IndiaPost_08-05-2011 by Ghanshyam Bisht

Top Stories

India Post V O I C E

O F

I N D I A N S

W O R L D W I D E

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK • WASHINGTON D.C. • CHICAGO • ATLANTA • CALIFORNIA

Susmita Thomas

Los Angeles bids farewell to CG Thomas Details on page 19

VOL 17, No. 882

August 5, 2011

50¢

Periodical Postage

1ST INDIAN MUSLIM JUDGE IN U.S. Gov. Christie slams critics of appointment

SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

Consul Vishwas gets warm farewell

son, NJ, on July 26. Mohammed, whose nomination by Governor Chris Christie earlier this year faced stiff opposition from conservatives because he had defended detainees after the 9/11 attacks, was cheered Tuesday by the Governor himself, local legislators who supported his nomination, all of the Superior Court judges, friends, family and several members of the community that included Arabs, Jews, Hindus and Christians. Details on page 6

NEW FACE OF

Details on page 12

PAKISTAN:

Mallika Sherawat

Sherawat Grand Marshal for Fremont Parade Details on page 9

Bringing colors in the life of autistic children Details on page 40

US Exim Bank director joins USIBC Details on page 41

Foreign Minister S

HAF revises report on castebased bias

M Krishna and his Pakistani

CONTENTS

counterpart Hina

Bollywood ---------------------- 22-23

Rabbani Khar

Classifieds ------------------------- 47

shake hands after

Details on page 10

releasing their

Community Post -------------- 14-21 Date Book -------------------------- 46 Edit Page --------------------------- 11

INDIA POST SURVEY

joint statement

survey@indiapost.com

following their

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

meeting at

Immigration Post ------------- 36-39

Hyderabad House

Life Style ----------------------- 24-26

in New Delhi on

Philosophy ------------------------- 48

July 27

Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4

This week’s question

First Muslim judge an honor for Indian Americans? Last week’s result

Fai arrest tit-for-tat in CIA-ISI spat? YES 77%

(Details on

NO 23%

page 7)

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

HealthScience Post --------- 44-46

Real Estate ------------------------ 43 TechBiz Post ------------------- 40-42 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

India Post

www.indiapost.com

August 5, 2011

www.indiapost.com

India Post

India Post www.indiapost.com

The Weekly Newspaper Serving Indians Worldwide

Romesh & Sunita Japra Publishers Subhash C Japra Co-Publisher Vikram Paul President Krishan Sharma Mg Director & Joint Editor Ranjana Sodhi Managing Editor Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor Naresh Sodhi General Manager Ghanshyam Bisht Supervisor Graphics SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY Vijay Thapar CPRO & Advertising Sonia Sidhu Management Analyst Radhika Jhamb Correspondent Sudesh Kumari Correspondent Deepa Japra Youth Post Correspondent Rama Mehra Advertising Bhumi Bhutani Health Science Correspondent Jaya Gautam Correspondent Sujata Singh Correspondent Sirisha Chandraraju Correspondent Isha Patnaik Correspondent Raaj D. Photo Journalist LOS ANGELES Mrs Shashi Trivedi Bureau Chief J S Bedi PR & Marketing Mrs Prem Kishore Sr Correspondent Greg Heffernan Correspondent Ms Bobby Sharma Correspondent Babeeta Kaur Dhillon Correspondent Pavan Kaur Bhatia Correspondent CHICAGO Ramesh Soparawala Resident Editor A Q Siddiqui Correspondent ST. LOUIS Ashwin Patel Correspondent NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY Pinky Kaur Bureau Chief Srirekha N. Chakravarty Correspondent Nikita Japra Correspondent Sukhvinder Saini Circulation ATLANTA Sanjay Saggere Bureau Chief FLORIDA B K Madnani CANADA Firdaus Ali Correspondent BOSTON Gope Gidwani Bureau Chief

August 5, 2011

IndiaNewsweekly Post Mission Statement To empower the Indian Diaspora and make their voice strong and effective in countries of their adoption. RJ Media conglomerate offers a credible, professional and complete package of news, opinion, entertainment, networking and information.

Publisher’s Diary

ast week, President Obama and the House Republicans led by Speaker John Boehner slugged it out in a war of retribution on prime time national television. Like little tattlers, they swooped to the level of 'telling' on each other to the American public on what they think the other is doing or not doing to keep America from defaulting on its debt, and desperately tried to impress upon Americans as to who had the country's best interests at heart. It was pathetic, to say the least, that elected members, and the President no less - of what is claimed to be the most civilized and powerful nation in the world - would literally seek the people's help in resolving their issues. So like kids in a public park fighting over who goes over the slide first, and telling on the bullies who monopolize the sandpit, they came out on TV to ask common Americans to decide whose side they are on. Calling the Washington shenanigans a three-ring circus, Obama said, "I'm asking you all to make your voice heard. If you want a balanced approach to reducing the deficit, let your member of Congress know. If you believe we can solve this problem through compromise, send that message." "I take the same oath of office as the president of the United States," Speaker Boehner said in response. "I've got the same responsibilities as the president of the United States. And I think that's for both of us to do what's in the best interests of our country." Effectively, what both the President and Speaker seemed to say was: "Hey you have elected me to this office. This is what I am trying to do. This is what they are not letting me do. So if things go wrong, don't blame me. It's not my fault!" Objectivity aside, I must say, Obama's speech struck a chord with the people - at least nine websites of Senate and Congressional leaders crashed soon after he addressed the nation. Guess the President's word still carries weight. Thank God for that.

DETROIT Ashok B Jain, M D Bureau Chief Gurminder Singh SAN DIEGO Neelu Bhardwaj Bureau Chief SACRAMENTO Madan Sharma Bureau Chief Janak Sidhra Correspondent Upen Shukla Correspondent

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

INFO-CENTER CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

CENTRAL VALLEY (CA) Dr Ram Saini Bureau Chief Sheila Rogers Correspondent

1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-797-7799, Fax: 510-790-2806; E-mail: info@indiapost.com

YUBA CITY (CA) Satnam Tatla Correspondent

E-SUBSCRIPTION: Vikram Paul Tel: 510-789-7520 Extn: 208; E-mail: subscribe@indiapost.com

CAROLINAS Nalini Raja Patel Correspondent INDIA Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor & Bureau Chief

For Editorial: Sonia Sidhu Tel: 510-797-7799; E-mail: sonia@indiapost.com

For advertisement rates call the office nearest to you:

PUNJAB Shiv Japra Bureau Chief Anil Kanwar Senior Correspondent/ Marketing

LOS ANGELES

HYDERABAD M Sagar Kumar Bureau Chief MUMBAI Mayank Thakkar Correspondent Nidhi Soparawala Correspondent Frank Fernandes Correspondent Vaidehi Patel Correspondent NASHIK Mahendra Thakkar Correspondent India Post (ISSN-1064-3868) is published weekly for $30 for 52 issues yearly by India Post, 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538. Periodicals postage paid at Norwalk, CA and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the corporate headquarters: 1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Copyright © 1994 Indamec, Inc. DISCLAIMER India Post assumes all advertisers to be reliable and responsible for all liability for their claimers

Original 'Heroine' Madhur Bhandarkar has no choice but bounce back to Kareena Kapoor, his original choice of heroine for ‘Heroine’

Cover Story: Muslim judge Sohail Mohammed is the first Indian American and a Muslim to become a Superior Court judge in New Jersey.

Community: Sakpal farewell

Indian Consul Vishwas Sakpal was given a farewell prelude to his transfer as Consul General at St Petersburg in Russia.

Health: Healthcare veto Gov. Jerry Brown has vetoed a bill that would have kept adult day health care centers afloat across the state.

Graphics Inquiry: Tel: 510-936-9490; E-mail: ghanshyam@indiapost.com

SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY

DOABA, PUNJAB Romesh Kaura Correspondent

Bollywood:

Classifieds: Tel: 510-938-8668; E-mail:classifieds@indiapost.com

NEW DELHI Vinod Kumar Khatana Graphics Madan Bangari Graphics

CHANDIGARH Raj Kumar Bali Correspondent

HIGHLIGHTS

1900 Mowry Ave # 201 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-938-8667 e-mail: nareshsodhi@gmail.com 12908 Indian Lane Norwalk, CA 90650 Fax: 562-947-0632 Tel: 562-441-5511, shashi19@yahoo.com Tel: 562-929-4213, kimi@indiapost.com

CHICAGO 2740 W Devon Ave Chicago IL 60659 Tel: 773-973-7394; Fax: 773-973-7396; Email: sramesh@aol.com

NEW YORK Tel: 212-944-1931, Fax: 732-969-3735 Tel: 908-338-3752 (Marketing) Tel: 732-283-4939 (Editorial) E-mail: indiapost2000@yahoo.com

NEW JERSEY 21 Longfellow st., Carteret, NJ 07008 Tel: 732-969-1114; Fax: 732-969-3735 E-mail: indiapost2000@yahoo.com

BOSTON Tel: 617-298-9200; Fax: 617-298-1104 GOPE; E-mail: ggidwani@aol.com

ATLANTA 67 Peach Tree Dr., Ste. 102, Buckhead Atlanta, GA 30309 Tel: 404-425-3021 E-mail: sanjay@eBolo.com

Life Style: Miss India-Canada Akhina Mooken of Brampton, Ontario has won the esteemed title of Miss India-Canada 2011.

FLORIDA 8401 West Sample Road 30, Coral Springs, Florida - 33065 TORONTO, CANADA Tel/Fax: 416-744-8610

Techbiz:

DELHI

Autistic children

Jin Kushal Suri Complex, 3rd Floor, 230-A, Masjid Moth, (NDSE Part-II) New Delhi - 110049 Tel: 11-46142940, 26257769 Fax: 11-46142969 E-mail:delhi@indiapost.com

Indian American IT expert Nish Parikh has invented a highly customized intervention program for autistic children.

MUMBAI • Shivam, 3rd Floor Opp Raj Kumar Hotel Andheri (W) Mumbai Tel: (22) 2677 7782 Email: nidzp_04@yahoo.com • Fernandes Mansion Tam Taloa, Bassien (W) Mumbai 09619 330159 NASHIK 6 Amrit Dhara Deolali, Near Nashik-422 101 94 23 138 700

For editorial, contact: editor@indiapost.com or call 510-797-7799

Travel: Konark Being close to the sea, the climate of Konark is never very harsh. With greenery surrounding the place, rainfall is heavy.

August 5, 2011

www.indiapost.com

India Post

Cover/Top Stories

India Post

August 5, 2011

www.indiapost.com

1st Indian Muslim judge in US Gov. Christie slams critics of appointment SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: "The American dream is alive. I am the living proof to my children and all children," said an emotionally charged Sohail Mohammed, the first Indian American and a Muslim, to become a Superior Court judge in New Jersey, at his swearing-in ceremony in a packed to capacity room at the Passaic County Courthouse in Paterson, NJ, on July 26. Mohammed, whose nomination by Governor Chris Christie earlier this year faced stiff opposition from conservatives because he had defended detainees after the 9/11 attacks, was cheered Tuesday by the Governor himself, local legislators who supported his nomination, all of the Superior Court judges, friends, family and several members of the community that included Arabs, Jews, Hindus and Christians. To all those who are still opposed to Mohammed's appointment as judge, Gov. Christie said, "The message I am trying to send by being here today is that I am proud of the person I nominated to the bench and I have the utmost confidence that he will do me proud." Characterizing some of the objections against Mohammed's

Judge Sohail Mohammed being administered the Oath of Office by Retired Judge Robert Passero

as judge, Mohammed would try to bring in the Islamic Sharia Law, Gov. Christie said, "Sharia law has nothing to do with this at all. It's crazy. The guy's an American citizen who has been an admitted lawyer to practice in the state of New Jersey, swearing an oath to uphold the laws of New Jersey, the constitution of New Jersey and the Constitution of the United States of America." "This Sharia law business is crap," he continued vehemently. "It's just crazy, and I'm tired of

judicial robes by his wife Ashraf Mohammed, a doctor. Mohammed's swearing in had many happy coincidences. It was in that very court room that he had taken his Oath of Allegiance when he became a naturalized American citizen in 1986; it was here that he had first served as a juror soon after becoming a citizen; and today, it is in this same courtroom that he was sworn in as a judge. It is also a coincidence that Chris Christie, then the US Attorney and Mohammed, an immi-

sition today - that is a happy circumstance for both of us when I signed his nomination and confirmation," Gov. Christie said in his remarks. Christie talked of the extraordinary distrust built up between the law enforcement agencies in New Jersey and the Muslim community in the years immediately after 9/11. "They're criticizing him because he's a Muslim-American and he represented people who were inappropriately detained by the FBI post-9/11," Christie said. "The fact of the matter is, there were lots of people inappropriately detained by the FBI post-9/ 11. It was a very difficult time for law enforcement." Christie added that at a time when many in this community did not want to interact with law enforcement, Sohail Mohammed

opened the doors by arranging dozens of meetings statewide between Muslim-American leaders and law enforcement. Calling him an extraordinary American and an outstanding lawyer who helped strengthen ties between the FBI and the Muslim community in the days after the 9/11 attacks, Gov. Christie said, "With Mohammed's appointment as judge we tried to bridge that gap in trust because it was not only a smart thing to do but also the right thing to do." Gov. Christie further said the benefits the State received because of the risks that Mohammed took personally and professionally were tremendous. "But he never asked me for credit for what he did," Christie said. "He's a good person; his heat is in the right place." Congratulating Mohammed, Gov. Christie said, "You are extraordinarily deserving. People of New Jersey will be better off for your service." In his acceptance speech, Hyderabad-born Mohammed spoke of his journey to where he is at today, of how he came to the US in 1980, how his mother worked two jobs to support the family and how serving as a juror in that very courtroom had made him change professional course from engineering to law. Visibly happy and excited, Mohammed said he wanted to cry for all the support he has received and for all the people that had gathered to celebrate his achievement. State Senators John Girgenti, Nia Gill and Kevin O'Toole, and US Attorney for district of NJ Paul Fishman spoke on why they supported Mohammed's appointment as judge.

'Chennai consulate should adjudicate blanket L visa requests'

Judge Sohail Mohammed being congratulated by Gov. Chris Christie

appointment as "reprehensible" Gov. Christie said it was "unnecessary to be accusing this guy of things just because of his religious background." Dismissing off critics who raised concerns that if appointed

dealing with the crazies." Mohammed, 47, was administered the oath of office by retired Judge Robert Passero following a generic invocation in English by his older son Omair Mohammed; he was later presented with the

gration attorney, had met nine years ago, not knowing that one day Christie would be the governor responsible for appointing Mohammed as a judge. "When we first met in 2002 neither thought we would be in this po-

WASHINGTON: The US consulate in Chennai should be designated as the only post in India authorized to adjudicate blanket L visa applications, mostly involving requests from IT professionals, according to an official report. In a wide-ranging set of recommendations, the 90-page report of the Office of the Inspector General on the US diplomatic posts in India said that one of the biggest challenges consular managers in India face is ensuring consistency in the standards of adjudication on H and L visas. "The inconsistencies arise from the complexity of these visa cat-

egories and create public relations problems, as large companies note different decisions for employees in similar circumstances," it said. "Mission India processes more such cases than any other mission in the world. Many involve applicants who work in the information technology sector. Because the law is complex, consular officers need more time to adjudicate such cases and need to exchange ideas with their colleagues who are working on similar cases. Officers must refuse applicants who do not meet the qualifications under the law," it said.-PTI

Top Stories

August 5, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

India, Pak agree on additional CBMs on Kashmir NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan have announced additional Confidence Building Measures related to Kashmir, including increasing cross-LoC trading days and expanding travel to include tourism and religious aspects. After the "satisfactory" talks between External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar, the two sides also decided to relax permit conditions for travel by people of Jammu and Kashmir to the other side of LoC by having a system of six-month multiple entry. The two ministers discussed Jammu and Kashmir, counter-terrorism measures, including progress in the Mumbai attacks trial in Pakistan, humanitarian issues, commercial and economic cooperation, Wullar Barrage/ Tulbul Navigation Project, Sir Creek, Siachen, peace and security including CBMs and promotion of friendly exchanges. They also agreed to convene separate meetings of the expert groups on nuclear and conventional CBMs, in Islamabad in September 2011. "The Ministers held discus-

sions on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and agreed to the need for continued discussions, in a purposeful and forward looking

lenges that lie ahead; I can confidently say that our relations are on the right track." On Jammu and Kashmir,

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar at a meeting in New Delhi

manner, with a view to finding a peaceful solution by narrowing divergences and building convergences," said a joint statement issued after the talks. Krishna later said, "I must say that I am satisfied at the progress achieved in this round of the resumed dialogue. The outcomes have been as per our expectations...While being fully cognizant of the chal-

Krishna said they will continue discussions with a view to finding a peaceful solution by "narrowing divergences and building convergences". Expressing satisfaction at the outcome of talks, he said the two sides decided that the Foreign Ministers will meet again in Islamabad in the first half of 2012 to review progress in the dialogue process.

BJP Parliamentary Board asks Yeddy to resign NEW DELHI: Embattled Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has been asked to resign immediately by the BJP's top brass after it decided for a change in leadership in the state, a day after his severe indictment by the Lokayukta in the illegal mining scam. Ending the uncertainty over the fate of the 68-year-old Yeddyurappa who headed the BJP's first government in the south after his indictment, the BJP Parliamentary Board met and unanimously decided there should be a change in leadership in Karnataka and "advised" him to resign immediately. "The BJP Parliamentary Board unanimously decided there has to be a change in the leadership of the BJP legislature party in the state of Karnataka. Accordingly, it has advised Yeddyurappa, the present chief minister, to tender his resignation immediately," BJP spokesperson Ravishankar Prasad told reporters after a meeting of the board at the residence of the president Nitin Gadkari. The Board, the party's highest decision making body, also decided to send senior leaders Rajnath Singh and Arun Jaitley as

observers to Bangalore tomorrow to oversee the election of Yeddyurappa's successor. Yeddyurappa assumed office in May 2008. "Arun Jaitley and Rajnath Singh will go to Bangalore for the election of the new leader of the BJP legislature party," Prasad

In the meeting with the party president and senior central party leaders Rajnath Singh, M Venkaiah Naidu and Dharmendra Pradhan, the political fallout of the Lokayukta report was discussed with Yeddyurappa said. The meeting was attended among others by L K Advani, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Rajnath Singh and Venkaiah Naidu. BJP spokesperson Nirmala Seetharam said the Board's decision has been conveyed to Yeddyurappa and discounted

suggestions of a possible rebellion in the Karnataka unit of the party. Yeddyurappa has already informed Gadkari that he would abide by whatever decision taken by the party leadership, she said. Karnataka Lokayukta Santosh Hegde in his voluminous report submitted to the state government strongly indicted Yeddyurappa over payment of about Rs 30 crore kickbacks by a mining firm to his family trust and recommended his prosecution under the anti-corruption law. In the meeting with the party president and senior central party leaders Rajnath Singh, M Venkaiah Naidu and Dharmendra Pradhan, the political fallout of the Lokayukta report was discussed with Yeddyurappa. The Chief Minister tried to convince the central leadership that the charges made in the report were not new and a court case was already pending in the matter. However, the central leadership conveyed to him that his continuance would weaken BJP's fight against corruption, especially when the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins next week.-PTI

"We are listening carefully to each other and giving serious consideration to the ideas and proposals from both sides that are on the table. I am also confident about our future course of our relations, which has to be normalized for peace progress and prosperity of our two countries and the region," the External Affairs Minister said. "This is indeed a new era of bilateral cooperation between the two countries and it is our desire and I believe after having spoken to you (Krishna), that it is the desire and commitment of both the governments to make it an uninterrupted and an uninterpretable process," Khar said. "We have expressed our satisfaction on holding of subject specific meetings during the last five months. We have agreed that the

process should continue and in fact there is no alternative to dialogue and constructive engagement," she said in a brief press stake-out after the meeting. She said, "A new generation of India and Pakistan will see a relationship which is going to be much different then the one we experienced in the last few decades." Khar, the youngest and first woman Foreign Minister of Pakistan, said they should make every effort possible to narrowing down divergences and building convergences. "It is important that a responsible state we take ownership of our own affairs. In the recent months we have seen an intensification of contacts at different levels between both the countries," she said. -PTI

Cabinet clears Lokpal Bill; PM, top judiciary exempted NEW DELHI: Three months be a sitting or retired Chief Jusafter the civil society initiated a tice of India, the members would movement, the Union Cabinet has include former or sitting judges of approved the Lokpal Bill keeping Supreme Court or Chief Justices the office of Prime Minister out- of the High Court, Law Minister side its purview during his term in Salman Khurshid, who was also office and also excluded higher present with Soni and Minister of judiciary and conduct of MPs in- State in PMO V Narayanaswamy, side Parliament. said. The bill, which has included Persons with "impeccable insome of the provisions of the Jan tegrity", with 25 years of experiLokpal Bill proposed by Team ence in administration who has Anna Hazare, gives permission to dealt with corruption and vigiLokpal to probe any Union Min- lance, would also form part of the ister or officials of Group A and Lokpal, he said. above without any sanction. The institution would inquire At the meeting, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in- At the meeting, Prime Minister sisted that his office be included in the legisla- Manmohan Singh insisted that tion, but the Cabinet his office be included in the decided otherwise, Information and Broad- legislation, but the Cabinet casting Minister Ambika Soni told re- decided otherwise porters after the meeting. She said the Prime Minister into allegations of corruption in was heard with "great respect" respect of the Prime Minister but the ministers discussed the "only after he demits office". "pitfalls" of such a proposal inBesides, it would also take up cluding its possible adverse effect corruption matters allegedly inon the stability of a government volving Ministers, MPs, Group and creation of uncertainty. 'A' officers and others equivalent The bill will be introduced in to this grade in any body, Board, Parliament in the first two days of authority, corporation, trust, sothe Monsoon session beginning ciety or autonomous body set up August one. by an Act of Parliament. The Lokpal consisting of ChairThe Lokpal would not require person and eight members, half of sanction or approval under Secthem judicial, will have its own tion 197 of the Code of Criminal prosecution and investigation Procedure, 1973 or Section 19 of wing with officers and staff nec- the Prevention of Corruption Act, essary to carry out its functions. 1988, in cases where prosecution While the Chairperson would is proposed.-PTI

Top Stories

India Post

August 5, 2011

www.indiapost.com

Minister calls for youth empowerment through migration India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Speaking on the impact of globalization on youth at the United Nations, Ajay Maken, India's Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports called for promotion of international migration as part of youth empowerment. Maken was in New York July 25-26 to attend the United Nations High Level Meeting on Youth. He had the unique distinction to CoChair the first panel discussion of the High Level Meeting on behalf of the Asian group on the topic "strengthening international cooperation regarding youth and enhancing dialogue, mutual understanding and active youth participation as indispensable elements of efforts towards achieving social integration, full employment and the eradication of poverty" in the UN General Assembly Hall on July 25. In the panel discussion, which he co-chaired, Maken said, "The positive effects of globalization must be reaped by the youth of today. The issue of international migration is a critical component in this regard, which deserves greater discussion in the international forums in the context of free movement of youth across borders." In his introductory remarks he highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the field of youth development and the need to further enhance it to ensure that the youth reap the benefits of changing paradigm due to information and communication technology. He also emphasized

Minister of State Youth Affairs and Sports Ajay Maken met UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon at the opening day of High Level Meeting on Youth Conference in UN General Assembly on July 25. Manjeev Singh Puri can be seen on left. Pics Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

to lower the voting age to 18 years to enable the youth to participate in the democratic processes of our country. He went on to announce the first National Youth Policy in 1988." Maken added that in order to further enhance the involvement of youth in the democratic process of governance, the minimum age for elected representatives in around 300,000 local bodies in India was lowered to 21 years. Highlighting India's special efforts to ensure a high degree of skills development among youth, Maken said, "The Prime Minister heads a National Skills Development Mission which aims at reaching out to nearly 500 million people in the country by 2022. We have also launched a Youth Employability Skills Development Program, YES. In its first phase we will carry out a mapping of skills gap assessment district-wise and then marry the aspirations of the youth with the needs of the community." Maken further informed that

A minute of silence being observed at United Nations to pay tribute to the victims of Norway Bomb blast

Ajay Maken along with Indian Delegation on High Level Meeting on Youth Conference in UN General Assembly

that youth have a transformational role to play in emerging global challenges. Maken's delegation consisted of Members of Parliament Anurag Singh Thakur and Hamdullah Sayeed; Member of the Legislative Assembly of Delhi Neeraj Basoya, and Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Youth Development. P Micheal Vetha Siromony. On July 26, Maken delivered his statement, on behalf of India, at the plenary meeting of the UN High Level Meeting on Youth at the UN General Assembly Hall. The meeting was called to commemorate the culmination of the "International Year of the Youth". In a well received statement, Maken recalled that the last time the United Nations commemorated the International Year of the

Youth in 1985 India had the good fortune of having late Rajiv Gandhi, as its youngest Prime Minister. "He was instrumental in

the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development is India's professional resource agency and acts as a think-tank

Maken's delegation consisted of Members of Parliament Anurag Singh Thakur and Hamdullah Sayeed; Member of the Legislative Assembly of Delhi Neeraj Basoya, and Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Youth Development. P Micheal Vetha Siromony capitalizing the international momentum for the development of youth and setting up of the Ministry for Human Resource Development for the holistic development of youth," Maken said. "Under his able leadership, the Parliament also took a historic decision

of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. "On the occasion of this International Year of the Youth, we are upgrading its status to that of an institution of national importance. Legislation to this effect is being moved in Parliament in the coming weeks it-

Top Stories

August 5, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Mallika Sherawat Grand Marshal for Fremont Parade India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Well-known Bollywood Star Mallika Sherawat will lead the celebrations of the 19th Festival of India and Parade as Grand Marshal 2011 starting Friday August 12 to Sunday August 14. Mallika has been attracting lot of notice in California too as star of the American upcoming movie "Politics of Love." She met with US President Barack Obama recently in Los Angeles. Mallika was invited to have tea with the US President. According to reports, President Obama asked Mallika to invite him to the premiere of Politics of Love, Barack, a rom-com on the 2008 presidential elections. Mallika had shifted her base to Los Angeles for the duration. She had the privilege of joining the league of Hollywood celebs including Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, Victoria Beckham, David Beckham and Paris Hilton, after a Hollywood milkshake was named after her! In an earlier Hollywood release Hissss she plays a snake-woman. She attended the Fangoria Conference at the LA Convention Center and talked about her film Hissss, which also features Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan. Hisss directed by Jennifer Lynch, is based on the legend of Naga. It is an independent co-production between the United States and India. Sherawat promoted the film with live snakes at the Cannes Film Festival 2010. The first look poster of Love,

Barack was unveiled at Cannes Film Festival and going by the looks of it, this one indeed promises a lot of naughty fun. In the film directed by American film-

Among other celebrities taking part in the Fremont Independence Day Parade will be Bollywood actress Sheeba as Co Grand Marshal; Vijay Amritraj, ace Indian tennis player

Mallika in LA with milkshake named after her

maker William Dear, Mallika plays Aretha Gupta, a devoted local Obama volunteer coordinator. A month before the Election Day, Democrat Aretha unexpectedly falls for her Republican counterpart (Alonso), a handsome, dynamic African-American working for the local McCain office. Sherawat won the 2008 Renaissance Artist Award at the 16th Annual Diversity Awards held in California. On 14 August 2009, Sherawat received a career recognition Honorary Citizenship of Los Angeles for her career achievements and charitable efforts. In April 2009, Mallika was honored for her work in the field of arts by Mayor Jerramiah T Healy of Jersey City, New Jersey. She was given the Team Jersey City's Arts Honoree award. Among other celebrities taking part in the Fremont Independence Day Parade will be Bollywood actress Sheeba as Co Grand Marshal; Vijay Amritraj, ace Indian tennis player, sports commentator, actor and producer as Special Guest. Other Special Guests and performers will be Mukul Nag, Lead actor of Shridi Sai Baba TV Serial; Neel Sarkar & Titli Banerjee, Popular Singers in the Bay Area; Akash Deep, Producer / Director; Saberi Bhattacharya, Saregama Contest Winner and Anjan Guha, Bollywood singer. Mallika's career Mallika Sherawat was born October 24, 1981 as Reema Lamba in Karnal, Haryana. She is known for her public openness and frequently featured in the Indian

Mallika Sherawat met with US President Barack Obama in Los Angeles. The actress was invited to have tea with the US President

media as a sex symbol. She worked as an air hostess prior to entering films and it was around this time that she married a pilot, Karan Singh Gill. They are now divorced. She says that adopted the screen name of "Mallika", meaning "empress" to avoid confusion with other actresses named Reema. "Sherawat" is her mother's maiden name. She has stated that she uses her mother's maiden name because of all the support her mother has provided for her. Mallika has a degree in philosophy from Miranda House, Delhi University. Mallika's onscreen debut was in Lak Tunoo, a music video by Surjit Bindrakhia. She attracted wide notice with her appearance in the 2003 movie Khwahish. By

Sikhs protest death penalty to Bhullar

Sikh's in America protest infront of UN on 25 July. Pic Mohammed affer-SnapsIndia India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Hundreds of Sikhs gathered outside the United Nations headquarters in New York recently to protest the death penalty handed down by the Supreme Court in India to Prof. Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar, and petition the UN to pressure India against carrying

out the death sentence. Bhullar is on death row since his conviction in 2001, for a bomb blast in New Delhi in 1993 in which nine people were killed. Bhullar had sought asylum in Germany, but German authorities, refusing to grant him asylum, deported him to India in 1995. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, le-

gal adviser of Sikhs for Justice said that the group had written to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reminding him that the UN General Assembly had passed a resolution that called on nations to put a moratorium on the death penalty. In May this year, President of India Pratibha Patil declined clemency to Bhullar, and there have

been protests from Sikhs across the world. In New York, protesters, among them many women and children, held up placards that read: "Wake up and save religious minorities in India"; "Stop India from Judicial Murder" and "American woman's son is on death row". Bhullar's family members are American citizens.

Indian standards the movie was quite racy, however it was known for its naturalistic and realistic topic. In 2004, she starred in Murder, a film inspired by Hollywood's Unfaithful that again challenged Indian film standards. She received a nomination for Best Actress at the Zee Cine Awards ceremony for her performance in Murder. The film went on to become one of the biggest hits of the year. Since then, Sherawat has been known for her courage to express her opinions in public, and went on to make headlines through her outfits and blunt statements. She also made news when she won a small role in a Jackie Chan movie, The Myth, where she again appeared in revealing costumes. She made a widely publicized appearance at the Cannes Film Festival to promote The Myth. Since her debut, Mallika was often accused of simply being a sexy woman without talent. However, her performance in the 2006 film Pyaar Ke Side Effects co-starring Rahul Bose won her praise from around the industry, and the film also garnered decent collections. The movie stamped Mallika as an actress who started off as an item girl and joined the main stream later on. She is now beginning to work in the Kollywood (Tamil) film industry as well. She plays the second fiddle in Dasavatharam starring Kamal Haasan, Asin and Jayapradha. A 10-minute role in Himesh Reshammiya's Aap Ka Suroor The Real Love Story, has been called "vampish". Mallika herself has protested, saying that it is a negative role but not a vamp role. With Aap Ka Suroor she has become the most expensive "Item Girl", as she charged Rs. 1.5 crore for her Item number in the movie. Sherawat has been voted as one of Asia's 100 most beautiful people by the Hong Kong based

Top Stories

10 India Post

August 5, 2011

www.indiapost.com

HAF revises report on Caste-based Discrimination in India India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Just over six months ago, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) initiated a global conversation about Hinduism's response to castebased discrimination in India with the release of its landmark report on the issue. The HAF has now released an updated edition of the report, Hinduism: Not Cast in Caste - Seeking an End to Castebased Discrimination, after an unprecedented second review process that included some of the most prominent contemporary Hindu spiritual, community, and academic leaders. The report highlights HAF's perspective that discrimination based on the caste of one's birth is against Hinduism's core teaching of the divinity inherent in all beings; that caste-based discrimination is an unfortunate reality for many, especially the so-called Scheduled Castes - also known as "Harijans" or "Dalits" - in many parts of India today; untouchability has absolutely no sanction in any of Hinduism's sacred texts; Hindu spiritual leaders are ac-

tively engaged in ending this practice in Indian society; and that political leaders and missionary organizations routinely exploit the issue for vote-bank advantages and through predatory proselytization, respectively.

The report highlights HAF's perspective that discrimination based on the caste of one's birth is against Hinduism's core teaching of the divinity inherent in all beings "Our initial report was meant to serve as an introductory advocacy document coming from a human rights organization," said Swaminathan Venkataraman, editor of the report and member of the HAF Board of Directors. "But after its release, the report was met with massive outpourings of sup-

port, suggestions, and even critiques from around the world. We realized the truly international scope of the report, and the burden we carried as a prominent voice in the Hindu Diaspora to tackle a subject as complex, yet urgently relevant." Editorials endorsing HAF's report were seen in some of India's major newspapers and it was covered widely in the media overseas as well. Guidance, offers of assistance, and constructive criticism even came in from well known spiritual leaders, including Baba Ramdev, emphasizing the high profile the report carried. "While the initial report was also extensively reviewed, with the inclusion of over three dozen additional expert reviewers representing a broad swath of Hindu communities in India, Europe, and the Americas, this updated report is truly a representative voice of the Diaspora," said Mihir Meghani, M.D., co-founder and member of the HAF Board of Directors. "It is a privilege to be able to carry the words of some of today's greatest Hindu spiritual leaders within this report that elo-

quently condemn the social evils of discrimination and persecution based on the status of one's birth in Indian society, and unequivocally distance Hinduism from any such practice." The updated report includes

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It is a privilege to be able to carry the words of some of today's greatest Hindu spiritual leaders within this report that eloquently condemn the social evils of discrimination messages from fourteen Hindu saints and spiritual leaders and also a revised executive summary and extensive historical survey of the devolution of a system of societal organization into a birthbased hierarchy. It presents a review of ameliorative measures taken by the Government of India

Wrong samosas cause 'spiritual harm' India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: How much does it cost to purify the soul? An appellate court in New Jersey is likely to soon determine the damages caused to a group of 16 Hindus who sued the Moghul Express restaurant in Edison, New Jersey, for causing them spiritual harm by serving meat-filled samosas instead of vegetarian samosas as ordered. After a lower court summarily dismissed the case when it was first filed in 2009, the three-judge panel of the state appellate court reinstated the lawsuit and ruled July 18, that the Hindu group can sue the restaurant for money to travel to India where they must purify their souls for having eaten meat. The group had appealed after a Superior court dismissed their lawsuit alleging "negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress, consumer fraud, products liability and breach of express warranty" when the restaurant filled their order of vegetarian samosas with meat-filled samosas causing spiritual injuries resulting in damages. It happened as part of their India Day celebrations on Aug

10, 2009 when Durgesh Gupta, and Sharad Agarwal placed an order for vegetarian samosas at Moghul Express, a restaurant located in Edison, New Jersey. At the time that the order was placed, Gupta and Agarwal advised Mogul Express's employee that they required vegetarian samosas, because they were being purchased for a group of individuals who were strict vegetarians. The two men were informed that they should not be concerned because

contain meat. According to the plaintiffs, the restaurant eventually acknowledged it had confused the order with another one for meat-filled samosas and gave the group the non-vegetarian snack. The group sued in Superior Court, alleging negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress, consumer fraud, products liability and breach of express warranty. But the judge dismissed the allegations last year, following which the plaintiffs filed an

The damages sought by plaintiffs included compensation for the emotional distress they suffered, as well as economic damages they would incur by virtue of having to participate in the required religious cleansing ceremony in India the restaurant did not make meatfilled samosas. One-half hour later, the men returned to the restaurant to pick up their order and were handed a tray that had written on its top "VEG samosas," and they were again assured of the vegetarian nature of the food. But soon after eating a few samosas, some in the group grew concerned the samosas might

appeal. The appellate panel on July 18 said that the case could still go forward as breach of express warranty claim because of the restaurant's assurance that the group was getting vegetarian samosas. The plaintiffs - Durgesh Gupta, Anubhuti Gupta, Sujata Gupta, Rakesh Kamrai, Sachin Garg, Pankhuri Garg, Poonam Garg,

Sanjeev Agarwalla, Shreya Agarwalla, Seema Agarwalla, Sharad Agarwal, Priya Agarwal, Shashi Agarwal, Nitin Agarwal, Ajay Prasad and Ranjana Prasad - explained their injuries and damages as follows: "Hindu vegetarians believe that if they eat meat, they become involved in the sinful cycle of inflicting pain, injury and death on God's creatures, and that it affects the karma and dharma, or purity of the soul. Hindu scriptures teach that the souls of those who eat meat can never go to God after death, which is the ultimate goal for Hindus. The Hindu religion does not excuse accidental consumption of meat products. One who commits the religious violation of eating meat, knowingly or unknowingly, is required to participate in a religious ceremony at a site located along the Ganges River in Haridwar, Uttranchal, India, to purify himself." The damages sought by plaintiffs included compensation for the emotional distress they suffered, as well as economic damages they would incur by virtue of having to participate in the required religious cleansing ceremony in India.

and Hindu organizations to combat the discrimination, and also explores the intersection of politics and foreign-funded, coercive missionary tactics that polarize and fossilize community relationships along caste lines. "HAF's report is one voice, albeit a well-heard voice, that denies the conflation of Hinduism with caste-based discrimination, and this document begins our conversation with the millions of Hindus long consigned to the coldly bureaucratic categorizations of Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe," added Pawan Deshpande, member of the HAF Executive Council and co-editor of the report. "The great joy in preparing this report has been to seek blessings from countless Hindu saints actively fostering unity and equality regardless of caste, social standing, or religion, and those SC's dedicated to their Hindu traditions despite the discrimination they have encountered. We bow our heads in humble admiration."

Kashmiri separatist leader Fai put under house arrest WASHINGTON: Separatist leader Ghulam Nabi Fai, accused of funneling Pakistani ISI's cash into the US to influence lawmakers on Kashmir, has been released on a USD 100,000 bond by a court, which put him under house arrest with a radio tag on his knuckles for electronic surveillance. 62-year-old Fai, a Kashmirborn US citizen, was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) last week on charges of working for the Government of Pakistan, in particular its spy agency ISI, to lobby at the Capitol Hill and Obama administration on Kashmir. At his detention hearing, Magistrate Judge Rawles Jones at US District Court in Alexandria, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, ordered that Fai be released from prison on a personal bond of USD 100,000 and put under house arrest with electronic surveillance. He has been asked to stay with his wife at the Fairfax residence in Virginia. Both he and his wife Chang Ning Ying Q, who is of Chinese origin, have been asked to surrender their passport. Fai headed the Kashmir American Council (KAC), which espoused the cause of Pakistan on Kashmir and campaigned against India in the US. "The release (order) has a lot of meaning. It means that he (Fai) can help more easily in preparing the defense. -PTI

Datebook

August 5, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Sun Aug 7 • IndiaFest 2011 Venue: Huntington Hilton, 598 Broadhollow Rd, Route 110, Melville, NY Time: 10pm Contact: 646-209-8244

Upcoming

• JacQui in Concert: Celebrating the Journey of Life

Sat Aug 6

Venue: DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 East 56th Place, Chicago, IL Time: 7pm Contact: 312-545-3043

Venue: Fire N Ice, 583 Fords Ave, Fords, NJ Time: 9pm Contact: (732) 734-1364

Sat Aug 13

• Indo America fair

• Veggie Fest 2011

Venue: Mercer country Park, west Windsor, New Jersey Contact: 609-240-2350

Venue: Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, 4S175 Naperville Wheaton Rd, Naperville, Illinois Time: 11am to 7pm Contact: 630-955-1200

Sat Oct 8

Tues Aug 30

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

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Fri Aug 12

Sat Sep 3

• Rhythm For Relief

NEW JERSEY

• Sri Vinayaka Chaturthi Mahotsavam Venue: The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, 10915 Lemont Road, lemont, Illinois Time: 9am Contact: 630-972-0300

• BasementBollywood. Night

Sat Aug 13 • Jadavpur University Picnic 2011 Venue: Mercer County Park, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, New Jersey Time: 6pm Contact: 609-785-1505

Sat Aug 27 • Asian American Fair 2011 Venue: Garden State Exhibit & convention center, 50 atrium Drive.somerset, New Jersey Time: 11am to 9pm Contact: 347-513-8526

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming

Sat Aug 6 • Fogana National Dance Competition Venue: Tdbank Center, Washington Township High School, 519 Hurfville-Crosskeys Rd, Sewell, CA Time: 12:15pm to 8pm Contact: 856-313-6741

Wed Aug 10 • Ekal Walk/Run 2011 Venue: Shoreline Park, 3070 North Shoreline Boulevard, Mountain View, Bay Area Time: 7:30am Contact: 510-676-7357

Sat Aug 13 • Rang De Basanti A Night With Remix King Dj Akbar Sami Venue: Avalon, 777 Lawrence Expressway, Santa Clara, California Time: 9pm Contact: 408-368-6865

Sat Aug 20 • Awakening Prana By Swami

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Fri Aug 5 • David Maldonado's "Noche de Pasion" - 100 Years of the Spanish Guitar Venue: Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd., East, Hollywood, California Time: 8:30pm to 10pm Contact: 619-723-5407

Sat Aug 6 • Sri Lanka Day 2011 Venue: Third Street promenade, Santa Monica, California Contact: 213-483-0126 Highlights: On Stage Cultural Performences, all day Sri Lankan food festival, Pageant of Lanka Parade, Fashion show and live bands

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

Fri Aug 5

Satyadharma Saraswati

Sun Aug 21

• Bollywood Night Out with DJ Akbar Sami

Venue: UUCPA, Palo Alto, Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto, 505 East Charleston Road, Palo Alto, California Time: 2pm to 5pm Contact: (408)564-3198

• Satinder Sartaaj Live In Concert

Venue: Phoenix Night Club, 300 N College St, Charlotte, North Carolina Time: 10pm Contact: 651-343-9796

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

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

Mon Sept 5 • Saraswati Pooja 2011 Venue: M.A. Center, 10200 Crow Canyon Road, Castro Valley, CA 94522 Time: 3pm to 5pm Contact: www.saraswatipooja2011.eventbrite.com

Venue: Gallo Center For The Arts, 1000,I Street, Modesto, California Time: 6:30pm Contact: 209-587-1902

Sat Aug 27 • 12 Th Annual India Independence Day Celebration Venue: Birmingham Charter High School, 17000,Haynes St, Van Nuys, California Time: 3pm to 11pm Contact: 818-458-5595

Sat Nov 12

Sat Sep 10

• Hello Namaste Salaam Satsriakal Masti

• Veena Sahasrabuddhe

Venue: Chandni Restaurant, 5748 Mowry School Rd, Balentine Plaza, across Hilton Hotel, Newark, CA 94560

Venue: Loyola Marymount University, Ahmanson Hall, 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles Time: 6pm to 8pm Contact: 610-585-7951

Desi News Indianapolis Mayor visits Sikh temple KANWAL PRAKASH SINGH

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana: Mayor and Mrs Ballard, and Mr David Kane visited the Sikh Temple (Acton Road) in Indianapolis on Sunday, July 17. Their visit is a part of our deep and sustained commitment to learn about leaders and their vision for our City and State as it relates to the communities that make central Indiana their home. In June, we were happy to welcome Ms Melina Kennedy, the Democratic Party's candidate for Mayor. Over the last few years, we have welcomed Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, Mayor Bart Peterson, Indiana's First Lady Judy O'Bannon.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Los Angeles bids farewell to Consul General Susmita Thomas Details on page 19

www.indiapost.com

12 India Post

August 5, 2011

Consulate workload necessitates outsourcing of services Media farewell party for Consul Vishwas SURESH SHAH

Details on page 15

Vedic style marriage at Iskcon temple NAND KAPUR

SBI officials meet seniors at IAC

Raman Patel and Mafat Patel presenting bouquet to Vishwas Sakpal

CHICAGO: Indian Consul Vishwas Sakpal said here that the workload of the Consulate in Chicago and elsewhere in USA had increased manifold in the past few

Sakpal was accorded luncheon reception by NRI Press Club at Sukhadia Fast Food on Devon Avenue prelude to his transfer as Consul General at St Petersburg in Russia

K RAJDA

overall efficiency in the Consulate operations. Talking to members of the Indian news media here, he conceded there could be a few complaints from the public seeking

years and an outsourcing of some of its services to agencies like Travisa was necessary to maintain

some of the services like obtaining OCI, PIO cards or getting visas, and the Indian Consulate was

Vishwas Sakpal with group of well wishers

Consul Vishwas Sakpal being presented NRI Press Club Appreciation Certificate by Bidisha

continually updating itself on this score and is trying to address the issues the best way that it could. The number of complaints or grievances from the public is much less now than before, he said. However, the dispensing of services of agencies like Travisa as demanded by some was unlikely as the decision rests with the Indian government, he added. Sakpal was accorded luncheon reception by NRI Press Club at Sukhadia Fast Food on Devon Avenue prelude to his transfer as Consul General at St Petersburg in Russia. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 13

August 5, 2011

Community Across America

India Post 13

www.indiapost.com

Consulate workload necessitates outsourcing Cont’d from page 12

Besides, media representatives the luncheon meet was also attended by some community leaders like Dr Ram Gajjela, Mafat Patel, Balvinder Singh and Raman Patel of United Senior Parivar. Sakpal was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Raman Patel and a Certificate of Appreciation by Bidisha Roy of Hi India on behalf of NRI Press Club. Sakpal mentioned that the Indian Consulate was offering 36 types of services and that in 2010 alone it had attended to 110,000 applications. To facilitate a quicker and easier access, the Consulate had organized 17 camps for OCI, PIO cards and

Responding to the sentiments expressed at the meet, Sakpal said that he was "overwhelmed" at the outpouring of support expressed by the Indian community in Chicago and would always cherish their love and affection for him. "I could not have discharged my duties efficiently to the satisfaction of the community were it not for huge support that the community members accorded to him all the time," he said visa surrender. The response from the community was great, he said. Sakpal had carved a place in the hearts of community members by his unassuming behavior, amiable approach and supportive attitude during his three years stay in Chicago as Consul with Indian Consulate. Dr Ram Gajjela, a former president of Indian American Democratic Organization (IADO) said that Sakpal had never let down any member of the community by redressing his genuine hardship. Balvinder Singh, a front ranking community activist, said that in his dealings with the Indian Consulate for the past well over decade and half, he would

not find a more helpful and supportive officer like Sakpal who would come to the Consulate any time and any day, the situation demanding. Mafat Patel often described as uncrowned king of Devon Ave, readily agreed with the opinion and observation expressed by others in the community and felt that Sakpal should be a role model for others at the Consulate. Sakpal is succeeded by Shri NJ Gangate and Mafat Patel expressed the wish that the he would pick up the thread left by Sakpal Responding to the sentiments expressed at the meet, Sakpal said that he was "overwhelmed" at the outpouring of support expressed by the Indian community in Chicago and would always cherish their love and affection for him. "I could not have discharged my duties efficiently to the satisfaction of the community were it not for huge support that the community members accorded to him all the time," he said. Earlier, Surendra Ullal welcomed Vishwas Sakpal and guests to the luncheon meet, Ramesh Soparawala introduced him to the audience and Madhu Patel proposed a vote of thanks at the end. All were appreciative of Sukhadias - Shri Budhisagar, Shri Jayantbhai and Ms Dinaben - for their hospitality and support.

Ifti Nasim dies in Chicago AQ SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Iftikhar Nasim, 64, died in Chicago on Friday July 22 after a cardiac attack. A large crowd of his fans and friends gathered at the Muslim Community Center for funeral prayers. He was cremated near Peterson Ave in Chicago. "It is a big loss for the community," said Javed Rana, his longtime business partner and co-host for the radio program Sargam. Both Javed Rana and Ifti Nasim have been working for years for Urdu newspaper Pakistan News and Radio program Sargam. A well known person in Chicago South Asian community, Ifti was known as a poet, writer, journalist and social activist. He was also controversial in many respects: for his unorthodox views, his outspoken articles and his pinpointing against the "wrong doers" in community. He was also a gay activist. Ifti was born in Layalpur, Faisalabad Pakistan. He came to USA and lived in Detroit and California. Later he made Chicago as his home and lived here for years. Ifti Nasim has written many books in Urdu and English. His poetry collection "Narman" - a word for hermaphrodite - was very popular and is believed to be the first book on "gay theme" poetry in Urdu. His collection of poetry in English, "Myrmecophile" was included in a local college syllabus and earned

him respect in literary circles. He also founded Sangat/Chicago, a South Asian lesbian and gay transgender organization. In 1996, Nasim was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame for "his courage as an international ambassador of tolerance" and his social activism

us, respect us but would not pay us. Why don't people in business sponsor us for such trips?" He however asked the agent to keep his ticket and he would pay if no sponsor turned up. After he returned from Pakistan from his last trip he wrote in his column that he was very im-

A well known person in Chicago South Asian community, Ifti was known as a poet, writer, journalist and social activist. He was also controversial in many respects Ifti Nasim

in Chicago. He was very keen to attend Mushairas, (the Urdu poetry recitation). He was invited to all Urdu Mushairas in Europe. He was schedule to fly on 20 July to Milan, Italy for an Urdu Mushaira. According to his travel agent Siddiqui of Evia Travel, he asked for a ticket for Milan but when he was quoted the high season fare for July travel, he sighed and asked him to look for a sponsor for his trip. "These Mushaira trips are getting hard on my pocket", he said, "They invite

pressed to see the development in Pakistan. "The wide roads, highways, neat and clean housing societies and green Pakistan", he wrote. Ifti was also close to Bollywood and Indian community. Bollywood family Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar often visited him. Members of the Federation of Indian Associations, Iftekhar Shrareef, Sunny Ghabawala and Keerthi Kumar Ravoori have expressed their shock and grief at the demise of Ifti Nasim.

Mortgage rates are still historically low — act now Look into reﬁnancing with a responsible lending leader. You may be able to: • Lower your monthly mortgage payment • Switch from an ARM to a predictable ﬁxed-rate loan • Access funds for large expenses or, debt management

• Get a shorter term to pay off your mortgage faster • Finance your closing costs as part of your new loan

• Since 2002, ranked among top 10 volume producers for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in Silicon Valley • One of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage’s top 125 volume producers in the nation • Winner of numerous Sales and Service awards during his 19 years

Call today for a complimentary consultation.

Neil Sheth 39265 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538 Office: 510-818-9536, Cell: 408-396-3545 Fax: 510-713-1387 n.sheth@wellsfargo.com Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS564385 2/11-5/11

Community Across America

14 India Post

August 5, 2011

www.indiapost.com

Gayatri devotees celebrate Gurupurnima with yagya NARENDRA DESAI

Gayatri devotees

CHICAGO: Gayatri Gyan Mandir, a premiere organization spreading the universal message of peace and harmony based on age old Indian scriptures, celebrated the festival of Gurupurnima at its Addision facility recently with great fanfare and sizeable participation from devotees and invitees. The two-day event started with non-stop chanting of Gayatri Mantra from 6 am to 6 pm. Hundreds of devotees participated in

Gayatri Yagya at Gayatri Gyan Mandir

this chanting. This was followed by a Dhyan program and Mahaprasad. The event next day was participated by over 500 devotees. The highlight was discourse by a saint from India Shri Mahesh Tiwari who was accompanied by his wife Kiran Ji. He talked about Gurudev Acharya Shree Ram Sharma, founder of the worldwide Gayatri movement, the starting point being at Haridwar in India. He also dwelt on the basics of

The two-day event started with non-stop chanting of Gayatri Mantra from 6 am to 6 pm. Hundreds of devotees participated in this chanting

Gayatri philosophy and its universality. There was a nice cultural program presented by the local youth age 5 to 20. This was very well received as they sang devotional songs and talked about the importance of Guru in one's life. The Gayatri devotees are having a grand centenary celebration of the founder Acharya Shree Ram Sharma. Tiwari Ji also explained the scientific basis of Gayatri Mantra. Viral Trivedi, a local activist, talked

Gayatri Mata

about the Gayatri movement and featured celebrations of Gurudev's birth centenary. Devotees under the guidance of Tiwari Ji conducted 24 Kundi Yagya. The event ended with Mahaprasad. Harendra Mangorla, a spokesman, said that the next venue of celebration was New Jersey and Dr Pranav Pandya, the current head of the Gayatri Pariwar (Movement), has already come from India.

Gayatri Shaktipeeth celebrates Guruprunima HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: The full moon day in the Hindu calendar month of Aashadh (July-August) is observed as the auspicious day of Guru Poornima, a day sacred to the memory of the great rishi sage Ved Vyasa and dedication towards every Satguru who can enlighten us about all states of living "Jagrath","Swapna", and "Sushipta". On this day, spiritual aspirants and devotees worship the Guru from whom they got Diksha or conduct pooja for Vyasa in honor of his divine personage. Disciples perform 'pooja' of their respective spiritual preceptor or 'Gurudevs'. The Global Gayatri Pariwar, Chicago celebrated this day on Thursday July 24, under the guidance of Dr Kusum Patel to salute their Satguru Acharya Shree Ram Sharma, in the presence of dedicated disciples from different parts

108 Kundi Yagya in progress

of Illinois State. The main attraction of the event was 108 Kundi Gayatri Yagya and the Anti Corruption Procession. All the devotees including the main yajmans Dr Kallol Guha and Smt Shukla Guha offered their

aahutis in the Yagya. The pragya sangeet, pravachans and the description of the mantras by Kusumben along with Smt Harshaben Thakker and other musicians on stage created the perfect ambience for the event. Gayatri

Arati being performed as part of Guru Purnima celebration

Dr Subramanium Swami (left) with Kusum Patel, the main organizer, and Sohan Joshi, former head of FIA

Mantra, Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and the most powerful Gayatri Tantra aahutis were offered with the Vedic style of recitation by respected S Rajni Modi. The Global Gayatri Pariwar which has always supported Baba Ramdev, Anna Hazare and Dr Kiran Bedi and has been a part of their mission against black money and corruption in India, welcomed Dr Subramanian Swamy also on this particular day to express his views about the rich culture of India and its existing problems. A visiting Professor of Economics at the Harvard University, India's former Minister of Com-

merce, Law and Justice, Dr Subramanian Swamy addressed the devotees. Having distinguished himself in recent months as the renowned prosecutor against corruption in high places in the central government of India that has attracted worldwide attention, Dr Swamy shared his valuable thoughts with all. Every one participated in the aarti at last and enjoyed the Mahaprasad. The feeling of being blessed and content was on the faces of all. This unique opportunity to show the dedication towards the Guru on his 100 birth centenary was successfully completed.

Community Across America

August 5, 2011

India Post 15

www.indiapost.com

Indianapolis Mayor visits Sikh temple KANWAL PRAKASH SINGH

Mayor and Mrs. Ballard receiving honors

made their second visit to the Sikh Temple. This is the first visit of Mr David Kane, Director of Transportation Security Administation (TSA) at the Indianapolis International Airport. We have worked with Mr Kane in providing cultural education about the significance and respect for

David Kane, Mayor Greg Ballard, and Mrs. Ballard (Pics: KP Singh and Harpreet Sandhu)

sionary Administrator of Indianapolis - a major American city, married to a beautiful lady of Asian origin; a wonderful father and a thoughtful friend to all cultures. He is passionate about further enhancing our rich tapestry of cultures and ethnic celebrations, exploring the full range of

the strength and wisdom that flow from nurturing that spirit in every human being and believes that it brings out the best in us. Mayor Ballard is always willing to go the distance to forge new friendships and alliances, and in this commitment and vision, he has few equals in Indiana or the

Mayor and Mrs. Ballard

Mayor and Mrs Ballard exude a spirit of optimism that in the Sikh culture is called Charhdikala. As a Mayor, he has been willing to identify with the citizens, explore new ideas; dare us to follow and encourage us to lead. Mr Ballard is a man of strong faith and conviction and a tireless champion

Mayor Ballard emphasised that every valuable asset and strength needs to be carefully integrated to produce results that benefit all citizens Sikhs at United Way Diversity Recognition Breakfast

munities that make central Indiana their home. In June, we were happy to welcome Ms Melina Kennedy, the Democratic Party's candidate for Mayor. Over the last few years, we have welcomed Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, Mayor Bart Peterson, Indiana's First Lady Judy O'Bannon, Indiana State Representatives; heads of American Red Cross, FBI, Indiana Faith Based and Community Initiatives, Asian American Alliance, Indiana Humanities, and several business, education, faith leaders, and students. We frequently invite and receive fellow Americans from other faith traditions and distinguished guests from several countries who visit Indianapolis as guests of the U.S. Department of State. We are grateful for each visitor and opportunity to share ideas on many subjects of common interest and thankful for their friendship with the Sikh American community of central Indiana. Mayor and Mrs Greg Ballard

sacred Sikh articles of faith to the TSA officers during airport screening. Mayor Greg Ballard possesses a remarkable resume. He has had a distinguished career as a US Marine, a business leader, a vi-

Melina Kennedy honored by Gianijee

our cultural and community assets, and assuring a rightful place for their future in the fabric and spirit of our City and the Nation. We appreciate and applaud his cultural sensitivity. He understands the power of people and

Mayor Ballard with Asian friends

nation. Mayor Ballard's strong personal and professional ethic, a non-political approach to solving tough and complex problems, and putting people and their interests above all else is refreshing.

of diversity in all its multiple dimensions. Mayor Ballard reminded us that, "it takes a village" with each of us working together to make a city great. It takes good education, sound infrastructure, a responsible management of resources and people's trust, attractive business environment, safe neighborhoods, improving relationships between faith and ethnic communities, and a City that is looking to its future with a deep sense of its past and imaginative ideas that work. Mayor Ballard promised to do what he can to accommodate Sikh articles of faith for those wishing to pursue law enforcement careers. Mayor Ballard emphasised that every valuable asset and strength needs to be carefully integrated to produce results that benefit all citizens, and much like Mayor Richard Lugar (now US Senator), he has made this a centerpiece of his leadership style. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 18

Community Across America

16 India Post

August 5, 2011

www.indiapost.com

NRI Press Club honors corruption fighters MADHU PATEL

CHICAGO: NRI Press Club, a no profit body of Indian journalists in Chiicagoland, hosted a luncheon reception for three prominent community activists from India - Dr Subramnium Swami, Kamal Kumar Swamy and Rajiv Malhotra - at Mysore Woodland on Devon Avenue in Chicago last week. One of the objectives, as put by the Club's founder president, Madhu Patel, was to focus and bolster the anti-corruption movement spearheaded by well meaning Indian leaders and community activists in recent months. Dr Subramanium Swamy, a noted economist, a former Union minister, five-time parliamentarian and Harvard economics professor, was in his element while castigating Indian politicians and officials for their role in corrupting the body politic of Indian society. He alleged that it was not only former Telecom Minister A Raja who was involved in 2G scam but other top ranking ministers and officials also. Without hesitating he named Home Minister Chidambaram too as a culprit. "Not only Raja, but Home Minister Chidambaram is a party to the corruption in government and is answerable to the people. I have already registered a complaint against him and hearing has been scheduled somewhere during August next. I will make him answer for his misdeeds in the court of law," thundered Dr Swamy while addressing ethnic Indian news reporters, They need to be sent to jail and he would see that all the culprits go to jail. Touching upon the fate of Karunanidhi, former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, he observed that

Dr Subramanium Swamy

Kamal Kumar Swamy

the Karunanidhi's DMK should also not be elected in the next election and hoped that Jayalalitha will be able to unseat him. Referring to the issue of rampant corruption among public officials and ministers at every level of government, he said that materialism of the West has perverted the

Rajiv Malhotra

He lamented that while Indians are seeking to follow Western thoughts, the Westerners were increasingly are accepting Indian values and ideas. Yoga is one of the areas where there is a huge following among Westerners. It is also good to know that celebrities are embracing Hinduism and In-

He alleged that it was not only former Telecom Minister A Raja who was involved in 2G scam but other top ranking ministers and officials also. Without hesitating he named Home Minister Chidambaram too as a culprit. "Not only Raja, but Home Minister Chidambaram is a party to the corruption in government and is answerable to the peopleâ&#x20AC;? Indian mind and that the veneration of wealth and power have resulted in degeneration of moral and social values. "I believe greed is the main reason. The society has become vulnerable to the show of wealth and power and is fast becoming westernized," he said.

dian values. The recent example is film star Julia Roberts, who became a Hindu along with her husband and child. Coming to India, just visit some of the Ashrams of our Gurus like Shri Ramdev and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and you will find hundreds of western disciples engaged in Yoga,

meditation and learning Hindu philosophy. Idea of caste seems to have withered away with the introduction of hundreds of foreigners into the fold of Hinduism, which is a good indication of the dynamism of Sanatan Hindu Dharma. Sadhus and sadhvis are seen moving around the ashrams wearing robes of bhagwa color. The impact of Hindu gurus in the West is equally obvious as several ashrams belonging to different gurus from Hare Krishna, Sri Sri to Brahmkumaris have sprung up in California, Texas and Chicago." Dr Swamy has published many books including "Indian Economic Planning - An alternative approach" in 1971 and "Comparative Appraisal of China and India (18701986)" being his jointly authored papers with Nobel Laureate Paul. He was one of the founding members of the Janata Party and has been its president since 1990. He was elected Member of Parliament five times between 1974 and 1999 besides holding many important positions including as member of the Planning Commission. He was accompanied by Kamal Kumar Swami and Rajiv Malhotra. Kamal Swami is also a front ranking activist and is involved in fighting corruption at high levels as also preservation of Hindu religious places of worships. Rajiv Malhotra is an Indian American public intellectual and philanthropist. He works full-time with The Infinity Foundation. NRI Press Club presented them with Certificates of Recognition for the valuable contributions they have been making for the uplifting of Indian society in general.

Spelling Bee winners in New York & Boston

BOSTON WINNERS: (From L to R) Niteka Mokal, Director - PR & Media Services, Touchdown Media Inc.; First Runner Up Pratima Rao of West Bloomfield, MI; Second Runner Up Anshul Joshi of Acton, MA and Regional Champ Surabhi Iyer of Franklin, MA with Rahul Walia, Founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee. India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The 2011 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee concluded its 10 city tour this past weekend with two events in the New York and Boston areas. In New York, Arvind Mahankali from Forest Hills, NY was the regional champ and Nabeel Rahman

from Williamsville, NY was the first runner up while Sanjana Malla from Haverstraw, NY came in at third place. "It is great to see our youth demonstrate such talent and commitment. MetLife congratulates all of the children and their families who took part in this year's Spelling Bee," said Anil

NY WINNERS: (From L to R) Niteka Mokal, Director - PR & Media Services, Touchdown Media Inc.; Regional Champ Arvind Mahankali of Forest Hills, NY; First Runner Up Nabeel Rahman of Williamsville, NY and Second Runner Up Sanjana Malla of Haverstraw, NY with Rahul Walia, Founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee.

Lamba, financial advisor, Metropolis Financial Group, an office of MetLife. In Boston, Surabhi Iyer from Franklin, MA was the regional champ and Pratima Rao from West Bloomfield, MI was first runner up while Anshul Joshi from Acton, MA was second runner up. "We were pleased to see how

many families participated in the competition and benefited from the information MetLife provided to help parents learn more about how to plan for the rising costs of education. As the title sponsor for the third consecutive year, we're excited with the growing success of the events," said Jeanine

Beratta, JD, financial services representative, MetLife Financial Group of Massachusetts. The winners received cash prizes of $500, $300 and $200 respectively. The top two winners plus one parent each from every city will be given an all expenses paid trip to NJ on August 12 for the finals.

Community Across America

August 5, 2011

India Post 17

www.indiapost.com

Meera drama casts a spell in Greenville

Vedic style marriage at Iskcon temple NAND KAPUR

NALINI RAJA

Meera, Raman Rama, Krishna and Praful Veer (Pics Nalini Raja)

GREENVILLE, SC: The Vedic Center of Greenville, SC and Subrang Arts Production from London, UK jointly presented 'Meera' a dance drama at the Furman University on July 23. People traveled long distances to witness this spectacular performance which charts the history of legendary Meerabai, a Rajput prin-

and choreographed by Harsha Amin with Ashit Desai as the music director and Lata Desai as the Chairperson. Subrang Arts is one of the oldest and fastest growing cultural organizations in South London and has been running a very successful school of Indian dance and languages. They were accompa-

Meera's marriage ceremony

cess, poetess and devotee of Lord Krishna. A cast of over 50 lighted up the stage with glittering costumes and colorful acts bringing endearing characters from the mythological archives alive and casting a spell of rare classical charm. Well-known singers like Suresh Wadker and Sadhana Sargam and many others provided the vocals. Dances were well articulated

nied by many volunteers, makeup artists and technicians. A splendid array of backdrops made this a very nostalgic and colorful show. Raman Rama and Praful Veer thanked the organizers by presenting them with flowers and gifts at the end of the performance. Audiences hoped for more such performances to come to Greenville, SC.

Dancers

In Vedic style marriage, Patrik tied knot with Yashoda

CHICAGO: Amidst chanting of Vedic mantras, billowing incense, sacred fire and in the presence of Sri Sri Kisora-Kisori, the presiding deities of ISKCON's Hare Krishna Temple in Chicago, Patraka Das (Patrick Roth) and Yasodamayi Dasi (Yashoda Raman) tied their nuptial knot on July 10. Patraka Das and Yasodamayi Dasi are full-time devotees and residents of the Hare Krishna Temple. Patraka Das is working on his college degree in Biology from DePaul University in Chicago. Yasodamayi Dasi is a graduate in Pharmacy from Guyana. Their marriage was performed in Vedic style by Nityananda Pran Das, ISKCON Chicago's President in the presence of 150 people comprising the couple's family and friends. A 12-course lunch, courtesy of the temple, was served to all the guests.

The Hare Krishna Temple has been serving members of the Rogers Park and neighboring communities, including the Indian community, for over 36 years. In fact, the Hare Krishna Temple was the first temple in Chicago in 1974. His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (generally known as Srila Prabhupada) founded ISKCON in 1965 in New York. The movement's roots go back at least 5000 years into Vedic In-

dia centered in Vaishnavism. One of the most striking features of the Hare Krishna community is their openness to people of all demographics, regardless of caste or race. One will find Caucasians singing and dancing with African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians because the fundamental teachings indicate that everyone is a part and parcel of Krishna, "The All Attractive" Supreme Personality of Godhead.

18 India Post

Community Across America

August 5, 2011

www.indiapost.com

SALDEF celebrates 15th Anniversary

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: SALDEF was founded in 1996 with a simple idea: to serve and empower the Sikh American community. In a statement on the occasion, SALDEF said, "It is both with a great sense of accomplishment and humility that we observe our 15 year anniversary. We know our work would not be possible without the gen-

erous support and encouragement of the community." It said, "In our 15 years, we have produced groundbreaking educational resources, addressed anti-Sikh bias in the media, and overturned discriminatory legislation. SALDEF will continue to develop and deliver solutions that ensure we collectively succeed without ever compromising our beliefs or identity," it concluded.

Indianapolis Mayor visits Sikh temple Cont’d from page 15

Mayor Ballard and Mrs Ballard genuinely care and understand the challenges of the Sikh faithmandated sacred articles of faith since the horrific events of 9/11. He is prepared to set a new standard of community engagement and inclusiveness where our talents are recognized and utilized to the fullest. His message reflected a deep commitment to public safety, family values and humanitarian concerns; to our youth and their future in an intensely competitive and interdepent world. He challenged us to do our part and respect the laws. His passion to bring about a renaissance through tireless striving and postive reinforcement about serving is a welcome relief. On behalf of the Sikh congregation, Mr David Kane was presented the traditional Sikh Siropa; Mrs Ballard, a silk scarf; and Mayor Ballard, a Siropa and check of $1001.00 in support of families of police officers killed in the line of duty. Indiana Sikhs have been striving to be an active part of the larger community: • Inviting City and international guests, and faith leaders to the Sikh temple for discussions • Raising funds and collecting the canned food for the Interfaith Hunger Initiative • Participating in the Asian American Alliance's "Race For All Races" to raise money for student scholarships • Participating in the 500-Festival Parade as a part of Nationali-

ties Council's Parade Unit • Participating in Interfaith Prayer Services and other faithrelated events and forums • Supporting school programs, civic and community projects and engagements • Regularly featuring the Sikh community's activities and achievements in the media Sikhs in central Indiana have been participating in events and discussions to learn about all facets of community life, culture, and political process to understand their opportunities and responsibilities as citizens. In their remarks Mayor Ballard, David Kane, and

Sikhs in central Indiana have been participating in events and discussions to learn about all facets of community life others have offered reassurances to safeguard interests of all citizens and respect for distinct cultural mandates. They have applauded the initiatives of the Sikh community in serving Indiana and the nation and encouraged us to stay engaged. The Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis under the leadership of Jesse Lalli, Maninder Walia, Harpreet Sandhu, Narvinder Bhola, Avtar Singh, and others is beginning to see the results of their active and diverse involvements: greater appreciation and acceptance.

SBI officials meet seniors at IAC K RAJDA

CHICAGO: Suresh Kumar, CEO State Bank of India Chicago, said here that it was not possible for his bank to branch out to Devon Avenue despite strong and persistent demand from members of the Indian community in the wake of certain technical problems. SBI is dubbed a foreign bank and it has to observe stiffer regulations and restrictions while branching out. Short of full fledged banking transactions, SBI could help out the community thru starting a facility in the area that would explain the details of its operations and pass on other relevant information for opening account, money transfer, etc, he said while responding to a question during a meet at Indo American Center ( IAC) in Chicago. He detailed various services offered by SBI and informed about continued efforts to modernize its operations thru technological innovations. Suresh Kumar and Vice President Personal Banking and administration, Deep Chand, were invited to meet the members and guests of IAC last week. Sher Mohammed Rajput, IAC director

Suresh Kumar of SBI seen addressing the meeting at Indo American Center

A section of the audience

gave short trip of IAC to both Suresh Kumar and Deep Chand before introducing them to members and guests numbering 70 plus. It was a small informal luncheon

meeting attended by many seniors. Jay Luthra, IAC chief was present during the meet. S Limbachia of IAC proposed vote of thanks.

New TANA board takes over

TANA Executive Committee Members: Sitting (from L-R): Mohan Nannapaneni (Secretary), Chowdary Jampala (BOD Chair), Prasad Thotakura (President), Jayaram Komati (Past President), Ram Yalamanchili (Secretary) and Satish Vemana (Treasurer) Standing from (L-R): Regional Representatives (RR): Madhu Tata (RR-Southeast), Vasudeva Reddy Chinna (Joint Secretary), Manjulata Kanneganti (RR-South West), Sarit Kommineni (RR-Rocky Mountains), Hema Kanuru (RR-Midwest), Trilok Kantheti (RR-Capitol), Jay Kureti (RR-Mid Atlantic), Hemarao Nandipati (RR-West) and Sagar Malisetti (RR-Great Plains) India Post News Service

DALLAS, TX: TANA had a very successful "18th TANA Conference" from July 1-3 in Santa Clara, California where the new leadership took office with Prasad Thotakura heading this organization as President of TANA until July 2013. Thanking Past president Jayaram Komati and his team for

serving the community in a most effective way, Thotakura announced that the 19th TANA Conference will be held at the Dallas Convention Center from July 4-6, 2013. In this context, he pointed out that the contracts with Dallas Convention Center and the Omni Hotel have been signed already and that "we are all committed to celebrate its 19th TANA convention in 2013

in a bigger scale here". The new TANA Board members are: Mohan Nannapaneni (Secretary), Chowdary Jampala (BOD Chair), Prasad Thotakura (President), Jayaram Komati (Past President), Ram Yalamanchili (Secretary) and Satish Vemana (Treasurer) Cont’d on page 21

August 5, 2011

Community/California

India Post 19

www.indiapost.com

Los Angeles bids farewell to Consul General Susmita Thomas

India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) in association with National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA), Federation of Indo-American Associations of Southern California (FIA) and India Association of Los Angeles (IALA) held a farewell dinner for Ambassador Susmita Thomas, Consul General of India, San

celebration of India Independence Day in the San Fernando Valley has been attracting over 10,000 people annually. He mentioned that IALA is the only organization in Southern California which had India's ambassador Meera Shankar as the chief guest in the last year's celebration. FIA chair Anju Garg while praising the Consul General for her links with the community,

about his visits to San Francisco Consulate and how he got changed from having negative thinking about the working of the consulate to becoming an admirer of the Consul General. GOPIO Chairman Inder Singh said that obtaining Indian visa was never a problem in the past. At monthly Visa camps in Los Angeles, 400 visas were issued within a few hours. Consul General and senior staff members

options except to follow the rigid instructions imposed by India's Home Ministry. He however praised Consul General Thomas who tried to apply the new rules more humanely. Inder Singh urged Ambassador Thomas to get the rules for visa relaxed and to make the process work smoothly. The expatriates should be free to visit India. It is good for people to maintain links with their motherland. He con-

obligated to follow the new rules but she also had responsibility to the needs of people for consular services. Her workload had increased manifold but her staff strength stayed the same. Still her staff strove very hard to provide consular services that people deserved. During the week, she would ensure that applicants are served properly while during the weekend, she would travel to various places in her ju-

cluded by saying that these are the people who collectively contributed to India's transformation into a modern economy and that these are the people who sent over $55 billion to India in 2010 as foreign remittances. The huge sum is good for India's economy; it is good for Indian people. Ambassador Susmita Thomas thanked the organizers for the farewell dinner. She said that her assignment as the Consul General of India in San Francisco had been very challenging. She was

risdiction for face-to-face interaction with the community. NFIA Vice President Ashok Madan called upon all the event co-chairs and presented a coffee table book on Los Angeles with signatures and comments from several people. Vinod Manchhani gave note of thanks mentioning all those who contributed to the organization and success of the farewell program. He thanked the media and TV Asia for attending the event.

Inder Singh stated that the new restrictions for the grant of visa to India imposed in May 2010 triggered resentment and obtaining visa became a nightmare

Francisco at the Royal Delhi Palace Banquet Hall, West Hills. The dinner was attended by over 150 people. Several community leaders, Padam Shree Mani Bhaumik, Cypress City Councilman Dr. Narayan, heads and members of the above four organizations and many members of the community from all walks of life attended the event. IALA president Bobby Kumar welcomed Consul General Susmita Thomas. He gave brief history of IALA and said that the

pleaded for a consular office in Los Angeles. FIA president Rajinder Dhunna compared the Consul General with important women leaders in India like Mamta Bannerji, Sheila Dixit, Sonia Gandhi, etc. Cypress City Councilman Dr. Prakash Narayan, who had attended Consul General's community outreach meeting last year, praised the way she explained the stringent regulations for the grant of visa to the belligerent crowd. Gursharan Nat narrated his own impressions

were more engaged in promoting business, tourism, or reaching out to the community for issues pertaining to India in the US Congress. Inder Singh stated that the new restrictions for the grant of visa to India imposed in May 2010 triggered resentment and obtaining visa became a nightmare. GOPIO got the fee for surrender certificate reduced and some penalties eliminated, but that did not ease the continuing problem. The consulate staff however had no

Community Across America

20 India Post

August 5, 2011

www.indiapost.com

Selling 'Incredible India' to 16 States JS BEDI India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Tucked away in the heart of LA's Wilshire district is a piece of India - the Government of India Tourism Office. The seemingly quiet place is a beehive of activity that covers the entire western United States and Mexico. It is their job to market and sell "Incredible India" in 16 states ranging from Hawaii to Texas. And, needless to say Annabelle

lywood and Highland in Los Angeles. Similar hoardings can also be seen on buses. Some have it at the back, whilst others sport an "Incredible India" livery. GOITO also provides technical and financial support to tour companies promoting tourism to India. Be it maps, catalogs, participation in Travel trade expos, printing of catalogs, media advertising - GOITO provides robust support materially and financially.

GOITO also provides technical and financial support to tour companies promoting tourism to India. Be it maps, catalogs, participation in Travel trade expos, printing of catalogs, media advertising - GOITO provides robust support materially and financially Arya and her team are doing a superb job. India Post dropped in at the GOITO office to get a better understanding of how it all worked. GOITO strategy is two fold. Direct advertising in the form of hoardings at prominent locations play a major part. Apart from LA hoardings promoting "Incredible India" can be seen at major intersections of the big cities in the GOITO territory. Next time do not miss the "Incredible India" hoarding on Hol-

India is a vast and a very diverse country. There is no such thing as the 'best time' to visit India. The best time depends on the destination in India. Whilst January is a bad time to visit Punjab, it is a very good time for a trip to Southern destinations like Kerala, Lakshdweep etc. In India, tourism is a state subject and it is up to the individual state government to determine how much of a tourist destination their state is going to be. It is for the state govern-

ment to build and maintain the proper infrastructure to attract tourists. Punjab and Haryana are two good examples. Haryana, with very little tourist attractions has created new ones in the form of Haryana Tourism Tourist complexes that dot the state. Choosing the right locations the Haryana government built a vast tourist circuit around Delhi and elsewhere. These complexes provide star rated facilities and food and have become very popular for commercial and business tourism. Prime ex-

amples of this are Sohna, Dauhera, Surajkund and Badkal Lake around Delhi, all popular venues for corporate events. Punjab in comparison is nowhere close to Haryana. It's a state with vast potential for religious tourism with the Golden Temple and other historic Gudwaras including the Takhts at Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib and Keshgarh Sahib near Talwandi Sabo. The Harike Pattan wetlands are a bird watcher's paradise and there are ample opportunities for water sports and river cruises.

The Ropar Tourist complex is ideally located on a lake shore but has shut down due to utter neglect, corruption and government indifference. The same can be said of other complexes. The state government is so busy eating Karah Parshad that they do not realize that tourism would bring the much needed succor to the state's floundering economy and its empty coffers. However far away from Punjab on the other side of the planet GOITO strives to present India's best to a very curious, inquisitive and travel hungry America.

SCE tips on how to stay cool & and keep bills low India Post News service

ROSEMEAD, CA: To help residential and business customers stay cool and lower their summer electricity bills, Southern California Edison (SCE) offers a variety of ways to conserve energy, money and the environment. "There are so many free and low-cost ways to stay cool and comfortable this summer - while keeping electricity costs in check," said Gene Rodrigues, SCE's director of Customer Energy Efficiency and Solar. "Now, more than ever, people are interested in saving money and the environment. We're focused on being able to help our customers do that." SCE, recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and others for its groundbreaking work in energy efficiency, suggests three initial steps: 1. Take an energy efficiency survey for home or business. The customized results outline energy-saving opportunities even the most energy-conscious customer will value. Visit www.sce.com/survey for homes and www.sce.com/bizsurvey for busi-

nesses. 2. Look for SCE rebates and incentives. Go to www.sce.com/rebate for residences and www.sce.com/business for businesses. Examples of savings in the home include: • ENERGY STAR-qualified portable room air conditioner ($20). • Energy-efficient evaporative cooling

• Air-conditioning maintenance and installation services (up to $2,000). Rebates for businesses include: • Reflective window film ($1.35/per square foot). • Energy-efficient evaporative coolers ($123 per ton). • Package terminal air conditioners

Other power-saving tips include drawing drapes to keep sunlight out; keeping the thermostat set at 78 degrees or above; shutting vents and doors to unoccupied areas to direct cool air to rooms you're using; opting for the microwave or barbecue instead of the stove systems ($300). • Refrigerator and freezer recycling program ($50). • Select an ENERGY STAR-qualified refrigerator ($50). • Variable-speed pool pump and motor ($200).

through-the-wall, self-contained and two tons or less ($100 per unit). 3. Install CFLs now. According to a recent survey, many customers have bought CFLs, or compact fluorescent lights, but are waiting until their current inefficient incandescent bulbs burn out before install-

ing these energy- and money-saving bulbs. This delays the tremendous savings CFLs provide. Not only are CFLs up to 75 percent more efficient, but they emit far less heat, reducing the need for air conditioning. SCE works with manufacturers and retailers to lower the cost of ENERGY STAR-qualified CFLs in SCE territory, so the price is not a hindrance to its customers. Through Oct. 15, SCE also is offering the Cool Center Program, providing safe, air-conditioned facilities customers can visit for relief from the heat and to avoid running their own cooling devices at home. For a list of centers in Kern, Tulare, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, please go to www.sce.com/ coolcenters. Other power-saving tips include drawing drapes to keep sunlight out; keeping the thermostat set at 78 degrees or above; shutting vents and doors to unoccupied areas to direct cool air to rooms you're using; opting for the microwave or barbecue instead of the stove; and running a fan, which makes a room feel five degrees cooler.

Community Across America

August 5, 2011

India Post 21

www.indiapost.com

Sankara fundraiser at Dr Marwah's estate

Award presented to Dr Marwah by Murali Krishnamurthy (Executive Chairman of Sankara Eye Foundation) and K. Sridharan (Board member of Sankara Eye Foundation) India Post News Service

MALIBU, CA: On July 23, Sankara Eye Foundation organized an evening fundraiser at Dr Marwah's estate in Malibu. Dr Marwah welcomed close to 200 supporters of Sankara Eye Foundation. The event raised about $30,000 for the 9th hospital being built in India by Sankara Eye Care Institutions. The hospital, based in Ludhiana, Punjab, is a $4.2 million capital campaign, of which $3.7 million has been raised through donations in India and the US. The specialty eye care hospital is a 100-bed facility that will provide quality free eye care to low income populations living in Punjab. With events such as this, Sankara Eye Hospital in Punjab has become a close reality with an anticipated open date in March 2012.

Murali Krishnamurthy, Dr Marwah and Anjuben Desai

The mission of Sankara Eye Care Institutions with its affiliate Sankara Eye Foundation is to eradicate curable blindness in India. Sankara Eye Foundation is a registered non-profit organization in the US. With 25% of the global

The hospital, based in Ludhiana, Punjab, is a $4.2 million capital campaign blind population, blindness is undoubtedly one of the most critical and urgent problems of India. Seventy five percent of the blind in India are curable. Sankara Eye Care Institutions in India has provided 734,422 free surgeries to low-income populations since 1977.

Dr Marwah with Sankara Eye Foundation leadership and volunteers

New TANA board takes over Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 19

Standing from (L-R): Regional Representatives (RR): Madhu Tata (RR-Southeast), Vasudeva Reddy Chinna (Joint Secretary), Manjulata Kanneganti (RR-South West), Sarit Kommineni (RRRocky Mountains), Hema Kanuru (RR-Midwest), Trilok Kantheti (RR-Capitol), Jay Kureti (RR-Mid Atlantic), Hemarao Nandipati (RRWest) and Sagar Malisetti (RRGreat Plains) Dilip Kuchipudi (TANA Foundation Board Chairman), Anu Nimmagadda, (RRCanada) Murthy Kanneganti (RRNew England), Srimanth Chinnam (RR-Northwest), Sathish Mandalappa (RR-North) Veeru Vuppala (Joint Treasurer) TANA Board of Directors are:

Dr. Chowdary Jampala (BOD Chair), Dr. Naren Kodali (Secretary), Prasad Chukkapalli (Trea-

Thotakura announced that the 19th TANA Conference will be held at the Dallas Convention Center from July 4-6, 2013 surer), Dr. Mani Akkineni, Dr. Subbarao Uppuluri, Dr. Hemaprasad Yadla, Prasad

Thotakura, Mohan Nannapaneni, Ram Yalamanchili, Satish Vemana, Jayaram Komati, Dilip Kuchipudi, Srinivas Gogineni, Subbarao Kolla, Purna Veerapaneni, Srinivas Jarugula, Dr. Sambasivarao Bandarupalli, Harish Koya, Venkataramana Yarlagadda, Jay Talluri, Dr. Ganga Chowdary and Prasad Chowdary Kakarla. TANA Foundation Board members are Dilip Kuchipudi (Chairman), Jay Talluri (Secretary), Srinivasa Gogineni (Treasurer), Harish Koya (Joint Secretary) Subbarao Kolla (Joint Treasurer), Purna Veerapaneni, Srinivas Jarugula, Dr. Sambasiva Rao Bandarupalli, Venkata Ramana Yarlagadda, Dr. Prasad Chowdary Kakarala and Dr. Ganga Chowdary.

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Hale Dil : Murder 2 2 Bhaag D.K Bose, Aandhi Aayi : Delhi Belly 3 Phir Mohabbat : Murder 2 4 Ik Junoon : Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

India Post

www.indiapost.com

August 5, 2011

ith Aishwarya Rai's pregnancy leaving a question mark over Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Heroine,' Madhur had no choice but bounce back to his original choice for the leading lady of this film, Kareena Kapoor. It has taken a year and a half of toil and hard work from the makers of the film and UTV's Siddharth Roy Kapur and writer Niranjan Iyenger. Not wanting to shelve the project after putting in so much of effort, Madhur approached Kareena Kapoor and met her in Hyderabad. It may be mentioned here that Madhur had first approached Kareena for the role but the girl had refused the role because she found it too bold. Now, though she has accepted the offer, she has made it clear that she will not do any love making scenes with the male co-stars Arjun Rampal and Arunoday Sinha. However,

5 Aye Khuda : Murder 2 6 Haal-E-Dil : Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap 7 Saathiya : Singham 8 Jalebi Bai : Double Dhamaal 9 Bande : Men Will Be Men 10 Tai Tai Phish : Chillar Party

Bikini dilemma

she has agreed to smoke, drink and even snort for the film. Madhur is known for being very clear and adamant on what he wants. Whether Kareena's conditions will be acceptable to him or not, is a question still being asked.

Her own films

ctress Freida Pinto has come under fire from critics in her native India for allegedly shunning film roles in Bollywood. "I haven't done a film in India because I haven't found a script that's completely gotten my attention and made me passionate to get it made," the Daily Express quoted her as telling Interview magazine. "I keep saying I'm not at all famous in my own country, because people do not think I have done anything for India. "I was upset initially. I guess everybody in India has tried really hard to do what they do and then move to the West... "The reason why I'm doing these things outside my country, bit by bit, is to be able to come back to India equipped with the knowledge and understanding of how to hopefully produce my own films one fine day," she added.

nushka Sharma had donned a two-piece for 'Badmaash Company' but now the actress feels that sporting a bikini would amount to over exposure and she might get flak for it. So, she is in two minds whether she should opt for it for her next film with Ranveer Singh. She also had a meeting with the creative head of the production house and asked for a second opinion on the scene. In the past too, Anushka had refused to wear a bikini for her films but then her pretext was that she was not in a perfect shape and would not look good in it. But now, even that excuse would not work as she's currently looking fitter than ever!

August 5, 2011

Bollywood

India Post

www.indiapost.com

fter Katrina Kaif's recent remark on Rahul Gandhi, which spiraled controversy among political circles, Deepika Padukone seems to have learnt a lesson. Deepika, playing the lead role in Prakash Jha's politically sensitive drama Aarakshan, is refraining from making comments on political policies and politicians in general. At a recent press briefing, Deepika feigned ignorance on the political front when asked to comment on reservation quotas in educational institutions. According to sources, "Deepika seems to have learnt from Katrina's mistake. The fact that her film deals with a sensitive political reality of caste based reservations has made her prone to political questioning during promotions.

Dream

TEAM

R H

is legendary father was a successful actor and politician, but when Sanjay Dutt plunged into politics in 2009, he couldn't replicate the late Sunil Dutt's success saga. Now, the actor has vowed never to return to that field again. "I don't want to return to politics. I want to be away from it. I will never think of getting back there," Sanjay, whose younger sister Priya Dutt is an MP from the Mumbai North Central constituency, says in an interview. During the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, Sanjay, who was nominated by the Samajwadi Party from Lucknow, a seat once held by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee of the Bharatiya Janata Party, was barred from contesting as he was convicted for illegally storing and then destroying arms during the 1993 Mumbai blasts. The Supreme Court refused to suspend his conviction to permit him to contest.

iteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza, rumored to be dating each other, are teaming up on the big screen for a yet-to-be-titled film after a gap of seven years. Both of them are excited about it. Riteish and Genelia, who made their debut together in Bollywood with "Tujhe Meri Kasam" in 2003, last worked together in the 2004 release "Masti". "Working with my first n my most favorite co-star @geneliad after 7 long years. Today is the first day of the shoot. Excitttteeeeddd yeaahh," Riteish posted on his Twitter page. Genelia wrote: "My new film starts 2day, workin w @Riteishd after 7yrs.lllongggg time bt excited 4sure. Need ur prayers n wishes tweeps, bring it on."

India Post

www.indiapost.com

August 5, 2011 Euphoria Miss Photogenic

L-R: Breakaway Star, Vinay Virmani; 1st Runner Up, Aarthi Kalyan; actress, Lisa Ray; Miss India-Canada 2011, Akhina Mooken, and 2nd Runner Up, Priya Leena Singh

With a red carpet entrance, dazzling cocktail hour, and stunning stage set provided by The Wedding House, patrons were ‘wowed’ right from the very beginning. The 16 delegates began the evening with a high-energy dance sequence

India Post News Service

TORONTO, Canada: It was a night of entertainment, prestige and glamour all rolled into one; the 21st annual Miss India-Canada Event had it all. The sold out show was proudly presented by Imagine Dil Se, in association with Yak. The event was truly a memorable experience. At the end of the evening, Akhina Mooken of Brampton, Ontario won the esteemed title of Miss India-Canada 2011. Other sponsors included Euphoria by Calvin Klein, India Tourism, Cuisine of India Catering, and Bigen Speedy Hair Color, to name a few. With a red carpet entrance, dazzling cocktail hour, and stunning stage set provided by The Wedding House, patrons were "wowed" right from the very beginning. The 16 delegates began the evening with a high-energy dance sequence that captivated the audience and kept them in their seats for the remainder of the evening. Organizers, Sanjay Agnihotri and Gautam Sharma were then called upon to say a few words and present cross cultural actress, Lisa

Ray with the Special Achievement Award. Notable attendees were Mr. Prit Pal Singh - Acting Consul General of India, Toronto, and former Miss Universe Canada title holders from 2001, 2006 and 2008. Soon after, the opening host, Aashish Rajhans, introduced the emcees for the evening-Karen Johnson from the Weather Network and Husein Madhavji. Karen commenced the evening by introducing the distinguished Panel of Judges: Dr. Gopal Bhatnagar, Chief Of Medical Staff - Trillium Health Centre / Adj Assistant Professor Of Surgery At The University Of Toronto; Bryan Gotter, Vice President - Ethnic Channels Group; Sandeep Johal, Barrister And Solicitor - Johal Law Office; Lisa M. Mattam, Managing Principal - The Mattam Group; Kim Moseley, Director Of Community Mar-

Organizers: Sanjay Agnihotri (R) and Gautam Sharma (L) presenting the Special Achievement Award to internationally acclaimed actress, Lisa Ray

keting & Employee Recognition For Canadian Marketing - Scotiabank; Dr. Neil Gajjar, Regional Director, Academy of General Dentistry / Examiner, National Dental Examining Board of Canada; Nimmi Papneja, Marketing & Pr Consultant - Dr. Papneja & Associates / Co-Chair - Diwali Gala 2011, Trillium Health Foundation / Founding Member Aim For Seva Charity; Nalini Sharma, Reporter/Weather Specialist - Cp24 Breakfast; Satish Thakkar, President - Excelsior Financial Group / President - Iccc; Vinay Virmani, Lead Actor Of "Breakaway". Cont’d on page 26

August 5, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Glamorous countdown to Miss/Mrs Asia 2011 JS BEDI India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Virgelia Productions launched the 23rd annual Miss Asia and the 7th Mrs Asia 2011 with a colorful and glamorous Fashion Show. Held at the Hyundai Dealership in the City of Industry, fashion extravaganza was a colorful display of Asia's variety and diversity. Models sashayed down the ramp in different outfits ranging from their national dress to evening gown and swimwear. The Indian subcontinent is very ably represented by a wonderful group of ladies. In the Miss category, India is represented by Tania Singh and Tania Mehra. While Tania Mehra was not able to make it, Tania Singh did India and Indians proud. All of 17 Tania is in High School here in Southern California.

Sri Lanka is represented by the lovely Rowena Kumaratunga, also 17. Mansa born Punjabi mutiyar Payal Wadhawan is India's pride in the Mrs category. An IT professional, Payal is also a

choreographer and dancer. Morina Dissanayake and Aruni Ganawatte will showcase the pearl of the Indian Ocean, the exotic island nation of Sri Lanka.

The South Asian sisterhood is a formidable challenge to the Middle Easterners and the ladies from the Far East. There were stage performances and clearly the desis with Smita Salgaonkar and

Payal Wadhawan and her dance troupe were an instant hit. Smita danced to a Bollwood number whilst Payal and her troupe wowed the audience with a thundering Bollywood dance performance. This year is the 23rd Miss Asia USA and the 7th Mrs Asia USA and will be held August 20 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. We at India Post wish the Indian and the Sri Lankan sister the best of luck.

India Post

August 5, 2011 www.indiapost.com

Akhina Mooken is Miss India-Canada Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 24

The judges were then put to the test as each delegate completed the first three segments: Indian Dress, Evening Gown, and Talent. Next, the emcees announced that Aarthi Kalyan of Mississauga, ON won the YAK People's Choice Award. Mr. Hitesh Lad, Technician-Network Operations for Yak preTalent show

sented Aarthi with a bouquet of flowers and a Blackberry Bold 9780. Anita Kailey of Vancouver, BC won the Euphoria Miss Photogenic award and Jessica Bhola of Markham, ON won Miss Congeniality. The top 5 finalists were then announced in random order: Vartika Sharma of Mount Hope, ON; Priya Leena Singh of Montreal, QC; Akhina Mooken of Brampton, ON; Aarthi Kalyan of Mississauga, ON; and Anita Kailey of Vancouver, BC. The final

segment of Question & Answer involved asking each contestant a different question by the panel of judges. As the anticipation of the winner grew, the audience was treated to two jaw dropping entertainment pieces: singing sensation Parichay and a performance by Cirque Sublime.

Akhina considers her Bharathanatyam Arangetram to be her greatest achievement, a test of perseverance that was over a decade in the making. One of her primary ambitions is to successfully use this magnificent platform to create an affirmative impact on the youth of today Patrons waited in complete silence as Karen and Husein announced the results from the accounting firm of Kunjar Sharma and Associates. The Second Runner-up was Priya Leena Singh, the First Runner-up was Aarthi Kalyan and this year's Miss India-Canada 2011 was Akhina Mooken. Akhina Mooken is a 19 year old student in a joint program at George Brown College and Ryerson University pursuing a degree and diploma in Early Childhood Education.

Opening dance

marked that this year's winner will also assist in promoting the goals of various social organizations. When asked what he thought of this year's event, Mr. Agnihotri replied, "The hard work and dedication that our team and volunteers put forth into this year's 21 Year Anniversary event has truly been remarkable. We are overwhelmed by the support we received from the community this year. The audience and delegates have made this year's show a monumental success!"

Another Bollywood-inspired remix from Lady Gaga India Post News Service

NEW YORK, NY: Lady Gaga has released another exciting Bollywood-inspired remix of her hit single "Edge of Glory," produced by top Bollywood DJ, DJ Aqeel in conjunction with the world's premier east/ west multi-media entertainment platform Desi Hits! www.desihits.com. This latest release is part of Gaga's ongoing march into the hearts and minds of her "Indian monsters" who have followed her every step of

CEO-Atom Factory, Lady Gaga's management company. DJ Aqeel is a DJ, singer and composer from India. He became known after his track "Shake It Daddy Mix", became popular in the early 2000s. His popularity grew further with his rendition of "Yeh Wadha Raha", from the 1982 blockbuster film with the same name. His chart-topping version was titled "Tu Hai Wahi". "Each time Lady Gaga releases a new single I get a call from Interscope and Atom

the way and whose anticipation is growing given her own announcement of her pending visit to India in October 2011. The remix, which authentically captures the signature Bollywood sound, delivers an energetic contemporary track featuring traditional dhol beats and Gaga's incredible vocals. "We collaborated with Indian music producers from across the globe to show our respect and appreciation for our Desi fans and music community" said Troy Carter,

factoryâ&#x20AC;Ś she never forgets her Desi fans and we always aim to create something especially for them, this time it's with Dj Aqeel one of India's most coolest DJ's." says Anjula Acharia-Bath CEO of Desi Hits, who is working closely with Gaga's camp on a strategy for the South Asian market. "Her music has really touched the hearts of Desis everywhere, so we're helping her pursue this audience to authentically connect with both the huge Diaspora and South Asia itself."

August 5, 2011

www.indiapost.com

India Post 27

Horoscope

28 India Post

August 5, 2011

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

AUGUST 5TH - AUGUST 11TH ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20)

TAURUS (APRIL 21 TO MAY 20)

omeone in immediate family will need extra care. Stocks you buy now could turn profitable in few weeks. You will be on your feet most of the time but the results will be good. You will be travelling to a nice area with family to meet an old friend. You will be excited about an upcoming trip. You will feel relieved after making a big payment.

ou will be looking in all directions for fresh leads. Results will come but slowly. Bank balance will take a sharp dip. Planets will make you more energetic and you will finish lots of pending work. You will spend some time on phone and save money. Opponents and competition will be strong but cannot hurt. You will become much focused.

GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20)

CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22)

oney will go towards repairs or purchase of another car. There will be lots of confusion in mind but will be cleared with the help of an experienced person. You will continue to make place in social circle and will be invited to an important gathering. Planets assures a better time financially. You will be signing a new contract.

eople in business will be paying large advertising bills. Money will go towards health care too. You may put some money away for rainy days also. Some uncertainty about career will fade away bringing big relief in mind. You may distance yourself from an ungrateful person without telling anybody the reason. Visit to a coastal area will bring prosperity.

LEO (JULY 23 TO AUGUST 22)

ou will receive several weak offers. Business will be lot better than past some time. You may get rid of old associates and find alternative quickly. Timely action and quick thinking will save you from many troubles this week. You will meet an interesting person and become friendly. You will start to monitor bank balance regularly.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23 TO SEPTEMBER 22)

usiness will improve unexpectedly. Running around and meetings will not go waste at all. You will make few new and useful friends and receive practical tips from them. Reunion will be good and you will get to spend quality time with children. Do not few adversities slow you down as major changes just around the corner.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 22)

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 22)

ou will be charging heavily on cards and may also borrow money against credit lines to meet temporary commitments. You will also need to deal with a government agency to resolve a headache. Some of you will finalize plan to move in early next month. It will be difficult to find right associates in a hurry. You will work extra hours.

eek full of few pleasant surprises. Offer will be huge and hard to turn down. Big contract is being drawn by the other side. You may show that you care in creative way and not expensive to people you love. You may pay a visit to an old friend with family. You will be making frequent calls overseas.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 22)

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 19)

xpect some dramatic improvement in career related efforts. You may be offered a dream come true opportunity. Concentration of Sun and Mercury in ninth will make you very diplomatic and provide the ability to solve even the toughest situation. Money will come in plenty but will be well spent on buying gifts for others.

trong planets in the third will fill you with energy. Not everyone will like your plans, but you should still go ahead. Trip will take you closer to someone you care a lot. You will spend money on some fine and expensive items. Your expertise will help and change people's life. You will attend an interesting party and make some useful friends.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 18)

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 20)

ou will be buying something very expensive for someone you love dearly. Strong Venus will take you closer to few good opportunities but the deal may not close right away. Serious help from an experienced person will be kind of bonus this week. You will start making preparation for an upcoming short vacation with family and friends.

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

our ability to think outside the box will make you a serious contender for advancement in the professional world. You will go out of your way to entertain friends and yourself. Watch out for the person trying to flirt with you. Saturn in seventh will get you closer to an influential person who can really help you in future.

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

Myths and legends are an integral part of most of the Indian temples and the Sun Temple of Konark is no exception to it. Crowned as the Black Pagoda, this 13th-century temple is said to be related to Lord Krishna 29 India Post

he temple city of Konark is situated in the eastern state of Orissa at a distance of around 65 km from Bhubaneswar and 35 km from Puri. Being close to the sea, the climate of Konark is never very harsh. With greenery surrounding the place, rainfall is heavy. The best season to visit Konark is between October and March; however, one can go there throughout the year. History: Myths and legends are an integral part of most of the Indian temples and the Sun Temple of Konark is no exception to it. Crowned as the Black Pagoda, this 13th-century temple is said to be related to Lord Krishna. Legends say that Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, was afflicted by leprosy, brought about by his father's curse on him. After 12 years of penance, he was cured by Surya, the Sun God, in whose honor he built this temple. However, history relates that Konark was actually built by Narsinhadeva I of Ganga dynasty in the 13th century AD on his victory over the Mughals. The temple fell into disuse in the early 17th century after it was desecrated by an envoy of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. Tourist attractions The UNESCO has listed the Sun Temple as a World Heritage Site. The structure of the temple resembles a colossal chariot, with 24 wheels, pulled by seven straining horses, and has a three-tiered pyramidal roof topped off by a fine spire. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

www.indiapost.com

August 5, 2011

India Post

Travel & Hospitality Post

August 5, 2011

www.indiapost.com

Malaysia to popularize 'Little India' KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has come up with new strategies to attract more tourists to the busy ethnic Indian neighborhood christened as "Little India". "Little India" is located in the Kuala Lumpur suburb of Brickfields. The Malaysian government was committed to helping the Indian community by showcasing its own unique culture to the international tourism sector, Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen has said. "We have a variety of products including distinctive food, shopping, religious and even traditional culture that should be promoted," she told reporters after a walkabout in the area. She said the "Little India" area would be made an official stop of the "hop on hop off" tour bus. Foreign tourists have long been enchanted by this street full of Indian wares including a temple and several flower shops. For these tourists Malaysia is a country with a window to three

cultures - Malay, Chinese and Indian. "Although the bus company is a private entity, our ministry will

She said the "Little India" area would be made an official stop of the "hop on hop off" tour bus. Foreign tourists have long been enchanted by this street full of Indian wares including a temple and several flower shops discuss (with the company) to include Little India as one of the stops," she added. Dr Ng said she would also discuss with the local Chinese tour

association to come up with a special package to attract some 1.2 million tourists from China, Japan and Korea to visit Little India. "We have some 1.1 million tourists every year coming from China," she added. She also announced that RM50,000 (about five and a half lakh rupees) will be given to the Brickfields Business Community Society (BBCS) to participate in the Fabulous Food 1Malaysia Festival to promote Little India. A-km-long stretch was spruced up and colorful arches were built and pavements widened before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited Malaysia last year. At a special function, the area was renamed Little India and officially inaugurated by the prime ministers of India and Malaysia. The street has shops on either side selling Indian mostly Tamil CDs and DVDs, Indian sweets, Dosa and Idli corners, Sari and Salwar Kameez shops and grocery shops selling Indian spices. -PTI

Ministry promises Rs 300 cr for Shirdi temple He said the town must have better road-links and assured that he would discuss the issue with Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan. Talking about the tourism sector in the country, he said if we

SHIRDI: Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay has said his ministry would provide Rs 300 crore for the development of Saibaba temple premises and the town. Talking to reporters after visiting the temple here, Sahay said the development of Shirdi had been rather slow, considering that nearly 30,000 devotees come to the town every day.

The development of Shirdi had been rather slow, considering that nearly 30,000 devotees come to the town every day could double the sector's contribution to GDP, lakhs of new jobs would be created. As to the Saibaba Temple Trust giving money to Maharashtra government for proposed airport at Shirdi, he said it was not right for the government to turn to the Trust for this purpose. -PTI

Konark: Linked with myths & legends of Sun Temple Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

The Sun God's chariot also represents the seven days of the week and the 24 hours of the day. The temple is a brilliant chronicle in stone, with impressive sculptures. Every aspect of life is represented here, and the erotic imagery depicts the sublimation of human love manifested in countless forms. Scenes from court, civic life, and war are also done with great precision. The museum of the Archeological Survey of India is just outside the temple enclosure. The museum houses many sculptures and carvings from the ruins of the Sun Temple. The stone images of nine planet deities, the Navagrahas, which were originally set above the temple's ornamental doorways are now kept as a living shrine. Situated around 3 km from the temple is Konark beach. The beach is very picturesque and one

gets the beautiful sight of sunrise over here. One can also enjoy sunbathing here. Places around Kuruma is at a distance of around 8 km from Konark and is approachable by jeep. Many Buddhist sites have been excavated here. A recent excavation has unearthed antique images of Buddha seated in Bhumisparsa Mudra (earth-touching pose) along with the image of Heruka, who is related to Buddha Akshobhya family (water element) Chaurasi is the site of the shrines dedicated to Laxminarayanan, Amareshras, and Barahi. Barahi is a deity dating back to the 9th century AD, worshipped according to tantrik practices. She is a mother goddess with the face of a boar and is depicted holding a fish in one hand and a cup in another. Pipli is on the way to Konark from Puri. The place is famous for

its exquisite appliquĂŠ work, which depicts the essence of Oriya culture. It is also the home of the most colorful and original awnings, canopies, garden and beach umbrellas, shoulder handbags, etc. The cocktail effect of the colors is

Kakatapur is located in the Prachi valley and is famous for its shrines of Goddess Mangala and Banadurga. Legend has it that the directions for reaching the holy log from which is created Lord Jagannath's icon

The Sun Temple of Konark provides an ideal backdrop for the famous Konark Dance Festival, which is celebrated every year in the month of December. Most of the renowned Indian classical dancers perform here certainly a feast for the eyes. Situated 7 km from Konark, Ramachandi is located at the confluence of the river Kusabhadra and the Bay of Bengal. The deity of Konark, Goddess Ramachandi, is worshipped here. At 45 km from Konark,

comes from her. The famous 'Jhamu Yatra' is held in April-May when devotees walk over a narrow trench strewn with embers. A famous fishing harbor, Astranga (of eight colors) lies 55 km from Konark. Washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, with its magnificent sunsets, the place

really lives to its name. Fairs & festivals The Sun Temple of Konark provides an ideal backdrop for the famous Konark Dance Festival, which is celebrated every year in the month of December. Most of the renowned Indian classical dancers perform here and the festival provides a good occasion for the people interested in higher forms of dance such as Bharat Natyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, etc. Apart from the classical dance forms, Chau-Orissa's own folk dance form - is also performed during the festival. The Chandrabhaga Mela or Magh Saptami Mela held in the month of February is a grand religious festival. Thousands of pilgrims converge on the pool on this day to take a holy dip in its curative waters, and then shuffle off to the beach where, in accordance with an age-old custom mentioned in the Puranas, they watch the sun rise over the sea. The event is followed by the puja of the Navagraha. Chaitra Prabha in March-April is the regional harvest festival celebrated with colorful tribal dances, including Chau. How to reach: There is no direct connection to Konark by air. Nearest airheads are Bhubaneswar and Puri. The nearest railheads are Puri and Bhubaneswar. These two stations are connected to all the major cities in India through longdistance trains.

Travel & Hospitality Post

August 5, 2011

India Post 31

www.indiapost.com

Abu Dhabi tourism body eyes India DUBAI: A seven-city European roadshow by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) looks certain to reap dividends by the end of the year, even as the emirate plans a similar event in India. The authority says its travel trade representatives throughout Russia, Germany, France, Italy, the UK and Ireland have begun to buy-in to the destination's dynamic Q4 plans. The ADTA now plans to spearhead similar roadshows throughout the GCC and India to specifically target the high performing regional markets. In Russia, where ADTA launched a major marketing push this year with on-the-ground full time representation, the presentations ignited immediate interest. Furthermore, heightened interest in England's North-West following the roadshows is increasing in potential for the destination, with Etihad planning to upscale its service from Manchester from 10 flights a week to a double-daily service from August. The roadshow, which also featured representatives from Etihad airline, as well as Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, which manages the Yas Marina Circuit, home to the annual F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, pulled in an audience of over 400 tour

operators and media personnel. All heard about the emirate's packed Q4 major events program and of the 10 new luxury hotels and resorts which will open in the destination by the end of the year. "This event gave us the neces-

The roadshow, which also featured representatives from Etihad airline, as well as Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, which manages the Yas Marina Circuit, home to the annual F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, pulled in an audience of over 400 tour operators and media personnel sary information on how to promote team-building possibilities on Yas Island," said Kira Dmitrieva, Head of Department of South Cross, one of Russia's leading outbound travel agents. "I feel sure our corporate cli-

HP MoU with ADB for tourism development NEW DELHI: The Himachal Pradesh government has signed a loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank for strengthening tourism infrastructure in the state. The agreement was signed by the state's Tourism principal secretary Manisha Nanda and ADB's India Resident Mission officer incharge Prodyut Dutt under 'Infrastructure Development Investment Program' for tourism. Under the agreement, ADB will provide USD 95.16 million to the state for developing tourism infrastructure and the first phase of the project will be completed by June 30, 2017. The entire project is scheduled to be completed by June 20, 2020, Nanda said. He said the HP government has notified a State-Level Empowered Committee (SLEC) headed by the chief secretary to provide advice and guidance, including policy directions, and accord all project approvals. Mission Director Arun Sharma said tourism in Himachal at present contributed around eight per cent of the state's total GDP and by end

of the project period it is likely to be doubled. The USP of the project is the integrated approach towards tourism development. The schemes under the infrastructure development were conceived by involving the stake holders and the execution will also be overseen by the

Mission Director Arun Sharma said tourism in Himachal at present contributed around eight per cent of the state's total GDP communities, officials said. Sharma said Himachal received around 13 million tourists last year and the growth is projected at around 20 per cent per annum. A majority of these tourists visit various religious places in the state and facilities and activities at these destinations are being enhanced.

ents will be passionate about the idea of team building using the Formula 1 circuit," she added. Having learnt about Abu Dhabi's plans for the third F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this November, the UAE national day celebrations in December and the year-end hosting of the Volvo Ocean Race fleet in a dedicated destination village, attendees were given a snapshot of the new resorts planned. "For me, the most important part of the presentation was the introduction to the new hotel projects as it showed how important Abu Dhabi is becoming for the luxury travel segment," said Arlett Walleck, Senior Product Manager, Thomas Cook Selection, Germany. Interestingly, in Manchester, the destination appears to be scoring through ADTA's relationship with Manchester City Football Club. "Interest in Abu Dhabi is booming since it became the Official Destination Partner of Manchester City," said Karen Allen, travel agent, Aspen Travel, which specializes in business travel. "I personally went there on the first flight with Etihad from Manchester and love it. It's accessible, affordable and authentic definitely one to impress the neighbors with," she said. -PTI

'Incredible India' attracted 4 lakh foreigners NEW DELHI: The 'Incredible India' campaign has attracted around four lakh foreign tourists in June this year as against 3.70 lakh in the corresponding period last year, data prepared by the Tourism Ministry said. There were 3.96 lakh foreign tourists in June this year showing an increase of 7.2 per cent in June 2011 over June 2010. "We have launched a series of road shows and various other campaigns in foreign countries as part of the Incredible India campaign to promote Indian destinations abroad," said a senior Ministry official. The total number of foreign tourists who visited the country during January-June 2011 were 29.19 lakh with a growth of 10.9 per cent, as compared to the 26.32 lakh foreigners visiting the country in January-June 2010. Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) from tourism during June 2011 were Rs 5,440 crore as compared to Rs 4,751 crore in June 2010. The growth rate in FEE in June 2011 over June 2010 was 14.5 per cent. -PTI

J&K 'considerably calm', says German advisory NEW DELHI: In the first endorsement of the improved situation in Jammu and Kashmir by a European country, Germany issued a fresh travel advisory saying the state was "considerably" calm and foreigners were generally not the direct target. An amended advisory issued by German Foreign Office said the Kashmir conflict had in recent decades led to violent clashes and numerous bomb attacks with many casualties. However, "the situation has now calmed down considerably. Foreigners are generally not direct target," the new travel advisory said.

The advisory of German Foreign office is a major boost to the state government's efforts to revive tourism in the picturesque state and was welcomed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. "I am very grateful to the German Ambassador and his government for this pragmatic decision. It corrects an injustice that has been done to the state for years where an advisory issued in early 90s has continued in spite of a dramatic improvement in the situation. "I hope that other European countries and the US will follow the lead of Germany," Omar told PTI in his reaction. -PTI

Jordan expects big increase in Indian tourists NEW DELHI: The Jordan Tourism Board has said tourist inflow from India to Jordan is expected to grow by about 45 per cent this year compared to 2010, despite the political unrest in the country. In 2010, 51,000 people from India traveled to the Arab nation for leisure, work, religious purpose and spa treatment. "In the first five months of this year, 29,000 people have already

visited Jordan (from India), which is a 43 per cent increase over the first five months of 2010," Jordan Tourism Board Managing Director Nayef H Al-Fayez told PTI. He said for the entire 2011, the board expects around 45 per cent growth in the number of tourists. "So far this year, the growth in India has been maximum, compared to any other country across the world," he said. -PTI

If You are looking For the BEST & the MOST AUTHENTIC VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT IN TOWNCome to One and Only One Place

Publicly Acclaimed Top Vegetarian Restaurant Serving NORTH INDIAN • SOUTH INDIAN • GUJARATI • JAIN DISHES

TASTE OUR 30 PLUSE MOUTH WATERING DISHES ONCE YOU COME TO US YOU WILL NOT ELSEWHERE THAT IS OUR GUARANTEE

2508 W. Devon Ave.Chicago, IL 60659

Tel:(773) 274-5800 Fax: (773) 262-4465 E-mail: aryabhavan@aol.com www.aryabhavan.com

CATERING IS OUR SPECIALITY

August 5, 2011

India Post www.indiapost.com

Serving to P erf ection Perf erfection SOUTH INDIAN CUISINE

SEEMA WORLD TRAVEL, INC.

SCHAUMBURG EXCLUSIVE LUNCH BUFFET 7 DAYS AWEEK

One of the Oldest Travel Agencies in St. Louis

Competitive Rates & Confirmed Seats for All Major Airlines DEVON LOCATION STRICTLY VEGETARIAN CHICAGO:

SCHAUMBURG:

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11:30 AM TO 10:00 PM WASHINGTON D.C.:

2543 W. DEVON AVENUE

730 SCHAUMBURG RD.

1329 UNIVERSITY BLVD. EAST

CHICAGO IL 60659

SCHAUMBURG IL60194

TACOMA PARK MD 20783

(773) 338-2152

(847) 884 9510

(301) 434-1531

ENJOY SPECIAL NON-VEG ITEMS AT SCHAUMBURG

New York (Hicksville)

10635 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132

Tel: (314) 423-9990 or (800) 55 SEEMA Fax: (314) 423-0391

AIRWING TRAVELS INC. Est. 1991

Tel: (516) 931 4600

Toll Free: (866) 532 3413

New Jersey (Iselin)

Tel: (732) 658 5450

Lowest Fares / Confirmed Seats to INDIA & Other Destinations Worldwide Save upto 40% on First and Business Class OPEN 7 DAYS - Call or Email : AIRWINGTRAVELS@GMAIL.COM

NEWS on your desktop www.indiapost.com

August 5, 2011

India Post 33 www.indiapost.com

SKY WORLD TRAVEL 1-888-695-0005

CONSOLIDATORS (INTL. & DOMESTIC) : 3HWHUVRQ 6WH &KLFDJR ,/

SPECIAL LOW FARES TO BOMBAY, DELHI, MADRAS, CALCUTTA, DHAKA, KARACHI, LAHORE etc. Tel: 773-728-9071 773-315-8597

E-mail us at: skyworldtravels@hotmail.com

FOR ALL YOUR

MATCHLESS EXPRESS TOURS 2600 W. Peterson Ave., Suite 105 Chicago IL 60659 Experienced Travel Consultants Pasport and Visa Services available * Confirmed seats (Even in High season) * Low Airfares * Courteous Service 2240-42 West Devon Chicago IL 60659 Ph# 773-338-4080 Fax# 773-338-4088

Call and Contact

Tel. (773) 338 6260

TRAVEL NEEDS INTERNATIONAL DOMESTIC AIR INDIA AND ALL OTHER MAJOR AIRLINES. PACKAGE DEAL TAJ TOUR-SOTC

CALL:

Sita Ram Patel @ 847-568-0535

Â&#x201E;

Briefs

RSS, Christian leaders discuss communal harmony

India News 34

Dr Prabhakar Bhat Kalladka welcomed by Ronald Colaco

India Post

www.indiapost.com

August 5, 2011

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil being welcomed by the President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj & First Lady of Mongolia, Bolormaa Khajidsuren at the Ceremonial Reception, at Sukhbaatar Square, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on July 28

Glowing tributes to Tagore on his 150th birth anniversary SURENDRA KUMAR

India Post News Service

BANGALORE: NRI entrepreneur Ronald Colaco, founder chairman of International Federation of Karnataka Christian Associations, met senior Sangh Pracharak Dr Kalladka Prabhakar Bhatt here on July 1. The objective of the meeting was to strengthen harmony in the society. Shri Colaco honored Dr Bhatt at his office. Various issues related to both communities were discussed during the meeting. Dr Bhatt said nationality should get priority and not religion or caste. Every individual should strive for a peaceful life. But some vested interests induce communal disturbances which is not acceptable. Shri Colaco stressed the need for collective work in order to avoid any possible clashes among the religions.

Â&#x201E; Training of Lankan soldiers cancelled following protests COIMBATORE: The proposed program to train 25 Sri Lankan soldiers at the Defense Service Staff College at Wellington in nearby Nilgiris district has been cancelled following protests from Tamil outfits, officials said here. The Lankan soldiers, who reached the college for the monthlong training, left the next day, the officials said but refused to give further details. Over 200 activists of various pro-Sri Lankan Tamil outfits had staged a demonstration in front of the Madras Regimental Centre (MRC) at Wellington protesting the training program. The protesters included members of Periyar Dravida Kazhagam, Naam Tamizhar Party and Viduthualai Chiruthaigal Katchi. They alleged that Tamils in Sri Lanka were suffering at the hands of that country's Army and the decision to provide training to the island nation's soldiers in Tamil Nadu was condemnable. -PTI

Dr Karan Singh addressing the Gurudev Tagore meet

NEW DELHI: The Indo-American Friendship Association organized a special event here to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore on Tuesday, July 12 at Nehru Memorial Museum & Library with a multinational panel of eminent personalities from India and abroad. The event was called 'Remembering Gurudev Tagore.' In their own ways they addressed the questions: how does one pay a fitting tribute to a man larger than life itself; a man Mahatma Gandhi had found a worthy opponent to exchange intelligent arguments with; an adventurist who traveled to 32 countries, mostly by steamboat to spread his love and wisdom. How does one capture the personality that was Tagore? What impact Tagore's poetry and persona had on the literature & the people of the countries he visited? IAFA Founding President Amb. Surendra Kumar set the ball rolling with his remarks that Tagore was much more than a poet. He was a novelist, musician, song writer, playwright, painter, thinker, social reformer and educationist rolled in one. His humanism, universalism, mysticism and spiritualism had universal and timeless appeal. The renowned English poet Keki Daruwalla paid his homage by

reading out two poems of Tagore, a poet whom he has been admiring all his life. Dr. Ashok Vajpayi, the erudite Chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi, felt that Tagore was a part of the Trinity of Indian painters, the other two being Jamini Roy and Amrita Shergill. His only painting exhibition was held in Paris thanks to Victoria Campos of Argentina. He was a widely traveled man, his visit to Japan saw a massive fan following. No other

at times a dangerous exercise. He recalled how Tagore had called America: 'a beautiful country, banner of civilization she can hold up.' According to Dr Oscal Pujol, Director of Instituto Cervantes de Nueva Delhi, Tagore gave a simple and meaningful picture of things he saw through his poetry. He had inspired the most avant garde of Spanish poets, Ramon Himente; a new form of poetry arose in 20th century Spain, thanks to Tagore - po-

Donald Lu, DCM in the US Embassy in Delhi read a poem in English. He admired Tagore's love for adventure and travel in those days. He recalled how Tagore had called America: 'a beautiful country, banner of civilization she can hold up' musical tradition in the world is named after a music composer; Tagore is aptly immortalized by Rabindra Sangeet. Dr Vajpeyi concluded with reading Hindi translation of a Tagore poem by well-known Hindi poet, Prayag Shukla. Donald Lu, DCM in the US Embassy in Delhi read a poem in English. He admired Tagore's love for adventure and travel in those days when travel was long, difficult and

etry that was pure in its simplicity. Ambassador Saiki of Japan waxed eloquent about Tagore's following in Japan. In 1924 Tagore had visited Japan, a year after the Japanese earthquake and had written that he was amazed to see the resilience and capabilities of Japanese people. He read Tagore's poem Fireflies in English and Japanese, written incidentally in the Haiku format!

Marco Brando, Ambassador of Brazil, said that Tagore or 'Tagorii' as Brazilians pronounce his name, was loved in his country. In fact many Brazilians have their first name as Tagore! He read out a poem of Gurudev in Portuguese and English. Ambassador Alvarez of Argentina said that Tagore was not only a great poet but a great human being who advocated causes far ahead of his time such as gender equality. He read a Tagore poem in Spanish and English. Shri Jawahar Sircar, Secretary Culture made a 'sarkari announcement' as he himself said about numerous steps taken by the Government to honor Tagore and those individuals who follow his ideals even today. He invited the audience as well as the foreign Ambassadors participating in the event to give suggestions to the Ministry regarding the Rabindranath Tagore Award instituted by the Government. Shri Saeed Naqvi, noted writer and TV presenter, said that Tagore epitomized the word 'mankind.' A global traveler of his time, Tagore could be accused of infidelity as he had a huge romance in every nation he went to - with the people at large! Cont'd on page 43

India

August 5, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Khangura launches online 'Plans for horse & dog-racing NRI voter registration while people lack amenities'

India Post News Service

There is even a facility for voters of Dakha Halqa to send their QILA RAIPUR: Qila Raipur application direct to Jassi's office MLA Jassi Khangura has for further processing to the rellaunched an internet facility aimed evant local election body. Khangura stressed that NRIs at getting more qualifying NRIs to vote in the forthcoming elec- would play a critical, possibly decisive, role in the coming elections tions. As an enhancement to his po- and he hopes that the maximum litical website, Jassi Khangura number of people will use this fapublished www.qilaraipur.org/ cility. He said that even if NRIs are not sure if NRIVote.html they will be in InAlarmed that dia on polling till date as few as, day, they should according to meregister anyway dia reports, only in case they are 35 NRIs had regas there is a hint istered to vote in that applications India, nil in received after Ludhiana; Jassi October will be decided that held "pending" given the time until after the difference beelections. tween India and Khangura overseas counadded that Akali tries, a web leaders have a based facility habit of visiting would be the Jassi Khangura the UK, USA and best guide. Canada to collect Jassi stated funds but they that as official notifications and forms can be difficult for many to refrain from discussing NRI iscomprehend, this new facility en- sues and never encourage NRIs deavors to simplify the whole pro- to register for a vote. The first time Qila Raipur MLA, cess. Khangura added that any NRI himself a former NRI, closed with can visit the www.qilaraipur.org/ his prediction that NRIs would NRIVote.html page and get a clear, overwhelmingly support Consimple, click through guide to how gress in the forthcoming Punjab Assembly elections. to apply.

India Post News Service

CHANDIGARH: Incensed by newspaper reports heralding dog and horse racing tracks for Ludhiana when citizens struggle for basic amenities, Jassi Khangura, MLA for Qila Raipur, has slammed the Punjab Government for pushing these projects. He said "what next!? Sukhbir also has emus. Will he add emu racing too? We're seriously wondering if someone spikes his tea in the mornings!" Khangura said "either this Government is making a mockery of citizens who are in dire need of basic services or they are simply trying to announce as many projects as possible in a last ditch attempt not to be kicked out of governance! In this case it's definitely fair to say he's closing the door after the racehorse has bolted!" Jassi said that huge number of people in the Ludhiana area are faced with horrific problems of pollution, slums, dengue, typhoid, appalling roads, no reliable, safe, relevant or organised public transport. He added, "Surely the focus of the Government should be on these areas, not puff projects which ultimately encourage people to gamble?" On a serious note, Khangura said "of course India's

Glowing tributes to Tagore on his 150th birth anniversary ContĂd from page 42

He was the most secular of all poets and the only man ever to have composed two National Anthems, one for India and the other for Bangladesh. Mr. Ugo Astuto, DCM of the Italian Embassy was proud of the fact that Italy was the first country Tagore had ever visited in Europe; he went there thrice in his lifetime. He gave a talk at the Milanese Theological Society on the topic of western civilization seen through a poet's eyes. He read a poem by Tagore in Italian. The Chief Guest, Dr. Karan Singh, an institution in himself, spoke very high of Tagore as he deserves. Words such as 'extraordinary', 'brilliant' were sprinkled generously in his remarks. He listed 2200 songs Gurudev had composed, Rabindra Sangeet, the genre of music named after him, his own system of education exempli-

fied in Shantiniketan as great legacies. Dr Singh described Tagore as the first Global Citizen, a social reformer, an advocate of gender equality, an environmentalist and a great romantic poet who was also in love with the Divine. Dr. Karan Singh observed that all of Tagore's paintings are dark; may be, these reflect his dark feelings whereas his poetry reflects abundance of beauty. He suggested that a seminar deserves to be organized about the similarities and differences in thoughts and ideas of Mahatma Gandhi, Aurobindo and Tagore three colossal figures of India's modern history who were frequently in touch with one other. Dr. Nitish Sengupta, former MP and Chairman of the Board for Reconstruction of PSEs spoke extensively on Tagore's music and also reminded us that Tagore had actually inspired Sri Lanka's national anthem as well,

thereby taking the number of national anthems he has composed to three (Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka!) Ms. Jayanti Ghosh, well known Bengal singer rendered four Tagore songs, reflecting varying moods and feelings. This was followed by rendition of two Tagore songs by the legendary Kathak exponent Pandit Birju Maharaj, the Chairman of the evening. He also demonstrated how the sentiments of Tagore songs could be expressed through 'bol' in Kathak, which can be called dance poetry. His seniormost disciple Saswati Sen performed abhinaya on four couplets by Gurudev and ended the evening by performing a duet with Mamata Maharaj on the famous inspiring Tagore song 'Ekla Cholo Re! Vote of thanks was proposed by the Joint Secretary of IAFA, Nehha Bhatnagar.

horseracing industry would be delighted to have a new race course. But I'm sure they'd be less delighted to have the setup of that dictated by Sukhbir Badal instead of a body of industry professionals and governing organisations." Jassi added "as ever, we've only heard from the Government... no-one in the racing industry has yet been heard on the project which makes me question its chances of success anyway as a

revenue earner for the State." Jassi ended by saying "perhaps Sukhbir is just trying to find another career for himself for when he is rejected by the people of Punjab and sees the only way to the winners rostrum is via horses and dogs. Or is this yet another devious land-grab scheme? Khangura closed "It could even be another Badal family business venture through on and off course gambling."

2G spectrum case: A Raja seeks to rope in PM, PC NEW DELHI: Former Telecom earning profit. How can (then) be Minister A Raja sought to rope in corruption there in this regard?" Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Kumar said if Raja is being prosand the then Finance Minister P ecuted for following a certain Chidamabaram in the 2G case, tell- policy then all Telecom ministers ing a court the issue of sale of since 1993 are liable to be prosequity by spectrum licensees was ecuted and should be in jail along discussed with them. with him as they too followed the Defending himself against cor- same policy. ruption charges in 2G scam, the "If policy pursued by me was 47-year-old DMK MP also sub- wrong, then all former Telecom mitted before Special CBI Judge ministers since 1993 should also O P Saini there was nothing be in jail with me (Raja)," the counwrong in his decision of not auc- sel said while opposing framing tioning 2G spectrum and that he of charges against Raja. was merely following the policies On the action by his predecespursued by his predecessors and sors, Raja said, "Telecom Ministhe NDA government. ter Arun Shourie distributed 26 liSenior Advocate Sushil Kumar censes while Dayanidhi Maran appearing for Raja, now behind distributed 25 and I (Raja) distribbars, said that when Home Minister Chidambaram was 'If policy pursued by me was the Finance Minister he had told the Prime wrong, then all former Telecom Minister that dilution of shares by the ac- ministers since 1993 should cused licensees to also be in jail with me (Raja),' attract FDI did not amount to sale of li- the counsel said while cense. opposing framing of charges Arguing that sale of equity was not sale against Raja of license; Kumar said Raja cannot be accused of corruption in the con- uted 122 licenses. troversial 2G spectrum allocation. Numbers make no difference, "The matter (about sale of eq- however, it is to be noted that uity by spectrum licensees) was none of them auctioned the specdiscussed between the Prime trum. Minister and the then Finance "If they had done no wrong, Minister (P Chidambaram). why am I being questioned? Let "The then Finance Minister them deny that they have not who is now Home Minister had done what I did. I was just followsaid in front of the Prime Minister ing the 2003 Cabinet decision that that dilution of shares does not is not to auction 2G spectrum. If I amount to sale of 2G license as am following the law, I am not liper the corporate law," asserted able to be prosecuted. In fact, I Sushil, who even said "Let the should be rewarded," he added. Prime Minister deny this." Raja also questioned CBI's auRaja further said, "When sale thority to decide on the loss to of equity does not amount to sale the state exchequer due to the 2G of license, there in no question of Spectrum allocation.-PTI

In Brief Senator promises bill to undo new immigration law MONTGOMERY, Ala.: A state senator says he wants the Legislature to repeal a new law that has been called the toughest crackdown in the country on illegal immigrants. Democratic Sen. Billy Beasley of Clayton said it will cost cashstrapped state government millions of dollars to enforce the wide-ranging law that makes it illegal to transport or provide shelter for illegal immigrants. Beasley said the new law which takes effect Sept. 1 is already harming Alabama businesses that use immigrant workers. Beasley said he plans to prefile the bill so that it can be considered at the start of the 2012 session. -AP

Ex-UNCC staffer pleads guilty in immigration case CHARLOTTE, NC: A former employee of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte has pleaded guilty to helping dozens of foreign students stay in the United States illegally. U.S. Attorney Anne Tompkins says that 48-year-old Thomas Briggs entered the plea in federal court in Charlotte. Briggs admitted to falsifying documentation for 66 foreign students between 2007 and 2009. After university officials discovered the subterfuge, they fired Briggs and notified federal authorities. His lawyer said last week that Briggs acted out of concern for the well-being of the students. -AP

Seminars on new Alabama immigration law ATHENS, Ala.: A series of seminars is planned to help Alabama farmers and other employers deal with the state's new immigration law. The sessions are hosted by Alabama Farmers Federation and Alabama Employers for Immigration Reform. David Cole, director of agricultural legislation for the federation, says farmers want to make sure they are in compliance with the new regulations, and need to understand how the law will impact the workforce so they can make plans. The law allows police to detain people they suspect of being in the country illegally after a traffic stop. It also makes it a crime to provide transportation or shelter to an illegal immigrant. -AP

Immigration 36

India Post

www.indiapost.com

August 5, 2011

Utah attorneys defend immigration enforcement law SALT LAKE CITY: The Utah Attorney General's office is arguing in a federal court filing that the state's immigration enforcement law avoids the constitutional pitfalls feared by opponents. -AP

Citizenship out of reach for some green-card holders LOGAN, Utah: There is nothing Emiliano Gouarca wants more than to become a U.S. citizen. But because the 50-year-old Mexican immigrant had never been taught to read or write in any language, he failed the citizenship test twice and, after spending more than $3,700 in lawyer and application fees, now has to start over from square one. ``I lost a lot of money,'' Gouarca said. But he hasn't given up hope of citizenship yet he's taking a basic reading and writing class at the English Language Center of Cache Valley, and plans to apply again for citizenship when he can. A green card holder and permanent resident of the United States, Gouarca has been legally living and working in the United States for more than 20 years. He can legally do everything a U.S. citizen can, except vote. But because he would like his aging parents to join him in the United States, and it will be much easier for them to come once he's a citizen, Gouarca is willing to do and spend what it takes to speed up the process. Sally Bishop, who teaches a citizenship course at the English Language Center, said many people who go through the process of becoming a citizen do it for no other

reason than that it means so much to them to be an American. ``A lot of people want to become citizens,'' Bishop said. ``They want to because they think it's a great country. ... They want to be citizens because they want to be an American, they're happy, they're proud of that.'' Luis Patino, a sophomore business student at Utah State University, just became a U.S. citizen

``I'm kind of an odd case,'' Patino said. He explained how his father moved to the United States first, and with his own permanent resident status, obtained permanent residency cards for Luis Patino, his mother and 10 brothers and sisters. Patino doesn't remember much, since he was only about 10 at the time, but he does remember a childhood where his father only came

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I wanted to go back and work for the US government, and probably that was one of the biggest reasons because you can't work for the US government if you just have a permanent resident card in April. The day he took the oath and received his naturalization certificate, Patino mailed it to the passport office so he could get his new U.S. passport by May 1 and used it to study abroad with the Huntsman School of Business, visiting Vietnam, China and South Korea as part of the month-long program. He's proud of the stamps in his new passport, and proud of his new citizenship, but for Patino, the process was much easier and much cheaper than it has been for Gouarca.

home on vacations, and the weeklong trip to the Mexican consulate with his family, where they were tested, immunized, filled out paperwork and eventually received green cards to join their father in the United States. The family moved to Smithfield, where Patino enrolled White Pine Middle School and where he tackled a new language, a new culture and a new life. ``Thanks to my family and to my professors, and all the people that helped me out, I learned the language,'' Patino said.

The youngest of his siblings, Patino excelled. Upon graduating from Sky View high school in 2010, he was offered a full-ride scholarship to USU, and after turning 18, he decided to pursue citizenship. ``It was time to renew my permanent card, and in high school, (during) senior year, I went to Washington, D.C., for a competition with the ``We the People'' citizen and constitution group,'' Patino said. ``I wanted to go back and work for the U.S. government, and probably that was one of the biggest reasons because you can't work for the U.S. government if you just have a permanent resident card.'' With some help from his brother, who had also gone through the process of becoming a citizen, Patino downloaded the initial application form, the N-400, and submitted his $695 application fee. He traveled to the Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Salt Lake three times to be fingerprinted and undergo and extensive background check; to be interviewed to determine if he qualified for citizenship; and the third time, to take the oath to uphold the Constitution and to be a good citizen. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 38

Leaving too much for another day DAVID A. ISAACSON

n its recent decision in Li v. Renaud, the U.S. Court of Ap peals for the Second Circuit found that a derivative beneficiary of a family-based petition, whose adjusted age even under the Child Status Protection Act ("CSPA") is above 21, cannot use section 203(h)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ("INA") to retain the priority date originally given to the principal beneficiary with respect to a petition in the 2B preference category by that principal beneficiary. That is, if your grandfather filed a petition for your father

when you were 14 years old, and the petition took one year to process, but a visa number was not available for another 10 years, you cannot retain the family's

stead, you will have to go to the back of the years-long waiting line for an immigrant visa number. In so holding, the Second Circuit essentially approved the re-

If your grandfather filed a petition for your father when you were 14 years old, and the petition took one year to process, but a visa number was not available for another 10 years, you cannot retain the family's place in the priority-date place in the priority-date waiting line now that you count as over 21 after subtracting the year that the petition was pending; in-

sult reached by the Board of Immigration Appeals ("BIA") in its Matter of Wang decision in 2009, although for somewhat different

reasons. In the process, however, the Second Circuit appears to have overlooked the significance of its reasoning as applied to employment-based petitions, a subject which was deliberately left for another day but which I would argue sheds substantial light on why the Second Circuit's decision in Li was incorrect. Additional background regarding the CSPA in general and Matter of Wang in particular can be found in an earlier article written by this author for our firm's website (www.cyrusmehta.com). Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 39

Immigration Post

August 5, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Obama renews pledge on immigration reform

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama has called on Hispanic activists to build a movement outside Washington to push for overhauling immigration, saying he can't do it by himself and Republicans aren't playing along. He said he remains committed to his unfulfilled promise to rewrite the nation's immigration laws to offer a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants. But he offered no timelines as he spoke at the annual conference of a major Hispanic civil rights organization, the National Council of La Raza, and prospects for con-

‘I need a dance partner here and the floor is empty,’ he said in referring to congressional Republicans gressional action are bleak. Obama acknowledged as much himself. ``I need a dance partner here and the floor is empty,'' he said in referring to congressional Republicans.

But Obama faced a roomful of activists eager for him to do more. Speaking about the high number of deportations that are troubling the Latino community, Obama said he had to enforce the laws that exist and couldn't change them on his own. The crowd disagreed and shouted, ``Yes you can, Yes you can!'' In face of that reaction and with an election year approaching and the Hispanic vote ever more important Obama emphasized that inaction on immigration is not his fault. ``Feel free to keep the heat on me and keep the heat on Democrats, but here's the only thing you should know the Democrats and your president are with you, are with you. Don't get confused about that. Remember who it is we need to move in order to actually change the laws,'' he said. Obama also said it was ``heartbreaking'' to see Congress get so close, only to block legislation to provide a route to legal status for college students and service members brought to the country as children. That bill, called the DREAM Act, passed the House last year when it was controlled by Democrats but was blocked by Senate Republicans.-AP

Utah immigration law foe apologizes to lawmakers PROVO, Utah: A leader of a group seeking to repeal a new state law authorizing a guest worker program for illegal immigrants in Utah has apologized for calling lawmakers who supported the measure ``traitors to the state.'' Brandon Beckham called Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, and apologized for comments he made at a news conference held by a group calling for House Bill 116 to be repealed and replaced by the fall, the Daily Herald of Provo reported. Beckham also posted an apology online on several different Facebook group pages. ``Traitors was a poor choice of words and certainly wasn't meant as a slight against the legislators who voted for or sponsored HB 116 nor others who currently support it,'' he wrote, adding he feels very passionate about the issue.

Bramble suggested he accepted the apology. ``I think it takes courage to apologize,'' he said. ``I hope we can find a way to continue a civil dialogue.''

‘It is far more difficult to put forward a proposal that brings competing perspectives together,’ Bramble said. ‘We've done that, we have a starting point’ Bramble said he and Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, are working toward a bill that would replace the current law, which was passed by the GOP-led Legislature and signed in March by Re-

publican Gov. Gary Herbert. Bramble and Sandstrom have been reluctant to reveal specifics of the new bill, but say it will require all sides to give a little and avoid the harsh words that have been used since the debate began. ``It is far more difficult to put forward a proposal that brings competing perspectives together,'' Bramble said. ``We've done that, we have a starting point.'' Rep. Chris Herrod, R-Provo, also is drafting a bill that would create a guest worker program similar to the one in HB 116, but would impose tighter restrictions on who could participate. Unlike HB 116, the program under Herrod's bill would not take effect until the state obtains a waiver from the federal government to implement it. HB 116 has a trigger date of July 1, 2013, regardless of the status of the federal waiver. -AP

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

Former Assistant State s Attorney

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

http://www.proy-singh.com

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

Immigration Post

India Post

August 5, 2011

www.indiapost.com

State cancels immigrant reporter's license SEATTLE: Washington State has canceled the driver's license of a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who publicly said he is an illegal immigrant. Officials opened an investigation after Jose Antonio Vargas' essay about his background was published in the New York Times Magazine in June, Department of Licensing spokeswoman Christine Anthony said. Vargas, who is from the Philippines, wrote in the essay that he obtained a driver's license in Washington earlier this year after his Oregon license expired. ``We conducted in an investigation and concluded that he wasn't residing at the address he provided us,'' Anthony said. The Licensing Department sent Vargas a letter requesting proof of residency, and the letter was returned. The state canceled his license July 18.

In his essay, Vargas wrote about worrying that his Oregon license would expire when he turned 30. ``Early this year, just two weeks before my 30th birthday, I won a small reprieve: I obtained a driver's license in the state of Washington. The license is valid until 2016. This offered me five more years of acceptable identification - but also five more years of fear, of lying to people I respect and institutions that trusted me, of running away from who I am,'' Vargas wrote. Because Vargas didn't surrender his license, he will still have a card that he presumably can still use to board an airplane or obtain other services that require ID. But if authorities run a background check, for example if Vargas gets pulled over while driving, it will show that the license is not valid, Anthony said.

The Seattle Times first reported the Licensing Department's action. Vargas wrote in his essay that he emigrated from the Philippines in 1993 when he was 12 years old

‘It's not unexpected, given how I laid out in detail how I've been able to live, work and survive as an undocumented immigrant in our country,’ he said. ‘Still, it's a sad feeling’ at the wish of his mother. He moved to California, where his grandparents had arranged forged documents for him. When he was 16, Vargas wrote, he found out that

Mass. immigration office director steps down BOSTON: The head of the state's Office for Refugees and Immigrants has announced that he has resigned to take a position at Massachusetts Institute of Technology to raise money for the school. Richard Chacon, who led the agency for about four years, said he will become MIT's senior associate director for campaign planning and will be responsible for planning the school's next major fundraising campaign. ``It's a very exciting opportunity,'' said Chacon, who is scheduled to begin his new job in midAugust. ``It's been an honor and I am pleased to service this office and the administration.'' Chacon was appointed by Gov. Deval Patrick to lead the Office for

Refugees and Immigrants after serving at the governor's communications director during his 2006 election run. Before that Chacon was one of the Boston Globe's few Latino staffers and served at the papers as a reporter, an editor and later ombudsman. Under Chacon, the state agency doubled the number of refugees allowed to settle into Massachusetts from 1,200 a year to 2,500. Chacon also helped settle in Worcester, Mass. a large number of Iraqi Mandaeans refugees from a tiny, ancient religion that views John the Baptist as its great teacher and who were displaced by the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Worcester is now the largest settlement of Iraqi Mandaeans in

the country. with a few hundred. Chacon was also key in organizing Patrick's ``New Americans Agenda,'' an advisory panel which resulted in about 130 recommendations for state immigration reforms after statewide town hall meetings. In addition, the El Paso, Texas-born Chacon, the son of Mexican immigrant, often criticized local media outlets for focusing largely on illegal immigration when covering issues around immigration since he said illegal immigrants made only a small portion of the state's foreign-born population. Chacon said it was ``rewarding'' to meet that state's many immigrant populations and learn about their concerns. -AP

Indo-American Center extends immigration services KRISHNA RAJDA

CHICAGO: The Immigration Department at the Indo American Center (IAC) a no profit body of Indian Americans, now accepts select family based immigration cases for full representation. The IAC Immigration Department is recognized by Board of Immigration Appeals and its staffs consist of a licensed im-

migration attorney. Cases selected for full representation will provide clients with representation from the beginning to the end of their case. IAC also provides assistance with applying for U.S. Citizenship, completing select family-based immigration applications and provides guidance on how to navigate the immigration process. In addition, its licensed attorney pro-

vides immigration consultations on complex family based immigration issues. Appointments are preferred and can be made by calling 773-973- 4444 x110. Our hours of operations are Monday through Saturday, from 10 am to 5 pm. Contact: Jafar Khan, Citizenship and Immigration Services Associate, Indo American Center 773-973-4444 ext. 110. http:// www.indoamerican.org

he was in the country illegally after he tried to obtain a driver's permit with those documents. Vargas was part of the Washington Post team that won the Pulitzer Prize in 2008 for coverage of the Virginia Tech massacre. He had also interned for The San Francisco Chronicle and the Philadelphia Daily News, and most recently was a senior contributing editor at Huffington Post. His coming out as an illegal immigrant attracted national attention and put a spotlight on what his former employers knew of his legal status. A Washington Post spokesman called Vargas' actions ``wrong.'' But he wrote that he's tired of hiding his secret and has launched a campaign called Define American to use stories of immigrants like him to urge Congress and the Obama administration to pursue immigration reform. His high school principal and superintendent have signed on as board members. A spokesman pointed to a blog post on Vargas' campaign website

in which he said he learned that his license had been revoked and it was a reminder of the ``collective struggle'' immigrants like him face. ``It's not unexpected, given how I laid out in detail how I've been able to live, work and survive as an undocumented immigrant in our country,'' he said. ``Still, it's a sad feeling. In some ways, my driver's license has been my life line.'' He continued, ``However, I believe it is a small price to pay relative to the big things we're going to do, together.'' Washington and New Mexico are the two states that don't require driver's license applicants to furnish a Social Security number. Washington's Department of Licensing said that fewer out-ofstate people who didn't provide a Social Security number have sought to obtain a driver's license in the state. Recent data suggest stricter rules Washington implemented in the past year are deterring illegal immigrants from getting licenses. -AP

Citizenship out of reach for some green-card holders Cont’d from page 36

Then he got his certificate of citizenship. Bishop said the interview consists of three parts most of it is geared toward making sure the citizen-to-be can read, speak and understand English. She said citizenship candidates are usually required to answer questions about their application, write some sentences in English and answer questions about the history, culture and government of the United States. The civics questions are taken from a list of 100, and can include questions about the number of representatives in the US House of the Representatives, either of the world wars, the Gettysburg Address, and what the colors of the flag represent. Gouarca, who has no problems understanding and speaking English but who failed the interview because he couldn't read or write, returned for his second chance and failed again. The Salt Lake attorney who had guaranteed he could make Gouarca a citizen, and who by the end of the process had taken more than $3,000 of Gouarca's money, could only be present but could not help him during the interview. Patino, on the other hand, passed all three parts of the in-

terview with flying colors, and spent less because he didn't hire an attorney. Bishop said the US Citizenship and Immigration office estimates there are 8 million people living in the US that are eligible to apply for citizenship. But what makes all the difference, Patino said, is education. It's the reading and writing skills he is learning through the English Lan-

Gouarca, who has no problems understanding and speaking English but who failed the interview because he couldn't read or write, returned for his second chance and failed again guage Center that will help Gouarca to achieve his dream of becoming a US citizen, and it's Patino's educational opportunities that have made all the difference for him. “Education is everything,'' Patino said. ``It's the best investment that you will probably do in your life.'' -AP

Immigration Post

August 5, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Leaving too much for another day Cont’d from page 36

The section construed by Matter of Wang and Li v. Renaud, INA § 203(h), reads as follows: (h) Rules For Determining Whether Certain Aliens Are Children(1) In General -For purposes of subsections (a) (2) (A) and (d), a determination of whether an alien satisfies the age requirement in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) of section 101(b)(1) shall be made using(A) the age of the alien on the date on which an immigrant visa number becomes available for such alien (or, in the case of subsection (d), the date on which an immigrant visa number became available for the alien's parent), but only if the alien has sought to acquire the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence within one year of such availability; reduced by (B) The number of days in the period during which the applicable petition described in paragraph (2) was pending. (2) Petitions Described- The petition described in this paragraph is(A) With respect to a relationship described in subsection (a) (2) (A), a petition filed under section 204 for classification of an alien child under subsection (a) (2) (A); or (B) with respect to an alien child who is a derivative beneficiary under subsection (d), a petition filed under section 204 for classification of the alien's parent under subsection (a), (b), or (c). (3) Retention Of Priority Date If the age of an alien is determined under paragraph (1) to be 21 years of age or older for the purposes of subsections (a) (2) (A) and (d), the alien's petition shall automatically be converted to the appropriate category and the alien shall retain the original priority date issued upon receipt of the original petition. (4) Application to Self-Petitions- Paragraphs (1) through (3) shall apply to self-petitioners and derivatives of self-petitioners. Enacted into the U.S. Code at 8 U.S.C. § 1153(h) (3), this section can be found online within 8 U.S.C. § 1153. In Matter of Wang, the BIA had overturned a previous unpublished decision called Matter of Maria T. Garcia, which did allow the aged-out child of a family preference petition beneficiary to retain the priority date that she previously had shared with her parent. The BIA found that the language of § 203(h)(3) was ambiguous, but that legislative intent showed § 203(h)(3) to codify an

existing regulatory practice in which priority dates could be retained when the same petitioner filed a second petition for the same beneficiary. As the BIA explained, this practice was "limited to a lawful permanent resident's son or daughter who was previously eligible as a derivative beneficiary under a second-preference spousal petition filed by that same lawful permanent resident."Outside that context, the BIA found § 203(h) (3) inapplicable to derivative beneficiaries.

203(a)(2)(A), children of Lawful Permanent Residents ("LPRs") petitioned-for under the "2A" preference, who age out and must use the 2B preference for adult sons and daughters. Rather, the structure of § 203(h) read as a whole clearly indicates that the CSPA mechanisms apply to employment-based cases just as well as to family-based cases, and that priority-date retention applies to derivative beneficiaries just as much as to principal beneficiaries. In the employment-based context, however, the reasoning of Li,

Being the child of the beneficiary of an employment-based petition will never qualify as a preference category in its own right, any more than being the grandson of a family petitioner is its own category does The Second Circuit in Li went a step further, holding that the statutory language was not even ambiguous, and that one need not resort to legislative intent to find that a priority date could not be retained "to use for a different family petition filed by a different petitioner." Under circumstances such as the grandfather/child/grandchild fact pattern noted earlier (modeled on the facts of Li), the Second Circuit said, there is no "appropriate category" to convert to, because there is, for example, "no family preference category for grandchildren of LPRs". In footnote 1 of the Li opinion, at the urging of amicus curiae Mohammed Golam Azam, the Second Circuit made clear that they were leaving the issue of employment-based petitions for another day, and not determining how § 203(h)(3) applies to such petitions. The problem with this well-intentioned effort not to decide an issue unnecessarily is that it allowed the court to avert its eyes from the implications of the Li holding in the employment-based context, implications which I would argue suggest a problem with the entire holding. As the reader will note from the quoted text of INA § 203(h) above, § 203(h)(2) specifically applies § 203(h) to derivative beneficiaries under § 203(d) not just of familybased petitions covered by § 203(a), but also of petitions in employment-based cases covered by § 203(b) and in diversity cases covered by § 203(c).Moreover, § 203(h)(3) specifically mentions subsection (d), pertaining to derivative beneficiaries, so we know that § 203(h)(2) doesn't just apply to principal beneficiaries under §

if taken to its logical conclusion, suggests that § 203(h) (3) has no role to play at all. Being the child of the beneficiary of an employment-based petition will never qualify as a preference category in its own right, any more than being the grandson of a family petitioner is its own category does, and the derivative beneficiary will never (or almost never) be the direct beneficiary of a second petition by the same employer. Perhaps the Second Circuit in a later case will choose to shy away from this implication and prevent its precedent from going further down the wrong path, but that does appear to be the direction in which Li points it. On the other hand, § 203(h) (3) does have work to do in the context of § 203(b) petitions if we adopt the interpretation that Li and Matter of Wang rejected, the one previously offered by the BIA in Matter of Maria T. Garcia: that the appropriate category for an aged-out derivative under § 203(d) is the 2B category, under INA § 203(a) (2) (B), with respect to the original beneficiary. This interpretation allows the derivative beneficiary to continue in essentially the same relation to the principal beneficiary that has

existed all along, modified for the aging-out. It should not come as a surprise that the process allowed by this interpretation requires awaiting the LPR status of the principal beneficiary, because the defining characteristic of derivative beneficiaries under § 203(d) is always their entitlement to "the same order of consideration . . . if accompanying or following to join[] the spouse or parent"-to quote directly from the text of § 203(d) as enacted at 8 U.S.C. § 1153. By definition, one cannot accompany or follow to join a parent who has not yet become an LPR, whether or not the CSPA is involved. The irrelevance of § 203(h) (3) with regard to § 203(b) derivatives caused by the interpretation in Li is a contextual clue in the statute that this interpretation is incorrect. Interpretations which render part of a statute superfluous are, and should be, disfavored. According to the logic of Li, it appears that even though § 203(h)(2)(B) mentions familybased petitions under § 203(a) and employment-based petitions under § 203(b) in precise parallel as contexts in which the entirety of § 203(h) should apply to derivative beneficiaries under § 203(d), and even though § 203(d) is specifically cited in § 203(h)(3) as a con-

text in which that particular subsection applies, § 203(h)(3) may not apply at all to § 203(d) derivative beneficiaries of § 203(b) employment-based petitions. Whether or not one agrees with the BIA's policy decision in Matter of Wang (which this author finds overly harsh) as applied to a statute thought by the BIA to be ambiguous, it certainly seems excessive given this clue to read the statute as unambiguously mandating such a result. And yet that is what the Second Circuit did in Li. There is a famous saying, often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, that you should never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Courts are often properly reluctant to follow this maxim, because it is a principal of judicial decision-making in our system of law that a court should not reach out to decide questions unnecessarily. But when a court too cavalierly puts off until tomorrow a question which is actually important to the resolution of the issue it is deciding, it may come to an incorrect result. It appears that this may be what occurred in Li. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Tech News 'Golden touch' Indian is Deutsche Bank co-chairman

TechBiz 40 India Post

www.indiapost.com

Indo-Swiss DTAA in place by end-2011: Pranab LONDON: The protocol signed by India and Switzerland to amend their existing Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement so as to facilitate information sharing on black money stashed away in Swiss banks may come into force by the end of this year, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said. "We have signed a protocol amending the existing Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement with Switzerland last August. As per their law and Constitution, their international agreements are to be ratified by both houses of Parliament and local authorities. -PTI

August 5, 2011

Bringing colors in the life of autistic children Anshu Jain

FRANKFURT: Anshu Jain has long captained Deutsche Bank's cricket team in London, but from May 2012 the Indian will be skipper of the German banking powerhouse's entire operations. The 48-year-old investment banker, named co-chairman in tandem with German veteran Juergen Fitschen, brings to the job a reputation of having both a golden touch and rigorous self-discipline. Born in Jaipur in Rajasthan, northwest India, Jain studied at Delhi University before moving to the United States and gaining an MBA in finance from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Jain has enjoyed a meteoric career since first joining Merrill Lynch in New York, moving to Deutsche in London in 1995 and rising to be in charge of its investment banking unit. The division is the Bank's main generator of profits, and Jain is generally credited with swiftly returning the unit to winning ways after the 2008-09 global financial crisis. -PTI

HCL asked for Murdoch group details LONDON:The HomeAffairs Committee of the House of Commons has asked Indian IT major HCL Technologies to provide information about its relationship with Rupert Murdoch's News International, which has been the focus of the phone-hacking controversy in Britain. Keith Vaz, chairman of the committee that has been in the forefront of investigating the phonehacking issue, has written to the chairman of HCL Technologies for information, including the allegation that News International requested it to delete its emails. HCL Technologies was mentioned in the discourse of phonehacking when it was mentioned during the trial of former Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan, that News International's email data had been destroyed in HCL's office in India.-PTI

Nish Parikh, CEO, Web Team Corp demonstrating his patent-pending Shanesh Colors kiosk

SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Nish Parikh, CEO of WebTeam Corporation does not have either a medical or teaching background, let alone any prior experience with special needs children. What he has, however, is a conviction and passion to do something more meaningful for the society using his information technology skills and 15-odd years of experiencing in building software, which, perhaps qualifies him to be running a state-of-the-art academy to provide a highly customized intervention program that he has developed for autistic children. What started as some IT-based after school programs for regular school kids four years ago, gradually developed into Parikh's Colors Academy in Raritan, NJ, that offers the patent-pending Shanesh (Synchronized Holistic Approach to Novel Education for Schools and Homes) Colors program, an individualized and innovative kiosk and mobile device based intervention for special needs education. Realizing that children with autism were a particularly underserved community in terms of technology, Parikh found his calling, leading him to do extensive research to develop this unique software taking inputs from and having consulted with

educators, medical professionals, hospitals, special needs schools, and experts like Prof. Dr. Michael Lewis, a Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, and Director of the Institute for the Study of Child Development at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, NJ. Parikh's commitment at a deeply personal level is evident from the fact that almost all of the voiceovers for the animation in the program have been given by

The Shanesh Colors Kiosks at the Colors Academy, NJ

quirement of teachers who need to monitor physical movements of students and deliver individualized intervention in the classroom. I believe our global patent pending method and technology is going to revolutionize the special needs education world." Although a business venture, it is no happy coincidence for Parikh that the prevalence rate of autism is increasing by 10-17 percent annually. While CDC statistics show the national figures at

"The unique combination of customized classroom curriculum and home based educational support programming make this program one of the most unique autistic education technology programs available today," according to Dale G. Caldwell, President of the Residential After School Program (RASP) his 13-year old daughter Nishali and 11-year old son Nived. On a visit to the Academy, Parikh, the brain behind the software, proudly shows off the intervention room with mood-enhancing psychedelic color lighting and framed pictures of playful cartoon characters exclusively created by his Web Team Corporation. Demonstrating the kiosk Parikh said, "Shanesh serves the supplemental intervention re-

one in 110 children, New Jersey alone has one in 94 children who is autistic. "It does not help that the existing number of schools for special needs children are inadequate and therefore inaccessible to many children, and that the special education staff are over worked makes individualized intervention increasingly difficult," Parikh said. "However, research has shown that with early intervention, these individuals can be

made to be independent and that can save millions and billions of healthcare costs." What the Shanesh Colors program does is it allows teachers to customize autistic educational programs for students. It also enables parents to support at home the education provided to their students in school. "The unique combination of customized classroom curriculum and home based educational support programming make this program one of the most unique autistic education technology programs available today," according to Dale G. Caldwell, President of the Residential After School Program (RASP) and Chairman of WebTeam corporation. The Shanesh Color program offers a unique combination of stimulating academic exercises that makes learning fun and enjoyable for students on every level of the autism spectrum. K.J. Sharma, Director of Business Development for WTC indicated that "the focus of this interesting and unique program is on customizing the education of autistic students both at school and at home." The benefits of this program include higher academic performance and greater engagement of autistic students. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 41

TechBiz Post

August 5, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Engineers urged to take advantage of new legislation India Post News Service

NEW YORK: With the enforcement of various legal provisions for providing fair share of contracting opportunities in construction, demolition and leasing of real property for women and minorityowned businesses in New York State, the members of the Society of Indo-American Engineers and Architects (SIAEA) are enthusiastic about a brighter future for their businesses. Addressing an annual gathering of Indian American engineers and architects aboard World Yacht Princess over the Hudson River in New York City, State Senator Ruth Hassel-Thompson, who

India Post News Service

Nayan Parikh presenting plaque to NY Senator Ruth Hassel-Thompson. From left Uday Durg, Ravi Shenoy, Mihir

Left to right Nayan Parikh, Samir Shah, Veronique Hakim, Mihir Patel, Ketan Shah.

played a major role in drafting the legislation, invited minority and women business entrepreneurs to avail the opportunities unleashed by the passage of the legislation in the State Senate. She asked them to work as equal partners in construction, purchases and investment areas. Encouraging them to take full advantage of opportunities created by the new law Senator Hassel pointed out that passage of legislation was only the beginning. "We must continue to fight to ensure that all barriers are removed in order to creating equal opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses." Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 42

Bringing colors in the life of autistic children Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 40

The kiosk itself is a brightly colored device that resembles a video game monitor. Individualized education is provided with the help of touch screen and animation technology that allows students - through an Individualized Colors Education Plan - to respond to the various sounds, images and animation on screen and stores those responses for evaluation. "This method and technology maximizes results of all applied behavior activities without diminishing the human touch," says Parikh. "Their responses are monitored by administrators or teachers. The reports and recorded video are accessible to experts for further analysis and improvements." The idea is to supplement and aid a teacher's work in the class room - without of course removing the human touch - as typically a single kiosk can serve 10 to 12 kids depending on their intervention program, Parikh explains.

US Exim Bank director joins USIBC

Also, the same information can be used by parents to continue with the program at home by either installing a similar kiosk at home or through a smaller tabletsized toy that comes with a builtin camera. In short, what the Colors program offers is synchronized intervention between schools, home, hospitals, service providers, with educators, parents, analysts, therapists and associates. Although there are some critics who say that technology will further alienate special needs kids from social interaction, as they already are lacking in social skills, Parikh believes that technology can in fact help them build social skills. "I am no educator, but I think to develop certain skills one does not require social interaction. Of course you cannot replace the human touch." The Shanesh Colors kiosks, sponsored by Verizon Foundation, have already been installed at the Eden Institute, which serves individuals with autism, located in

Princeton, NJ. With funding, Parikh hopes to further develop the software, make the kiosks cost-effective for schools and institutes, and affordable to parents with autistic children, who may want to install at home. He is also working with Autism NJ which has shown interest in furthering its research using Shanesh technology. The software customized to each child's needs would typically cost $3000-$3500; and the tabletdriven toy that parents can use at home costs $1500. He is also working with agencies to see how parents can get medical reimbursement for use of such technology. New Jersey State is in fact one of the 26 states in the country that has a reimbursement program for intervention. "My goal is to make intervention as cost effective as possible without compromising the quality," says Parikh. In future, Parikh plans to franchise the Academy nationwide.

NEW YORK: Diane G. Farrell, Director, Export Import Bank of the United States has been appointed as Executive Vice President of US India Business Council. In this capacity, she will oversee business advocacy and membership service in the important areas of Financial Services, Real Estate, and Infrastructure Development. "We are delighted to have the benefit of Ms. Farrell's experience and insight as we strengthen the United States' economic relationship with India," said Harold McGraw III, Chairman, President and CEO of The McGraw Hill Companies and Chairman of the USIndia Business Council. "Her rich background in infrastructure, financial services, and real estate will serve our members and our country well." Farrell recently completed her term as Director on the Board of Directors of the Export Import Bank of the United States, a position she held since August 2007. During her tenure at the US EXIM Bank, she promoted India as a primary market for US goods and services. The US EX-IM Bank's project portfolio for India is now second only to Mexico in terms of total exposure. The US EX-IM Bank recently made available a $917 million export finance guarantee to support US exports to the Sasan Power Project located in Madhya Pradesh. A $400 million long-term loan guarantee to support exports of US equipment and services to Reliance Industries Limited was executed during Farrell's tenure at US EX-IM Bank. The US EX-IM Bank authorized direct loans of more than $50 million for two 10 megawatt solar power projects being developed

using American technology and services in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Working with her professional colleagues at the US EX-IM Bank, Farrell has approved over $5.8 billion in transactions from 2007 through April 2011 for projects located in India - in the sectors of Aviation, Telecom, Oil & Gas, Mining Equipment, Medical, IT Services, and Energy, including solar power. "Recognizing the linkage between economic growth and the successful build-out of the $1 trillion-worth of infrastructure projects in India needed in the coming years, and keeping in mind the imperative to simultaneously develop the soft infrastructure of new and robust capital markets

Farrell recently completed her term as Director on the Board of Directors of the Export Import Bank of the United States capable of funding India's vast infrastructure requirements, USIBC could not have brought onboard to its leadership team a more capable professional and friend of India than Diane Farrell," said Ron Somers, President of USIBC. "I am delighted Diane has joined the USIBC team." Prior to her work at US EX-IM Bank, Farrell served as the First Selectwoman of Westport, Connecticut. During that time she initiated and supported the construction of numerous infrastructure improvements including schools, waste water treatment and other municipal facilities. She also served as the chairwoman of a federally mandated regional metropolitan planning organization.

TechBiz Post

India Post

August 5, 2011

www.indiapost.com

US industry welcomes US-India aviation agreement India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The US-India Business Council (USIBC) has welcomed the recent signing of the US-India Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA), which will pave the way for greater bilateral trade in aviation equipment and systems, improve passenger safety, and greatly expand US and Indian civil aviation industries. Coinciding with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to India for the second round of the US-India Strategic Dialogue, J Randolph Babbitt, Administrator of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Nasim Zaidi, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India signed on July 18 this major milestone which will facilitate reciprocal airworthiness certification in the civil aviation sector. USIBC's policy advocacy priority for the civil aviation sector has been for both countries to sign a BASA. "BASA will improve passenger safety and therefore caps the success of the 2005 Open Skies Agreement, which opens more routes, includes more airlines, and greatly improves the ability for companies to engage in commerce between the U.S. and India. This accord creates a safer, more positive environment for travel,

resulting in a win-win situation for both economies," said USIBC President Ron Somers. USIBC and US industry have long-believed that a BASA between both countries would help India upgrade its technology to world-class standards and harmonize its regulatory and monitoring systems with international best practices. BASA demon-

mediately following the signing at USIBC's roundtable discussion on 'Building 21st Century Infrastructure', held on July 19 in New Delhi. BASA allows aviation authorities such as the FAA and the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DCGA) to certify aeronautical products and systems to be introduced in American and Indian markets, re-

BASA allows aviation authorities such as the FAA and the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DCGA) to certify aeronautical products and systems to be introduced in American and Indian markets, respectively. It will also drastically reduce maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) costs associated with compliance and foreign certification approval processes. This cost reduction will directly benefit passengers and industry alike strates that India has the capacity to develop FAA certifiable aircraft articles and / or appliances. "The BASA, by providing a framework under which we can develop reciprocal acceptances of certain aviation articles, stands to promote the burgeoning civil aviation partnership emerging between our two countries," noted Administrator Babbit im-

spectively. It will also drastically reduce maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) costs associated with compliance and foreign certification approval processes. This cost reduction will directly benefit passengers and industry alike. The signing of BASA comes after an FAA team visited DCGA headquarters in New Delhi and performed a complete tech-

George Soros to retire as hedge fund manager NEW YORK: After earning billions of dollars as returns on investments by him as also outside investors, George Soros has hanged his boots as a fund manager for outsiders and would now focus only on his family's money. Soros, the 81-year old legendary investor with numerous successful investments across the world, including in India to his credit, will return nearly USD 1 billion to the outside investors having put in their money in his fund for investment purposes. However, an estimated investment portfolio worth about USD 25 billion of his family would continue to be managed by the legendary investor. The investors have been informed about the decision through a letter sent by Soros Fund Management LLC, which currently manages about USD 26 billion, which majorily comprises of his family's investments. Soros' firm has cited an impending regulation in the US as the reason for it deciding to stop managing outside investors' money. As per a proposed rule, the investment advisors managing funds in excess of USD 150 million would come under direct regulation of US market regulator SEC, with the exception of family office ventures. Accordingly, Soros' fund has

nical assessment and shadow certification procedure, selecting the Goodrich life raft, which was designed, sourced, and built at the Goodrich facility in Bengaluru, India under the oversight of the DGCA. Goodrich's manufacturing and design center in Bengaluru is also a Tier-1 supplier to Boeing, assembling observer seats and manufacturing evacuation systems for a large portion of Boeing aircraft. BASA now allows Goodrich (India) to get authority from the DCGA to directly ship to customers, creating greater efficiencies of commerce, generating jobs, and lowering certification and transaction costs. Both Goodrich and Boeing are USIBC member companies. BASA enhances the case for further investment in the civil aviation industry and has far reaching implications for both Indian and US industry. The next stage for both governments is to sign the Implementation Procedures for Airworthiness (IPA) which will provide for airworthiness technical cooperation between FAA and its counterpart in India. The IPA provides guidelines related to specific activities such as approvals for design, repair data, production, and export airworthiness, as well as post design activities and other areas of technical cooperation.

Engineers urged to take advantage of new legislation Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 41

George Soros, who was born in Hungary but emigrated to America, started the group's flagship Quantum fund in 1973

decided to continue as a family office only and not as a hedge fund manager for outside investors. The fund has been managing investments for more than 40 years now and is said to have delivered an average return of over 20 per cent every year. However, the fund's performance has not been encouraging in recent past with the average return of about 6 per cent in negative so far this year. Soros has been gradually cutting down on his fund's business of managing funds for outside investors, mostly high networth individuals, for past few years. Some of the major companies where Soros has invested, include

Citigroup, Wells Fargo and Monsanto. In India, he last year acquire a stake in the country's leading bourse BSE, while he has also invested in companies like SKS Microfinance, Reliance Capital, Future Capital, GVK Power and Infrastructure, Indiabulls Real Estate and Indiabulls Financial Services in the past. However, he might have exited many of these investments. His other past investments in India, include Reliance Infrastructure, JSW Holdings, Dish TV, Anant Raj Industries, Gujarat Ambuja Exports Ltd and Karuturi Global. -PTI

In her key note speech, Veronique Hakim, Executive Director, New Jersey Turnpike Authority emphasized the common goal shared by the entrepreneurs and government agencies. She appealed to the members of SIAEA to work together for solving environmental, economic and political problems of the day. "Let us focus our energy over commonalities and not the differences among us," she said. Commenting on the spirit of team work among the Society's committee members, Nayan Parikh, President of SIAEA, said that his organization was surging ahead with enthusiasm. "Over the years we developed a variety of programs to involve and motivate our members. We have successfully organized a number of workshops and symposium to keep our members updated on current happenings in the construction industry. The work will continue with full force and vigor," he declared. A number of leading entrepreneurs from construction industry and officials representing development and construction agencies attended the Society's Dinner Cruise. Ralph Esposito, Executive Vice President, Lend Lease, complimented the Society for maintaining high standards

in its projects. Plaques were presented to Pamela Parlor of Port Authority of NY-NJ, Flora Ramos of Tishman Construction, Arnold Manville of RR Construction,

Commenting on the spirit of team work among the Society's committee members, Nayan Parikh, President of SIAEA, said that his organization was surging ahead with enthusiasm. "Over the years we developed a variety of programs to involve and motivate our members. We have successfully organized a number of workshops and symposium to keep our members updated on current happenings in the construction industryâ&#x20AC;? Stephanie Burns of Turner Construction, Laura Cooley of Cooley Construction and D. Clarke Pile of Hill International among others.

Realty Tidbits Â&#x201E; NAR & CREDAI bring transparency & ethics

HYDERABAD: National Association of Realtors India (NAR-India) and Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India (Credai) have come together to bring transparency and ethics in property sales and other service offerings to customers. The two associations signed an agreement of cooperation to this effect on the sidelines of NAR-India's third annual convention here. "This initiative will help us in streamlining the brokerage process and to scale up the brokerage industry. We want to create a common language of fair and ethical practices among the realtor community to give a better service to customers," PSN Rao, chairman of NAR-India, said.

Â&#x201E; SC verdict benefiting Unitech & Parsvanath

he Supreme Court's verdict upholding the denotification of 156 hectares of land allotted for residential development to developers in Greater Noida has come as a blessing in disguise for realty majors including Unitech and Parsvnath, which are seeing upswing in enquiries since trouble began in this area in May this year. Unitech and Parsvnath, which do not have projects in Noida Extension, have seen sales and enquiries rising for their projects in adjoining areas as buyers are now scouting for options elsewhere. It has come as a handy opportunity for Unitech - whose budget brand Unihomes is offering products at a higher range than Noida Extension.

Real Estate 43

India Post

www.indiapost.com

August 5, 2011

IREO launches integrated township in Panchkula

reo, the private equity fund dedicated to the Indian real estate sector, has announced the launch of its new integrated township project "IREO - Fiveriver". Spread over a sprawling 200 acres, the project is located in Panchkula, on the outskirts of Chandigarh. Ireo Fiveriver has a unique mix of recreational and wellness facilities catering to multiple ages and tastes. These include multiple wellness and fitness themed parks, special picnic zones, and a central retail and shopping hub.

RBI rate hike will hit industry: CREDAI

he RBI move to raise the repo rate by 50 bps comes as a shock to the real industry as the burden of increased interest rates will not only impact developers but home buyers as well, said Lalit Kumar Jain, National President CREDAI. The cost of borrowings would be higher as banks are bound to increase their lending rates, said Mr Jain who is also the Chairman and Managing director of Kumar Urban development Limited (KUL) said. The industry, he said, is facing a crunch and the fund gap over the next five years alone would be US $70 billion. "The RBI announcement would therefore be detrimental to the growth of the industry and economy," he said. As per estimates, the housing requirement in the current fiveyear plan is 24.6 million which would be 37 million in the next fiveyear plan. The country would need US $3.2 trillion for this. The funding gap for existing developers in the next five years would be around US$70 billion. In the context of increased material costs which have gone up by over 35 per cent and labor costs that have doubled over the last three years, the increased rate of interest will be counterproductive and would also give rise to infla-

tion instead of curbing it, remarked Mr Jain. The outcome of this would only be that buyers would continue to be wary of buying homes and developers would find it difficult to raise funds at reasonable rates of interest. Mr. Jain appealed to the RBI

commerce and environment to ensure that the real estate industry that supports over 200 other industries, comes into full swing and contributes to the speedy growth of the economy. Commenting on RBI's first quarter review of the monetary policy for FY'12, Mr. Pradeep Jain,

This is 11th time in the last 17 months that rates have been increased and it is evident that it has not been material in taming inflation to the desired level. The move has come as a surprise to us Lalit Kumar Jain National President CREDAI

Governor to see reality and provide relief to the stressed buyers and developers or else affordable housing and any kind of housing would remain a far cry. He called for close coordination among various government departments such as finance, housing, urban development,

Chairman, Parsvnath Developers Limited and Chairman, Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association of India (CREDAI) said, "Yet again and quite unexpectedly, RBI has increased the repo rate and reverse repo rate by 50 bps each bringing them to 8 per cent and 7 per cent

respectively. He said it has been well established that unless the supply bottlenecks are addressed and adequate steps taken to ensure enough supply, the RBI moves to curb inflation will have a minimal effect. This is 11th time in the last 17 months that rates have been increased and it is evident that it has not been material in taming inflation to the desired level. Instead, if measures had been taken to kick start production and manufacturing to support supply in the market, we might have seen a different scenario altogether. The move has come as a surprise to us. While we were expecting a moderate hike of 25 BPS, hiking rates by 50 BPS is going to dampen growth. The current rise in rates would only make the cost of funds expensive for both developers and buyers coupled with constant increases in input costs making the business environment very complex across industries. The tightening in rates over the past 17 months has only resulted in growth moderation during Q1 of FY12. These were visible from deceleration in IIP (index of industrial production) during April-May 2011 and in the consumption of cement, steel and automobiles during Q1 of 2011-12.

New building approval guidelines in Mumbai

n a major decision taken by Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, the Maharashtra urban development department issued a notification on new building approval guidelines for the

city. Chavan, who heads the UD portfolio, had cleared the guidelines on July 21. The guidelines, prepared by civic chief Subodh Kumar, seek to

prevent the rampant misuse of certain building areas like flowerbeds, voids, lily ponds and pocket terraces, which were earlier counted as free of floor space index. Many builders sell these spaces to buyers at market rate and rake in huge profits. The BMC now wants to levy 100 per cent premium on such areas in residential buildings (200 per cent for commercial buildings) and hopes to mop up Rs 3,000 crore annually. According to Kumar, builders often allow buyers to illegally amalgamate this extra space into the apartment. The existing development control regulations (DCR) allow the civic chief to sanction areas like staircase, passage, lift, lobby, service and refuge floors and AC

plant rooms, among other amenities, free of FSI. These areas are not counted in the calculations made at the time of sanctioning building plans. The practice of sanctioning areas under the "freeof-FSI" norm and then selling it at

is sold, resulting in buyers having to pay at market rate for them. To check this practice and regulate the grant of area beyond the permissible FSI, the new guidelines rule that the additional area so sanctioned cannot go beyond

The guidelines, prepared by civic chief Subodh Kumar, seek to prevent the rampant misuse of certain building areas like flowerbeds, voids, lily ponds and pocket terraces market value to customers is commonplace. Developers get these additional areas sanctioned by paying a mere 25 per cent of the ready reckoner (RR) rates as premium. They are, however, included in the area calculations while a flat

25 per cent of the permissible FSI for residential construction (the cap is 15 per cent in the case of commercial activity). Further, the new guidelines have proposed an increase in premium for such areas to 100% of the RR value.

Â&#x201E; Health

Line

North Carolina records first La Crosse virus case RALEIGH, NC: A Macon County child is North Carolina's first confirmed case of La Crosse viral encephalitis this season. State health officials say the child contracted the illness from a mosquito bite. Symptoms of the ailment can include fever, headache and nausea. Victims of a severe case can experience convulsions or even fall into a coma. Officials didn't identify the child who caught the virus, but say he or she is recovering. LaCrosse encephalitis is largely found in western North Carolina, and is the state's most common mosquito-borne disease. Last year, North Carolina recorded 21 cases. Although it's rarely fatal, a Swain County child died from the illness in 2009. Since there's no vaccine against the disease, officials say preventing mosquito bites is the best protection. -AP

Â&#x201E; RI health experts say 'Nantucket Fever' on rise PROVIDENCE, R.I.: More Rhode Islanders are testing positive for a little-known tick disease that's related to malaria, health experts said here. Babesiosis, once more commonly called Nantucket Fever, is caused by a microscopic parasite transmitted by the bite of a deer tick. Healthy individuals may show no symptoms, though others might suffer from flulike complaints. But the disease can be lifethreatening for the elderly or for people with weakened immune systems. -AP

Â&#x201E; NM reports 3rd death from hantavirus SANTA FE, N.M.: The New Mexico Health Department reports a third person has died from hantavirus in New Mexico. State officials said the victim was a 23-year-old man from McKinley County. His name was not released by the department. There have been three other hantavirus pulmonary syndrome cases this year in New Mexico. One person recovered. Two people died a 51-year-old woman from McKinley County and a 35-yearold man from Torrance County. Health officials say hantavirus can be contracted by breathing particles of rodent droppings, urine or saliva. -AP

Health Science 44

India Post

www.indiapost.com

August 5, 2011

Gov. Brown vetoes adult day health care bill LOS ANGELES: Gov. Jerry Brown has vetoed a bill that would have kept adult day health care centers afloat across the state, putting in limbo the care of more than 35,000 medically fragile seniors and disabled Californians. AB96 would have wrongly created a ``look-alike'' program to the program his administration eliminated through budget cuts earlier this year, Brown said in his veto message. Brown also pledged to improve long-term care and work to integrate those who relied on the centers into other home and community-based services to avoid enrolling them into costly nursing home care. The veto message directs the Department of Health Care Services to ensure that patients ``will have a smooth transition to appropriate services, and those who are most at risk of institutionalization have access to services that will help them remain in the community.'' The vetoed bill would have kept the program operating with a capped budget - $85 million in state funds - along with federal matching funds. That would have been a

said Blumenfield. If 20 percent of those who relied on the centers end up in nursing homes, the state will have wiped out any savings it would have from eliminating the program, said Blumenfield. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, in a median year adult day health care services cost $15,600 while a

Gov. Jerry Brown

big reduction from the $419 million bill state and federal governments split for the program last year. Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield, D-San Fernando Valley, proposed the legislation and worries that eliminating the pricecap legislation means the state will have to hope a more expensive outcome won't emerge. ``If these folks aren't in some sort of community-based care there's a decent chance they could end up in a nursing home,''

Lydia Missaelides, executive director of the California Association for Adult Day Services, said that providers and patients felt betrayed by the veto semi-private room in a nursing room costs $67,525. More than 100 of the state's approximately 300 adult day health centers are in Los Angeles. Adult day health care participants are those deemed too medically frail by a doctor to be left alone, often suffering from multiple health disorders that require oversight.

Lydia Missaelides, executive director of the California Association for Adult Day Services, said that providers and patients felt betrayed by the veto. ``So many people who have relied on this service for many years to stay out of institutions and the providers who care for them feel disrespected and marginalized by these actions,'' said Missaelides. ``There's a lot of feeling that these individuals are really being abandoned.'' The veto message noted that the governor has pledged to extend adult day health care center benefits until Dec. 1. ``Three months extension may sound like a lot of time but it's not when you're trying to redesign an entire system,'' said Missaelides. ``It's important to get started tomorrow.'' Brown approved a separate bill, SB 91 allowing the centers to continue operating without Medi-Cal licensing after the payments expire in December. That won't help centers much, said Missaelides, because more than 90 percent of their patients come through Medi-Cal and the centers will close without it. -AP

Iowa insurers get more time on new health law DES MOINES, Iowa: Iowa insurance companies have been given more time to comply with a new federal rule designed to curb insurers' profits. The regulation that went into effect this year calls for insurance companies to spend at least 80 percent of premiums on medical care and quality assurance. For employer plans covering more than 50 people, the requirement is 85 cents. Insurers that fall short of the mark are required to issue their customers a rebate. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services told the state that Iowa insurers will be given time to reach the 80 percent mark by 2013, but will be required to meet interim goals until then, the Des Moines Reg-

ister reported. The Iowa Insurance Division had requested extra time to comply with the law, citing fears that insurers would leave the state in droves. Six pulled out of Iowa after the law was passed.

compliance that calls for Iowa insurers to spend 67 percent of premiums on medical care this year, 75 percent in 2012 and 80 percent in 2013. Iowa insurance commissioner Susan Voss said she

The US Department of Health and Human Services told the state that Iowa insurers will be given time to reach the 80 percent mark by 2013, but will be required to meet interim goals until then, the Des Moines Register reported Steve Larsen, director of HHS' Center for Consumer Information and Oversight, said in a letter to the state that implementing the law in Iowa in 2011 could cause turmoil in the insurance market. So, he laid out a timetable for

wasn't displeased by the decision. The state had sought even more time for companies to comply, but, ``I don't think we'll see companies exit as a result of this,'' Voss said. Of those particularly hard-hit

by the law are insurers who sell individual policies because those premiums are more volatile. Employers or large groups can negotiate for better premiums, and the risk in those plans are spread among the group. There are 56 insurance companies in Iowa that offer individual policies. Seven of those account for 95 percent of the market, with Wellmark holding onto almost 84 percent. Wellmark spent 92 percent of premiums on care but none of the state's other top insurers met the 80 percent standard in 2010. Federal regulators said that had the law gone into effect this year, Iowa consumers would have received $6.5 million in rebates over three years. -AP

August 5, 2011

Health Science Post

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Viral hepatitis kills more in South-East Asia India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Viral hepatitis kills more people than any other communicable disease in WHO's South-East Asia Region, but few realize how lethal the disease is. On the first World Hepatitis Day, 28 July, WHO urged countries to make viral hepatitis a national health priority. "Viral hepatitis is a silent killer in South-East Asia. An infected person may show no symptoms and appear healthy for years before succumbing to complications of the disease," said Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, WHO's Regional Director for South-East Asia. "It strikes people in their most productive years, resulting in a huge economic burden for the family, as well as the country" he added. Four viruses commonly cause the largest number of hepatitis infections: hepatitis A, B, C and E. The estimated number of deaths in the Region associated with viral hepatitis and its complications exceeds deaths due to malaria, dengue and HIV/AIDS

combined. Every year, an estimated 8.98 million cases of hepatitis, and 585 800 deaths occur in the Region. Of these, 400 000 cases and 800 deaths are due to hepatitis A; 1 380 000 cases and 300 000 deaths due to hepatitis B; 500 000 cases and 120 000 deaths due to hepatitis C and 6 500 000 cases with 160 000 deaths and 2700 stillbirths due to hepatitis E. Unsanitary conditions, infected blood and unprotected sex are some of the ways by which this disease spreads. While hepatitis A and E are transmitted through contaminated food and water, hepatitis B and C are transmitted through infected blood or bodily fluids, among other means. Spread by contaminated food and water, lack of good personal hygiene such as regular handwashing with clean water, hepatitis A and E infection are of major concern in WHO's South-East Asia Region. The Region bears more than half the global burden of hepatitis E infection. Pregnant women are

particularly vulnerable. In approximately a quarter of all such cases, the infection results in death, and stillbirths.

'An infected person may show no symptoms and appear healthy for years before succumbing to complications of the disease,' said Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, WHO's Regional Director for South-East Asia While a vaccine for hepatitis A exists, there is no vaccine yet for hepatitis E. The best preventive measures are maintaining good personal hygiene and consuming freshly-cooked food and boiled water. Hepatitis B and C are also major public health problems in the

Region. It is estimated that 100 million people with chronic hepatitis B infection (5.6% of the population) and 30 million people with chronic hepatitis C infection (1.6% of the population) live in the Region. The hepatitis B virus is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV. Hepatitis C infection is a serious occupational hazard for health workers. Due to the asymptomatic nature of hepatitis B and C, about 60% of infected individuals are unaware of their diagnosis until they suffer complications such as cirrhosis or a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cirrhosis and HCC are not reversible, and lead to death. Further compounding the problem of undiagnosed hepatitis B and C infection is the generally low level of knowledge about these infections among health-care workers. Many providers do not comply with WHO and national guidelines or recommendations for hepatitis B and C prevention, screening, treatment and follow-

up services. Yet, while an effective vaccine is available for hepatitis B, there is no vaccine or effective cure for hepatitis C. To prevent and control viral hepatitis, WHO is urging countries to make control of viral hepatitis a national priority. Increasing infant immunization coverage for hepatitis B to reach 95% coverage, mandatory testing and screening of all blood and blood products for hepatitis B and C and monitoring the quality of hepatitis testing in public and private laboratories are also recommended. Countries must provide continuing education on hepatitis, including risk factors and recommendations for vaccination, prevention and proper monitoring of infected persons to communities, health professionals and social service workers. Core surveillance for hepatitis A, B, C and E must be strengthened along with treatment facilities for chronic hepatitis B and C. On World Hepatitis Day, WHO also recommended that hepatitis be made a notifiable disease.

India Post

Health Science Post

August 5, 2011

www.indiapost.com

Okla. tribe looks to improve access to health care ADA, Okla.: Ada resident Billy Ward, like meadow plot replete with pecan and oak many Chickasaw Nation members, had trees near Ada and about 85 miles southgrown weary of the usual drill when he east of Oklahoma City. needed to see a diabetes doctor at the local ``It's more than we dreamed of,'' said tribal clinic. Judy Goforth Parker, a former tribal counClinic employees were overwhelmed by cilwoman who's now the tribe's health systhe sheer number of people seeking treat- tem administrator. ``What we have here is ment - so much so that even routine ap- state-of-the-art care.'' pointments often had to be made weeks in American Indian clinics throughout the advance. U.S. experience chronic crowding and long ``Whenever you need medical attention, wait times. Experts attribute the back up to you need it now,'' said underfunding of the fedWard, 43. ``You don't eral Indian Health Serneed it 30 days from Parker said the overvice, through which now.'' many tribal members seek crowding 'was the Health officials with health care. the Ada-based tribe of catalyst' that made The 30-year-old Carl about 49,000 members Albert Indian Health Fabelieve that won't be an tribal leaders realize cility in Ada was built to issue any more, thanks 'something had to handle about 20,000 outto the $146 million patient visits annually, Chickasaw Nation Medi- happen' to address Parker said, but it was recal Center. The center, ceiving about 300,000 built using a unique pub- the situation such visits. lic-private partnership, ``The Chickasaw Nacelebrates its first year of operation this tion took a proactive stance, instead of dealmonth. ing with their other clinic which was really The 370,000-square-foot center is almost awful,'' said Linda Burhansstipanov, the triple the size of the clinic it replaced and president and grants director of the Coloincludes a 72-bed hospital, an emergency rado-based nonprofit Native American Candepartment, a diabetes care center, a dental cer Research. ``It was way too small and clinic, a diagnostic imaging center, a didn't have the type of facilities they women's health center and offices for the needed. They built a facility to meet the tribe's health programs. needs of their community. ... They should It was erected on a picturesque 230-acre be praised for what they've done with this.''

Parker said the overcrowding ``was the catalyst'' that made tribal leaders realize ``something had to happen'' to address the situation. She said she often was in line at 5 a.m. at other IHS facilities and waited in line for hours just so she could make an appointment and not have to wait another month for one. ``That used to happen,'' she said. ``Now, starting with this facility, I can call and make an appointment, just like I would in the private sector. Those are going to be changes that people will perceive as being better.'' The lead designer on the project, Larry Speck, said care was taken to incorporate traditional Indian healing aspects into the design. Architects met with tribal elders and

health officials before developing their blueprints in an effort to ``make the hospital about Chickasaw culture,'' said Speck, an Austin, Texas,-based architect with PageSoutherlandPage. ``This is not a generic hospital for anybody.'' Speck tried to reflect the Chickasaws' "connection to the land'' in the hospital's design. ``We wanted to be respectful of the land, both ecologically and in terms of its beauty,'' he said. The patient-room windows, for example, don't overlook an outside wall, parking lot or loading dock; they all look out over a natural setting outside the hospital or a courtyard garden. -AP

US: Chickenpox deaths plummeted since vaccine ATLANTA: Chickenpox vaccine has dramatically cut deaths from the disease, especially in children, says a new U.S. government study proclaiming an important public health victory. Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that chickenpox deaths fell from an average of 105 per year to 14 after the vaccine had been available for a dozen years. Deaths declined in all age groups, but the drop was most significant among children. ``To see the near elimination of chickenpox deaths in this country is very exciting,'' said Jane Seward, a CDC official who co-authored the paper. She has been involved in the agency's chickenpox vaccine program for 15 years. The report was released online by the journal Pediatrics. Chickenpox is caused by a virus and is highly contagious. Symptoms include an itchy skin rash and fever. Most kids suffer no more than that, but some suffer complications like skin infections, swelling of the brain and pneumonia. Severe cases are

more common among adolescents and adults who get it for the first time. Also, the virus called varicella can reactivate in people later in life and cause a painful illness called shingles. While rarely fatal, chickenpox was very common before the vaccine nearly one in 10 pre-adolescent children would get it in a year, said Dr. Eugene Shapiro, a Yale University expert in infectious disease. In 1995, the government first recommended that all children get a dose of chickenpox vaccine. One dose turned out to be about 86 percent effective. A second dose is now recommended. The new CDC study looked at national records for deaths attributed to chickenpox. In the five years before the vaccine, an average of 105 Americans died of the virus annually. By 2007 12 years after the vaccine the annual death toll had dropped to 14, and almost all were adults. The vaccine deserves credit for the decline in children's deaths, Seward said. It's also likely cut adult deaths because there are fewer infected children around to spread it to adults, she added. -AP

August 5, 2011

Classifieds

India Post 47

www.indiapost.com

For Classifieds Ads Call NORTHERN CA (Sonia) Tel: 510-938-8668 sonia@indiapost.com SOUTHERN CA (Shashi Trivedi) Tel: 562-441-5511/

WANTED COOK

Fax: 562-947-0632 shashi19@yahoo.com

in St. Louis For vegetarian restaurant in St Louis Must know Punjabi and Gujarati cooking. Good Compensation for Right Candidaate Call Jiten Sandhe 314 409 7874

CHICAGO (Ramesh Soparawala) Tel: 773-973-7394 / Fax: 773-973-7396 sramesh@aol.com NEW YORK (Pinky) Tel: 212-944-1931/ Fax: 212-944-1932 pinky@indiapost.com

Philosophy

India Post

August 5, 2011

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis CHUCK SURFACE

dvaita only rarely mentions Bliss, often only in precautionary terms in the context of sadhana, and usually only fleetingly when describing the liberated experience of being. I understand that advaita teachers don't want their students to become attached to transient "states" or "objects" of perception, but rather to feel themselves as That within which all states and objects arise and vanish. Thus, for advaita students, "Bliss" is often portrayed as a dangerous trap. The lack of descriptions of Bliss in the post-liberation experience of being is probably due to the notion that once one is Free, one will know for one's self the nature of that condition, and therefore there's no need to elevate such distractions for those still seeking. You may occasionally hear some mention of peace, stillness, or happiness, but very rarely a fleeting mention of Bliss; and generally, Ecstasy is right out. Because Bliss is mentioned so fleetingly, one is left wondering what is meant by the word. Ramana Maharshi spoke about "the current", and Jean Klein said that satsang and all that it entails is merely a pretext for sitting together in Silence. He clearly didn't mean Silence as "quietness" in GREG GOODE

n the everyday sense, we use the terms internal and external to refer to objects. We usually feel very sure that some objects are external and other are internal. But it turns out that these terms make no sense in direct experience. Normally, we speak of external objects as physical things in the world that happen to be momentarily outside the scope of our perception or knowledge. The idea, of course, is that perception and awareness are limited, and that these things reside beyond those limits. Under the right circumstances, according to this view, these external objects can become "internal." This means "internal to our perception or awareness." There are two reasons that the internal/external distinction doesn't make sense when it comes to experience itself. 1. One reason - In direct experience we never experience anything "physical" or spatial in the first place. Without true, objective physicality, these essentially spatial distinctions have no literal meaning: internal/external, inside/ outside, here/there, present/absent. Experience never confirms

relation to sound. So… what was the "current" Ramana spoke of, and what was this Silence Jean spoke of, and what was the value of sitting "in" it? My experience when I saw Jean Klein, my advaita teacher, was filled with Bliss; a palpable, visceral, extremely pleasurable yet unlocatable ecstasy that both permeated and was inseparable from the entire Experience of Being. It was, for lack of any better term in relativity, a feeling of or-

me, the impact of residing in and as that Silence was this Blissfulness I'm struggling to describe. Did this Blissful relationship to my advaitic guru, and to advaita in general, throw me for a loop? Yes, at first. But then... no. For in my experience then, and in my experience now... it is for me the Very Heart of Advaita, and so much more than contemporary advaita touches upon. I already knew not to grasp after the "experience" of Bliss, Ananda.

heat to fire. If Attention grasped after the somatic "experience" of Blissfulness, as it reflexively did… Bliss vanished. This was my teaching, and Bliss itself the Sat Guru. My experience over 26 years of sadhana, and of eight years of living in Freedom, is that Bliss is the very fragrance of Pure Being (Consciousness, Awareness, whatever one calls Formless, Unlocatable Aliveness). Again, it is to Pure Being as wetness is to water.

In Advaita, 'Bliss' is portrayed as a dangerous trap Chuck Surface

Ramana Maharshi spoke about ‘the current’, and Jean Klein said that satsang and all that it entails is merely a pretext for sitting together in Silence

gasmic ecstasy that, being "everywhere", transcended physicality or any of the other vast and varied aspects of manifest form, and yet… everything existed both "in" and "as" it. Impossible... I know. To the extent one was able, in Jean's presence one became the Silence that he was speaking of. For me, it was not just a matter of "understanding" or following the advaitic "thread". I can only say that it was Mystical. It… just… happened. It was Grace. And for

I had been given this Great Teaching by Bliss itself. For it only arose when the acute "outer" focus of Attention relaxed "inward", dissolving into its Oceanic nature as Unlocatable Aliveness. Then Attention, in that instant of inward-turning, was greeted by, and vanished into, effortlesslyarising Bliss. Shakti fell back... into the arms of Shiva, and the Ecstasy of their embrace became an inherent aspect of the Experience of Being, like wetness to water, or

Prior to Liberation, it was the fragrance that drew me into Stillness, that taught me the "secret" of non-grasping and abiding, open-minded and open-hearted, as Blissful, Unlocatable Aliveness, Serene Emptiness. It was then, and is now, an effortless, inherent aspect of selfidentity having vanished from the Experience of Being. It is the embrace of Shiva and Shakti in union as Shiva-Shakti, a union in which both vanish.

objects with other objects inside them, or outside them. 2. The other reason - In direct experience we never experience containment. So not only are there no actual physical containers with stuff inside them, we can't even say that experience is one big container with some subtle things inside it, and other subtle things

And there is nothing internal and separate, residing separate and lump-like within awareness either! If it can be "inside," then it jolly well has to be able to be "outside" at some other time. Instead of being "in" or "out" of awareness, an object isn't an object in the first place. It is awareness as awareness. If you have

think "Aha! What is making consciousness do all that?! What's happening on the inside?" One student actually had a specific model for this. He had heard it from a Tibetan Buddhist teacher. He told me, "Behind awareness there is a grid that is responsible for the structure we experience in the world. Awareness is sort of

Internal and external are never our experience Greg Goode

outside it. We never experience any walls or borders to awareness, and hence no "insideness" or "outsideness." Being free from the presumption of physicality and the metaphor of containment has also freed us from an entire cluster of limiting assumptions about ourselves and the world. There is nothing external to YOU as witnessing awareness. How could there be? Where would it hang out?

Instead of being ‘in’ or ‘out’ of awareness, an object isn't an object in the first place. It is awareness as awareness to think of it in concrete terms, think of it as a shape or flavor taken by awareness if you wish.... But even that is saying way too much! Does Consciousness have an inner structure? This is a question that comes up sometimes for people doing self-inquiry. People think things are really happening, and they want to know why. They hear that consciousness is the sum and substance of everything, so they

draped over this grid." Ahhh, now I see. We have awareness standing between experience and what's really going on! Awareness actually separates experience and reality! I had never encountered this model in the Tibetan teachings I'm familiar with. But it sounds like a cosmic version of the dualistic Western "veil of perception" model, where perception stands like a misty curtain between one's experience and the real world.

I don't give you what has to be done because there is nothing to be done. -Papaji He is the true Saint, who reveals the form of the formless to one's vision, who teaches the simple way of attaining Him. -Kabir He who shall teach the child to doubt The rotting grave shall ne'er get out He who doubts from what he sees Will ne'er believe, do what you please. -Blake The Sage all the time sees and hears no more than an infant sees and hears. Lao-tzu Unless you turn round and become like little children you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus The ignorant reject what they see, not what they think; the wise reject what they think, not what they see. Huang-po Sometimes it's necessary to go a long distance out of the way in order to come back a short distance correctly. -Edward Albee

You Insure all your Valuables, all are replaceable except YOU! So Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

Edit Page

August 5, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

NSG guidelines: possible implications for India PRADEEPA VISWANATHAN

he decision of the Nuclear India's nuclear interests at peril. It suppliers to look past NSG guideSuppliers Group (NSG) on is so because, first, although the lines to further their trade with In23-24 June to strengthen guidelines restrict the transfer of dia, and the inability of American guidelines on the transfer of sen- ENR technology they do not affect firms to rival European entry into sitive enrichment and reprocess- the commerce relating to nuclear the Indian market. Political Implications: ing technologies concerns coun- reactors (including their fuel supContrary to the technological tries which are non-NPT members, plies) or New Delhi's rights to reimplications, the guidelines have and those who have not adopted process and recycle spent fuel. Second, the NSG not being a succeeded in generating domesIAEA full scope safeguards. India fits both criterions, but was de- formal organization, its guidelines tic political heat. The Indian rulpending on the 'clean waiver' given are not legally binding. So mem- ing elite has been vulnerable since to it by the NSG to bypass these ber states have the flexibility to the details of the Indo-US nuclear deal individually with issues relat- cooperation agreement was tabled norms. in Parliament. The current ruling Some groups in India, however, ing to nuclear commerce. This right became evident with simply strains the existing posihave cried foul over this ruling, tion. Internally, this issue with the government appears to have divided being largely silent on those who feel 'betrayed the issue. The commuby the NSG' and those nications received so who feel 'betrayed by the far from Government Government'. sources, minimal as The former portray the they are, have tried to guidelines as contradictallay criticism and ing the spirit if not the evade misgivings over letter of the nuclear deal the nuclear agreeand the exemptions proments. The following vided to India. Anil discussion assesses Kakodkar, former Chairthe possible implicaman of the Atomic Energy tions of the guidelines Commission, viewed the for India. ruling as a "big deparWhat is ENR techture, or betrayal of the exnology and why is it viManmohan Singh coming out of an NSG meeting emption NSG had tal for India? granted India." Enrichment and ReThe latter, led by the opposition, processing (ENR) technology is a statements from India's three mapart of the comprehensive nuclear jor nuclear technology partners, notably by BJP's Yashwant Sinha fuel cycle. Enrichment is the pro- the United States, Russia and and other political leaders against cess by which uranium is refined France, affirming bilateral commit- the deal, assert that the governfor use either for energy or mili- ments to take precedence over the ment knew of this impending decitary purposes depending on the renewed guidelines. For instance, sion and should have prepared for percentage of purity. Reprocess- US Secretary of State Hilary it. These groups have stated that not just the citizens but the Parliaing or separation of spent fuel is ment of the country has been misundertaken to make it safe but also Clinton during her led by the ruling elite as well. to extract by-product isotopes for What could be a possible Indian other civil or military applications. India visit had stated, response? ENR technology therefore can "Nothing about the The decision has more political be used to manufacture highly ennew restrictions... than technological consequences riched uranium (HEU) or separate for India. The ruling has underplutonium, both of which are fisshould be construed mined, on one hand, the promise sile materials required for building as detracting from the of the deal and the exemption leada nuclear weapon. It is primarily unique impact and ing to domestic discontent against this weaponization possibility importance of the USthe Indian Prime Minister, and on which has led to tightened guidethe other, India's faith in its 'imlines over transfer of ENR techIndia civil nuclear peccable non-proliferation record.' nology. agreement." This A possible Indian response to India is among the few counclarification is importhe decision should feature two tries to possess an indigenous imperatives: external and internal. ENR capability. However, it still tant, given the willingExternally, New Delhi should exert requires access to advanced ENR ness of French and the available leverages in bilateral technology. Given the target to Russian suppliers to dealings with its nuclear partners expand its nuclear energy producand internally, it should pursue a look past NSG tion from the current 3 per cent to more transparent approach toan ambitious 25 per cent by the guidelines wards securing domestic consenyear 2050 to meet its growing ensus. ergy demand, the import of these This said, the possible Indian sensitive technologies will save Clinton during her India visit had India the cost of constructing ad- stated, "Nothing about the new response, whether it takes stock vanced indigenous ENR facilities. restrictions...should be construed of these effects and whether it reHow do the guidelines affect as detracting from the unique im- mains prepared to incorporate the pact and importance of the US-In- leverages, continues to remain Indian interests? dia civil nuclear agreement." This uncertain and unclear. Technological implications: The writer is Research Intern, It would be an aberration to clarification is important, given the suggest that the guidelines put willingness of French and Russian IPCS

India Post UP elections

f the people are losing faith in the two major political parties in the country it is because both are avoiding taking up issues which really concern them. In the slanging match over corruption between the Congress and the BJP, the issues of neglect in roads, education and health are not discussed. Nor is the decrepit state of the railways an issue even though mishaps occur with great frequency and the voters keep dying in large numbers. These sectors deserve attention in every state of the country. And if no progress is made here it is because the two parties think these do not matter so much in their ultimate analysis - which is getting voted back to power. They still lazily think that if they can capture this or that community or group, it would be enough to be back in saddle. Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh provides a very funny example of this old world politics where you malign one community to curry favor with another. He has gone to the extent of saying the latest Mumbai blasts could have had an RSS hand behind it. This was done especially with the forthcoming UP elections in mind where the Congress hopes to capture a sizable Muslim vote. And such low tactics of Digvijay seem to have the quiet assent of both Rahul and Sonia Gandhi. If they think the voters of Uttar Pradesh can continue to be fooled endlessly, they would be in for a rude shock. People are beginning to realize that the political parties, including that of Mayawati, are not providing them with the basic amenities of life and are fooling them with grandiose schemes which keep getting shot down in the Supreme Court. The need for more and better roads is tied up with acquisition of land. Misusing an archaic law the government has been acquiring fertile land of farmers at low rates and then selling it to builders for lucrative schemes of builders, malls, Special Economic Zones and even golf courses. The farmers who have been cheated got together recently in the NOIDA area of UP, adjoining Delhi, and put up resistance against forcible acquisition by the government. Getting good counsel, they moved courts and like a domino the acquisitions were quashed one by one. This has led to a crisis situation with builders having to return land and those who have given money to buy the promised flats in these areas wondering if they will gets their flats and if not, their money back? For success on infrastructure there needs to be a law which gives a fair deal to the farmers whose land is acquired for development purposes. When they surrender their land on which they have depended for their living for generations, they need to be given a stake in the future of the proposed development. So far they have been fobbed off with mere promises. Further revolts will be in store if the government doesn't change the land acquisition law which would ensure a fair deal to all, particularly the poor whose land is acquired. While the people's aspirations have risen, the education facilities that the government provides are not merely inadequate, they are mostly non-existent with teachers not reporting for duty. And health sector fares even worse. It is not merely that health facilities do not reach the poor. As a recent scandal in UP shows, crores meant for health sector are being swindled and people trying to expose this state of affairs are being murdered. It is no longer as simple as Digvijay Singh thinks, blame the RSS and pocket the votes. UP elections will show which way the country is going.

50 India Post

www.indiapost.com

August 5, 2011

www.indiapost.com

India Post 51

52 India Post

www.indiapost.com

August 5, 2011