stimulus efforts have led to higher mortgage rates, creating expectations that homebuyers will face increased borrowing costs later this year.

That possibility is prompting some buyers to finalize sales before higher rates make borrowing costs prohibitively expensive, noted Daren Blomquist, a vice president at RealtyTrac, a housing analytics firm.

The premiums that the Federal Housing Administration charges borrowers to insure mortgages are also lower this year, further fueling buying activity, Blomquist said.

It's also possible that more homebuyers are aggressively checking the market for listings, enabling them to act fast with offers despite the lack of new inventory. ``Buyers can more quickly be alerted of new listings and also more conveniently access real estate data to help them pre-search

Realtor Stephan Marshall, top, walks with potential buyer Sasha Martinez at a home for sale in Pacifica, Calif.

tained, but it points clearly to upside potential,'' said Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.

Nationally, a mere five months' supply of homes was on the market in June, compared with 5.5 months a year ago and an average of six months in a healthy market.

Some markets are barely adding any listings. The condominium market in Massachusetts contains just 1.8 months' supply, according to a Federal Reserve report this month. The majority of real estate agents in the Atlanta Fed region which ranges from Alabama to Florida - said that inventories were

a potential purchase before they even step foot in the property,'' said Blomquist, adding that this could help to explain why sales growth have dramatically outpaced new listings so far this year.

Properties typically sold last month in 34 days, the shortest time since the Realtors began tracking the figure in May 2011.

There were fewer all-cash, individual investor and distressed home sales in the market, as more traditional buyers have returned.

Sales improved last month in all four regions: Northeast, Midwest, South and West.

Still, the limited supplies could prove to be a drag on sales growth in the coming months.

Ever rising home values are stretching the budgets of firsttime buyers and owners looking to upgrade. As homes become less affordable, demand will likely taper off.

Home prices have increased at more than three times the pace of wages. The average hourly wage has risen just 2 percent over the past 12 months to $24.95 an hour, according to the Labor Department. -AP

La Colina estates' new-home grandeur with 7 magnificent floorplans Cont’d from page 36

A team of visionaries who are passionate about homebuilding and committed to providing a high quality homebuying and homeownership experience, William Lyon Homes has earned a solid track record for outstanding construction and customer service since 1954.

The company continues to expand its well-respected brand beyond California, Arizona and Nevada and into other market areas across the Western region with the acquisition of Polygon Homes, its newest division in Washington and Oregon, and its Village Homes division in Colorado. William Lyon Home shares are publicly traded on

Nasdaq under the symbol WLH. For updated information and to learn more, visit www.lyonhomes.com.

To visit La Colina Estates, travel the I-210, exit Citrus Avenue North, which turns into W. Foothill Blvd.

Turn left on Barranca Ave., left on W. Sierra Madre Ave., left on Yucca Ridge Road and then right on Iris Lane. The Sales Gallery will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 626.969.1177, or visit www.LyonLaColinaEstates.com.

Prices are effective as of the date of publication. Pricing is approximate and is subject to change without prior notice.

40 India Post

U

daipur, one of the most beautiful cities, is known as 'Jewel of Mewar.' It is the administrative headquarters of Udaipur District in the state of Rajasthan, India. The city on the banks of the calm Pichola Lake, established in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh, is nicknamed as 'Kashmir of Rajasthan' or 'Venice of the East', owing to its natural beauty, enchanting location and picturesque surroundings.

The city is perfectly placed in the backdrop of lush green picturesque natural beauty in the midst of Aravalli Mountain Ranges. It is a lake city with three interconnected lakes, the Pichola Lake, Swaroop Sagar Lake and Fateh Sagar Lake.

The spectacular view of the reddish sun setting beneath the mountain ranges in the backdrop of the lakes is a sight to behold.

11 Entrances The city had eleven entrances in its glorious past. Today five are still remaining.

Suraj (Sun) Pol, the main entrance is very attractive with amazing structures and carvings on them. Udaipur has beautiful build-

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ings, temples and palaces with marvelous architectural styles. The beauty of exquisite Rajasthan marbles adorning the erstwhile Royal palaces is worth mentioning.

One of the most romantic cities in India, Udaipur is a favorite place of tourists planning to book tour packages in India.

It is credited with many beautiful attractions in and around. The royal palace reflected in the clear blue Pichola Lake with all its illuminations and glossiness, shines like a jewel. The view is an eye feasting

July 31, 2015

UDAIPUR IS A FAVORITE PLACE OF TOURISTS PLANNING TO BOOK TOUR PACKAGES IN INDIA. IT IS CREDITED WITH MANY BEAUTIFUL ATTRACTIONS IN AND AROUND.

and unforgettable experience for any traveler. The city provides ample shopping facilities for local craft works, textiles and paintings. The city is also home to one of the most romantic hotels of the world, the Lake Palace Hotel.

Cont’d on page 42

July 31, 2015

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Six India tourist circuits to roll out soon NEW DELHI: Government will soon launch six tourist circuits in a big way to provide a boost to the sector.

"Our aim is to create better infrastructure for facilitating tourists to visit more places," Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma said at a tourism investors' meet organized

by FICCI here.

He said the government has finalized a blue print for growth of tourism and more tourist circuits will be added soon.

"We will be launching six tourist circuits soon. They are Ramayan Circuit, Desert Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit and Rural Circuit," Sharma said.

Tourism Ministry has already been working on launching spiritual circuits across the country which include Buddhist Circuit,

Mahesh Sharma

J&K wants more trains during festive season SRINAGAR: In the view of upcoming festival season, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said he would urge the Centre for operating special trains and flights during Pooja and Diwali holidays to improve tourist footfall in the state.

"I will meet Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu and request him to run special trains during festival season from Kolkata, Mumbai and Ahmedabad to facilitate the tourists intending to visit the Valley," Sayeed said while interacting with a delegation of Kashmir Tourism Trade Bodies' Coordination Committee here.

He also assured the delegation of taking up the matter of starting a direct KolkataSrinagar air service during Pooja holidays with the Union Civil Aviation Minister.

Sayeed directed the tourism stakeholders to organize promotional drives in Kolkatta, Mumbai and Ahmedabad, from

where the State receives maximum visitors.

Referring to the Tourism Mart being organized at Kolkata from July 31, the Chief Minister asked the delegation to participate in the Mart and prepare in advance special packages for attracting visitors from Kolkata during the Durga Pooja holidays.

"Being principal stakeholders, your presence at Kolkata will send a positive signal in building tourist confidence in traveling to Kashmir this season," he said while indicating to the delegation to promote the Val-

ley as an all-season destination.

Sayeed also asked the Tourism Department to install billboards in Kolkata to provide visibility to department's family packages for attracting the tourists.

"This will highlight your packages and draw visitors to the Valley and the State in large numbers," he said.

Over the years, Kashmir has been a favorite destination for tourists from West Bengal, Gujarat and Maharashtra during Durga Pooja and Diwali holidays.

Asking the Director of Tourism department to bring new destinations like Gurez, Kokernag, Daksum, Aharbal and Dudpathri within the ambit of 'Kashmir Calling' campaign, he said autumn and winter seasons continue to hold sway on a special category of dedicated visitors, who make a beeline for visiting Kashmir.

"We need to build on that trust and provide tourists add-on facilities when they visit the Valley during upcoming festive season," he said.

The delegation requested for Chief Minister's intervention in revising the Guidelines of Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme of the Union Tourism Ministry for Medical or Wellness Tourism so as to broaden the scope of the Valley's potential in a totally new line.

They also requested for organizing road shows in South East Asian countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, from where the Valley has traditionally received a large number of tourists.

Meanwhile, an official spokesman said Managing Director of JK Tourism Development Corporation, along with Director Tourism Jammu, will lead a delegation of major tourism players for participating in Tourism Mart at Kolkata, which is beginning from July 31. -PTI

Jain Circuit and Sufi Circuit.

"Work on Ramayan Circuit is already on and soon we will come out with a detailed plan for other circuits as well," he said.

The minister lamented that though India has picturesque beaches and mountain ranges, its tourists prefer to go abroad and suggested that tourism sector was losing because of "perception".

"Our beaches in Andaman and Nicobar are the best in the world. India's share of Himalayas is also maximum. But Indian tourists go to foreign countries to see their beaches and mountains," Sharma said and added, "It is because of the aggressive marketing approach of the hoteliers and airline operators of those countries."

The Tourism Minister also admitted that medical tourism was lagging behind in the country despite the prevailing cheap treatment cost here.

"Indian doctors are doing well in many foreign countries. Our treatment cost is very

less in comparison to other countries. A bypass surgery is eight times cheaper here than abroad. But still we are unable to tap that market," he pointed out.

Sharma also emphasized on developing the right perception, saying it is important for attracting tourists.

"Let us propagate the brighter side of our destinations than highlighting uglier side only," he said.

Sharing his personal experience, he said that he was denied morning walk in Johannesburg for safety and security reasons.

"I was politely told not to venture out of the hotel for my morning walk in Johannesburg as the place was not secured.

But there are so many international advisories on India which affect the tourism sector," he said.

Assuring support, Sharma sought cooperation of private players to make Indian destinations popular. -PTI

US-Cuban connections everywhere in Havana HAVANA: The reopening of embassies and resumption of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba opens a new chapter in the countries' complicated relationship.

But any visitor to the Cuban capital can see that connections between the two nations run long and deep just by taking stock of all the attractions showcasing American culture and history. Despite decades of hostility, some of these sites even seem to celebrate Americans, while others reflect an anti-U.S. point of view.

Here's a look:

himself, is framed over the bar at La Bodeguita del Medio. The Floridita features a Hemingway statue.

Other sites include a yacht club named the Hemingway Marina and a Hemingway monument in the nearby fishing village of Cojimar.

U.S. PRESIDENTS Several sites around Havana reference U.S. presidents, but not all are complimen-

HEMINGWAY American writer Ernest Hemingway lived in Cuba on and off for years and worked on some of his most famous books here, including ``For Whom the Bell Tolls'' and ``The Old Man and the Sea.'' One of Havana's biggest tourist attractions is his estate at Finca Vigia, visited by literary Visitors look at a wax figure of U.S. writer Ernest Hemingway at an exhibition in the wax museum at pilgrims from around the world Bayamo, Cuba and Cubans alike. You can't enter the home, but large open windows provide a good look inside. Liquor tary. bottles and magazines artfully placed amid Inside the Museum of the Revolution, sofas and tables suggest Hemingway will caricatures of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. be back at any moment. Also onsite is Bush and George W. Bush are displayed in Hemingway's boat, the Pilar. ``Cretins Corner.'' Outside the museum sits Photos of Hemingway posing with tro- wreckage from a U.S. spy plane shot down phy fish and with revolutionary leader Fi- over Cuba in 1962 during the Cuban Missile del Castro decorate many bars and hotels, Crisis, a defining moment in John F. including the Ambos Mundos hotel in Old Kennedy's presidency.

Havana, where you can tour a room Abraham Lincoln is honored with two Hemingway lived in. And two Havana bars statues: a miniature sculpture outside an attract a steady stream of tourists in part English-language school, Escuela de thanks to Hemingway's famed drinking dec- Idiomas, on Avenida de los Presidentes belaration: ``My mojito in La Bodeguita, my tween 17th and 19th streets in the Vedado daiquiri in El Floridita.'' The handwritten neighborhood, and a bust in the Parque de quote, allegedly scribbled by Hemingway la Fraternidad on the Paseo del Prado. -AP

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42 India Post

July 31, 2015

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UDAIPUR

City of lakes with marvelous architecture

Cont’d from page 40

Tourist Attractions Bada Mahal: Bada Mahal, liter-

trance of City Palace. The temple with Lord Vishnu as the main deity was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651.

Dil Kushal: Dil Kushal is one Bada Mahal

ally means Big Palace. It is also known as Garden Palace. It is an incredible structural marvel dating back to 17th century and is one of the major attractions of Udaipur. It is built on a 90 feet high natural rock formation. The Mahal is considered as the Men's section of the City Palace, constructed in RajputMughal architectural style. It encloses a beautiful garden, greenish landscaped lawns, vast courtyards, massive pillars and terraces, royal balconies, attractive fountains and royal apartments.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum: Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum, also known as Udaipur Folk Museum, is located to the north of Chetak circle in Udaipur and attracts many people who are interested in artifacts and are curious to know how they are made. This museum has a fine collection of paintings, folk musical instruments, folk dresses and ornaments, dolls, masks, puppets and idols of gods and goddesses.

City Palace: It is the largest palace complex in the state of Rajasthan assumed to be built in 16th century. It is a majestic white marble palace royally placed perfectly in a peak reflecting its beauty in the Pichola Lake. The City Palace is guarded by huge fort walls and comprises of mammoth pillars, huge domes and arches and terraces.

Jagdish Temple: An IndoAryan temple, it is an imposing structure located at the first en-

of the largest portions of the City Palace. This palace, assumed to be added by Maharana Karan in a later period, is considered to be built for the Royal females. Zenana Mahal, the palace of queens, is placed at the southern end of Dil

flowering plants and greenish lawns.

Maharana Pratap Memorial: Set atop Moti Margi or Pearl Hill, this memorial overlooks the charming Fateh Sagar Lake. A site with historical importance, Maharana Pratap Memorial comprises a marvelous bronze statue of Maharana Pratap sitting on his faithful horse, Chetak.

Sajjangarh Palace: Sajjangarh, also known as Monsoon Palace, is located on a peak of Bansdara Mountain as high as 944 m above sea level. It is a gigantic palace overlooking the famous Pichola Lake. The palace construction was started in 1883 by Maharana Sajjan Singh. It was used as summer retreat for Mewar Kings and also as a Monsoon Palace, to watch the progress of Monsoon clouds.

Shilp Gram: Shilp Gram is a craftmen's village located at the foothills of Aravalli Mountains.

The Museum displays the craft, art and cultural heritage of different Indian states including the abJag Mandir Palace

Kushal. The Palace itself placed in beautiful surroundings overlooking the serene Pichola Lake.

Jag Mandir Palace: Jag Mandir, also known as Lake Garden Palace, is an exquisite palace placed in an estuary Island in Pichola Lake. The Palace construction started in the regime of Maharana Karan Singh during the first half of 17th century.

Laxmi Chowk: Laxmi Chowk is considered as the Courtyard of Goddess Lakshmi. It was constructed for the Royal ladies and it is the main courtyard of Queen's Palace, the Zanana Mahal. It is a well laid out Courtyard with many

origines. This is set in a vast area of 173 hectares.

Vintage Car Museum: Just a few kilometers away from the marvelous City Palace is Udaipur's renowned Vintage Car Museum. Set within the ground of the Garden Hotel, the museum showcases a collection of spectacular vintage cars of bygone era. These vehicles were once possessed and used by Maharanas of Udaipur. On display are classic cars like Cadillac, Chevrolet and Morris, while the collection also includes sleek and fast models. This museum is a must see for automobile and car lovers.

Duddhtalaii and Musical Gar-

den: Duddhtalaii Musical Garden is a beautiful rock garden in Duddhtalai built by urban development trust in Udaipur. One can

Mandir, is the lifeline of Udaipur city. All the palaces in the city of palaces are constructed to have a magnificent reflection in this lake.

Shilp Gram

enjoy the magnificent view of the sunset and the panoramic view of the Pichhola Lake and the amazing palaces around the lake from the garden.

Fateh Sagar Lake: An appealing and quiet lake built by Maharana Jai Singh and later renovated by Maharana Fateh Singh, is placed to the north of Lake Pichola with a canal linking the Pichola Lake and Fateh Sagar Lake. The lake is in the greenish backdrop of wooded hills surrounding the three sides and dammed on the other side.

Nehru Garden: Nehru Garden in Udaipur is a beautiful and attractive Garden constructed in an Island at the heart of Fateh Sagar Lake. This enchanting Park can be reached by a pleasant boating ride from one side of the Fateh Sagar Lake.

Pichola Lake: Pichola Lake, the beautiful stretch of water surrounding the two marvelous structures the Jag Niwas and Jag

Saheliyon-ki-Bari: It is a majestic garden located in one of the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake. It is believed this garden was built for 48 beautiful girls who were given to royal house as part of the dowry for a princess.

How to reach

By Train: Udaipur is located in the main broad gauge railway line and the railway station is connected to all other railway stations in India.

By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport is located at Dabok, 22 km from the heart of Udaipur city. Many domestic airlines connect the city to most of the major cities in India including Kolkata, Jaipur, Delhi and Mumbai.

By Bus: Rajasthan Roadways operates public bus services between Udaipur and other major cities in Rajasthan. Volvo super deluxe buses are available from Delhi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad.

Pichola Lake

July 31, 2015

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Why airlines keep pushing biofuels NEW YORK: The number of global fliers is expected to more than double in the next two decades. In order to carry all those extra passengers, airlines are turning to a technology very few can make work on a large scale: converting trash into fuel.

They have no other choice.

As people in countries such as China, India and Indonesia get wealthier they are increasingly turning to air travel for vacation or business, creating an enormous financial opportunity for the airlines. The number of passengers worldwide could more than double, to 7.3 billion a year, in the next two decades, according to the International Air Transport Association.

But many in the industry believe that without a replacement for jet fuel, that growth could be threatened by forthcoming rules that limit global aircraft emissions. ``It's about retaining, as an industry, our license to grow,'' says Julie Felgar, managing director for environmental strategy at plane maker Boeing, which is coordinating sustainable biofuel research programs in the U.S., Australia,

China, Brazil, Japan and the United Arab Emirates.

Cars, trucks and trains can run on electricity, natural gas, or perhaps even hydrogen someday to meet emissions rules. But lifting a few hundred people, suitcases and cargo 35,000 feet into the sky and carrying them across a continent requires so much energy that only liquid fuels can do the trick.

Fuel from corn, which is easy to make and supplies nearly 10 percent of U.S. auto fuel, doesn't provide enough environmental benefit to help airlines meet emissions rules. ``Unlike the ground transport sector, they don't have a lot of alternatives,'' says Debbie Hammel, a bioenergy policy expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

That leaves so-called advanced biofuels made from agricultural waste, trash, or specialty crops that humans don't eat. United Airlines last month announced a $30

million stake in Fulcrum Bioenergy, the biggest investment yet by a U.S. airline in alternative fuels.

Fulcrum hopes to build facilities that turn household trash into diesel and jet fuel.

FedEx, which burns 1.1 billion gallons of jet fuel a year, has promised to buy 3 million gallons per year of fuel that a company called Red Rock Biofuels hopes to make

already in danger of missing its own emissions goals, and that's before any regulations now being considered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and international agencies.

The industry's international trade group has pledged to stop increasing emissions by 2020 even as the number of flights balloons.

By 2050, it wants carbon dioxide

out of wood waste in Oregon.

Southwest Airlines had already agreed to also buy some of Red Rock's planned output.

These efforts are tiny next to airlines' enormous fuel consumption. U.S. airlines burn through 45 million gallons every day. But airlines have little choice but to push biofuels because the industry is

emissions to be half of what they were in 2005.

Like airlines, the U.S. military is also supporting development of these fuels for strategic and financial reasons. For biofuels makers, it is a potentially enormous customer: The military is the biggest single energy consumer in the country.

Making biofuels at large, commercial scale is difficult and dozens of companies have gone belly

up trying. The logistics of securing a steady, cheap supply of whatever the fuel is to be made from can take years. Financing a plant is expensive because lenders know the risks and demand generous terms. A sharp drop in the price of crude oil has made competing with traditional fuels on price more difficult.

The airlines are now seeing some of these difficulties up close.

A United program to power regular flights between Los Angeles and San Francisco with fuels made from agricultural waste was delayed when the fuel producer, AltAir, had trouble retrofitting the existing refinery. The companies now say the flights should begin in August. Red Rock's planned deliveries to Southwest have also been pushed back, to 2017 from 2016, and construction of the plant has not yet started.

But many in the industry say they are not surprised, or daunted, by the time and effort it will take to bring large amounts of biofuels, at competitive prices, to market. ``We really are trying to create a brand new fuel industry,'' says Boeing's Felgar. ``We've always known this is a long term play, and our industry is long term.'' -AP

Hiking the Great Walks on 'Promote Hindu religious New Zealand island FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK, New Zealand: Several items are essential for exploring the magical Southern Alps Mountains that run across New Zealand's South Island: insect repellent, rain gear and ear plugs.

The repellent is to ward off sand flies, those annoying black bugs that are the itchy scourge of hik-

test places on earth. It gets an average 7,200 millimeters (280 inches) of rainfall a year, compared to Seattle, Washington's 38.6 inches (980 millimeters).

And while there's plenty of peace and quiet to enjoy while hiking the region, you may want ear plugs to block the sound of snoring from exhausted hikers in

Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, at sunset in Twizel, New Zealand.

There are many hiking options in the area, including a steep overnighter to the Mueller Hut.

ers in Fiordland National Park. The park, which is bigger than Yosemite and Yellowstone national parks combined, is one of the wet-

the huts that offer lodging along the Great Walks. The Great Walks are routes featured by the country's Department of Conser-

vation for their ``diverse and spectacular scenery.'' Five of the nine Great Walks are on the South Island.

The Great Walks are highly regulated by the DOC, which maintains the trails, checks for hiking passes and staffs the huts with nightly educational talks.

The huts on the most popular Great Walks are large, clean cabins with bunkrooms. They're a great way to be social with likeminded tourists and hear languages from around the world. I had fun teaching my bunkmates how to play an old-fashioned card-and-board game, cribbage.

One of the Fiordland Great Walks, the Milford Track, is a world-famous four-day route.

Hiking it requires planning as much as a year in advance if you're planning on visiting during peak Great Walks season, Oct. 27-April 27. For other South Island adventures, though, it's good to have some flexibility in your schedule as you'll pick up tips on things to do from other hikers and from the knowledgeable staff in DOC offices throughout the country. AP

places in J&K'

NEW DELHI: BJP leader Eshfaq-ur-Rehman Poswal met Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma demanding the promotion of Hindu religious places in Kashmir for the purpose of tourism.

Poswal, a national executive member of BJP's ST Morcha, said the move would provide employment to youth belonging to the scheduled tribe category in vari-

ous areas of the state.

Lamenting that several religious places have been "ignored" by successive governments of Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP leader said their development would boost the state's economy as well.

He apprised the minister that young people, offering services to Amarnath yatris, would lose their jobs once the yatra concludes.-PTI

3 courthouses designated historic places NEW ORLEANS: The National Park Service says the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals building in New Orleans and courthouses in Georgia and Alabama have been named national historic landmarks for their contributions to civil rights.

The announcement said the other two are the Elbert Parr Tuttle U.S. Court of Appeals Building in Atlanta and the Frank M. Johnson Jr. Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Montgomery, Alabama.

The 5th Circuit had jurisdiction over six Southern states in the 1950s and `60s - Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and three that were split off in 1980 - Georgia, Alabama and Florida.

Officials say the courthouses were involved in several cases that were pivotal in the civil rights movement including the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Selma-to-Montgomery march, desegregation of public schools and more. -AP

In Brief Visa issue hinders new Burlington superintendent BURLINGTON, Vt.: The Burlington School District has paid more than $20,000 to immigration lawyers in an attempt to secure a visa for its new superintendent.

Canadian Yaw Obeng still can't legally work in the United States despite being hired to succeed interim Superintendent Howard Smith in February, The Burlington Free Press reported.

Obeng was expected to begin work July 1, but the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service denied his request for an O-1 visa, designed for skilled workers with a high level of proficiency in their fields. ``The reason given for not approving the visa application ... was that the evidence provided was insufficient to establish Mr. Obeng's qualification for the O-1 visa,'' Smith said.

A different option for Obeng would be an H1B visa, which is a three-year work permit for highly skilled workers.

Smith said the district is continuing to pursue all avenues to bring Obeng to Vermont.

A $40,000 budget was established for the district's superintendent search, $23,000 of which was spent on conducting the search itself. Lawyers' fees have grown to $20,500.

The school board said they are confident they will be able to find the $3,500 to cover the overrun. -AP

„ DMV sued for refusing to translate PROVIDENCE, R.I.: An Italian immigrant is suing the Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles for refusing to translate the written driver's license exam or allow for an interpreter.

The Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union announced it had filed a federal complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of Danilo Saccoccio.

The complaint says the DMV is violating a law that requires agencies receiving federal funding to accommodate individuals with limited English proficiency. The complaint asks the DMV to accommodate Saccoccio.

The ACLU says the DMV will only allow Saccoccio to take the exam in English, Spanish or Portuguese.

Saccoccio received his green card in November and is married to an American citizen.-AP

Immigration

Motor home welcome after immigration detention

44 India Post

www.indiapost.com

July 31, 2015

Details on page 45

House passes bill to crack down on 'sanctuary cities' WASHINGTON: The House passed legislation cracking down on "sanctuary cities" that shield residents from federal immigration authorities. Angry Democrats accused Republicans of aligning themselves with Donald Trump and his anti-immigrant views, and the White House threatened a veto.

"The Donald Trump wing of the Republican Party is clearly ascendant here today," Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, said in heated floor debate ahead of the largely party-line vote of 241-179. "This bill is not about grabbing criminals; it's about grabbing headlines."

Republicans countered that action was desperately needed in the wake of the July 1 shooting of Kathryn Steinle, allegedly by an immigrant in the country illegally despite a long criminal record and multiple prior deportations. The man, Juan Francisco Lopez Sanchez, had been released by San Francisco authorities despite a request from federal immigration authorities to keep him detained.

"There are criminals motivated by malice and a conscious disregard for the lives of others, and there are cities more interested in providing a sanctuary for those criminals than they are in provid-

ing a sanctuary for their law-abiding citizens," said Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C. "This is more than an academic discussion. ... It is quite literally life and death."

San Francisco and hundreds of other jurisdictions nationally have adopted policies of disregarding federal immigration re-

Kathryn Steinle

quests, or "detainers," which have been found invalid in court and which advocates say can unfairly target innocent immigrants and hurt relations between immigrant communities and law enforcement authorities.

The House bill, by Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., would

punish jurisdictions that prohibit the collection of immigration information or don't cooperate with federal requests, by blocking them from receiving certain law enforcement grants and funding.

In its veto threat, the White House said the bill would threaten the civil rights of all Americans by allowing law enforcement officials to gather immigration status information from any person at any time.

The White House statement said such an approach would lead to mistrust between local communities and law enforcement agencies.

As debate unfolded on the House floor, Gowdy chaired a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing that included testimony from Kathryn Steinle's father, Jim Steinle, who was with his daughter when she was shot and killed. As he did earlier in an appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Steinle recounted his daughter's shooting as they strolled arm in arm, and her final words asking him for help. He told lawmakers that "hopefully some good will come from Kate's death," if laws could be changed to keep criminal immigrants off the street.

Members of both parties endorsed Steinle's plea but offered dramatically different diagnoses of the problem, with Republicans calling for more enforcement of the law and Democrats calling for a comprehensive immigration overhaul, something House Republi-

Francisco Sanchez

cans have blocked for years.

The comments echoed the years-long national debate over immigration, but this latest chapter comes at a moment when immigration has become a hot-button issue on the presidential campaign trail, thanks to Trump's provocative claims about Mexican immigrants being "rapists" and "criminals."

Cont'd on Page 45

Illegals population stable for several years

I

llegal immigration has been a concern for decades and with the way Congress has been posturing against it, one may be led to believe that it's a major crisis that needs to be brought under control. Surprisingly, however, according to a recently released Pew Research Center estimate, the actual population of unauthorized immigrants in the US has leveled off for over half a decade.

In fact, from 2007, the estimated population of unauthorized immigrants was 12.2 million, and as of 2014, that number sits at 11.3 million. What is interesting is that from 1990 to 2000, the rate of increase has been signifi-

HASAN ABDULLAH

cant, with the population growing from 3.5 million to 7.9 million.

Another interesting statistic is that, although the numbers are stabilizing, the number of unauthorized Mexicans residing in the US has been consistently declining since 2007, accounting for, from 56.2% of the unauthorized immigration population then, and 52.2% of the unauthorized immigrant population in 2014. The number of unauthorized immigrants from Asian, the Caribbean, and Central America have increased during the same period of time to take up a larger proportion of the population.

The fact that the unauthorized immigrant population has stabi-

lized means either fewer people are interested in immigrating to the US by any means necessary, or that border security is doing a better

At though the numbers are stabilizing, the number of unauthorized Mexicans residing in the US has been consistently declining since 2007 job keeping people from entering without inspection, or perhaps a combination of both. At any rate, this stability should lead to less

reluctance on Congress's part to pass legislation to grant amnesty to those who may benefit from certain programs introduced by the President, such as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the still to be cleared, Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) program.

Readers who are interested in learning more about these programs or who would like discuss their immigration matters with an experienced attorney may visit our web site at www.usavisalaw.com where they may find our contact information.

Hasan Abdullah is Attorney at Law

Immigration Post

July 31, 2015

India Post 45

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Motor home welcome after immigration detention TACOMA, Wash.: No friends or family were there to meet more than a dozen people released from Tacoma's federal immigration detention center.

But that didn't mean the former detainees were on their own.

Waiting for them was a 36foot-long motor home that has begun functioning as a welcome mobile. ``Can I make a call?'' one man asked in Spanish as he sat on the RV couch. ``Absolutely,'' volunteer Peggy Herman said, handing him a cellphone.

Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest, a nonprofit organization that helps coordinate resources for detainees, opened its Post-Detention Welcome Center this month and will staff it from 3-6 p.m. on weekdays.

The RV sits outside the release gate at the Northwest Detention Center on the Tacoma Tideflats.

In addition to phone access, it has food, beverages, toiletries, maps of the area, bus cards and people willing to help. ``People get transferred to the detention center sometimes straight from the border or from different states,'' said Esmeralda Santos, Catholic chaplain at the detention center who helped with the RV project. ``They don't have

any family here in Washington. ``The welcome center is very important as far as guiding them and pointing them in the right direction.''

tention, Manuel Mesias Guillen Jimenez made plans from the RV sofa to travel by bus to Pennsylvania, where a sibling-in-law lives.

Jaskarn Singh, 21, an Indian national seeking political asylum in the United States, enjoys a tangerine offered by Peggy Herman of AIDNW.

The center is available as well to loved ones waiting for detainees to be released.

The group sometimes helps with temporary housing or with rides to a bus station or the airport. Sometimes what's needed is a backpack to better carry personal belongings and legal paperwork detainees get in a plastic bag before their release.

Freed after five months in de-

The 26-year-old is from Ecuador and has no family nearby, he said. ``It's helpful for everyone that doesn't know the area,'' he said in Spanish about the Welcome Center. ``Everyone that leaves detention needs something like this.''

A man from India waited in the motor home for a ride to arrive from the Sikh Temple in Renton.

Another man, from El Salvador,

House passes bill to crack down on 'sanctuary cities' Cont'd from Page 44

Trump traveled to the U.S.Mexico border to continue his focus on the issue, to the dismay of many Republicans who fear his campaign risks further alienating Latino voters from the Republican Party. House Republicans rejected Democratic attempts to connect their legislation with Trump's incendiary campaign.

"We have a horrible tragedy that was preventable," said Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, when asked about the linkage.

"Cities do not have the right to ignore federal laws that require them to incarcerate people who have committed serious felonies."

All but five House Republicans backed the bill. One who didn't, Rep. Carlos Curbelo, RFla., a supporter of a comprehensive overhaul, said the legislation wouldn't have prevented Kathryn Steinle's death to begin

for the 11.5 million people in the with.

"This is an exercise, this is not country illegally.

"The appetite for amnesty has a solution," Curbelo told reporters. "This may generate a head- diminished dramatically after we line, but it's not going to solve a see the carnage in the streets of America at the hands of criminal problem."

But other House Republicans aliens that should have been reviewed the vote as just the first step in advancing a slate of enforcementfocused immigration bills centered on beefing up border security and cracking down on immigrants with c r i m i n a l Kathryn Steinle's father, Jim Steinle records. Such an approach would ignore the advice of some moved from the country," said Republican Party leaders who've Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa. "And urged the party to reach out to so that means that now the cliLatino voters by embracing com- mate is much better to try to prehensive overhaul legislation move down the line on enforceincluding a path to citizenship ment." -AP

planned by phone to travel to Phoenix, where a brother and uncle live.

Candelario Lopez, 19, also from El Salvador, used the RV cellphone to arrange a flight to Maryland, where his sister lives.

Asked what would have happened without the welcome center, he said simply in Spanish: ``Lots of problems.''

Guards at the detention center have started telling detainees about the RV before their release, Lopez and others said.

Before, detainees would have had to either know to call AID Northwest before getting out or luck into finding a volunteer outside. ``If they know, we help them,'' said Herman, an immigration attorney. ``But that's what we started to realize, is that too many people don't know.''

A total of 16 detainees stopped by the first two days the center was open. ``With this increased demand, it's going to be a challenge,'' Herman said.

Starting the center put roughly a $25,000 dent in the organization's budget, but Herman said she believes the project is sustainable.

The motor home can legally be parked outside the detention center five days a week. And on weekends, a nearby business has agreed to let the group park in its lot.

If needed, when it's time to fill the water tank or empty the sewage container, Dash Point State Park is a short drive away.

They hope to have three or four volunteers staff the center at a time, including at least one who speaks Spanish, though bilingual speakers of any variety will be appreciated.

And at least one person will be versed in which sorts of paperwork and government agencies the former detainees should be considering, such as for getting a work permit. ``Someone to provide that kind of basic information about next steps for them,'' Herman said. -AP

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Datebook

July 31, 2015

NEW JERSEY Upcoming Sun, Aug 2 • Nitin Mukesh live in concert New Jersey Venue: Sayreville War Memorial High School, 820 Washington Road, NJ 08859 Time: 5:30 pm Contact: 8482191079

Sun, Aug 9 • India Foundation Of Metropolitan Princeton Picnic Venue: Mercer County Park East, 1346 Edinburg Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550 Time : 11:00 am Contact: 609-297-7116

Sat, Aug 22 • Mitrahs Festival 2015 Venue: Wilkins Performing Arts Center, 1000 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083 Time: 5:30 pm Contact: 973-759-0040

NEW YORK Upcoming Sat, Aug 1 • Om Entertainment - Nitin Mukesh Live In Concert Venue: Community Center Auditorium, 14309 Holly Ave, flushing, NY 11355 Time : 7:00 pm

Sat, Aug 15 • Mera Woh Matlab Nahin Tha Starring: Anupam & Neena Venue: Tilles Center, 720 Northern Blvd, Greenvale, NY 11548 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 516 692 8690

Sat, Aug 22 • Glorious Gujarat USA Venue: New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837 Time : 10:00 am

India Post 47

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CHICAGO

Upcoming

Upcoming

Fri, Jul 31 • Paatasala Telugu School registration Venue: Telugu Times, 68 S Abel St, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 8:00 am

Fri, Aug 7 • Festival of Globe: Festival of India and Parade with San Francisco Global Movie Fest Venue: Corner of Paseo Padre and Walnut Ave., 39439 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 510-304-5619

Fri, Aug 7 • Iffer - Antakshiri & Karaoke Night Venue: Golden Peacock Banquets, 24989 Santa Clara St, Hayward, CA 94544 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 6509212846

Sat Aug 8 • Marathi Movie - Bioscope Venue: Serra Theaters, 200 Serra Way, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 2:00 pm Contact: 650-6706665

Fri, Aug 14 • Desi Comedy Fest Venue: The Basement, 222 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94102 Time: 8:00 pm

Fri, Aug 8 • Festival of Globe: International Year of the Woman Movie Petals in the Dust Panelists: Divya Khosla, Neha Dhupia, Nyna Pais Caputi Time: 05:00 pm to 09:00 pm

Sat, Aug 13 Movie Tara Panelists: Shabana Azmi, Richha Chadda, Kat Kramer, Juhi Chawla Time: 05:00 pm to 09:00 pm Venue: 201 South Second Street, San Jose, CA 95113 Contact: 510-304-5619

ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, Aug 1 • Gujarati Comedy Play Pappa Avaj Hoi Che Venue: Gujarati Samaj Inc, 5331 Royalwood parkway Tucker, Atlanta, GA 30084 Time: 8:00 pm

Fri, Aug 7 • ICHF Presents Arathi Dance Fest 2015 Venue: Dallas City Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 2148838538

Mon, Aug 31 • MITHAS 2014 Membership Venue: Wong Auditorium, MIT, 70 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 02142 Time: 07:00 pm Contact: 857-205-9731

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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Horoscope

July 31, 2015

India Post

49

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Your Weekly Future

by Pandit Parashar

July 31st - August 6th 2015 (March 21 to April 20)

A

dvise and guidance received from a learned person in the past will steer life in the right direction. New partnership will be lucky. Gamble will pay off in shape of rich rewards. You have some real easy money coming your way. Do not allow heart rule over your head or will have to go emotional roller coaster ride immediately.

(April 21 to May 20)

F

ew weird things may give you a little shock this week and you may call someone to seek some answers.

Money wise you will continue to grow. A property deal may get delayed or cancelled by other side.

Spouse will work extra hard to meet fresh challenge. You will take time out to travel to a nice place with family.

(May 21 to June 20)

E

xpenses will stay at rock bottom. You may be taking a short trip with family and visit a new place this time. Work on a new project will start and you may add the pressure of deadline to people working on it. Some of you may also make a smooth switch in career and move to a better paying job. Bank balance will creep up slowly.

(June 21 to July 22)

J

ust remember that things will happen if you put your heart and soul into it. You may finally give shape to an idea on hold for many many years. Results will surprise everyone and bring smile to your face. Do not hesitate to try your hands at lottery. Some of you may sign a deal to buy another business already operating.

(July 23 to August 22)

(November 23 to December 22)

W

atch out as some of your actions may be damaging for your image in close circle and be extra careful when dealing with the government agency. Some of you may be seriously thinking of expanding your horizons and may apply for another franchise. One of your automobile may need minor repairs. Money will come and go fast.

(August 23 to September 22)

Y

ou will slightly go out of your way when buying gift for someone. Party will be relaxing as you will meet old friends after long interval. People in business will need to invest more on adding new inventory. You may spend longer hours away from home this week. A government agency may ask for more paper work.

(September 23 to October 22)

P

eople in business will have few legal issues to resolve quickly. Money wise you will continue to grow at fast pace as previous investments will turn profitable. You may be seriously thinking of investing in a nice piece of land. You may also change some electrical gadget with newer version in the house.

(October 23 to November 22)

A

nd things may start getting hot at the place of work. It will be a good idea to start looking for better opportunity now rather than waiting till the last minute. Seek help from a friend if needed. Money wise you will continue to be in safe zone. Try to be on time for the meeting. Interesting things coming in mail.

PANDIT PARASHAR, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations.

He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com

Y

ou will lack perfection in your actions and a result, things will take slight longer time to get done. Your concerns about a child will grow with no solution visible in immediate future. You are very close to some major change in career, just hang in there. Some of you may replace an old vehicle with newer one.

(December 22 to January 19)

S

pouse may need extra medical attention. Some major changes around the corner in career. You may travel long distance to attend a social event this week. You should let the past go if you want to move ahead in life. Work on the advise given by a trusted friend. A child may start getting ready to move away for a good reason.

(January 20 to February 18)

Y

ou will accomplish a lot this week. Little negotiation will improve things at work with a small raise in sight.

There will be slight change in travel plans. You may have some work done in or around your home. Ideas given by spouse are not that bad but you may ignore them as usual. Keep an eye on charges on credit Card.

(February 19 to March 20)

U

sing little diplomacy, you will overcome your strong opponent and beat them with their own game.

You may ignore an opportunity to make money little unorthodox way. You may sit down with your child and help fill up some important papers. It's good to be busy but try to eat meals on time in order to avert complications.

510-886-4370 www.parashar.com

50 India Post

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July 31, 2015

MUMBAI: The hunt for India's most desirable man by country's oldest and most prestigious pageant for men came to its end with Rohit Khandewal from Hyderabad being announced Provogue Personal Care Mr India 2015.

The Mr India 2015 winners were announced after multi-city auditions that received an overwhelming response from over 10 thousand participants across the country.

This year the pageant comprised 4 city auditions across 4 zones in the country, which culminated into a gala final round of auditions, and gave wings to larger-than-life aspiration of millions of young men out to redefine their destiny.

Rohit Khandewal from Hyderabad was announced Mr India 2015 winner, Rahul Rajasekharan from Bangalore was announced 1st Runner up and Prateek Gujaral from Mumbai was announced 2nd Runner up. While Rohit Khandewal will be representing India at the prestigious Mr World pageant, the runner's up will be lauded with plentiful opportunities in glamour, modeling and acting fields.

Winners also received gratification from sponsors worth lakhs of rupees.

The grand finale was attended by key personalities from the fashion, TV and Bollywood industry. Manasi Scott gave a dazzling performance to the hit tunes of the Bollywood chartbusters to lighten up the atmosphere for the contestants.

The icing on the cake for the winners was when Bollywood diva Kareena Kapoor came to congratulate them and celebrate their success.

The grand finale was attended by key personalities from the fashion, TV and Bollywood industry. Manasi Scott gave a dazzling performance

The winners with Kareena Kapoor

Celebrities like Tushar Kapoor, Director Madhur Bhandakar, Ken Ghosh, Vatsal Sheth, Rocky S, Nishka Lulla, Candice Pinto, Shilpa Agnihotri, Evelyn Sharma, Pernia Qureshi and Prachi Desai amongst others were also seen attending the event.

The contestants were supported by experts from the different verticals of the glamour industry to train and guide them to excel in the contest. The panelists included experts like show director Prasad Bidapa, Fashion Director Nivedita Sabboo, Cricketer Zaheer Khan (Pro Sport Fitness), Bollywood Casting Director Nalini Rathnam, Photography by Amit Khanna and Hair & Make-up by Kromakay. -PTI

July 31, 2015

India Post 51 www.indiapost.com

Home cooked meals through mobile app NEW DELHI: What if your neighbor has cooked pasta for lunch while her neighbor has rustled up a Nizami biriyani and you had the option to order in both piping hot at your workplace?

That is no more wishful thinking now with 'Million Kitchen', a brand new mobile-based home food discovery and ordering platform that enables home cooked meals to be delivered at the doorstep.

"Say my mother has cooked amazing pasta today and your mother has cooked mutton curry.

Anyone in a 5 to 7 kilometer radius looking for mutton curry today can just go and search and in three clicks order the pasta or the mutton. The app is available on Anroid only and the menu changes everyday," says Vimlendu Jha, Founder and CEO of Million Kitchen.

The mobile application which operates on the principle of "hyperlocal homemade food on the cloud," is an enterprise by the Delhi-based NGO Swechha and allows women hailing from various

socio-economic backgrounds to earn money using their cooking skills.

The idea for the technology enterprise began as an idea for a program called 'Lunchbox 17,' where women in a specific slum of Delhi were approached and asked

organize a dabba system, which offers affordable home cooked food and developed the 'Million Kitchen' app, where my mother or your mother or aunt or household help can just click a photograph of what she just cooked and post it on the app," says Jha, who also

to cook meals, which Swecha, a city-based NGO would then help sell. "We were thinking on how to

heads the NGO. After the success of this idea, the NGO decided to scale up the

venture on to a mobile platform that could be used in a number of other locales.

"The reason it is called 'Million Kitchen' is because anyone and everyone can be a food entrepreneur. Every dormant kitchen is a resource lying underutilized. Every woman who knows how to cook has a skill through which she can start earning," says Jha. For now, only users in Delhi can download the two-month old app and upload dishes they've prepared, which can then be purchased and delivered to other app users. The food has to be ordered one-and-half hours prior to the delivery time.

A central kitchen operating out the NGO's office in south Delhi is tasked with checking for safety and hygiene of meals.

The kitchen also offers space to women who do not have access to a good kitchen.

"We have around 20 independent sellers who are a part of the app and we do about 150 orders a day. So we have about 200 dishes listed till now. There are more and

more women writing to participate with us and even men are talking to us to get their mothers, wives, aunts involved. We have generated a good interest," says Jha. In a month since it commenced operations, the venture is now selling about 100 units daily. Prices range between Rs 40 and go upwards to Rs 220 and more.

"We follow a standard process where pre-ordered food is delivered to us in the morning and then orders are dispatched according to the demand," says Jha. Jha says the venture has spawned several success stories like Poonam Thapa, a professional cook employed at the home of a friend of Jha who assisted her in getting on to the app and helped her fix the prices for the dishes she cooks.

"She began earning about Rs 5000 extra per day but she earns it on her terms operating out of her own house where she is her own boss. Right now we only do 100 orders, tomorrow we can do 500 orders and so every month she can earn about Rs 30,000 or more," says Jha. -PTI

Women's chastity questioned in age of DNA tests!

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ational Award winning filmmaker Aparna Sen says women were still subjected to questions on chastity in an era when scientific progress has provided tools like DNA tests to settle paternity issues.

"Women are seen as child bearers. Now there are DNA tests, human genome is known, there are microchips but why are we still in that same position?

"Our thinking process has not evolved with the times," Sen said during a panel discussion centered around women's empowerment, the theme of filmmaker Raja Dasgupta's directorial debut "Choukath: The Threshold".

The film explores various aspects of women's empowerment and portrays the struggle of women in the modern world. Sen was asked on men's chastity ver-

Aparna Sen

s u s women's chastity in modern times.

"When we were huntergatherers, t h e s e questions never used to arise.

That time, women used to fight and w h o s e child it is was not in considera t i o n .

When human bei n g s

started farming and assimilated property and wealth, questions arose on who would inherit them.

"Is it going to my descendants? Is it going to the gene that I am propagating or is there any other male? From this, the initial suspicions about women started and it is still going on," she said.

The "Chotushkone" filmmaker also denounced the no-

tion of women being each other's enemies.

"I don't think that women are enemies of themselves, or that men are women's enemies or men are men's enemies. I think everybody is a victim of their conditioning. There is a herd mentality that we need to get out of... just because everybody is doing this, I need to that," he said.

52 India Post

July 31, 2015 www.indiapost.com

Madonna feels like Picasso: Wheel chair-bound model eyes Bolly break no expiration date NEW YORK: Madonna thinks artists deep into their careers should stop if they don't have anything more to say. But at 56, the singer says she still has things to talk about, and in short, she feels like Pablo Picasso. ``I like to compare myself to

``I don't think there's a time, a date, an expiration date for being creative,'' she said. ``I think you go until you don't have any more to say.''

The pop icon will launch her Rebel Heart Tour on Sept. 9 in Montreal. The tour includes more

Madonna arrives at the 57th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The pop icon is launching her Rebel Heart Tour this fall, which includes more than 60 shows across North America, Europe, Australia and Asia.

other kinds of artists like Picasso.

He kept painting and painting until the day he died. Why? Because I guess he felt inspired to do so,'' she said. ``Life inspired him, so he had to keep expressing himself, and that's how I feel.''

Madonna released her selftitled debut album in 1983, and her latest album, ``Rebel Heart,'' earlier this year. She said the key to sticking around is her continual desire to inspire others.

than 60 shows across North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. ``The theme I really truly explore in this show more than anything is love and romance,'' she said in a phone interview from her home in New York City. ``I want people to walk out like they're feeling inspired and like they've seen something they've never seen before (and) felt something they've never felt before.''

Comedian Amy Schumer, whose new movie ``Trainwreck'' opened impressively at No. 2 with $30.2 million last weekend, will open for three Madonna shows in New York. ``She's a role model for women, and I am too, and I think it's a good match,'' said Madonna, who added that the idea to bring Schumer on board came from the singer's management team. ``I love her and ... I just thought, `That's interesting.'

(I'll) try something new and different rather than the usual run-ofthe-mill - have a band, have a DJ. It's definitely a new thing. I hope it works - fingers crossed.''

Madonna says picking the set list for her upcoming tour has been hard, mainly because she wants to sing her newest songs but also satisfy her longtime, die-hard fans. ``I realize I have 32 years of other songs, so I have to pick and choose. I sit there for weeks and weeks and weeks trying to figure out which of my old catalog I want to do,'' she said. ``It's a puzzle that we have to put together `cause thematically the songs the old and the new _ they have to go together; sonically they have to go together.''

She's even picky about the costumes onstage. ``What people wear, from their footwear to the buttons on their jacket, is all very important to me,'' she said. -AP

16 finalists chosen for Miss India-Canada Event India Post News Service

TORONTO: Sixteen finalists have been selected for competition in the twenty fifth annual Miss India-Canada Event, which is presented by Chevrolet. The associate sponsor is Air Canada.

The prestigious title carries with it numerous awards and prizes.

As special Silver Anniversary giveaway, all those that attend will have a chance to win a PAIR of round trip air tickets to India on the non-stop, Air Canada Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The Miss India-Canada event is unique in many ways-delegates are judged on their Evening Gown, Talent, and their ability to speak in public. The

show is focused on Indian arts and culture and at the same time blending into the Canadian mosaic.

This year's exclusive South Asian television sponsor, ATN, will broadcast the event follow-

ing the show.

The 16 finalists will compete for the title on-stage on Saturday, August 15, 5:30pm at the International Plaza Hotel, culminating in the crowning of Miss India-Canada 2015.

Last year's delegates vying for the title. -Pic M. Sagoo

MUMBAI: 23-year-old Virali Modi last visited Mumbai in 2006 and contracted malaria when she went back to the US, putting an end to her modeling plans. She is now back in the city to give auditions, and is eyeing a big Bollywood break.

When she last visited Mumbai, this Indian-origin model from the

Virali Modi

United States ended up contracting malaria that confined her to a wheelchair and put an end to her ambitious modeling plans. Refusing to let her condition affect her dreams, she worked hard all these years and is now hunting for modeling assignments and roles in Bollywood.

Virali Modi, a 23-year-old resident of Pennsylvania, was born in

Mumbai. At the tender age of 13, she completed a modeling and acting course from the Barbizon Modelling and Acting School in the US. In July 2006, when she was 14 years old, Modi visited Mumbai. However, when she returned to the US a month later, she forgot to take anti-malarial shots.

Modi claims she was to sign a modeling contract for a popular international soft drink, but suddenly fell sick and had to be hospitalized, resulting in the opportunity slipping from her hands. She says that during her stay in hospital, her condition worsened and she even slipped into coma. "The treating doctors had almost declared me clinically dead, but after a few minutes I bounced back to life. But gradually, I realized that I was not able to move my legs and had to take to a wheelchair thereafter," she recalled.

Instead of plunging into despair, Modi worked hard on regaining her mobility, so she could pursue her dream of becoming a model and actor. She moved back to Mumbai in 2008 for treatment.

Dr Alok Sharma, a noted neurosurgeon who is treating Modi, told Mid-day, "Virali has been under my care for the last four years. She was brought to me with a history of damaged spinal cord and swelling, that was a result of some infection that had made her completely immobile. -Courtesy Mid-Day

Anushka can't choose between Ranveer, Ranbir

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nushka Sharma is all praise for the style sense of actors Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh and says it's "difficult to choose between the two" when it comes to who beats the other in fashion.

Asked to compare and choose between the style quotient of Ranveer and Ranbir, Anushka said: "Ranveer, as I always say, is a huge risk taker. His sense of style is an act of bravery.

Whereas Ranbir dresses little bit more relaxed. So both of them have a very very different kind of style and it's really difficult to choose between the two."

The PK actress also said that style is a very personal thing for her. "It's an extension of who you are as a person or how you feel on a particular day. No point in changing anybody. It's like altering them as people. So

why change anyone. Let the people dress the way they dress, after all it's just clothes," she said at an awards event in Mumbai.

Ranveer and Anushka have worked together in several films and their film Band Baaja Baaraat was a big hit among the masses.

Their on screen chemistry in Zoya Akhtar's Dil Dhadakne Do also came in for much praise.

Philosophy

July 31, 2015

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis COLIN DRAKE

M

any people complain of a 'restless mind' when they try to meditate, contemplate or just relax into pure awareness. Their thoughts seem to speed up and many worldly worries crowd in that seem to make meditation, contemplation, or relaxation appear impossible.

If one attempts to suppress them or replace them with other thoughts, this often exacerbates the problem turning the river into a veritable torrent! Now this may be a problem if one is attempting one-pointed concentration, as in meditation. It may also seem to make contemplation, or investigation, impossible as it disturbs the flow of thoughts, dedicated to one subject, that this requires.

However, for just relaxing into pure awareness the torrent of thoughts of the 'monkey mind' or 'worry wart' is no problem; for in this relaxation there truly is nothing to find, achieve or acquire as awareness is already (and always) present. All that is required is to recognize this fact by seeing that there is awareness of this stream of thoughts/worries.

This 'seeing' has the potential to break the habit of the mind to follow these thoughts, and then they just come and go in awareness, leaving it unaffected in the same way that clouds scud across the sky, or waves appear in the ocean.

Once this occurs one can then revert to contemplation/investigation G. DE PURUCKER

T

here is a totally wrong idea in the world that the way to obtain the "kingdom of heaven" (to use the ordinary Christian phraseology) is by giving up your manhood; that the way to grow strong is by becoming a fool; and that the way to attain divine peace and harmony is by becoming an imbecile on the earth.

The so-called ascetic is on the wrong path. A man will never attain the kingdom of heaven merely by living on potatoes and carrots, or by sleeping only half an hour a day or night, or by lying on a bed of spikes, or by abstaining from this and doing that merely with the physical body.

The picture that I have seen of men subduing the body, as they thought, and yet with minds crooked and degraded with corruption! Wickedness is not in the body; evildoing is not of the body.

The body is an irresponsible instrument of your will and of your intelligence. It is your will and your intelligence which you must train; and then you train yourselves and you become truly men and are on the pathway to human divinity.

Do not kill your personality; do

if one wishes, or just remain relaxing into awareness itself.

Even if this does not occur, and the restless mind continues with its incessant chatter, this is no problem for awareness which just witnesses this, whilst remaining totally unconcerned. The seeing of this in turn leads to the mind letting go of all its expectations of what is required for the relaxation to deepen (i.e. that the mind

ing the mind less likely to scamper after them. The mind is a far more amenable servant when it can truly understand what is required of it and see the point of this. The recognition of pure awareness leads to perfect peace, for awareness itself is always absolutely still and totally silent and this is perfect peace.

Whereas, meditation on an object which requires one-pointed concentration is a somewhat arti-

ness becoming more intense.

Therefore this style of meditation can become counter-productive leading to frustration and a feeling of failure. Which is a great shame for the peace of pure awareness is always present behind this intense activity and this can be readily recognized with the relevant shifting of attention.

The other problem with 'sitting' meditation is that, for most

Restless mind no problem for awareness The mind is a far more amenable servant when it can truly understand what is required of it and see the point of this. The recognition Colin Drake

of pure awareness leads to perfect peace

should become quiet), resulting in this deepening naturally occurring.

Paradoxically this can then result in the flow of discursive thoughts lessening, leading to even deeper relaxation ‌ But if this does not happen it's no problem!

This is where the technique of recognizing the presence of awareness, and relaxing into that, differs from those that require concentration. For this recognition has the power to diffuse thoughts (and sensations) as their ephemeral nature becomes apparent, thus mak-

ficial activity, with which the mind struggles as it fails to truly 'see' the point. If this practice is perfected it can lead to the same state of perfect peace, but this is not the beginner's experience.

Because the mind finds it difficult to truly engage with this practice, this lack of engagement leaves the mind as restless as it was before the activity was embarked upon. In fact any attempt to artificially yoke the mind to an activity which it is unused to, and does not enjoy, often leads to the restless-

westerners, it is not a truly comfortable occupation unaccustomed as we are to sitting cross-legged, whereas relaxing into pure awareness can be done in any position and is best done where there is no discomfort whatsoever.

Colin Drake has been a meditator since 1978 and was awakened by Gangaji in 1996. Born in London, he now resides in Australia. For articles, books, biography, poems etc go to http:// w w w. l u l u . c o m / s p o t l i g h t / ColinDrake

not annihilate your personality in the sense of wiping it out. You have brought it into being yourself; it is a part of you, the emotional and psychical part of you, the lower mental part of you, the passional part of you, the evolutionary work of aeons upon aeons in the past. Raise the personality.

Cleanse it, train it, make it shapely and symmetrical to your will and to your thought, discipline it, make

spirit, of the spiritual or divine consciousness. It is not the fall of the personal which frees the spiritual man; it is the raising of the personal into becoming spiritual, which is the work of evolution.

This is the same thing that natural evolution in its slow agelong process is trying to accomplish - to raise the lower up to become higher - not to kill it, not to down it.

whims and your little this and little that. Salvage your lower portions to nobler and superior uses. When the personal shall have become transfigured; when the personal shall be able to manifest more or less fully the sublime.

Turn your gaze inward, not outward; and this does not mean to be solely introspective and to abandon extraspection. You must see in both directions. But do not

The so-called ascetic is on the wrong path Be the holiest and noblest and purest. Then you can forget your body. You can forget your personality which the body expresses; and by personality I mean all the lower faculties of you it the temple of a living god so that it shall become a fit vehicle, a clean and pure channel for passing into the human consciousness the heart of the universe.

Rays of glory streaming from the god within - these rays of glory being rays of consciousness of the

Be the holiest and noblest and purest that you can think of. Then you can forget your body. You can forget your personality which the body expresses; and by personality I mean all the lower faculties of you: the lower mental and the emotional part of you, your

G. de Purucker

seek for truth in any place except in the faculty which cognizes truth which is your inmost self.

Excerpted from Golden Precepts of Esotericism.G. de Purucker, (1874-1942) born in New York, was a leader of The Theosophical Society.

I have learned so much from God that I can no longer call myself a Christian, a Hindu, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Jew. -Hafez Rather than jumping from one shallow happiness to another shallow happiness and wasting your life, it is better to use sadness as a means for meditation. Witness it. It is a friend! It opens the the door of your eternal aloneness.

-Osho Rajneesh There is a magnet in your heart that will attract true friends. That magnet is unselfishness, thinking of others first; when you learn to live for others, they will live for you.

-Paramahansa Yogananda Your duty is to be and not to be this or that. 'I am that I am' sums up the whole truth. The method is summed up in the words 'Be still'. What does stillness mean? It means destroy yourself. Because any form or shape is the cause for trouble. Give up the notion that 'I am so and so'. All that is required to realize the Self is to be still.

-Ramana Maharshi When mind is still, then truth gets her chance to be heard in the purity of the silence.

-Sri Aurobindo

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

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The Iran deal: Is it hard to resist?

India Post

AMIT GUPTA

A

fter much pain and negotiation, the P5+1 and Iran have reached a nuclear deal. Inevitably, the Republicans, along with a set of strange bedfellows consisting of Israel, the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, and even some Democrats, are questioning the agreement because they are suspicious of Iranian intentions.

The deal's opponents argue that it does not roll back the Iranian nuclear program and it endangers America's allies-most notably Israel and Saudi Arabia-and it encourages Iranian expansionism and support for terrorism. The debate, however, ignores the realities on the ground in the Middle East and in the broader international system.

First, nowhere in the American debate is it acknowledged that Israel has nuclear weapons along

nuclear facilities. Such support would have to come from the US and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has done a good job of alienating US President Barack Obama.

Third, Saudi Arabia, which wants to fight a Sunni-Shia religious war against Iran, on its own, cannot sustain a conventional military battle against Tehran and needs foreign military labor-Pakistani and American-to do so.

Hence both Saudi Arabia and Israel are desperately trying to egg on the US to go to war.

Fourth, the American population has war fatigue and has no stomach for a military invasion and subsequently a potential occupation of Iran. Fifteen years of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan has taken away the appetite for such a conflict.

Republicans like John Sidney

US Secretary of State John Kerry, left, shakes hands with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif before a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland , Jan. 14, 2015

with reliable delivery systems.

What we have, therefore, is not a weak, defenseless Israel but, instead, a situation where Jerusalem not only has a deterrent but also the ability to deliver a guaranteed second strike against Iran.

Moreover, unlike India, Israel can, and does, take steps to deter unconventional aggression (terrorism). Thus the Israelis carry out targeted assassinations and retaliatory strikes against non-state actors to prevent future terrorist activity.

Second, the problem for the Israelis is that for some time they have been threatening to take unilateral action against Iran but lack the ability to do so.

They lack the logistical and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to undertake a strike against Iranian

McCain and Lindsay Olin Graham blithely talk of placing troops all over the Middle East without asking the American people what they want.

The answer is that while the American people will support a short bombing campaign, they are far less enthusiastic about putting boots on the ground.

The latter point is important since Americans now realize that in the short to medium term they will not be exiting Iraq or Afghanistan. Occupying and subsequently sitting in Iran for a decade has very little appeal to the American public.

Fifth, the US cannot afford another drawn out war and neither can its European allies. The longterm bill for Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the Nobel Prize winning economist Joe Stiglitz, is up-

wards of $3 billion and another war would have severely adverse financial consequences.

Further, the debate in America is now about the growing economic inequality in the country and the fact that it will require a reallocation of funds, from defense to social and economic programs, to address this issue.

Nor will the allies step up to the plate. Iraq was a popular war for the allies since they had few casualties-Britain was a notable exception. But with high casualties, the allies' commitment begins to weaken.

The Canadians, for example, lost 157 troops in Afghanistan and decided to withdraw because a higher level of casualties would have been unacceptable to Canadian public opinion.

In the Libya, campaign NATO ran out of precision-guided munitions and had to use F-16s because the US could provide the needed weaponry. Add to this the fact that most of the NATO countries have aging populations that need expensive health care and wasting money on defense and external adventures does not remain as a viable option.

Sixth, at a cynical level, there is an economic window of opportunity that opens up with the Iran deal. The Gulf States and Saudi Arabia, none of whom can independently or collectively take on Iran, will seek to buy more American weaponry so as to strengthen Washington's security guarantees to these countries.

Further, as Iran begins to pump oil, analysts expect the price of petroleum to fall by as much as $10 a barrel thus giving major relief to the economies of the world.

Two alternatives, therefore, emerge for American foreign policy vis-Ă -vis Iran: Ratify the agreement and work diplomatically to expand Iran's engagement with the world. Or, reject the agreement, denounce Iran, and get it to move forward on the path to nuclear weapons. If the latter happens, there is no guarantee that the other members of P5+1 will stand with Washington.

Amit Gupta is an Associate Professor in the Department of International Security Studies at the USAF Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama. The views in this article are his and do not necessarily reflect those of the USAF or the Department of Defense.

Courtesy IPCS

Leader to watch

T

he superb oration of Shashi Tharoor at the Oxford Union has already gone viral on the Net. In it he has made a case for Britain to pay reparation to India for the atrocities committed during its near 200 year colonial rule. Citing statistics, he has listed the atrocities proving that all the development that Britain did in India was to facilitate their own trade, specifically taking out raw material from India and selling it back to the natives as finished goods.

The railways and roads were built for the convenience of the rulers, to be able to quickly ship goods and troops. Nothing was done for the sake of the general Indian populace. Millions of Indians died in the two wars fighting as British troops. They just served as cannon fodder, died unsung and unknown. The great Bengal famine of 1943 was caused by all foodgrains being diverted for the use of British troops in Europe leaving the starving natives to die.

The reparation that Tharoor demanded was not in the form of any financial commitment. It was a moral obligation to at least say sorry.

If they committed just one pound every year for say 200 years, it would be enough symbolism.

Shashi Tharoor is one of the rare young leaders in the Congress, a party of old people. There are other young leaders in the Congress but they are all there due to family connections, have some royal past or are mere faithfuls of the Congress first family. In fact the Congress today is a private limited company of the Gandhi family. Shashi Tharoor is the only one with independent and excellent credentials to be a leader. It is a wonder that he continues to waste his talents in a party where only the Gandhis can be supreme and unquestioned leaders. If the party had any sense of future, Tharoor should have been anointed the new young leader to head the Congress.

Shashi Tharoor has been Under-Secretary General at the United Nations. He even contested the election for UN Secretary General but lost it because the US refused to support him even though India had adopted him as its candidate. Still he came a close second in the 2006 elections to the now Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Tharoor is also a writer, having authored 15 bestselling works of fiction and non-fiction. He is also the author of hundreds of columns and articles in well-known publications. Compared to him family scion Rahul Gandhi comes as an insipid pretender. It was interesting to find the pretender openly consulting Tharoor during the ongoing parliament session.

Tharoor has not been strictly toeing the party line and has often earned the ire of the Queen (Sonia Gandhi). He has been praising the foreign policy initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He had also expressed himself against the policy of disruptions in Parliament that the Congress party is now indulging in.

For all this Sonia Gandhi snubbed him at a party forum, saying, "You always do this." The subsequent bon homie that Rahul Gandhi displayed toward him in Parliament perhaps owes it to Tharoor's Oxford Union speech which has won him laurels even from Prime Minister Modi.

However, it has been pointed out the British have been the favorite whipping boys of the Congress which targets them to hide its own failures. An editorial in the Times of India says, "Almost seven decades of independence have made little difference to India's economic size in relation to the world. And for much of this period Tharoor's party, Congress, was in power."

At the end of his Oxford Union speech Tharoor says "The ability to acknowledge a wrong that has been done, to simply say sorry will go a far far longer way than some percentage of GDP." This last bit could easily apply to some of India's political parties.

July 31, 2015

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